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As their name suggests, this mix is made up of a German Shepherd and a Wolf, these hybrids crossbreeds are often called Wolfdogs or Wolf-Shepherds. Whilst there are many types of German Shepherd Wolf mixes, the Saarloos Wolfhund is the most notable. They were created by Leendert Saarloos back in when he crossbred a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf. The aim of this cross-breeding was to bring back the natural traits the GSD had lost when domesticated. You should also keep in mind that they are illegal in several areas across the US, so do your research before keeping one. The German Shepherd already resembles a wolf, so this hybrid does not look hugely different. Due to the genetic diversity, there is no way to tell what a specific pup will look like when they mature. However, there could be a pup that will look more like their German Shepherd parent, rather than their Wolf parent, and vice-versa. Wolfdogs tend to have smaller skulls than the common wolf, they have pointed ears and brown almond-shaped eyes. Height and Weight A German Shepherd can weigh around lb male and lb female. Males stand at around inches and females between inches. So depending on age, sex, diet, and genetics, the German Shepherd Wolf mix can weigh anywhere from lbs. Colors Pups can be found in a number of colors as the classic German Shepherd has 11 different official colors, with the most common being black and tan. But they can also have colors such as sable, black, white, and gray. Wolves can be mottled gray in color, but occasionally can be nearly pure white, red, brown, or even black. Coat German Shepherds have a thick double coat that is medium length. They have a dense outer coat with straight hair that lies close to the body. They have short undercoats and long, coarse outer coats. The GSD and Wolves have very similar coats, so it is fairly likely that their mix will have a double coat and medium-length fur. They will also shed annually, getting rid of their winter coat when the days become warmer. It is safe to say that this crossbreed should not be kept in warmer climates. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Personality and Temperament Both German Shepherds and Wolves have very different personalities, so it can be difficult to predict what their mix will be like. But we will do our best below to explain some behaviors which should be expected. Wolves are pack animals, meaning they are very protective and loyal to their family — they will do anything to protect their kin. They are den-dwelling animals, meaning that your mix is likely to dig anywhere they want. Being wild animals, Wolves are reserved when it comes to unfamiliar surroundings, people, and inanimate objects. They may be very protective but will cower at the sight of strangers. It should be said that the German Shepherd Wolf will be unpredictable in social situations, they can become aggressive when fearful. This can be avoided by giving them lots of socialization as a young pup. They are also very curious and will try to escape whenever opportunity strikes, so make sure to keep your backyard securely fenced. This hybrid will have a strong prey drive, as the GSD was bred to herd livestock and the wolf is a natural predator, so your Wolfdog mix will chase anything and everything that moves. They are also prone to howling as this is how they communicate in a pack. This is not a dog that should be living with small children. This dog should be kept by experienced keepers who are firm and disciplined with their pooch. If they favor their German Shepherd parentage, they will be eager to please dog training will be easy. Either way, you should be training them with positive reinforcement. Give them rewards when they follow your command or when they stop unwanted behavior. Many people believe that dominance training is the way forward with this dog as wolves are pack animals, but studies show that this training method leads to further aggression and reduces the quality of your relationship with your doggy friend. This is a dog for someone who has experience training strong-willed dogs before — you need to be firm and consistent. Do not let them think they are the boss of you. Socializing a dog like this is very important as the wolf can be reserved and unpredictable. Make sure to socialize them with a range of people and different situations. Mental stimulation is very important if you do not want your Wolfdog to get bored and chew everything in sight. You can give them lots of toys and play with them, playtime can decrease their stress levels and make them more confident. Caring for a German Shepherd Wolf Mix Owning a German Shepherd Wolf mix is not something you should take lightly, there are specific laws on owning Wolfdogs, so you should check your state regulations. This cross breed needs an owner who is experienced in training difficult dogs that need lots of attention and care. You will also need a large backyard which has very secure fencing. You should not own a Wolfdog in heavily populated areas, as they have a habit of howling a lot. There are many other responsibilities that you will have when owning this hybrid so keep reading to learn more… Exercise Requirements This is a very energetic dog, as wolves can travel up to 30 miles a day. They will need around hours of exercise each day to keep fit and healthy. Not getting their exercise will result in them destroying your furniture and anything else they can bite. It is also recommended to let them roam around in a fenced backyard, so they can play, dig and explore. You should not take your Wolfdog to dog parks and make sure to keep them on a leash and harness. They will need regular brushing to avoid matting and tangles, and more when shedding season comes along. Do not bathe this dog too much as it can strip away the natural oils that make the coat healthy and shiny. As with every dog, dental hygiene is important so brush their teeth once a week. You should also cut their nails, to avoid overgrowth and splitting. Feeding and Diet Deciding what to feed your Wolfdog is not an exact science, but you should be feeding your dog a diet rich in protein. Avoid buying traditional store-bought dog food as these are rich in carbohydrates and artificial ingredients. You will need to do research into what type of meat-based diets you would prefer your dog to eat. Be mindful of how much you are feeding your dog, too much food can lead to obesity. Keep an eye on their weight by using a body condition score. Known Health Problems Wolfdogs are generally healthy animals, but they are still prone to certain health issues. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! The German Shepherd resembles a wolf in appearance, to begin with, so you can count on the hybrid to be large, with a long face, thick coat and pointed ears. The coat of the Wolfshepherd can be gray, sable, white, black, or a mixture of these colors. It will most likely inherit the thick fur that is standard for both parents and is known to shed heavily. You can take a closer look at this Wolfdog mix in the video. Is a Wolf Shepherd dangerous? If a Wolfdog is uncomfortable, it can attack out of defense. This has earned them a reputation for being dangerous and they are banned in several US states. Wolves build dens and roam frequently. They also have a strong pack and predatory instincts. These traits translate into destructive behavior for the Wolfdog, such as digging holes in the garden and chewing up wooden furniture. They also may urinate more frequently than other dog breeds to mark their territory. It takes one who is passionate and willing to devote time and energy to a German Shepherd Wolf dog. Because of its unpredictable nature, it is advised that this crossbreed should not be left alone around other pets and especially children. Black German Shepherd Wolf mixes in particular, are known for being less tolerant towards children. They have been known to react by biting and shaking. This is a natural response of the Black GSD when correcting puppy behavior. With rigorous training, a Wolfdog makes a protective and loyal companion. They are strong, intelligent, playful, and affectionate towards family. Are Wolf German Shepherd Mix health issues common? As we mentioned above the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is up to 14 or even .However, the German Shepherd breed is vulnerable to serious genetic diseases that can get passed down to this particular Wolfdog hybrid. Hip Dysplasia : A painful hip joint deformity that causes loss of mobility and lameness. Elbow Dysplasia: A joint deformity that affects the elbows and can cause pain and loss of mobility. Bloat: A build-up of gas in the stomach that can cause it to twist and lead to shock or even death. Cancer: Abnormal cell growth that can spread throughout the body. Feeding time Since the Wolfshepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia , it is important to keep her on a strict feeding regime to avoid obesity. Aim for 2 to 3 cups of meat-based dog food divided between meals each day. Remember that every dog has different health needs. Exercise time The German Shepherd Wolf hybrid needs daily activity to thwart destructive behavior and keep physically fit. A house with a large fenced-in yard is the most suitable environment for this crossbreed. They need room to stretch their legs and roam. If you live in an apartment, you might want to consider a smaller dog breed or perhaps a dog that resembles a wolf. Not only is an apartment too small a space, but this mix prefers to spend time outdoors, like its Wolf parent. Playing fetch with a ball or tugging games can help get that chewing habit under control. Can you train a Wolf Shepherd? This is the only way to lessen the inclination towards aloofness, fear, and an unpredictable temperament. Training needs to start at the puppy stage to be effective. Be prepared, because Wolfdogs are not easy to train and require time, patience, and consistency. Dominance is one of the main German Shepherd Wolf mix characteristics that you will have to focus on. As the owner, you must be confident and assert that you are the leader of the pack. If attention wanes during a game or your Wolfdog decides to ignore commands, stay positive yet firm and above all — do not let them dominate you. Socialization is key to helping a Wolfdog accept other pets in the household. Walks around the park can help, but always keep your pup on a leash. Supervise them when other dogs are present. When searching for reputable German Shepherd Wolf mix breeders, look for someone that is open to you visiting and will provide health clearances. They should be able to answer questions about the parents, especially regarding medical history. This results in a high number of them being left at rescue shelters. Here are 3 Wolfdog rescues where you can look for a German Shepherd Wolf mix along with other Wolfdogs. They first appeared over a century ago, making them one of the oldest designer or hybrid dogs. A designer breed is any dog that is crossed between two purebred dogs to create a new hybrid. The designer dog breed industry has gained momentum in the previous thirty years. Designer breeds are now outselling many pure breed dogs around the world. With their gorgeous appearance and exotic nature, the hybrid has become a hot commodity, with more and more people thinking about getting one. The German Shepherd Wolf hybrid can be a complicated dog to own. He could even pose a fair amount of risks that you should be well-aware of before having one. They are not recommended for a first-time dog owner either, because they can be more like owning a wild animal. They are as gorgeous as they are intimidating with their graceful but curious gait. This is a formidable dog, in every way. They hover around lbs, though there can be big discrepancies due to the blending of their parent's divorced genetics. Their coats are usually a mixture of fawn, brown, white, and shades of grey. They can come in other colors though. They can also vary a great deal in size, depending on which parent they take more from, genetically speaking. The erect ears are very furry, always alert, and able to turn in any direction to hone in on a sound as far as five miles away. Both owning their origins to the same man, Max von Stephanitz. In , Von Stephanitz was on the lookout for a dog that he could call the perfect working dog. Soon he stumbled on a dog called Hektor Linksrhein, who he was completely in love with remarking that it was perfectly strong, intelligent, loyal, and beautiful. The German Shepherd of today has changed a great deal, sadly. The straight line of the back and square back legs has been bred out of them in favor of a more slanted body posture. This has caused some problems with the breed and their hips. Sadly, many German Shepherds bred outside of Germany are going to have genetic hip problems. You should have your young German Shepherd screened as soon as possible. This is also a dog that should not be bred, unfortunately it is happening though. In fact, many states have made this hybrid illegal to own because of the issues with their behavior. Wolves do not mature at the same speed that dogs do. Researchers at Duke University in North Carolina have also discovered that domesticated dogs still have puppy-like behaviors well into old age. Old dogs still play. Wolves are far less likely to be interested in play and do not behave like puppies. Therefore, it is postulated that domesticated animals differ from wild counterparts in that they do not mentally mature to the extent of wild animals. This is especially the case in dogs. Because of the way they differ, a person can get far more than they bargained for when they choose a German Shepherd Wolf hybrid. In fact, it may be an outright mistake, so do your research! The German Shepherd Wolf mix can make for a super loyal and friendly dog, but at the same time when left untrained or bored, they can be incredibly destructive. Another big factor is you never know how much wolf side the dog may take, and they can become incredibly aggressive with small animals, and it will beg the question of whether your dog is tame or not. You will need to closely watch for signs of the wolf side developing for the first two years, as they slowly pop up until they reach maturity. As puppies, they often act exactly as if they were purebred German Shepherds. This is where Duke University research comes into play. Your wolf pup was a pup, but now that he is an adult, if he takes more after the wolf genetically, he may be a wild animal that you simply cannot control. It may be a dangerous situation waiting to happen and the liability is great. Your German Shepherd Wolf hybrid may never be safe around other animals or even children. What will you do if he escapes your yard? He could do a lot of damage. In fact, they can jump a six-foot fence with ease. There have been cases of wolf hybrids attacking children and even jumping into cribs and killing babies. This is not an average pet and it is not a domestic animal. First, wolf mixes can be trained to like kids and do well around them. Children who are young, as well as infants, should absolutely never be left alone with one of these dogs. The risk is simply too great. Ask the Virginia family whose eight-day-old baby was mauled and killed by their wolf hybrid. They thought they knew the dog. It is a criminal liability as well. Are you prepared for this? Young kids have a hard time understanding the sensitive nature of the wolf mix, and one wrong tug on the ear or pat in the wrong place can trigger the wolf side to come raging out. Fact 5 - They Are Very Healthy Dogs Thanks to genetic diversity and both parent breeds which are quite healthy themselves, the German Shepherd mix is overall a very healthy dog, and you can expect them to live for around 15 years — which is impressive for such big dogs. There are a few health conditions that you should still be on the lookout for such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer. Neither the wolf or the German Shepherd are particularly susceptible to illnesses or chronic conditions. Some German Shepherd police dogs have been wounded in the line of duty and continued to fight assailants, even with a bullet wound. These hybrids tend to be fearless, as both parent breeds are not known for backing down from much. They are fierce protectors and could potentially make a good working dog if the hybrid takes more from the domesticated genes of the Shepherd, for control purposes. Dogs have evolved to better handle carbohydrates, where wolves have not, and this makes kibble an ill choice for the mix breed. As well, you need to be careful about salmonella. These are the two big reasons vets recommended kibble over raw for most dogs, but with the wolf mix raw still the best choice. You may find that a mixture of raw and kibble works well for your hybrid. The best thing to do is to monitor his health very carefully and work with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is doing well and remaining healthy at all times. Both the shepherd and the wolf have big exercise demands as German Shepherds are bred to work all day and a wolf is a wolf. Both animals are capable of running long distances. A wolf can run all day, quite literally for hours, chasing prey. They follow the scent of deer for days until they find a herd. Then they single out the weaker animal and hunt as a pack. Their instinct to run is very strong and their stamina is incredible. The German Shepherd was also bred with this same quality for police and guard dog work. They are amazing. A GSD can leap over walls as tall as 8 feet. They can wrestle grown men to the ground, run through burning buildings, carry a pack all day long, balance on beams high in the air as they sniff for bombs, and work with soldiers in the field doing bomb seeking and more. Any mix of these two animals is not going to want to lay around and sleep while you watch soap operas all day long. As well, with other dogs, not giving them enough exercise can result in health problems, not giving the wolf hybrid enough exercise will result in health issues and them getting bored and destroying things. When they destroy something, it will be something big - like eating a whole recliner. These dogs often get anxious when cooped up for too long. Both the wolf and the German Shepherd are notorious for being big-time shedder with both growing incredible [] coats in the winter. As well, since your wolf hybrid is part wolf you may have a harder time finding a groomer to groom them, so make sure you check out How to Stop Dogs from Shedding for all the grooming tips you could possibly need. To say that they shed massive amounts of fur each year is possibly an understatement. They will lose enough fur each year to piece together an entire pack of more dogs. Invest in a shedding blade and groom your dog daily, outside. Let the fur blow away and birds and other small animals will use it as nesting material. Some dog trainers will not even want to work with you if you have a wolf-hybrid because they know the risks associated and there is a liability on their part as well. You may have to sign special waivers and even then, many trainers will refuse to work with an animal that is part wolf. Taking a course to help you learn about wolves is a great idea. Your local zoo may be able to give you some tips as well. Ask for references and choose someone who uses positive reinforcement, rather than punishment. This will be far better. You are much better off to not teach a wolf how to be aggressive. Many places have laws against owning any sort of wolf mix, including a German Shepherd-Worf hybrid. This is because, unlike dogs, wolves are completely wild animals, and while they can be domesticated to a certain extent, that wild streak is likely to live on. It just means that in extreme circumstances, these dogs are likely to be less predictable than those without wolf DNA inside them. The appeal is undeniable, but you still need to do your homework before adding one to your pack. Most experts would contend that a wolf mix is one with a purebred wolf in its bloodline within four or five generations. They act just like canine puppies for the most part. However, once they start to grow up, the wolf-like tendencies begin to emerge. They can start slowly in adolescence before becoming extremely apparent in adulthood. Many people have fallen in love with a wolf mix puppy, thinking that it has the features of a wolf but the sweetness of a dog. That may be true in some cases, but in others, the animal grew up to be quite a fearsome pet indeed. They Can Be Quite Unpredictable You would think that a wolf mix would be proud and fearless, never backing down from anyone or anything. The fact of the matter is that while these dogs can certainly be ferocious, they also tend to be extremely shy and skittish. Wolves are scared of people and for good reason, sadly. That means that while your German Shepherd Wolf mix would readily sacrifice their own lives to protect their family, they usually also prefer to cower and hide when strangers arrive. That can lead to dangerous situations, especially with children. If you push these dogs past their breaking point, the wolf will eventually come out — and that can have tragic results. Some of these animals take after their canine parents, while others favor their wolf lineage. Generally speaking, though, you can expect your German Shepherd Wolf mix to be fiercely loyal and protective of their families yet wary of outsiders. Due to the wolf in them, these dogs tend to be more pack-driven than other pups. You may even want to give them a canine companion, although this can have its own set of challenges. That intelligence makes them capable escape artists, though. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Little ones will often push a pet too far, and you never know when the wolf will come out. If you do bring one of these animals into a home with little kids, never leave them unsupervised. You should also teach your kids how to deal with the dog, making sure they know not to mess with their food or toys or abuse them in any way. Older kids may be able to get along with them, though, so if your children are a little more mature, you might be able to bring one of these dogs home without issue. All of this assumes that you know how to handle one of these animals, of course. They get lonely easily and may become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. However, they may be prone to aggression with other dogs as well. Pack culture is a much bigger deal for wolves than for dogs, so your mix may be prone to dominance. Other pets, however, are likely a bad idea. Cats and smaller animals will most likely be seen as food rather than friends, so you should keep your German Shepherd Wolf mix as far away from them as possible. All of this also means that you need to be absolutely certain that your mix is kept on a secure leash and collar or harness during walks. You may not feel up to the task once you realize how much is involved with raising one of these animals. That will affect how much they eat, but you can expect them to have a healthy appetite regardless. These are energetic pups, so they need as much long-lasting energy as they can get. Avoid problematic ingredients like soy, wheat, corn, or animal by-products, as these can make your dog fat without giving them much in the way of nutrition. Many dogs have trouble processing these ingredients as well. In addition to feeding them a proper diet, you should exercise strict portion control and never allow them to free-feed. As a result, expect to provide your pet with plenty of exercises. They can easily destroy your entire lawn if not properly tuckered out. Long walks are a good idea, but you should also play fetch or something that requires more energy every day. Just be careful not to make them run and jump too much, as it puts quite a bit of strain on their spines. Mental stimulation is equally important. You can give them puzzle toys, play hide-and-seek, or put them through extensive training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement, so try to convince them to cooperate by offering them treats or affection. The problem with this is that eventually, those emotions will boil over. That could lead to unpleasant consequences for you. The shedding becomes extreme twice a year when the dogs blow their coats. You should only need to bathe them if they get visibly dirty, but you will need to brush their teeth and trim their claws regularly. Be sure to keep their ears clean as well, as they can be prone to infection. This reduces the risk of spinal issues later in life. Still, there are a few things to be aware of. Minor Conditions. This is a dog that combines the characteristics of a German shepherd and a wolf. There are many people who are interested to know more about these dogs, and that is why we have created this blog. It will give you a detailed overview of German shepherd wolf mix dogs, and why they are so popular as well as not a good pet dog. .Having a German shepherd wolf mix as a pet is a special treat like no other. Most people who have come to love their GSD wolf mix spend a great deal of time researching their new pup, as well as the reasons why they adopted one. With that being said, it is also true that a large majority of people are completely unaware of the joy that comes with having a wolf dog. The hybrid of German Shepherd and the wolf has been known as the Wolf Shepherd. They are similar in appearance to the German Shepherd and wolf, but there are quite a few differences between the two. They are very active dogs and need to be taken out for a long walk at least once a day. They are not known to be good watchdogs or guard dogs. Keep in mind there are different types of wolf dogs. In this post, we will get to know more about the Wolf Shepherd breed and what you need to know before adopting or buying one. The German shepherd wolf mix is intelligent and strong. We have compiled a few interesting facts about this beautiful dog breed. The German shepherd wolf mix dog breed is one of the breed dogs that can not become an important part of the family. This is the only reason that these dogs are not kept as pets. It is a dog that is used for various purposes like for herding and guarding, but it has a good personality. How to find a good dog breeder: While there is a lot of information in the market regarding the German shepherd wolf mix, there are very few resources that can give you tips and tricks on how to find the best dog breeder. You need to be able to distinguish between fake and real dog breeders in order to ensure that you get the right dog. However, there are a lot of people that are not aware of the differences between the German shepherd and wolf, or what the German shepherd wolf mix is like, and they might be confused about why you would want one. History Of German Shepherd Wolf Mix: From to the early s, German shepherds crossed with wolves were used to produce a new type of dog that was bigger and more aggressive. These dogs were bred to help police and army dogs. It is considered to be a working dog and is immensely capable when it comes to performing different tasks, having served in the military, police and search and rescue for many years. They are also used by the blind, deaf and disabled by several service agencies. It is a very strong and athletic dog. These dogs were originally bred from the wolf and various herding dogs. While the exact origin of these dogs are not known, there are several theories about how these dogs were bred. With the German Shepherd being so popular and with the increase in its demand, people have started to breed them with other breeds. The German Shepherd wolf mix is one such breed that is popular with people looking for a high-class guard It is not easy to fully explain the history of the German shepherd wolf mix. So some people have decided to find out the truth and try to understand what happened in the past and how the variety of German shepherds on the market has been formed. German shepherd wolf mix is not a common pet and most owners of this breed prefer not to sell the breeding rights and keep them for themselves. Over a period of time ,the German shepherd wolf mix has become a rare breed and is considered a designer pet. German shepherd wolf mix also known as GSW is a mixed breed dog which comes with a distinct personality. You will find that these dogs have a striking resemblance to the German shepherd but with some wolf features in them. They are the product of a crossbreeding between the German shepherd and the wolf. They have a strong resemblance to the German shepherd, but are larger in size. These dogs are highly intelligent and are very good companions. These dogs need to be trained at an early age to grow into a well-mannered dog. If you are planning to get one of these dogs as your pet. This mixture has produced a unique breed of dog which has a lot of physical similarities to wolves. Wolf Shepherds are loyal, strength full, Aggressive and are not family pets. German shepherds are generally well-trained and protective dogs. German shepherds have a long and strong history and they have been used in wars and in security work. With the latest advancements in technology and a significant increase in human population, people are trying their hands at different animal crossbreeding and the German shepherd wolf mix is one such hybrid. This is quite a new breed of dog and there is not much information about the breed. Only in recent years, there has been a surge in the number of such dogs. The main reason for this is the unique feature of the dog. They are great guard dogs and have the instinct of a wolf. This feature makes them great guard dogs. When they are mixed they are inches tall, weigh between 80 — lbs. They are intelligent, well built and are very active dogs. This dog breed is known to be smart and alert. This is because the result of mixing these two dogs gives you a beautiful dog that can be used for so many different jobs. But do you know what the German Shepherd Wolf mix personality will be like? The temperament of German Shepherd dogs is likely influenced by the wolf. The German Shepherd dog is known to be a highly intelligent, courageous, alert and loyal dog. Hence, the German Shepherd dog can inherit these characteristics from the wolf. The German shepherd wolf mix dogs are very intelligent and aggressive as well. They are not good with children. They are not considered as a good family pet and not recommended to keep at home. The German shepherd wolf mix dogs are very sociable. The German Shepherd Wolf Mix temperament is not always predictable. The wolf dog is a mix between the German Shepherd and a wolf, which can be two challenging breeds to raise. It is important to know how to raise a wolf dog so you can avoid problems while the puppy is growing. The result of mixing these two dogs should give you a dog that is very trainable and extremely loyal. They will hold their family close to their heart. They will be a very protective and loyal dog. They are not easy-going like many other mixed breed dogs. The German shepherd wolf mix is a very unique dog breed. The result is a dog with strong characteristics of both. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Health Issues: As the name suggests, dog breeds that are a mix of different breeds are, by nature, unique. While all dogs share some health conditions, these genetic combinations can trigger particular illnesses in the dog. Here, we are looking at the health concerns related to German Shepherd and Wolf Mix. This crossbreed is not an accepted or recognized breed but is still a popular choice for many dog lovers. The German Shepherd Wolf Mix is an intelligent breed, loyal and obedient to its owners, but can be protective and territorial Although there are many benefits to owning a German Shepherd Wolf Mix, there are also some health issues to consider. If you know what to look out for and what to avoid, you can help your dog live a long and healthy life. They are prone to:. Prone to shedding. Lifespan: 12 - 14 years. They can have several health issues including joint problems and cancer. No - definitely not recommended for families with young kids. Unpredictable temperaments. Although GSDs are easily trainable, wolves are wild animals. These hybrids should be reserved for very experienced dog owners. They need a ton of exercise, which is easier said than done. Once they reach a certain age and level of strength, walking your wolfdog in public can be difficult. In most places in the United States, it is illegal to own a wild animal like a wolf unless you have a special and expensive wildlife permit. GSD-wolf mixes walk a tightrope between being considered wild animals or domestic pets. Because of the wolf parent or grandparent, the law considers the resulting mix not reliably domesticated, and thus prone to acting dangerously. Therefore, if you want a wolf-dog mix, you may have to do a lot of research to even find a place in the world that will let you do so. Some proponents of wolf-dog mixes claim that some dog breeds have more grey wolf parent DNA than other dog breeds. If these breeds are allowed, then so should GSD and wolf mixes. According to Science Trends. These breeds include the Finnish Spitz, the Shar-Pei, the Siberian Husky another breed often crossed with wolves , and the Greenland dog. However, the ancestors of these breeds branched off from wolves thousands of years ago, and not simply one or two generations ago. Over one hundred years ago, German shepherds were popularly called Alsatian Wolf Dogs, since they were bred in the Alsace region of what is now France and looked like wolves. However, no wolves were actually involved in creating German Shepherd mixes. Other breeds mistakenly thought to have wolves in their recent ancestry include Siberian Huskies and the Alaskan Malamute. Although descended from wolves, the last wolf in their pedigree was thousands of years ago. Even puppies in the same litter can act in vastly different ways. Wolves tend to ignore people and do what they want. Any wolf-dog mix will be prone to unpredictable behavior at times, and will tend to act more like a wolf than a dog. Wolves are intensely territorial creatures. They attack any predator in their home range, including wolves not in their packs. This behavior has convinced some people that GSD-wolf mixes make better guard dogs than dogs. This, however, is a myth. According to the International Wolf Center, dogs have been bred for thousands of years to bark when intruders appear. Wolves on the other hand stay silent. This is because large dogs age faster than small dogs. Why this happens in dogs and not other species is not known. The future health of a wolf mix is harder to predict than the health of a purebred dog. After decades of study, it is now known what health problems certain breeds are prone to. Because German Shepherd — wolf hybrids are a genetic toss of the dice, you have no way of knowing what health problems these animals will be prone to. A wolf mix needs to be well-behaved in order to be treated for an illness, but the mix may even be too dangerous to treat. Never assume that all vets will be willing to take in a German shepherd wolf mix as a patient. All the vets in your area may refuse to work on such an animal, and this is not due to prejudice against wolves. Although all vets are trained to help domestic animals like dogs, very few are trained in the care of exotics. One problematic area for vets and exotic animal owners is that of vaccination. Rabies vaccines are crucial for dog owners. Because of the threat of rabies and the problems of the rabies vaccine working on wolf-dogs, any wolf-dog that shows signs of rabies or has been exposed to a rabid animal needs to be euthanized. The two most common medical problems with any wolf-dog mix are complications from being overweight and hip dysplasia. Being overweight can also contribute to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is very common in German shepherds and in most large dog breeds. Hip dysplasia symptoms like limping start when the dog is young, and gets worse over time if left untreated. This is a very painful and chronic condition that may require surgery to treat. Depending on the genetic roll of the dice, a GSD wolf puppy may be looking at a very short, unhealthy life. GSDs are also prone to a deadly and incurable condition called degenerative myelopathy that hits GSDs seven years of age and older. However, this can become quite complicated since wolf-dogs cannot be walked and played with like normal dogs. Puppies may be able to walk on a leash in the beginning. Sadly, a lot of wolf-dog hybrids wind up staying permanently in an outdoor pen because they cannot be walked or trained. Despite the endless unknowns surrounding a GSD wolf mix, their size is actually predictable. The smallest hybrids will be as small as a GSD — roughly 49 pounds. The largest will be about pounds, which is the size of a large male Mackenzie Valley wolf, the largest known wolf species. As is common in most wolf species and dog breeds, females tend to be smaller. GSDs are as tall as small wolves, but wolves can actually reach heights of 34 inches tall at the shoulders. GSD wolf mixes come in a wide variety of colors, but most have two or even three tones to their coats. Common two-toned colors include black and tan, grey and white, silver and white, brown and grey, and tan and grey. Puppies of dogs, wolf-dog mixes, and even wolves can be trained and easily handled. However, once the wolf-dog hybrid becomes physically and sexually mature, all bets are off. Just when a GSD wolf mix matures differs from puppy to puppy. Dogs mature a lot faster than wolves. A German shepherd wolf mix could mature as early as six months, when a GSD matures, or as late as four years old when a wolf typically matures. However, these are not wolves. However, if you want an animal that obeys commands all the time, why not just save yourself the time and money, and go with a dog? They also ask people for affection. They have to be taught to hunt by their older pack-mates. They grow accustomed to being given food at predictable times. All wolf hybrids, including GSD wolf mixes, have severely bitten or attacked people and pets in the United States. Wolf-hybrids often attack children more than adults because children make noises resembling small prey animals. More often, wolf-dog mixes will attack other pets than people. These are very territorial animals. If any other animal is perceived as being on their turf, a GSD wolf mix may not only attack but kill a dog, cat, or other animal. Not only will you have to pay restitution and possible court costs, but depending on your local laws, your GSD wolf mix may be confiscated and euthanized. Your chances of appeal are very small, and will involve significant legal expenses. The only known factors are that this is a large animal with the ability to inflict serious damage on pets, livestock, wildlife, and people, especially children. You may have to keep the animal in a pen for the rest of its life. You may never be able to find a vet willing to look after the GSD wolf mix. You may have laws banning the ownership of such an animal where you live. A GSD wolf mix puppy or adult costs thousands of dollars. You will need plenty of land, fencing, and legal advice in order to keep it. When it comes to any wolf-dog mix, leave it alone. Get one of the safer German Shepherd mixes instead. German Shepherd wolf mix breeds are one of the biggest dogs you can get, averaging to around 24 inches tall. In terms of weight, they average to around 60 lbs heavy when they are fully grown. While this is slightly smaller than the average German Shepherd, this is still large for a dog. Remember, their personality will make them seem even larger than they physically are. This mix breed is highly unpredictable. This means that while German Shepherds are generally bigger than the wolf mix breed, they are much more obedient. A larger and more obedient German Shepherd will seem