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Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. 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.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. Print Preparing for the teething stage If you have been following my puppy training program since the beginning, you will have some down time for the next month or so. This is not to mean that you will not be working with your puppy at all, but only means that you will not be adding any new training. For the next month or two, you should continue working on basic obedience. I will discuss this more later in the post but Here is the training for your 4-month-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post eight of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for four-month-old Labrador puppy Here are the things we worked on during the past two weeks while training Bubba. Working on self-control and restraint If you have ever been pushed out of the way as your large dog rushes to get outside or inside ahead of you, you know how that feels. It can be downright dangerous, and there is no reason to allow it. You can start eliminating these future problems by spending time now, teaching your 4-month-old puppy to have self-control and restraint. There is a vast array of situations that you can use to teach your puppy self-control. The first and easiest one to teach is sitting before eating. Simply do not give your puppy their food until they SIT calmly. Here are some other opportunities. Sitting before getting a leash on and off Sitting by door, waiting to go outside or inside, until released from SIT Staying in crate or kennel until released, even with door open All these training opportunities work toward the same thing — self-control. There are probably many more situations that would also apply, use your imagination, and teach your puppy to listen and exert restraint in all situations. Bubba has learned all these lessons well. She understands that she must wait for a release command and that if she SITS very still the release comes sooner. Obedience training your 4-month-old puppy We continue to work on obedience training using a chain collar and heeling stick. Bubba has come a long way regarding heeling. She is not perfect, but she does understand the command. However, remote SIT is not going well. Bubba really struggles to SIT still, even for a few seconds. I had to be reminded that Bubba is a chocolate lab. Chocolate labs tend to mature much slower than blacks or yellows, and Bubba is proving that to be true. Given this, Bubba will probably need some more maturity before I can expect too much from her on obedience. Well, let me rephase. Bubba knows the HERE command but still struggles to respond to it consistently. This is a huge source of contention for me, but again, Bubba is a chocolate and is very immature. A halt on retrieving Up until now we have been doing retrieving daily with Bubba, but as she enters the fourth month, we are increasing aware that she will be teething very soon. Because of this, we will be stopping retrieving until we can confirm that all her adult teeth are in. This concerns a lot of owners; they are concerned that their puppy will forget how to retrieve or will stop wanting to retrieve. We have never had this happen. Final thoughts on training for your 4-month-old Labrador puppy As your puppy approaches four months of age, it is good to take a moment to reflect on all the progress you have made in terms of training. These are important steps that will lead your puppy down a path of becoming a happy, healthy family dog and hunting companion. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your 4-month-old Labrador puppy? Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. 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.

By Emily Schroeder Emily Schroeder has been an animal-lover since…well, forever! She spent the early part of her career at Time Inc. And prior to landing her much-loved role as a staff writer for Daily Paws, she spent several years as a communications consultant. When Emily is not writing about our favorite four-legged friends, you can find her spending time with her husband and three adorable kiddos. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on April 16, The days of naming your dog Sparky, Rover, and Fido have given way to more imaginative times—and pup parents thinking outside of the box. Nowadays, dog owners are letting their creative juices flow, taking cues from categories like pop culture, what's trending, popular baby names—even the Royal Family. For the instantly recognizable bulldog, some of the best names embody qualities of their tough breed. Despite their rugged exterior, bulldogs are sweet and great with kids when socialized early, and their low energy level and generally calm demeanor makes them great for pet parents who live in apartments or condos. If you've recently become a proud bulldog parent congrats! And one that you won't mind shouting at the dog park. Scouring the web for ideas can be time consuming, so leave it to us to help. Below is a list of our favorite English, French, and American bulldog names—from cute and classy to wildly waggish, you're sure to find one that fits! Girl Bulldog Names Female bulldogs may have faces only a dog mom could love, but we still think they're beautiful inside and out. Creative and Unique Bulldog Names For Your New Puppy Last Updated on April 20, Bulldogs are an adorably bashful dog breed characterized by their short legs, wide face, wrinkles, and broad shoulders. As a firm favorite amongst dog lovers, every Bulldog deserves a name that is just as unique as it is. But choosing the perfect name for your pup is often easier said than done. A Bulldog laying outside smiling What should I name my Bulldog? When choosing a name for your Bulldog, you want to pick something that matches the physical attributes and spirit of the breed. Names that start with S, T, and R are most comfortable for dogs to pick up on. Also, as dogs understand brief commands, names that are one or two syllables work best. You also want to avoid names that sound like or rhyme with common commands like sit or stay, which could confuse your pup. If you want the perfect name for your Bulldog puppy, try letting your dog choose. Another way to get your dog to choose his name is by scattering random cards with names around the room and let your dog decide which one he wants. Finally, you could also attach names to trees in your garden, and whichever one your dog pees on first determines his name! Famous Bulldog names A fun way to choose a name for your fido is to take inspiration from famous Bulldogs from TV shows, movies, books, or even history. Here are a few famous Bulldogs to get you going: Angus — the character from the movie Mr. This dog was played by four Bulldogs — three female and one male. Butch — a Bulldog that first appeared in the Pluto cartoon in the s Colossus — the loveable dog character in the movie Van Wilder Hector — the famous Bulldog in the Tweety and Sylvester comic Spike — the giant bulldog features in Tom and Jerry Max — the dog of the main character in the Jake and the Fatman TV series that ran from to Mr. Beefy — a talking Bulldog from the movie Little Nicky Curly — The name of the team mascot in the movie Leatherheads Several universities also have Bulldogs as their mascots. Love a particular celeb? A beautiful and elegant name that captures the grace of your female bulldog. Winston This name exudes a sense of sophistication and charm, perfect for a dignified bulldog. Daisy A delightful and playful name for a female bulldog, representing joy and happiness. Buster A name that signifies strength and resilience, ideal for a bulldog with a tough demeanor. Lola A feminine and sassy name that adds a touch of sass and personality to your bulldog. Rocky Perfect for a bulldog with a rugged and adventurous spirit, embodying strength and determination. Ruby A gem-inspired name that reflects the beauty and preciousness of your beloved bulldog. Tough Bulldog Names Inspired by the Norse god of thunder, this name represents power and might. Athena Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, perfect for a strong and fearless female bulldog. Diesel A name that exudes toughness and resilience, making it suitable for a bold and robust bulldog. Ace Signifying excellence and superiority, this name suits a bulldog who is at the top of their game. Jax Short for Jackson, it represents a bulldog with a cool and edgy personality. Roxy A name that reflects both strength and femininity, making it a popular choice for female bulldogs. Duke Signifying nobility and regality, this name befits a bulldog with a commanding presence. Porkchop A funny and lighthearted name, perfect for a bulldog with a big appetite. Biscuit A name that adds a touch of sweetness and playfulness to your furry friend. Wiggles Reflecting the energetic and lively nature of bulldogs, this name is full of fun and charm. Slobberkins Perfect for a bulldog known for its drooling tendencies, this name brings a smile to your face. Titan This name exudes strength and dominance, perfect for a bulldog with a commanding presence. Maximus Inspired by its Latin origin, this name signifies greatness and excellence, befitting a strong bulldog. English Bulldogs, as we know them today, are different from the original bulldogs used for bull-fighting. Today's Bulldogs are less aggressive, in fact, they make excellent family pets. Famous Bulldogs and Celebrity Bulldog Owners There are not as many famous bulldogs as other breeds, but here is a list of the ones that have starred in TV shows and movies, are known sports mascots or have become celebrities online! You will also find a list of celebrities that own bulldogs and their names to inspire you. He had a pup named Tike. Want to train your bulldog the right way? Use positive methods! It was a detective series and the main character, a prosecutor, had an English Bulldog named Max. Their names were: Lili, Cissy, Lazania and Billy. The role of Mr. Beefy is actually played by 3 Bulldogs named Roo, Harvey and Harley. The role is played by one dog named Taker. Curly is the team mascot and is played by a dog named Rocky. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. It was adopted in and you can see how the breed characteristics have changed since then. Deciding on a name can be tough, right? Section 8: Unique Names In this friendly section, we provide unique bulldog names that you can consider for your canine companion. The names are divided into two sub-sections for your viewing convenience. Gremlin — Perfect for a mischievous and playful pup. Cupcake — A sweet and adorable name for your bulldog. Princess — Ideal for a regal and elegant female bulldog. Tiny — A cute and ironic choice for these stocky dogs. Bruiser — A strong and tough name for a bulldog with a powerful presence. Lotus — An exotic and beautiful name choice. Atlas — Perfect for a strong and powerful bulldog. Maizie — A fun and playful name for your pup. Cherry — A sweet and vibrant name choice. Apollo — A majestic name for a brave bulldog. Hobo — A quirky and unique name for your pup. Fisher — Great for a water-loving or outdoorsy bulldog. Axel — A cool and edgy name for your bulldog. Pierre — A sophisticated and classic French-inspired name. Keyster — A playful and unusual name for your bulldog. Bane — A strong and imposing name for your canine companion. Duke — A regal and distinguished name for your bulldog. Ragin — A fierce and fiery name for a passionate pup. Bronco — A strong and spirited name for an energetic bulldog. Gus — A simple, yet unique and endearing name for your pup. Raider — A bold and adventurous name for your bulldog. Bonita — A beautiful and feminine name for a female bulldog. Bandit — A fun and daring name for your mischievous pup. Goliath — A powerful and imposing name for a large bulldog. Brick — A strong and steady name for your bulldog. Cheech — A quirky and unique name for a light-hearted pup. Diesel — A cool and powerful name for your canine companion. Chopper — A bold and adventurous name for your bulldog. Butch — A strong and tough name for your bulldog. Caesar — A regal, distinguished and classical choice. Ferdinand — A fitting name for a bulldog with a strong presence. Bronson — A strong, masculine name with character. Cozy — A warm and fitting name for your cuddly bulldog. Doc — A wise and knowledgeable name for your pup. Dutch — A unique and interesting choice for your bulldog. Chomper — A fun and playful name for your energetic pup. Chevy — A cool and stylish name for your bulldog. Brutus — A strong and powerful name for your canine companion. Bugsy — A fun and daring name for your mischievous bulldog. Bruno — A bold and upbeat choice for your pup. Bustle — A lively and bubbly name for an energetic bulldog. Baby — A cute and endearing name for your bulldog. Cute bulldog names Unique names with complete meanings Choose the perfect bulldog name The most unique breeds Friendly and cute creatures We hope these bulldog names inspire you to find the perfect name for your unique four-legged friend. In this section, we will share 50 catchy names for your bulldog, divided into two subsections. The names will include popular choices like Charles and Olie, along with other interesting options.

