german shepherd puppies palm springs
Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Salt and pepper Light brown or golden Her coat is usually thick and fluffy, with long, short, dense or medium fur. Perfect to cuddle up to on a cold night! Both parents have double coats, which helped them work in cold weather, and the German Shepherd Husky Mix has this dual layer, too. This means they are better living in cold climates. So if you are thinking of getting one of these dogs and you live in a place where it reaches high temperatures, this is not the dog for you! The Gerberian Shepsky is a moderate shedder and, as its coat is thick and fluffy, it is prone to matting. I advise brushing 2 -3 times a week to keep her double coat shiny and tangle-free. German Shepherds were bred to herd livestock and are now often used as police and military dogs; in these roles, they work closely with their owners and are able to learn commands quickly. The Siberian Husky is also a working dog that was trained to pull loads over long distances in the Arctic wilderness. This mix results in an alert dog who is quick to learn. She will respond well to whistles and verbal commands after just a few repetitions, which makes her easily trainable. This dog does well in dog agility, a great way for intelligent, high-energy dogs to expel energy and exercise their mind. A warning, though: this breed can be a bit obstinate. She may not obey if she senses that you are not a strong leader. Look how quickly this young dog already handles all types off commands: 3. If you are a couch potato, or you struggle to walk for more than an hour, this is not the dog for you. Like its parents, this dog can go for miles without tiring. They are perfect exercise companions and should be taken out twice a day, preferably for an hour or more each time. These dogs love to run, so you should take her to an area where she can go off leash providing she is trained. You can also teach her to jog or run alongside you. In large breed dogs like this one, their plates usually set at around 12 months , so it is best to wait until 12 — 15 months before starting more vigorous exercise. You should talk to your veterinarian to get the okay before starting any exercise program. I repeat: this dog is only for active, sporty types! Given their size and energy levels, I would only recommend this dog to someone with a house and spacious yard. She likes to be employed As well as physical exercise, these dogs like to fulfill the task they were bred for: doing a job. You should stimulate this need in her to avoid her becoming frustrated. You can fit her with a specially designed doggie backpack , which holds water and supplies and even your cell phone! Not to mention that it helps her burn off more of that pent-up energy. Like their German Shepherd parent, whose job was to keep watch over the herd, they are natural protectors. This can sometimes develop into overprotectiveness and territorial behavior, however, and may lead to displays of aggression towards strangers. It is imperative that you keep this under control through socializing your dog: make sure your puppy is used to being around as many people as possible from a very young age. You should get her a few toys she can play with at home like squeaky toys and tug toys. Try to socialize her with other puppies too — you could join a puppy training class and make connections, then get your puppies together for a play date! Potential health conditions Crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. However, this dog could be prone to some health conditions that can occur in its parents. There are two main health problems, including: Elbow and hip dysplasia This is a condition that results in an unstable or loose joint. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog, so as not to put stress on her joints. Eye conditions Juvenile cataracts: These may not start until 6 years old. They appear as opacity in the lens of the eye and can cause a slight decrease in eyesight to complete blindness in more severe cases. Corneal dystrophy: This condition, in which abnormal material accumulates in the clear, outer layer of the eye the cornea , can cause visual impairment. It tends to affect both eyes and develops slowly. Progressive retinal atrophy: This can occur in later life and can lead to partial or complete blindness. Early symptoms can show as night blindness, dilated pupils and the inability to see clearly in bright light. Unfortunately, this condition is inherited, and it cannot be cured. If diagnosed early, however, there is a chance of saving the dog from going completely blind by using specific antioxidant supplementation. Other health problems can include digestive problems, blood disorders, bloat, and epilepsy. Feeding your Gerberian Shepsky who can be a little bit fussy As they are highly active dogs, the German Shepherd Husky Mix more often than not has a healthy appetite and requires a protein-rich diet. Bear in mind, though, that these critters can be fussy eaters! Try to find a brand that appeals to your dog, whether it is one in particular or a combination. Once you do, stick with what she likes. Given that these dogs are prone to digestive problems, it may mean some trial and error when trying to find the best dog food for her. Conclusion When it comes to genetics, Gerberian Shepskies got the good end of the deal. They are beautiful, intelligent, loyal, playful and easy to train, as long as you are a firm leader. Just remember, if you are thinking of getting one of these hybrids, you should be an active, outdoorsy person who is comfortable walking for at least 2 hours a day and has a house with a spacious yard. Thinking of getting a Gerberian Shepsky? Already the owner of one and want to share your story? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
Black Black and tan Once the breed becomes standardized, these coat colors may become official. But, for now, the goal is to create the blue version as much as possible. Blue Bay Shepherd Temperament Though Vicki was aiming for the lupin look with these dogs, she will sacrifice the look for the temperament. Her primary goal was to create a family pet though getting them to look like wolves was a close second. Regardless, she succeeded at both. Blue Bay Shepherds have a sweet, loving temperament without the aggression and aloofness of their wolf ancestors. But the dogs naturally tend to be sociable, gentle, affectionate, and playful. You can even trust them around livestock and other animals! Can you trust this dog that looks so much like a wolf with other pets? Owners report that their Blue Bay pups have done well with other dogs and cats. They should be properly socialized and raising them with other pets is best. However, this is common amongst dogs in general — not just ones that look like wolves. Their sweet, affectionate nature makes the Blue Bay Shepherd a great family pet. But they will do best in a specific type of home. They also tend to be huge. So a home with a large yard and lots of space to run is an ideal place for them. Are you looking for a simple way to keep track of your dog's daily activity? It has never been easier to monitor your dog with the Fi smart collar. With this slender, smart collar, you can count your pup's steps and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. You can keep an eye on Fido's fitness routine with it, almost like a FitBit for your dog. Blue Bays can also be prone to separation anxiety, so an active family that will be spending lots of time with the pup is best. Homes with small children may not be the best choice for them purely because of their size. They are gentle, but they are still big and energetic which means they can accidentally harm tiny family members. Wondering if your home would be a good fit? The best way to find out is to ask Vicki herself. However, because the breed is so new, there are no established health patterns and no way to know if there are common problems. Dogs with wolf blood in general tend to be healthy and have a long life expectancy. However, counter this with the tiny gene pool. All Blue Bays come from the same place and the breeders at Southern Breeze Ranch have to be cautious to avoid inbreeding and the problems this can cause. Vicki specifically used the old-style German Shepherds to avoid the modern GSDs' sloped back and the hip dysplasia that commonly comes with it. Plus, the Shepherds she used may still pass down issues like epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, pituitary dwarfism, and eye abnormalities. To help prevent this, avoid feeding within 30 minutes of exercise — either before or after. You may also consider using a slow feeder bowl if your dog tends to eat too fast. And wolf dogs are exactly the same. A Blue Bay Shepherd requires daily brushing during the worst seasons to keep this shedding under control. The rest of the year, you can get away with brushing them times a week. Regular brushing will also help keep their long hair free of tangles and give it that shine that makes them so beautiful. Regardless, brushing your dog is a great way to bond with him and helps him to feel safe and loved in your home. Since they are so active, Blue Bay Shepherds will generally wear down their own nails running around on hard ground. If not, you should have clippers on hand to keep them from overgrowing. Note that ear infections are common in German Shepherds. Since there are so few and the breed is still in development, there is commonly a one or two-year waiting list for these pups. The pups can also be quite pricey, though less than you might expect from an exclusive breeder. This innovative collar offers real-time GPS tracking, ensuring that you can easily locate your furry companion whenever needed. It goes beyond just tracking by providing valuable insights into their daily exercise levels and sleep patterns. With its sleek design and durable construction, the Fi Smart Collar seamlessly integrates into your dog's lifestyle. Prioritize your peace of mind and strengthen the bond with your Blue Bay Shepherd. Invest in the Fi GPS Smart Collar and the Fi app today and experience a new level of connectedness and care for your beloved furry friend. Final Thoughts Do you love the idea of adding a blue wolf German Shepherd-type dog to your family? The gorgeous Blue Bay Shepherd could be a great option for you. Plus, you would become part of the development of a new breed! Vicki keeps in contact with all the owners of her pups to monitor their development and behavior over time. She wants to create and maintain a standard with her new breed and well as make improvements with each new generation. If you become the lucky owner of one of these pups, you will join a new adventure that is more than just getting a new dog. Plus, you will be the lucky recipient of more love and loyalty than you might have bargained for! The link has been copied! You might also like. As this is still a breed-in-progress, it is difficult to say definitively that there is no aggression at all in the Blue Bay. After all, an individual in any breed can develop aggression under the right circumstances. Any dog, but particularly a large and powerful one like the Blue Bay Shepherd, needs to be socialized and trained from a young age. Pro-social interaction from a young age can avoid all kinds of trouble later on. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of aggressive behavior in American Blue Bay Shepherd at the time of writing. And, Southern Breeze Ranch appears to be breeding specifically for non-aggressive behavior. They may have a strong prey drive, however, and so this should be watched for. They are devoted animals and should preferably not be left alone for long periods, as they may be prone to separation anxiety. Because of their size, a home without small children may be preferable. However, Vicki Spencer seems to place her dogs in the homes best suited to them, and contacting her might help you decide if there is a Blue Bay for you. Sometimes breeders impersonating Vicki will offer dogs for much less, but it is important to remember that there is currently only one breeder in the world. Also, be sure to check your state and local county laws regarding wolfdogs, as they may be prohibited. They are devoted family members and seem mostly without the behavior problems that are often associated with wolfdogs. As this breed develops further, it is clear they are something worth keeping an eye on. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Not many people have, but Ocean, a rare 6-month-old blue wolf dog, has been making waves on social media for her unique appearance in recent weeks, with over , followers on Instagram. Ocean is 30 percent timber wolf, also known as a gray wolf. These animals inhabit Alaska, northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, western Montana, northern Idaho, northeast Oregon and the Yellowstone area of Wyoming. She is also a mix of German shepherd, Alaskan malamute and Siberian husky, and her unusual breed as well as her distinctive coloring have intrigued people on Instagram. Wolf dogs typically weigh between 70 and pounds. Wolves weighing up to pounds or more have been found in the wild, but these are "very few and far between and are considered an abnormal occurrence," according to Wolf Paws, a Tennessee sanctuary for abandoned wolf dogs. Anneka Svenska's 6-month-old wolf dog, Ocean, is 30 percent timber wolf. Wolves have long been depicted as scary animals in films and fairy tales, giving them an undeserved reputation not unlike sharks and snakes. Despite Ocean's wolflike appearance, "people flock around her wherever we go," Svenska said. I haven't met one person who is scared of her yet. It's incredible how interested people are in her. Our Instagram page has grown to over , followers in just three months. She's so sweet and cuddly. Very sensitive and clingy. Very trainable. Courtesy of Anneka Svenska In the U. But depending on the percentage of wolf DNA in the animal, it could be classified as a hybrid and subject to regulations under the Endangered Species Act of .Some states have laws regarding wolf dogs, while others—Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, Louisiana, Wyoming and Illinois—have banned the breed altogether. She is not a direct cross with a wolf. In the U. To reduce the number of these animals entering shelters or being abandoned, prospective owners should do sufficient research to determine whether they are up to the challenge of owning a wolf dog. Colorado-based wolf dog enthusiast Phillip Young previously told Newsweek, "I wish that people knew these are not a dog for the normal household. You don't change their lifestyle to fit yours, but you have to change yours to fit them. One commenter said, "If I saw Ocean coming, I would not think 'eeek it's a wolf' it'd be more like 'it's soooo fluffeeee, can I hug it. She looks more like a wolf than a wolf dog. ET: This article has been corrected to amend the name of the OP. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life newsweek. Read more. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Made with real, fresh, healthy, and human-grade ingredients, Ollie Dog Food is delivered straight to your doorstep. In no time, your K9 friends will be begging you for more! Bloat is a prevalent risk among large dogs, and it happens when the dog crams down too much food in a short time. To avoid that, split their food into two meals a day. They also carry wolf, husky, malamute, and other wolfdog DNA, which gives them adequate genetic diversity and fewer health issues. Nevertheless, the following six diseases are prevalent among wolfdogs and German Shepherds. Although Blue Bay Shepherds are supposed to have fewer hip joint issues than German Shepherds, you cannot ignore the risk. So far, no Blue Bay Shepherd has come forward with this disease. The dog would feel reluctant to do physical activities due to the pain, which would advance into lameness and loss of functionality. Bloat Bloat and gastric torsion are prevalent dangers among large dog breeds. Voracious eating habits and strenuous activity after a meal can cause this condition. Feed your dog multiple times a day instead of all at once. Also, keep a half-hour gap between meals and playtime. Epilepsy German Shepherds have reported more cases of epilepsy than any other dog breed. Although the genetic diversity in these dogs is much higher, we cannot rule out genetic issues like epilepsy completely. Pituitary dwarfism Pituitary dwarfism occurs due to a growth hormone deficiency and is prevalent among German Shepherd dogs. Pituitary dwarfism causes disproportionate physical features and growth issues. Degenerative myelopathy Canine degenerative myelopathy causes the dog to lose functionality in its hind limbs due to nerve degeneration in its spine. Old German Shepherds sometimes have this disease. Their actual life expectancy should be around or above 12 years, considering these dogs are healthier than their parent breeds. However, with the limited information we have so far, all these figures are rough estimates. Blue Bay Shepherd breeder So far, there is only one authentic breeder that produces these dogs. All other Blue Shepherd breeders are only producing blue-colored wolfdogs. Nevertheless, you can look for blue shepherds from local kennels and dog breeders like shiphrashepherds. Alternatively, you may contact Southern Breeze Ranch and ask if they can deliver a pup to Ontario. Many places advertise Blue Bay German Shepherd puppies for sale. But those are not genuine. She believes every dog is different and catered for a specific owner. A prominent feature on that channel is a giant Blue Bay Shepherd by the name of Kurgan. The owner claims that this dog was already 33 inches tall on its first birthday. Is the Blue Bay Shepherd right for me? The Blue Bay Shepherd is a gentle giant who makes a loving companion. This dog breed is also healthier and more active than many purebred dogs. Fans of rare dogs often rush into the latest dog fad without proper research. Yes, Blue Bay Shepherds are part wolf. