denver labradoodle puppies

We offer our site for all who love the breed. We are a small in-home kennel of quality French Bulldogs. All of our dogs live with us inside our home, and we treat them as family members, giving them a lot of care and love. The health, happiness and well-being of our dogs is our top priority. We — and our dogs — enjoy daily exercise and training to keep them in good mental and physical shape. However, showing and breeding the dogs is not our main business, but rather a professional hobby. We owned Rottweilers before we fell in love with Frenchies. We no longer have Rotties, as Frenchies are now our primary breed. We started with just one Frenchie, but as the saying goes, you can not just have one, or two, or three… and we love each and every one of our sweet little Frenchies! We are a Canadian Kennel Club registered kennel in good standing, breeding under their rules and regulations, as well as members of the French Bulldog Club of Western Canada. Breeding only to the official CKC standard , we believe a dog should be more than just pretty, it should be sound in body and temperament. We do all X-rays and health screenings for our dogs. Sometimes we have puppies for pet- or show-homes, and most of all for loving! Please take a look at our FaceBook Page as well, where you can find lots of photos of our Frenchies, as well as show results! We strive to raise well socialized puppies, who are both healthy and of excellent quality. We answer all your questions, provide professional guidance. We have happy clients that have purchased puppies from us in the past. We invite you to explore our informative website that we update on weekly basis. We want to ensure you are a good home for one of our precious babies. It is very low volume. Elite French Bulldogs was extremely informative and made our first dog buying experience wonderful. We only had a short 30 km drive to pick our puppy up, but I would drive km to get a puppy from Elite French Bulldogs Home. They are the ONLY breeder to work with in our books! We have already recommended her to several friends! Thank you so much Bobby and Reena. Nancy and Family Surrey, BC What a fantastic experience from the day we decided to get a French bulls god puppy for my son until today when we picked up the puppy. Elite French Bulldog clearly cares deeply for the puppies and for the people wanting their puppies. They make sure you understand so much about the puppy, how to care for them. Our fur baby Diesel is connected with my son who struggles with anxiety and depression. Diesel our sweet puppy is adorable; clearly well cared for and we feel ready to care for her thanks to you spending 2 hours with us going through in detail how to look after her and answering our questions. They walk you through the experience in detail, clearly cares deeply about every puppy they breed, and wants to make sure that you and your new family member are the right fit. We spent almost two hours walking through care and feeding of our new puppy and went home with an amazing care package. They are knowledgeable breeders who really cares for their French Bulldogs. They sent us weekly updates and photos of our baby until we were able to take her home. They even provided us with a care package of a harness and leash, food and water bowl, treats, and even a couple puppy outfits! Our baby is such a happy and healthy puppy! Thank you so much Samantha. Transportation can be arranged. All puppies are sold on pet only contracts. Mom and.As most of our families know we take so much time and.Click my Profile for more Ads to see more.Individual pricing!! Click my Profile for more Ads to see more available dogs. Willing to.Mom and Dad are the last two pictures. Mom and dad have excellent temperaments and are available for viewing. Mom is black and tan and dad is red fawn. Puppies are raised in our home under foot with our.Please Contact French bulldogs blues!!!! Victoria Ckc registered puppies ready to set foot in their forever homes beginning of September Dna health tested All puppies will be up to date on vaccinations dewormed and veterinarian health checked. I am pleased to learn of your interest in our exotic dogs. Thank you for considering adding one of our four-legged friends to your family. To provide you with more information and discuss.All ears are up! Socialized with other pups, and.He is vet checked Dewormed Microchipped Has his first and second vaccines Both his parents are ckc registered Parents are health tested clear.The only litter in Canada! Located in Ashcroft These pups will be like a miniature Alapaha.Male and female available. Each pet will come with complete health check Up to date on vaccinations.Decorative Throw Pillows for Couch Bed Sofa with Zip CoversAn easy fun way to add a pop of colour or bring new life to any room in your home or office is with these beautiful Animal throw pillows. Dress up your bed sofa or lounger with this decorative design art pillows. She is a good with kids and adults but has developed a reactivity to other dogs. She has a good grasp of basic.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.We have 1 beautiful little girl left looking for her forever family. Pixie is a happy and healthy puppy with a lovely.Looking for forever home Born June 1st with two sets of shots Microchipped Up to date on dewormings He's got a beautiful lilac fawn coat! Free delivery in Canada.For fastest way to reach us Colors Couture Frenchies on fb. Or fill out questionnaire on our websites.Shipping by seller male French bulldog fully vaccinated Chilliwack Male French bulldog looking for forever home. Free delivery within lowermainland. He will come Vet checked. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Mom and dad on site. More pictures of puppies and parents upon request. Vet health check, 1st vaccinations and de-worming ready to go this Wednesday please do.Please Contact her for more information. Hi My name is Marco!! First time being available. Excellent nature. Loves people and gets along very well with other dogs. Microchipped and shots up.Mother is blue, father is lilac, blue, tan tri Merle. We have both parents and the puppies have been raised in our home. They are friendly with all

Pleasant Puppies - Warwickshire About us.Jim and I are not professional breeders, this is Cathryn's hobby, We are both medical in our back grounds but Jim is now retired and Cathryn is semi- retired. We really started breeding after a throw away comment while walking our dog Lizzy one day with some friends. The comment was " wouldn't they make beautiful puppies! The rest as they say is history. We originally bred mini F1B Goldendoodles, but both of our Goldendoodle girls are now retired. She is an intelligent, playful, obedient people centred dog. She loves running around the fields or chilling by the fire in the winter. Her greatest enjoyment is always cuddles time! Maggie Mae will be bred with a health tested stud miniature poodle. So her puppies will be medium sized dogs. We, well mostly Cathryn, love the whole process of breeding and rearing the puppies. The puppy cuddling, the weaning and meeting exited new puppy owner but less so the puppy poop! We have a lady called Fiona who lives in our village and helps us out with looking after the pups. Cathryn has a team of puppy cuddling friends who love it as much as she does. We play the litter a cd of sounds including traffic and fireworks. We are fortunate to live in rural north Warwickshire and to have a house big enough to be able to deliver and rear the puppies within our home in a room off of the kitchen, which is warm and dry. From there, when the puppies are a bit older, we can take them out to a safe enclosed yard where they are fed and can play. Then comes the fun of herding them all back in again! We have a maximum of one litter a year and our dogs and stud dogs have all of the relevant heath testing before mating. The puppies go to their new homes having been vet checked vet and microchipped. We are happy to give the first vaccination if you wish us to. The puppies come with 4 weeks insurance, puppy food, toys , information on how to look after them and of course a smelly blanket which is rubbed over mum and the litter. Our puppies are fun and good natured and a number of previous owners have returned for another pup from the next litter! We are always sad and yet happy to see them finally leave to go to their new families. At 8 weeks, the puppies are ready to join their new families and we are ready to see them go! Why not check out our website at www. Location: North West, United Kingdom 2. Curtabernedoodles Curtabernedoodles is the best breeder for you to work with if you believe that you will be ready to bring a Bernedoodle into your life within the next year or so. Curtabernedoodles is a business based in the United Kingdom that serves the entirety of the United Kingdom and Europe. They are dedicated to the Bernedoodle breed and professionally conduct themselves when providing breeding and stud services. In addition to that, they train puppies. The owner of the company has a degree in the field of health and care. Breeding facilities are not eligible to purchase puppies from this company. They offer families the opportunity to buy puppies. All the puppies there were born and raised in enchanting settings from the moment they were born. Puppies come in several sizes , each with a unique combination of trio and bio colors. After you have decided to purchase a puppy from them, you will be required to deposit euros so that your name can be reserved on the master list. Because of the increasing demand, you should consider putting in some effort to acquire a healthy Bernedoodle for your household. There are several price ranges available, each of which is determined by the size and characteristics of the product. A suitable Bernedoodle can be purchased for anywhere between 1, and 3, euros. Contact Details:. Our main aim is to produce a happy, healthy family companion. We have bernedoodles living all over Europe and are happy toa ssist with exporting a puppy safely. Many of our Bernedoodle puppies are trained assistant dogs or are resident dogs at schools. We are really proud of the work our puppies are achieving in developing children's confidence and abilities. Many of our bernedoodles have instagram pages also. Here at spring well we have the show-type cocker spaniel. We love the cocker spaniel for their intelligence and their loving temperment. Our cocker spaniels make excellent family dogs , They aim to please and are fairly easy to train. We have 2 cocker spaniel males - Wichyn and Prince both are available on stud Cockapoo A firm family favourite; which Chlidren seem to love! Cockapoos are loved for their playful characters and for the less shedding of hair. Cockapoo are produced from an English Cocker Spaniel and our Petite Minature Poodles; we always try to get a great variety of interesting colours. Their sweet, loyal and affectionate traits are a big part of what we as a family love about the breed. Many people have returned to buy more of our beautiful Bernese. They provide breeding and stud services for Bernedoodles with enthusiasm and professionalism. Additionally, they offer dog training. The owner of the business holds a degree in health and welfare. They are simply selling the puppies to families. All of their puppies were born and nurtured in a gorgeous setting. They have puppies of all sizes with beautiful triad and bio colors. When you purchase a puppy from them, a euro payment is required to secure your spot on the waiting list. Because of their increasing demand, you must wait to purchase a wonderful Bernedoodle for your family. Their pricing ranges vary based on their size and characteristics. The price range for an ideal Bernedoodle is between 1, and 3, Euros. A few breeders began actively crossing Bernese mountain dogs with poodles; however, it is conceivable that the first Bernedoodles were the product of accidental breeding. Purebred dogs are highly standardized in height, weight, color, coat type, temperament, and body structure. Because the Bernedoodle is a hybrid and not a purebred dog, none of the relevant purebred dog registries, like the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club, accept it. The Bernedoodle also lacks an established breed standard; therefore, there is considerable variety in the appearance and behavior of individual Bernedoodles. Varied breeders may have different conceptions of what constitutes a Bernedoodle, making it difficult to predict what you may receive if you purchase a Bernedoodle puppy. Bernedoodles can be F1 first generation , F2 second generation , F3 third generation , and so on. The puppies produced by an F1 litter are pretty varied. Some may resemble Bernese Mountain Dogs, while others may resemble poodles. Some puppies may resemble a hybrid of the two parent breeds, while others may not resemble either parent breed. In a litter of F1 Bernedoodle puppies, the coat type and amount of shedding can vary significantly. Two F1 Bernedoodles are crossed to produce F2 Bernedoodles. Additionally, F2 Bernedoodles have varied coat types. Some breeders add more poodles to the bloodlines to increase the stability of the coat type. This is known as backcrossing and is represented by a B. Tips When Choosing a Bernedoodle Breeder When choosing a Bernedoodle breeder, it is essential to ask questions and be sure you know what to expect. Here are some tips: Ask if they have the parents and puppies available. If not, ask when they will be available. Ask how much litter they have produced in the past year or a few years. Ask about the kennels where your new addition will live- is it clean? Are there plenty of toys for them to play with? If yes, this should help ensure they have lots of fun while being socialized correctly! The price of a Bernedoodle puppy depends on the breeder, the age of the puppy, and its breed. Conclusion Bernedoodles typically get along great with children and other dogs. They are usually a very affectionate breed and will love to cuddle all day long. Image Credits:. For Stud Introduction The Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed that is full of vigour. He is a lively dog with a sweet disposition. His goofiness and great love for his human companions garnered him countless fans. Since it is relatively a new breed, he is not yet recognised by the Kennel Club. It is a designer breed, a mix of the poodle and the Bernese mountain dog. He was solely created to be a wonderful family companion. Origins of the Bernedoodle The Bernedoodle dog breed is thought to have existed for a long time. However, it was Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels that was recognised as the first breeder to create this mixed breed. Back then, Sherry was separately breeding the golden Labradoodle and the Bernese mountain dog. It saddened her that the Bernese breed has such a short lifespan. So, she thought of making a new breed similar to the golden Labradoodle by using the Bernese. Thus, she cross-bred a poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. Her efforts proved to be fruitful as the first Bernedoodle pups were born in in Canada. Appearance and Grooming How big does a standard size Bernedoodle get? A fully mature standard Bernedoodle may grow approximately 23—29 inches tall. The smaller variation of the breed such as the mini Bernedoodle will have a height of 18—22 inches once he matures. Meanwhile, an adult tiny Bernedoodle will stand about 12—17 inches tall. How much does a Bernedoodle weigh? The weight of an adult standard Bernedoodle is approximately 50—90 lbs. What does a Bernedoodle look like? He has a triangular muzzle. His ears hang down along his head. He has black, oval eyes that are set far apart. His tail is bushy and carried high. He possesses thick, cushioned pads. A Bernedoodle that has a predominant Bernese gene is more likely to be taller and have a more defined, strong, equilateral physique. His coat often varies depending on which parent breed's gene prevails. One that has more Bernese blood will have a straighter coat. The one that acquired more of the poodle genes has more chances of inheriting the curly and wavy coat. His coat is dense, which gives him protection from the heat and insulation during the cold season. Is Bernedoodles hypoallergenic? The Bernedoodle's hypoallergenic coat is one of the things that are sought after by many dog owners. It is worth noting that a Bernedoodle with a curly coat sheds less, thus producing minimal dander. This dog is more fitting for allergic people. The one that possesses a straighter coat moults often, which makes him less hypoallergenic. The one with a straight coat requires at least once a week of brushing. However, since he sheds more, be prepared to brush him frequently during his moulting season. The Bernedoodle dog with curly hair needs more brushing. Brushing must be done at least three to four times a week to prevent mats and remove debris. Be sure to take him to the groomer if his coat grows too long. When it comes to bathing, only do it once he becomes too dirty or smelly. Frequent washing will dry his skin and hair and will cause skin problems. Clip his nails every three to four weeks to prevent splitting or cracking of nails. This poodle mix has droopy ears, so cleaning them often is a must to prevent ear infections. Gum diseases are common in dogs, so incorporate a daily dental routine in his daily grooming. Temperament and Intelligence The Bernedoodle is primarily bred to be a great family dog. He is expected to be extremely friendly and fond of his human companions. He is a Velcro dog that wants to stick close to his loved ones. He makes a good companion dog. Because of his loyalty to his owners, he can be protective of them and be indifferent around strangers. His love for his family has a downside. If left alone for too long, the Bernedoodle may have separation anxiety. It can cause him to develop unwanted behaviours such as incessant barking, digging, and ruining furniture. Therefore, make sure that he has a companion with him throughout the day when the rest of the family is out. The Bernedoodle is great for families with children and other pets. He is a lively dog that thoroughly enjoys fun and games. However, supervision is still recommended as he could be aloof at times and might cause an accident. Adults need to teach younger children how to gently handle dogs, too, to prevent them from hurting the dogs. Early socialisation paired with proper training is crucial. This will greatly help the Bernedoodle to mature into an amiable and sociable dog. Lack of socialisation may lead him to become vicious or timid around people and other animals. When it comes to training, the Bernedoodle is quick-witted and very eager to please his owner. However, he has a slight stubbornness in him, so be patient. Training should be firm and consistent, but also gentle. Rough training will only lead him to defy you. Instead, use positive reinforcement training, such as praising and giving him treats to encourage him even more. Fun Facts The Bernedoodle commonly has an affinity for snow and water. He inherited this trait from his parent breeds. The Bernese mountain dog enjoys the snow, although he may tend to dislike water. Meanwhile, the poodle is known to love swimming. There are various types of Bernedoodle generations. F1 is a first-generation Bernedoodle that is 50 per cent poodle and 50 per cent Bernese mountain dog. An F1b Bernedoodle is 75 per cent poodle and 25 per cent Bernese. An F2 Bernedoodle is a cross-breed between two different F1 Bernedoodles. Breeders do not recommend this as the offspring is likely to have genetic health problems. An F2 Bernedoodle is .The breed is often picked to become a therapy dog because of his friendly nature. He loves to interact with people and be with them. Nutrition and Feeding Protect your Bernedoodle pup from malnutrition and serious health issues by supplying him with a high-quality diet that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Since the Bernedoodle is an active and high-energy breed, he will benefit more from protein-rich food. The best dog food will have meat as the primary ingredient. Some protein sources may include fish, chicken, or beef. Make it a habit to divide his meals into two servings. This is to prevent him from gorging on his food. Quickly devouring food can lead to a bloated stomach and weight gain. Health and Exercise An energetic dog that likes to have fun, the Bernedoodle needs at least thirty minutes to an hour of workout. Walking around the neighbourhood, playing fetch, or learning new tricks are fun ways to expend his energy. Since the breed is known to love water, consider taking him to the beach or the lake for a swim. The Bernedoodle is a healthier breed compared to the poodle and the Bernese mountain dog. In fact, he has a lifespan of twelve to eighteen years. Smaller variations of the breed tend to live longer than their larger counterparts. However, there are still a few health issues that you need to look out for, such as: Eye problems such as canine cataracts Hyperadrenocorticism Cost of Ownership What impacts the cost of Bernedoodles? Many factors can affect the price tag. These include: Number of Quality Breeders The breed is fairly new, so there are only a few reputable Bernedoodle breeders. This can hike up the cost of the puppy. New Breed The Bernedoodle breed is in demand, but because the breed is new, puppies come in low quantities. The low supply and high demand can make the puppy costly. Tricoloured ones are found to be the most expensive. Health Tests Responsible breeders always make sure to produce a healthy litter. There may pay expensive fees for health screenings. How much does it cost to raise a Bernedoodle? Bernedoodle Breed Highlights The Bernedoodle enjoys being close to his family and engages in goofy antics that will bring out smiles and laughter. He is good around children and other pets with the help of early socialisation. He responds well to firm and consistent training and positive reinforcement. He needs a minimal amount of exercise throughout the day. Are you sure the Bernedoodle is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match. Dog Breed Selector Quiz Disclaimer: The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.