much smaller than a GSD wolf mix that has an unpredictable and potentially dangerous temperament. Even though GSD wolf mix breeds might grow to be slightly smaller than a regular German Shepherd, the average lifespan of both is the same. They are both considered medium-large breeds, which means that they can come with a variety of health issues including joint problems and cancer. What percentage of German Shepherds are wolf? Technically speaking, every dog derives from wolves. They were never bred with wolves. It all depends on the genetics of the German Shepherd, as some might have come from a background that bred wolves into the family. Instead, German Shepherds descend from the Canidae biological family in the same way as other domestic dogs do. This biological family includes wolves, foxes, and dingoes. Other breeds of dogs like Siberian Huskies and Finnish Spitz are more closely related to wolves as their ancestors had been wolves for thousands of years. How can you tell if your German Shepherd is part wolf? German Shepherds were never bred with wolves when the breed was standardized in Germany in the s, which means that there is no element of wolf in their DNA. Still, they are part of the Canidae family in the same way as other domesticated dogs are. However, you can still commit to a genetic test to see if your German Shepherd has come from a family that attempted to breed a wolf into the genetic line. Also, when buying or adopting your GSD, the seller should make you aware of if the dog is part wolf. In the wild they are pack animals and at home this translates to a fierce loyalty and extreme protectiveness over their families, whom they consider their pack. The pack mentality that this mix has is dampened down by their German Shepherd parents, but they still maintain some of that natural wariness that wolves in the wild have of humans. There is a common misconception that breeding a German Shepherd with a wolf will make an even more ferocious guard dog, but this often backfires since wolves are shy and reserved when threatened. This can make these mixes shy and nervous. They have an inherent mistrust for anything out of the ordinary and thrive on routine in their day-to-day lives. To bring out the friendly German Shepherd side of the mix , they need plenty of early socialization to other dogs, new situations, and changes in their home. Both parents have strong prey drives, so expect them to want to chase everything. They also love to dig, with an instinct to dig burrows just like wild wolves. To provide an outlet for this energy they will need lots of space outdoors to roam, play, dig, and explore. This mix will not cope well with living indoors all the time. Overall, this mix is a tamed version of their wild wolf parent. They are unpredictable, aggressive, energetic, protective and shy. However, despite all of their similarities to the wolf, they are still part German Shepherd and will likely respond poorly to dominance training. You are much better off using positive reinforcement. These mixes are intelligent and loyal so they will be eager to please and therefore much more likely to follow your rules if you are kind but persistent and firm with instructions. As far as socialization you should start as early as possible. However, even when trained properly by an experienced owner, Wolfdogs are still unpredictable and therefore only suit the most knowledgeable of owners. Their hybrid vigor means that in general they tend to be healthier than both their parent breeds. Although they do not suffer from any known common health issues, there is a question over how well the rabies vaccine works in these dogs. The vaccine has not been tested in Wolfdogs and therefore it cannot be certain that it works or is even safe for them. This is relatively cheap given they are such a rare and legendary dog. However, they are cheap because they are not in high demand and they are banned in many states. In fact it is hard to find a breeder. These dogs are sometimes illegally bred and therefore do end up in rescues. Here are three specific Wolfdog rescues where some of the dogs are likely to be German Shepherd cross wolf amongst other wolf crosses. Saarloos Wolfhunds originated in the Netherlands in when a zoologist called Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd with a Siberian gray wolf. He believed they had become too domesticated and loved humans a little too much. This is because recent genetic research shows that this dog is more wolf than they are German Shepherd, making them more like their wild ancestors than the domesticated ones. Because of this the American Kennel Club does not recognize the breed as they are too wild and unpredictable. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, German Shepherds were crossed with Carpathian Gray wolves with the idea of creating a border patrol dog. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was slightly more successful than Saarloos because they wanted simply the physical characteristics of the wolf to enhance the German Shepherd, rather than their aggressive tendencies. With similar aims as in the Czech Republic, Russia become the third country to breed the German Shepherd with wolves. This time the Caspian Steppe wolf was used. These wolves are known for their unusually friendliness towards humans. They became known as the Volkonsoby Wolfdog, however they are not recognized by any Kennel Club internationally. Care Caring for these dogs comes down to three important tasks: feeding, grooming and exercise. German Shepherd Wolf Mixes have a much higher requirement for protein than standard domesticated dogs. Feeding kibble will not be enough to keep these huge dogs healthy. In the wild wolves spend a good part of their day hunting and eating whatever they catch. Providing your mix with a raw diet by hiding it around their outdoor space will encourage them to use up some of their endless energy and use that intelligent mind of theirs to sniff it out and eat it. Next up is exercise. Wolves can travel up to 50 miles a day so it is no surprise that this mix is full of energy. They need plenty of space to roam outdoors as they are not fond of being walked on a leash. However, they love to play games and will need at least 2 hours a day of vigorous exercise such as playing frisbee or tug-o-war. The final part of their care is grooming. As heavy shedders with a thick double coat they need grooming once a week. Like their German Shepherd parent, this can be done using a slicker brush. An important part of the weekly groom should be checking them for ticks and fleas. With the amount of time they spend outdoors they are particularly susceptible to picking up ticks and they are therefore at a higher risk of the diseases carried by them too. They need an owner who knows how to handle and train them well, as well as one with a large and well-secured yard for them to roam and play in. Wolfdogs will howl and it can be heard up to 10 miles away. They howl more when left alone or when bored but they will howl to some extent no matter what. Because of this these dogs are not suited to the city. Ultimately, these dogs take a lot of time, money, and effort to keep. Despite their mighty looks they should not be bought as status pets. They require an experienced, knowledgeable owner with good reason to own this breed. If you are looking for more a pet-friendlier dog then consider the Blue Bay Shepherd. These dogs grow to be some of the biggest out there They can weigh up to pounds and measure more than 30 inches tall. However, on average they are close to pounds and 25 inches tall. What would you feed a German Shepherd wolf mix? These mixes should be fed on a well-balanced raw feed diet with vitamin and mineral supplements. Is there any wolf in a German Shepherd? Just like all domestic dogs, the German Shepherd descended from the wolf. However, they are no more related to the wolf than a Frenchie or a Spaniel, given that the ancestors of all domestic dogs evolved around 30, years ago from the wolf. Wrapping Up Wolfdogs are any breed of domestic dog crossed with a wolf, but the most common and only recognized of these are German Shepherd cross wolves. Although they are protective and loyal, they are generally shy and nervous dogs especially when faced with strangers or new situations. Just remember that they are a half wild animal and are unpredictable. They need a lot of outdoor space to carry out all the normal activities their wolf parent would have done in the wild, including roaming, digging, hunting, howling, and playing. Do you think you could handle this mix as a pet? He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Long Island New York and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies!

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts So, your 5 month old German Shepherd puppy does not look like a cute round and fluffy cub. It is the time when it has entered its juvenile growth stage, and it will become an adolescent in a month. Its behavior has also changed a bit. The pup is not that unruly delinquent it used to be a month ago. It becomes more obedient and shows its intelligence in training and exercising. However, it can still get into trouble, if left uncontrolled, with its immense energy making it bite, chew everything it sees, and jump at everybody it encounters. So, it may be a severe test for your patience before your pet enters the next stage of its life. Here is what you need to know about the main characteristics of your five month old German Shepherd, its temper, behavior, energy, and training needs. Size and Appearance If you are worried about whether your puppy is healthy enough and has reached the normal size and height for this age , check the appropriate measurements. Measuring and weighing your doggy regularly is a good option to ensure everything is OK with it. Your GS dog continues to gain weight quickly. The male puppy weighs about pounds kg , while females are a bit of lighter — pounds kg. If we speak about height, boys are taller at the shoulder — inches cm , while girls reach inches cm. Check how big its parents are. If they are smaller than average, your pet may take after them. They will recommend a specific diet to improve the situation and check whether this difference is not connected with a developmental disorder. Remember that if your puppy grows too fast, but its parents are not too big, it may also be a problem. Quick growth can cause damage to its bones. Your 5 month old German Shepherd experiences some other developmental stages in its teeth, ears, and fur. The teething period continues. You will see that for the next two or three months. The adult teeth replace the milk ones, so the doggy needs more calcium and other nutrients in its diet. The incisors have already grown in most puppies at this time. Now, you can expect premolars and canines. So, your puppy continues to bite and chew everything it can reach. You need chewing toys at this period badly. As for the ears, they usually stand straight up at this age. Anyway, you need to consult your veterinarian at this point. Droopy ears can be normal, too, so you should not interfere with the natural way in most cases. You may also need to add some supplements to the diet or change it completely to more raw meat and other natural ingredients. Using chewing toys is helpful not only for teething. You may damage the auracles, so be careful not to play too hard with your pet, and never pat it on the head during this period. Its adult double coat has already almost formed. So, your puppy can shed a lot and need more brushing and grooming. At this age, most GS puppies start their sexual maturing. Some boys can reach it up to 6 months of age. It means they will start looking for mates. It is full of energy and always ready to play a lot. Its playful nature can often get it into some trouble, so you need to watch out when your doggy is playing and running outside. Your pet will also try to test its boundaries right now, so you need to be very consistent with your pup at this juvenile stage — it should see an indisputable leader of the pack in you and all your actions towards it. Remain pretty firm with your commands, but never forget about treats. The young dog will chew and bite all the things around, destroying your shoes, socks, dresses, trousers, pieces of furniture, and other, even the most unexpected, household items. Tug-o-war and other energetic puppy games can help a lot. Work at teaching your pet not to bite. Bite inhibition should be provided regularly, strictly, and consistently. As for walking, your doggy needs a lot of it outside. It can walk up to 10 kilometers about 6 miles. However, never make your pet walk or run as far as that. Two walking sessions of minutes each per day is enough. Moreover, at this age, puppies can experience a strange adolescence problem — panosteitis. This health disorder is bone inflammation, so your pet starts limping when it gets up after a nap. If you do too much exercise with it, the results may be lameness, pain, or anorexia. This condition relieves by itself in most puppies in several days, while in others it may last for a few weeks. Health and Care Your 5 month old German Shepherd puppy is a healthy young adolescent, growing fast and feeling full of energy. By this age, it should have undergone 3 vaccination rounds, with the last vaccination session at weeks of age for DHPP and rabies. The next rounds will be needed at the age of 12 and 16 months. However, you should check with your veterinarian if all the due vaccines have been taken and administer them if something was skipped. If your puppy gets good nutrition and a lot of exercises, it will grow fast and healthy. Though, you may need to know if there may be certain health issues in the future. Do thorough research on the hereditary history if you want to be preventative. Running a DNA test can also help a lot, especially if you are worried about the possible appearance of degenerative myelopathy. So, look carefully for such things as: dry and itchy skin;. How should I train my 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy? Average Size and Height The average size of a 5-month-old German Shepherd is 12 to 26 inches tall and 35 to 49 pounds. However, there is a lot of variation in size among German Shepherd pups. The average height of a 5-month-old puppy is also affected by its sex. A male German Shepherd is typically about 2 to 4 inches taller than a female German Shepherd. In terms of weight, the average 5-month-old male German Shepherd weighs about 40 to 49 pounds, while the average 5-month-old female German Shepherd weighs 35 to 44 pounds. Although they vary in size and weight, they are generally a medium to large dog breed. Nutrition For 5-Month-Old German Shepherds Choose high-quality food to ensure your pup gets the right balance of protein, fat, and nutrients. Puppies also need smaller meals more often than adult dogs, so divide their daily ration into meals. As your GS grows, you can transition them to an adult diet. Give your German Shepherd puppy nutritious raw meats, fruits, and veggies at five months. Avoid giving them any poisonous meals and fatty goodies. These ingredients will help your puppy develop natural immunity. Physical and Behavioral Changes One of the most noticeable changes will be in size and weight. German Shepherds typically weigh between 35 and 49 pounds at five months old. German Shepherd puppies start losing their baby teeth during that time. It can be painful, and you may notice your pup chewing on toys or furniture. Ensure you provide chew toys for your puppy to gnaw on. Their ears should be standing up in most situations at this point. Finally, 5-month-old German Shepherds start to develop more of an independent streak. They may become less interested in cuddling and more interested in exploring their surroundings. A male German Shepherd is usually larger than its female counterpart. Males have bigger muscles, while females are more slender. Both males and females have an athletic build with no extra weight. Male German Shepherds are more protective and aggressive due to their muscular structure and greater size. So for those who want a companion, a female German Shepherd is recommended. A female German Shepherd tends to get along better with children owing to their more maternal, less aggressive disposition. Plus, a female German Shepherd is easier to train and has a greater capacity to socialize with other dogs and people. Despite her intimidating appearance, the female German Shepherd is not as jealous or territorial as the male. Both male and female German Shepherds are lively puppies that adore leaping. Both dogs must have moderate to high daily activity or become unruly. If they do not consume excessive energy, they may bark, chew, walk around the home, and do other things to express their dissatisfaction. Becoming Independent Your German Shepherd is becoming more independent and may start to test its limits with you. It is normal behavior for a German Shepherd puppy, as they begin to assert their independence and figure out their place in the pack. Your German Shepherd will soon grow into a well-behaved adult dog with patience and positive training. You can help your puppy in this stage by being consistent with giving rules and boundaries. Offer praise and affection when your puppy behaves well, and be firm but fair when they misbehave. Meanwhile, continue providing plenty of play opportunities, as this will help burn off excess energy and keep your pup from getting into trouble. Positive Reward-Based Obedience Training While they are loyal, protective, and intelligent dogs, German Shepherds can also be strong-willed and stubborn, making them difficult to train. Positive reward-based obedience training is a training method that relies on rewards to reinforce good behavior. With this kind of training, it is believed that the behavior is more likely to be repeated if a reward follows it. The most common rewards used in this training are treats, but verbal praise and petting can also be effective. Positive reinforcement-based training helps build a trusting relationship between owner and dog and encourages dogs to want to please their owners. It is effective because it motivates dogs to learn new things to get the desired rewards. When done correctly, reward-based training can result in a well-behaved German Shepherd who is a joy to be around. Chew Toys for Your 5-Month-Old German Shepherd German Shepherds are notorious for being high-energy dogs and need lots of exercises to stay healthy and happy. This dog breed also needs to chew on toys and bones to keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy. Chewing is a great way to keep them occupied and prevent them from getting into mischief. In addition, chewing helps to relieve boredom and can provide mental stimulation. Avoid easily splintered or broken toys, as these could pose a choking hazard. Do not give your puppy toys that are too small or too large for them. Moreover, look for chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies, as these will usually have raised nubs or ridges that help to soothe sore gums. There are a lot of chew toys available on the market. You also have the option to create homemade chew toys for your puppy. For instance, you can create tug toys from an old sock or t-shirt. You can do it by simply tying a knot in the fabric to create a loop. Remember that even simple things like sticks and leaves can make great chew toys. Just make sure to supervise your puppy while playing with them, and avoid anything that could be sharp or dangerous. Unfortunately, these problems can sometimes be severe and even deadly. Here are some of the most common health issues for a 5-month-old German Shepherd. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia It is a condition that affects the joints, and it can be excruciating for dogs. Get your German Shepherd checked by a vet if you suspect they may have this condition. Allergies The allergy may be triggered by things like pollen, dust, or even certain types of food. It could be an allergy if you notice your dog scratching a lot or having trouble breathing. It occurs when the stomach becomes bloated with gas or fluid and then twists on itself. It can cut off the blood supply to the stomach and cause potentially fatal damage. Symptoms of GDV include restlessness, drooling, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. Diabetes A German Shepherd is particularly prone to diabetes due to its large size. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as weight loss and lethargy. If not given attention and medication, diabetes can be fatal. Panosteitis If your German Shepherd has it, you will notice that he only uses three of his four legs or has other signs of lameness. It appears between five and fourteen months of age and is generally referred to as growing pains. This condition is not hereditary or permanent. Five months old German Shepherd puppies need 25 to 30 minutes of exercise per day. It may seem like a lot, but remember that they were originally bred as working dogs, so they have a lot of energy to burn. Another good way to exercise your puppy is by playing games such as fetch, puppy tug, or Frisbee. Also read:. Many owners are worried if their dog is reaching the proper average size and height. Most importantly, check the parents, maybe they are a bit smaller than average — then you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, check with the vet that his diet has all the nutrients he needs. Remember, that too fast growth at this age is also not that good for the dog as it weakens the bones. Health issues Puppy Limping At 5-month some of the puppies might start having one mysterious adolescent problem — panosteitis. This is a bone inflammation that normally hits some dogs at a bit later age. One sign of it is if your puppy starts limping, for example, standing up after a nap. Worse symptoms are whining in pain, lameness, and anorexia. If you see any of these signs — get the dog to the vet. Some puppies pass this condition in a few days, for others, it might last for weeks. Try to make them run and exercise a little bit less at this period and take care that they eat and drink properly, then panosteitis should pass without a trace. Droopy Ears Another common problem at this age is drooping ears. Sometimes in time of teething the ears of the puppy can temporarily go up and down. This is absolutely normal and usually the sign that later the ears will stand themselves without your help. Some calcium or glucosamine might help. Try to change the feeding way. Give them more raw meat and less commercial food, for example. Buy some chewing toys. They are not only helping to scratch the gums but let the dog exercise jaw, head, and neck muscles, which are very important for perky ears. Training Pupers Not to Bit At 5-month age, the puppy is strong and clever enough to start all the necessary obedience exercises. Biting can still be a problem while the pup is teething, but this can be solved with special toys and training. You might also like:. Instagram: leos. The German Shepherd puppy at 5 months looks a lot less of a puppy and more of an adult than it looked at 4 months of age. Their ears should be a lot perkier and they should have a slight increase in overall size. With an increase in physical maturity also comes an increase in mental maturity as the 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy should be clearly rounding up with its delinquent or troublesome phase and should be a little calmer than a month ago. Energy is another important factor to look out for in your 5-month-old German Shepherd. They should be a lot more energetic and would mostly need help with the release of this pent-up energy. If left alone for too long, your German Shepherd puppy might get into more mischief and could potentially be a handful to take care of. Training and Exercise can be great ways to help the German Shepherd puppy get rid of all that pent-up energy. Not only does this help the German Shepherd get less destructive and a lot well behaved, but combining the right programs can help you keep your German Shepherd, sharp and a lot more resourceful. Another more pronounced trait for the 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy is its curiosity trait. Just like the 4-month-old German Shepherd, the 5-month-Old German Shepherd should be very curious about its surroundings. This can cause them to wander off a lot and sometimes get into small accidents around the house. Biting can continue for the German Shepherd puppy of 5 months old as it should still be teething at this stage of its life. Assuming you regularly visit a licensed vet, your puppy should have received most of its basic vaccinations, shots, and dewormings. At 5 months, you are required to pay close attention to your German Shepherd for evidence of its lingering delinquent or troublesome behavior. Most times this is caused by the excess amount of energy that is trapped in the body of this fantastic canine. It can show through a short burst of violent behaviors including barking or sometimes biting. When this is noticed, the best way to handle this would be true proper training and exercise. Training should help to reduce the tendency or frequency of this troublesome behavior and exercises could easily tire the puppy out so it spends a lot of its time sleeping or resting up. Regular grooming of your German Shepherd is also highly recommended. The transition to the full adult coat should almost be done, so your German Shepherd is expected to shed a lot during this stage in its development. Socialization is also a lot easier during this stage as the 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy should be very much curious and eager to explore new surroundings, or terrains. With that being said, it is important that you provide a controlled space for the German Shepherd to explore freely. The actual increase in size from the 4 month German Shepherd to the 5-Month-Old German Shepherd is evident, but it is small. The German Shepherd further loses its puppy-like look and gains a more adult-like look. For the Male German Shepherd puppy at 5 months of age, the expected weight should be between 45 to 50 pounds. The height of the Adult male German Shepherd puppy at months of age should be between 14 inches to 16 inches. Whereas for the female German Shepherd puppy at 5 months of age, their weight and height should be a little smaller. It should be between 35 to 45 pounds in weight and about 12 inches to 14 inches in height. Again, the exact size of the German Shepherd puppy at any age range can be influenced by a lot of different factors ranging from diet to breeding line and a lot more. Asides from the increment in size, there are other notable physical changes that would occur at the 5 months age range. One of these physical changes would be the ears, the teeth, and the coat of the German Shepherd puppy. Also, the evidence of teething should be more pronounced, as your dog should lose more milk teeth in favor of new adult or fully mature teeth. Your once small German Shepherd puppy should be a large dog by now and as such, its appetite should be a lot bigger than it was. Because its food consumption rate should be quite high, so should its nutrient intake be quite high. In summary, only focus on high-quality dog kibble for your 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy. Invest in foods that are of high-quality brands or you can provide your German Shepherd puppy with natural foods that are healthy. This can include vegetables, fruits, and raw meat. Always ensure that junk food or cheap, toxic food should be avoided. Another thing that is worth noting with German Shepherds at 5 months of age is the high propensity to obesity. This condition can be quite harmful to the German Shepherd puppy as it can lead to cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and even hypertension. At this age, your puppy should be eating 3 to 4 times each day, with each meal serving 2 cups of high-quality kibble. Try to develop a feeding schedule if you do not already have one and be consistent with it. Ensure there is enough space between feeding times for the puppy to digest its meal properly. Also, ensure that the puppies have their last meal for the day hours before they eventually go to bed. German Shepherds at 5 months of age should require even less sleep than they did at 4 months of age. Still, sleep is still highly crucial as their bodies should be going through a lot of growth and development and as such need enough rest to be active. Ideally, the 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy should be getting between 15 to 18 hours of full sleep in a day to be fully active. This means that nighttime sleep is heavily important and short sleep periods during the day are also highly important. Avoid late-night feeding as it can terribly influence the sleep pattern of the German Shepherd puppy. You can force a puppy to sleep by regularly engaging them in exercises and training that easily tire them out. They are highly energetic canine breeds that are capable of storing enough energy within which can quickly turn destructive if not fully released or managed properly. With that being said, you would need to commit to an exercise lifestyle for both you and your puppy. There are lots of ways you can achieve this. Set aside 30 minutes of your time each day to regularly engage in both mental and physical exercises with your beloved canine. This can be done through regular 10 minutes walks around the neighborhood spread across three times a day and preferably under favorable security and weather conditions for the German Shepherd puppy. Or engaging in activities like fetch or tag or swimming for your German Shepherd puppy for a period of 10 to 15 minutes each session twice or thrice each day. Always include mental exercises like puppy puzzles into their exercise schedule to keep them sharp and highly trainable. Asides from this, the German Shepherd puppy is naturally intelligent or smart and as such can be highly versatile with the right training program and training method. By 5 months of age, you should have already rounded up with crate and potty training, leading to less frequent potty accidents by the German Shepherd puppy. If you have already started them, then obedience training and biting inhibition training should be your next focus for your German Shepherd puppy. Biting is quite common for the German Shepherd puppy at this stage, so ensure you train them not to. Try to make use of positive reinforcement during training sessions and be patient with your German Shepherd puppy. By the 5th month, your German Shepherd puppy should be pretty healthy and strong. It should have gone through 3 different rounds of vaccinations and deworming and its last vaccination shot should have been taken at 16 weeks or 4 months. Moving forward, its next round of shots should be scheduled for 12 months of age. It is recommended that you regularly check with your certified vet to be certain that your German Shepherd puppy did not skip any of the required vaccinations or dewormings. Also, try running thorough DNA tests on your puppy to be certain they are free from genetic health conditions which could prove fatal to the puppy. Also, be on the lookout for a few symptoms like these on your 5-month-old German Shepherd Puppy: A decrease in appetite.

The Advantages of Running with Your Golden Retriever Going for a run with your dog can provide you with several advantages. Golden Retriever and owner taking a rest after a long run! Reduce Your Stress Levels People who routinely run with their pets report reduced stress and improved mental health management. Daily exercise also reduces stress in dogs particularly if they are alone at home the whole day. Cardiovascular Fitness Exercising regularly is essential for maintaining the health of your heart and lungs. Running is an excellent cardiovascular workout for both you and your furry companion. Improved Productivity and Motivation Dogs and exercise have been shown to raise the level of joyful hormones and chemicals in our brains. When you combine the two, your feeling of purpose and motivation will rise. Keep a Healthy Weight Running with your dog will keep you both in good physical shape. Maintaining a healthy body weight requires regular exercise. Originally, Golden Retrievers were bred as working dogs. Their heritage extends back more than years when they served hunters in the Scottish Highlands to collect fallen game. When they produced the Golden Retriever, they made sure to create a strong breed with plenty of stamina. A Golden Retriever playing in the backyard. Although most modern Golden Retrievers are not expected to accomplish such difficult activities, they are biologically wired to go the distance. Their passion for fetching items and sprinting makes them excellent running partners, and their outgoing personality makes for more pleasurable runs. They work well for both short jogs and extended runs, and the duration that they can run will depend on elements like breeding history, age, fitness, and general well-being. This question, like humans, does not have a set answer. The limit of a Golden Retriever will vary depending on a variety of circumstances. Older Retrievers, for instance, cannot run as far or as long as young dogs. The Golden Retriever is running fast as he can. Likewise, an overweight dog will not run as far as an optimally weighted dog. Given that the average marathon distance is roughly 26 miles 42 kilometers , most Golden Retrievers can complete such distances with some training. Take a pause when your dog begins to lag and pant heavily. Age is a crucial aspect that determines how effectively dogs run. Golden Retriever puppies are unable to run vast distances or for lengthy periods of time. This, however, changes as your dog ages and increases its stamina. A beautiful Golden Retriever with a bandana on his neck stands outdoors. Taking your puppy for long walks can put a lot of strain on its developing bones and paws, and running at a young age might potentially lead to joint problems such as hip dysplasia. Golden Retrievers are often ready for longer runs between the ages of 12 and 18 months. When your Golden Retriever reaches adulthood, you may take him on longer walks without worry. Begin With Walking Your Golden Retriever Before you take your Golden Retriever running, check whether they are comfortable walking on a leash beside you with a slack leash. Running with an untrained dog is unpleasant, so begin by laying a solid training foundation. A Golden Retriever walks with its owner. In leash training, use a lot of food and positive reinforcement. Begin by practicing in your yard, a quiet park, or a public location with no distractions. Dogs require training to improve their attention span, and success which means more treats will help them stay focused. Make training sessions enjoyable by including spurts of play like a game of fetch. After all, retrieving is what a Golden Retriever does! It is ideal to socialize Golden Retriever puppies as early as possible to wear a collar and leash. This greatly simplifies leash training. Also, socialize with other pets, strangers, and vehicles, as these are all things they may face when running with you. When leash training your puppy, use consistency and discipline. Train them to walk on either your left or right side at all times. Train command words or phrases that are plain and simple, and use hand signals whenever you can. Adhere to a training schedule that you and your dog can complete together. Begin training at a slow speed and aim for a 2 to 3-mile run 3 to 4 times a week. The dog owner brings her Golden Retriever to the park. After two weeks of training, you should observe your dog becoming more fit. Increase the length or duration of your runs. After about a week, add another weekend run. No matter how determined you are to run, remember to take rest periods that are essential for both you and your dog. Keep gradually increasing the length of the runs, and their endurance and stamina will progressively improve, and before you know it, your dog will be training for a marathon with you! If you like a fast-paced run, your dog may need to run more quickly to keep up with your fitness requirements. Here are a few tips to help your dog keep up. A Golden Retriever takes a lot of training and a healthy diet to run so fast! With plenty of training, gradually prepare your pet for extended runs. Increase your speed and endurance training gradually. Motivate your dog by using positive reinforcement and appropriate orders. Give your dog a nutritious and healthy diet. When called upon, a balanced diet guarantees that your dog is fit for high endurance runs. If your pet is overweight, you can assist them to lose some weight. While you must use caution with your Golden Retriever when running long distances, there are several aspects to consider as your dog ages. A Golden Retriever looking a touch sad. It is critical that you understand that, while these dogs have a lot of energy and strength, your dog may not be able to just go out and run for extended distances. Begin slowly and gradually increase the distance. Because the muscles and tendons of the dog require time to develop, you should let your dog get stronger. Older dogs are more likely to have minor hip dysplasia, and running can worsen the condition and cause greater discomfort. If your dog gets tired quickly, this is a symptom that he is becoming older. Obesity is another problem that concerns Golden Retrievers, and running too long distances with your dog might be detrimental if he is overweight. Therefore, before you actually take him on lengthy runs, make sure he sheds some weight by regulating his food and exercising. Losing lb might help your Golden Retriever prepare for long-distance runs. Final Thoughts Golden Retrievers are happy-go-lucky, active dogs that will cheerfully play fetch with you. They certainly make wonderful running partners but as always, start slow and work your way up to a quicker pace and longer distances. Have fun! 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. Running with your Golden retriever not only improves your health, but also that of your dog. Goldens love to run and you will not find a better running partner anywhere. But before starting to run with your pup, it is essential to consider their age and physical conditioning. The rest of this article will discuss what you need to know when running with your golden retriever. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! The short answer to this question is — yes. The characteristics of the golden retriever breed make them unique and well adapted to running. They are high energy pets, bred to run and retrieve stuff from different environments like water, tall grasses, and fields. The retrieval characteristic, in particular, makes them ideal candidates for jogging and running partners. Moreover, inheritable traits such as a well-balanced body, deep chest, long and muscled legs make the golden retriever breed perfect for running. Their constant desire to please also makes them easier to handle compared to most breeds. In addition, the increased physical activity will do your golden good both in terms of their health and overall happiness. Golden retrievers were initially bred as work dogs. Their history dates back to more than years ago when they were human companions in hunting for food and searching for targets. They were used to retrieve fallen game for hunters in the Scottish Highlands. So when they bred the golden retriever, they made sure to create a sturdy breed with lots of stamina. They needed a dog that could travel through a mountainous landscape littered with ponds, streams, and lakes—a physically demanding task. The result was a dog that could easily run long distances, hike, and swim for the better part of the day. Golden retrievers are more than happy to swim and run around in fields all day hunting for birds. While most family golden retrievers are not required to perform such hard tasks, they are still genetically tailored to go the distance. Their love for retrieving things and running makes them ideal running partners. Their warm and social personalities also make for more enjoyable runs. They are equally good on short jogs as they are on longer runs. Now you might be wondering, how fast can your golden retriever run? However, the running speed is an individual characteristic that can vary from one dog to another. Rest assured, with plenty of regular training, your golden retriever could run a marathon with you. Considering your ordinary marathon is about 26 miles 42 kilometers , most golden retrievers can cover such distances with a bit of training. When your dog starts lagging and panting excessively, take a break. Age is a significant factor that influences how well dogs run. Golden retriever puppies, for example, cannot run long distances and for extended periods. That, however, changes as your dog gets older and gains more stamina. Taking your puppy for extended runs can significantly stress their developing bones and paws. Running at an early age may also cause joint disorders such as hip dysplasia. Golden retrievers are generally ready for longer runs when they are about months old. When your golden retriever reaches maturity, you can take your pooch for runs without cause for concern. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy for Runs Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! While it might not be possible to take your golden retriever pup for long runs, you can begin training it for future runs. Some of the valuable lessons that your puppy should get include: Exposure to Distractions and Noises While on runs, your golden retriever is likely to encounter numerous distractions and loud noises. Such experiences can alarm your pet, lead to nervousness, and cause erratic behavior changes. It is good to expose your pup to various noises before reaching a running age to avoid such erratic behavior. Socialization It is essential to regularly take your puppy outdoors to familiarize themselves with the outside world. That way, nothing will surprise your golden retriever when you finally begin going for runs. Recall Commands When you are out with your dog, it is essential to let it off the leash. But to safely do so, you need to recall your dog from time to time when they get distracted. Training your dog at an early age and establishing recall commands can be crucial when you begin going for jogs. Brain Training for Dogs is a great way to meet these requirements and get your puppy ready to run with you. This works great with adult dogs too! If you are new to running with a golden retriever, you probably might be wondering how best to synchronize your running speeds. If you prefer a fast-paced run, you might want your dog to run faster to keep up with your exercise needs. To do that you need to do the following: Prepare your pet for long runs gradually with plenty of training. Gradually increase speed and endurance training. Use encouragement and right commands to encourage your pooch. Provide a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog. A healthy diet ensures that your dog is fit for high endurance runs when called upon. If your pet is suffering from obesity, help them cut down their weight. Give your dog a treat for every single success. Treats help encourage your dog to do better. Like all living beings, old age significantly affects how well we can perform physical activity. Would you recommend a marathon to a year-old person without considering their overall health? Probably not. The same applies to golden retrievers. You need to keep monitoring their health and should probably stay away from long, intense runs. If you want to begin going for runs with an older golden retriever, you should gradually introduce them to your running routines. A slow pace is recommended in the introduction phase. The gradual introduction also helps your golden retriever gain the needed strength for runs and jogs. As your pooch begins to grow older, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration. With old age, muscles start to weaken, and it might not be able to perform lengthy runs and jogs as you used to. For instance, if your golden is more wiped out after a run than they used to be, it may be time to dial it back a bit. It will be up to you to know by carefully watching their reactions and behavior. With a very elderly dog, you should consider keeping physical activity to a minimum. Always Consult a Vet You also need to take your golden retriever for regular check-ups to your favorite vet. Regular check-ups ensure that your dog does not have any problems with their joints, bones, and stamina. A common condition among older dogs is hip dysplasia. The condition causes considerable pain and suffering to your pooch. If not addressed, it can get aggravated by intense jogs and runs. You should also talk to your vet about getting your pet some supplements to improve its joints. Some golden retrievers may start to slow down when they hit their 8th birthday, while others can stay active at their 12th birthday and beyond. It is important to note that retrievers are breeds that love to please. If you ask too much from them in old age, they might overwork themselves and hurt their health. Continuously monitor your dog, and if they seem to be getting shortness of breath, aches, and pains, then it might be time to take a rest. Older golden retrievers might still enjoy taking walks and swimming but avoid making them jump hedges or dragging them on the run for an hour straight. Taking an Obese Golden Retriever for a Run If your golden retriever is overweight, starting-off with an intense run or running long distances is not advisable. An overweight dog can experience a variety of health issues while on fast and long runs. A common issue you might observe is breathing problems. You should make sure your dog attains a healthy body to weight ratio as advised by the vet. Start-off with jogs or low intensity runs to help your furry friend lose weight before going for regular runs in the park. Pets that put on more weight due to their genes need special care. They need to eat a healthy diet and stay active. These two pillars of weight management will help you keep your golden retriever healthy and happy. You should also consider asking your vet to prepare a diet plan for your pet. Being pulled along while running is not fun. Distractions may become a problem when you start going for longer runs. To deal with the challenge, always carry treats. That way, you can go back to enjoying your run without too much hassle. A leash allows you to have full control of your pet in the course of the run. You might even want to consider a hands free leash like this one on amazon. At this point, golden retrievers may get agitated and often become destructive. They begin digging, chewing on stuff, and running around uncontrollably. Some even try to escape from their homes. Running with your golden retriever is a great way to release their pent up energy! Going on runs in public spaces is, however, quite a different story. So before going on that run, here are some factors that you need to consider: Select a running space that has limited disturbance such as noises, strangers, and other animals. Where possible, use an open yard or a wide road. Get your dog accustomed to a collar for their first couple of runs. Or better yet, instead of a collar use a comfortable harness like this popular one on amazon. Make sure your pet is in good health condition. If possible, consult your vet for an expert opinion on their fitness levels. Socialization and early obedience training are a must before going on a run. Take a beautiful trail run with Kicker the Golden Retriever Tips to Enjoy a Run With Your Golden Retriever Now that you know you can go for a run with your golden retriever, here are a few tips on how to make your run or jog enjoyable: Always start by getting warmed up. Warmed up muscles have a higher energy production rate that increases muscle reflexes and reduces the time needed for muscle contraction. A proper warm-up should begin with gentle exercise. Be mindful of weather conditions when planning your jog or run. Dogs generally do not handle hot and humid conditions well. Remember to carry water when going for long runs and allow your golden retriever to quench their thirst regularly. When your golden retriever starts panting excessively and lagging, take a break. Slotting-in frequent breaks in your run or jog help recharge your body. Your dog also needs to recharge, and this could make runs more enjoyable for both of you. Every once in a while, let your golden retriever off the leash in safe open spaces. Also, have a reliable way of recalling your pooch. Always cool down after a run. A cool-down is an essential part of a workout. It allows both the breathing and heart rate of the pooch, as well as your own, to return to normal. It also helps promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. A cool-down routine after a jog should involve a brisk walk for minutes that gradually transitions into a stroll. A great way to end the walk is by doing a few stretches while letting your golden roll around in the grass! Running With a Golden Retriever — Conclusion Golden retrievers are excellent running and jogging partners provided you give them plenty of proper training before you start your regular runs. They can potentially run long distances, but you should not expect them to achieve this immediately. While they are undoubtedly good runners, unlike humans, they have little concept of their limit until they reach it. Remember to consider things like the weight and age of your dog before going for a run. You also need your vet to check the health of your pet and the proper diet regime. Read the full disclosure here. Anyone who takes their golden retriever running with them will tell you that this is one the best things they have experienced as pet parents. Maybe you are wondering if your golden retriever will love this idea, but that should be the least of your worries. In fact, you will be the one playing catch-up because this is what golden retrievers were bred to do. That said, both you and your dog will definitely need a few items to make your running activities better and more exciting. Having A Running Buddy Running alone is fine, but doing so with a partner is even more beneficial. It will also be easier to hold yourself accountable. Partners are great motivators as well, plus you can have conversations along the way that will make the running more enjoyable. But there are a number of factors that may stop a human partner from joining you on your next run. It could be work, family stuff, social engagements, and so on. Your dog, on the other hand, will always be available and ready to serve as your running buddy. Even better, golden retrievers love to go outside and will be happy the entire time you will be running. Make your golden retriever a running partner and let me know how it goes. Protection Not all road running is safe. Some areas are insecure and others potentially dangerous, especially for women. Sexual attacks against women while running are real and not uncommon. The same applies to trail running. Sometimes it too can be risky. You could be attacked by a wild animal or violent individuals. However, you can have them accompany you on your usual daily runs, during nighttime running, and to less risky areas where they can easily protect you in case of threatening encounters. Improved Mental Health Running triggers the release of happy hormones, specifically endorphins, and serotonin into your body. Their role is to promote pleasurable feelings such as happiness and love. This explains why your mood gets better when you go on a run with your golden retriever. Running also increases blood circulation to the brain, specifically to the parts that deal with stress and control your mood. The change that occurs thereafter leads to an improved mood and better reaction to stressful situations. In the end, you will be able to lower your stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Even your golden will experience these kinds of outcomes and this will make both of you happier. Better Heart Health Nothing comes as close to taking good care of your heart as running. Those consistent runs with your dog will see your heart reach its highest performance and maintain it as you grow older. You may not know this but your heart is the most significant muscle in your body. Running strengthens it the same way it strengthens other muscles such as hamstrings, calves, glutes, and so on. Your cholesterol level and blood pressure will also decrease if you run with your dog several times a week. In fact, you will decrease your risk for heart diseases and blood clots by a huge margin. But your retriever will be right there, staring at you with those big, sad eyes and this will guilt trip you. You will eventually give in and, the next thing you know, both of you are out there having fun on a run and loving it. Increased Productivity A short run with your canine friend is often enough to shake off those moods that are hindering your productivity. Productivity actually has very strong ties to your mental health. Remember the happy hormones I told you about earlier: Endorphins and serotonin? When released into your brain, they will also calm you down and eventually put you in a productive state of mind. Running alone may raise the level of happy hormones, but if you want to see even greater results, let your dog accompany you. Your golden will increase your motivation to run and eventually get you into a positive mindset. Weight Loss And Maintenance Losing weight or maintaining it takes willpower and lots of effort. Goldens need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy and so do you. You could sign up for a running event or activity that allows participants to train together with their dogs. Do this as often as you can. Those consistent runs will help both of you burn enough calories and stay in good shape. Moderation It is not uncommon to see those new to running pushing themselves too hard and overdoing it. You will want to be competitive, even with yourself, which is not a bad thing, but it would be great to know the risks as well. For example, when you run too much, you could easily expose yourself to injuries that might prevent you from ever running again. But this is less likely to happen if you run alongside your golden retriever. No responsible pet parent will be happy to push their dog too hard and watch them suffer after the run. Most of us buy gear that makes the running experience better and more beneficial. It could be running shoes, shorts, gloves, hats, tights or a jacket, a fancy water bottle, sports watch, earbuds, armband phone case, a GPS watch—you name it. Well, your running buddy golden retriever deserves such treatment, too. In fact, caring for your golden retriever is not even negotiable. Here are some recommendations to get you started. A Great Leash For Running I know the ultimate wish for most of us is to run with our dogs while they are off the leash, but this may not be possible if they lack proper off-leash training or local laws forbid it. In those cases, you will have to get the best leash for running. Most of them come complete with a harness, a waist belt for you, and a tether that connects the leash to you, meaning the leash is hands-free. A quick search will yield lots of options.

Divide the total number of calories that your dog will consume in a day into two or three meals. Give him some of these lesser amounts multiple times throughout the course of the day at various intervals. Here is a guide to what you should be feeding your goldendoodle puppy based on its age. During the first five to twelve weeks of their lives, young goldendoodle puppies need to consume at least three and sometimes even more meals every day in order to meet their nutritional needs. In order to accomplish this, you will need to split the total amount of food into three equal portions, using a goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule that is given with their food product, and then feed it to them at a variety of different times throughout the day. As your dog gets older, you should gradually reduce the number of meals it receives each day until you get to twice a day. This transition should take between three and twelve months. Dogs who are at least a year old are considered adults and should be fed in the normal manner of two portions per day. You are going to need to cut their nutritional requirements in half. The hours of seven in the morning, twelve in the middle of the day, and five in the afternoon are often reserved for feeding goldendoodle puppies. If you truly need to make some alterations to your mealtime schedule, it is acceptable for you to opt to give your puppy more than three meals per day. Before you go to bed, make sure to give the dog ample time to digest the meal and then eliminate it in the bathroom. Another alternative is to leave enough food out for your dog to consume throughout the day. Controlling the amount of food served to your goldendoodle puppy is vital if you want to make sure it gets the appropriate amount of calories for its age and size. How to feed goldendoodle puppy Your Goldendoodle puppy will need a healthy, well-balanced diet to reach its full growth potential and maintain its high level of activity throughout the day. You can feed your Goldendoodle puppy one of two different kinds of food. You may either buy dog food in a bag or cook it up fresh every day. As a precaution against nutritional deficiencies, many pet owners prefer to give their canines commercial dog food. Your Goldendoodle will thrive on a diet rich in protein and fat from strong sources, so keep that in mind as you shop. Packaged foods should include an ingredient list for items that contain two or more types of beef proteins. Fish and meat. Either fish or beef feed can count as an acceptable source of protein so long as those two components come first on the ingredient list. As a consequence of this, the meal contains very few additives or carbs, which suggests that meat is one of the most important components of any dog meal. Protein can typically be found in dog food in the form of peas, beans, and various other types of protein-rich vegetables. In addition to beef and chicken, other types of protein and fiber that are beneficial for pups include all grains and green vegetables. They contribute very little in the way of nutrients and are therefore frequently used as fillers. Talking to the veterinarian who cares for your dog is the best way to get a more accurate picture of the amount of food that your Goldendoodle ought to be eating. When should you change the goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule to an adult one? You are going to have to wean your puppy off of puppy food and transition him over to a mature dog diet instead so that he can get all the nutrients he needs. The size of a breed is an important factor to consider when feeding a puppy, and this stage of development is no exception. Because larger strains require longer maturing, it is possible that they will require some puppy food for up to two years. On average, dogs should start eating food formulated for adults between the ages of one and two years old. If you are uncertain of how to handle the transition and how you can make it less traumatic for your dog, you should seek the opinion of the veterinarian who treats the dog if you feel unsure of how to handle the situation. Goldendoodles are also susceptible to a number of health problems resulting from unnatural eating patterns. Illnesses that are commonly seen in Goldendoodles are caused by poor diet, and they include: The Deformity of the Hip Joint Both forms of hip dysplasia result from improper growth of the hip joint. Your dog may have trouble climbing stairs or running around if he or she is afflicted with hip dysplasia. In some dogs, this can result in paralysis. Goldendoodles should maintain a healthy weight to prevent hip dysplasia, which is more common and has more severe symptoms in obese dogs. You can do this by developing a goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule that keeps the amount of food the puppy receives in check. Patellar Dislocation It is not uncommon for a dog to experience a dislocation or partial dislocation of the patella. Stumbling and pain could result from a dislocated patella. Some of the discomfort associated with patella luxation can be mitigated by keeping your dog at a healthy weight. FAQ 1. To prevent your puppy from becoming overweight or malnourished, you should give it two-thirds of a cup of puppy meal each day. How Often Should Goldendoodles be Fed? It is recommended that you give your puppy food three to four times per day. Therefore, it will be able to sleep soundly all night long. It normally takes puppies between five and thirty minutes after eating to defecate. Apply the guidelines on our meal chart to your dog. Conclusion There you have it! It may seem like a lot to take in, but your little guy is worth the effort. These guidelines are going to set him up for the healthiest life possible and make the first few weeks go a lot more smoothly for both of you. Remember, any time there is a question, always consult your veterinarian. Related Posts. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame. A quantity of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs. Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized in one area or generalized all over the body. Occasionally, there may be watery release from the eyes or nose. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle puppy? Feel about its ribs — you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. You can also ask the breeder who sold you the puppy to see if they have any suggestions. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time. Since puppies grow fast, the importance and frequency of meals change as they develop. Summary Feeding a Goldendoodle can both be difficult and comfortable at the same time. Since they are not choosy eaters, these dogs can adapt well to new meals. The downside is that the Goldendoodle manages to have an acute stomach. This means you have to be alert about what you give your puppy. Remember, satisfied dogs are the healthful ones. If your Goldendoodle is overfed, it can lead to a host of health problems. Here are some signs that your Goldendoodle may be overfed. Similarly, underfeeding your Goldendoodle will cause it to become incredibly skinny, and it will be more prone to getting sick. This is why you need to strike that balance when feeding your pup. Feeding Chart for Goldendoodles Here, we present to you a feeding chart for Goldendoodles of different ages. They are energetic and playful, and they make great family pets. Goldendoodles typically reach their full adult size between 8 and 12 months old, but they can continue to grow until they are two years old. During this time, it is important to feed them the right amount of food to help them grow at a healthy rate. This will help to ensure that they get the nutrients they need without gaining too much weight. Goldendoodles are active dogs, so be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise as well. With the proper care, Goldendoodles can be happy and healthy pets for many years to come. When they are aged months, they should be fed three cups a day. If they start to gain too much weight, reduce their portion sizes. If they start to lose weight, increase their portion sizes. Feeding a Goldendoodle is not difficult but requires some attention and care. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle stays healthy and happy. This should be split into two meals, with no more than 1. With the right food and care, your Goldendoodle will stay healthy and happy for years to come! Plus, all that fur means they tend to lose a lot of body heat, so they need extra calories to stay warm. Of course, every dog is different, so you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Goldendoodle. But as a general rule of thumb, cups a day is a good amount of food for an adult Goldendoodle. What Foods Should You Feed Your Goldendoodles Here are some of the best food choices for Goldendoodles: Dog food based on meat and vegetables: This type of food is packed with nutrients that your Goldendoodle needs to stay healthy. This type of food is designed specifically for puppies and contains all the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Grain-free food: Some Goldendoodles have grain sensitivities, so grain-free food is a good option for them. This type of food is also generally easier for dogs to digest. Which Food Types Are Bad for Goldendoodles While Goldendoodles are generally known for being one of the most food-friendly dog breeds, there are still some foods that they should avoid. The worst food for Goldendoodles is actually quite a common one: chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress or even kidney damage. Signs Your Goldendoodle Has a Bad Stomach Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can sometimes suffer from stomach problems. Sometimes stomach issues can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet, but other times they can be indicative of a more serious problem. If your dog is lethargic, has a loss of appetite, or is vomiting blood or bile, these are all signs that something more serious may be going on, and you should seek veterinary care immediately. This unfortunately is common in the Poodle breed and Lexie at a 8 years old just had a near death experience with this issue! So, how much should you feed your mini Goldendoodle puppy? Depending on his breed, activity level, and size, you may need to adjust the amount of food you are currently giving him. Always remember — puppies need plenty of water to stay hydrated! Related Reading. If that is not an option then go with a homemade milk replacer. Wet food is the best transition from a liquid to a solid diet. Note that dry foods have less water, so make sure to always have a bowl with water next to the food bowl. Also, check the labels and make sure they say puppy formula. Two portions a day are enough for this age. At this point, your mini Goldendoodle is considered an adult. If you notice that there are leftovers, reduce the portion. When it comes to determining the specific foods that meet the needs of your miniature Goldendoodle , his age matters a lot. It also helps determine the feeding quantity he needs along with other factors like his actual size, basal metabolism rate, and activity level. If he is extremely active, then you also have to provide him with more food. Basically, here is what to feed your Miniature Goldendoodle based on age: 6 weeks old Miniature Goldendoodle should eat: If you have a 6-week-old miniature Goldendoodle, then you can classify him as a baby. He still needs the support of his mother to get the nutrients his body needs for growth and development. At this stage, it would be best for the puppy to feed freely from his mother. The reason is that his mother produces all the nutrients and other good stuff he needs for survival. If for some reason the puppy gets separated from his mom before 6 weeks of age, feed him with this homemade emergency milk replacer. Preparation: Blend all of the ingredients and warm to F. Discard any unused milk 24 hours after mixing and always refrigerate between uses. This is also the right time to begin introducing delicious puppy foods into his everyday feedings. Note that this will involve a transition from a liquid to a solid diet. So, it would be ideal to try softening or smoothening the change with the help of wet canned choices. They serve as excellent transitional foods. By using these foods, the sensitive stomach of your puppy will not be drastically affected, making it possible for him to familiarize himself comfortably with the new foods introduced to him. It is also helpful in ensuring that he will have healthier stools, preventing him from causing a mess that you have to clean afterward. In case you were successful in weaning him in the past, it would be much better to apply a similar gentle approach, thereby ensuring that his digestive system will be able to adjust slowly to the new foods being introduced to him. One more thing you should keep in mind is that dry foods have less water. With that in mind, do not forget to set aside some water for your puppy, so he can always easily access it every time he needs to drink. It is also crucial in keeping him fully hydrated. I will say again, it is important to feed your Miniature Goldendoodle based on his age. In this case, it is surely the perfect time for you to check out the labels of the foods you are feeding him. That way, you can pick food or a recipe that is perfect for his specific life stage. What you should look for during this age is a dog food labeled as puppy formula. It is suitable for the needs of a 3-month-old miniature Goldendoodle since it is specifically designed to contain the nutrients needed by his growing and developing body. Keep in mind that foods labeled as adult life stages have different formulations. It does not also provide adequate support for the additional calories needed for his growth. This is also the time when you can lessen the frequency of his feedings. Two meals daily are even enough for his age. Avoid leaving foods that he can munch on during this stage as it may only cause him to overeat and gain excess weight. It means that he has reached adulthood, which also indicates that his eating frequency also gets lower. There are even instances when there are leftovers from the foods you feed him. In case you notice that then maybe it would be a good idea to reduce the kibbles you feed him during each meal. This means you should avoid leaving food out for them at all times, as they can eat too much and become sick or even develop bloat, which can quickly become deadly. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle Puppy This may seem like a silly question, but it is relevant because the answer is actually not that obvious! You should be able to cover the food with your hand without your puppy making too much fuss. Allow them to start eating. While they are eating, stroke them and pet their heads. This is an excellent time to brush them, too, as they are occupied and not scrambling around. This is an important practice to get them used to your presence and prevent food guarding and aggression. Considering how large Goldendoodles can get even when they are puppies, this is an important part of their training. Next, give your puppy about 15 minutes to eat their food. During this time, they will either eat all of their food or eat until they are full and lose interest in the rest. After 15 minutes is up, remove any of the uneaten food left behind. If your puppy is still eating, then let them finish their food. The number of options can be overwhelming! Hopefully, I can whittle it down for you and make the decision a little easier. The American Kennel Club recommends using premium or high-end puppy food as they typically have a higher nutritional density and are more consistent, whereas cheaper foods can be inconsistent and contain filler products. Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their food should be more nutrient-dense because they can only eat a little bit at a time. Their food will generally be more expensive owing to its quality; however, it should last you longer than a bag of adult food. Just like with adult dog food, you can choose between kibble or solid food, pouches or semi-moist food, or canned soft food. Top Puppy Food Suggestions For Goldendoodles While there are innumerable options out there for you to choose from, I have carefully narrowed them down to three products that I highly recommend for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will grow to be very large and be prone to joint problems, so it is a wise decision to start them on puppy food that will support their growth through the time when they are doing most of it. Here are my three favorite Goldendoodle puppy foods and the features I love about them: Product. One of the most popular dog breeds is the Miniature Goldendoodle. One of the most crucial aspects that affect your Mini Goldendoodle's overall health is its diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that he or she remains healthy and content. Let's talk about how much food a Mini Goldendoodle should eat to maintain a normal weight and get all the nutrients they require. Consider the following when choosing how much to feed your Mini Goldendoodle: Age Compared to adult dogs, puppies have distinct dietary demands. Puppies of the Mini Goldendoodle breed need to eat more often than adult dogs do. They also need a particular kind of dog food specially formulated to encourage their development. Weight The amount of food a Mini Goldendoodle needs will depend on its weight. Obesity and other health issues can result from overeating. Exercise Level More energetic dogs need more calories than less active dogs do, just like us humans. Health Issues Your pets diet may need to vary depending on certain medical concerns. You might need to convert to a specific diet catered to your dog's needs, for instance, if they have food allergies or sensitivities. Recommended Feeding Amounts Your Mini Goldendoodle's calorie needs will vary over time according to their age, weight, and degree of activity. The following are some general guidelines, tips, and tricks: Puppies Mini Goldendoodle pups require more frequent feedings than adult dogs do. This is actually true of most if not all breeds. You can start giving your puppy two meals a day after the first six months. In order to help their digestion, senior dogs may need food that is lower in calories and higher in fiber. The easiest way to decide on the right food quantities for your aging Mini Goldendoodle is to speak with your veterinarian. It is important to remember that these are only broad recommendations and that your Miniature Goldendoodle's nutritional requirements may shift depending on their particular requirements. It's advisable to keep an eye on your dog's weight and modify their food schedule as necessary. Learn more about Mini Goldendoodles:.

We are a very small hobby breeder and raise puppies as part of the family. We do not believe in raising companion puppies in "facilities" as it does not provide proper socialization and personality development of a companion dog. We raise our puppies in our home and sound, holistic physiological and psychological development of our little ones is of the utmost priority! We believe in quality over quantity and only have few adult companions that occasionally allow us the joy of raising some of the most wonderful four legged kiddos! Our mission Our history Our history We specialize in producing quality canine companions and proudly raise healthy, fantastic, sweet, wonderful quality, registered pugs. Breed standards, health, and temperament of our dogs are our top priority. Our dogs are our family and enjoy trips to the park, to the beach, or just hanging out at home. It takes a combination of factors to produce happy and healthy, qualitypuppies and we truly believe, and our previous customers agree, that we have what it takes to accomplish that. We raise our puppies in our home and sound, holistic physiological, and psychological development of our little ones is of the utmost priority! We believe in quality over quantity and only have a few adult companions that occasionally allow us the joy of raising some of the most wonderful four legged kiddos! We specialize in producing quality canine companions and proudly raise healthy, fantastic, sweet, wonderful quality, registered pugs. It takes a combination of factors to produce happy and healthy, quality puppies and we truly believe, and our previous customers agree, that we have what it takes to accomplish that. It is our policy to sell puppies vet checked and they will have their health guarantee when they go to their new homes. They will also have their first sets if shots, will receive their dewormings, flea and tick preventative and heartworm preventative. The home of some very spoiled pugs! Located near San Antonio, Texas. Specializing in both standard and rare colored pugs. I've been working with pugs since .My goal is to not only send home healthy happy pug puppies. But to improve the health issues within the breed. As well as the quality in the rare colors that have only begun to be worked with in the USA for a short number of years now. I strive very hard to only breed healthy pugs. And make sure you get the best possible new family member you could ask for when you bring home one of my babies. All of our pugs are indoor family members. They are all spoiled and well loved. All of our pugs are AKC registered and come with AKC limited registration papers, dew claws removed, 1st and 2nd shots, and deworming. I work hard to take pictures of the babies once a week and send them out to awaiting new owners along with updates on how the puppies are doing. So you can enjoy seeing the puppies progress while you wait to bring him or her home. I love my pugs, and enjoy seeing all the families enjoyment when they bring home their new family members. I love to stay in contact and see how they grow as well! Take some time to look through my website where most of your questions should be answered. I have a great reputation with references as well by request. I look forward to bringing your new family member into your home. View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26, .Adopt Testimonials We had an amazing experience with Pughearts! The process was thorough which I appreciated. The volunteers and organization are extremely passionate about their rescue dogs and their well being. We are so grateful for our fur babies and for Pughearts! We live out of state and Pug Hearts went above and beyond to come and inspect our home. Every step of the way all the volunteers I worked with were kind and quick to answer all my many questions through the adoption process. When I flew to Houston to meet the pug we were hoping to adopt, my flight was significantly delayed and our pug's foster mom took the next day off just so I could come meet with her! Our pug came to us in great health, fully checked by the Pug Hearts vet team, with detailed vet records for her continued care. We continue to stay in touch with the volunteers and our Pug's foster mom sending updates and sharing stories, Not only did we add the sweetest pug girl to our family, we feel like we came away with new friends! We will always adopt from Pug Hearts from now on and highly recommend them for your family too! Everyone we spoke with and worked with was very nice and answered all of our questions quickly. Ann was awesome about coming to do the home visit for us since we live in a remote location in Colorado. Karen was awesome about giving us all the information we needed and making sure our pup was all set to travel back from Houston. We would recommend Pug Hearts for anyone looking to help find a pug a forever home! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this rescue! Our pug had been found wandering the streets , was underweight and had severe behavioral issues. His foster mother worked with him for 4 months to get him ready to come home with us. Not only did we get a new family member but I made a great friend as well. They take in pugs of any age with any medical problem and provide them with not only the medical care they need but the love they deserve. No pug is left behind. They are extremely thorough in the application process and truly care about the well-being of every single animal that they help. The organization has a wonderful group of volunteers, donors, and Fosters. The intake coordinator and the Director are absolutely wonderful to communicate with. They are very knowledgeable and caring. I have adopted three pugs from them and anytime I have questions or concerns they are quick to reply with a solution. Hands-down the best rescue in the entire world!!