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. I thought it would be a great idea to share my experience with all pet owners so they can also keep their canine companions healthy, happy, and clean! Crossbreeding canines to create new sub-breeds and variants is not a new idea. It should never be done willy-nilly, however, and is best done very carefully and selectively over the years by dedicated breeders with the knowledge and ethics to create a healthy, happy dog. Vicki Spencer is still actively trying to breed them towards an even more wolf-like appearance. Luckily, you have us to help you decide if this brand-new hybrid breed is a good match for your home. It will be many years, if not decades,- before it gets an official breed status. Remember, you should never choose a companion animal for looks alone. You must educate yourself on the breed and its quirks and ensure that you have the right family dynamic, lifestyle, and home for the dog. Only a few people currently own blue Bays, and their owners do love them. Most of these dogs average around 30 inches tall at the shoulder, with females leaning smaller and some males taller. The temperament of a dog is just as important as its looks. The Blue Bay is bred to be an excellent family dog with a stable temperament. Here are its key characteristics: Couch potatoes, but with a lot of energy to burn. They may get destructive if under-exercised Sweet and affectionate Non-aggressive to livestock and small animals Not timid around people As trainable as a standard German Shepherd Clever Powerful chewers Remember that every dog has a unique personality. To be happy, healthy, and stable in temperament, dogs need to be well raised, socialized and trained. Just like any other dog, Blue Bays need intensive care and love from their humans. Any dog can be aggressive if raised that way or if its natural need for mental stimulation is ignored, and the smarter the breed, the more stimulation they need. This is a very high-energy breed, despite the sweet temperament, so plan to spend a good few hours a day exercising the dog. Remember that these costs cover the care, attention, and careful breeding dedicated to the new line by the current breeder. Also, remember that there is only one Blue Bay breeder. If you see any listed somewhere else, or people claim to have Blue Bays that are not from Vicki Spencer, it will be a scam, so proceed accordingly. The Spencer-bred Blue Bays all have a registration certificate and a unique number. This is, quite literally, a rare breed. So rare that you can only get it from one breeder, Vicki Spencer. The breeding stock for this dog is incredibly rare, too. Blue German Shepherds are not unknown but are definitely not common or easy to find. The same goes for blue wolfdog hybrids. Surprisingly, Vicki struggled to find the right Shepherd more than the right wolfdog, which she had previous experience with breeding and handling. When she encountered a beautiful and intact blue wolf-dog hybrid, she set out to find the perfect partner for them. The original Blue Bay stock was bred from a litter she was offered, but the need to bring in new genes and keep the temperament balance she wants makes this a very long-term and careful project. The first Blue Bay Shepherd litter was born in .The parents were a French-bred Blue German Shepherd and her existing blue wolf-dog stock. Again, you can look at the older Labradoodle hybrid breed for more about this phenomenon. However, the very first official Blue Bays were 5 generations away from the pure wolf line. Once Blue Bays can be bred exclusively to other Blue Bays, this will reduce with time. You also see it on the Russian Blue cat. All large-breed dogs with deep chests are also at risk of bloating. Avoiding strenuous activity for 2 hours after eating will prevent bloat issues. It is important to stress that this is a very new breed. This lack of fixed literature on the topic must always be kept in mind when discussing the Blue Bay. Remember that you need to budget for regular vet checks at important milestones, their annual shots, and have good pet insurance or personal funds to provide veterinary care as needed. You should never buy a dog of any breed on a whim, but instead, make sure you have the money and time to devote to making a happy, healthy hound. Diet and Food Costs A great diet is critical for the health and well-being of this unusual breed. They typically need at least 5 cups of food daily, and it should be a well-balanced, high-quality brand with premium ingredients. Keep in mind that some Blue Bays are prone to sensitive stomachs. Some owners prefer other feeding regimes, such as raw feeding. Grooming Costs While the Blue Bay Shepherd coat is designed to look a little wild and rugged, it will still need careful care to keep it clean and mat-free, and to remove loose hairs. They may also need their ears and eyes cleaned on a regular basis. Still, the years of loyalty and love will be worth it for the right dog. The first German Shepherds used to start the breeding program were specifically chosen for their loving personality and gentile, calm nature. Breeders purposefully chose German Shepherd dogs that were not known for their guarding ability. Guarding is sometimes thought to be linked with aggression, and this is being purposefully bred out. The blue German Shepherds used also were American Kennel Club certified and determined to not have any of the genetic health issues that plague many German Shepherds today. By selecting these dogs, the Blue Bay Shepherd could be a sweeter, more wolf-like, healthier shepherd dog. She lives currently on the Southern Breeze Ranch where she has been working for the past 20 years on the development of this breed. Vicki had always envisioned a shepherd dog with a blue fur coat, a loving, gentle personality and excellent health. However, she was unhappy with the current personality, color, and health issues present in the standard German Shepherd. She set to solve these problems by creating a new breed. Vicki began creating her ideal dog using wolf-dogs and blue German Shepherds. The ultimate goal for Vicki is to have the Blue Bay breed registered with the American Kennel Club and be officially recognized. Technically they are not currently an official breed. This is because each dog is a unique mix of other officially recognized breeds and wolf-dogs. It is thought that she is on the 5th generation of breeding stock. All that is known is that the first few generations were wolf-dogs and blue German Shepherds. They are still officially in their development phase. As of , an F2 Blue Bay has not been bred. This means she has not yet mated two Blue Bay Shepherds together. She is still currently crossing Blue Bays with other breeds. Are They Purebred? A purebred dog is a dog whose parents are both the same breed. All of the current Blue Bay Shepherds are technically mixed breeds, they are not purebred. The original mix was a blue German Shepherd and a wolf-dog hybrid. The original studbooks for German Shepherds included cross breeding to wolves. The breeding program will continue to mix other breeds into the gene pool until the appearance, temperament, and personality meet the original goals. Not being a purebred dog is not a bad thing! Blue Bay Shepherds have an extremely diverse genetic background because they are a mix. This means they are much less prone to the genetic diseases that are common in the purebred German Shepherd population in the US. The founder specifically chooses dogs for their excellent genetic background. Blue Bay Shepherds are specifically mixed with wolf-dogs that are part eastern timber wolf Canine lupis lycaon. The eastern timber wolf was chosen because of its blue coat that does not fade with age. They tend to become even more wolf-like as they age. This is due to the eastern timber wolf that is in their bloodline. Eastern timber wolves tend to be blue when they are young. Their blue color seems to last years on average. At around eight years of age, they start to gain more silver and white in their coat. Purebred blue German Shepherds can change from blue to a silvery gray within their first few years. It is less deep blue and more of an ashy bluish gray. They also have stunning eyes that are completely distinctive to the breed; they are always pale, ranging from green to hazel. Their general appearance from a distance is very wolf like. The original goal was to create a dog that looks like a wolf. Blue Bay Shepherds are particularly wolf-like in their appearance. Some of the early generations are almost indistinguishable from a wolf. All Blue Bays have three things they all seem to have in common: Very light-colored eyes. Signature blue fur coat. Wolf like appearance with a mane of fur around their face. Blue Bay Shepherds are known for their show stopping eyes. Their eye color can range from a pale green to hazel or even a pale blue. They are very different from the dark brown eyes of a typical German Shepherd. Their blue coat is also a dazzling ashy blue-gray. This is different from the many blue colors of German Shepherd. Their fur can also become ashier and more silver with time making them appear even more wolf like. They have a bushy mane framing their face and naturally pointy, upright ears. Blue Bay Shepherds are also a very large breed. Females run from 70 to 85 pounds and males are on average 85 to pounds. Some of the first generation mixes are over pounds! Some small german shepherds have been known to weigh just 50 pounds. Temperament and Personality Blue Bay Shepherds were bred specifically to be family dogs. Currently they are not used for any specific purpose other than to snuggle and love on their owners. Despite their wolf lineage, their personalities are surprisingly very sweet and cuddly. Vicki wanted the breed to be family pets with very gentle temperaments. Above all else Blue Bay Shepherds are specifically bred for their temperament. All of the dogs that are part of the breeding program are very calm and sweet dogs that love people. This is even true for the wolf-dog hybrids that were used in the original lineage. They can be friendly and get along great with strangers. However, they must be socialized properly. Dogs in general should be socialized as soon as they are fully vaccinated. Due to the fact that Blue Bay Shepherds are part wolf, this socialization stage is critical. Socializing a Blue Bay puppy will ensure that all of the sweet loving traits typical of their breed will be fully present. These traits should not be shadowed by fear of the unknown. In general, the ideal owner of a Blue Bay Shepherd is one that will spend a lot of time with them and expose them to other dogs and small children early. Leaving this breed alone for long periods of time can cause aggressive undesirable behaviors, especially when they are young. Being shepherd dogs , they do require an active lifestyle and lots of attention. Some owners report that they can become destructive in their yards when left alone. This is most likely due to boredom and an inability to redirect their energy towards something more productive. The typical owner of a Blue Bay Shepherd is extremely active and loves to play. Blue Bay Shepherds love to go for long hikes and have lots of space to run and play. The more wolf a dog has, the more timid and potentially aggressive they can be towards strangers. Larger males can grow to over pounds. Females run smaller at between 70 to 85 pounds. Their size, combined with their wolf-like appearance, can be frightening to strangers. This means that they require proper training and an owner that can control them in any given situation. Each puppy comes with a certificate that is signed by the breeder for authenticity. The breed will remain in its developmental stage for several more years. They are known to love people, despite having wolf in their blood. They are not bred to be farm dogs, like the original German Shepherds, but they are part German Shepherd. This means they love to run around and be outdoors. If they are not allowed enough time to exercise, they have been known to be destructive. Unsocialized Dogs Can Be Aggressive These dogs must be appropriately socialized, or they can become aggressive. Most of them love people, especially their families. However, they are very impressionable by negative experiences. Some have been reported to be dog and stranger-aggressive. They Shed! Blue Bays have an undercoat and will shed throughout the year, just like German Shepherds. But, their shedding is more moderate than the average German Shepherd, this may be due to the mixing with the wolf-dogs. German Shepherds were originally bred as sheep herding dogs for farmers in Germany. They were designed to be a working dog. Today, the German Shepherd is not always used for sheep herding, but it is still a working dog. It can be used for police, military, and service work. Blue Bay Shepherds are bred to be family dogs, not for work. Since the German Shepherd was not bred with personality in mind, they can be timid towards strangers and occasionally aggressive. This is not known amongst Blue Bay Shepherds. Although, both dogs are known to be destructive when not exercised. The blue German Shepherd has become very rare. This is partially due to its unpopularity, but also those that are born blue tend to become a silver-gray color with age. Blue Bay Shepherds are part blue but are much more of an ashy-blue. This makes them very different in appearance than a typical shepherd. Finally, the price of these two puppies is different. It is also easy to find rescues that work specifically with German Shepherds, if you are interested in adopting an adult. It is not possible to adopt a rescue. Blue Bay Shepherd.
Shrek is the perfect puppy. He plays well with both of his foster brother dogs and loves kids. He is calm, goes into kennel easily, almost fully potty trained and sleeps thru the night. He and his sister, Fiona, are looking for their own homes! All Pet Central animals are up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, spayed or neutered, microchipped registration included , and current on parasite prevention. Dogs over six-months of age are heartworm tested. When adopting, we will ensure that you receive copies of veterinary and microchip records. If you are interested in this pet, please fill out the brief Adopter Survey by hitting "Apply for Adoption" on the profile. After we review your completed survey we will contact you by phone or email within three business days. We're primarily a volunteer organization, so we appreciate your patience. Please note- Out of respect for our volunteers and staff, we are closed on Sundays and Mondays and will not be processing any applications on that day. Do get back to us right away when we call or email regarding an application so that we can quickly connect using the process below: Select a pet and submit an online adoption survey. A PCH adoption counselor will contact potential adopters within three business days PCH cannot guarantee any pet's availability, but we make every effort to accommodate adopters with a reply and possible alternative suggestions. Counselor and client will then have a conversation to answer questions, discuss any medical needs for the pet and determine the suitability of a match if necessary, we may opt to put adopters in touch with foster parents. Adopters should bring a pet carrier and leash to pick up. Adult pets will be wearing a collar. It is important that clients arrive on time, neither early nor late. If your adoption is scheduled at Pet Central Helps! Park in the parking lot and enter the facility. A PCH representative will greet you and show you to the adoption room. Your new pet will be handed to you. We will take a "Happy Adoption Day photo with your pet and family. We will be set up just inside the store entrance. Let us know you are here to pick up your pet! A PCH representative will confirm your information and hand you your pet. PCH supports a day no-fault return policy in which adopters are given the opportunity to find a better match. Thank you, Pet Central Helps! Small right facing arrow These pups are in Peoria, Illinois too! Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Peoria, Illinois. To see more adoptable Boxers in Peoria, Illinois, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Simply by viewing all the photos and information on Chicago Land Boxers' website, it is quite obvious that Adrian Moreno has taken pride in his work as a breeder and his dogs for 30 years. We are a family dedicated to excellence and ethics in professional Boxer breeding. Lets see…Do you love sloppy kisses, affection, a fun-loving spirit and a little bit of stubborn behavior every now and then? Well the boxer might be the right breed of dog for you. Please read all of the information below carefullly. Classified ads of the boxer dogs and puppies for sale near IL. We got Maggie, in September of .I've loved the boxer breed ever since. Located in the Chicago area, we strive to breed quality, health-tested Boxer puppies with a focus on both the AKC Boxer breed standards and temperament. All Breeds Illinois If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near Illinois in these listings. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat, and the. Be sure to check out the available pups link to see available boxer puppies for sale or past litters. Text or Call: Mon. Near Illinois Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Number of puppies available at time of publication: 7 puppies available. Boxer Breeders. Boxer Puppies and Dogs for Sale in Illinois. Boxer Breeders James Hartman. Illinois If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near Illinois in these listings. She is a beautiful reverse brindle boxer. Dogs and Puppies, Boxer. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Boxer Rebound, Inc. Boxers should never be kept outside. Welcome to Bishop's Boxers We are a family dedicated to excellence and ethics in professional Boxer breeding. My name is April and I'm from Central Illinois area. Why buy a Boxer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Boxer puppies in Illinois who need a home. I got my first boxer in , Oscar and fell in love with him. It is a serious family effort to breed and raise. Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Puppies and Dogs near you in Illinois. Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of Boxer dogs in need. However free Boxers are a rarity as rescues usually charge a small adoption fee to cover. Our Ads are always free! Be prepared to laugh every day after bringing a Boxer into your home! Boxers are high energy dogs that require obedience training, human affection and attention. Welcome to Bishop's Boxers. Boxers Listings » Dog Classifieds » Boxers. We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Read each bio very carefully, as not every Boxer is suited for every home. Chicago, Illinois. Boxer Puppies in Illinois. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a. Illinois You will find Boxer dogs and puppies for adoption in our Illinois listings. However, free dogs and puppies are a rarity as shelters usually charge a. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America's most popular dog breeds for a very long time. Boxer Breeders in Illinois. Petland Round Lake Beach opened its doors on December 13th .Boxers are high energy dogs and have wonderful personalities. For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Boxer Rescue Information: Boxer dogs are energetic, playful and intelligent animals, they like to clown around a lot and will keep you laughing. Why buy a Boxer puppy for. Our deaf boy had been relinquished to us and having been in a couple different homes he found his new family shown below, his last and only home from here on. Mother will have amazing puppies soon. You cannot mold them into being any other dog. Number of puppies available at time of publication: 6 puppies available. Texas is home to seven different adoption agencies dedicated to Boxers. Take them and love them as they are! Should your first choices have found their forever home, let us suggest a few. See below our list of real reputable Boxer breeders in Illinois and the prices these breeders charge for their puppies. Sometimes, you may find a Boxer for free in Illinois to a good home listed by an owner who may no longer be able to look after them because of personal circumstances. This page provides a listing of Illinois Boxer. Most Popular Boxer Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Boxer names for after analyzing Boxer puppies for sale. In other words, you generally have. Boxer dogs bond well with a family, are very affectionate and get along well with children. Reach many interested people who want to give your puppies a good home. Breeder Reputation Champion bloodline breeder. Cook County, Chicago, IL. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs; females are a little smaller, lbs and inches tall. Free online listings of local Boxers. Illinois Boxers Puppies For sale. Box Ringwood, IL Vanessa .You are not looking for puppies for adoption, but would like to give. Boxer puppies in Bloomington, IL. Boxer Puppies CKC registered .At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect new addition for their families. Boxer Puppies in Kentucky. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Illinois. Sultry Boxer Puppies for sale. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Illinois. Boxers in Illinois, IL. Check with the breeder for up-to-date. Life span: 10 — 12 years Hello my name is Kyron Burrell Sr. Free online listings of. Puppies will be sold as pets only and are on sale for two hundred dollors. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Illinois. Ernie and his brother, Bert, were rescued from an overburdened. Here at Petclassifieds. Free Puppy Listings. All Breeds Illinois If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds. At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect new. Thanks for stopping by our website. Both parents… Fawn and White .Sweet Bingham!! He was so unsure in the beginning but has slowly gained confidence and adapted to this new world! Boxers make great companions, they are lively, loyal, loving and super goofy. However, free dogs and puppies are a rarity as shelters usually charge a small adoption fee to cover their expenses. They love their families very much and by nature will protect them. Be happy for the ones that have been adopted… The right Boxer is worth waiting for. Located in the Chicago area, we strive to breed quality, health-tested Boxer puppies with a focus on both. KY's Boxers Illinois. The best way to put it…A boxer is a boxer. All Adopt or Get Involved. Advertisement No listing found ClassifiedAdsLocal. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. AKC Registration .A Boxer World Illinois. If you feel that a certain Boxer is a good match, and wish to be considered for adoption, you can note three Boxer's names on the adoption application. However, he or she will demand a lot from you. Kyron Life span: 10 — 12 years Height: Female: 21—24 inches , Male: 22—25 inches. Once you apply, Christine will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Click here to learn more about us. Boxer puppies for sale in Illinois. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs; females are a little smaller, .Second Chance Boxer Rescue Inc. Boxers learn new things quickly, and, at the same time, can be clever and stubborn. Boxer puppies for sale Peoria, Illinois Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Be sure to check out the available pups link to see available boxer puppies for sale or past litters. Text or Call: Mon. Number of puppies available at time of publication: 7 puppies available. As such, all donations are tax deductible. We occasionally offer puppies, though not very often. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Located in the Chicago area, we strive to breed quality, health-tested Boxer puppies with a focus on both the AKC Boxer breed standards and temperament. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Peoria Illinois? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Boxer puppies and dogs in Flora, Illinois. Sultry Boxer Puppies for sale. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Any home will be a great home for them because th Boxer Illinois charming and beautiful boxer p Illinois, Jonesville, Pet Price: Ask. We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. We have been raising boxers with unrivaled passion since .We provide exceptional boxers for homes looking for their next family companion. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Taylorville, Illinois. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .Adopt Boxer Dogs in Illinois. I've loved the boxer breed ever since. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Once you apply, Christine will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Andria Vargas is from Illinois and breeds Boxers. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too! Boxer puppies for sale Springfield, Illinois Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. We offer quality, healthy, family-raised AKC Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, Check our comments section below to see if anyone has. Our Boxer Puppies will come to you with:. Extremely fun, happy, and playful Boxer puppies! They are family raised with kids and other pets at home, loved by children, and given plenty of care. Evans Country Boxers IL. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect new. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Chicago, Illinois. Breeds: Boxer Kennel Name:. Petland Bolingbrook, IL has Boxer puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the Boxer? Check out our breed information page! Available puppies Certified breeders puppies who can be transported to you These puppies come from breeders who offer safe, convenient puppy drop-off options — so you can get your new best friend delivered from anywhere. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Illinois. Providing healthy, top quality boxer puppies for families who demand the very best, Chicago illinois and north suburbs. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Chatham, Illinois. Click on a number to view those needing rescue in that state. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. Boxer puppies for sale in Illinois with Price. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Illinois Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Illinois Boxer Classifieds Hoobly. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Lawrenceville, Illinois. This site is dedicated to all those who share our love for the breed. We got Maggie, in September of .Alfabox Boxers in Illinois. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 7. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Fairfield, Illinois. Boxer puppies and dogs in Taylorville, Illinois. Our goal is to produce and raise well socialized, healthy, bouncing boxer babies as great companions for a loving family and possibly, a future show prospect or two. Ernie and his brother, Bert, were rescued. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Illinois. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Flora, Illinois. Chicago, Illinois. Boxer puppies sale Springfield IL. If you're interested in a puppy from Alfabox Boxers, please apply. Once you apply, Dagoberto will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Boxer puppies sale Peoria IL. Our puppies come with tails and dew claws and are fed the absolute best in nutrition that Mother Nature can provide. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon from trusted breeders. Our goal is to have happy, healthy and well socialized puppies. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Click here to learn more about us. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .We do have stud dogs available. We are a family dedicated to excellence and ethics in professional Boxer breeding. Please contact the breeders below to find Boxer puppies for sale in Illinois: Filter Sort. Boxer puppy for sale in Illinois. Their assistance to the families they sell to continues well after the puppies have been placed in their forever homes. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 6. If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Boxer Puppies in Illinois. Phone e-mail: Harms84 yahoo. Box Ringwood, IL Vanessa veverettkotyza yahoo. Adopt a Boxer near youBoxer in cities near Lawrenceville, IllinoisOther pups in Lawrenceville, IllinoisSearch for a Boxer puppy or dog near youBrowse Boxer puppies and dogs in nearby citiesBrowse related breeds in Lawrenceville, IllinoisBoxer shelters and rescues in Lawrenceville, IllinoisLearn more about adopting a Boxer puppy or dog. Boxer puppies and dogs in Lawrenceville, Illinois. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. All pups come with a 2yr health guarantee! We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. Ready week of Feb 14, .Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Chicago, IL. There are plenty of Boxers needing a home at your local shelter. Boxer puppies and dogs in Beardstown, Illinois. I got my first boxer in , Oscar and fell in love with him. At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Boxer puppies and dogs in Pana, Illinois. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Pana, Illinois. His main purpose is for hunting large game. McHenry This map shows how many Boxer Dogs are posted in other states. How to get a puppy. Height: inches male , .At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect new addition for their families. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Beardstown, Illinois. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, Should be about lbs when full-grown. Please contact the breeders below to find Boxer puppies for sale in Illinois: Filter Sort. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 7. How to get a puppy. Boxer puppies and dogs in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Illinois Boxers Puppies For sale. We have been raising boxers with unrivaled passion since .Located in the Chicago area, we strive to breed quality, health-tested Boxer puppies with a focus on both the AKC Boxer breed standards and temperament. We provide exceptional boxers for homes looking for their next family companion. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Flora, Illinois. We got Maggie, in September of .Number of puppies available at time of publication: 7 puppies available. Boxer puppies for sale Springfield, Illinois Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Illinois Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Box Ringwood, IL Vanessa veverettkotyza yahoo. At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect new. Click here to learn more about us. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Evans Country Boxers IL. We offer quality, healthy, family-raised AKC Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. Our goal is to produce and raise well socialized, healthy, bouncing boxer babies as great companions for a loving family and possibly, a future show prospect or two. Chicago, Illinois. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Chicago, IL. At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping. Boxer puppies and dogs in Flora, Illinois. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .Be sure to check out the available pups link to see available boxer puppies for sale or past litters. Boxer puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted breeders. We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. Any home will be a great home for them because th Boxer Illinois charming and beautiful boxer p Illinois, Jonesville, Pet Price: Ask. Adopt Boxer Dogs in Illinois. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Illinois. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Height: inches male , .Look for a boxer puppies for sale Peoria Illinois? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. We do have stud dogs available. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Taylorville, Illinois. Ready week of Feb 14, .I got my first boxer in , Oscar and fell in love with him. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Pana, Illinois. Breeds: Boxer Kennel Name:. At Bishop's Boxers, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect new addition for their families. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 6. Petland Bolingbrook, IL has Boxer puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the Boxer? Check out our breed information page! Once you apply, Dagoberto will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago, IL from trusted breeders. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Illinois. This site is dedicated to all those who share our love for the breed. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Beardstown, Illinois. Sultry Boxer Puppies for sale. Their assistance to the families they sell to continues well after the puppies have been placed in their forever homes. Boxer puppies and dogs in Chicago, Illinois. Extremely fun, happy, and playful Boxer puppies! They are family raised with kids and other pets at home, loved by children, and given plenty of care. We occasionally offer puppies, though not very often. As such, all donations are tax deductible. Text or Call: Mon. Click on a number to view those needing rescue in that state. Boxer puppies and dogs in Pana, Illinois. Once you apply, Christine will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Our Boxer Puppies will come to you with:. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Lawrenceville, Illinois. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon from trusted breeders. Andria Vargas is from Illinois and breeds Boxers. McHenry This map shows how many Boxer Dogs are posted in other states. Providing healthy, top quality boxer puppies for families who demand the very best, Chicago illinois and north suburbs. I've loved the boxer breed ever since. If you're interested in a puppy from Alfabox Boxers, please apply. Ernie and his brother, Bert, were rescued. Boxer puppies for sale Peoria, Illinois Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. His main purpose is for hunting large game. We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Chatham, Illinois. Our goal is to have happy, healthy and well socialized puppies. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Fairfield, Illinois. We are a family dedicated to excellence and ethics in professional Boxer breeding. There are plenty of Boxers needing a home at your local shelter. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Our puppies come with tails and dew claws and are fed the absolute best in nutrition that Mother Nature can provide. Available puppies Certified breeders puppies who can be transported to you These puppies come from breeders who offer safe, convenient puppy drop-off options — so you can get your new best friend delivered from anywhere. Boxer puppies sale Peoria IL. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too! Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Boxer puppy for sale in Illinois. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Chicago, Illinois.