Their beauty, athleticism, smarts, attitude. To me it was the perfect package. So I went out looking for one. Of course, I made all the first time buyer mistakes as well. I knew nothing of reputable breeders, health testing, titles and temperment evaluations, and I bought my first female Lily out of the paper. She is not conformatally correct, but luckily she had a friendly, though shy temperament and beyond all luck, she lived until 3 months shy of 14 years old! Lily was your typical velcro dobe and was happiest when she was right next to me. In , When Lily was 5, I decided to add to my doberman family, and this time looked for a top notch breeder. Someone who was breeding for health and solid teperament, and was active in the dog world working and putting titles on their dogs. He sold me a male out of a great litter, and I named him Strider. Strider was everything you could ask for in a doberman. He was a great example of the breed both physically and mentally. He was beautiful and bomb proof and bold as brass. He was funny, full of himself, and beyond confident. Friendly with both humans and dogs, he became a certified therpay dog and went to hopspitals and old age homes regularly to visit people who wanted to spend time with a dog. I lost Strider just shy of his 7th birthday to complications of Lymphoma. He did six months of chemo and two half body radiations and was cancer free to the end. Many thanks to the team at the OVC in Guelph. He was such a good boy. After I lost Strider, I decided to persue a dream I had always had, but not been able to fulfill. To show my own doberman in the conformation ring and get a championship. With my work schedule for the past 20 years, that would have been impossible. Working on stage and only having Mondays off really does not leave you much opportunity to go to dog shows or competitions on the weekends! One of the trade offs for a life in the theatre!!! So in January , I blocked off time and bought myself a 'show dog'! I contacted Sandra Hunter of Bruda Dobermans in Chicago, and I was lucky enough to get one of the two show males she had held back. I named him Rudolph, as I got him just after Christmas, and as he is red and looks like a reindeer. Rudy was to be my first 'show' dog and boy did he teach me a thing or two about training a dog for the ring! Rudy finished his Canadian Championship owner handled in Novemeber of .Rudy is also involved in agility. The show bug caught, and I wanted a great quality bitch to show and to hopefully become my foundation bitch of my own breeding program in the future. As they say, the universe shows you the way and things happen for a reason. I was not really actively looking for said bitch, as Rudy was still young and I had things I wanted to do with him first but a casual email turned into one of the best things that could have happened! Their male special Gage, was a dog that not only was so impressive to look at but who reminded me a lot of Strider. Both American and Canadian Grand Champions and both exceptional representations of the breed. Quite the accomplishement as Gage is owner handled by Greg. So it came to be that I would get a show bitch from this fantastic breeding, and I named her Vega after the star! Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra. Vega has been extensively studied by astronomers, leading it to be termed "arguably the next most important star in the sky after the Sun. Bold as brass. She is beautiful and bombproof. She's never spooked, she adjusts to new situations in seconds, and is happy and inquisitive all the time. A little Jumping bean! She was an easy dog to handle in the ring and I finished her Canadian Championship at 8 months, with a best puppy in group. She finished her American Championship with 4 Majors, 2 of which she won on the competitive Florida circuit. Fantastic support, mentorship and friendship. And that is what I intend to offer all of my own puppy buyers in the future. Support, mentorship and friendship. Please feel free to follow the NEWS section of this website to keep up to date on all of the goings on of Broadway Dobermans. Should a Doberman Mix take after their Doberman Pinscher parent, they will be a large, powerful, and protective dog that is affectionate with their families. They may look imposing as they grow, but they are playful, energetic dogs that can make great family pets. Doberman Pinschers are quintessential protectors. As such, they require a lot of training and socialization to become a happy, well-balanced, and well-mannered dog. A properly socialized and trained Doberman is fiercely loyal to their families and is also a loving companion with a fun personality. As long as they are properly trained and socialized, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and even other pets. If a Doberman Mix takes after their Doberman Pinscher parent, then you can expect a similar temperament. However, the other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential traits and quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of her temperament and to see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should be starting socialization and training. Dobermans are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their large size and high energy, they are better suited to homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to making sure they get the exercise and attention they need to be happy and healthy. Doberman Pinschers do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because of their short coat, they may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm on walks during the winter. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar in terms of adaptability, then you can expect the same from a Doberman Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you have a better idea of what mix of traits and quirks a Doberman Mix puppy could end up with. Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes healthier than purebred dogs. The other parent breed will have their own set of potential health concerns, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to help avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be planning to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any relevant health tests or clearances that have been done. Doberman Pinschers are also one of the dog breeds at a higher risk for developing bloat and a Doberman Mix will likely have the same risk. Bloat in dogs is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal if gastric torsion occurs. Although Dobermans are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they are also strong, powerful dogs with a strong will as well. If they are not socialized properly or well-trained, they can become unmanageable, destructive, and pushy. Because of this, a Doberman Pinscher is usually better suited to more experienced owners. Novice owners can do well with this breed, but obedience classes or enlisting the help of a professional trainer is highly recommended. The other parent breed could make a Doberman Mix easier or more difficult to train. Make sure you ask the breeder about them and then be prepared to enroll in training classes either way. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should a Doberman Mix end up with a Doberman coat, it will be short and will shed a little year-round. A quick daily brushing and the occasional bath is enough to keep this coat healthy. Good dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Doberman Pinscher is a high-energy dog breed that needs a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run or another activity are usually enough for this dog. But, they are happy to be active with you, so they will likely be up for activity if you are. These dogs are powerful, athletic, and versatile. So, once puppies finish growing , you can try a wide variety of activities with them. You can try hiking, swimming, running, playing frisbee, training for dog sports, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect your Doberman Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed has a lower activity level, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A fully-grown Doberman Pinscher is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you want to ask the breeder about them and also pay attention to which breed is the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Doberman Mix. A Doberman generally lives for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Doberman Mix. Featured Doberman Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Doberman Pinscher is one of the dog breeds that make good guard dogs. In fact, they are known as one of the most effective guard dogs in the world. The Doberman Pinscher was first bred by a man named Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector around who wanted a guard dog that was also a suitable companion. The Doberman breed was created with a melting pot of different breeds that include the Old Shorthaired Shepherd, Rottweiler , Black and Tan Terrier, and the German Pinscher , among others. There was a time when Dobermans were bred with the intention of creating an aggressive breed, which led to a reputation that still precedes them. The AKC recognized the Doberman Pinscher in as a member of the Working Group and they are still one of the most popular working breeds. Today, the Doberman can be found as a loyal family companion and working as search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs. They are even one of the popular show dog breeds and are often found competing in dog sports. The Doberman may grow into a large, powerful dog with an intimidating reputation, but they are loving and affectionate with their families. In fact, one of the facts about Doberman Pinschers is that they are extremely affectionate towards their owners. They tend to get along well with children, dogs, and other pets in the family. They are protective and are initially suspicious of strangers, but they tend to warm up once introduced as long as they are well-socialized. Because they are protective and vigilant watchdogs, a Doberman Pinscher will bark to alert you. But, they do not tend to bark a lot unless they have been trained into it or are poorly socialized. In addition to ongoing socialization, you can also train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance. Doberman Pinschers are moderately adaptable dog breeds. Although they can adapt to smaller homes if enough time is dedicated to giving them the exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need every day, their large size and high energy level can be an obstacle in small living spaces. They are best suited to homes with enough room for them to move around and fenced yards where they can run. They are sensitive to heat. Their short coat also does not provide much insulation from the cold, so they may need some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when temperatures drop. As a protective and affectionate dog that bonds closely with their families, Dobermans do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They also get bored easily and can become destructive if they are left on their own. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, barrel-chested breed, the Doberman Pinscher is at risk for bloat. The Doberman Pinscher is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, so it is no surprise that they pick up on things quickly. Although a Doberman can be eager to please, they also tend to be strong-willed. Once you have a strong bond with them and their respect, they will strive to please you provided expectations are clear and consistent during training. Training classes or working with a professional trainer are recommended, even for experienced owners. If not socialized well or trained properly, these dogs can become destructive, unmanageable, and aggressive. Doberman Pinschers have short coats that shed a little year-round. Weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week along with the occasional bath is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Cutting nails once or twice a month keeps nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Ideal dental care for dogs starts with daily tooth brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed. Starting a good dental care routine early and maintaining it consistently can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Doberman Pinschers are high-energy dogs that are very energetic, very playful, and also very hardworking. They require a lot of exercise every day and need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but Dobermans will often be up for more activity if you are. They are athletic and versatile dogs, so once puppies finish growing and developing, you can try a lot of things with them. Playing frisbee, running, hiking, swimming, and more are all things you and your Doberman might enjoy together. Doberman Pinschers tend to excel at agility, tracking, obedience, rally, fly ball, dock diving , and more. Fully-grown Doberman Pinschers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Doberman Pinschers generally live for years on average. The U. Marine Corps Dobermans of the Pacific were dedicated to the war effort and increased the fame and popularity of the breed. Twenty-five military dogs died during the battle for Guam. Featured Doberman Pinscher Article.

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. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. She, in that time, will be feeding them. And, if nothing bad happens, she should be close to her puppies for the next 8 to 10 weeks, and should not be separated from them for too long. This is due to the simple fact, that they first get all the basic knowledge of life from their mother, who would train and care for them. Not only they should already walk confidently, but the amount of information they get from their mother is increased drastically! They should start socializing and learning the environment in all the details. They are now also more confident with who they are, what other species of animals are there, and who us, people, are as well. Now, they explore everything around them, as curiously as they can! And, finally, they start developing emotional reactions to things. And, as the puppies eat much more, than adults, it will need a lot of food as well. But full-grown teeth are formed at around 4th week of development. Their development is going as fast as it can, and anything that might obstruct it is the most important enemy. Their mother keeps most of the illnesses from them, and without her they risk getting sick. Not only this, but they can be very allergic to cleaning chemicals. And the utmost important thing is a good, clean environment. You must be very cautious when choosing detergents. If their caring mother is not around, which you should not allow for too long, the problem of feeding is fully on you. And you should be responsible! Ask a vet about what should you give to your puppies before doing anything yourself. Try to keep your puppies in all the same place, as they are socializing with each other, as stated above. And this is everything you need to know about 3 week old puppies. Good luck, an thank You for reading!

Updated on 13 July Pros Intelligence When you think of a German Shepherd , a hard-working, muscular dog comes to mind. However, German Shepherds are one of the smartest breeds in the dog world. They were ranked third out of breeds in a study in .Only the Border Collie and Poodle are more intelligent. Usually, it takes five repetitions to teach a GSD a new trick and these dogs will follow the first command 95 per cent of the time. If you bring home a German Shepherd, you will have a brainy dog on your hands. Lola pawsofshire is an example of a German Shepherd that is quick to learn new commands. Lola is very intelligent and easy-going. She has never destroyed the house, and rarely kicks up a fuss about anything. We do a lot of mental training with Lola too as opposed to psychical exercise so she is very good at switching off and knowing when is chill time and when is play time. German Shepherds work alongside the military and the police, while they were the first American service dogs. Experts suggest keeping the commands short and sweet will help to make the training process a little bit easier. They have an eagerness to please, which helps too. When we rescued Phoenix, he walked terribly on lead, constantly pulling and lunging towards people and dogs. He just needed someone to set boundaries and help him direct his energy. We have trained him to be a very obedient dog and to get walks off lead perfectly and can even do a few tricks. German Shepherds have a desire to protect and have got a reputation for being great family dogs. The degree of loyalty depends on the amount of work that you put in during their puppyhood. With their eagerness to please and willingness to follow commands, you can strike up a strong relationship with your GSD pup which will cultivate their loyalty to you. German Shepherd owners who can establish themselves as the parental-type figure in the home can grow a companionship with their dog that is full of love and mutual respect. Freja the German Shepherd is extremely loyal to her owner. A GSD will never stab you in the back, it will always have your back. You have a unbreakable bond with your dog and they will support and help you during their whole life. I will have a long life companion. Great guard dogs While these dogs can make great family pets due to their caring and loving personalities, German Shepherds are universally recognised as one of the best types of guard dogs. Classed as medium-to-large sized dogs, a German Shepherd can grow to be cm 24—26 in tall and kg 66—88 lb in weight. They have very powerful jaws and their bite strength is second only to their compatriot, the Rottweiler. The GSD is a bold, courageous and fearless dog, all characteristics that make it ideal to guard the home. They are quick to learn commands and if trained properly, they will back off if a welcome stranger enters the home. German Shepherds are very loyal and committed. They will protect their owner, family and their house. They are amazing guard dogs and great family pets that will surely keep you safe. They are naturally protective and loyal twords their owners and will stick by you with everything. Beauty This breed can serve a purpose, whether it is guarding your home, assisting those in need or working alongside the police force. For all their admirable traits, perhaps their best is their beauty. These dogs are long, elegant animals that have a lush coat. Their wide head and square muzzle give them a powerful stature, while their pointed ears and big brown eyes give them an alert appearance. With a gentle, sloping bushy tail, the German Shepherd is a breathtaking breeds. Cons Beauty the German Shepherd Photo: beauty. These German dogs require a lot of exercise. Experts recommend at least two hours a day of exercise to keep your GSD happy. Depleting their energy levels can result in a better behaved dog at home — GSD have a reputation for chewing furniture. While committing to multiple, lengthy walks might be a con for some dog owners, it could also be a positive for those with the free time to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. If you are unable to give your GSD the necessary exercise due to work commitments, you may want to consider hiring the services of a dog walker. German Shepherds also require much of your time to keep them healthy and calm. If left unexercised, shepherds tend to become very hyper, anxious, and not well tempered. You need to have lots of time open to exercising your dog such as walks, runs, and socializing them daily. One of the biggest issues facing the breed is hip dysplasia. A lot of GSD owners have encountered this problem and it is a reoccurring theme with the breed. They are also susceptible to epilepsy. It is a common hereditary disease found in these working dogs and can result it seizures. German Shepherds have also been known to suffer from bloating otherwise known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus which occurs when gas builds up and makes it difficult for a GSD to breathe or sends their body into a shocked state. The price can vary depending on each breeder. For GSD from certain bloodlines, you can expect to pay quite a bit more. Aside from the initial cost, feeding your German Shepherd and regular trips to the vet can hit your budget hard. Prepare for lots of hair around the home! They shed heavily year round so you will need to be prepared to get the vacuum out on a regular basis. They have a thick undercoat which blows out twice a year, which can be a particularly challenging time for a GSD owner. Three or four times a year should suffice! The amount of times I have to hoover my house daily is ridiculous. I could easily hoover 5 times a day and there would still be dog hair everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It gets stuck in the carpets, in the laundry, I find it in my food. I even bring it to work with me and find it in my work diary. I bathed Lola the other day, ended up clogging the drain up and had to go out and buy drain unblocker before I could use my shower again. Shedding season is even worse. Hair everywhere, enough to make a new dog friend made of her hair for her. Aside from this, Lola gets near daily brushes using an undercoat rake and a slicker coat. Doing so tends to keep the hair under control, but you still find it everywhere. By observing other dogs interact with their fellow pooches or humans, a GSD can learn the proper way to behave. Her attention is on loud noises or even something like wind, but we try and remain patient with her at all times. We use positive reinforcement training only and will continue on this path for the rest of her life. By Chris German Shepherds are iconic and classic dogs that adore affection and companionship. In many ways, German Shepherds are the ideal pet for those who love adventure, road trips, and playing outdoors. German Shepherds are an excitable dog breed that loves spending time with their family and small children. They are fun-loving dogs who enjoy the thrill of adventure and can adapt to nearly any situation. However, they come with a few of their own issues. German Shepherds can be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. This dog breed is also loud and may spend plenty of time barking. With the right amount of love, attention, and training, a German Shepherd can make a dog owner and family happy. Read on to find out more about the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership. Pros German Shepherds are stunning dogs with lively personalities and vibrant coats. These dogs love spending time with the family and will gladly cuddle, show affection , and play well into the nighttime hours. German Shepherds are also highly vigilant and are ideal protectors and guard dogs in case of an intrusion. There are many positives to owning a German Shepherd, including plenty of affection, constant playtime, and an enhanced sense of safety. Loyalty There is no dog breed as loyal as the German Shepherd. This dog adores their owners and families and will spend as much time as possible making them happy. These dogs thrive on praise, attention, and adoration. They will also do nearly anything to get them. German Shepherds rarely leave their owners, choose other people to be around, or abandon them. The owner and German Shepherd go for a walk. Stunning Features This dog breed is stunning and has a coat of fur that comes in many colors. Some German Shepherds may have nearly solid black fur , while others have various colors. German Shepherds have stunning features like warm, chocolate brown eyes and a resilient body type. Black German Shepherd running. Training Is Easy German Shepherds are easy to train, which is why they are often used by police departments in the United States. German Shepherds are constantly willing to please and want to do anything possible to make their owners happy. Because of this eagerness to please, German Shepherds accept commands and instructions. Owner trains her train German Shepherd. Adapts Well This dog breed adapts well to changes in routine and nearly thrives on new adventures as they come up. There is nothing more exciting than a vacation for a German Shepherd. All the new sights and smells can make a German Shepherd excitable and engage their need for something new. German Shepherd runs on the water. Highly Intelligent German Shepherds are highly intelligent and love to engage in the part of their brain that enjoys puzzles and solving riddles. This dog breed will engage in hide-and-seek or spend hours digging holes in the backyard if it needs to engage its brain. It can be hard to hide from a German Shepherd since they are so intelligent and often used to locate missing persons and items. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. Loves To Stand Guard German Shepherds are very protective and love to watch for potential dangers and threats to their families. German Shepherds will alert to anything they deem even mildly threatening and will use their bodies to shield those they love to protect them. German Shepherds can be very protective of young children and check on them multiple times a night. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Loves Small Children German Shepherds are especially loving to small children. This dog breed loves playing outside and will spend hours running in the yard, chasing children, and playing catch with toys. German Shepherds will also do anything to protect small children and enjoys laying down with young children at the end of the day. German Shepherd looks after the baby. This dog breed will also give you gifts they find like sticks from outside or their favorite toys. German Shepherd smiles upon seeing his owner. Cons Although charming and loving dogs, German Shepherds may not be right for every household or family — especially those that are busy. German Shepherds require plenty of work, attention, and affection, which some families may not be able to give during their busy schedules. In addition, German Shepherds may have some health conditions as they get older and require more cleaning due to their stunning, long hair. Read through our list of negatives to German Shepherd ownership to decide if a German Shepherd is right for you. Needs Constant Tasks German Shepherds need nearly constant work to maintain their happy demeanor. When left without toys, tasks, or other things to keep their mind engaged and happy, they may start to show signs of emotional distress or depression. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Constant Energy German Shepherds have constant energy , and this can be exhausting for some dog lovers and families with older children. The constant energy in a German Shepherd may have them running around the house at odd hours and make for mess and destruction. A big boy German Shepherd enjoys a beach visit Barks Frequently German Shepherds are hyper-vigilant and always on the lookout for danger , meaning they may bark a lot to alert their families of threats. A family with young children may get annoyed with the constant noise, and some small children may have trouble sleeping if their dog barks all night long. German Shepherd barks aggressively at the stranger. Plenty of Shedding German Shepherds are notorious for shedding. This dog breed is not hypoallergenic and can cause a lot of issues for families with allergies. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Health Issues German Shepherds are known to get hip dysplasia as they get older. This usually manifests with noticeable hopping, cracking noises, and trouble holding their own weight. German Shepherds may also get epilepsy or other seizing disorders. Separation Anxiety German Shepherds are known to have some separation anxiety. This can manifest as whining, crying, and general unhappiness. Although difficult, a German Shepherd can be left alone for eight hours but should be checked on frequently to prevent damage or property destruction. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Expensive German Shepherds are highly sought-after dogs. Due to this high demand, this dog breed is expensive and may require reservations years in advance. It can be challenging to get your hands on a German Shepherd, especially a puppy. German Shepherd puppy is under crate training. Socialization Your German Shepherd may need a lot of socialization with other dogs and humans. These dogs prefer to live in a place where there are plenty of visitors and friends who can spend time with them. Without the proper socialization, your dog may start to become sad, depressed , and lonely. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are affectionate, loving dogs who adore spending time with small children. This dog breed will gladly spend hours playing, running around the yard, and standing guard for their loved ones. German Shepherd thrives in adventurous environments and will enjoy running around, listening to your commands, and playing with the family. However, German Shepherds can have health conditions and other factors that may make them a challenging pick for busy dog lovers. Although German Shepherds are charming, this dog breed may be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. German Shepherds are also loud dogs who enjoy alerting their owners of visitors, friends, or intruders. This dog breed can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners and may be too much responsibility for those who live busy lives. By considering the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership above, you can decide whether they will be ideal for your family and needs. 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. This is greatly linked to their high intelligence and trainability. GSDs will be happy in a home with a large yard, but they can easily adapt to apartment life as long as they get enough daily exercise. They will also adapt to different weather conditions and diverse living conditions. People link dog loyalty to pack behavior , which does not imply dominance but a sense of family group. But pack behavior also points to a basic dog characteristic of social animals. German Shepherds are known to develop strong bonds, show affection, protect, and stick with family through thick and thin. GSD loyalty has also been nurtured over the centuries by training in their original herding role. But, like all other breeds, German Shepherds are not all affection and loyalty. They also come with their fair share of drawbacks that are worth noting before bringing one home. On the contrary, it means knowing them well before committing to be their parent. As one of the most popular dog breeds in the US and the world, and with its many great qualities, purebred dogs definitely come with a fat price tag. Expending energy comes with a myriad of health and overall well-being benefits for German Shepherds and all dogs. A poorly exercised GSD can quickly become overweight and develop destructive behavior due to boredom and unused energy. On average, adults require around 2 hours of exercise daily. That can be divided between morning and evening walks and other engaging activities at home or as part of training. This behavior was inherited from their wolf ancestors as a hunting and survival skill. Since German Shepherds live with us and cannot show their hunting skills whenever they feel like it, prey drive is tamed through training. But as the saying goes, where there was fire, ashes remain. German Shepherds can put out their hunting instinct once in a while. Risk his life chasing moving cars or bikes. Become a stalker of other smaller animals. Focus on moving things and fail to concentrate on training or commands you give. My German Shepherd chasing squirrels — clearly needs more prey drive training! On one side, they are rated slightly above average in their ability to be friendly toward other dogs. On the other side, you should be extra careful if you want to keep cats and smaller pets like rabbits or birds. Remember that GSDs have a strong prey drive and are likely to see smaller animals as merely game. To prevent this, you should gradually introduce your doggo to a cat early in life and gradually. But you may want to avoid pet rabbits and birds altogether if dealing with a fully grown GSD. That is especially true if breeders test their dogs for possible genetic-inherited conditions before breeding. Nonetheless, the breed is associated with several health conditions, including:. German Shepherds were my very first breed. This noble-looking male has a beautiful rugged head, intelligent expression, and rich coloration. My experience with German Shepherd temperament Temperament and behavior stem from what the breed was designed for To understand a breed's temperament and behavior, ask, "What was he developed to do? The German Shepherd was developed from various sheepherding dogs. German Shepherds were also developed as military messenger and sentry dogs, and as personal protection and police dogs. The breed also excels at search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. Certainly you would expect high intelligence, high self-confidence, trainability, and an ability to focus. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, an ideal German Shepherd, when properly raised by a confident owner, can be a magnificent companion. There's a good reason my first dogs were German Shepherds! Unfortunately, it can be difficult today to find a German Shepherd with an ideal temperament. Or at least an ideal temperament to be a good family companion. Different lines have different temperaments Today, the temperament of a German Shepherd often depends largely upon what kind of line he comes from. Some breeders, you see, produce working lines of German Shepherds with high-drive temperaments — vigorous and intense. These dogs are ideal for competitive protection-dog sports. But not so much for the average family companion, unless you were to look carefully for an individual pup in one of those litters who didn't inherit that high-drive temperament. Other breeders produce show lines that match a detailed standard of conformation for the show ring. These dogs are softer-tempered than those from working lines. That sounds nice and yet.I've worked with far too many German Shepherds from show lines who were hyperactive, skittish, spooky, or downright dopey. This happens when breeders focus on appearance more than temperament and trainability. My recommendation for a good family dog If you're looking for an easygoing family companion, I would avoid both strict show lines and strict working lines. Instead, you might look for more of a generalist breeder who focuses on calmness and high trainability. These breeders might prove their dogs' trainability by participating in non-protection dog sports such as obedience, rally, or agility. Or, if you want a truly mellow Shepherd, you might consider a longhaired or perhaps a solid white German Shepherd. These dogs are seldom bred for aggressive dog sports, so they tend to have a milder temperament that fits well into many families. Just be careful with the whites. A good number of them are too soft, which can result in timidity or skittishness. I hope you can see.Because if you don't know what you want, and what you don't want, and if you don't ask the right questions, you're likely to end up with a German Shepherd that isn't at all what you were looking for — and possibly one who is too much for you to handle. Such an intelligent expression — confident and inquiring. Pros and cons of German Shepherds The Good Thrives on challenging activities and exercise Loyal to his own family Looks imposing and has a reputation that bad guys don't want to fool with, so makes an effective deterrent Highly intelligent and versatile — can learn almost anything The Bad Can be hard to find one with a family-oriented temperament and a decent chance of staying healthy Needs plenty of exercise and interesting things to do Needs careful socialization Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough Potential aggression toward other animals Constant shedding — days a year Legal liabilities insurance issues, increased chance of lawsuits High risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. How big are German Shepherds? Males stand about inches at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Females stand about inches and weigh pounds. Some German Shepherds are considerably larger than that, but shouldn't be. This breed is supposed to be athletic and agile, not giant-sized and ponderous. Larger dogs can have more joint problems and a shorter lifespan. Are there different "types" of German Shepherds? Officially there's only the one breed. But I explained in the Temperament section that there are different lines of German Shepherds with different temperaments. Those lines can also LOOK very different from each other. Show lines Those of us who admired the strong, noble look of German Shepherds from decades ago are saddened at what has been done to the appearance of modern show dogs. If you go to a German Shepherd specialty show in the United States or Canada, you'll see tall narrow bodies, long narrow heads, and such excessive curvature of the rear legs that the dog's back slopes downward from shoulders to tail. You could roll a ball down that back. In my opinion, these are misshapen caricatures of a German Shepherd. To make matters worse, show lines produce more than their share of spooky and low-intelligence dogs, which is what happens when you over-focus on appearance rather than temperament and trainability. In contrast, the West German show line has a more normal shape. There are many West German bloodlines in the United States. Just be aware that these dogs aren't couch potatoes: they do have plenty of energy and some working drives that will need to be exercised. Solid black German Shepherds are less common, but when combined with a rugged build, makes for a very handsome dog. It's true that working lines are often too strong-tempered and intense for the average family. But if you're an experienced owner who knows how to be in charge and if you provide firm rules and plenty of physical and mental exercise, working lines can make great companions. Knowledgeable working dog breeders can point you toward the pups in their litters who are calmer and have less working drive. These dogs were used by the military and border patrol, so they're tough, not recommended for the average family. Pet lines? You might be thinking, "Must I choose show line or working line? Isn't there another choice, like a line specifically bred to be a good pet? Some breeders emphasize high trainability, competing with their intelligent dogs in non-protection sports such as obedience or agility. Other breeders emphasize "old style" German Shepherds with a more rugged build. But avoid breeders who boast about their "giant" German Shepherds. Packing more weight onto the frame and joints of a breed that's supposed to be medium to large is a huge pun intended mistake. German Shepherd with long hair. This particular dog has a minimalist long coat — just some ear tufts and a body coat that's slightly longer than normal. Shorthaired or longhaired When you're thinking about the different types of German Shepherds, you should also consider the two types of COAT: The normal coat is short hair. But German Shepherds also come in a longer coat. Both coats are the same breed. Unfortunately, in the United States, long coats are frowned upon by the official clubs and show-dog breeders. Long-coated dogs can be registered, bred, and shown in certain activities such as obedience and agility. But they're not welcome in the conformation ring, where judging is based on appearance. Some long-coated Shepherds have essentially a short body coat with only minor feathering around their ears, on the backs of their legs, and on their bum and tail. Other long-coated German Shepherds have long hair across most of their body. Do long haired German Shepherds have a different build or temperament? Yes, often they do. Because they're not welcome in the conformation ring, their structure hasn't been deformed like that of their shorthaired brothers. And because they're seldom seen in protection dog sports, their temperament tends to be softer and milder, which fits well into many families. German Shepherds are active dogs, but should not be hyperactive. Fetch games are a great way to exercise this breed. How much exercise do German Shepherds need? German Shepherd puppies and adolescents up to 18 months old should have moderate exercise only — multiple walks, fetch games, or if there is a compatible playmate playing with another dog. But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running beside a jogger or bicyclist. Restrict jumping as much as possible. Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dog's energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible. Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise. Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated. This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide 'n Seek. Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words. Are German Shepherds easy to train? Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate. As we've seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A "tougher" German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog. That doesn't mean "softer" German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog. In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you. This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. Are they friendly with strangers? Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed's national club says, a good German Shepherd has: "a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd's natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness. When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn't have to like them, but he must accept them. One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren't being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog's attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade. At the other end of the spectrum are German Shepherds who tuck their tail between their legs, and try to hide behind you or run away whenever a stranger or another dog approaches. Sometimes this is just inexperience with the world, but sometimes it's an inherited form of shyness. German Shepherds who are genetically shy can be helped by socialization — but not "cured. There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a "guard dog breed" does anything even remotely questionable. Are German Shepherds good with children? If the dog was raised with childen and if the children are well-behaved, most German Shepherds with a normal temperament are fine with them. But if you have young children, you need to be especially careful about bringing an adult German Shepherd with an unknown background into your home. That dog should have a stellar temperament vouched for by experienced rescue personnel. Also I wouldn't be comfortable with some high-drive German Shepherds around toddlers. These vigorous, intense dogs could send a toddler flying without even meaning to. Are German Shepherds good with other pets? Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs and cats in their own family, if introduced to them when the dog is young. I've had multiple German Shepherds living harmoniously with my Chihuahuas and cats. And some German Shepherds are dominant, or aggressive, toward other dogs of the same sex. My dog Luke, for example, would never dream of harming a female dog — but he would have loved to engage any strange male. Only a firm Respect Training program kept his behavior under control. Long-coated German Shepherd. Keep their feathering combed out to avoid painful mats and tangles. Grooming: Do German Shepherds shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? About shedding.I have good news and bad news. The good news is that German Shepherds have only one shedding period a year. The bad news is.In other words, German Shepherds shed constantly. How is this different from most breeds? Most breeds shed a few hairs here and there throughout the year. But the vast bulk of their shedding occurs only twice a year — for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and for three weeks in the fall as the summer coat switches over to a winter coat. Not German Shepherds. They shed a TON during those spring and fall coat-switching seasons. Plus they shed moderately the rest of the year. So year-round, you'll find hair on your clothing, on your carpets, and under your refrigerator. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life. You might be wondering, "How can a shorthaired dog shed so much? They have a short outer coat harsh to the touch , plus a woolly undercoat for insulation. Breeds with a double coat always shed more than breeds who simply have an outer coat but no undercoat. German Shepherds come in a long coat, as well as a short coat. Both coats shed heavily. Now, about grooming.How much grooming is required depends on whether a German Shepherd is shorthaired or longhaired. We've already talked about the temperament usually good of longhaired German Shepherds. As far as grooming goes, they obviously need regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. The longer the coat, the more work it will be. But even if your Shepherd has a short coat, you're not off the hook when it comes to brushing. With a constant shedder, you should brush as often as possible to pull out the shed hairs before they end up on your floor and furnishings. Ironically, longhaired German Shepherds often seem to shed less than the shorthaired. That's because some shed hair gets caught in the long coat instead of falling out. The trade-off is that you need to brush out that accumulated hair regularly or it will tangle and fuse into a matted mess. Longhaired dogs need trimming Along with brushing and combing, longhaired German Shepherds need trimming every few months. Focus on the longish hair around the dog's private parts. Otherwise whenever he goes to the bathroom, the result is going to be unsanitary, both for the dog and for your house. Remember, anything that sticks to long hair eventually ends up on your floor or furnishings. So keep your dog's private parts trimmed short. Gray sable pattern How long do German Shepherds live? Are they a healthy breed? German Shepherds typically live years. Some do live to 13 or 14, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. And sadly, many don't even make it to age .As a long-time German Shepherd owner, I know first-hand how many health problems this breed suffers from. Crippling joint diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive diseases, skin diseases, heart and eye diseases.It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a German Shepherd. Here is a complete list of health problems in German Shepherds. The most common color in German Shepherds — black and tan, in the saddleback pattern What colors do German Shepherds come in? The most common colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, or black and silver. These colors cover the dog in one of these three patterns: Saddleback — the black overlays the dog's back and sides like a saddle. The rest of the dog is tan, red, cream, or silver. Usually there's some black on the face, as well. Blanketback — the black extends further down the shoulders and hips. Honestly I don't know why this pattern is called bicolor, which simply means two colors. As we've just seen, the other two patterns also have just two colors. Another common color is sable, which is an overall shade of gray, golden, or red, with black-tipped hairs that create a "dusted with black" effect. A less common, but perfectly acceptable, color is solid black. Many blue dogs look as though they've been dusted with flour. Liver German Shepherds have inherited a color-modifying gene that changes their black pigment to brown any shade from light to dark. For example, if a German Shepherd would have been a black and tan saddleback — except that he inherited a modifying gene — he becomes a blue and tan saddleback, or a liver and tan saddleback. Blue and liver are considered serious faults by the official German Shepherd clubs and breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring. But you can still register these dogs and compete with them in activities such as obedience and agility. Controversial color: solid white As with blue and liver, you can register a white German Shepherd and show him in competitive activities such as obedience and agility. But you can't show him in the conformation ring. Well, the Powers-That-Be say white is an unacceptable color because German Shepherds were developed to be herding and guard dogs. White dogs, they say, are too visible to make effective guard dogs. On the other hand, white dogs blend in too much with the sheep or snow instead of being clearly visible to the human shepherd. If you love the white color, you might be pleased to hear that White Shepherd enthusiasts have formed their own club, which holds its own conformation shows. Do German Shepherd ears stand up on their own, or do they have to be cut or taped to make them stand up? Ah, you're thinking about cropping, a surgical procedure to make the ears stand up. That's done with Doberman Pinschers, but not with German Shepherds. A Shepherd puppy's ears prick up naturally — they're never cropped. German Shepherd puppy with perfectly normal ears at this age. If the pup inherited normal genes, the other ear should come up shortly. But German Shepherd puppies aren't born with pricked ears. In some pups, the ears start to prick up at 6 or 8 weeks old, while others don't start until 12 or 14 weeks old. Often the ears don't go up smoothly. In other words, they don't suddenly pop straight up. Typically one ear will go up halfway, and stay like that for a few days. Then the other ear may start to prick while the first ear straightens all the way up. A few days later, just as the second ear straightens up, the first one suddenly flops back down. This can be a trying time for new owners who worry that their pup's ears will never stand properly. Rest assured, it's normal for German Shepherd puppy ears to go up and down for a month or two, especially during the teething period. Unfortunately, some puppies do inherit poor genes for ear strength and often those ears will never come all the way up. They're called "soft ears. I had a German Shepherd with one soft ear. It flopped sideways on top of his head, while the other ear stood up beautifully. Of course I loved him dearly anyway! Most German Shepherd puppies start out with floppy ears and dark coloration. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your German Shepherd puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on German Shepherd health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a German Shepherd puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. German Shepherds are extremely common in the United States, the 2nd most common of all breeds. So they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of developing a stable temperament and the best chances of staying healthy through the years. THAT is harder to do. First, you need to think about the different types of German Shepherds we talked about earlier. The different temperament types and the different build and coat types. You'll remember.Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. One parent should have a certificate showing them to be clear of degenerative myelopathy. This is the fastest way to rule out all the bad breeders. No certificates equals irresponsible breeding. Many years ago, I had a dear German Shepherd with this devastating disease. Believe me, you do not want to go through that. If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your German Shepherd ends up crippled, paralyzed, or stricken with heart disease. Because of their popularity, and because so many owners acquire one without doing diligent research, German Shepherds are often available from dog rescue groups. German Shepherd crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be over-zealous in labeling every medium- to large dog with a vaguely shepherd-ish look as a "German Shepherd cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to German Shepherds? The Shiloh Shepherd looks like a large German Shepherd, which is not surprising since the Shiloh was developed 50 years ago by crossing German Shepherds with larger breeds. Compared to German Shepherds, Shiloh Shepherds tend to have a calmer, more easygoing personality. Compared to German Shepherds, most White Shepherds have a softer, more sensitive personality. White Shepherds are fine watchdogs, but seldom aggressive. In fact, if a White Shepherd is going to have any temperament fault, it's more likely to be timidity or skittishness. The Belgian Shepherd is recommended only for experienced owners. Compared to the German Shepherd, a Belgian is more agile, graceful, and elegant. Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent, but also easily bored and prone to obsessive behaviors. This is a demanding breed that needs ongoing supervision and structured activities. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. These dogs are known to be capable and smart working dogs that add a lot of fun and love to your family. It could be said that there is no ideal dog. All dog breeds have their pros and cons that we must considered in order to know which is the dog that best suits our lifestyle and needs. So, what are the German Shepherd pros and cons? Keep on reading to find out. Also known as Alsatian, this dog originated in German in the late s as a strong and intelligent herding dog. Later, it became one of the most popular dogs and the parent to one of the most popular breeds in the USA. It is a working dog that can also help the blind as a reliable guide dog, chase criminals, sniff out illegal substances at the airport and in malls, visit the sick as a fun dog, and herd sheep. They were able to help find survivors and comfort rescue forces. American German Shepherds are slightly different from their German counterparts. They have become more accustomed to family life and will show slightly different behavior. The dog usually lives up to 14 years, with an average life of 10 years. The male reaches a maximum weight of 90 pounds, while the female will be slightly lighter, weighing around 70 pounds. German Shepherd Pros and Cons There are several differences between members of the same breed, so these traits might not be common in every German Shepherd dog you encounter. Here are the pros and cons of the German Shepherd. Here are some of the advantages of getting a German Shepherd. Strong body German Shepherds have strong muscular bodies to be able to herd sheep. Due to its history as a herding dog, you can expect a lot from this strong and smart dog. It likes to stay active and will appreciate daily walks and play sessions that you both can enjoy together. Long Life Span German Shepherds can live up to 14 years. As long as you keep an eye on your dog, take them to the vet, pay attention to their diet, and make sure that they exercise regularly, they will have a long healthy life. Some health problems are expected at an older age, just like other dog breeds. Intelligent If you take a moment to think about all the things that the German Shepherd can do nowadays, you will realize how highly intelligent this dog breed is. This dog loves to have a job. German Shepherds were the first service dogs in the United States. They were also used to help the blind, the deaf, and people who suffer from seizures. Dogs can detect epileptic seizures 45 minutes before they occur. This dog is an excellent rescue dog and can sniff out survivors in buildings collapses as well as avalanches. They will go out of their way to warn you in case of danger. In addition to being highly trainable, a German Shepherd also has a desire to please. This means that you can teach your dog to do anything you want. Obedient This dogs understand the rules and will follow them. They will always listen to orders, and this qualifies them as excellent show dogs. German Shepherds take part and succeed at agility and obedience competitions because they are easy to train. To make sure that your dog is following your orders, you should be the alpha leader. In general, German Shepherds are easy going and will listen to whatever you tell them to do. Loyal German Shepherds are loyal dogs and will go out of their way to help you in case of danger. These dogs make great family dogs with a strong desire to protect their owner. A German Shepherd is approachable but takes time to trust strangers. Once you have established a good relationship with your puppy, you will have a loyal life companion. All the time you spend with your dog as a puppy will be reflected in a lifetime of loyalty where your German Shepherd will always try to keep you safe and happy. Your dog will usually identify the parental figure in the house and have a huge love and respect for you as a protective parent. Excellent guard dogs, they can have an aloof attitude and can even become a little aggressive if they feel danger. This dog is extremely protective of its owner and will do their best to protect you in case of danger. It has a powerful jaw and will not hesitate to attack anyone who might threaten you. This is why it will work for you if you live alone and need a companion to keep you safe. The German Shepherd is a courageous and fearless dog. Beautiful In addition to its exceptional personality, this dog is also very beautiful. It has a lush smooth coat and bold yet loving eyes. The pointed ears give this dog an alert appearance while the face shows its good nature. Combined with their gentle yet strong personality, German Shepherds are very beautiful. The puppies look lovely and innocent, and the adult dogs are also a delight to look at. Various Colors There are different types and color variations of German Shepherds you can choose from. The most common colors are black and tan, but you can find black and cream, black and red, blue, gray, sable, and even white German Shepherds. White is not considered a standard color for the breed by the American Kennel Club, but you can still get a white dog if you want to. Clean Taking care of a German Shepherd is pretty straightforward. As a matter of fact, 4 to 6 baths a year would be enough. Too much bathing strips the hair of its natural oils and make it less healthy and more prone to falling and excessive shedding. You can give your dog a bath whenever they get into mud or if you feel that they need special cleaning. Use a mild dog shampoo and a special brush to remove the tangled hair, mats, and knots. One of the pros of owning a German Shepherd is that you will not have a problem traveling with your dog and take him wherever you want to go. German Shepherds Cons Despite all the amazing traits of the German Shepherd, owning one comes with a few disadvantages. German Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise, love to run, and enjoy long play sessions. If you keep your dog in an apartment, you should take it out for regular walks. Not getting enough exercise can make your dog too aggressive or depressed. Giving your dog the needed physical stimulation every day will keep them in good health and will also decrease the tendency for less desirable behaviors like barking or chewing. The dog suffers from separation anxiety if you tend to leave them for long periods on their own. German Shepherds are family dogs and enjoy playing and interacting with everyone in the house. If you tend to spend long hours away from home, your dog will become too depressed and bored because they need human interaction. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long will chew on furniture pieces, a common trait of German Shepherds. They will also bark and act a little bit aggressive. An under-exercised and ignored dog will show you that it needs attention by engaging in destructive behaviors. Health Problems Like many other dogs, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia , especially when they get older. This condition is too painful and deprives the dog of moving properly. This dog can also suffer from epilepsy , which leads to seizures. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat is one of the common health problems in German Shepherds. It usually happens when the dog drinks a large amount of water after eating or exercises vigorously after a big meal. The stomach fills with gas and then twists, so it can be very painful. If left untreated, the blood will not be able to travel back to the heart, and the dog can go into shock. However, their ears are also prone to infections and checking the ears once a week is strongly recommended to prevent health problems. They Shed a Lot A typical German Shepherd has a dense medium-length coat to protect the dog from rain, snow, and dirt. The outer layer could have straight hair or can be curly or wavy. The luscious coat of the German Shepherd comes with a few cons. German Shepherds shed a lot all year long, so you need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that handles pet hair and dander efficiently. In addition to regular shedding, the dog loses its heavy undercoat twice a year, which can be a serious problem for German Shepherd owners. Regular grooming and cleaning the hair regularly will help you deal with this issue. You should brush the hair at least 3 or 4 times a week to keep the shedding under control. Needs Socialization German Shepherds are generally quite nervous around strangers. Their aloof nature makes them great guard dogs, but they can become a little too anxious when they meet people for the first time. Early socialization is essential to help your dog overcome their natural fear. Your German Shepherd is a smart dog and can pick up proper behavior by watching how humans and other dogs interact. As long as you socialize your German Shepherd with other pets, dogs, and children since puppyhood, there will be no serious issues. German Shepherd puppies are quite expensive and need special care and treatment. Final Thoughts All future dog owners should first consider all the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd. A German Shepherd is an exceptional dog. Bringing one to your home comes with lots of pros because this dog is easy to train and will always put your life first. However, you should be able to give this dog the attention it needs. They also need lots of physical stimulation and should always be given a job to do. Related Content. German shepherd origin German Shepherd pros and cons Advantages of owning a German Shepherd are abundant. GSD owners report that the breed is easy to train, highly intelligent and can be trained to a high standard. Pros of German Shepherds include the dog's desire to please the owner which helps during training. German Shepherd breed has many other advantages, including the dog's willingness to protect the owner and to guard the owner's posessions, including the home where a German Shepherd lives. German Shepherds are very protective of their families and can be trained for personal protection. German Shepherds are perfect dogs for active owners who can spend most of the time with the dog. GSD dogs can be trained for a variety of jobs, from personal protection to search and rescue and so much more. Despite many positives associated with owning a wonderful companion dog such as the German Shepherd, there are some negatives that need to be taken into consideration. Cons of owning a German Shepherd include the dog's grooming needs. Due to abundant shedding German Shepherds need to be brushed frequently and owners of GSD can benefit from having a good vacuum cleaner that will help to control the amount of dog's hair around the home. German Shepherds are very active and without sufficient exercise the disadvantage is that the dog may display unwanted behaviors that include damaging furniture or recreational barking. This working dog needs to have a job to do. The original purpose of the breed was to be a shepherd dog and owners of GSD dogs need to understand that this breed is not ideal for sitting around the home with nothing to do all day long. City dwellers may find that German Shepherd is not an ideal breed for a small apartment. The large and energetic dog benefits from having lots of space to run and an ideal home for a German Shepherd should have a yard where the dog can run around and explore. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd is that this large dog requires daily training and mental stimulation. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd include the breed's health problems. German Shepherds are predisposed to certain genetic diseases that include hip dysplasia. High impact exercises such as jumping should be avoided to minimize the risk of joint problems down the road. German Shepherd litter size: 5 to 10 puppies How long do German Shepherds live? German Shepherd life span: 9 to 12 years How much does a German Shepherd cost? German shepherd is a large working breed that is loyal to the owner. This German dog breed is exceptionally intelligent and easy to train. German Shepherd is among the top five most intelligent dog breeds. Fearless and alert temperament of German shepherd makes a good watchdog. For German shepherds, their work is their life. These dogs are often used by the law enforcement services as well as by the rescue teams. German shepherds are still used for herding today among other jobs. Are German Shepherds good with kids? A properly socialized German Shepherd makes a loyal and even tempered family dog that can enjoy the company of sensible kids. Tireless German Shepherds have plenty of energy needed for playing with active kids in the yard. German Shepherds are naturally protective and intelligent dogs that can be wonderful companions for active families. Keep in mind that German Shepherds are not recommended as apartment dogs - the large working dog breed is happiest in a home with a yard and a job to do. German shepherds make an excellent companion and a family dog as long as you properly train and socialize the dog. Socializing a German shepherd helps to achieve that stable and confident temperament that German Shepherds are known and valued for. Introduce your puppy to people of different age groups, take the GSD German Shepherd Dog with you wherever you go - to a busy street, to the park, to a mall, anywhere the dog is permitted. Make sure to keep the dog comfortable during your outings as your goal is for the dog to feel comfortable in different environments. Introduce your German Shepherd to people that frequently visit your home, to your friends and relatives. Some people argue that when training a GSD as a guard dog, there's no need for the dog to feel comfortable around strangers and therefore socializing it with various people is not necessary. The reality is if your dog is spending his days locked in the backyard, without seeing other people or the outside enviroment, the dog may become fear-aggressive, and will not be able to distinguish a mailman from a burglar. By socializing the dog you are helping the dog to distinguish which situations are safe and which situations may be out of ordinary and when his guarding instinct needs to kick in. Nanuq is the name of the German Shepherd Alsatian on the picture. We learned from Nanuq's owner that he is a very special dog. Nanuq is gentle around kids, friendly with every dog and human that he meets and will never show aggression. Nanuq is very capable of defending himself when necessary and at the same time he would never be the one to start a dog fight. Well-socialized German Shepherds such as Nanuq can set an example of a well-mannered dog in various situations, making their owners feel proud. For example, a mailman approaching your home should not be considered a threat. But a stranger trying to enter the property should get his attention. This is why it is important to socialize the dog so that he would be able to understand which situations are safe and which require his attention. German shepherd's original job was to protect the herd from any dangers. The dog's family becomes his herd and as a result this breed does so well as a guard and protection dog. It is a natural instinct of your German Shepherd to react to any changes in the environment and to be alert. A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized will react to each stimuli. As a result the dog will be getting stressed out by everyday situations, for example any time a neighbor walks past your property or if there's an unfamiliar dog on the street passing by. This is the reason why early socialization is so important. A properly socialized German Shepherd will be confident when walking on the street and seeing other dogs passing by, nor will the dog try to attack the neighbor. Be sure to provide enough socialization to dog to build his confidence in the world around. The GSD then can distinguish a dangerous situation from a situation that should not alarm him. Naturally there will be less needless barking as the dog will not react in an alarmed way to normal everyday events. One of the most unrated aspects of a German shepherd is his gentle personality. Despite the large size, German shepherd makes a good house dog. The gentle serving nature is what leads to the German shepherd's most amazing role of guiding the visually impaired. A guide dog helps a blind person to avoid situations that might endanger his blind partner. German Shepherds can also serve as hearing assistance dogs. These dogs are trained to alert their deaf or hearing-impaired human partner to important sounds, like the person's name, a baby's cry, the alarm clock's ring, the oven timer's buzz and the fire alarm's wail. When the German shepherd hears the sound, the dog is trained to go to the person and give a signal, such as a nudge of his nose which indicates that he heard something that the deaf person needs to know about. Then the German shepherd will indicate the source of the sound so that the owner can respond appropriately. A well-trained service dog can do most of the tasks that would otherwise force a person to hire a human helper. Intelligence, loyalty and courage made the breed perfect for a variety of different tasks. The German shepherd's reputation as a police dog is legendary. The reason is versatility. German shepherds are often used for search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection. See video below for more detailed information about this working dog breed. German shepherd shedding Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, German Shepherds are famous for abundant shedding. The dog's coat changes twice a year and each shedding period lasts about a month or more. To keep your animal looking tidy and to reduce the amount of dog hair clinging to your clothes and furniture, daily brushing is recommended especially during the heavy shedding months. Brushing your dog outside may help to reduce the amount of dog hair you will need to clean up after you brush the dog. Check Price Using a Furminator deshedding tool helps to keep a German Shepherd shedding to a minimum. See German Shepherd Furminator review video below. In the video, a German Shepherd owner is using a Furminator brush on his German Shepherd for the first time. White German Shepherd German shepherds come in a wide range of colors. Black and tan, black and red, black and silver, sable, solid black and even solid white German shepherds. Solid white German Shepherd is the same breed, and the only difference is the color of the coat. When the German Shepherd breed was newer, all-white puppies were frequently born to dark-colored parents. Most German breeders and many American breeders killed the white pups at birth because they were considered defective and could not be registered or entered in shows. Now, German Shepherds of any color, including white German Shepherds are welcome in Agility, Obedience, Rally, and other companion competition events. In the Conformation ring, however, dark, richly colored shepherds are generally preferred, and white German shepherds are disqualified. Solid black German Shepherds are often called Lacquer Blacks. Solid black color can be almost invisible in dark surroundings or at night. The coat length can range from short to long and have the appearance of feathering, flowing or skirting. Regardless of the color of your German Shepherd, your four-legged friend should have the stable temperament that we expect from the breed. German shepherd grooming How often should you bathe a German Shepherd? Bathe your German shepherd every month or so. Be sure to completely wash out the shampoo to prevent skin issues. Thoroughly dry your dog before going outside after a bath. Wipe the dog's ears with clean, soft towel after bath to help prevent ear infections. Dog shower attachment From an early age get your German Shepherd accustomed to having his teeth brushed only use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Brush the dog's teeth every day to prevent dental issues. Provide your German Shepherd with chewable treats that help to keep teeth healthy. Trimming German Shepherd nails is an important part of grooming. If you notice that your pet's nails are too long - it may be painful for the German shepherd to walk. Trim your GSD's nails when you hear clicking sounds as the dog walks on a hardwood floor. Dog ear wipes provide an easy way to keep your dog's ears clean. German shepherd training Start training your German Shepherd as soon as your dog enters your home for the first time. It is important to establish rules from the very beginning, especially with a large breed such as German shepherd. Basic obedience training for German shepherd is a must. Basic commands help you to have a good control over your GSD. If you like teaching your German shepherd the basics, you will probably enjoy teaching the dog advanced skills even more. Advanced skills are needed for show dogs. Playing and walking with your German shepherd helps to raise a physically healthy animal. Training your German