This is an old breed, thought to originate all the way back to around BC. Ancient Chinese people owned flat faced dogs that according to writings were very similar to the dog that we know of today. They were most likely this breed's direct ancestors. They did have a very short coat, in fact the name for these specifically short haired dogs was lo chiang sze and later became lo-sze. Due to its ancestry, this breed is often referred to by its nickname of the Chinese Pug. Stepping ahead in history, In , this breed became the official canine of Dutch royalty. They were considered to be very special, often brought along to important events such as royal ceremonies. This breed remained popular as time went on, Napoleon and his wife owned one in .They were brought to American after the time of the Civil War. The breed was perfected and now the Pug as we know him today is popular all over the world. There are rumors that still persist today that during the 's, there were long haired variations to be found. However, there are no records of any photographs. NOTE: Updated information: We may have found several long haired Pugs despite the evidence that he can't exist, more ahead. During all of these time periods, there were no offspring that had long coats, at least none that were purebred. And the Search Continues.As we search for what type of dog may be considered a very rare, long haired versions of our beloved Pug, we have found a couple of things that may be what is causing this potential phenomenon and persistent rumors that such a canine exists: Two different physical traits may be confused with a long coat: Pug with a very long, uncurled tail; not a long-haired Pug, but may be one reason for the term. Thickness of the Fur- This breed does have short hair, however its density can vary. Most have 2 layers of hair, an undercoat and an overcoat. Both are short and thick and tend to shed quite a bit. Some may have a thicker top coat than others and this can sometimes lead to the dog having what is known as a more wooly coat.Tails - Another element that may bring one to think about long haired Pugs is that some have much longer hairs on the tail than the rest of the body. As you can see on this dog above, the hairs on the tail are longer than the rest of the coat. However, with purebreds, this never extends to the back or any other area. Cross Breeds The photo that you see to the right is not a purebred, though at first glace one may think it is a long haired Pug. What you are seeing is a mixed dog. She is half Pug and half Pomeranian. We are not sure why anyone would want to mix those 2 purebreds, however this is the end result. The Pom has a famously thick double coat, the outer layer is long and creates an appearance of a "ball of fluff".That breed is famous for its coat. Therefore, when bred together with a Pug, the offspring can be similar to this dog that you see here. The face is flat, the ears look about right, the body is short and stocky.How Another Breed in the Bloodline can Cause a Pug to Have a Long Coat When a puppy is born, it carries traits not only from its parents, but can also show traits going back, normally 5 generations, and sometimes more. Therefore, when 2 Pugs are bred and the resulting litter produces a puppy with long hair, one may automatically jump to the conclusion that they have produced the much sought after and mysterious long haired Pug. However, if any of the dogs withing those 5 generations back were not purebred Pugs and just 1 of them was a breed with a long coat, this can jump generations and cause the puppy to have that characteristic. Without carefully planned breeding, it is possible for a dog that looks exactly like a purebred to have a longer coat.But it will be there due to a deviation from purebred breeding somewhere down the line, most often within the last 5 generations. There is also the possibility that 2 dogs, a Pug and another with a long coat are bred together and the resulting litter holds some puppies that have much more of the Pug appearance that that of the other dog. That puppy may then be sold as a Pug, when it is indeed not a purebred. If registered with the CKC Continental Kennel Club or other canine registry other than those that have strict guidelines, papers may misleadingly back up the claims of being purebred. Is he living proof of an actual long haired purebred Pug dog? Let's look into this further.Dyanne last name withheld for privacy reasons , the owner of this Pug had seen what appeared to be a long-haired Pug at a farmer's market that was adorable. That dog's owner stated the dog was a purebred, though did not mention where he was obtained from. But this made her wish for that type of dog. A few month later, in search of a Pug, Dyanne contacted 2 breeders. When one of the breeder's had a litter and told Dyanne that some of the pups had curiously longer coats than normal, that sealed the deal! She went over and choose the one that she wanted. While looking over the litter, she did notice that the ones with longer coats appeared to be slightly larger than the short coated puppies. It is said that he came from a litter of 7 puppies, 3 of which had long coats. When he and the other pups with longer fur were born, the breeder was surprised and contacted the owner of the stud dog. She was told that the stud dog's grandmother had a long coat. Very interesting is the fact that this dog is registered with the AKC as a purebred. Here is a screenshot of the AKC registration with personal information blocked out. So, what we can say for a fact is that this dog - clearly with longer fur than a standard Pug should have - is registered as a purebred. However, we must mention the following is possible: 1 All AKC breeders are on the honor system regarding the parents of a puppy. In other words, if a breeder owns 2 purebreds and the purebred dam accidentally mates with a stray dog, a breeder technically can tell the AKC that the purebred sire is the father and without DNA testing - which is voluntary on the breeder's behalf - the AKC will trust the breeder. If so, the gene for the long hair jumped many generations. Since the great-grandmother of this Pug is said to have had long hair, perhaps that dog's grandparent was a different breed or something to this effect. Do, however, note that a 4th or 5th generation mixed dog can be extremely close to being a purebred. Once again, and it is .And in this example, a 5th generation dog that had long hair but looked like a Pug would be .What about DNA testing for this long haired Pug? You didn't think this would all be cleared up so easily, did you? We must remember that Velvet is almost 15 years old. His owner tells us that many years ago, he had a health condition in which knowing if he had any other breed in his bloodline was important. Due to that, DNA testing was indeed done. Over the years, that document has been misplaced. There was never a reason for his owner to pay to have it done again, so there is - alas - no documented DNA proof. Let's look at some photos of 'Velvet the long haired Pug' at several different ages, including as a puppy: As you can see, this is one cute dog! Is he purebred? And that somewhere, deep in the bloodline there was a long coated dog mixed in. Since this dog's great-grandmother was a purebred Pug with a long coat, that means that one of her ancestors - perhaps 3, 4 or more generations back from her was of another breed. When you talk about another breed mixed in that far back, the dog in question is - by most assumptions - a purebred for all intents and purposes. More about this remarkable long coated Pug: He loves healthy snacks for Pugs including carrots and apples and lightly snores when he sleeps. When he was younger, he loved to take long hikes with his owner. He even used to jump into water at the beach, though he doesn't have the best swimming skills. He's also very crafty.He is now in his golden years, enjoying his life with his loving owner whom we want to thank for sharing her story and these amazing photos of what may be evidence of a true, long haired Pug. He is owned by Mette, who lives in Denmark. When he was born, both he and his sister had fur that was a bit fluffier than the other pups in the litter. As he's grown, he's transitioned into a long haired Pug. The sire and dam have had several litters; this was the only one that produced any long haired dogs. Though the litter was not registered, both parents appeared to be purebred, as did the other shorter haired puppies. Mette tells us that he is a typical Pug in every other way; he is very loving, trusting and faithful. 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. This is an old breed, thought to originate all the way back to around BC. Ancient Chinese people owned flat faced dogs that according to writings were very similar to the dog that we know of today. They were most likely this breed's direct ancestors. They did have a very short coat, in fact the name for these specifically short haired dogs was lo chiang sze and later became lo-sze. Due to its ancestry, this breed is often referred to by its nickname of the Chinese Pug. Stepping ahead in history, In , this breed became the official canine of Dutch royalty. They were considered to be very special, often brought along to important events such as royal ceremonies. This breed remained popular as time went on, Napoleon and his wife owned one in .They were brought to American after the time of the Civil War. The breed was perfected and now the Pug as we know him today is popular all over the world. There are rumors that still persist today that during the 's, there were long haired variations to be found. However, there are no records of any photographs. NOTE: Updated information: We may have found several long haired Pugs despite the evidence that he can't exist, more ahead. During all of these time periods, there were no offspring that had long coats, at least none that were purebred. And the Search Continues.As we search for what type of dog may be considered a very rare, long haired versions of our beloved Pug, we have found a couple of things that may be what is causing this potential phenomenon and persistent rumors that such a canine exists: Two different physical traits may be confused with a long coat: Pug with a very long, uncurled tail; not a long-haired Pug, but may be one reason for the term. Thickness of the Fur- This breed does have short hair, however its density can vary. Most have 2 layers of hair, an undercoat and an overcoat. Both are short and thick and tend to shed quite a bit. Some may have a thicker top coat than others and this can sometimes lead to the dog having what is known as a more wooly coat.Tails - Another element that may bring one to think about long haired Pugs is that some have much longer hairs on the tail than the rest of the body. As you can see on this dog above, the hairs on the tail are longer than the rest of the coat. However, with purebreds, this never extends to the back or any other area. Cross Breeds The photo that you see to the right is not a purebred, though at first glace one may think it is a long haired Pug. What you are seeing is a mixed dog. She is half Pug and half Pomeranian. We are not sure why anyone would want to mix those 2 purebreds, however this is the end result. The Pom has a famously thick double coat, the outer layer is long and creates an appearance of a "ball of fluff".That breed is famous for its coat. Therefore, when bred together with a Pug, the offspring can be similar to this dog that you see here. The face is flat, the ears look about right, the body is short and stocky.How Another Breed in the Bloodline can Cause a Pug to Have a Long Coat When a puppy is born, it carries traits not only from its parents, but can also show traits going back, normally 5 generations, and sometimes more. Therefore, when 2 Pugs are bred and the resulting litter produces a puppy with long hair, one may automatically jump to the conclusion that they have produced the much sought after and mysterious long haired Pug. However, if any of the dogs withing those 5 generations back were not purebred Pugs and just 1 of them was a breed with a long coat, this can jump generations and cause the puppy to have that characteristic. Without carefully planned breeding, it is possible for a dog that looks exactly like a purebred to have a longer coat.But it will be there due to a deviation from purebred breeding somewhere down the line, most often within the last 5 generations. There is also the possibility that 2 dogs, a Pug and another with a long coat are bred together and the resulting litter holds some puppies that have much more of the Pug appearance that that of the other dog. That puppy may then be sold as a Pug, when it is indeed not a purebred. If registered with the CKC Continental Kennel Club or other canine registry other than those that have strict guidelines, papers may misleadingly back up the claims of being purebred. Is he living proof of an actual long haired purebred Pug dog? Let's look into this further.Dyanne last name withheld for privacy reasons , the owner of this Pug had seen what appeared to be a long-haired Pug at a farmer's market that was adorable. That dog's owner stated the dog was a purebred, though did not mention where he was obtained from. But this made her wish for that type of dog. A few month later, in search of a Pug, Dyanne contacted 2 breeders. When one of the breeder's had a litter and told Dyanne that some of the pups had curiously longer coats than normal, that sealed the deal! She went over and choose the one that she