The German Shepherd? Photo by Karen Sanders Studio on Shutterstock German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can be very intelligent dogs and even though they might be easy to train for experienced dog owners, beginners might find themselves struggling. These dogs are not as sensitive to the handler and have a high drive while being an all-rounder. Of course, all of the above depend on your exact breeding line. As many of you probably know, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd are both prone to diseases like hip dysplasia. You can control this by choosing the right breeder. A reputable breeder that tests all dogs for health will make sure that everything checks out, from the hips to the heart and eyes. Do not fall into the trap of mixing the biggest Rottie with the German Shepherd that wins the prize in every sloped back competition. Sloping backs are a real issue with the German Shepherd while the Rottie mainly has to fight with too much weight gain, especially during puppyhood. While many sources only mention up to 8 years of age for the Rottie, I actually believe that due to proper breeding, a healthy diet and environment as well as exercise, your Rottie can live well beyond that age. The exact lifespan depends heavily on various factors, of course. What most people are asking with this question is how even-tempered the Rottweiler German Shepherd mix can be. That may look surprising but the Rottweiler is actually very good with kids. Countless hours of research, watching videos, interacting with them live — all these things will help with determining if the German Shepherd Rottweiler mixed breed dog is the right choice for you. Be prepared to take on the leadership and treat your furry buddy with respect and sensitivity and they can be the most loving companion. The Rottweiler is known for not being one that forgives any serious mistakes, so make sure you have the experience and knowledge that is required. No matter what the exact fur will look like, get ready for serious shedding twice a year. Apart from shedding season, regular brushing should suffice. Both dog breeds have an undercoat which makes them suitable pets for colder climates. How big do Shepweilers actually get? Male German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Height: 24 — 27 inches 60—69 cm Male German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Weight: 85 — lbs kg As you probably suspected, females are smaller and lighter, even very tall females are roughly the same height as a small male Rottweiler , for example. Weight and height prognosis are hard enough as is, giving these numbers for mixed breeds is a lot more unpredictable. How Much Are Shepweilers? Papers may not be your focus, but the fact that purebred dogs can be health tested a lot easier since the pool of genetic diseases is smaller, makes searching a proper breeder easier. Check our lifetime cost article for more hint: the cost of my Rottie runs in the tens of thousands of dollars. Both breeds can have great obedience skills and excellent drive, just make sure you get a healthy dog that fits to your lifestyle. Do you have a GSD Rottweiler mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments down below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested, properly selected purebred puppy. Check out my article discussing the most relevant scientific study on this topic. Pin This: Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. 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 Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Highlights German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are mixed breed dogs, meaning they are not purebreds like their German Shepherd Dog or Rottweiler parents. The main colors of Rottie Shepherds are black, gray, sable, white, red, tan, and cream. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of two or three colors. Both parent breeds are prone to shedding, which might not these mixed breed dogs a poor choice for allergy sufferers. These dogs have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes can make fun playmates for kids of all ages, but this big dog could accidentally hurt smaller children with what was meant to be a playful romp. Train your dog not to jump up early on. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are pretty amicable with other dogs, as long as they are introduced slowly and properly. When it comes to cats, your Shepherd Rottie may have the instinct to chase. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds, both of German descent , to combine their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. They continued to create German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes as demand for the pups climbed. Even though the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix breed got its 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 breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler or German Shepherd rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. That said, as a cross between German Shepherd Dog and Rottweiler parents, you can expect Rotties to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 75 to pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average. Both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler were bred to be working dogs, and this mixed breed likes to stay active both physically and mentally. They love to snuggle with their humans, and they tend to stick closest to whoever their main caretaker is. They can sometimes become a little too protective of their humans if they feel threatened. As big dogs, this mixed breed thrives in family homes, preferably with a yard or other area to run around. Still, a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix can do just fine living in an urban setting, as long as their human is active and dedicated to exercising them frequently. 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. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Photos You need to have previous experience with dogs To understand better the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, we should take a closer look at her parents. Rottweilers are in the Top 3, according to the same list. They have powerful shoulders and leg muscles, being used in the past to pull small wagons and to guard ranches. By mixing these two great dogs, breeders have obtained a strong, very intelligent crossbreed, with great watchdog abilities. Usually, these dogs are loyal, affectionate, and develop a strong bond with their families. However, when they lack training, they can have little or no respect for rules and their excellent watchdog abilities will make them overprotective and even aggressive. Be patient, but firm, and use positive reinforcement only. These dogs are fast learners, as both their parents are obedient, highly intelligent, and like to please their owners. A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix needs exercise to stay in good health. Being very intelligent, this dog also needs serious mental stimulation. Keep her busy with training sessions and interesting games every day. Your puppy should be exercised according to her age and physical abilities. As an adult, your dog needs to be active for about two hours a day. Split this time between one or two minute walks, a trip to the dog park, and some short play sessions. They usually like playing catch or Frisbee, and can also use some time spent on their own in the yard. Make sure your dog is ready for such activities before putting her through such intense exercising. If bored, your dog will mess up your house, and your life Large breed dogs are rarely suitable for small houses, with no yard in which to move freely. Destructive chewing is often seen in both German Shepherds and Rottweilers, so you can expect a similar response from your dog if you leave her all by herself every day. Choose a dog cage for large breeds and furnish it with resistant chew toys. These dogs can also develop excessive barking when they get bored, which is stressful and annoying, especially for your neighbours. If you work too much, hire a pet walker or take your dog to a daycare, where she can get involved in some interesting activities in your absence. Your dog can develop serious health issues Despite their impressive looks and strength, almost all large breeds run the risk developing a series of medical problems. A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is no exception, even more so as both the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd are famous for their specific health issues. Some health conditions your dog can inherit from her parents are: cancer;. These two breeds are in fact very similar, both with German heritage, and therefore the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a fantastic crossbreed. These dogs are intelligent, friendly and good natured, making them excellent family members. You may need some experience with large breeds before you think about purchasing a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, but read on below to see whether this pup is the right addition for your home. They are very strong and intelligent and the purpose of breeding them was to eliminate health issues and negative traits that their parent breeds held. The German Shepherd had a controversial past. These dogs were used in World War One and were seen as German dogs which is why they were shunned. However, these dogs regained popularity with the public in the s and have been a favorite with the police and military for decades, due to their hardworking and loyal nature. The Rottweiler also originated from Germany and were strong drover dogs. As technology advanced they were not need to herd cattle anymore, but they were known for their great work ethic. These working dogs continued to be useful members of society and, since the s, have been guide dogs, guard dogs, therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Your dog may look more like their German Shepherd parent or their Rottweiler parent. However, we can make assumptions based on past litters. These puppies are normally born in litter sizes of around eight. It does not matter which parent breed is the sire or the dam because they are both similar sizes. Always make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder. Appearance This mix dog is a medium to large breed and is normally fully matured between 18 months and 2 years of age. Normally, these designer dogs stand between 22 to 27 inches in height and weigh between 75 to lbs in weight. These dogs normally have floppy ears, but if they take after their German Shepherd GSD parent more, they may become pointy as they mature. Coat This mix breed normally has a medium, dense coat, although they can have longer coats. Unfortunately, these dogs shed a lot! They are not hypoallergenic and are not the pet for those with allergies. The amount they shed can be helped with regular grooming, but we will go into more detail about that later on. Color The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix almost always has a black and tan coloring, just like both their parent breeds. Temperament The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix has a strong personality and is certainly suited to those who have experience with large dog breeds. That being said, these pups are loyal and loving, bonding to their owners and making an excellent family dog. With the right upbringing, these dogs are extremely tolerable of everyone — adults, children and other dogs and animals. They can sometimes be aloof with strangers and other pets when they are younger, but with the right socialization this can be fixed. With both parent breeds historic working breeds, it is no surprise that the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is an active and energetic dog. This is one of the reasons they are not recommended for first time dog owners. These pups love to be outside and love to play games. The perfect companion, they love to be near you and like to please. Known Health Issues One of the main reasons for breeding the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix was to eliminate health problems that their parent breeds face. While this certainly happened, these dogs are still prone to some health concerns. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Elbow Dysplasia — this is a common condition in large breed dogs. It can be caused by different growth rates and can cause lameness. It can be fixed with surgery. Bloat — this affects both parent breeds and is potentially fatal. You need to know the symptoms of it. Feeding your dog smaller more frequent meals instead of one big meal can help to reduce the risk. Degenerative Myelopathy — this is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that can result in hind leg paralysis. There is no cure but there is treatment. It can be helped with intensive physical rehabilitation. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, it is time to take a look at what life with one of these pups is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. Food And Diet It is no surprise that this large breed of dog needs a lot of food. You should be feeding the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix roughly calories a day, which equates to around 5 cups of kibble. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount of a certain food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. Always check that the food you feed your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix meets their nutritional requirements. Due to their high energy levels, they need high-quality protein in their diet. This can be reduced to two meals a day once they are fully grown. One thing to remember with the Shepweiler, as with other large breeds such as the Bernedoodle, is that because they are a large breed, they are more prone to bloat which can be dangerous. Smaller, more frequent meals will reduce the risk of bloat. Temperament: Loyal, attentive and confident. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Appearance There are no breed standards for this dog but you can expect this mix to look athletic. Because of this, they have strong hindquarters to propel them in play and deep chests for running long distances. While most German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes have dense fur, some have the smooth coat from a Rottweiler. In addition whilst most have floppy ears some can have pointed ears. These dogs often have the wolf-like snout of their German Shepherd parent. Expect your Shepweiler to look as unique as their personality! Coat and Colors The most common coat color is the black and tan patterning of their Rottweiler parent. However there can be a mix of German Shepherd patterning in there too. Either way expect this dog to shed as much as their parent breeds do. Height and Weight These dogs are large and stocky standing around inches and weighing around pounds. Your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix will likely favor one family member over all others. When it comes to personality, science says that some traits can be heritable, such as how a dog acts in friendly situations or how it reacts to loud stimuli. While equally loyal to its pack, expect your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix to be more devoted to their main caretaker. Their attentiveness is mostly thanks to the Rottweiler, so your dog may have a very strong guarding instinct. Both parent breeds are known for being calm and aloof but are not aggressive if socialized properly. Despite their aloofness, this mix is not all business. This hybrid has the playful, goofy personality Rottweiler is known for and is surprisingly cuddly. Despite their large size, they act more like lapdogs when they are around the people they love best. As both of its parents are working dogs this breed can be very energetic and destructive if not properly exercised. Fortunately, both parent breeds are not known for being vocal, but the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix may bark if there is a reason to. As previously mentioned they can have a strong guarding instinct, so make sure it knows what to guard and what to share. This can be helped through early training and socialization in order to prevent resource guarding especially food guarding. A properly socialized and trained German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be a gentle and calm family companion. Both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler have been bred to work, both breeds are very large and strong dogs and the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is no exception. This mix needs an active family that loves being on the move. Their intelligence is a double-edged sword, as they can be mischievous if you do not factor in mental stimulation. Still, their intelligence makes for satisfying training sessions. Overall this can be an intense dog to handle, especially if you are not used to being around larger breeds. They will need a home with a large yard to play in and plenty of exercise. If you put the time and effort into giving this breed the exercise they need, this mix will be a loving companion. If this hybrid is left bored they may end up playing with your furniture! Hikes are great for this dog, as the rugged trail and long-distance require more energy than walking around the block. You can do much more with this mix than just walks though. They will enjoy the basic doggy games of fetch and tug-of-war. In addition try teaching your dog how to swim to add an extra bit of fun to family lake trips. If you want to take it up a notch, the best way to engage this active hybrid is through agility. This dog sport is a great option for German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes as this challenging but fun activity will give them the cardiovascular exercise they need. Number of Walks Per Day: .To keep shedding low be sure to brush them weekly to get rid of dead hair. If they spend lots of time outside you may need to bathe your dog twice a month. Brushing for dental health is a must, as is cleaning their ears to prevent infection. Feeding and Diet German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes need to eat lots of food because they are an active breed. Keeping this athletic dog fed with the right nutrients is essential. Avoid any kibble with excessive amounts of fillers. Probiotic supplements can prove to be beneficial however be wary of certain products. A scientific evaluation of such probiotic cat and dog food brands found that no products contained all the listed organisms. Calories Per Day: Cups of Kibble Per Day: 3 Known Health Problems This mix is generally considered a healthy breed, but it is still susceptible to some common health conditions associated with its parent breeds. The main concerns being: Hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups can help prevent and manage such issues. The German shepherd and the rottweiler are popular breeds, each hailing from Germany individually, and both are known for their higher intelligence and effectiveness as working dogs. Police forces and the military often use the German shepherd rottweiler mix due to their intelligent, easily trainable nature; this nature also makes them a good choice for service dog duties. Today, many individuals and families recognize the benefits of adding this protective, watchful breed to their family, and this mix is steadily gaining popularity as a companionship dog. Because this dog is a designer breed and there are no breed standards for the mixed breed, the appearance of the German shepherd rottweiler mix can vary greatly. That being said, they tend to have longer snouts, strong hindquarters due to the athletic nature of both the German shepherd and the rottweiler, and either floppy or straight ears depending on their individual genetics. They are a larger breed and weigh approximately pounds on average. The coat color of the German shepherd rottweiler mix is often black or brown, but there may be traces of tan, brown, or grey. They are likely to be bi-colored and may have rottweiler or German shepherd patterning depending on which genetics win out in the breeding process. The coat of the German shepherd rottweiler mix is thicker and smooth, and it may have a short to medium length. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is a large-sized dog. They stand between 22 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 75 and pounds. There is not much difference in size and weight between males and females of this breed. Their coat is thicker and smooth and typically short, though medium-length hair sometimes occurs. If your German shepherd rottweiler mix has longer hair, they will likely require brushing more often. The temperament of the German shepherd rottweiler mix can only be described as loyal, protective, and dedicated. This is a breed that will be devoted to its family, and they will form strong bonds with their primary caretaker. While many individuals may perceive them as aloof or aggressive based on their appearance, they can actually be quite cuddly. Oftentimes, this breed will assume they are a lap dog, following you everywhere around your home so they can spend time with you and keep an eye on you. Therefore, they may be prone to aggressiveness or destructive behavior if they are not properly socialized, trained, and cared for. Contrary to their appearance, the German shepherd rottweiler mix can be quite affectionate. They are protective and dedicated to their families, and they will love to spend all their time around you, whether cuddling, playing, or simply napping at your side while you go about your daily life. The German shepherd rottweiler mix may be good with children in certain circumstances. Additionally, your German shepherd rottweiler mix will need to be properly socialized and trained to understand how to interact with children correctly. Homes with older children are likely ok for this dog, but you should always supervise playtime between your dog and children. The German shepherd rottweiler mix can be good with other animals as long as they are introduced slowly and your dog has been properly trained and socialized. In most cases, however, they get along with other animals easily. Many individuals may believe this dog is aggressive due to their appearance and the fact that they are a mix of two of the more popular guard breeds. As long as you properly socialize your dog this can be done with a dog of any age if needed , commit to a consistent training schedule, and make sure that your German shepherd rottweiler mix gets plenty of exercise throughout the day, they are unlikely to be aggressive. They may still bark at perceived threats and be generally untrusting of strangers, but this is due to their protective, loyal nature more than it is aggressiveness. Your German shepherd rottweiler mix is unlikely to be very vocal and bark without reason. Mostly, you will hear this dog bark only when they perceive a threat, are trying to alert you to something, or feel the need to protect you. You can train proper barking habits into your dog, and part of what makes them a good watchdog is their ability to bark and alert their owners only in certain situations. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is a combination of two of the more intelligent dog breeds around today, making them fairly smart. They require a higher amount of mental stimulation than other dog breeds, and they do best when presented with a consistent training routine. German shepherd rottweiler mixes are eager to please and love learning new things. In most cases, the German shepherd rottweiler mix will be easy to train thanks to their hard-working nature and their intelligence. Never use negative reinforcement such as yelling or hitting to train this dog or any dog , as they will likely learn to hate training sessions and distrust you, leading to destructive and aggressive behaviors. German shepherd rottweiler mixes are a high-energy breed and require a lot of exercise and other physical stimulation to stay happy. You will need to give them at least an hour or two of exercise per day and make sure that they receive a minimum of two long walks each day. Additionally, they will need plenty of space to run around in safely and have outdoor time to spend with their families and toys. This breed is a great choice if you already have an active lifestyle full of hiking, long walks, and time outside and want to add an energetic companion to it. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is not the best choice for an apartment dog. They are a large dog breed and need plenty of space to exercise, sleep, and play in around your home. Apartments with small living quarters, breed restrictions, and minimal access to the outdoors or dog park play areas are not the best living conditions for this breed. Your dog may develop destructive or aggressive behaviors due to the lack of space and exercise areas. A larger home with plenty of outdoor access or a fenced-in backyard makes the best living choice for this dog breed. German shepherd rottweiler mixes are a great choice for a watchdog. This breed is known for being loyal, protective, and watchful, and they are naturally wary around strangers due to their dedication to their family. They are also a relatively quiet breed, so when your German shepherd rottweiler mix starts barking, you know that they are doing it for a purpose. Your dog can be trained for watchdog and guard dog duties in addition to their natural propensity for watchfulness, and their appearance alone may be enough to scare off potential threats. The German shepherd rottweiler mix can be a good choice for a service dog. This breed is intelligent, skilled at learning new commands, and large enough to be an effective mobility or medical service dog. They are also quite loyal and watchful, which are great characteristics for a psychiatric service dog. Additionally, as a combination of two working breeds, they thrive when able to perform commands for their owners, which makes them especially suited for daily service dog tasks. How to Care for a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Your German shepherd rottweiler mix will need proper care to ensure their health and happiness. First, make sure that your dog is getting an hour or two of exercise each day, including at least two walks per day, and that they have plenty of toys and outdoor playtime. This will help them meet their physical stimulation needs and ensure they stay happy; this also decreases destructive behaviors. You should be feeding your dog high-quality wet or dry food based on their dietary needs and size, and you can supplement their diet with nutritional treats. Make sure to maintain a consistent training routine with your German shepherd, as this will help meet their mental stimulation needs. Brush your German shepherd rottweiler mix a few times a week or more if they have a longer coat, and take them for professional grooming occasionally to ensure their nails, ears, and coat are all kept in top condition. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is not the most high-maintenance dog, but they will likely need occasional baths and professional grooming visits. Grooming can be especially helpful around shedding season when the fur coming off of this dog generally increases. German shepherd rottweiler mixes have an average shedding amount, but their thicker coat ensures that a lot of hair will come off during shedding season. You should brush your dog regularly to help with proper shedding and preventing tangles, and you may want to bathe them more regularly or take them for a professional groom during shedding season. Your German shepherd rottweiler mix will need approximately 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight as a starting point. For most dry dog foods, this equates to about a cup to a cup and a half of food per day split into two or three meals. Consult a veterinarian if you need assistance calculating how much to feed your dog. Many dogs are prone to genetic health conditions or other specific health issues based on their breed, and the German shepherd rottweiler is no different. This breed may be prone to conditions such as: Joint degeneration. Autoimmune Diseases Eye Disease Most of these problems, however, can be prevented or treated as long as you are willing to monitor your dog and keep a close eye on them. You can ask your veterinarian to schedule your dog for a DNA test that will help in the determination of possible inherited diseases. There are also balanced diets that are dependent on what your dog needs. You can ask your veterinarian for a diet recommendation that is specific for your dog. Rottweiler German Shepherd Cross Food Requirements It is vital that your Rottweiler German Shepherd cross is fed the right diet to maintain its glorious health and physique. You must also keep in mind that this breed is prone to obesity, so exercise and proper diet is important to avoid health complications. Producers have different recipes for big dogs, so make sure you check the label when buying the best large breed dry dog food. On the other hand, its parent breeds, German Shepherd and Rottweiler, have similar dietary needs to there is not much complication as to what to feed your puppy. Older dogs will be better off with the best senior dry dog food brands. As similar with other dogs, there better the source or main ingredient is in dog food, the healthier your pet becomes. Check out our guide to best dry dog food and learn more about the nutritional requirements of canines. The main concern with dog food recipes, however, is the presence of grains. Many owners opt for a grain-free option, which is what to go for to avoid allergies in your dogs. To help you pick out the best dog food for your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, here are some of the best high-protein dog foods: 1. Dog For Dog Food — Not only affordable, but this dog food is also grain-free which is described as what dogs would eat in the wild. It is known to have a better flavor and provides digestible energy and natural antioxidants for a healthier immune system. Wellness Core Dog Food — This dog food has recipes for all sizes and ages. It has an above-average protein and fat content, as well as below-average carbohydrates when compared to other brands. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement and similar products may be considered if you believe the dog is not getting enough micronutrients. Always consult with the vet before giving such products to your pup. They will determine whether the pooch needs their food boosted. Rottweiler German Shepherd Hybrid Exercise Requirements The German Shepherd Rottweiler hybrid is not recommended for owners who have small homes or apartments not only because of their size but also because of their exercise requirements which will include outdoor activities that are best conducted in a spacious backyard. They can spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors in fine weathers. They also tend to become destructive and chew a lot of things if cooped up for too long. If you are going to leave for a dog for longer than a few hours, it is better to leave them at a dog daycare so they can enjoy and socialize with other dogs. The dog is also fine with any kind of weather since they harbor a decent tolerance of heat and cold. Your dogs will need to have a good exercise regimen especially outdoors. They need to have high physical exercise if you want them to stay fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated. You can start by walking them at least twice a day for at least an hour. You can also opt to jog with your Shottie because experts also recommended that they are involved in high impact and fast-paced exercises. Like most dogs, they also enjoy playing games like balls and fetch at public parks. This can help their mind active and their muscles lean. Always remember that your pet is prone to obesity so satisfying their exercise regimen is important. Rottweiler Crossbred with German Shepherd Training Since its parent breeds are famous for their protective instincts, the chances are that the puppy will also inherit them. For this reason, you should socialize your puppy at a young age so prevent their aggressive tendencies and have them get used to the presence of other animals and people. The training your Shottie will receive highly depends on your intention for adopting the dog. First, you must ask yourself if you want them to become a guard dog or a companion dog. Positive reinforcement such as rewards and praises are highly recommended in training your pet. Here are some of the effective methods in which you can teach your dog: The Mark Good Behavior Method — Pick out a unique sound for your dog and chime it whenever your dog does something right. You can use it so that your puppy will learn that music means a reward is coming. Eventually, you can use it along with command words. The Mirror Me Method — If your dog is glued to you all the time, you can use this chance to teach them how to behave through mimicry. The Tied To You Method — If you intent your dog to become a companion dog, keep him tied to you most of the time and try to build communication and trust with them. German Shepherd Crossbreed with Rottweiler and Families One of the many ways that you can adopt a Rottman Shepherd is through rescue shelters but be careful in picking one. You must be well aware of its upbringing and temperament because there is a chance that these dogs were abandoned because of behavioral issues as a result mainly of lack of training, poor obedience, lack of socialization, or sometimes, even aggression. With small kids, it can be hard to control them because they are quite large. They might become overwhelming for the children. On the other hand, they are also in need of a company most of the time because they tend to become destructive if bored. With proper training at a young age, they can become beautiful guard dogs that are active. They can also provide families with good companionship as they love creatures. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to everything you need to know about the strong and impressive, yet so cuddly teddy bear, that is the mix of a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The price will largely depend on the pedigree of the parents and the type of breeder. However, you may have a hard time finding a specialist breeder for this hybrid. These dogs are energetic so if your family is on the active side, this may be the pup for you. And as a bonus, they get on really well with kids and other animals. He also likes to be congratulated on each of his achievements. He has all the qualities of a sporty, enduring, strong, and flexible dog; it will therefore be the ideal companion if you are looking for a dog who can follow you in all your physical activities. However, being very close and dependent on his owners, he can show signs of jealousy if you pay more attention to someone other than him. This is why it will be essential to work on his sociability and get to know your dog well to recognize when he is uncomfortable in certain situations. This hybrid will also make a fantastic guardian, thanks to its fearful and robust parents. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, be aware that this large dog could accidentally injure smaller children by playing too rough. Firmly train your dog not to jump on toddlers and educate your children on how to behave with the dog to avoid any potential problems. German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are quite friendly with other dogs, provided they are introduced slowly and correctly. However, when it comes to cats or other small animals, your Shepweiler may have an instinct to hunt, especially if he has not been used to being around them from a young age. In the end, it really depends on how much training and socialization you give your dog.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. German Shepherd feet come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and even have their own set of paw problems. The SV standards state that the German Shepherd paws are rounded, short, well-closed and arched. The pads are very hard, but not chapped or too rough. The nails are dark, short, and strong. Dewclaws may appear sometimes on the hind legs and are removed during the first few days after birth. Nails are short and dark. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed, but are normally left on and accepted. The dewclaws, if any, should be removed from the hind legs. Pads well-cushioned and durable. With short nails, strong and dark in color. Dewclaws are removed from the hindlegs. German Shepherd paws come in three basic shapes: cat shape hare shape webbed feet Each shape is suited to particular tasks and ground. Cat feet The cat-shaped foot is small and has a compact, round form. It is built for balance, endurance, and strength. Hare feet While the cat-shaped foot is compact, a hare-footed dog has two elongated central toes that project out from the rest of the paw. This style of foot is intended for speed and quick movement, especially out of a relaxing position. The elongated toes help propel the body forward with quickness and agility, much like the feet of hares or rabbits. Dog breeds with hare feet include the Whippet, Greyhound, and Borzoi. Webbed feet Webbed footed dogs are those built for swimming, but they are similarily proficient on land and especially boggy or slippery surfaces. Many hunting breeds have webbed feet, for example, the Weimaraner, Portuguese Water Dog, and Labrador Retriever which are all hunting breeds. These German Shepherds have long middle toes hare feet shape and the feet on the right have thick pads. These pads provide them with extra cushioning to protect their bones and joints from the shock of running. The pads also provide insulation from weather extremes and aid in walking on rough surfaces like concrete, rocky ground, or asphalt. The Purpose of the Paw The paw pad is made of keratin, collagen, and fatty tissues to serve a number of useful functions. And the pad supports a GSD with balance, decreasing speed, and quick stopping. Here we see the underside of the paw and the dark paw pad. This is a normal, healthy paw pad. Notice the roughed skin? The thick, coarse tissues that form the paw pads do not freeze as quickly or easily as normal skin, so they are able to withstand freezing temperatures for longer periods but only when necessary. The paws are covered in thick, tough skin that feels like sandpaper when rubbed against the grain of their skin. For working breeds, like the German Shepherd Dog, or dogs that spend much of their time outdoors or on rough ground, the paw pads become calloused and coarse. As the dog develops, their paw pads also become highly perceptive and flexible to the ground beneath their feet, which is why you rarely see a German Shepherd lose their footing and slip. Some owners state their German Shepherd has long feet and long toes, for example, the hare foot type we discussed earlier. Furthermore, each type of foot style gives the German Shepherd an advantage. Take a look at these different feet types. The breed information tells us that shorter, more compact feet are the Standard for German Shepherd Dogs, as this foot type provides the dog with better stability and a strong foundation for athletic abilities. Even the smallest cut or tiniest bit of debris can create a large problem for your dog. Here are a few tips for daily foot care and maintenance that are easy and prevent major foot problems from developing. Trim their nail regularly. Coat Hair Trim Some German Shepherds have longer coats and foot hair that sticks out between the toes. Shorter fur is less likely to collect stickers and rocks. Check Between the Toes Check between the toes for any debris, such as rocks, caked-on mud or twigs. Any debris stuck in the toe area can cause discomfort or skin irritation. Remove the debris with a warm cloth and soapy water. Reapply, especially after walking in the snow, on the blacktop, or rocky ground. First Aid Treatment Have supplies on hand for any minor first aid treatment. Wounds, cuts, and abrasions smaller than half an inch are generally treated at home with a mild antibacterial cleanser and a wrap. And taking care of their paws is a routine and easy task that you can do daily. Common causes of foot sensitivity include: running too often on hard or hot surfaces, unclipped fur between the toe pads which snags irritating objects, and overgrown, painful nails. You can prevent paw sensitivity by taking simple precautions. That means YOU are responsible for their feet and you must stay alert to problems before they need serious medical attention. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. 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. Toy breeds develop faster than larger breeds and stop growing between 8 and 9 months of age. Most of their growth happens between weeks. To best predict a toy's adult size, you'll want to take its 6-week weight, double it and then double it again. Like toy breeds, most of their growth occurs between weeks. They gain about ounces each week. You can apply the same formula for toy breeds to predict their adult weight: take their six-week weight, double it and double it again. To calculate their adult weight, there are two methods you can use: Divide their weight at 20 weeks by their current age in weeks and multiply by .Simply double their weight at 6 months of age. The most rapid growth occurs between weeks. The calculation method for giant breeds is the same as for large breeds: Divide their weight at 20 weeks by their current age in weeks and multiply by .Double their weight at 6 months of age. How big will my mixed-breed puppy get? Well, this is more complicated if you have a mixed breed or don't know your dog's breed makeup. In the latter case, you can always consider doing a dog to determine its breed makeup you'll want to do a DNA test ASAP since results can take a few weeks. Consider your pup's parents: This will give you an idea of how big your pup will become. You can also look up puppy growth charts online , allowing you to estimate the height and weight of a purebred dog. However, if you have a mixed breed, you'll need to calculate the future size by looking at the parents. Generally, female puppies take after their mother's size, while male puppies may be slightly larger. Check your pup's weight: It is important to keep an eye on your pup's weight to know how big it will grow. Generally, the heavier a pup is, the larger it will be when fully mature. To get an approximate idea of your pup's adult size, you can use the rule of thumb that the pup's height at four months of age will be four times its adult height and weight. Check your puppy's coat: Look at your pup's coat to get an idea of its adult size. Generally, longer coats indicate that they'll grow to be larger. However, this isn't always the case, as some breeds have longer coats, no matter their size. Checking your puppy's coat can help you understand what to expect when they're fully grown! Bring the puppy to the vet: Nothing is more reliable than an expert's advice. Hence, you should consider bringing your puppy to the vet to have it examined. Veterinarians have years of experience dealing with different dogs of different breeds. They can help you review your pup and determine its height and weight when it reaches adulthood. Check your pup's bone structure: It's helpful to pay special attention to your pup's legs and paws when determining their adult size. They may grow into larger dogs if they have a larger bone structure and paws. Conversely, if they have smaller legs and paws, they may grow into medium-sized dogs. Taking these factors into account can help you better anticipate your pup's adult size. Greyhound puppies, however, have a fine bone structure compared to other breeds. As a result, these puppies are known to grow tall and skinny. Finally, check your pup's head: It's good if you're looking at your pup's head — that's a great way to get an idea of their potential size! Generally, larger heads mean they'll grow into bigger dogs, as their head is usually proportional to their body size. Figuring out when your pup will stop growing can be tricky! But, if you know your pup's breed and size, you can get a more accurate read on their adult size. Most dogs reach their full size by the time they are one year old. However, some breeds continue to grow until they are two years old. So, if you're unsure of what breed your pup is, it's best to assume they will reach around their full size by one year old or longer. You can use the following information to determine when your puppy will stop growing: Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, also known as toy breed dogs, will stop growing when they reach months. Beagles and Basenjis, considered medium-sized dogs, will reach their adult size in months. Boxers and Golden Retrievers, considered large dogs, will stop growing when they are about months. Great Danes, known as giant dogs, will take up to three years to reach their final adult size and weight. We also understand that it's important to know the size of your pup when fully grown so that you can give them the best care possible. Remember, each dog is different but refer to the calculations above to get a rough idea of how big your puppy will get! We hope this article will help you do so. Let us know in the comment section if you have any further questions. While not food proof, a puppy's paws can be a good indicator of future growth spurts, especially if their paws are unusually large. Typically, large breed dogs like labrador retrievers need bigger feet to support their heavier builds and taller heights. After all, tiny feet cannot hold up a pound dog. This means that even when your big dog is a puppy, their paws will already be on the larger side in anticipation of their growth. Similarly, if your dog is born with tiny feet, they will probably be on the smaller side as adults. Some large dogs, such as collies, tend to have smaller feet compared to other dogs their size. Some small dogs, like bulldogs or terriers, have larger feet than other dogs their size. This is a common problem for those who adopted their puppy from a local shelter. In this case, the canine DNA testing services available online may prove helpful to answer if, when, and do dogs stop growing. These tests do not cost too much and can help you determine the breed as well as the physical traits and temperament tied to that breed the American Kennel Club website is a great resource for finding out more information about every dog breed out there. Once you know what breeds your dog is a mixture of, you can determine if their paws are too big for their bodies. If they have a parent who is a large dog and your dog has large paws, you can anticipate another growth spurt ahead. After these bones close, the puppy's height and length stop growing. However, they may continue to get heavier because most large breed dogs who weigh more than 55 pounds do not fully develop into an adult until they are 12 months old. Even if most dogs are not fully grown at weeks old, they usually have grown into their adult proportions. If your dog is weeks old, you double their size for a rough idea of how they will be when they are fully grown at 32 weeks. Check for loose skin. Excess skin can also help predict the adult size of a puppy. Typically, the more loose skin a puppy has, the more room he has for growth. Big parents equals big puppies. The best and easiest way to determine the future size of your puppy is by looking at both parents. Make sure you take proper care of your puppy, try to keep diseases at bay, and meet all his nutritional needs so that he may grow into the best possible version of himself. Puppy food is a must, and being sure to exercise new puppies will ensure they grow up big and strong! Shop all pet doors to find the perfect pet door for your puppy. Want to learn more about your puppy's behavior and health? Read about Your Dog's Sleeping Positions and what they say about your dog! Written by. Depending on their genetics, diet, and environment, among a variety of other things, German Shepherds will be around 71 to 90 pounds. I used to have my dog checked over every month as a puppy. Suppose you are feeding your GSD dry kibble. To learn more about this topic, check out this article, Do German Shepherds need large breed food? However, for the most part, large paws mean that your dog will be higher in weight and height. This is simply because your larger-sized dog — such as a German Shepherd — needs paws that are large enough to support him. They would look ridiculous, right? Could you also imagine Chihuahua-sized feet on your German Shepherd puppy? I guess not — he would be falling all over the place! Dogs can grow at different speeds, and sometimes their paws may look disproportionate. Certainly not, as he may be about to go through a significant growth spurt. My female German Shepherd is a classic example of this. As an adult, she weighs a massive 88 pounds, and she is exceptionally tall, standing at 27 inches — she is therefore nicely proportioned. However, as you can see from the below pictures, her paws at both 8 and 11 weeks certainly do not appear overly big! At this time, they should be more proportionate and may give a bit more accuracy. Other Ways to Indicate Adult Size and Weight A straightforward way to predict how big your German Shepherd will be is to double his size once he has hit the week mark. Of course, your German Shepherd could be a bit larger than that actual calculation, seeing how many of them continue growing at a slower rate — between 18 months and sometimes up to 2 years old. Here are a few tips and tricks for guessing how big your German Shepherd puppy will end up as an adult: Look at the