shepherd basic commands and helping your German shepherd to memorize names of different objects - such as his toys will help your puppy to develop intellectually. Some German Shepherd owners provide a dog with one new toy at a time and keep repeating the name of the new toy. Let the dog play only with this toy for a few days until the dog clearly associates the toy with the name of the toy. This way you can build your German shepherd's vocabulary from an early age. Do not rush this process and stay consistent. Once you achieved success, keep moving forward. Whenever your dog did something wrong - stay calm and do not call your German shepherd to come to you. If you do that - the dog will associate you calling it with a punishment. It is best to ignore the bad behavior and praise the good behavior. Use one word commands and only say the command once. If you say the command more than once, the dog will think that the command consists of more than one word and as a result may ignore the command if you only say it once down the road. If you let your dog to sleep on a couch today, then it is reasonable to expect the same behavior tomorrow. If your house rule is - no dogs on a couch then be sure to enforce it at all times with no exceptions. Clear house rules are important for you and for your dog. Stay consistent and patient and you are going to achieve success. If your German shepherd is easily excitable and hyperactive, you can help to fix this problem by ignoring hyperactivity and rewarding calm behavior. Learn more about training a German shepherd puppy by watching the video below. German shepherd personal protection training German Shepherds are among the top breeds used for personal protection. Highly intelligent, strong and naturally territorial German Shepherd can be trained to protect the owner and the owner's family. Personal protection involves advanced training techniques and you will likely need to enroll your dog in training classes that specialize in personal protection. Special equipment such as protective clothing will be used during training. Be sure to do a thorough research on training techniques that the school uses and get in touch with people who had their dogs trained for personal protection in that school. Ask questions and take your time before you select the right dog training school and instructor to train your dog. Selecting the wrong instructor can be a disaster for your dog and for you. Do your homework and research before you commit your GSD to the training. Protection dog training is a costly and time-consuming process. Protection dog training may take about a year and sometimes even longer. A properly trained for protection German Shepherd will be able to protect you in any environment, not only in the artificial environment where the dog got the training. The dog will be able to think independently from you rather than rely on your commands during a real life situation when you may not have the time or opportunity to give the dog any commands. At the end of the training you and your dog will have a partnership type of relationship rather than a master-servant type of a relationship. Protection dog training involves educating not only the dog but also the owner will need to gain a lot of knowledge of how to handle a personal protection dog in order to enable the dog to do its job right. The dog in turn will be able to protect your family members from attacks, abduction attempts, and during home invasion if of course the dog was trained not only for sport but for real life situations. These types of dangerous situation require that the dog makes independent decisions in a quickly changing situation. To get the dog to the level where he is able to make the correct decisions based on real-life threats, the owner needs to develop a mutually understanding relationship with the dog that completed the training. Keep in mind that the fully trained dog will need to complete re-fresher courses every twelve to eighteen months which can add up to expenses already spent on training the dog initially. There are plenty of dog trainers that claim that they are able to train your dog for a real life protection. Pay close attention to how the training is conducted. Are the dogs trained only during the daytime and on the same territory? If so - the dog may not properly react at night and in a different setting when the real attack takes place. Are the trainers always wearing protective sleeves and the training attacks are following the exact same set routine every time? Is the dog only trained to respond to one attacker? If you have a positive answer to any of these questions then the protection training is done for sport rather than for a real life attack situation and the dog can not be considered to be a trained protection dog. Best dog food for German Shepherds Feed your German shepherd twice a day. Make sure that you are feeding your German shepherd quality dog food that does not include corn for protein as some German shepherds may be allergic to corn protein. German shepherds need to have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. Pick a high-quality dog food made for large-breed dogs. Cheaper dog foods contain too much fat or vegetable protein, and this can lead to rapid growth which in turn can result in hip or elbow dysplasia. Lower quality ingredients may result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause skeletal complications later in life. An active pound 36 kg adult German Shepherd needs to eat approximately four cups ml of premium dry kibble food or two-and-a-half pounds 1 kg of fresh meat and bone each day. Owning a German Shepherd pros and cons Remember the following basic requirements if you are thinking of getting a German shepherd dog: the dog requires daily exercise, training, and of course your time and attention. Without enough exercise your German shepherd is more likely to get joint diseases as well as become destructive. Lack of regular exercise leads to weakened muscles and heart. Exercise your German shepherd by walking, running with dog pals, playing fetch, swimming, etc. They are very active dogs with tremendous learning capability. German shepherd is a big dog and at least basic training is necessary to provide the owner with a good level of control over the dog. The German shepherd enjoys both mental and physical stimulation and can greatly benefit from training lessons with either the owner or a dog training professional. You are also building your dogs trust by walking the dog, feeding him and by playing dog games with your German shepherd. Bonding with your German shepherd is a process and as you are spending time with your dog, the bond grows into a lifelong friendship. If your German Shepherd spends a lot of time in the yard, it is a good idea to provide the dog with a comfortable dog house. A dog house helps to protect the dog during inclement weather. If you live in a warm climate, choose a dog house with good air flow to keep the German Shepherd comfortable during hot days. Due to their emotionally stable nature German shepherds make a great addition to families with children. German shepherds are protective of their family, and can be very territorial. Before you get a German shepherd, research the temperament of the puppy that you are planning to get. The temperament of the dog is shaped by the genetics and the environment in which the puppy grows up. Socializing the dog from an early age, providing the dog with plenty of positive interaction with humans and other dogs is very important for raising a well adjusted dog. Cons and pros of owning a German Shepherd - video Where to get a German Shepherd You can get a German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder or from a German Shepherd rescue. In both cases it is beneficial to learn as much as possible about the dog's temperament to ensure that the dog is a good fit for you and your family. Breeders provide their puppy buyers with complete health records for their pup, a four-generation pedigree, and the proper paperwork to register the dog. Be sure to find out whether the breeder conducted an x-ray testing for hip and elbow abnormalities prior to breeding and ask to see the results. Another option is adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or a German Shepherd rescue organization. Many wonderful dogs end up there through no fault of their own. Dogs are given up for adoption for many reasons, most commonly because of changes in the owner's situation. A dog owner finds a job in a new town and the family can not take the dog with them. A family member develops an allergy to the German shepherd. The owner dies and no one in the family is willing to take the dog. When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, there may not be much information available about the German shepherd's past. Ask the person handling the adoption to tell you as much as possible about the dog's behavior while he was in their care. German Shepherd puppies are sometimes found in shelters or German Shepherd rescue organizations, but most of the dogs are either adolescents or adults. There are some advantages to getting an older dog. The older German Shepherd may already be housetrained and may know some obedience cues and have other good skills. If you are set on getting a German shepherd puppy, then you may need to wait a while to get one from a shelter or from a German Shepherd rescue organization. In case you are selecting a pup from a litter of multiple German Shepherd puppies, be sure to pay close attention to the way puppies interact with one another. Observing the puppies will help you to understand each dog's inborn personality traits that will normally get more prominent as the puppy matures into an adult German shepherd. There's also a very simple puppy personality test that you can try and it will help you to quickly assess the character traits of all puppies in the litter. Inborn temperament along with the environment where the dog is growing up will be the main factors that determine the character of the full-grown German shepherd dog. If you invest your time and energy into developing your German shepherd from an early age, treat the dog with respect and expect the same from the dog, you will enjoy years of rewarding experiences with your German shepherd in return. Choosing a German shepherd puppy will be easier if you already know what you'd like your dog to accomplish. If you are looking for a German Shepherd to participate in competitive sports such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking, or Herding then seek out breeders whose German shepherds have proven their potential in the sports that interest you. The same approach works in case you are looking to exhibit your German Shepherd in Conformation shows. You would need to narrow your choices of German shepherd breeders to those whose dogs have proven accomplishments in Conformation shows. Conformation shows are competitive events where German shepherds and purebred dogs of other breeds are judged against the written Standard of Perfection for their breed. The Standard describes the ideal appearance, gait, and temperament of the breed. Males and Females are judged separately, and the winner in each sex is awarded from one to five championship points. The number of points is determined by how many dogs compete. Winners in both sexes are then judged together, along with champions, and the dog among them is selected as the Best of Breed BOB for that day. That dog then goes on to compete against the other BOB winners in his group. German Shepherds are in the Herding Group. A Conformation dog must be kept in peak of health in order to win. To find the right German shepherd for protecting your farm animals from predators you would naturally go to a breeder whose dogs have a proven record of related protection work. Temperament, structure and talent can all be inherited and passed down from German shepherd parents to pups. Training and the right kind of stimulation can enhance and strengthen a German shepherd's inherited potential. To excel in a particular activity or sport, the potential must be present from the beginning. As you are choosing a German Shepherd puppy for a certain activity or sport, it would be a good idea to bring someone experienced in the field to evaluate the pup or dog before you make the final decision. For example, Obedience trials test a dog's response to his handler. The German shepherd must obey verbal commands and hand signals immediately, precisely and willingly. The handler is allowed to command the GSD once, and then must give no further cues until the exercise is finished. Between the exercises the handler is allowed to praise and pet the dog, but the dog must remain under the handler's control. There are several levels of difficulty in Obedience, with a title to be earned at each level by attaining three to ten qualifying scores at that level. A qualifying score in Obedience is or better. A perfect score is .Obedience levels include Novice Obedience, Open and Utility level. In Rally, the German shepherd and handler heel together around a course of numbered stations, each with a sign indicating an exercise for the handler and the dog to perform. About fifty exercises test the dog's and handler's teamwork skills. In Rally the handler is permitted to talk and encourage the dog. For Agility, dogs are judged on speed and accuracy over a course of jumps, tunnels, ramps and other obstacles. Each German shepherd is timed as he individually races over a numbered obstacle course as directed by his handler. In Agility the dog performs the jumps and obstacles and the handler does not. An experienced Agility German Shepherd learns to respond instantly to subtle movements of his handler's shoulders, hips, and knees on the course, as cues for changes in direction or pace. Types of German shepherds There are two types of German shepherds: the working line German Shepherds and the show line German Shepherds. There is a significant difference between the temperaments of the two types. The show line German shepherds tend to be more calm and mellow. The working line German Shepherds are more hyper and high energy than show line dogs. Working line type of German shepherds do well with more active owners that spend plenty of time exercising the dog, playing and walking with this active animal. Be sure to select the type of German Shepherd that matches your level of energy. For example, if you are a couch potato then it would be a mistake to get a working type German shepherd. The reason is that a working type German shepherd that is not sufficiently exercised will turn into a frustrated animal and as a result such dogs tend to damage furniture or shoes which is a sign of a dog that is frustrated. Working line German Shepherds are more appropriate for people who enjoy running, exercising and other physical activities that can provide enough exercise for your dog. German shepherd health issues German shepherds tend to have joint problems as they age. If you notice that your dog is beginning to have trouble walking take it to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medication that will help your aging dog with the joint pain. German shepherds are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. For healthy German Shepherds and for German Shepherds with joint issues or arthritis, getting a good quality orthopedic dog bed allow him to get a good rest. The dog may start preferring sleeping in his own bed rather than trying to take over yours. Pannus, which is an inflammation of the corneas of both eyes is a common eye disease that affects mainly German shepherds and German shepherd mixes. Bloat is another dangerous condition that German Shepherds are susceptible to. Signs of bloat include the dog trying to vomit but nothing or little comes out, the dog appears uncomfortable, whining, pacing, sitting up or getting back down in an effort to eliminate the discomfort. Obvious abdominal pain, abdomen may feel tight, like the skin of a drum, heavy salivating and the dog may go into shock where the gums turn pale color, elevated heartbeat and irregular, shallow breathing may be observed. Take the dog to the veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs of bloat as bloat can turn deadly within an hour. Call your vet and let the vet know that the dog is potentially suffering from bloat before you leave your home so that the veterinarian will be prepared to take care of the dog as soon as possible. To minimize the risk of German Shepherd developing bloat, feed the dog twice a day and use slow feeder dog bowl that helps to slow down a fast eater. The dog should eat in a calm state of mind as an excited dog swallows more air along with food, which is associated with bloat. German shepherd origin German shepherds originate in Germany and their ancestors were the shepherding dogs. The breed was created by Max von Stephanitz in .Max von Stephanitz started a breeding program using the best dogs he could find in order to create an exceptional working dog. Back when the breed was developed, shepherds needed a dog that could do more than push a few sheep around. The dog had to have a good nose for tracking a lost sheep. They needed a helper that could work all day, that was fast and could work independently. As a result the German shepherd breed was developed. Compare German Shepherd to other large dog breeds. The German Shepherd is a well-rounded breed of dog and there is a reason for its popularity among dog lovers! They are usually very easy to train and learn quickly, due to their love of learning and how much they love being with their owners. Loyalty The German Shepherd also has a reputation for being an extremely loyal breed of dog. There have been stories throughout the years describing the loyalty of the German Shepherd, from the German Shepherd who helped keep a child alive to the German Shepherd who died protecting his beloved owner. These stories of the heroism of a German Shepherd are not few and far between, either. All over the world, the loyalty of the German Shepherd is renowned and celebrated by fans of the breed. Affectionate In addition to their loyalty, German Shepherds also tend to be a very affectionate breed of dog. They are quick to bond with their owner though sometimes this bond maybe with only one person in the household! While they can vary from dog to dog in how cuddly they are, there is a universal level of affection in the German Shepherd breed and all of them generally enjoy being around their owners and being directly involved in the goings on of a household. Guard Dog German Shepherds also make excellent guard dogs , even if they never receive the proper training to do so. As part of their often extreme loyalty to their owners, the breed has very high protective instincts which makes them a great choice for those who are looking for a dog to watch over their house and deter potential thieves and attackers. Athletic Another big pro of the German Shepherd breed is their athleticism, high energy level, and good work ethic. These dogs love being active! The German Shepherd is a popular choice for those who enjoy physical activities such as hiking , running , swimming , or other sports. German Shepherds do well in the rural countryside and in the heart of the city. Provided their physical and mental needs are being met, they make great dogs for apartment or condo living. They also do well in a variety of weather and temperatures, from hotter parts of the world to some of the coldest and wettest locations. Their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery also mean they are less likely to shy away from new experiences and encounters though this can vary based on their individual history and socialization training. Family Dog The German Shepherd also has a well-earned reputation for being a great family dog. Provided they are trained from a young age and socialized appropriately, German Shepherds do very well with children of all ages and sizes. They can thrive in busy family environments and their loyal and affectionate nature means they are often gentle and patient with children. They also tend to have a higher level of tolerance than other breeds, and as long as the children have been taught how to interact with dogs in an appropriate and safe way, a German Shepherd is likely quite happy to indulge a child in their often unique play scenarios and environments. While their popularity has its own set of pros and cons which we discuss in part below , in general, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to locate if you are on the search for one. In addition to rescues, there is a large network of reputable German Shepherd breeders who strive to highlight the best of the breed while reducing the number of genetic issues the breed currently faces. Health Issues Unfortunately, one of the biggest cons to the German Shepherd breed is a plethora of health-related issues. Due to poor breeding over the years which is also discussed further down in this list , the German Shepherd tends to be prone to genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. While there are many other potential health issues German Shepherds may face, these three health conditions are the most prominent and most common. While each of these disorders and many others have testing available for dogs that someone is considering breeding, many unethical breeders choose not to conduct those genetic tests and thus the conditions are still widely seen in the breed as a whole. German Shepherds are also prone to diet sensitivities, skin conditions, heart problems, and certain cancers. Grooming Requirements While there are certainly other breeds of dogs that require much more grooming than the German Shepherd such as the Siberian Husky or many of the Poodle crosses , the German Shepherd does still require a moderate amount of care when it comes to their coats. Depending on the coat type of your German Shepherd, they may require weekly brushing to avoid matting and at least twice per year a German Shepherd will shed heavily check out our article on how to deal with the shedding! However, they do not require shaving or any type of breed cuts unlike the Poodle and other breeds who require more specific grooming to maintain their coat health. Separation Anxiety One of the not-so-nice reputations that the German Shepherd has gained is their propensity for separation anxiety. This is largely due to their loyalty to their owners and their dislike of being left alone for long periods of time, and much of the time the anxious behaviors are not clinical separation anxiety that requires veterinary intervention but rather separation anxiety that can be dealt with under the guidance of a reputable trainer or behaviorist. If a German Shepherd is not conditioned to being away from their owners and left alone for long periods of time, they may develop anxious and destructive behaviors including chewing, digging, scratching, and excessive vocalization such as howling and whining. Poor Breeding As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to find but this popularity has also resulted in poor breeding and many unethical breeders who choose to breed for profit rather than for the love of the breed. There are many, many backyard breeders and puppy mills dedicated to the German Shepherd and it can be difficult to locate a well-bred dog from a reputable breeder. This poor breeding has led to many of the genetic issues the breed faces, as well as a risk for increased aggression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in the breed. Behavioral Issues As with many breeds of dogs, the behavioral issues a German Shepherd displays are largely related to their genetics and how they were raised. In line with the poor breeding practices of many German Shepherd breeders, certain behavioral issues can be present in the breed. This can include an increased level of aggression and lower tolerance to external stimuli, obsessive-compulsive disorders such as circling and pacing or chewing of themselves or others, excessive licking , excessive fear responses, and other genetic issues as a result of poor breeding. Energy Requirements One of the pros of a German Shepherd is their athleticism and high energy levels, but this can also be considered a con for some, especially if you have two German Shepherds. If a German Shepherd is not adequately exercised both physically and mentally , they risk developing destructive habits and other behavioral issues that can be hard to fix. Vocal Dogs For some the bark of the German Shepherd is plus, but for many others, their love of barking, whining, and expressing themselves vocally might be a bit too much. This is especially true if you live in an apartment or neighborhood setting. While this vocalization can be reduced if