wanted. While looking over the litter, she did notice that the ones with longer coats appeared to be slightly larger than the short coated puppies. It is said that he came from a litter of 7 puppies, 3 of which had long coats. When he and the other pups with longer fur were born, the breeder was surprised and contacted the owner of the stud dog. She was told that the stud dog's grandmother had a long coat. Very interesting is the fact that this dog is registered with the AKC as a purebred. Here is a screenshot of the AKC registration with personal information blocked out. So, what we can say for a fact is that this dog - clearly with longer fur than a standard Pug should have - is registered as a purebred. However, we must mention the following is possible: 1 All AKC breeders are on the honor system regarding the parents of a puppy. In other words, if a breeder owns 2 purebreds and the purebred dam accidentally mates with a stray dog, a breeder technically can tell the AKC that the purebred sire is the father and without DNA testing - which is voluntary on the breeder's behalf - the AKC will trust the breeder. If so, the gene for the long hair jumped many generations. Since the great-grandmother of this Pug is said to have had long hair, perhaps that dog's grandparent was a different breed or something to this effect. Do, however, note that a 4th or 5th generation mixed dog can be extremely close to being a purebred. Once again, and it is .And in this example, a 5th generation dog that had long hair but looked like a Pug would be .What about DNA testing for this long haired Pug? You didn't think this would all be cleared up so easily, did you? We must remember that Velvet is almost 15 years old. His owner tells us that many years ago, he had a health condition in which knowing if he had any other breed in his bloodline was important. Due to that, DNA testing was indeed done. Over the years, that document has been misplaced. There was never a reason for his owner to pay to have it done again, so there is - alas - no documented DNA proof. Let's look at some photos of 'Velvet the long haired Pug' at several different ages, including as a puppy: As you can see, this is one cute dog! Is he purebred? And that somewhere, deep in the bloodline there was a long coated dog mixed in. Since this dog's great-grandmother was a purebred Pug with a long coat, that means that one of her ancestors - perhaps 3, 4 or more generations back from her was of another breed. When you talk about another breed mixed in that far back, the dog in question is - by most assumptions - a purebred for all intents and purposes. More about this remarkable long coated Pug: He loves healthy snacks for Pugs including carrots and apples and lightly snores when he sleeps. When he was younger, he loved to take long hikes with his owner. He even used to jump into water at the beach, though he doesn't have the best swimming skills. He's also very crafty.He is now in his golden years, enjoying his life with his loving owner whom we want to thank for sharing her story and these amazing photos of what may be evidence of a true, long haired Pug. He is owned by Mette, who lives in Denmark. When he was born, both he and his sister had fur that was a bit fluffier than the other pups in the litter. As he's grown, he's transitioned into a long haired Pug. The sire and dam have had several litters; this was the only one that produced any long haired dogs. Though the litter was not registered, both parents appeared to be purebred, as did the other shorter haired puppies. Mette tells us that he is a typical Pug in every other way; he is very loving, trusting and faithful. 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. 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How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. 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. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. The amount of calories a dog consumes is often determined by their age, present health, and the amount of exercise they receive. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Phantom Parchment These dogs are also found with different coat textures. In some cases, a Labradoodle may have a combination of these types. There are hair-coated labradoodles, fleece-coated labradoodles, and wool-coated labradoodles. On top of all that, there are also different Labradoodle sizes. There are standard-sized, medium-sized, and miniature-sized Labradoodles. A standard-sized male Labradoodle will have a height of between 22 and 24 inches. A female of the same size type will usually be between 21 and 23 inches in height. Both males and females tend to weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Both male and female medium-sized Labradoodles weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Be aware that no matter what size Labradoodle you have, there may be quite a bit of variation. Additionally, Labradoodle breeders and owners notice how much difference there can be in Labradoodle faces. In some cases, the faces of two Labradoodles can be strikingly different, even if they are different breeds. With all these realities, it would be impossible for the AKC to accept and treat the Labradoodle as a purebred dog. For one thing, what standards would they use for judging the dog and evaluating its quality? There are many different kinds of Labradoodle, and their value and quality depend on how they suit and please their human companions. What are Purebred Dogs? A mixed breed Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a purebred Pomeranian. There are onerous requirements that must be satisfied in order for a dog to be considered purebred and registered with the AKC. Its father also known as the sire and mother also known as the dam must both be recognized as purebred dogs by the AKC. They must also be the same breed. So, for example, a purebred Poodle must have a purebred mother dam and father sire. To be registered with the AKC, the father and mother will also need confirmed family trees also known as pedigrees. This must be documented in detail, with nothing missing. Purebred dogs are valued for how they offer predictable characteristics. For example, the purchaser of a purebred dog can be assured that the dog will have specific physical attributes and the breed-appropriate temperament. The American Kennel Club is essential for maintaining purebred dog breed lines. Owners of purebred dogs will also find the Find a Groomer section useful. This organization has branches all over the country, and these focus on a variety of different things. There are training clubs, performance clubs, national clubs for each breed, confirmation clubs, agility clubs, and obedience clubs. In fact, this program is open to every mixed-breed dog. There are numerous advantages to taking part in this program. There are obedience and agility events, as well as the AKC Rally. Your Labradoodle will have to be neutered or spayed when it becomes an adult if you want to register it in the AKC Canine Partners Program. There are surprisingly large numbers of mixed-breed dogs, including Labradoodles, waiting to be rehomed in shelters. We should limit breeding as much as possible in most circumstances. A spayed or neutered purebred dog can still be registered, though. A proud French Bulldog Mom watches over her puppies! Should You Buy a Labradoodle? After all, puppies in this designer breed can be expensive. If you have your heart set on a purebred dog with completely predictable characteristics that you can register with the AKC, get that kind of dog. Do your research and find the breed that best suits you. If, however, you want a loving family dog that is wildly popular for a reason, the Labradoodle may be the perfect pooch for you. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Labradoodles, also famously referred to as designer dogs, are a crossbreed of a poodle and a Labrador Retriever. It is known for being calm, intelligent, friendly, and obedient. This breed comes in multiple sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Labradoodles have become quite popular mainly for their affectionate nature. They also bond well with humans and other animals. Their calm demeanor makes them ideal service dogs. They are also hypoallergenic dogs and shed less, making them suitable for service dogs. Labradoodles may not make the best watchdog because of their friendly nature, but they excel in being therapy dogs. This kennel club was formed in and is one prominent organization. American Kennel Club is a registry body that keeps data on purebred dogs. Not only these but the club is also committed to various events and activities, including performance clubs, agility clubs, performance clubs, etc. The club has all the information related to purebred dogs. Through their site, you can find reputable breeders and professional groomers. This non-profit organization also has branches spread across the country. Its parents, Poodles and Labrador Retrievers are registered with the club since they are purebred. AKC deals only with purebred dogs and their pedigree. Besides, Labradoodles have numerous variations, including size, patterns, coats, and color. These aspects make it pretty challenging to register and categorize. In the case of purebreds, there is a specific identification. It allows the authority to the details of a breed accurately. Take the example of a Labrador. It allows the authority to record the data without any hiccups. Since this organization is more like a registry, it allows people to search for details of the specific breed without hassle. You can visit their official website and search for a breed. All the details will be available to you, including which category it belongs to or its common health issues. Also, one can predict how the puppy will grow into. In contrast, we cannot predict how a Labradoodle puppy will grow. It may be smaller than Poodle or have a pattern like Labrador. It allows non-registered AKC breeds to enroll. You can let your Labradoodle join this program which offers various benefits. For example, enrolling in this program allows your dog to perform in various events organized by the American Kennel Club. Furthermore, you can apply for pet insurance which comes with a complimentary visit to an AKC-recognized veterinarian. To become a member of this program, neutering or spaying your dog is necessary. If you have no issue with this, you can enroll your pet in this program. Some people are pretty hesitant or skeptical about neutering their pets. Unless you plan on breeding your dog, this is the step we recommend. Consult a vet if you have doubts or questions related to neutering. The whole purpose of registering a dog to a club is to maintain a pedigree. As stated earlier, only purebred dogs are eligible for registration. Registering a dog comes with multiple benefits and advantages. Unless you intend on breeding your pet, there is no problem. If you have a purebred dog, you can register with AKC. You need to pay a certain amount of fees to get registered. AKC GoodDog Training Helpline: This service is available seven days per week, where you connect with expert trainers to receive live support and advice. Mixed breed Mixed breeds are crosses of two different breeds like Labradoodles. They are healthier and more adaptable to the new environment. But not all mixed breeds are the same. Before you get one, do proper research on the parents, as it will give you an idea about the breed. Purebred Purebred dogs consist of a single breed. Unlike mixed breeds, it has only specific genetics and shares one family lineage. Additionally, one can predict how the purebred puppy will grow up. Which Is Better? We have seen enough debates online between these two breeds. Both mixed and purebred dogs have their pros and cons. When it comes to temperament and intelligence, mixed-breed dogs seem to be on the good side. If you look at the health aspect, hybrid ones seem to fare better. One good aspect about purebred dogs is that we know how the puppy will grow. In comparison, we can only speculate on which side it will go for mixed-breed puppies. Overall, both breed types are good in their way. The choice lies in you! You can choose one which you find is suitable for you. Regarding cost, purebred dogs might be costlier than mixed breeds. But there are some hybrids like Labradoodle that might be more expensive than some of the purebreds. That said, regardless of what you go for, ensure that you get from a reputable breeder. You may find various breeders who are not professional. It can be pretty challenging to find a genuine breeder. Before you get a puppy, do proper research about breeders. Adequate research is crucial to get a healthy puppy to avoid all these issues. They should be friendly, gentle, and warm. Some might be wondering why these are important. You should know that whatever behavior the parents have, the puppy inherits it. See that the parents are well-trained and are given adequate care. Puppies brought up in pens are fearful as they are less exposed to humans. It makes them unfriendly and aggressive. You should get puppies from breeders that share the same roof and are exposed to household members. Enquire the breeder about how long the puppies have stayed with the mother. They should stay at least seven weeks. You should see that the parents have undergone medical checkups. Inspect the outer appearance of the parents properly. Check their teeth, which should be white and firm. The well-being of the parents determines how the puppies are looked after and the nature of the breeders. Ask for the medical record of the puppy from the breeder. Most breeders take the puppies for checkups and the first shot. Undoubtedly, Labradoodles are an excellent breed. They are intelligent, well-behaved, and loyal. This breed is also easy to train as they are always eager to learn. One should also know that this breed is quite expensive. We would also like to point out that getting registered is not necessary. Admittedly, you may enjoy various benefits but still have to pay fees for registration. This breed is ideal for families, couples, and singles. Labradoodles are easy to maintain and can be adaptable to any environment setting. They are child friendly and blend well with other animals too. Eventually, it depends on what you need. Do proper analysis first before getting one. Check whether this breed is suitable for you or not. First, you have to pay a considerable amount to buy this dog. Being a pet owner comes with multiple responsibilities. This breed is intelligent, obedient, and affectionate. Compared to other mixed breeds, Labradoodles are pretty expensive. However, ensure that you get it from a reputable breeder. As we end the article, we hope it has answered your questions about Labradoodles and AKC registration. Eventually, the decision to get a Labradoodle or not lies in you. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. According to Eddie Dziuk of the OFA: "The club registration criteria for registering dogs as Labradoodles is a response to the commitment to health demonstrated by the club not only in its strong code of ethics requiring health screening, but also in response to the club members demonstrated use of OFA evaluations. ALAA Members need to notify Optigen of dogs already tested, their test numbers, and which category they should be in. Here is exactly what the CKC has to say about these misc. CKC will recognize a cross between any two purebred dogs, and will issue a registration certificate on their offspring. These crosses are not registered as purebred dogs but are registered as the offspring of purebred dogs. The registration certificate for these crosses will show MISC followed by the two parent breeds. After a name has been assigned, we encourage those breeders who are breeding this cross to form their own breed club in order to set a standard for the dogs to breed true. The dogs from these crosses will not be registered as purebred until the dogs are breeding true to standard for several generations. By allowing the breeders the option of developing new breeds, we are promoting the breeding of better dogs. With Continental Kennel Club, new breeds must be developed in at least 3 different closed colonies. Having a minimum of 3 separate colonies guarantees a much larger gene pool when developing a new breed. These colonies will breed towards the same standard that will be set forth by CKC. Once the dogs begin breeding true to type, the colonies can then be crossed among themselves in order to maintain an even larger genetic pool. The misc. Classifications on Misc. After opening the miscellaneous section of our club, allowing for the crossing of any two purebred dogs, we started receiving very interesting information from the breeders. We started getting reports that the offspring of these breeding were stronger, healthier, and less susceptible to diseases. When they bred the same Poodles to Poodles, their puppies were not as healthy, weaker, and more susceptible to disease, and they raised fewer puppies per litter. We were receiving information of this type from almost all of the crosses. With this type of data being compiled, we began doing crosscheck questionnaires and gathering other information about these unusual reports. This information that is being collected in our database will be of tremendous value in the study of genetics in the future. Our information, so far, seems to indicate that when two different breeds are crossed, the puppies seem to be far heartier, easier to raise, and less susceptible to diseases, which is now being confirmed by top geneticist worldwide. To this end, we hope to provide for the breeding of healthier and more vibrant dogs, which will be less susceptible to diseases. We have never been removed or asked to leave an association or website listing. We made these decisions based on a difference of direction from both associations for different reasons. We feel both associations do a fair job and have specific principles. Until such time that our ideals cross we will remain separate and a member of the various other networks that support collaboration among breeders, provide valuable services to owners and potential owners and parallel our own path for the good of the breed. Another link with our history is here. We felt the lowering of the health requirements of the ALAA was in contradiction with the OFA and PennHIP standards and the requirements of a not for profit were not being followed, both we could not support. We felt the closing of the stud books of the ALCA would set us on a path to required inbreeding which we refuse to do, and left us no option but to leave the ALCA. We wish them both well and have many friends still active members. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. By cataloging helpful information about the breed and offering networking services to breeders and owners, we promote responsible dog companionship and strive to make a positive difference in the Australian Labradoodle community. All purebred dogs began by crossbreeding dogs of two or more different breeds to achieve desirable traits. Dogs displaying those traits were bred to each other to continue the breed development. This has been going on for hundreds of years. The development of the Australian Labradoodle is no different. Forward thinking breeders in Australia began breeding these labradoodles to a number of other dog breeds in an effort to produce litters with consistent conformation, coat type, and temperament. Most often the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel were the breeds used with the labradoodle, however, it is reported that a few other dog breeds were also introduced into certain early lines. It is the combination of all these breeds that make up what we call the Australian Labradoodle today. The Australian Labradoodle is a purpose bred dog, with its beginnings as a service dog. Today it is also sought out as a family companion especially for those who suffer from allergies or prefer its non-shedding qualities. Here in the USA, the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA has been monitoring the development of this breed by maintaining a database of pedigrees and health testing of registered dogs for almost twenty years. While the Australian Labradoodle is not considered an AKC recognized breed, we do have a breed standard that conscientious breeders work towards. We have elected to keep our stud books open which means we allow for the development of new lines using registered Labradors, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels in an effort to expand our gene pool and keep inbreeding to a minimum. These new lines are then bred into existing lines that date back to the founding dogs from Australia. This of course is an option for breeders and there are many who are only working with descendants of the dogs from Australia while others have dogs that are a combination of old and new lines. It is our breed standard and our pedigree database that dictates the breed development and breeders choose pairings to improve temperament, coat and structure working within the guidelines set out by the ALAA. The ALAA has made extensive efforts to track and verify the pedigrees of our registered dogs, therefore, an ALAA verified pedigree is the only true identifier of an Australian Labradoodle. Find an Australian Labradoodle. February 20, Labradoodles are a mixed breed, which means that they are not AKC registered. The AKC only registers purebred dogs that follow the proper registration procedure. Labradoodles would not fall into this category. Therefore, they are not considered purebred and cannot be registered with the AKC. There are a few that take Labradoodles and register them. Many people seem to think that registering a dog provides more allowances than it does. To register a dog at the AKC, all you have to do is claim that both their parents are two dogs that are already registered under that breed. For instance, puppy mills may often have two dogs of the same breed in their facility. But, if both parents are AKC registered, they could very well claim any puppy they breed belongs to that breed simply by listing those two dogs as their parents. They could be completely unhealthy, and without any of the health testing that good breeders do. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is their family tree. In fact, there are many dogs out there that are registered to the AKC and rife with health problems. Just look at any Pug. Health checks are not performed for registration purposes. Do Labradoodles Have Pedigrees? While Labradoodles do not have registration papers, Labradoodles do still have a pedigree. One of the most important benefits of a pedigree is that it will let you know whether or not the puppy is inbred. Sadly, this occurs quite often with purebred dogs. In fact, that is how they make purebred dogs — by breeding a small group of dogs with similar traits together. Because Labradoodles are a mixed breed, this is less of a problem. Too much inbreeding can lead to serious health problems — and even temperament problems in some cases. Inbreeding is the main cause of many canine health problems. For the most part, this is mostly for those that are planning on breeding the dog, as it helps them avoid further inbreeding. Is a Labradoodle a Purebred? Labradoodles are a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. There are different generations of Labradoodles, though. Puppies that are the result of breeding a Labrador Retriever and Poodle together directly are first-generation Labradoodles. However, if you breed two first-generation Labradoodles together, you end up with a second-generation Labradoodle. For the most part, there is little reason to focus heavily on the exact generation of Labradoodle your prospective puppy belongs to. There are other things that are far more important like health and temperament. However, later generations are more likely to exhibit all the common Labradoodle traits, while the first-generation puppies can technically inherit any trait from any parent. With that said, no matter how many generations you get, a Labradoodle is not counted as a purebred dog by any kennel club. While there is some chance that these dogs will develop into purebred in the future when dogs mostly come from later generations , that is not the case today. There is some confusion over what exactly a purebred dog is and what it means to own a purebred dog. Many people claim that purebred dogs are automatically better than mixed breeds. Purebred dogs are created when a group of dogs with certain traits is continuously bred together. Typically, this involves some level of inbreeding. Most purebred dogs were bred once upon a time for work of some sort. Therefore, these dogs usually have some level of working behaviors that can be difficult to handle for some people. For instance, purebred dogs that were bred to chase will chase — even if they have never been hunting in their life. Herding dogs will try to herd just about anything that moves. These dogs have innate instincts that just are. Furthermore, because most purebred dogs were inbred at some point, they are also more prone to health issues. After all, the negative health traits get concentrated when all of these dogs are bred together over and over again. In the end, it is sometimes impossible to find certain breeds without health problems, as it is sometimes built into their genetics just take a look at Pugs, for instance. However, purebred dogs do have very specific traits. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. A Golden Retriever is always going to shed. Mixed breeds? Not so much. These dogs can technically inherit any trait from any parent. Therefore, mixed breeds can act like either parent and have any mixture of traits between them. You may not end up with a dog that sheds much, or your canine may shed a lot. Genetics are not set in stone, and we do not understand all of them thoroughly. Furthermore, these dogs are more likely to end up as pets since they would not be eligible for breeding. Therefore, those looking for companion animals are more likely to end up with dogs that differ a bit from the norm. Of course, for mixed breeds, there is no norm. Labradoodles may usually inherit certain traits, but that is far from certain. They can have several coat types, for instance. In reality, they are all quite different. In other words, purebred dogs have set traits. A Husky is a Husky is a Husky. However, you are giving up a bit for this predictability. For one, the dog is likely to have some sort of instincts that can be difficult to handle as a companion animal. Furthermore, they are more likely to have health problems since they are often produced through inbreeding. There are some advertisements online for registered Labradoodles. While most people assume that this means AKC registered Labradoodles, this typically is not the case in the least. Instead, they are usually registered through a different kennel club. There are quite a few different kennel clubs out there that will register mixed breed dogs. However, these agencies typically do not have very strict standards. The breeder usually simply requests that the dog be registered as a particular mixed breed, and then the kennel club registers the dog. Usually, they do not require any proof that the dog belongs to that specific mixed breed. Choosing a Labradoodle Breeder While an AKC registration is not something you should expect from a Labradoodle breeder , there are several other factors that you should look for. The large majority of breeders are not professionals. Instead, they simply breed two dogs together and then attempt to trade the puppies for money. Many of these breedings are accidents. When looking for a Labradoodle, you should look for a breeder that is knowledgeable and responsible. But, how do you determine this? Look for these basic factors: Both parents have a stable temperament. They should be friendly and polite. Nervous parents produce nervous puppies. Under no circumstances should the Labradoodle parents have a bite history or show any signs of aggression. Both parents are trained and taken care of. The puppies should stay with the mother for at least seven weeks. If the breeder is trying to sell puppies younger than that, you should be cautious about proceeding. The parents should have been tested for common health conditions. Many people skip this step with Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed, but it is still absolutely necessary. The parent dogs should be obviously healthy. Their coat and skin should be clean and soft. Their hair should be well-brushed. Ask the breeder to show you their teeth to ensure that they are white and strong. Bad teeth can be inherited. The breeder should preferably have already gotten the puppy their first shots before they are sent home. Most breeders will also take the puppies for at least one checkup. However, many breeders register them with other kennel clubs. A registered Labradoodle is not necessarily better than an unregistered one; it just means that the breeder paid extra money for a piece of paper. Health certificates and health tests that were run by vets are often more telling. For instance, always meet the parents if possible. They should be happy and healthy. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

If so, your puppy may be experiencing separation anxiety, a condition that is similar to a prolonged panic attack that occurs whenever you try to confine your pup or leave their line of sight. In this blog post, we will discuss the early signs of separation anxiety and what causes it, plus provide you with the beginning steps to helping your puppy overcome it on video. Symptoms of Puppy Separation Anxiety If your puppy is whining, crying, barking, or howling persistently whenever you confine it in a crate or playpen, this is an early sign of separation anxiety. Your puppy may also be so determined to get out of confinement that they become an incredible escape artist that somehow finds a way to pry itself free from a crate or climb out of a pen, possibly even hurting itself in the process! If your pup is exhibiting some or all of these behaviors, it is definitely feeling anxious about being confined or separated from you, a very common condition that afflicts many young puppies known as separation anxiety. What Causes Separation Anxiety? That's why our little canine friends follow us from room to room at home, and also why your pup feels trapped when confined in a crate or playpen. If you work from home, the noise can also interfere with your work day. To avoid all the fuss, you may decide to stop confining your puppy, a choice that could lead to even more trouble down the road when your puppy becomes an adult dog who can't tolerate being left alone or separated from you when needed. You may also feel guilty for making your puppy suffer anytime you have to leave it alone and end up either having to take it with you everywhere you go or pay for a daycare or pet sitter, which gets costly. How to Treat Puppy Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety in puppies can be treated by helping a pup work past the frustration or distress they feel when they are confined in a crate or pen and facilitating that they learn to settle down and relax instead. Here are the foundational steps: Stay Close By and In Sight until Your Pup Settles Down Popular wisdom suggests walking away and letting your puppy cry it out, but puppies with separation anxiety will not calm down under these circumstances. In fact, long rehearsals of this behavior will only make it worse. If your pup seems really upset, you can place your hand on the door of the crate or playpen to allow your puppy to sniff you, which can help to soothe them and calm them down. Ignore Your Pup Next, withdraw all engagement like prolonged eye contact, talking, and petting while you wait for the self-soothing process to kick in. This means that other than resting your hand on the side of the crate or playpen, you must completely ignore your pup until they settle down. For some puppies, this can take up to 15 minutes, so you must be patient and wait out their cries, protests, and escape attempts until they finally do settle down. Release Your Pup for a Break Once all protests have ceased and your puppy has fully settled down, release them from the crate or playpen for a 1 to 2-minute break to stretch their legs, drink some water, or go to the potty. Other than escorting your pup to the toilet, try to keep your interactions with them to a minimum during their break, too, as any kind of attention like talking or petting may just rile them up again. This also gives your pup something to look forward to, which fosters positive associations with returning to confinement and spending some time by themselves. Repeat the Process 5 to 10 Times Repeat this process 5 to 10 times or until your puppy settles down immediately when returned to their crate or playpen. When you get to this stage, you can start to work on keeping your pup confined for longer and longer periods of time and going out of sight in short intervals. Troubleshooting If your pup seems really upset, you may soothe it by placing your hand on the side of the crate or playpen to allow your pup to sniff you and make contact with your fingers. Final Thoughts If your puppy won't stop whining and crying when confined in a crate or pen or when left at home alone, it's likely they are experiencing separation anxiety. If done correctly, regular downtime where a pup is practicing relaxing in a crate or pen can help it get used to periods of inactivity and separation from you throughout the day. With patience and consistency, your puppy will eventually overcome their separation anxiety, but it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to train them to accept confinement and separation from you, so be patient and make training part of your daily routine. If you are having trouble calming your puppy down and their symptoms persist despite your best efforts, you may want to reach out to a puppy separation anxiety training specialist for help. If you found this article helpful, we would love to hear from you in the comments sections below! They praise it as a wonderful tool and somewhere that their Doodle feels safe and happy. But, others may argue that it is a cruel tool, used to cage dogs. In truth, it will all depend on how an owner uses their crate. Or to turn it into a place your dog hates. But, at the same time, when used correctly, your Labradoodle puppy can love their crate. They can use it as their own safe space away from the noise of everyday family life. In fact, doing so can lead to a very unhappy and stressed puppy. What is Crate Training? A dog crate is simply an enclosed bed area for your Labradoodle puppy. Or when their puppy needs some sleep. For many dogs, a crate will be a safe and secure area where they can take themselves to relax and wind down. Many owners will use a crate at night, when sleep training their puppy. This ensures their puppy is safe at night, but also not causing havoc through the house! However, crates can also be used throughout the day to encourage your puppy to get some much needed sleep in those early months. Or to help them calm down if they get overexcited. On top of this, a dog crate can be a very useful potty training tool. All dogs will try to keep their sleeping area and their potty area separate. But, more on this later. Remember, you are best placed to know what is right for your Doodle! Pros of Crate Training Can keep your Labradoodle out of mischief and safe when you leave them alone for short periods When done correctly, will be a safe and comforting place for your Labradoodle Offers somewhere quiet and calm for young puppies to get some rest throughout the day Can be a very useful potty training tool Can make travelling with your Labradoodle a lot easier Cons of Crate Training If misused, a crate can be a stressful and frightening place for a puppy, eg. And, of course, your puppy is a very different size now than he will be in a few months. The best method here is to choose a crate that should be the right size for an adult Labradoodle. Try to estimate how large your puppy is going to grow. Then, buy a divider for your crate, so that you can section off a smaller section for your puppy to use. Your puppy needs enough room to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. But any larger than this and your pup may end up using one end of the crate as a toilet area. In the first few days of your puppy being home with you , this can be achieved easily! Leave the crate door open so your puppy can go in and out as they please. Soon enough, your puppy will be willingly going into their crate, and associating it with something that makes them feel great — treats! But, to move on, you can pop your puppy in the crate and close the door. First, open it immediately and treat your puppy for sitting quietly inside. Once your puppy is happy and comfortable doing this, you can progress to shutting and locking the crate door, before opening it and treating your puppy. And, once your puppy is okay with this, you can slowly increase the length of time that the door is closed before opening and treating. Doing so can cause your puppy to be stressed and upset. A stressed puppy is no fun for anyone. If your puppy seems stressed at any point in this process, simply go back a step and reduce the duration. For instance, one time leave then for two seconds, then increase to five seconds, then drop back down to three. You can also put your puppy in their crate through the day before they go to sleep for one of their regular naps. Overall, our aim is to make the crate a wonderful and happy place for your puppy to relax. So, how are you meant to fix things if your puppy starts crying? Instead, move back a step, and increase the duration more slowly, for instance only a second longer. If your puppy is getting visibly distressed, it may be a good idea to give the training a break for a while. Go and play a game with them, or work on some different training to let them calm down, then come back and try again with crate training in a bit. No matter what breed you have, crate training is a lengthy process. At first, the increase of duration before you let your puppy out and treat them will be seconds, not minutes or hours! And, increasing this duration too quickly can lead to a puppy that hates being in their crate. Some may take to crate training much faster than others. For some owners, the process could take a couple of weeks. But, for others, it may take months before they can leave their puppy alone in the crate with no issues. Even if this process takes a little longer for you and your Labradoodle, taking it slowly will be worth it in the long run. Crate Training a Labradoodle Puppy at Night Crate training a Labradoodle puppy at night and through the day is a little different. However, during their first few nights with you, they will be scared and unsure of their surroundings. Being close to you will reduce the chance of your puppy crying through the night. Puppies have very small bladders, and you will need to take them outside multiple times, especially in those first few weeks. Your alternative is to place puppy pads at one end of a large crate. If your puppy cries throughout the night, it could be a sign that they need to go to the toilet. Dog Crates as a Potty Training Tool Throughout the day, a crate can be a great tool for potty training your puppy. Labradoodle puppies, like any other puppies, have very small bladders in their early age. Some may need toilet trips outside as often as every 20 minutes! But, as time goes on, you can start to extend the breaks between these trips by using your crate. Like all other parts of crate training, small steps are key here for building a strong level of trust between you and your puppy, and for successful training. Alternatives to Crates Not everyone likes the idea of putting their Labradoodle puppy in a crate, even though many dogs will feel like they have their own little den. As an alternative to a puppy crate, you could invest in a puppy pen. This will give your puppy room to move around, to play, and more, which a crate does not. Many pens are large enough for you to put a bed inside, a water bowl, and even some puppy pads for potty training purposes. However, despite this extra room, puppies will still need time outside of the pen to interact with you, socialize, exercise through games, and stimulate their brains. Baby gates on doorways are another alternative you might want to consider. This way, you can puppy proof an entire room for your pup