mom and dad. Even then, the puppy may end up with smaller-sized paws. Paws should not be the only thing to look at as an indicator of height and weight. Look at the skin and how loose it is. Generally, a puppy that has a lot of excess loose skin will have more room to grow. So, if your German Shepherd is a bit on the saggy side, it simply means he will be able to grow into his skin. Lots of loose skin can certainly mean you will have a larger German Shepherd. Use a calculator. They will ask a few simple questions, such as type of breed, how old they are, and how much they weighed at birth. So, are any of these methods accurate? You will need to go to the final paragraph to find the answer! Other Puppy Proportions Some breeds have pretty different proportions. At three months, the corgi pup weighs around 15 pounds. Then, at one year, they are about 25 pounds. These proportions are attributed to their short legs! The Corgi puppy has a lot less body to grow into than a German Shepherd puppy and a lot less leg, too! Because German Shepherds grow very quickly, their paws must adapt early to support them in their growth journey. Final Thoughts German Shepherd puppies have big paws because they are necessary to support this large breed as they grow older. You will need to use a combination of different methods to obtain a better estimate of how large your German Shepherd puppy will eventually be. It is quite difficult to determine what size your German Shepherd puppy will be when they become an adult. But this type of information may not be sufficient to determine the actual size of your German Shepherd pup when they become older. Some also say that the paws are also a good indicator of the future size of your pup but is it true, can you determine the size of your GSD puppy by their paws? If the feet of your German Shepherd puppy is too big for their body then there will be a higher chance that they will be bigger when they become adults. If we consider another large breed like golden retrievers that have larger feet to support their height and whole body tiny feet can not hold if they are the big dog. It is clear that even if your puppy of a larger breed has paws that will be already on the larger side that directly reflect their growth. If your German Shepherd pup is born with tiny feet then there will be a higher chance they will be smaller in size even if they become adults. The weight of a newly-born German Shepherd pup is around 1 pound. As they grow quickly, they gain weight very quickly after a few weeks. Due to their fast growth rate, it is quite difficult to notice their growing period. When your German Shepherd pups will become 18 months older, they will be in the stage where they are fully grown. This is the point where they will gain a little more weight but it will also depend on their height. The paws of a German Shepherd pup may be the indicator of whether your puppy will be bigger or not, however, there may another reason to have bigger paws in them, which may be due to it. The larger paws of GSD pups provide necessary support but why do they have bigger paws? But generally larger paws mean your German Shepherd pup will be bigger when they will be older. This is because the German Shepherd comes in the category of lard and they have bigger paws to support their body and growth. You can also take an example of the smaller breed with bigger paws like Chihuahua if they have bigger paws that will not let them walk comfortably and as a result, they will fall here and there. You can also imagine your German Shepherds getting the paw of a greyhound which will also look ridiculous. However, you should note that guessing the paws of German Shepherd pups for their weight and height is not a full-proof idea. German Shepherd pups grow very rapidly and sometimes their paws may not grow as per their whole body after which their paws will look disproportionate. But it will not be an indication for your puppy to be smaller in size after becoming older. So being German Shepherd owners you should not observe the size of your puppy after seeing its paws until they become a few weeks older. After becoming some weeks older it becomes easy to proportionate and can give you a little bit of accuracy. Difference between the size of the front and back paws As you know paws provide grip to all the pups and let them walk comfortably on the surface. If you have also noticed the difference between the size of the front and back paws in your German Shepherd pup then you should not worry. If the paw of the front leg is slightly higher than the back leg, you should not worry as this is quite common. Every breed is different and the difference between the size of the front and back paw does not affect them. They can walk and jump comfortably so you should not worry about this common issue among pets. Injuries One of the reasons your German Shepherd puppy has big paws than others is because of some injuries. You have not noticed and they may have injured their leg and as a result, their paw may become bigger. However, this type of issue is treatable and you should monitor your German Shepherds very closely. If you notice any type of the above symptoms, you should meet your vet immediately and provide them with proper treatment. Slow Growth Of Paws If you have a German Shepherd puppy in your home then you must be enjoying their company and they are too cute after seeing their physical appearance. German Shepherd pups are a large breed after becoming older so seeing their big paws are very common. In some cases, the paws of a German Shepherd pup may grow much slower than other breeds. If you are noticing them walking uncomfortably and falling more often this may be one of the reasons they do have not the exact size of their paws. As German Shepherds grow quickly and their paws may not grow quickly as a result their paw pads may malfunction which may lead them to stumble. Your German Shepherd puppy can be a little bit bigger after the actual calculation. Apart from predicting the size of your German Shepherd pup, there are other ways also through which you can be able to predict the size of your German Shepherd pups when they become older. Here the main thing to consider is you should not only consider your pet with their paws. There may be a higher chance that the paw of a German Shepherd puppy may remain smaller as per their size even when they become older. But this is not any problem they can face a little bit of difficulty in walking else wise everything is ok. This means that if your German Shepherd puppy has some loose skin then there will be a higher chance they will grow up to their skin and will become bigger than expected. Use a Device Like a Calculator Another way to calculate the future size of your puppy is using a calculator which is now easily available on the market. This calculator is enough in guessing the future growth of your puppy. This asks some questions like breeding profile and actual weight by their birth. So these are the ways through which you can determine the size and weight of your German Shepherd pup in the future. What does it mean when your puppy has big paws? But being a pet parent you must be eager to know about the meaning of puppies with bigger paws. Big paws typically indicate that your puppies are going to be large dog breeds when it matures. Large breeds of puppies often have wide, rounder feet than smaller breeds, which can result in bigger paw sizes. Big paws can also be an indicator of good bone density and joint health in the future. However, some dog owners find big paws to be quite cute! Additionally, observing how quickly the puppy grows and keeps up with other puppies of the same breed can give you a good indication of their eventual size. While there are no guarantees, this can be an indication of strong bone density and joint health in the long run. The size of a German Shepherd puppy when fully grown is largely determined by genetics, so it can be difficult to accurately predict the adult size of a puppy. Other factors such as diet, exercise, and even environment can also influence the final size of an adult German Shepherd. Do Puppy Paws Get Bigger? Yes, puppy paws do get bigger as they grow. This is because puppies are born with soft, small feet that will eventually become larger and stronger as they develop. Puppies go through several stages of growth before their paws reach full size. No, you cannot tell how big a puppy will get by its paws. Puppies may grow at different rates depending on these factors and may even reach different heights than their siblings or parents when fully grown. Final Thoughts: The bigger paws in German Shepherd puppies are common as they come in the category of large breeds. Their paws provide sufficient grip to their body that helps them in walking and jumping comfortably. However many of you consider the paw of German Shepherd pups to determine the future size which is also not a full-proof idea. Related Posts:.
In the first half of the twentieth century, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, created the German Shepherd Dog using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock. Initially, color was not considered as long as the dog demonstrated working ability. During the late 30's, however, the white color fell into disfavor. There were, however, always breeders who appreciated the beauty of the white dogs and who continued to breed them. Because of their exclusion from most German Shepherd Dog breeding programs, the whites rather quickly evolved into a distinct type, and eventually into a separate breed. Character The White Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by self-confidence. The White Shepherd is poised, but when the situation demands, is eager and alert, ready to serve in any capacity. The White Shepherd is highly intelligent, energetic, hard working, curious, and loyal. The character of the White Shepherd is gentler and mellower than that of the German Shepherd Dog, but when necessary, he is very willing and capable to protect his family. Temperament White Shepherds demonstrate both herding and protective instincts. The White Shepherd will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves. With those he knows, the White Shepherd is open and friendly. With strangers, he is observant and cautious but not apprehensive. The White Shepherd thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. They are playful, enthusiastic and eager to please. Because of their intense loyalty and love of children they make outstanding family dogs. Care The White Shepherd sheds bits of hair constantly with seasonal heavy shedding. They require daily brushing to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary; over bathing can cause skin irritation from oil depletion. Check ears and trim nails regularly. White Shepherds may be prone to such health issues as elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, allergies, and digestive problems. Coat The White Shepherd has a weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat can be short or long and is dense and straight. The undercoat is short, thick, and fine in texture. At the neck, the coat may be slightly longer and heavier, particularly in males. The hair on the back of the legs is slightly longer than on the front. The coat on the rump and underside of the tail is longer and thicker than the body coat. The head and ears are covered with a smooth, somewhat softer hair while the hair covering the legs and paws has a harsher texture. This breed continuously sheds with seasonal heavy shedding. Training The White Shepherd requires early socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient, eager to please and quick to learn. Training must be done with respect, firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency. Activity This breed is happiest when given a job to do. They require daily exercise and enjoy leashed walks, family play sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and run freely in. Some may do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. However, white-coated German Shepherds were removed from the breed standard in so these pale-coated dogs could no longer be registered with the club. The outline of the White Shepherd is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. Gender differences are readily apparent. Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to occupational injuries. The White Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by self-confidence. The White Shepherd is poised, but when the situation demands, is eager and alert, ready to serve in any capacity. White Shepherds demonstrate both herding and protective instincts. With those he knows, the White Shepherd is open and friendly. With strangers, he is observant and may be somewhat aloof but not apprehensive. Timidity in a mature dog or aggressive behavior is not typical of this breed and should be severely penalized. The organization go on to add that Echo Dogs provide them with a safe, secure foster home, where they receive necessary veterinary care and behavioral training and match them with families that are committed to providing a safe, loving home environment for their canine family member. Other then that if you are looking for a breeder make sure you do some research. I have grown up with the standard colour German Shepherd my entire 26 years of life and when I got my first White German Shepherd I did notice a slight difference. I made sure to do my research on the breed, what the dog needs. I do not recommend getting any type of German Shepherd if you are not ready for the hard work they require. They are very hard work sometimes and very stubborn but also so so rewarding. Be smart about the dog you choose to bring home and make sure their personality matches your lifestyle. Alyssa explained roughly how much she paid for her White German Shepherd called Lumi. The cost of White Shepherds can vary quite a bit, especially when taking location into consideration. Other factors to consider are exercise which could be a pro or a con. Will you have enough time to give your White German Shepherd sufficient exercise or will you need the help of a dog walker. Do you work at an office? Anything Else To Consider? You could always start your search for a White German Shepherd by visiting a local rescue organization or finding a dedicated White German Shepherd rescue such as Echo Dogs. Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, protective, and energetic Coat: Double-coated Color: White or cream in color Long coat is more common A brief history of the White German Shepherd The White German Shepherd is a breed mentioned repeatedly in literature, where it dates back to before the birth of Jesus Christ. It was first mentioned by the Roman historian, Marcus Terentius in BC, who described the dog as an excellent dog for shepherds. Their white coat blended in with the school of sheep and makes it hard for wolves and coyotes to distinguish it. Their coat is either in white or cream. They are double-coated with the undercoat being dense and fine in texture, and the outer coat being thick and straight. This double coat keeps him warm and protected from the elements. The White German Shepherds have large erect ears and their eyes are either dark brown or black in color. Their noses are black as a puppy and gradually turn pink when they reach adulthood, while some remain black. The recessive gene that make them white The gene that makes the White German Shepherd white is a recessive gene. A white pup only occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene which makes them white. If two non-white dogs with recessive genes produce a litter, they too could have a small number of white pups, but only if the parent both carry the recessive gene. Temperament The White German Shepherds are said to be more sociable and calmer. They can make a great family pet, especially good with kids. The White German Shepherds are also known to be very affectionate with and protective of their families. They are very sociable, meaning they are not afraid to meet new people, dogs, or other animals. Like other German Shepherds, they also suffer from Elbow and Hip Dysplasia more frequently than other breeds of dogs. Yet, these are complications that are common in large dogs. During WWII, the White German Shepherds were blamed for all problems the colored German Shepherds were suffering from aggressive behavior, diseases, light-skinned — which was deemed as the consequence of too much inbreeding. But this is not true. Today, science and breeding history have proven that the white recessive gene masks the actual color of the dog, making them appear white, and brings along no health problems: in other words, the gene which causes white does not itself cause any other defect. They are otherwise genetically identical to colored German Shepherds. Further Questions 1. Is the White German Shepherd rare? A white pup only occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene, which makes them white. Given their rarity, White German Shepherd puppies are more expensive than colored ones. Although proven to be genetically identical to colored German Shepherds, the White German Shepherd is recognized as a separate breed. And there is no scientific