the dogs are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating experience trying to deter the barking. Investment This last con is not exclusive to German Shepherds, but the breed may be more prone to being an expensive dog to keep due to their larger size and potential for health-related issues. As a larger breed of dog, German Shepherds require a larger amount of food which can add up over time. In addition, the breed does frequently experience dietary issues so special foods with limited ingredients or more unique protein sources might also increase their food bill. Due to the risks of health issues such as dysplasias and other genetic conditions, German Shepherds also often require additional health screenings and veterinary care especially in their senior years to help manage these issues. Outside of monetary investment, German Shepherds also require a hefty dose of energy investment from their owners. As a high-energy breed, they need frequent and vigorous physical exercise. Their high intelligence also means they can get bored easily so they will need more mental stimulation as well. The German Shepherd is also very owner-oriented and so many require quite a bit of affection and attention from their owners which can sometimes be difficult for owners to deal with if they want some time alone. The benefits of getting a puppy include being able to really shape the puppy and ensure that you have a well socialized, happy, and healthy German Shepherd once they reach adulthood. The downsides to getting a puppy include having to go through the potty training process, the teething phase, and the general work that comes with having a curious young pup! The benefits of getting an adult German Shepherd include little to minimal work when it comes to potty training, less or no mouthiness, and many adult German Shepherds who have already received basic training. The risks of getting an adult German Shepherd include training issues for dogs who received poor socialization as a puppy, bad habits that have been instilled in them by previous owners and which may require some work to change, and less time with your German Shepherd as they may already be well into their adult or even senior years. Getting A German Shepherd From A Shelter With pet overpopulation at an all-time high, adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or rescue group is a great option to help a dog who is at risk and to open up space in the shelter or rescue for another dog. Due to their extreme popularity, you can frequently find purebred German Shepherds at many local shelters. Purebred puppies are also frequently available during the peak of puppy season. There are also a variety of German Shepherd rescue groups throughout the country , and many of these groups can arrange for the transportation of your newly adopted dog through a network of volunteers. Visiting with the German Shepherd you are interested in will allow you to see if there are any concerning behaviors, and oftentimes many shelters and rescue groups have a full history of the dog and insight into their behaviors and health. While some rescue Shepherds may require a little bit of initial work, their intelligence, trainability, and need for affection usually mean they are quick to learn and adapt to their new home and lifestyle. Getting A German Shepherd From A Breeder If you opt to go the breeder route to get your German Shepherd, make sure you are very thorough in your research when choosing which breeder to get your pup from. As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd has led to a lot of poor breeding practices. Backyard breeders and those who primarily post their puppies through social media and sales sites should be avoided. Similarly, any breeder who does not allow you to come and visit the parents of the puppies or who does not want you to see where the puppies are being raised is another red flag. Responsible breeders will have contracts that go with their puppies, and they should also be providing you with the genetic test results that prove their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic defects like degenerative myelopathy. Female German Shepherds should also get breaks in between litters and there should not be back-to-back breedings so she is allowed time to recover from each litter. Unethical breeders care little for the health of their German Shepherds and many will breed their dogs constantly resulting in strain on the mother and unhealthy puppies. Good places to start your research for ethical and responsible German Shepherds include German Shepherd breed clubs , local dog clubs, the AKC website, and through word of mouth with other German Shepherd lovers. Closing Thoughts German Shepherds are a wonderful breed of dog, but they might not be the dog for everyone. Carefully considering what a German Shepherd requires and how those needs fit into your own lifestyle is part of responsible pet ownership. If you like the look but not the breed, consider finding a dog that looks similar to a German Shepherd instead. Researching where and how you will get your new pup is the next step, whether you are opting to go through a responsible breeder or adopting from a shelter or rescue. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. German shepherds often have a lot of health problems. They are large in size and have an abundance of energy. Sometimes german shepherds bark a lot. Their temperament can sometimes be disagreeable. It can be hard to find a reputable german shepherd breeder. Sometimes they tend to latch to one person. You will need to be their leader. They can sometimes become aggressive. As you can see there are a lot of pros and cons to keeping german shepherds. So now you know in short the pros and cons of having a german shepherd. On average they live for around years. Most of their lifespan is going to be based on genetics, whereas some of it will also be based on the lifestyle you give them. There are 11 officially recognized color variations for you to choose from. As well as the normal black and tan, you can also get white, black, grey, bicolor and many more colors as well! In fact, this is one of the reasons that german shepherds make such great family pets. When you look at the different jobs dogs can have, german shepherds fill most of them! They can often be herders, guard dogs, and drug sniffers. They can also comfort the sick and old, and become excellent guide dogs as well! However, for your german shepherd to be like this, it is important to remember that they need to be socialized properly. Check out the pros and cons of owning a Rottweiler! They form extremely deep bonds with the people closest to them, who they see as their pack. And these bonds are unlikely to be broken for new people. However, it also causes them to become more wary of strangers. Highly Intelligent And Trainable German shepherds are both highly intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, according to Rover. Of course, training your german shepherd effectively always requires the right training course. However, there is a point where the weather becomes too cold. Find out more here. Find out how to keep your german shepherd cool. But in either case, if the weather is too hot or too cold for your german shepherd, it will be the same for any dog. Check out the pros and cons of owning a golden retriever! Anything more than that and the oil on their coat will be effected. German shepherds rarely smell too doggy. But if they do, you can always buy an effective doggy deodorant for them! Generally, when you have a dog your social life tends to improve. Not to mention that everyone sees dog owners as more trustworthy! They have healthy bodies that help aid in giving them a long and happy life. There are forums and websites all over the internet filled with amazing advice on how to look after your german shepherd! This makes german shepherds even easier to raise and learn about! If you live by the beach or you often visit the beach, then a german shepherd is a great choice for you and your family! Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! However, with the constraints and lifestyle some people have, they may not be best suited for your own personal circumstances! Here are all the disadvantages of owning a german shepherd. Each time to grow a coat more suitable to the season. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can manage german shepherds shedding. They Like To Have A Job Unlike some family pets which can just lay around and spend time with your family, german shepherds are going to need a task. Sometimes There Are Health Problems Unfortunately, like all pedigree dogs, there are some health problems that can occur, especially as they begin to get older. Health problems can often mean higher vet bills, and additional care needs to be given to your pup. Some common health problems that occur in german shepherds include dysplasia, arthritis, and deterioration in the rest of their joints as well. A big dog with a lot of energy can quickly become unruly and hard to control. They Need Lots Of Exercise Having a big dog with lots of energy goes hand in hand with giving them a lot of exercise. When you have a german shepherd ideally they should be let off the lead for an hour a day to run around. Fortunately, not all german shepherds bark and there are things you can do to stop them barking. Find out how to stop a german shepherd barking at night, barking at strangers or barking at other dogs. If left unchecked, this wariness can cause them to bark and growl at strangers and other dogs. As well as a lack of training, poor breeding can also cause this to happen as well. Check out this guide on how to socialize your german shepherd. Oftentimes people will breed and breed their german shepherds to make money. Toys like KONGs which can entertain them are a great place to start. This is can become problematic as it causes massive amounts of stress to your german shepherd, and they often end up becoming destructive. But they are going to consume a lot of your time. They Tend To Favor One Person A german shepherd will normally favor the person that provides them with the most care and spends the most time with them. They Can Be Aggressive Aggression will occur in all dogs, but it does seem to be more common in german shepherds. Anything you leave lying around that they can get their paws on could end up being destroyed. Remember though, all dogs can be like this when left alone too long. Then you have to pay for insurance, food, travel, and training for them as well. So after reading all of this, you may be wondering if a german shepherd is going to be the right choice for you and your family. You Like A Challenge Owning a german shepherd can be a challenge. FAQ Now you know all of the pros and cons and as you can see owning a german shepherd is going to be an amazing experience! However, here are some of your most frequently asked questions! If you do have to leave them, make sure you take them for a big walk and that they have plenty of water before you go. On top of this, puppies and seniors dogs should only be left for a couple of hours at a time and no more than 3! German shepherds are known to be extremely vocal dogs, so a lot of the time they do bark a lot. The good news is with proper socialisation and training you can either teach them not bark, or teach them to be fantastic guard dogs. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? All dogs are dangerous! And german shepherds are no exception. German shepherds are not known to bite or attack their owners anymore than any other breed of dog. However, if they are pushed they will try to protect themselves, and obviously german shepherds are going to do a lot more damage than other dogs. Which is one of the reasons you may see german shepherd attacks on the news more often Can Two German Shepherds Live Together? Of course two german shepherds either male or female can live together! If two puppies are raised together they can often create their own pack and become unruly and disobey commands. The difficulty with owning a german shepherd really depends on you as an owner. However, they have strong personalities and if you let them walk all over you they will. Recap Now you know all the pros and cons of owning a german shepherd. I hope you found this article helpful! And make sure you check out the rest of the website.

How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. Raising Puppies From Birth to Weaning After Whelping From the moment the puppies are born it is very important that mom smells her babies right away. The connection is in the smell of the amniotic fluid. Mom's that do not form this connection can sometimes reject their puppies. Allow mom to smell and lick her puppy before you dry them off. Allow her to eat the placenta. This is perfectly natural for her to do this and there is much nutrition in the placenta's. Dry the puppy off well and put the puppy up close to mom to nurse unless the puppy is struggling you will need instruction from your vet or an experienced breeder on what to do. Making sure that she is attending to the puppies and not laying on them. For the first 2 weeks you must watch for mom laying on a puppy I have a video camera set up. Having a bar around the bottom of your whelping pen is a great way to help prevent this. It is not full proof but it helps. Mom will continue nursing frequently for the first couple of week and may not want to leave her puppies. You must take her out to use the bathroom every hours minimum. This is more difficult in first couple if you have had a c-section. Mom will be very resistant because of the drugs she will be taking and why I always at least try to free whelp. Birth to 1 Week Old Puppies are still nursing frequently. They need to be kept warm and dry. I keep my whelping pen at 70 degrees. It keeps the puppies warm enough and doesn't over heat mom. The puppies eyes are closed and they can not see or hear at this point. They are also toothless. Nursing and sleeping are their primary job. Mom will lick the puppies to stimulate urination and defecation. If mom does not lick them you must stimulate them a warm wet wash cloth or cotton ball works well. Jerking and twitching motions are normal as their nervous systems are still developing Weeks Old Puppies are still eating and sleeping often but a little less and they are starting to move around more. At this point make sure that they are well contained and they can not access mom's water bowel. They could get in but may never get out alive. They are starting to open their eyes but still can not hear at this point. They make grunting and mewing noises. Jerking and twitching motions start to decrease as they become more mobile. It is essential to keep the puppies clean and dry at all times. Frequent changes to bedding is a must. I use fleece remnants from local fabric stores. This makes for a cheap way to keep puppies clean and dry. I wash blankets times per day until weaning. Make sure you trim puppies nails. They test their vocalizations yelping, barking and whining. Puppies are nursing around every hours at this point and mom is feeling more comfortable leaving them for longer periods. Puppies are now urinating and defecating without mom's assistance. Now it the time to do their first worming treatment. Puppies should have at least doubled in weight by now. They are also beginning to play with their siblings. They move out of their sleeping area to eliminate and now is a good time to expand the whelping pen. I take the front off of my pen and have another enclosed area for the puppies to urinate and defecate in. I mark it with the scent of fresh green grass. This helps them when potty training. They are also becoming ready for puppy mush. I use a raw beef mixture with Pro-Biolac formula to get them started. You can use kibble if you wish. I find raw feeding very beneficial in preventing disease. They will get into everything and anything they can find. Pick up any small items that they can choke on. Now is the time to add a water bowl. A water bottle can also be used. If so make sure they know how to use it. They are curious and have no fear of other animals at this point. They are learning and exploring their environment. It us time for puppy kindergarden. Puppies are developing their muscles and coordination. They are fully aware of their environment. Strange noises and objects are a curiosity right now and it is the perfect time to expose them to everything you possibly can. Providing a great puppy companion is hard work but worth every minute. If you are using the scent method for potty training. I use a special pad and scent which can be bought from durawhelp. This makes for an easy transition to using the outside to potty. Puppies are now eating ground raw food of at least 3 different protiens along with nuvet vitamins. At 6 weeks puppies are vaccinated and vet checked. At 7 weeks they are microchipped. I do not do both at once as not to stress them too much. At this time it is crucial to carefully socialize your puppy. This is where they learn to really trust humans as their protectors. Keeping your puppy out of harms way as well as making sure that they have plenty of opportunities for positive experiences is essential. Puppies are now being fed ground raw with some whole prey puppies and dogs should always be supervised while eating at any age. I had a 10 week old choke on kibble once. It was a good thing I was watching or that puppy would not be alive. I no longer feed any kibble and have had much better results with raw foods. Now is the saddest and happiest days. Time for puppies to go to their new homes. Your still not done though. You are the "go to guy"for advice and guidance for the rest of that dogs life. Wisconsin: 7 weeks Stages of development Now that you know when French Bulldogs can leave their mother, I wanted to dip a little bit into how the develop, to give you a deeper understanding of this amazing breed. It will give you some insight into how critical early care is with the mother, and how these things influence Frenchie overall growth. Weeks 1 and 2: confusion and lack of senses Newly born Frenchies are very tiny and a lot smaller than many other breeds. All they can do is to feed from the mother, sleep and poop. If you a French Bulldog puppy leaves the mother at this stage, it will almost certainly die. Handy Hint: French Bulldogs with white fur are more likely to develop hearing loss problems. Read this guide to deafness to get the inside track. In this first two weeks they adjust and respond to their surroundings, slowly opening their eyes to respond to light, crawl a little, and of course with the help of their mothers, instinctively try to feed. But mostly, they will sleep, which is very important for them at this stage. Week 3: interacting with their environment In their third week, French Bulldog puppies begin to develop their senses. Like other dog breeds, they start to explore their surroundings. They rarely sleep during this period and are seen running throughout the day. At this stage, they start recognizing humans, and can start to make strong associations and emotional connections. They might even get excited to see the breeder walking in. They are still in the early part of their development — both the puppies and mother could become distressed with too much human interaction. Any negativity at this point could affect the personalities of the whole litter, and in extreme cases can cause behavioural problems in the long term. Keep strangers at bay and to keep the French Bulldog puppies close to their siblings and mother. Week 4: social interaction In this stage, Frenchies start developing stronger connections with their siblings; this is where their social development begins. They learn how to play with their brothers and sisters. Also, at this point, the mother starts weaning them off the milk. They start learning how to become dogs at this time, with their mother being the teacher, role model, and guide. There are things happening during these weeks that mean it would be crazy to separate them. During this stage, Frenchies can be nervous about almost anything. As they begin to notice things more carefully, the world can suddenly seem like a very big and scary place. It can be a complete sensory overload, hence the nervousness — but they will adapt over time. Also, at this stage, they develop more control over their bowels and bladder and should be able to have a sounder sleep without waking up to pee all through the night. As a side note, breeders can start training the French Bulldog puppies some very basic commands like, stay, sit, and so on. Handy Hint: Learn how you can teach a French Bulldog puppy to sit with just a few simple to follow steps. You know how annoying and stressful teenagers can be? Frenchie puppies really are no different. As they become more independent, they will start to cause havoc. They will also have a tendency to bite and chew everything in their sight. Coupled with their developing rebelliousness; they can become a real nuisance. Weeks 8 to 9: French bulldogs can leave their mother At this stage, Frenchies puppies can leave the mother and siblings and go to their new forever homes. This is what Claude looked like when he first came home with us. Newborn puppies, especially French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to whelp and raise. Due to Csections and the nature of the French bulldog, puppies are not to be left alone with mom, especially for the first week or so. Unlike natural birth with other breeds, risk of injury or death is high when leaving mom with the babies unattended. She may accidentally sit on them or smother them. During natural birth, a bond is formed with mom and puppies. Hormones flow naturally and instinct kicks in. In a csection, mom doesnt get to experience birthing her own puppies, oxytocin is administered medically. You will need to teach them what to do and how to care for their babies. French Bulldog Elsa and Danielle with Puppies Coparenting with French bulldogs is vital for whelping frenchie puppies. A lot of breeders regardless of the breed coparent with their dogs anyway. Not only does it increase survival rate but it creates a stronger bond between you and mom. So lets get into how to care for your new born pups! Caring for newborn puppies is both an exciting and challenging responsibility. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure that your puppies grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted, and happy dogs. Creating a Comfortable Environment Temperature Regulation Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks of their lives. We use an incubator. If puppies become too cold they will be unable to digest their food properly as well. The box should be large enough for the mother to lie down comfortably and have low sides so she can easily get in and out. Line the box with soft bedding, like towels or blankets, that can be easily washed and replaced. Keep it bumpy so pups can build muscle and avoid developing flat chest or swimmers syndrome. We like to use egg carton shaped acoustic panels with no adhesive under blankets. Limit the number of visitors and avoid sudden loud noises that could startle the mother. She will be in protection mode as she focuses on raising her litter. Stressed mothers could lead to illness and loss of milk production. Hydration is most important though. Importance of Colostrum In the first 24 hours after birth, puppies should nurse from their mother to receive colostrum. Actual milk will come in and drop down within 3 days. Be sure to use a formula specifically designed for puppies and follow the instructions on the package for proper mixing and feeding. Feeding Schedule Newborn puppies need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock. As they grow older, the time between feedings can gradually increase. By weeks, you can start introducing them to mush food while still supplementing with moms milk or replacement formula. Making Sure the Airways are Clear During feeding you may notice milk bubbles coming out of the nose. Do NOT remove the pup from the nipple until it is finished eating. Removing the pup will break the seal and cause the pup to inhale the milk that was coming out of the nose. You can gently wipe the nose or use an electric aspirator to remove the milk without disturbing the pup and breaking the seal or wait until the puppy has finished eating. When pups are finished nursing, gently clear the noses with a nasal aspirator bulb or electric after every feeding to remove any lingering fluids that may be inhaled. Burp the puppies to avoid regurgitation or vomiting. Any inhalation of fluids can cause aspiration which leads to aspiration pneumonia. Over eating Over eating can cause serious problems. It upsets the gut biome. Signs of over eating are pretty obvious the major one Is white poop. The puppy is taking in too much and the body is unable to process it so it just comes out. Adjusting frequency of feeding usually more frequent , length of feeding shorter feedings , and adding probiotics to every feeding will usually fix the problem. Over eating can also cause flat chest syndrome and swimmer syndrome. Elimination Assistance Stimulating Urination and Defecation For the first few weeks, newborn puppies need help to eliminate waste. Proper Cleaning Techniques After helping the puppies eliminate, make sure to clean the area with a mild baby wipe or warm water and soft cloth. This prevents infections and keeps the puppies and their environment clean. If butts become raw you can use aquaphor or Neosporin for relief. Monitoring Weight and Growth Tracking Weight When French bulldog puppies are first born they weigh anywhere from grams 4. During the first few days you might notice some fluctuation- both loss and gain, but by the end of the week they should only be gaining. Weight should double each week. Regularly weighing your puppies is essential to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. Keep a log of their weights, and make sure they are gaining weight daily. If you notice any struggles to nurse, bottle, syringe, or tube feeding may be necessary. Pups should never flop to the side or crawl in circles. They should always be able to crawl and move with ease in the upright position. Growth Milestones In addition to weight gain, puppies should reach certain developmental milestones as they grow. By two weeks old, their eyes should start to open. By weeks ears will open and they will start to hear. By three weeks, they should be able to stand, and by four weeks, they should be walking and starting to play. Spot clean them with a warm, damp cloth or baby wipes if they become soiled, and change their bedding regularly. You can also use a little squirt bottle to spot clean. Use a pair of small nail clippers and trim just the tips of the nails. This helps to prevent ear infections and keeps them comfortable. Enrichment Cube Appropriate Chew Toys Provide your puppies with appropriate chew toys to help soothe their gums and satisfy their need to chew. Make sure the toys are safe and specifically designed for teething puppies. This typically begins around weeks of age as the teething process begins and should be done gradually to prevent digestive issues. Transitioning to Solid Food Start by offering a mixture of puppy milk replacement formula and high-quality puppy food, gradually increasing the amount of solid food while decreasing the amount of formula. By weeks, the puppies should be eating mostly solid food. Health Concerns and Vaccinations Common Health Issues Newborn puppies are susceptible to several health issues, such as parasites, infections, and congenital defects. Monitor your puppies for signs of illness, like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, white poops, weight loss, nasal discharge or difficulty breathing, and contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerns. Keep an eye on their eyes- if you notice any swelling, redness, and discharge contact your veterinarian right away. Puppy Eye Infection Dewormer should be administered starting at 2 weeks of age. If you notice any foul smelling poop worse than normal take a stool sample to your vet to have it looked at. Coccidia and giardia are other common parasites but can wreak havoc on your pups. Bacterial infections, antibiotics from moms csection, and over eating light yellow to white poop is the major sign are also common irritants in young pups. All of these upset the gut biome. Antibiotics may be needed to reset the system. Always keep a good probiotic on hand such as benebac or nurture flora. Probiotics are especially helpful during the weaning process. Importance of Vaccinations Vaccinations are crucial in protecting your puppies from potentially life-threatening diseases. These typically start at weeks of age. Consult your veterinarian for a recommended vaccination schedule and make sure to follow it closely. Socialization and Training Socialization Period The critical socialization period for puppies occurs between weeks of age. Crate — Available in Blue too! Crate Training Crate training can help your puppies feel secure and aid in housebreaking. Start by introducing the crate as a safe and comfortable space, gradually increasing the time they spend inside. Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to make the process enjoyable for both you and the puppies. Handling and Touch Desensitization Getting your puppies used to being handled and touched is crucial for their comfort during grooming and veterinary visits. Gently touch and handle their paws, ears, and mouth to help them become comfortable with human contact. Exercise and Playtime Exercise Guidelines Puppies need daily exercise to support their physical and mental development. Begin with short, gentle play sessions, gradually increasing the intensity and duration as they grow older. Encouraging Play Encourage your puppies to play with toys and interact with their siblings to help them develop important social and motor skills. Recognizing and Addressing Separation Anxiety Some puppies may develop separation anxiety when left alone. Gradually acclimate them to being alone for short periods, increasing the duration over time. If anxiety persists, consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for guidance. When to Seek Professional Help Signs to Watch For If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, consult your veterinarian immediately. Choosing a Veterinarian Select a veterinarian who is experienced with puppies, your breed, and establish a relationship early on. Conclusion and Final Tips Caring for newborn puppies can be a rewarding experience. Quiet puppies are happy puppies. If they constantly cry, something is wrong. FAQs How often should I feed newborn puppies? Newborn puppies should be fed every 2 hours around the clock. When can puppies start eating solid food? Puppies can begin transitioning to solid food around weeks of age. When should puppies receive their first vaccinations? Consult your veterinarian for a recommended vaccination schedule, which typically begins around weeks of age. How can I help my puppies with teething discomfort? Provide appropriate chew toys and use a cold, damp cloth to gently massage their gums. When should I start socializing my puppies? The critical socialization period for puppies occurs between weeks of age. Dont forget to Subscribe for updates and newsletters and follow on social! Home » Blog » What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks You certainly want to know about every minute of your sweet puppy. Last year we did a documentary about our breeding program in which we showed where our Frenchies live and we also wrote about how our program has grown over the years. In this article, we share with you how we help our little puppies on the TomKings Puppies farm, from the first moments of their lives until we find a forever loving family for them. The vet checks if everything is fine and we take them home. The average birth weight of a Frenchie is 0. Their size strongly depends on the size of the litter; when there are a fewer of them they can be as big as a two-week-old puppy from an other litter. Newborn puppies are deaf and blind and absolutely helpless so we are here to assist their mother to nurture them. In the first two weeks They are breastfed every 3 hours, and then their mom stimulates them to pee and poo. Not all mothers are eager to do this, in which case we assist them with a dam, warm cotton towel. The puppies spend the rest of their time sleeping they often seem to be dreaming! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email They are so cute as they love to huddle together, but we also keep them warm with an external source like an infra lamp. As the puppies are very small, there is a threat that the mom accidentally smothers one or more of them. In the first 4 weeks We make strict precautions to keep the newborn babies sterile to avoid the risk of them being infected. They sleep in the house with us, and only a small circle of carers are allowed to touch them who use lots of hands sanitizing. As the mother has less and less milk we gradually switch to give them milk from a bottle and then crushed food. The puppies open their eyes when they are days old, and then they are able to hear — a whole new world opens up for them. At the age of weeks, the little explorers start crawling and then the first few shaky steps. At this stage, they are already very playful and start love-biting each other. You bred your Frenchie bitch. You got her through two months of pregnancy. Now you have puppies. The panic sets in. What have you done? What do you do next? Once you get the mother and puppies home, the work is just beginning. Enjoy the brief flush of satisfaction from the accomplishment. There is lots left to do. Is it covered to protect the pups from drafts? Once it is warm, put the newborn puppies inside. Consider this the First Commandment: Keep the puppies warm! For the first few hours, the mother will be weak and disoriented from surgery. If she has lost a lot of blood, she may even be in shock. She needs to be kept comfortable and warm, too. But one warning: Do not leave her alone with the puppies until you are certain she has recovered. Because of the surgery, some mothers have difficulty recognizing that the puppies are theirs. She should be introduced to them gently, and allowed to smell them and lick them. As soon as possible, lay her down in the whelping box which should be warm and protected and put the new puppies on her to feed. Initially, they may have to be coaxed to attach to a nipple. It is extremely important that they get some of the colostrum, the yellowish pre-milk that the mother will secrete at first. It is loaded with antibodies the puppies need to establish their immune systems. The Second Commandment is: Keep the puppies fed. The puppies should be encouraged to feed as often as possible. They should definitely feed once every two hours during the initial days. They will quickly gain strength and seek out the mother on their own once everyone has settled into a routine. Once the mother has recognized her puppies, she should begin to lick them and clean them. This is the Third Commandment: Keep their digestive tracts functioning. If she is not licking them, you will have to substitute. Rather than doing it exactly as she would, the best way is to use cotton balls moistened with warm water. Rub gently underneath to make them urinate, and behind to make them defecate. This should be done following each feeding. Keeping the digestive tract functioning involves the simple rule: put something in, something comes out. If the elimination of waste stops, the puppy will cease feeding, and will quickly start to waste away. If the puppy becomes chilled, the digestive tract almost always shuts down. In every litter, there will be stronger, larger more dominant puppies. They will feed more vigorously, and will tend to push the other puppies away. This becomes a serious problem with a larger litter. If necessary, move any dominant pups to one side to allow the others ample opportunity to feed. During the first twenty-four hours, the mother should not be left unattended with her puppies. She will still be weak and disoriented. She may accidentally lay on a pup or step on it. If she becomes frightened, she might bite or injure one. If you are right there, you can reassure her. You can also intervene if something goes wrong. You will have to be there anyway, as the pups will need to feed the moment your eyelids get heavy. One can get some rest while the other holds vigil. Otherwise, you will learn why it is said that sleep deprivation is the most successful form of torture. The yellowish colostrum will be replaced by pure white. And quantity should increase. You should notice a gradual change in the puppies. From a somewhat wrinkled appearance, they should start to plump up. Their tummies will start to become engorged after each feeding. If the mother is licking and cleaning the puppies, and is allowing them to feed, all is well. You can relax, somewhat. Some mothers take several days to settle into motherhood. If that is the case, clean the puppies regularly to stimulate elimination. As the puppies grow, they will learn to eliminate without stimulus. But if they are not cleaned, their little tails can end up stuck to their behinds. If you are remiss and allow that to happen, you will have to dissolve and dislodge the mess so they can eliminate. And it can set up like epoxy. Use warm water and cotton, and work at it as gently as you can. It may take some time. If the mother is reluctant to clean the pups, hold them up to her to show her what she needs to do. Once shown a messy pup, most mothers will relent and start to lick. Occasionally, the opposite syndrome will occur. A mother will clean too eagerly, resulting in raw, chafed little butts. If the pups are crying inordinately, this is a possible cause. Petroleum jelly for the chafing, or neomycin ointment will help ease the discomfort. Call your vet immediately and have her checked. In the meantime, you will have to bottle feed. Do not allow the pups to go hungry for long. Once they become weak, it will be difficult to get them to feed. There are many recipes around for substitute milk to feed them. Nowadays, a simple expedient is to buy prepared milk substitute for puppies. All you have to do is heat it to the right temperature and use it. The containers have complete directions. Bottles and nipples designed specifically for feeding puppies are available. Using newborn infant bottles and nipples should substitute nicely. If the puppies are older, you may have to widen the opening in the nipple to afford greater flow. As with breast feeding, bottle feeding needs to be done every two to four hours. Make sure each puppy gets enough. If they are not feeding well, give them smaller meals more often. If you have to bottle feed, be very careful. Because of their flat faces, it is easy for the puppies to aspirate milk. That can go one of two ways. When puppies feed too vigorously, milk will come out their nose. Be sure to clear it out completely, as it can cause infection. It can also be aspirated later into the lungs. The greatest risk with bottle feeding is that the puppy will aspirate milk directly into the lungs. If you take your time, and hold the puppy flat enough, this should not occur. If it does, you can tell by the rattling sound as the puppy breathes. Go directly to the vet. This is where a flexible plastic tube is inserted carefully down the throat so that the milk can be placed directly in the stomach. If done improperly, tube feeding puts the milk directly into the lung. Most important in this technique is to have a tube cut to exactly the right length. You need to measure how far the tube needs to go to reach the stomach. Tube feeding is best left to experts. Learning how to tube feed is best done with somebody experienced in the technique. Once the technique is learned, though, it is much faster and more efficient than bottle feeding. It is also the technique of last resort if a puppy is too weak to feed voluntarily. As the puppies grow and feed, they will become stronger and more active. They will more readily seek out the mother themselves. Although their eyes are not open, they can find her by smell and touch sometimes they seem totally lost , and by her body heat. The whole foreface is a complex of sensoria designed to find the mother, determine where a nipple is, and even to detect which is their regular nipple. You can start to relax a little more. If all goes well, the puppies should open their eyes around the tenth day. At first, their eyes will look scary and vacant when they open. Their ability to focus comes later. Frenchies take more time than other breeds to come up onto their rear legs. I have seen greyhound puppies on their feet before their eyes even open! But they should begin to get up on their front legs somewhere around the second week. They need a surface with good traction to get up on. Remnant carpet pieces work well. Slippery surfaces will make it hard for them to strengthen the pelvic muscles that hold the rear legs in position. Infections, viruses, congenital defects can all cause puppies to sicken and die. The mother can step or lay on a puppy and unintentionally cause injury or death. Amazingly, most puppies make it through. Somewhere between four and six weeks of age, the puppies will need to be weaned. If you are slow in starting them on solid food, the mother will let you know. Once the puppies start to develop teeth, her desire to let them feed declines precipitously. There are commercial products available, and most serious breeders have their own recipes for mush to give to puppies. The most important thing to remember is that it needs to be soft enough that they can lap it up at first. One simple alternative is to purchase good quality dry puppy food with a complete array of vitamins and minerals and pulverize it in a blender. Keep thinning it until it is just capable of being poured. Then warm it a microwave oven works well to about body temperature. Thin it a little more once it is warm, as heating will tend to thicken it. For the first attempt, the final product should be thin enough that the puppies can lap it up. Take the mother out while you are giving them the solid food. It may take some effort to coax them to try it. It can also end up looking like a food fight in a Three Stooges comedy. If they try it, good. They will do better the next day. Once you are done, let the mother back in to clean up the remaining food. She should help you with the puppies, but you may have to clean off the messiest of the puppies yourself. Start supplying them water to drink. The solid food will make them thirsty. You should be able to get the puppies to eat the semisolid food in a period of about a week. Once they will accept it readily, you can remove the mother. The puppies will need to be fed around three times a day once they are on their own. Gradually reduce the liquid portion of the food. If they will not accept it, it is too dry. The move to solid food will cause a quantum leap in growth. The puppies should grow less soft and beanbaggy, and should start strengthening up. Their immune systems will need to be built up by the time they are six months old. Talk to your vet to set up an immunization schedule. Suddenly they will look like Frenchies. By this time, you should have strong indications of their personalities, as well. A noisy five-week-old will likely be a vocal adult as well. A loving one or a shy one should correspond similarly. Training can begin somewhere around this stage. It is surprising how much a willing young puppy can learn. Familiarize them with a collar and lead. Teach them proper bathroom etiquette. Make sure that any new owners understand the special care required with bull breeds. They need to know they are indoor-outdoor dogs, and should not be left out at night. New owners should be encouraged to develop a relationship with their vet before any problems occur. Most importantly, let new owners know they can come to you for help if there is any problem with the puppy. You should be able to help them with the simple stuff, and warn them to get to the vet with anything more major. You want the puppies to do well in their new environments. If there was something you were breeding for, did you get it? If there was something you were breeding away from, did you succeed? What other surprise faults and problems came in with the breeding? Once you have done this for half a dozen generations, you should be able to see some trends. Some characteristics will pop up again after a few generations of dormancy. Others will dominate and stay with you no matter what you do. How you handle these characteristics and where you go is all part of what makes you a good breeder. John Niedhamer. New born puppies are very helpless. They are born blind and deaf and unable to regulate their body temperatures, so we have to use an external heat source when the puppies are not in direct contact with mom. During this time period, their mothers have to stimulate them in order for them to urinate and have bowel movements. This is a very busy time for us and we are usually very sleep deprived because we assist the mothers every 3 hours around the clock to make sure that all puppies are latching on well, growing, and being stimulated to urinate and defecate. It is a critical time in which the puppies are so small that an unaware Frenchie mother could accidentally smother one or more of her pups, so we monitor them very closely. Lacey takes a video of each litter at 3 weeks of age and posts them on our website under New Puppies so that our clients near the top of the list, as well as other clients and prospective clients, can get a early look at them. They continue to gain weight rapidly over the next several months of their lives. At two weeks age their ears open and they are able to hear, and another big part of their new world opens up. Prior to this event, about all they do is grunt or mew, but afterward their vocabulary includes yelps, whines, and even little barks. At three weeks of age the more advanced puppies start taking their first shaky steps; prior to this their basic mode of transportation is basic army crawling. They are now able to urinate and defecate on their own and will move away from their sleeping area to do so. Up to this point it is strictly the mothers and us Donna, Lacey, and Bick who have handled the pups with lots of hand sanitizing before and after and they have been kept in their kennel. Even though it is hard on the kids, we do not let them or their friends handle them until 4 weeks of age. At four weeks we start introducing them to solid food initially crushed and moistened. By the end of the 4th week they are eating their crushed puppy food, with no water added, three times a day. Because they are not nursing as long or as often, we provide fresh water for them at all times. The kids are allowed to hold them now closely monitored and with clean hands and we allow the puppies to run around and explore our large main room in the house. At 5 weeks of age they are starting to run around all over the place when they are let out to play, and, when they are in their kennels, they play sometimes rather roughly with litter mates. It is during this time when some of their adult personalities will start coming out. By the end of this week their puppy teeth are all in, and they love to chew on things, including fingers if you let them. However, even at this age, they will spend most of their time sleeping, probably close to 20 hours per day, with only short times between naps when they are alert and active. By the end of the 6th week they are completely weaned from their moms and eating solid food well. We frequently take them out of their kennels to scamper around. They are full of energy and love to play with their litter-mates and the kids. This is the time that we really focus on socializing them and we even start their paper training. By 7 weeks they have already passed through most of their puppy milestones and are continuing to grow rapidly; they are generally in the 4 to 6 pound range. This is when their personalities really start coming out! It is so fun to watch them play with the kids and their litter-mates and observe their new fascination with toys. They have become somewhat accustomed to going potty on pee pads so that when they are out running around the room they often recognize them on the floor and will go potty on them. Though they are fast, active, playful little puppies at this point in their lives, they still are like babies and require lots of sleep probably over 18 hours per day and are still quite fragile. This video will show the color and conformation of each puppy, in addition to its personality. Their their third DAPP and 2nd Bordetella vaccinations are given at 12 weeks and then a yearly booster thereafter. The rabies shot can also be given at 12 weeks no later than 16 weeks. They are also regularly de-wormed and given a medication for the prevention of coccidia and giardia. Occasionally we hold onto puppies a little longer if we do not feel they are quite ready to go to their new homes. Our clients are encouraged to come to our home to meet their fur babies if this is feasible. When this is not possible, we arrange for one of our responsible puppy chaperones to hand deliver our puppies to meet their new owners at their nearest major airport. In fact, even as adults they will sleep at