Do you also love Golden Retrievers? A Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix commonly referred to as a Golden Sammy is a loveable, social dog who will likely make a great addition to your family. The Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a beautiful dog who will provide you many hours of faithful companionship. And if you care for them correctly, they will be part of your family for many years to come. Physical Characteristics As with any other hybrid dog, the appearance of a Samoyed Golden Retriever mix can vary — even sometimes within the same litter! Generally, Golden Retriever and Samoyed mix dogs have a large, sturdy body like Golden Retrievers, but have the long, slightly wavy, thick coat of fur of a Samoyed. Their fur can range in color from white or very light like their Samoyed side to light red. Both male and female Golden Sammys stand about inches high and weigh between 50 — 75 pounds. Their face is quite striking and typically resembles their Golden Retriever parentage with darker noses like Samoyeds. They have loose, folded down ears and bright, bold eyes that range from hazel to dark brown. Lifespan Much like with other larger dogs, the lifespan of a Samoyed Golden Retriever mix is roughly 11 — 14 years. This lifespan can be maximized with proper care, quality food, and exercise. Grooming Needs Luckily, a Golden Sammy comes with a fairly low level of grooming needs. Brush their coat a few times a week. Although Samoyed Golden Retriever mixes have long, thick hair they only require brushing about three times a week. They will shed — sometimes quite heavily — so you want to keep up on this brushing. You can find brushes at most veterinary offices or pet stores — ask for recommendations for the best type of brush for your Golden Sammy. Bathe them occasionally. Use a special dog shampoo and rinse them well to prevent buildup or itching. Clean their ears regularly. Because of their fold-over type ears, Golden Sammys can be prone to ear infections. After cleaning or swimming whenever their ears get wet make sure you dry their ears inside completely so no wetness remains. Brush their teeth regularly. Brush their teeth a few times a week to ward off any of these problems. Your veterinarian or professional dog groomer can steer you towards the best type of toothbrush and toothpaste for your Golden Sammy, as well as give you tips on how to clean their teeth effectively. Going on a few short to medium length daily walks and having a 30 — minute play session most days of the week is usually enough to keep a Golden Sammy happy and fit. Health Risks As with any other dog, a Samoyed Golden Retriever mix can be prone to some health issues — especially as they grow older. You could potentially see eye problems, as well as hearing loss, come about as your Golden Sammy ages. Keep a close eye on your dog, especially as they get older. Feeding What you feed your Samoyed Golden Retriever mix is important for their overall health. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs do, and senior dogs after age 7 or 8 have different nutritional requirements than puppies or even adult dogs. A Golden Sammy will typically eat anything they can find, so be careful not to leave food around for them to get into. When to Eat? Follow the directions on their bag of food. Feed them at roughly the same time each day so they get to know their feeding schedule. How Much to Eat? Follow directions from your veterinarian or on the bag of food you buy. Both Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers are very loyal and love their families. Higher demand for this type of dog will create higher prices and reputable breeders will often charge a little more because of the care they put in — which is well worth the extra cost! They can be prone to heat exhaustion so watch them carefully if they are doing heavy activity in hotter climates. If you have a good play session with your Golden Sammy once every day or two as well as a few grooming sessions a week that should be enough to satisfy them. They are also usually quite content to simply sit with you while you watch television or read the daily paper and give them the occasional head scratch. Compatibility With Kids Both Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers are well known to be great family dogs who are affectionate, loyal, and playful. Therefore, Golden Sammys make great family pets too. If you are looking for a dog to add to a family with kids this is one of the best choices. It must be noted, however, that although they do play fairly gently, they can get quite excitable and because of their size and weight could unintentionally hurt very small children while playing. Expose them to a variety of sizes of dogs and cats so they can get used to them from an early age. As you can see, a Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a great, friendly, loveable dog and will likely make a great addition to any family even if you have other pets or children. I hope you found it helpful as you raise your pet. For dogs, flea and tick infestation is deadly and may cause severe diseases if not treated regularly. Free Shipping on all orders at discounted prices. Click here to join risk-free. Low cost plans, risk free guarantee. You Might Also Like:. Both of these breeds have a long history of being among people, and they are nowadays probably one of the most popular dogs in the world. Consequently, the Golden Sammy puppy has similar traits as these dogs are playful, loyal, affectionate, and sometimes — mischievous, but in a funny, sassy way! Having a Sammy Retriever in a house is never boring. On the contrary, these puppies will do anything to keep you entertained and involved in playtime. Even though neither Golden Retrievers, nor Samoyeds, are categorized among the top twenty healthiest dog breeds in the world, the Golden Sammy is a pretty healthy dog. Still, they do require a certain amount of exercise during the day. The Golden Sammy is a gentle companion that loves spending time with an owner. If you have a busy schedule, the recommendation is to look for a more independent dog breed — as Golden Sammy is not the one. Both Golden Retriever and Samoyed are pawfect, purebred dogs, especially when it comes to family setups. In fact, going through the process of socialization with these dogs is a wonderful experience, as these canines are not that demanding at all. Both Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers are suitable for first-time dog owners. Golden Retrievers can be great nannies and therapy dogs, too. Both of these dogs require a well-organized daily routine and a feeding chart. In a nutshell, preparing a healthy, positive, and well-planned routine for your Goldies, or Sammies, will be more than enough for a happy life for these pooches. Samoyed The rumor is that the Samoyed breed qualifies among the oldest dogs in the world, as its origin dates back to ancient times. This beautiful puppy comes from distant Siberia, where it was originally used as a sled dog. These canines will be fine even if the temperature reaches minus fifty. Even though this dog breed is significantly smaller than a Golden Retriever, it still belongs to the large dog breeds club. It weighs 45 to 65 pounds at adult age. When it comes to height, Sammies reach up to 23,5 inches. What makes this dog unique is its long, double, thick coat, which is usually white, cream, or biscuit. The best Samoyed breeders will make sure this puppy is regularly groomed and stylish. However, its outstanding physical appearance is not the only thing that counts. Samoyeds have a beautiful nature, as they are playful, social, great with children, and eager to please. The downside of having this pooch in an apartment is the fact that Samoyeds are natural barkers! They are extremely vocal, as barking is their primary tool for communication. Golden Retriever This puppy is also a large breed, which stands up to 24 inches in height, while it weighs between 65 and 75 pounds. Golden Retrievers have a European origin. They initially came from Scotland, where they have been used as working dogs and hunting dogs. In fact, Golden Retriever pooches were popular for waterfowl and duck retrieval from water in a hunt. Even though the Golden Retriever dog is a long-time member of the American Kennel Club, these puppies were initially designed by Lord Tweedmouth in the 18th century. The Retriever breed was initially bred with Water Spaniels. Their origin shows how playful, active, and agile these puppies are. Golden Retrievers generally require more activities than Samoyed puppies. This is because their body physique is more athletic, and their stamina is higher. Otherwise, they feel bored and frustrated. This puppy requires a lot of mental stimulation, as Golden Retrievers are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Still, this is a family dog breed that loves spending its time around all family members. Golden Retrievers also develop a great bond with children, and they are very tolerant in that regard. Golden Retrievers are fashionista dogs, too, as their beautiful coat is favorable for various grooming styles. They have a medium-long coat, which can be dark, medium, or light golden. The attempt was to design a dog that combines the traits of both of these high-quality dog parents. Consequently, this designer dog, the Golden Samoyed, has picked up the finest characteristics of both parents. This mixed breed dog has proven to be a great family addition that enjoys long play sessions, but at the same time it carries out tasks responsibly and eagerly. The Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a fantastic balance of obedience and affection. Golden Samoyed dogs are great family pets, but they are also quick learners. If you have a big backyard, you can create a stimulating playground for your puppy, as Golden Sammies perform excellently in agility and obedience tasks. Despite the fact that the Golden Sammy is less than twenty-five years old puppy — these canines are becoming more and more popular in the United States, and worldwide. The Golden Sammy: Physical Appearance Photo from: rileethefluffball You are probably wondering what this cute pooch looks like. Well, the truth is — Samoyed Retrievers resemble the physical look of a Golden Retriever, as they weigh 50 to 75 pounds and they reach up to 24 inches in height, but at the same time, their coat resembles the one in Samoyeds. They have a long, thick coat that needs to be groomed every week. Golden Sammies require timely bathing, as they can get dirty during playtime outside. The best-smelling dog shampoos for all coat types are an excellent solution in this regard. Golden Samoyeds belong to a large breed club, which means these dogs need at least moderate activity during the day. A standard of 30 to 40 minutes of exercise on a daily basis will be perfectly fine. Since these pooches are not the most active dogs in the world, you should be careful when it comes to their growth chart. Make sure you always keep them within the standard growth ratio, as sometimes these puppies tend to gain weight easily. Take care of their feeding chart and always use healthy snacks for mental stimulation. The Samoyed growth chart revolves around 45 to 65 pounds when it comes to weight. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mixes are slightly bigger, but they still need careful handling. Obese Samoyed mixes become frustrated and inactive. In the long run, it means that the puppy might display self-destructive, or aggressive behavior. Furthermore, obesity can cause diabetes, or increase the possibility of developing a cardiac disease. On the other hand, if you notice that your puppy is underweight — the solution is to ask for immediate vet help. Being underweight can be a sign that your dog is suffering from a severe health issue. This hybrid dog comes in four main coat color variants: white, biscuit, cream, and red. However, some puppies can appear in more of a golden variant, which is not rare. Still, Samoyed colors prevail in this regard. These puppies require frequent grooming and careful maintenance. A weekly brush is more than enough, as these pooches are moderate shedders. Training your dog to have a unique sleeping place will save you from overwhelming cleaning and collecting hair trails all over the house. On the other hand, bathing your dog can be done every two, or three months. In order to keep their coat shiny and stylish, make sure you use a suitable dog shampoo. Before bathing, check if your dog is allergic to certain shampoo ingredients. Leaving a Golden Sammy outside a house can trigger severe anxiety, which can result in self-destruction. This is an extremely dependent dog breed that simply enjoys human company. Still, this puppy needs early socialization, as they may appear mischievous in the latter stages of their lives. In order to socialize your dog, the usage of positive reinforcement techniques is unavoidable. Healthy dog snacks or interactive dog toys can be perfect training tools that you can use in this case. These canines must learn that you are a true pack leader of the house. Otherwise, they will display occasional stubbornness, which can be frustrating. However, properly socialized and trained puppies are excellently behaved pets with good manners. This is because these pooches are highly intelligent. They complete tasks easily, which makes them perfect for agility and obedience contests. Still, the puppy can be stubborn at times. Some Golden Sammies have a tendency to outsmart their owners and have their own way. In order to avoid this unpleasant situation, you need to implement early obedience training. Dog training collars may be used as a training supplement that helps you discipline your puppy. Early obedience training and early socialization are key in that regard. Puppies at eight weeks of age are old enough to start learning things. Potty training, crate training, and other puppy manners are easily mastered by this mixed breed dog, as they inherit the natural intelligence of their dog parents — Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds. Aside from being intelligent, Golden Sammies are a pretty intuitive dog breed. They have a natural parental instinct, which is an advantage you can use if you have small children in your family. If, however, you have difficulty training your Samoyed Retriever, you can always consult a professional dog trainer or a behaviorist. In fact, their advice is highly welcome at all times. Socialization Every dog needs early socialization. This is because dogs are naturally prey-oriented and they can see smaller pets, such as birds, hamsters, or cats as prey. The same goes for this puppy. Using positive reinforcement to socialize your dog is something that you need to go through. However, their natural social skills will make your job a lot easier. The socialization process requires a lot of time, patience, and dedication. However, the overall process is beautiful, as these puppies will gladly accept your engagement. Golden Sammies love being mentally stimulated. They enjoy creative games, too. Games like hide-and-seek, frisbee fetching, swimming, and retrieving a ball are just some of the activities that you can try with your pet. These canines need physical activity in order to stay mentally balanced, happy, and positive. Otherwise, your puppy might get bored or frustrated. Frustration in dogs is never good, as it results in aggression or disobedience. This is because the Golden Retriever dog breed is a natural nanny and a therapy dog, which has a high level of tolerance for these small fellas. This hybrid dog has a special bond with children, as it loves being around them. In fact, your Golden Sammy will enjoy playing with children, and it will do it gently. There are some dog breeds, such as Bullies, or Rottweilers, that are not recommended for families with small children. This is not because they may harm them, but because these pooches have a natural, rough way of playing. This is not the case with the Samoyed Retriever. These puppies will know exactly how much energy to use around children. Sounds incredible, right? Still, puppies need proper puppy education at an early age. The best way to do that is if you implement positive reinforcement techniques and obedience training. Aggressive, Or Not? Even though Samoyeds are categorized among aggressive dog breeds — Golden Retrievers are. This is because of the fact that a Golden Retriever puppy was initially used to be a hunting dog. Also, Golden Retrievers are naturally protective towards their owners, and they will do anything to protect them. In fact, their protective traits and natural concern for family members are what make them great family dogs. In some cases, the Samoyed Retriever dog can have these exact traits. They will display aggression towards enemies, or other predators. They will do it fiercely and fearlessly. Another reason why these canines might display aggressive behavior is separation anxiety. The recommendation is never to leave your puppy alone for more than a couple of hours. They are perfectly adaptable, even around strangers. However, the thing that you need to do is early socialization. Still, the puppy may suffer from hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal dysplasia. In some rare cases, these pooches might face cardiac diseases or diabetes. However, even the healthiest dogs need a proper feeding chart and a well-established daily routine. Proper feeding is the key to a healthy dog. Always make sure you give your puppy the exact amount of food that it needs. Also, preparing a feeding plan is a good option. Never feed your dog less than two hours before bedtime. The additional advice is to always avoid the worst dog food brands on the market. On the other hand, regular exercise is needed for maintaining a healthy body physique and mental health. These pooches are not that demanding when it comes to exercise. This means that a moderate walk or a simple playtime in your backyard will serve the purpose. If you, however, notice some unusual symptoms, such as bunny walk, disinterest in any sort of activity, lethargy, or disorientation, this may be the symptom of one of the diseases that I will explain in the below part. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia in dogs is not that rare in large breeds. The cause of this disease is hereditary, and it is often diagnosed during the puppyhood stage. Reputable breeders will always subject newborn Samoyed Retriever puppies to hip and elbow dysplasia tests. If by chance, they sell you a dog with this issue, they will provide a health warranty that you can use to return a puppy and pick a healthy one. However, having a dog with hip dysplasia is not the worst case scenario. This condition is curable, mostly with surgery. Your puppy will need several weeks to recover, but it will eventually heal. What you can do in regard to hip dysplasia is keep your puppy safe. This means you need to avoid overwhelming activities, such as excessive running, or jumping. As soon as you notice these symptoms — pay your vet a visit. Golden Retrievers are prone to this condition more than Samoyeds, which means there is a good possibility of a Samoyed Retriever developing this condition, too. Most of the time, it affects one eye. However, there is a certain possibility that your dog will go completely blind. The solution in these cases is cataract surgery, which is not that cheap. However, this surgery has proven to be effective. The thing that could cause cataracts is diabetes, though. Even if your puppy is not prone to cataracts, obesity and diabetes can cause a plethora of other diseases, such as cardiac disease. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal Dysplasia in dogs represents an abnormal development of the retina. It is mostly hereditary, but it can be developed due to some viral infections, or trauma. Retinal Dysplasia is detected by an ophthalmologist. In some cases, retinal dysplasia can cause total blindness, as it is progressive. Unfortunately, this condition is incurable in a progressed stage. However, dogs can still live a happy and long life with this condition. The thing that you can do is make sure that your puppy gets a safe and nurturing environment. Avoid surprises, as dogs that experience total blindness may be disoriented. Glaucoma Glaucoma is a condition related to dogs, and people, too. This condition represents an increased eye pressure in your dog, which can go without any symptoms at all. However, a dog may experience a severe headache during this condition. If your dog starts acting weird all of a sudden , there may be a possibility of glaucoma. This can be a very painful health issue, so immediate vet intervention is highly recommended. Golden Retrievers are prone to glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma can result in total blindness. Frequently Asked Questions 1. The lifespan of 12 to 14 years in these hybrid dogs is pretty much related to the Samoyed breed. This purebred puppy can live up to 14 years without any problems. Even though none of these dog parents are qualified among the healthiest dog breeds in the world, Samoyeds live a healthy and happy life. On the other hand, both male and female Golden Retrievers generally live between 10 and 12 years. Samoyed Golden Retrievers have a pretty respectable lifespan, as there are some large dog breeds that live significantly less. For instance, Rottweilers live no longer than eight, or nine years. In order to provide a long and healthy life for your puppy, you need to take care of its feeding chart, as well as its daily routine. These puppies need high-quality foods and a well-established daily routine in order to stay healthy. Even though these two breeds look alike, there are a number of differences that we can list. For instance, Golden Retrievers are more athletic dogs, as they require a lot more activity than Samoyeds. Furthermore, Golden Retriever haircuts and grooming styles are significantly different than in Samoyed puppies, as Golden Retrievers have a slightly shorter coat, which is soft and sturdy. Golden Retrievers are generally bigger, as they reach up to 75 pounds at adult age. On the other hand, Samoyeds weigh no more than 65 pounds. Still, these two dogs share a whole bunch of traits. For instance — both of these pure breeds are excellent family dogs. They are affectionate, loyal, and playful. Both Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers are fantastic friends to small children, as their level of tolerance is pretty high. Still, Golden Retrievers are probably a little more independent than Samoyeds. Conclusion The Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a fantastic hybrid dog, as it adapts to new environments easily and it is highly intelligent. This puppy is ideal for big families that live in a city. Golden Sammies are loyal, affectionate, and playful dogs, whose bond with their owners and small children is lovely. They have a pretty high level of tolerance, which makes them good nannies. Lifespan Sociability Adding a Golden Sammy to your family might seem like the best thing ever. And it might be…if you can properly care for them. Before searching for a breeder, ask yourself a few questions. Do you have the time to dedicate to exercise and play? Can you keep up with this long-haired rascal and meet their grooming needs? Can you afford their food and veterinary bills? And are you ready to accept a sweet, loving, and loyal pup into your home? They have a storied pedigree. But each of its parents does. The Golden Retriever can be traced back to 18th-century Scotland. They were first bred by Dudley Marjoribanks A. Lord Tweedmouth for the purpose of swimming long distances to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl shot while hunting. Golden Retrievers have since been among the most popular dog breeds of all time. The Samoyed side of the Golden Sammy goes back much further. Samoyeds are named after the nomadic Samoyed peoples of Siberia. They were working dogs used to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and assist in hunting expeditions. Samoyeds only made their way out of Siberia at the end of the 19th century and were recognized as an official breed in the US in .Golden Sammies are not heavy barkers. This is an awesome quality for those of you living with neighbors nearby. But when you do hear them barking, it could be a sign to investigate, as they usually only bark when absolutely necessary. You may see them trying to act as herders and protectors around children and help pull you along while attached to a leash. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their mild-mannered temperament makes them exceptionally great with kids. And their super-high tolerance is only rivaled by their loyalty. They are a very sociable breed. And those can be compounded through unhealthy weight gain or obesity—so keep your eye out for this. It comes from a true working dog lineage from waterfowl retrieval to sled pulling and reindeer herding. However, they are going to need mental exercise. And boredom can lead to naughtiness such as chewing and digging. Letting them explore on daily walks or teaching them hide-and-seek games can really benefit your Golden Sammy. However, you will want to take the time to train them. When left untrained, the Samoyed instincts will kick in. But they may attempt to herd unruly children or pull you while leash walking. However, this can be minimized by brushing them three times a week. Another important area of grooming for the Golden Sammy is its ears. They have folded over ears which can trap excess moisture inside the ear canal. Their lineage comes from rather problem-free breeds. However, there are two major areas you should be concerned with. Other than that, they still have a low risk of contracting minor illnesses common among dogs such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or deafness. Minor Conditions. The Golden Sammy is one of the calmest and most pleasant mixes as it has a good appearance and temperament. It is a dog crossbreed that has the coat of the Samoyed and the face and size of a Golden Retriever. Golden Sammy lives from 10 to 15 years. Weight and Height Golden Sammy can weigh up to 50 to 75 pounds and reach around 21 to 24 inches in height when fully grown. They are susceptible to joint issues that can be caused due to weight gain. That is why you should control their diet and never overfeed them. What is a good mix with a Golden Retriever? The Golden Sammy, being the perfect example of a good mix with a Golden Retriever. It is not only easy to train them but also enjoyable. This breed is loyal, calm, active, frisky and cooperative. Talking about the Samoyeds, they are not considered as good guard dogs because of their kind nature. Finding an aggressive Samoyed dog is rare. But they bark a lot what makes them a good watchdog as they start barking when they see someone approaching their home. Golden Sammy Appearance Unlike Samoyeds which are a medium-sized dog breed with thick triangular-shaped ears covered with fur, the Golden Sammy is a large dog with folded loose ears, thick fur, and bright eyes. As this is a hybrid breed, their appearance can differ. A typical Samoyed Golden Retriever mix has long fur like the Golden Retriever, but they have a thick coat like the Samoyed. The eye color of Samoyeds is brown or black usually. Their fur color may be cream, red and white. The Samoyed Golden Retriever crossbreed is athletic yet has a sturdy body. Their face resembles that of a Golden Retriever. Having the traits of their smart and kind parents, they make the best pet for any family. The dogs of this breed are usually sweet, caring and gentle which makes them great for the children as well. They love the time spent with their owner and always happily join any family activity. They never say no to a belly rub and cuddle a lot to show their love to their owners. It is not difficult for them to get friendly with strangers which also makes them the perfect family dog. Exercise The Samoyeds were used to pull sleds. On the other hand, the Golden Retrievers used to hunt. Therefore, coming from a working dog background, this cross breed of the Samoyed and the Golden Retriever does not require to do many physical activities. Forty minutes of physical exercise is enough for them. Since they are pretty intelligent, you should not avoid their mental stimulation. Make sure to provide them with sufficient dog toys to keep them away from boredom. Having them do regular exercises will help improve their personalities more. They are smart and eager to please. Plus, they are very cooperative which makes the training more enjoyable. Use proper training methods to teach them how to behave when they have a leash on. Give them potty training and teach them some basic commands. They adore the time spent with you. So, the training not only teaches your dog manners but also helps in strengthening the bond between you and your dog. The Golden Sammies are a very smart dog breed, so they require regular mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Having them occupied with dog toys or teaching them some tricks can help to keep them away from boredom. Getting them to explore the surroundings during daily walks and playing games such as hide-and-seek can also profit your dog. Is the Samoyed Golden Retriever mix hypoallergenic? This mixed breed does shed quite a lot of fur which shows that they are not hypoallergenic. Golden Sammy care and maintenance You should brush their fur three times per week at least as they are heavy shedders. If you brush their fur often the amount of shedding can be reduced. A very important practice is to clean their ears frequently and rigorously after bathing or swimming. This is because their folded ears may hold in moisture in the ear canal and cause infections. Therefore, cleaning and drying their ears precisely and regularly is much-needed to keep them safe from such infections. Also, clip their nails every few weeks for their paws to be healthy and to remove any hidden objects from their nails which will also keep you safe from unnecessary scratches. Samoyed is a dog breed that may require high maintenance. Their fluffy and charming appearance may need to be taken under special care. In contrast to Samoyeds, Golden Sammies do not require special maintenance. Samoyeds can be a demanding dog as they shed heavily during spring when they lose their undercoat. This breed should not be fed with more food than needed as it will result in weight gain which can worsen their health. Diet for the Samoyed Golden Retriever mix is not different from a diet for the Samoyed. Check out our food guide for more details and to see a product list developed specifically for the Samoyed. Common Health Issues There are some chances that Samoyed Golden Retriever can inherit some health issues from their parent breeds. Due to this possibility, the Golden Sammy can suffer from congenital eye issues and elbow or hip dysplasia. Besides this probability, Golden Sammies are very healthy pups. Supply them with the necessary amount of food, love, care, and exercise, and they could have a healthy and long lifespan. Their health also depends on the breeder you choose to buy your puppy from. If you are getting a puppy from a puppy mill or a poor background breeder then you can expect them to have some health issues. This happens mainly because of the poor care and cruel ways of training provided to them. How much does a Samoyed Golden Retriever cross breed cost? Samoyeds are one of the most expensive breeds. So it affects the price to pay for a Golden Sammy. Few elements influence the price of the Samoyed Golden Retriever mix such as its availability, location, demand for the hybrid breed. Is Golden Sammy the best pet for you? They are the lovely mix of a Golden Retriever and a Samoyed. They are easy to maintain, easy to interact with and lively that sets the perfect example of a pet. They are intelligent, friendly and have a beautiful golden fur coat. No wonder why they are so popular. If you are looking for a pet that is perfect for you then Golden Sammy is the one you have been searching for! Does the Golden Sammy get along with other pets and cats? This breed is very friendly. They like to interact with others. They are full of energy, playful, loving and loyal dogs. So, there are no worries about them having a brawl with other pets. They will get along well with other cats or dogs with early socialization. Is Golden Sammy a good pet for your family? This breed mix is the best one that you could get as a pet. They are very sociable and their calm and polite personality makes them a great friend for your kids. Also, they are very smart and devoted. Once they are aware of the house rules, they abide by them forever. Do Golden Sammies bark a lot? Both the Golden Retriever and the Samoyed are heavy barkers. That is why the Golden Sammies inherit this trait from their parents. They can be a good option for the people looking for a watchdog. Please note, these dogs do not cause any disturbance by barking without reason. By: Author Alfred Steger The Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved breeds in America, but did you know that it also has another famous offspring? What is a Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix? Samoyed is a breed that originates from Siberia. It was bred for herding and pulling sleds in extremely cold regions of the world. Nobel prize winner, author Jack London had Samoyed as his pet in Alaska, which is another proof that this dog can do well even in extreme conditions because it has inherited all these qualities from its parents. Golden Retriever is an intelligent retriever-gun dog that originated in Scotland. It was created by Lord Tweedmouth during mid 19 th century to retrieve waterfowls while shooting over them without getting hurt. This combination of two wonderful breeds has brought forth some really good results with regard to all aspects related to health, behavior, exercise requirements, etc. However, there can be some common misconceptions and questions about which you need to know the answers before getting a Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a relatively new breed that has been developed in the United States just over 25 years ago by crossing a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Samoyed. This mix was done to get a companion dog with all the good characteristics of both parents. It was also intended to have a low allergy rate for people who are allergic to dogs, but they still want one as their pet. This combination has been successful so far, and it has brought forth several benefits from different aspects such as health, behavior, etc. In addition, there are some common misconceptions about these dogs which need to be addressed before getting one for yourself or your family members. Three Types of Samoyed Golden Retriever Mixed Dogs Generally, the cross between golden retrievers and Samoyed dogs will produce types with three unique characteristics. The first one is color, which may vary from white to brownish-golden coat. The second aspect is their body structure, which can be medium to large in size. The third characteristic is their temperaments, which will be friendly and intelligent. Training of Samoyed Golden Retriever Mixed Dogs The Golden Samoyed puppy may take a bit longer to house-train than other breeds, usually around 4 to 5 months. This breed is a very playful one and likes going on walks. Generally, these puppies are not too difficult to train because they are eager to please their owners. Many agree that the Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix tends to be more resistant than other breeds, but still may have some difficulty in this area. The ears are erect, which is another physical trait it inherits from its Samoyed parent. This dog has beautiful eyes which you can look into for hours—they are usually dark brown in color. These dogs have a double coat — one layer is dense and coarse, while the other layer is light and fluffy. Depending on the climate they are living in, their coats can either be short or long. Usually, this breed has a white to cream base coat with red, brown, black, or golden patches of color on it. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix dogs are medium-sized breeds which makes them perfect for families. They are not too small and easy to control but not too big that they cannot fit into your home! Golden Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs while the Retriever part of this mix determines how high they will end up in terms of weight. Some might be smaller while others could weigh more than their parents depending on the way they grew up. Usually, it will end up taller and bigger than both parents with long legs, ears, snout, etc. They can be anywhere between inches tall which is not very common for most breeds. This makes them pretty special indeed! Typically, when fully grown Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix weighs between pounds and the females will not be as heavy as the males. This is why Golden Sammies are often used to make huge dogs like Golden Retriever and Samoyed mixes because of their bigger size compared with others. The parents on average stand at around 20 inches tall and weigh at least 50 pounds which means that these pups would probably grow taller than that too! This is slightly less than the average lifespan of purebred dogs but it should be fine for most people who are looking for a dog to share their lives with. Their parents both live fairly long lives and bred Golden Samoyed puppies can be expected to live a similar lifespan. Samoyed Golden Retriever mix Temperament Samoyed and Golden Retriever breeds are two very affectionate and social dogs with children and other pets. The Golden Samoyed is a large dog that has the ability to be gentle, friendly, playful, and even-tempered. It can become territorial or protective when it needs to do so, especially around small children. They tend to be energetic as well as intelligent, making them relatively easy to train due to their willingness to listen and learn from owners. If you want to own a Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix, then it is important that you should be an experienced dog owner who knows how to treat a large breed properly. Do not get one if you cannot feed it enough food so that it can maintain a healthy weight, have the time and money for regular training sessions, and take it out frequently for exercise. As mentioned, this dog has a very high energy level , so if you are not willing to meet its physical needs, then it will not be the best choice for you. Golden Sammys are great with children but should be supervised around them at all times just in case. They are big dogs and could knock down small children without meaning to. As a pet parent, you have to make sure that kids do not tease it or play roughly with it. In some cases, they may even need to be introduced first before your Golden Samoyed is comfortable enough playing with them. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix coat is medium length, with the upper parts of his body being an off-white color. His lower half is usually darker which makes it seem as though he has a black stripe that goes down his back. He is almost always seen sporting a smile which is just one reason why everyone who meets him falls in love instantly. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix — Golden Sammys are great with children but should be supervised An easy-to-maintain breed, this crossbreed does not require extensive grooming or maintenance. You should regularly brush its coat to remove any dead hair and mats using the right dog brush designed for thick coats. A thick undercoat often sheds throughout the year and may need some extra attention during seasonal shedding periods. You should only bathe him when he gets into something really dirty — twice per month should be more than enough. Is the Samoyed Golden Retriever mix hypoallergenic? No, the Samoyed Golden Retriever mix is not hypoallergenic. This mix has a different coat type than other hypoallergenic breeds like the poodle or West Highland White Terrier. If you suffer from dog allergies, it is highly recommended that you visit a doctor to determine what exactly your triggers are before getting a dog. Otherwise, there are all kinds of dogs who shed very little hair and some even have specially engineered coats to make them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. These breeds often produce proteins that act like immunoglobulins small antibodies. However, they can still cause allergic reactions in some people when they come in contact with the skin or saliva of the animal. This kind of allergy becomes more common as people become increasingly familiar with animals while growing up. However, they often seem to be plagued with a number of conditions and inherited diseases that include: Hip Dysplasia Obesity Problems Allergies Seizures The most common genetic disorders in this breed are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, which is a condition where the knee cap moves out of its original position. It is good to take your Golden Samoyed mix to regular checkups with a veterinarian, who will make sure he is in top shape. The other common condition in this breed is obesity. Although not usually deadly, it can lead to other major health problems in your dog. The best way to keep your Samoyed Retriever healthy is by controlling its weight and ensuring it gets regular exercise. In addition to the usual puppy shots, your dog will also require a yearly vaccination against bordetella, parainfluenza, and coronavirus. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix — This mixed breed dog is generally healthy and fit. There are several eye problems that can be genetic and inherited from parents to puppies, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , corneal dystrophy, distichiasis, and microphthalmia. In addition to these major problems, Golden Sammies have been known to suffer from minor problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye, dry eye, and glaucoma. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix puppies are prone to developing allergies, especially to foods containing corn or wheat. In some cases, they may also have reactions to chicken, soy, or other ingredients commonly found in dog food. If your puppy has been diagnosed with any kind of allergies, it is best to make sure you discuss all food options with a veterinarian before making a final decision. The only other health problem that has been known to affect this breed is canine epilepsy or seizures but these are very rare. Do Golden Sammies bark a lot? These dogs are known to have barks that are deep and distinctive. Golden Sammies are good guard dogs that will growl when they sense danger, but chances are likely that your dog will not go barking mad on every little thing that passes by. Do Golden Sammy drool? Most likely Drooling is more like a small detail that comes with the territory for this dog. Does the Golden Sammy get along with other pets and cats? Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix dogs get along well with other pets and cats if they are introduced early on and carefully. They do well in multi-pet families, but it is crucial to take certain precautions when introducing them to other family pets. Try to introduce them in neutral territory when they are young, and be sure that all pets are supervised around each other at first. Golden Sammies will want to play with the other pet for a while before they settle down. It is also important that you act like the boss; act like an alpha when introducing another animal into your home, because otherwise, you may end up with a nasty fight. With these precautions taken, it is very likely you will have no issues mixing your pets together. The Golden Retriever and Samoyed Mix is one of the best family dogs you could get. Their gentle personality makes them great with children. They are also incredibly loyal and obedient. Once they have mastered the house rules, you can expect them to abide by them forever. These delightful dogs will also get along well with other household pets and animals. They are an incredibly sociable breed. With early socialization, they can get along well with other dogs as well. This means that they are easy to train. The key is to start early and to use positive reinforcement training methods like praise and treats. This is because potty training is often a challenge with almost every breed. For first time owners, training a Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix puppy should also be relatively easy. In fact, 40 minutes each day should suffice. Provide them with plenty of interactive dog toys to help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Allowing your dog to explore during daily walks, or playing hide and seek games will definitely benefit your dog. The Samoyed parent breed sheds quite a lot, so the Golden Sammy is not hypoallergenic. However, you can minimize the shedding by brushing your Golden Sammy at least three times per week. Due to their fluffy coats, however, you need to use deodorizing wipes to keep them well groomed in between baths. They have folded ears, which tend to trap moisture.