to have access to. If you choose either of these two alternatives, you will still need to work hard at training. Particularly at training your puppy to be happy when left alone in their pen or room. This will still be a slow process, like crate training. The Puppy Parenting course is ideal for learning how to crate train, among other important puppy training goals. Crate Training Your Labradoodle Puppy Have you decided that crate training is the right step for you and your Labradoodle puppy? When done properly, crate training can be great, and can offer your puppy a safe and comfortable place of their own to relax. But, make sure you increase duration in the crate very gradually, so that your puppy never feels trapped or distressed when inside. Do you have any other Labradoodle crate training tips? References and Resources Ackerman, L. How do you crate train your new Labradoodle like a pro? First, find a crate that is the right size for your dog and that is secure enough to prevent a sneaky escape. This is the crate I use with my Labradoodle. Introduce the crate slowly by allowing your puppy to freely go in and out before you attempt an extended period of crate time. Before crating, engage in a period of rambunctious play with your puppy, and make sure to give your Labradoodle plenty of potty opportunities. When playtime is over, sit calmly by the crate and brush or pet your puppy to instigate a sleepy-time response. Then, once your puppy is soundly snoring, place her gently into the crate and shut the door without locking it. With time, your Labradoodle will associate his crate with rest time, and crating your Doodle will be a stress-free experience for you both. It emits a life-like heartbeat that can calm and sooth them. You can even add a heat pack to make it even more realistic. Sounds simple, right? The truth is, crating can be one of the simplest training exercises for you and your pup, but it can also be laden with challenges and unexpected issues. If you are ready to begin the process of teaching your Labradoodle how to love his crate, read on for tips on crate selection, introducing your puppy to his new hideaway spot, and tackling issues as they arise. Many first-time dog owners are horrified at the idea of leaving their dog in a small, enclosed space for hours at a time. I love her too much! Dogs are den animals: even though they have been domesticated over thousands of years, they still retain some wild canine instincts. One of those instincts is to rest in a spot that is safe and offers protection. According to the Humane Society of the United States , most dogs actually crave periods of solitude, and a crate gives them a special space where they can secure that solitude when and if they need it. While you may use crate training specifically to house your Labradoodle when you need to leave, you may find that your dog goes in and out of her crate even when you are home. If crate training is approached slowly and methodically, your dog will come to love this special spot. Once your Labradoodle is acclimated to her crate, a wide variety of benefits will be seen. Instead, a dog crate is a sanctuary. Choosing The Right Crate The single most important part of successful crate training is choosing the right crate, and this often leads to Doodle owner panic. There are thousands of crate models on the market today, and it can be absolutely overwhelming for first time Labradoodle owners to know which crate to buy. This is the crate I got for Oliver as a puppy …and he still uses it today. We wrote a helpful guide on choosing the right crate which you can read here. Which materials are safe for your fluffy furball? How secure should the crate be? How big? Does it need attached water and food bowls? Multiple doors? An enclosed top? Everything else can take a back seat. Dogs frequently reposition themselves when resting, and a crate that provides room for this is essential. Dogs kept in crates that are too small may develop anxiety issues or even health problems like joint stiffness. This can be problematic for Labradoodle owners who want to start crate training when their Doodle is still a puppy. A crate that is the perfect size when your dog is six months old is going to be far too small when your puppy reaches a year in age. Large crates with dividers will let you adjust the space as your Labradoodle grows, so a single crate can function well through the various stages of doggy development. Useful Crate Features The size of the crate may be the most important feature, but there are other factors to consider when investing in a high-quality dog crate for your Doodle. These features are not necessities, but they may make your Labradoodle more comfortable and your life a little easier. Here are four simple steps to ensure crate training success. Allow your pup time to get acclimated to this interesting, new cubby. If your snuggle buddy falls asleep in your lap after a period of play, gently move him to the crate and let him continue to sleep with the door open. This accomplishes three things. First, it will tire her out and make her more likely to spend her first crate experience in deep, blissful sleep. Second, it will give her ample time to go potty, which helps to avoid accidents. And lastly, it gives your Labradoodle time to feel connected to you, her human companion. Crating can be stressful for a puppy because they are spending an indeterminate amount of time without you in the home. When you walk out the door, your dog has no idea when, or even if, you will return. Playtime reinforces bonds and helps your Labradoodle puppy feel nurtured and engaged. You can transition your puppy from exuberance to exhaustion by sitting quietly and petting or brushing him. When your Labradoodle is relaxed and starting to sleep, place him in the crate and continue soothing him until he falls asleep. Then, quietly shut the crate door and immediately leave. If you crate your Labradoodle for four hours the very first time, she is going to have an accident. This will lead to discouragement, frustration, and even fear of the crate. You want to establish crate milestones that your puppy can easily achieve. Each time you return to a puppy who has successfully stayed in her crate with no issues, you reinforce the crate as a positive location. Start your Labradoodle off with periods in the crate ranging from a few minutes up to an hour. Once she is acclimated to staying in the crate alone for an hour, you can gradually begin increasing crate time. Common Crate Training Mistakes In the world of dog training, a simple mistake can often lead to months of problem behaviors that need to be slowly and meticulously corrected. Here are some of the most common crate training mistakes made by first-time Labradoodle owners. Rushing the process: Dogs need time to acclimate to changes, so if you introduce a scary-looking crate and immediately shut your pup inside this unfamiliar area, it may lead to anxiety or panic. Forgetting the potty break: Puppies can only hold their bladders for a couple of hours at a time, so be sure to give your Labradoodle a chance to go potty immediately before putting him in the crate. When you return, immediately take your puppy to go potty, and praise him when he goes. Punishing with the crate: If your puppy associates her crate with punishment, it will cease to be a safe and relaxing environment for her. Never punish your puppy by banishing her to the crate. Similarly, never punish your puppy for soiling her crate. Simply take her outside for a potty attempt, praise her if she goes, and clean the crate promptly to remove any lingering odors. Crating multiple dogs together: Yes, puppies love to snuggle with one another, and it can be tempting to think that crating two dogs together provides them with companionship and comfort. However, as puppies grow they will need their own spaces, and separating two pups that have spent months in the same crate can be traumatic. If you have multiple dogs, crate them separately but in close proximity to one another. Cluttered crate environment: Sure, you want your puppy to be entertained while crated, but the crate should predominantly be an environment of serenity. One toy is enough to provide your Labradoodle with something to do without cluttering up the zen-like atmosphere of the crate. There are issues that can pop up between pup and crate, and these may be chalked up to a mistake made during the training process, an issue with the crate itself, or even just the specific personality of your dog. My Labradoodle cries constantly when I put him in his crate. After all, who wants to hear their precious puppy crying? If your Labradoodle whines or barks immediately after being put into his crate, sometimes waiting for him to cry himself to sleep is the best course of action. If your puppy is panicking i. Give your puppy calm, soothing pets and snuggles until he calms down. Then, take one more trip outside for a potty break, and try to introduce your dog to the crate again. You may need to do this several times until your pup has worn himself out to the point where he can fall asleep in his crate. My puppy always makes messes in her crate. If your pup has too much room, use a divider to cordon her to one side of the crate to avoid messes. Labradoodle puppies younger than one year need to go potty once every two hours to be comfortable! Try to schedule a few mid-day breaks for your Labradoodle puppy. Finally, you might want to watch how much water your Labradoodle is drinking in the hour leading up to crate time. Congratulations, you have a strong-willed pup on your hands. Some dogs will do everything in their power to avoid being put in their crate. Your dog may brace himself against the crate door, drag his paws on the ground, or turn into a puddle of dead weight and force you to manhandle him through the opening. Because he hates the thought of being separated from you. Be sure to spend plenty of time playing with your Labradoodle puppy before crating him. Also, some dogs will relax when they are brushed for a few minutes before crating. Crate your Labradoodle firmly but calmly. My Labradoodle is an escape artist, and no crate can contain her. If you have a little Houdini on your hands, you might need to get creative. Some dog owners, however, have to resort to zip ties to keep their magic canines in check. Every bed I put in the crate gets shredded within hours, what gives? Your Labradoodle puppy has an innate desire to chew, and this desire can only be redirected, never eliminated. Dogs are perfectly happy resting on a hard surface for a few hours at a time. Crate your dog without the bed, and leave the comfy cushion for times when you are at home and supervising. Next, find some sturdy toys that will stand up to persistent chewing, and put one in the crate with your Labradoodle. You can find toys that can be filled with goodies to occupy your Doodle pup for hours on end, but any toy will act as a healthy outlet for that chewing instinct. Some owners find success by purchasing several toys and rotating them in the crate on different days. Puppies are information sponges, and they love the stimulation and reward that comes from learning new tricks. First, try not to act differently when you are preparing to leave your puppy. If your dog senses that you are stressed by the act of leaving, she will internalize that stress. Next, stay positive and upbeat, and when you are ready to leave do so promptly and without fanfare. Start with short trips away from your dog, so she can learn that you will always return after leaving. Finally, make sure her crate is comfortable and stress-free, so she has a space to relax while awaiting your homecoming. If you have to leave your Labradoodle for more than four hours without a break, you will probably need to make arrangements for him to get a reprieve from the crate. Apps like Wag or Rover are great ways to locate passionate dog-lovers who will visit your dog mid-day for a walk or some much-needed play time. Doggy daycare facilities are also incredibly beneficial. Not only will your dog be active and exercising throughout the day, but these communal dog spaces teach valuable socialization skills. Leaving your dog crated for an extended period of time will make him uncomfortable and could lead to crate anxiety, so be sure to plan ahead. Wolves rarely sleep in the open, preferring instead to find a cave or hollow where they can be protected on all sides while they snooze. Their canine cousins still possess this innate desire, and a Labradoodle left to his own devices inside a sprawling home can feel anxious and unprotected. These feelings of anxiety coupled with the freedom to roam are the only necessary ingredients in a recipe for disaster. Start crate training as early as possible, and take it slow. Eventually, your Labradoodle will recognize her crate as her own special space, and she will likely seek it out when she needs some downtime. Related Posts:. My Puppy Hates the Crate! What do I do? The whole point of using a crate for potty training is that a dogs natural instinct is to keep themselves clean and not to go to the bathroom where they sleep. Never compare your new puppy to your last puppy or a friends puppy. Every puppy just like every human child is going to react differently to crate training, new environments and new people. Every puppy is a unique individual. If you had a puppy in the past that was super easy to train. .Lucky you. This time might be harder. Accept that and move on. A puppy crying in their crate can definitely be one of the saddest sounding and most challenging