least half of the day in a series of long naps, and probably closer to 14 hours per day. Have More Questions? The bat ears, large bright eyes, stubby tail, compact and muscular body, playful nature and remarkably docile demeanour; some of the innumerable qualities that make the French bulldogs an excellent companion animal. Due to their smaller body size, these dogs make good travel companions as well. Additionally, their intelligence and quick adaptability ensure that they are safe to be let about around infants and old members of the family as well. To these statements, I can attest myself for I have a 4 years old female French bulldog — one of the most brilliant dogs that my family has ever had the privilege to own. However, during these past four years, one major concern surfaced itself time and again to my veterinarian parents: Pyometra. Pyometra is defined as an intrauterine accumulation of pus accompanied by a persistent corpus luteum and failure of oestrus. Apparent failure of the endometrial luteolytic factor or endogenous prostaglandin to cause luteolysis makes bitches appear and behave as though they were gestating. Risk factors for pyometra include increasing age, nulliparity, breed, and exogenous oestrogen or progesterone administration. Spaying Ovariohysterectomy completely and promptly removes the infection, prevents uterine rupture and peritonitis, and prevents recurrence, in most cases. Spayed animals do very rarely develop pyometra in the uterine stump. Even so, ovariohysterectomy is currently considered the most effective and safest treatment. It is thus, a very important disease to be aware of for any dog or cat owner because of the sudden nature of the disease and the deadly consequences if left untreated. While it is observed that this condition may occur in any dog regardless of age and mating history, it is more common in bitches that have not whelped even once throughout their life nulliparous. Therefore, after a proper discussion and consultation with scientific literature, we decided to allow our French bulldog to mate with a healthy adult male of the same breed. Little did we know what was in store for us in the next few months to come. Our dog conceived successfully and started showing some symptoms of gestation such as gradual enlargement of abdomen, quick exhaustion, reluctance to run or play, enlargement of mammary glands, etc. However, she lost her appetite abruptly and refused to eat her meals about two weeks into her pregnancy. As her abdomen rapidly grew in size, her appetite reduced alarmingly. To manage the issue, she was given appetite inducers, liver supplements and shifting of meal ingredients from fish, to egg, to chicken, to pork alternatively, in an attempt to spark her interest. She ate almost nothing. There was gradual loss of condition as her abdomen distended significantly. At merely 30 days of gestation, her general appearance was of a bitch at full term. A general abdominal ultrasound was conducted on the 40th day of gestation and roughly 7 puppies were observed even though the number could be greater since unlike X-ray, the number of foetuses cannot accurately be determined using ultrasonography and we were unwilling to conduct radiography due to radiation hazard. She instead preferred to sit close to walls and furniture and lean for support, thus keeping her thorax elevated than her abdomen to reduce pressure on her diaphragm while breathing. There were a couple of concerns we were ailed with. Since French bulldogs are known to have a narrow pelvic girdle and foetal head size is typically large, normal parturition could lead to lodgement of the head of the foetus in her birth canal leading to dystocia. This is why being a veterinary surgeon; I had made all preparations for a caesarean section. Additionally, on an average, French bulldogs have no more than 5 puppies per litter but in the case of my dog Paris, her litter size appeared considerably larger upon ultrasonography, which could be correlated with her abnormally distended abdomen. On the 58th day of gestation, she displayed vivid signs of labour such as nesting, restlessness, panting and straining. We were alarmed due to her pre-term parturition since there were still days of pregnancy remaining. At pm in the winter evening she delivered her first puppy via normal parturition without incident and continued to deliver 8 more over the next 7 hours and delivered a total of 9 puppies of which one was still-born. It was severely cold and raining outside. She displayed admirable maternal instinct and licked away the foetal membranes from all the puppies enabling them to breathe and stimulated them by licking their faces and bodies until the pups let out their first cries. The puppies were cleaned and stimulated further by rubbing gently with sterile absorbant cotton. Unlike most other breeds of dogs, Paris readily allowed us to handle and care for her pups, trusting us completely to keep them safe. On the first two nights, the puppies were allowed to remain with the mother however; we lost another pup as a result of crushing injury inflicted due to her lack of experience. It was then decided to undertake human intervention so as to ensure the safety of the remaining 7 puppies and avoid such accidents in the future. On the 4th night however, the mother managed to get into the basket housing her puppies, reached in with her mouth and carried out one puppy then took her to her bed. The puppy was licked thoroughly by the mother and was only discovered approximately 4 hours after the incident. By then the puppy was hypothermic and dehydrated. Due to severe dehydration and subsequent hypoglycaemia, she was very weak, unable to suckle milk and twitched in frequent intervals. Intensive care was initiated immediately and the puppy was separated from the rest, kept constantly warm at 39 degrees Celsius, fed artificial milk in intervals of 1 hour. However, not much improvement could be observed. After repeating the procedure thrice, she visibly regained strength and began suckling on the finger showing intent. I continued to feed her the milk replacer at 1 hour intervals and 0. This is an essential step since most puppies at neonatal stage are unable to void faeces and urine independently and require stimulation from the mother by licking or artificially using soaked cotton balls. In the case of Paris, she would tend to lick using excessive pressure perhaps due to her overwhelming maternal instinct, which is why we had to deter her from doing so and took charge of the issue ourselves. From the 4th week, feeding was repeated at 4 hour intervals and subsequently increased to 6 hours at the age of 6 weeks. They are currently 12 weeks old and in the past couple of months, I have put my theoretical knowledge on neonatal care of puppies into practical application. General status of health could be assessed by observing faecal consistency and frequency. Neonates void yellow or brown semi-solid faeces with a seedy appearance at intervals of 2 to 3 hours. Faeces solidify gradually and take the form of small boli in healthy puppies without gastrointestinal ailments and having sufficient hydration. Anaemia was assessed by colour and dryness of the oral mucous membranes, dehydration could be assessed by pulling the skin on the back using thumb and index finger as well as the colour of urine. Healthy puppies void clear, colourless to slightly yellow urine, and dehydrated puppies have dark yellow urine voided in scanty quantities. The first two weeks are very crucial since the puppies were prone to hypothermia and hypoglycaemia if optimal room temperature and feeding schedule is not carefully maintained. Methylcellulose eye drops were instilled at 6 hour intervals for one week to prevent corneal desiccation. The mother resumed feed consumption the morning after her delivery. Her diet was supplemented with multi-mineral and multivitamin syrup Multistar Pet and calcium chew tablets Drools to help her regain optimal health as well as to sustain the high nutritional requirements during lactation. All puppies were vaccinated with Puppy-DP Distemper and Parvovirus at 30 days age considering the facts that Paris missed her vaccination during her pregnancy and a Parvoviral infection was on-going as an epidemic in the city. Additionally, the puppies were kept under complete isolation and I had to place myself under home-isolation since I would encounter multiple Parvo and Distemper cases at my workplace. It is with great pride that I can say that all seven puppies have shown remarkable growth and development, are healthy, happy and playful. A healthy female French Bulldog Paris , 4 Year age. A photograph of Paris at 30 days of gestation, with distended abdomen and mildly enlarged mammary glands. A photograph of Paris resting with her fully fed puppies after nursing. Six French bulldog puppies of 60 days age, sitting attentively for a photograph.

Regular and Long Coats available. Our pups always have their 1st vaccines, are de- wormed, and are very well socialized. Fed high quality diet. Over 35 years experience with German Shepherds. We are a smaller kennel with high quality dogs thoughtfully bred. Also Therapy Dog International Testing and nursing home visits. My focus has been to breed beautiful, healthy, and easily trained dogs. German Shepherds are naturally protective and make excellent family guardians, but do require that you take the time to train them well. I am a Registered Vet Tech, and RN, and as such I have a thorough background knowledge of many potential health issues. The German Shepherd breed has many health and temperament problems, and there are no perfect dogs — but I try hard to avoid and weed out the issues I find. It brings me great satisfaction when I get pictures and stories of my pups that turned out well. Micro chipping is also available. I will assist you via phone or email with continuing questions and concerns regarding the pups and training, and of course love to hear brags. Carla Eikelberg R. Guiding Mission How We Do Things As a responsible Dog Breeder, we carefully screen potential owners to make sure they understand exactly what is required when it comes to taking care of a German Shepherd dog. Please note, we offer our pets on a first come first serve basis. Pricing may vary depending upon which Dam female is the mother, pedigree, color and coat type etc. Once full deposit payment is made you will be the next in line for your pick of a male or female from that litter. Your deposit can be made in person , by personal check or money order mailed to us at Spearsville Rd Morgantown, Indiana .If mailed , please include a separate piece of paper with the full legal name of the person s that will be registering the puppy, current address, phone number and email address. When they give you the receipt you text me a picture of the receipt clearly showing my name, the amount and the confirmation number. For final payment when you pick up your puppy either cash or CashApp is required. We can not accept personal checks or money orders for final payment. We are currently accepting deposits on future litters. Contact us with any questions you may have , to put down a deposit to reserve a puppy from a future litter or to schedule an appointment. We Are Dedicated! We simply love German Shepherds! As one of the premier reputable German Shepherd breeders indiana has, we focus on healthy GSD puppies for sale that are exceptional quality. From their amazing working dog traits to their loving and compassionate companion dog personality, we love German Shepherds and have dedicated our lives to the betterment of the breed. Full blooded, sable, solid black, silver, no matter what we love this breed! We are also passionate about training in a variety of working areas including obedience, puppy training and basic training. You have many choices when it comes to who you adopt your new German Shepherd puppy from! We are honored to know that so many people choose us because we believe in healthy, happy and beautiful GSD puppies. From our health clearances to our excellent pedigrees, we take pride to knowing our German Shepherds are top of the line! So no matter if you are searching for a German Shepherd Breeder in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio, we hope to earn your business through honesty, integrity and ethical breeding practices! Puppy Links.

It is always sensible to conduct thorough research on the breeder first before you plunge into buying. Never buy and do business online. Always remember that breeders with a good reputation will offer you information about the purebred parents or previous litters. They also provide relevant papers regarding your N puppy. You can start finding a breeder by going through your local AKC club. Here are some breeders and kennels to launch your search: 1. The grooming requirements of a Newfoundland cross Labrador is mostly dependent on the coat it acquired — so you can use your better judgment to decide how often you should groom. Here are the recommended products for grooming: Combs and Brushes 1. Fine tooth comb — The fine-tooth comb offers very little resistance on the coat; it works to remove nits from your Newfoundland Lab cross. Greyhound comb — The greyhound comb is a fit choice for line combing your Newfoundland Lab mix as it gets deep down to the skin. It is also useful in removing debris, like burrs and sticks, from the coat. Pin Brush — The most favored brush for daily use, the pin brush is perfect for everyday grooming. It effectively removes knots and tangles from the longer coats of a Newfoundland Lab Mix. The ends of the brush also work to gather dead hair. You can select one from a wide array of products with unique features, in different shapes, sizes, and varieties. Try not to use pin brushes with small plastic balls on the end as they end up snagging on the coat. The 27mm long tines is a good recommendation. Undercoat Rake — An undercoat rake works to de-entangle double coated hybrids like the Newfoundland Lab Mix. This product is usually used when a dog is blowing coat — this is when the winter coat transition to summer coat or vice versa. The length of the tines makes it go deep into the hair and grab out loose fur skins and matting. They are available in the market with a wide selection, ranging from different styles, different teeth lengths, and for different textures and coats. A single row, single length undercoat rake is best for everyday use and the one with double rows, different lengths are excellent for removing the undercoat. Slicker brush — The slicker brush works flawlessly for de-matting as the wire pins move effortlessly through the coat to untangle hair. It is also a wise choice for removing dead hair from the undercoat with the curved ends working to gather dead, lifeless hair. Available in soft and delicate or firm and sturdy pins, slicker brushes also come in different sizes. Mars Coat King — This tool conveniently gets rid of dead hair and undercoat. The chest and pants are heavily coated areas, so the Mars Coat King works for de-bulking wonders. Mat Splitter — You can use this tool to cut up the mats to allow easier combing. They come in several varieties, with sharp blades that can leave behind holes so use it with caution. The single-blade is widely used in Lab Newfoundland mix. Grooming Scissors Thinning shears — With a regular blade on one side and a comb-like one on the other, this is a perfect choice for your Newfoundland and Lab combination. Available in beauty supply stores, they come in a variety of choices and ranges — in price, shape, and size. It is important to note that the lesser set of teeth you use means a choppier cut you can make. A tooth shear makes an exceptional choice for a Newfoundland and Lab cross. Straight shears — The straight shears are ideal for trimming paws and flyaway hairs. It is somewhat sharp and could easily wound the skin. And worse, it could leave a rough and irregular appearance on the body. You can get this at local supply stores, but it can be pretty expensive, be careful when choosing as inexpensive ones may have blades that dull easily. Curved shears — You can use a pair of curved shears to enhance the shape of the ears, paws, and legs. They work flawlessly on the paws or for a belly trim during the warm months. They come in a variety of styles. The blade size depends on what trim you want to achieve. It is always best to introduce the grooming table while your mix is still a young pup to allow time of getting used to it. The tab will keep him in place while grooming session is ongoing. Get one that is adjustable so you can set it in a comfortable height — this will help you maintain a good posture. High-speed dog dryer — This is essential for a Newfoundland and lab cross that is fond of swimming. Drying out your dog will help reduce hot spots because the high-speed dryer thoroughly dries deep into the skin. It can also work to snuff out loose hair and dandruff on a dry coat. And your Lab Newfoundland combination can amass plenty of dandruff, depending on the severity of the condition. Dryers are usually expensive. For your dog friend, A cool dryer with varying airflow adjustments is highly recommended. Some examples are the K9 high-velocity dog dryers and Metro Air Force dryers. It is important to note that you never attempt to use a regular blow dryer on a Lab and Newfoundland combination as it gets extremely hot and it not at all dry their coat. Grooming spray — A grooming spray allows you to brush and comb the hair without any difficulties. There are so many grooming sprays to choose from, and it can be particularly hard to pick one that would work for your cross between Newfoundland and Lab. You can start by selecting a scent that you like. Tackle Box — What better way to store and organize all your dog-grooming tools than to use a Tacklebox? You can place your combs and scissors on the top compartment and your brushes and grooming spray on the underneath. If you decide to accommodate all grooming care, it can be a great bonding experience for you both. Starting your dog young is a sure-fire hit. Ultimately, grooming tools are dependent on your personal preference. You may follow a certain standard, but it all comes down to what works best for you and what you can afford. It is vital that we can identify the symptoms so we can take action. Here are some of the most common illnesses of a Lab Newfoundland cross: Subvalvular aortic stenosis — a heart disease that affects the valves Gastric dilatation volvulus or gastric torsion — bloat or twisted stomach Hip and elbow dysplasia — the hip and elbow joints do not fit or develop accordingly, causing them to rub and grind instead of gliding smoothly Epilepsy — neurological disorder defined by intermittent seizures Cataracts — the lens loses transparency, may impair vision or even cause blindness Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament — ruptures occur in the mid ligament hind legs and is linked with progressive fatigue Cancer — such as mammary cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, osteosarcomas, mast cell tumors, and skin cancers Chronic allergies — can be food, skin or environmental allergy Remember that even the most appropriate health screening does not guarantee a healthy Newfoundland and Lab combination. Lab and Newfoundland Mix Food Requirements The best food choice for a big dog like your Lab and Newfoundland Cross should be rich in protein like fish or meat and carbohydrates which you can get from whole grains, peas, and beans. They have incredibly high energy, so they need sufficient amount of calories to restore what they have burned, For seniors, it is important to serve them with food rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint mobility and repair and DHA found in seaweed oil for proper brain and vision function. For your puppies, food should be hypoallergenic, rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth, and omega 6 and 3 essential for healthy skin and coat. How much you feed them is dependent on their age and activity levels. Here are some examples you can try: 1. It features real, deboned beef, along with sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries and more. With chicken as the main ingredient, it also uses improved botanical oils that are an efficient and effective fuel source. Wild Calling! That is why you should never give them the worst dry dog food, and only choose the best dry dog food for your fuzzy friend. If your furry baby is still just a munchkin, we have a list of the best puppy food brands that they will chow down on in seconds. In case you have a wise, silver-coated senior in your home, give them only the best senior dry dog food to keep them sprightly even past their prime. Never forget that your crossbred charmer carries the genes of their vastly different and unique parents. So, try giving them more variety in their bowls — they may like these best dry dog food for small dogs or have a taste for these best large breed dry dog food instead. The point is that you can never know! Newfoundland and Labrador Cross Exercise Requirements Routinary walks and regular visits to the dog park are great opportunities for your Lab Newfoundland mix to get sufficient exercise. Make sure your dog gets at least sixty to ninety minutes of vigorous activity each day, every day. They are huge and naturally tend to become obese if they do not engage in physical activities often. To make the routines more fun and enjoyable, take a look at these tools: Agility Equipment — This is a superb choice if your dog is fond of running, climbing and jumping. Bar jumps, tire jumps or weave poles are some examples. Lure Coursing — This is a splendid choice if you have a pet with undeniably strong prey nature. This equipment creates a mechanical lure which is then pursued by your dog. An example is the Injoy Lure Coursing. Newfoundland and Lab Mix Training Whether your aim is for socialization or participation in sports, training holds the key to a more confident and comfortable Newfoundland Lab cross. Check out these Sports activities that you can train for: 1. Companion Events — This sport aims to show the deep connection shared between you and your dog. Events like agility, obedience, and tracking, will demonstrate the teamwork between the owner and a well-trained dog. Lab and Newfoundland Mix and Families The Labrador Newfoundland Mix is a fantastic family pet who loves the company of people, especially children. Newfoundland Mixes are very friendly dogs, known to be affectionate with both its own family as well as other dogs and children. Their gentle nature often makes them friendly towards strangers, which makes them a great pup to take to the local park. While their fur makes them great at handling colder weather, it does give them a hard time in warmer climates. Newfie Mixes can be prone to the same health issues as both parent breeds. On the Newfoundland side, this means that they are typically a moderately healthy breed, but do have their own set of risks involved typical to the large and giant dog breeds. They are known to have issues, especially later in life, concerning their joints and eyes. Talking to the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents is a great way to find out what to expect with your Newfoundland Mix. Considered very easy to train and highly intelligent, a Newfoundland Mix is a great dog for anyone who has had experience training a pup before. Because of their large size and thick coat, a Newfoundland Mix will shed a significant amount. To counteract this, they require regular grooming. Daily brushing also goes a long way in cutting down on shedding, removing tangles to prevent mats, and helping your pup be more comfortable. Their flat, water-resistant double coat tends to mat, but is extremely useful in inclement weather. But, droopy ears are more prone to ear infections because they tend to trap dirt and moisture more often than ears that stick straight up. Dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay are one of the most common health issues in dogs. Vet-approved dental hygiene chews or treats and a special dental care diet can help supplement your efforts. These Newfie Mixes tend to have moderate energy levels that require regular play or walks, but nothing overly rigorous. They tend to be very playful though, and love to chase when they play. A Newfoundland Mix typically tends to be between 24 and 27 inches at their shoulder. This may shift slightly depending on the other breed involved in the mix. This dog breed typically lives up to 10 years. Featured Newfoundland Mix Article. Showing 1 - 40 of 42 resultsPage 1 - 42 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. 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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.