parts of having a new puppy. A Frantic Puppy in the Crate Some puppies have a harder time with crate training then others and it will take them a little longer to accept it. Never let a puppy get totally frantic in the crate. Open the door and calm them down and take them out side for a break. Start slower when you come back in. Pay attention to your own tone of voice and body language. .Slow down and start over. You need to start crate training by giving them a positive association to their crate before even attempting to close the door. Before you try to put a puppy in a crate for the whole night. .Start by slowly introducing them to the crate before actually closing the door on them… Feed them their meals in their crate, give them some high value treats and chew sticks in the crate, put a stuffed animal in the crate to snuggle with…lay down next to the crate and nap with them for awhile blocking the door with your body at first and then try closing it and laying next to them. Not true. Just stop AND breathe! That thinking is absolutely false. There will be an adjustment period before anything becomes their new normal. Be prepared for that. Wear them out during the day! Try different setups. If your puppy is comfortable with the door closed for even a few minutes, your on your way, now gradually increase the time your puppy is in the crate. Gradually building up the amount of time your puppy is alone in their crate and then alone in the room. Try giving them a stuffed animal, beef gullet stick, or a safe chew toy while in the crate. Puppies Love Stuffed Animals! Just like a human toddler… crying and whining is how puppies get attention. If you reward the behavior, your puppy will repeat it. You can quickly train your puppy to repeat negative behaviors just as easily as you can teach them to repeat positive behaviors.Remember every puppy is different. They just want out. Increase the time in the crate a few more minutes at a time. Stay calm yourself in your tone and body language. Repetitions is the key. Putting them in the crate and taking them back out, going outside for a potty break, back into the crate…doing this several times a day until it becomes second nature for you both. Puppy proofing where your puppy is going to be is crucial. Do not give them full access to your whole house until they can be trusted. Having the right size crate is KEY to success! Using the Crate Divider If the crate is too big… use the divider panels! You can either get a smaller crate and not worry about using the divider and then buy them a bigger crate once they grow out of it or start off with the bigger adult size one and then use the divider. My Standard size Doodles cuddle up together in one of their 48 inch size Midwest crates. For the medium and standard size puppies I recommend the 30 inch iCrate on Amazon Prime during crate training and for some into adulthood. Buy your crates on Amazon! Potty training will definitely take longer this way but it might be easier on your patience and your ears. You can also add a fake grass pad , potty pads or a litter box in the pen. You can also try moving the crate to a more comfortable area in your home. About Dog Crates A dog crate is an enclosed plastic or collapsible metal pen that dogs can use to feel secure when left alone. Crates are an ideal tool for housetraining your puppy, as they cannot escape their confinement and become injured or confused. What Is Crate Training? Crate training is a process in which you train your dog to accept the crate as a secure and safe location. It can be used for various purposes such as potty training, traveling in the car, or when your pup needs to be restrained while at the vet or other veterinary facility. Crate training should never be used as punishment or to enforce obedience commands. If your dog develops a negative association with the crate or kennel, it may relate this space with negative behaviors like whining, barking, and biting, which could cause significant anxiety or even physical harm. To make your pup comfortable in a crate, you should give them time to explore on her own. Let your pup sniff around the crate for several minutes before placing them inside. Once your dog feels secure in the den , reward them with lots of praise and treats. Doing this will teach your pup that the crate is a great place to rest when tired or needing to go potty. Anxiety Sometimes, dogs may start to dislike the crate out of anxiety about it. Long Hours In The Crate One of the primary reasons your dog may begin to dislike their crate is due to all the hours they spend inside it. This can happen if you work long shifts or leave them home alone for an extended period. Being confined for extended periods of time can have detrimental effects on their health, mood, and behavior. Unfortunately, many owners rely on it too heavily and make their pups spend long stretches inside, even though its purpose was never intended for that use. If you do this, your dog will associate the crate with something bad and will avoid going inside. It is essential for your pup to enjoy its crate. Changes In The Crate Maintaining a regular schedule for your dog in his crate is one of the best ways to help him feel secure there. However, if you recently changed things up such as moving it to another room , your pup may experience anxiety over having his space taken away. You can try to resolve this problem by reintroducing the crate as a secure place where your dog enjoys spending time when you come home. Age And Illnesses Dogs, as they age, often become more sensitive to their environment. This could make them feel uneasy in their crate or cause whining when put inside it. If your senior dog seems to dislike being in his crate, it could be due to illness or disease. They may develop weak bladders or joint pain, which makes them feel stressed about being confined. Your dog might be more comfortable outdoors or in another room, so when you put him back inside his familiar space, he might feel uneasy and act out accordingly. Crating As Punishment Crate training is an effective way to teach your dog obedience and prevent destructive behavior that often stems from separation anxiety. However, using the crate as punishment can become highly stressful for your pup, leading to numerous issues. If you think your pup has done something wrong and deserves punishment, try placing them in timeout for a few minutes instead of using the crate. Discomfort Dogs who have recently gone through significant life changes, such as losing a family member or moving, may become uneasy in their crate. Your dog may also avoid the crate if it is not comfortable. No matter the cause, he needs to be comforted and encouraged back into loving his crate. Lack Of Exercise As a pet parent, you likely already know that your pup needs ample exercise each day. Not only does this help them maintain an appropriate weight, but it also benefits their overall health and well-being. The absence of exercise can make your dog feel depressed, listless, and even irritable. This may result in destructive behavior as well as aggression. Attention Seeking If your dog suddenly starts whining when in their crate, it could be a sign that they want your attention. They may be asking for something from you, such as a belly rub or cuddle. This is a common response to separation anxiety. These behaviors include aggression, anxiety, and separation issues. As you can imagine, these behaviors are not very cute and could prove hazardous for your furry friend. If your dog is suffering from small dog syndrome, it may avoid the crate. Here are some tips to make your dog comfortable with the crate. Determine The Cause of Why Your Dog Hates Crate Identification of the cause of why your dog has started to dislike their crate can help you solve this issue. It could be anything from a broken crate to separation anxiety. For instance, puppies who have been separated from their mother too young or come from less-than-ideal rescue situations may experience separation anxiety and become extremely distressed when left alone in the crate. Doing so will give your efforts greater momentum and boost your self-belief. Gradually increase the amount of time until he can remain quiet for 30 minutes or more without becoming anxious or restless. The best thing you can do is schedule crate time for your puppy to establish a routine. Make Crating a Positive Experience Crating your dog should be a positive experience and a place they feel secure and comfortable in. Make the crate a comfortable space for family members by placing it in an area they frequently spend time. This may be the family room or other common area in the home. Additionally, placing soft blankets or dog beds inside will make your pup feel more at home in his crate. Make Your Dog Comfortable Crate training your pup is a great way to make them more secure and relaxed in their crate. The most important step is making sure your dog perceives it as a secure, cozy space. First and foremost, make sure your dog has the appropriate crate. Next, it is essential to carefully choose your crate bedding. Make sure it is durable and not made of materials your dog could chew on, such as blankets or towels. Make Crating Fun Crates provide your dog with a peaceful place to rest and unwind, but using them as punishment only creates negative associations and potential future issues. Thankfully, there are ways to make crating fun for your pup. Start by taking them for a walk or playing before putting them in their crate. Once your pup enters the crate, reward them with treats or toys. Be Consistent Crate training your dog requires consistency. Consistency helps the pup associate the crate with positive experiences. If your dog is having difficulty staying calm and focused in their crate due to fatigue, it might be beneficial for them to get some exercise before going inside. This will help ensure they remain relaxed and focused on you during their confinement time. Use a Playpen If your pup dislikes being in a crate, try using a playpen affiliate link instead. These playpens are ideal for puppies who require physical activity without getting into trouble, as well as jumpers. Tire Your Dog Out Dogs that have spent too much time in their crate may begin to show signs of fatigue. They might bark or start to play around uncontrollably. If you think your pup might be bored, take them on a long walk before leaving them home alone in their crate. This is an opportunity for them to burn off some energy and relax — which will also help them settle down in the crate. But just like any other room in your house, it should not be the only place your pup spends time. However, many dogs dislike crates. It can be because of past abuse by their previous owner, anxiety, or boredom. Your dog may also dislike the crate if you keep them inside for long hours. To help your dog learn to enjoy being in the crate, use various positive reinforcement techniques. Start by crate training your pup for short periods when you are home and gradually increase the time. Also, provide them with comfortable bedding and plenty of toys. Sources Hiby, E. Dog training methods: Their use, effectiveness, and interaction with behavior and welfare. Animal Welfare, 13 1 , .The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 3 5 , .The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, .These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Labradoodles Labradoodles are high energy, social dogs that love to be around people and other animals. Although your Labradoodle may never love their crate, you can at least make it bearable. Many dog owners are tempted to get huge crates. But big crates can actually make training your dog harder. Your Labradoodle may use all of that extra space as a bathroom. They may also start to pace around, making them even more anxious. To prevent any accidents or excess anxiety , get a small crate that only gives your dog enough room to lie down comfortably. And who can blame them? It can take a while to get used to being left alone in a confined space. To make life a bit easier in the crate, give your Labradoodle some happy memories. Give your dog their meals in the crate , leaving the door open. This makes your dog associate eating with their crate. This positive association means that they will be less anxious whenever they approach the crate. Remember, you want to build happy memories around the crate, rather than making your dog anxious. Start out by putting plenty of blankets in the crate, so that your dog can relax and lie down. It can take awhile for Labradoodles to adjust to being in their crate. As they get used to the crate, you can slowly increase the amount of time they spend it in. When your puppy is only a few months old, only leave them in the crate for short periods of around half an hour. This can help prevent separation anxiety and barking. At around six months of age, you can start to leave your dog in the crate a few hours at a time. Never leave your Labradoodle in its crate for more than five hours. Be Patient It can take a while for your Labradoodle to get used to their crate. Be patient, and try not to get frustrated as you train them. Also make sure to give them plenty of encouragement along the way. This will speed up the training process, and help you bond with your puppy. Then head over to our puppy finder. At Uptown Puppies , we connect you to some of the best breeders and companies around. We only work with people who follow strict ethical standards when raising their Labradoodles. That means no puppy mills or backyard breeders.

Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. FAQs 1. The price of a Poodle is often a mystery. This is due to numerous reasons, among which the quality of a breeder is at the top of the list. On the other hand, Toy Poodle breeders will most likely differ from Standard Poodle breeders in price, as size is one of the most important price determinants when it comes to Poodles. This is due to the fact that a health guarantee, vaccination and deworming, dog food, collars, and dog training are included in the price. This is not a good deal, as those breeders cannot guarantee you the health and the bloodline of a puppy. A lot of extra work is put into these puppies and, here, I refer to additional training and grooming. There is no such thing as the best Poodle dog. All Poodle puppies have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to decide which Poodle size suits you the best. All Poodle puppies, Toy, Miniature, or Standard, share some common values and make excellent family dogs. To Conclude… There are 9 Poodle breeders in Ohio that will make you want to buy a Poodle puppy immediately! This is due to their dedicated work and a lot of commitment they invest into breeding these magnificent puppies. All of these nine breeders are excellent in business, they sell AKC registered Poodle puppies of all colors and sizes, and they offer a health guarantee. The choice is a sweet torment, as you will enjoy every single one of them, for sure! Sol's son, Darcy, lives in a guardian home. He is a lovely color with a lovely temperament. He recently passed his CGC test! My daughter with Friday. Welcome to Shyre Poodles! All our dogs are family pets and are a part of our everyday life. Puppies are raised inside and when old enough go on "field trips" around the house and backyard to expose them to new situations. When old enough they travel in the car to accustom them to travel and new environments. They are started on raw beef with probiotics and transitioned to a high quality food before going to their new homes. We follow Dr. Dodds vaccination protocol as closely as possible, using nomographs from each dam to tailor the vaccination timing. Petri received a best in show 2 and Friday a Best in Show in the first show. Petri lives with his co-owners Cynthia and George. Dodds vaccination protocol as closely as possible. We are a small poodle breeder about an hour outside Columbus, Ohio; at this time, we have around one to three litters a year. We try to only raise one litter at a time occasionally heats will make this impossible and they are raised indoors with us. All our dogs are house pets not "stock" and are part of our family— in fact they are like our children. We have mostly solid litters, but may have multicolored poodles from time to time. We have some who live in our home, and some live as " guardians " or with co-owners. Our first priority is our breeding dogs live excellent lives as pets. Our goal as poodle breeders is to produce high quality puppies that will make excellent family pets. We play with and closely observe temperament on our puppies. Our dogs are selected for good temperaments, structure and genetics; we are continually attempting to better our lines. Puppies will enjoy being part of family life and be familiar with children. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. If a Mini Poodle Mix takes after their Mini Poodle parent, they will be a small dog that is affectionate, loving, and playful. Miniature Poodles are intelligent, sensitive dogs with cheerful dispositions. They tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. They even tend to be good with strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. They do tend to alert you of things, which can make them prone to barking. Working to train your dog to stop barking early on can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Miniature Poodle Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what temperament she has and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started socialization and training. However, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home to ensure they grow into a well-rounded dog. A Miniature Poodle is a highly adaptable dog that does well in apartments as well as larger homes and in most climates. Because they are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can also expect a high adaptable Miniature Poodle Mix. The other breed in the mix is likely to have their own quirks, so you do still want to ask the breeder about them. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit some combination of them or all of them. Make sure you ask about the health history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles tend to be intelligent dogs that are eager to please and easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. As long as the other parent breed is also a good fit for all experience levels, then you can expect a Mini Poodle Mix to be highly trainable as well. If the other parent breed is more difficult to train, then you will want to prepare for that possibility in a Miniature Poodle Mix. A mixed-breed can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is some combination of them both. If a Miniature Poodle Mix inherits the Poodle coat, it will be low-shedding, require daily brushing, and require professional grooming every weeks. Once or twice monthly nail trims keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth daily or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Although they are small, Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require daily walks plus playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy breed, then you can expect a Mini Poodle Mix to also be a high-energy dog. If the other parent breed has a lower energy level, a Mini Poodle Mix could take after them, but you still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Miniature Poodle is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Miniature Poodles generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Mini Poodle Mix. Featured Miniature Poodle Mix Article. Home About Us Take a photo tour of our kennel. Take a photo tour of our kennel. Photos of our kennel are shown at the bottom of this page. Our kids are now grown and out of the nest so our dogs are the only kids or I should say furkids we have at home now. We have 7 grandchildren who play with and puppy approves all our puppies before they go home. We have raised schnauzers since and try our very best to provide the best quality of puppies to families who we hope will have many, many years of love fun and memories with their puppy. We try hard to send home a well-rounded puppy that is outgoing and ready for the big new world. Many of you buy a puppy and it has to be shipped and you never really have any idea where it comes from. We are hoping that this gives you a feel for the care and attention we pay to our dogs. Visitors are always welcome but we do please ask that you call ahead and make sure that someone is here. Our home phone is .Spay or neutering at 8 weeks old, microchipped, 2-year total genetic health Guarantee. As well as 2 weeks of training before going home after they are weaned from their mother. When you click on a page for expected litters or current litters for sale the price for that litter will be shown at the top of that page under the mother photo. We work on no bark, no bite, and no lick. We take a lot of pride in our kennel and our dogs and try to do everything we can to make sure our dogs are happy, outgoing, friendly, and most of all healthy. I have been in your shoes this year and purchased 3 new puppies online. The puppies came to me in great condition and I have no problems with any of them BUT I still wonder how they were raised, where they were raised and the conditions that they were raised in. I cannot stress enough to anyone who is shopping for a new puppy and visiting different web sites on the web to make sure you can see the mothers and fathers to the litters that are offered. Make sure that your questions are answered with knowledge and confidence in the breed and openness to anything you may ask. If you are close enough to go and visit the kennel you are interested in making sure that you can visit the kennel see all the dogs that the breeder has and if not BEWARE. When a breeder tells you that no one can go in their kennel, it is usually because they do not want you to see what conditions their dogs are being kept in and what it looks like where they raise their puppies. When a breeder tells you that you are not allowed in the area where the dogs are raised because of diseases that you may bring in that is just another excuse to hide their conditions. We have all clients who come visit us as they enter the kennel walk on a pad at the gate with disinfectant on it, and again before they enter the building or outside kennel area as well as clean their hands with cleaner. We do ask that you do not pet the dogs while you are in the kennel. With these precautions taken, there is no reason that you should not be able to tour our entire kennel. I do though ask everyone the day they are planning on visiting not to visit another kennel or pet shop before arriving at our home for their visit with us. If you are not able to visit a kennel when looking for a new puppy, make sure that you can see current photos of the kennel and also the area where the mothers and puppies are kept.

Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Charming, Clever, Playful, Mischievous, Docile, Stubborn Apartment Friendly Price 15, — 80, Now that you are thorough with both sides of the coin when it comes to getting a Pug puppy, you can reach out to us if you are willing to be proud Pug puppy parents today! Their weight is generally between 6 and 10kg. As for the colours, they differ from one dog to another. It is considered that there are six main colours of dresses: apricot, sand, black, very dark brown, silver and even white for albinos. The mask generally remains black. He has short, soft, and smooth hair. Its head is round, broad, with a flat top. His muzzle is square and short, and the rest of his face is lined with deep, wide wrinkles. Its tail forms a small corkscrew going up on its hip, its ears are small and soft, forming either a rose or a button. Character and aptitudes of the Pug Pugs are cheerful and love children Pug for adoption in Pune is extremely popular for its softness, which has earned it a reputation for being very good with young children! He always has energy, liveliness to spare and a cheerful spirit without fault. He is not aggressive in nature, he does not growl when we stroke or hug him. He can be quite curious, and he can alternate between a sporty or rather calm lifestyle. He can bark a lot to show his emotions, he is also very playful and much attached to those close to him. He loves company and is therefore very sociable. But he also tolerates solitude very well, as long as he has toys to occupy himself during the day. Whether you are at home regularly or just in the evening, he will be happy! Do not hesitate to take them as a couple so that they can have fun together. Pugs are faithful Faithful companions for people of all ages. Being close to the owner is the real calling of pugs. Fans of lying on the couch may seem lazy, but black pug puppies for sale in Pune are also willing to accompany the owners on walks, participate in active entertainment. To pets breed pug is tolerant, get along with cats and other dogs. Responsive to noise, loudly report danger. Pugs remain calm with other animals and humans If you adopt a Pug at a young age, then you will be able to educate him however you want. He will become whatever you want to do with him, he is very intelligent, and so it will be very easy. However, it should not be allowed too many liberties. He will have a natural tendency to laziness and fattening if he is too pampered. If you don't socialize him, he may be suspicious or fearful of other animals and people. So do not hesitate to bring a little firmness in your education, in order to avoid the development of social stubbornness. This will allow, among other things, to avoid an overly possessive side with his master, which could harm his relationship with others. This firmness will also make it possible to ensure that he does not take himself for the king at home. This socialization must be done before 6 months in order to optimize its character over the long term. Once he gets used to the presence of other animals, he is totally adapted to living together. It is an extremely sensitive animal, touched by emotions and feelings, so it will be necessary to show it a good dose of gentleness and love. Small downside: the breed is known to be a little reluctant to potty train, so take your troubles patiently. Pugs are perfect for apartments This affectionate dog gets along very well with other animals and humans in general. Its size and character make it suitable for apartment living, and allow you to travel with it without any problem. He will be inclined to watch television with you, and will even adopt certain human behaviours such as putting his head on a pillow to sleep. The Pug has a certain sense of humour, he will tend to play pranks on his owner. He will be a true, loyal and reliable companion dog at all times. He will develop a lot of his character in accordance with the education you provide him. It will therefore adapt to your habits, if you are not the athletic type, it will stay with you without any problem and will not suffer from not practicing physical exercises. Pug puppies for sale are educated very easily, and are very sensitive to the emotions that will be provided to them. We will also provide you following breeds.