proof showing white German Shepherds have poorer health or temperament than colored GSDs. Yet, the White German Shepherds do face the same health issues as the colored GSDs, the major concern being hip and elbow dysplasia. More on the White German Shepherd. Final Thoughts You may get a great idea of having a reliable and loyal member of your family. It is a German Shepherd dog. The next question is how much a German Shepherd costs — either a puppy or an adult dog. However, such dogs come from the lines which are not properly tested for genetic health issues or temperament drawbacks. So, you may come across the trouble of frequent visits to a vet or unmotivated aggression in your pet. That is why it is much better to spend more on a purebred puppy with great genes. The first point you need to understand starts with breeding. It is not just a simple pairing of two adult dogs, raising their puppies, and then selling them. A responsible breeder deals with the careful selection of mates who are free from breed-specific problems with health and behavior. Such selection takes much time and effort. Moreover, raising puppies involves their early socialization and a lot of sensory stimulation achieved by training. German Shepherds can suffer from health issues that are impossible to detect during a quick examination at a vet. They require more thorough diagnostics, for example, x-raying for hip dysplasia and specific genetic testing, which are not cheap at all. That is why the ultimate price of a puppy can reflect it. In addition, there are a number of tests required by the AKC for successful breeding. They include elbow x-rays, thyroid and cardiac tests as well as a canine ophthalmologist examination. There is one more point that may influence the GSD cost. Good manners and obedience are products of training, and it also takes a lot of money and time. However, some behavioral features and temperament result from genetic disposition. These problems involve harsh reactions, stress, anxiousness, and aggression. That is why a reputable breeder considers these characteristics in both parents and pairs only those dogs that are a good match. It needs a lot of patience and effort. If you buy a very cheap puppy from an irresponsible breeder, you may face its unpredictable temperament. So, you will save yourself a lot of time, nerves, and costs if you purchase your fluffy friend from a responsible seller but at a higher price. A purebred German Shepherd puppy can cost a lot. However, it is one of the most reasonable solutions to get such a puppy. In this way, you will avoid many problems with health and behavior. The best idea is to purchase your puppy from reliable breeders. This is the strongest guarantee that the puppy will grow healthy. Purebred dogs have a number of phenotypic and genetic characteristics that come from their ancestors, making such shepherd dogs almost ideal. That is why you need to have an overall vision of what your dog should look like and what you expect of it. Responsible breeding results in a bit higher price but it is worth it. If the price is too attractive to be real, be cautious. You can see such offers from pet stores or backyard breeders. However, even if you save a good amount while buying, you may spend much more on veterinary help in the future. German Shepherd puppies are expensive. You may ask why. The answer is simple — breeding and raising these perfect puppies cost a lot. Moreover, high-quality breeding takes a lot of time and effort. A breeder should have a lot of expertise and experience in raising the litter. In any case, all the money you will spend on a good-quality German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder is worth it. A dog with a stable temperament and behavior, healthy and socialized, is worth every cent spent on it. German Shepherds can be of different colors. Depending on how rare the color of the coat is, the price may vary. The rarer the color is, the higher the price is. These dogs are very popular among military and police forces. In general, if a puppy is born black, it is unlikely to change its color, but there may be exceptions. Occasionally, some fading can be observed. On average, a black German Shepherd costs a bit more than any other color. However, black dogs are more difficult to find, so you may have to wait in a line in search of the friend you would prefer to have. This specific bloodline is also newer than others, so if you have decided to have a purebred white dog, you should learn a lot about its characteristics and peculiarities. The first thing to decide upon is where to buy such a puppy — from an enthusiastic lineage breeder or a traditional one who is mostly focused on the color you need. Health problems are quite common in German Shepherd dogs, and there are those related to the color. That is why you had better choose a reputable breeder who can show you the parents of your potential puppy and offer health certificates. If you want to buy your white puppy in the USA, there is a White Shepherd Association that can recommend to you the breeders listed by state, so you can ask them what to do if you want to find the puppy of your dreams. Blue German Shepherds are not traditional at all. This German Shepherd cost can also differ between breeders. A puppy bought from a reputable breeder is sure to cost you more. However, the blue color of the coat is not actually blue. In fact, it is dark gray, and such dogs may come in varied color patterns. Though the color is a bit unusual, such puppies are still considered purebred. Nevertheless, some experts believe that this color is just a gene mutation and over time, it will be bred out. Make sure that you have received your blue puppy from the parents who are either black or blue. They need to have two copies of the diluted recessive gene because a puppy needs to receive it from both parents. Sometimes, blue shepherd dogs can look a bit dusty as if someone has dropped a bowl of flour on their back. Or, in some cases, they can look darker, like gunmetal or something like this. In any event, blue German Shepherd dogs make up perfect family pets because they are highly loyal and trainable. Yes, this is one of the variants to save your costs. Breeders sometimes sell retired show or breeding dogs at a lower price. Such dogs can be years old. The reasons why these dogs are on sale vary. That may be the end of their show career. Or, for a certain purpose, they can be spayed after producing several litters. Usually, the number of breeding dogs is limited because a responsible breeder needs to pay more attention and give optimal care to their breeding dog. Purchasing a retired German Shepherd dog has several indisputable advantages. These dogs have a perfect pedigree, and their parents were carefully tested. They have got substantial socialization to take part in shows, so they can live together with other dogs and get accustomed easily to different people and conditions. The canines are fit and strong because they have received high-quality food, appropriate veterinary care, and all needed shots. Such dogs are sure to be far cheaper than purebred puppies with the same characteristics. Though, finding such a dog for sale is a great luck. You will need to make inquiries from several breeders because most of them sell their precious dogs only once in a few years. In addition, they love their pets so placing them in a perfect home is their priority. So, you should become a good match with both a dog and its owner. They are really rare. You can purchase them only from breeders who specialize in this color. Your puppy will keep its white coat without changes while growing if you get a guarantee that both of its parents are white-coated. How can you save while buying a GS puppy? In fact, you can never be sure that your puppy is healthy and good-tempered if you purchase it for little money. That is why our strong recommendation is not to buy a cheap puppy. Unregulated breeding can result in severe hip dysplasia which is passed from parents to their offspring. This health condition can display at the very young age of a dog — often under 4. This is a result of a loose position of the hips in their sockets. The looser the sockets are, the more profound severity you will observe. Some dogs may display a limp even at the age of 2 or under. Therefore, find a responsible and reputable breeder, and you will be sure that your puppy is really healthy. You will get a loyal friend and beloved companion for a long time then. It is always a bad idea. Where can I find a responsible breeder? Reputable and responsible breeders have a waiting list of potential puppy buyers. Of course, they do not have signs informing about sales in their front yards. So, what can you do? You can ask your friends or acquaintances who have already purchased a German Shepherd puppy. Word of mouth is a great recommendation. Or, if you are a member of a canine club or community, you can make inquiries there. Look for well-known canine associations online and contact them. They can recommend responsible breeders to you. Can my breeder guarantee that my GS puppy will not have hip problems? Hip dysplasia is polygenic, though, in some cases, it can be caused by environmental factors. If a breeder is careful and responsible enough, your puppy will undergo x-raying, and it will have a certificate. However, no breeder in the world can guarantee that your dog will never have dysplasia at an older age because of certain factors including feeding and treating it. How much does it cost to feed a German Shepherd? However, veterinary care, disease prevention, and dog utilities may cost you twice as much per month. Final Thoughts All in all, German Shepherds are not dogs that you can acquire for cheap. You need to consider spending a lot to buy your new family member from a responsible breeder. It means that your future puppy has already received some training in obedience, tracking, and protection. The price can also depend on the color of the coat. Rare colors usually cost more. If your pup comes from a champion bloodline, the price will also be higher. Nevertheless, it is never a good idea to start looking at the ads that offer to sell German Shepherd puppies for some hundred dollars. Such puppies are not properly tested, so you may face tier health and temperament problems. The most widely experienced issues here are hip dysplasia and aggression. They are always a result of irresponsible breeding. Your well-trained and socialized friend will be a pleasure to deal with. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. If you are contemplating making the white German Shepherd part of your family, you may wonder whether they are a mix or purebred. White German Shepherds are purebred. They are the progeny of the first German Shepherd bred in Germany in the late s and developed to herd sheep and other livestock. Often, herders preferred the white coat, as it was easy to recognize them from the darker European wolves. They were not bred to be companion animals; instead, they were bred to be working dogs. Their olfactory scent, intellect, work ethic, strength, bravery, versatility, loyalty, and speed made them ideal farm dogs. They were responsible for not only herding but defending flocks from predators. The German Shepherd breed quickly grew in popularity before the s and spread to other countries. It is said that the white-coated German Shepherd was bred specifically by the kennels of the then Queen of Hapsburg, Alsace-Lorraine, Austria, as she wanted them to match the white horses that pulled her carriage. Sadly, the purebred white German Shepherd began to be considered a flaw by the Nazi regime in the s, who saw the white coat as an undesirable characteristic and blamed it for causing coat paling across all colors and diseases. They were subsequently excluded from breeding and disqualified from the breed standard. These white-coated dogs have descendants who can trace their lineage back to the white GSDs of the early s. Many myths exist about white-coated German Shepherds and the gene that determines their coat color. When some people see them, they think they are an albino. But are they? White German Shepherds are not albino. Albinos lack all pigment, whereas white German Shepherds have black noses, black pigment around their mouths, black paw pads, and brown eyes. Their eye rims and nails also have dark skin. The white gene is recessive and is only responsible for coat color. Although the albino can exist in German Shepherds, it is extremely rare. This genetic mutation causes a complete absence of pigmentation. Most albino dogs will have skin that appears pink around their eyes, giving the appearance of pink eyes when their eyes will usually be blue in color. You will also be able to spot the pink nose easily. What Causes a White German Shepherd? German Shepherds with all-white coats have always been present in litters. However, now that you know they are not albinos, what exactly causes their beautiful white coats? The gene is only related to coat color and has nothing to do with health or temperament. The easiest way to explain it is that the white gene is a recessive gene that works independently of all other color genes. If a dog has two copies of that gene switched on, the white hides the color. To guarantee an all-white litter, two white GSDs will need to be bred. Are White German Shepherds Rare? The discrimination against the white German Shepherd by Nazi Germany quickly spread to breeders elsewhere. Breeders also wrongly believed they were inferior and had a genetic fault. White German Shepherds are rarer than the colored variety as only two white German Shepherds are guaranteed to produce all-white puppies. However, they are not too rare, and if two non-whites both have the white recessive gene, a small percentage of the litter may be white. A reputable and experienced breeder will confidently breed two white German Shepherds to produce a litter of purebred, fluffy white German Shepherd puppies, as long as the demand is there. The main purpose of the American Kennel Club is to maintain a pedigree registry of purebred dogs. However, there is often confusion around the white German Shepherd, albeit purebred. The confusion is that white dogs are disqualified from the conformation ring, but they can still participate in herding, tracking, and obedience. The official breed standard prefers strong, rich colors. Although the UK Kennel Club recognizes the white German Shepherd, they state they are highly undesirable for conformation. This is where things start to get a little complicated! Allow me to elaborate… Advances in science proved that the white recessive gene did not cause albinoism. Scientists also proved that the white German Shepherd was not accountable for any other health issues or the paling of color-coated dogs. In the late s and s, supporters of the white German Shepherd Dog began to form their own breed clubs and registries. So theoretically speaking, the white German Shepherd and the White Shepherd are now considered different breeds recognized by different organizations with separate breed standards: The white German Shepherd is recognized by the American Kennel Club although it is disqualified from showing and the UK Kennel Club. In North America, opinions about whether the purebred white German Shepherd should be considered a different breed from the White Shepherd are still divided. Apart from the color of their fur, the white German Shepherd Dog looks almost identical to any other breed variety. White German Shepherd puppies do not change color. The same goes for black German Shepherds, whose color is also caused by a recessive gene. If pups are born all black, they will remain all black. The white German Shepherd is truly a stunning-looking dog, and often heads will turn to look at its gorgeous coat and features. White German Shepherds have the same appearance as other varieties, apart from their all-white coats. They are medium-large sized with a muscular and athletic build. The GSD is double-coated, having a low-set bushy tail. A striking feature is their erect ears, with a noble head and a long muzzle. Fully grown white German Shepherd males are typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally 22 to 24 inches tall. When fully grown, males weigh 66—88 lbs 30—40 kg , and females weigh 49—71 lbs 22—32 kg. However, remember that each dog is unique, and sizes can vary. For example, my female is very tall and weighs 88lbs 40kg. The white German Shepherd has a double-coated, weather-resistant coat that is either medium or long in length. The undercoat is thick, and the outer coat has coarse, straight, or slightly wavy hairs that lie close to the body. White German Shepherds are good family dogs sharing the same temperament as the colored variety. They are intelligent, protective, loyal, affectionate, and easy to train. They will get along with children, other dogs, and even cats if introduced to them when young and properly trained. While the white German Shepherd makes a good family dog, they are high-energy, and you need to have lots of time and enthusiasm to socialize, exercise, and train them. Nonetheless, they are excellent with children and other family pets, especially if raised with them. The breed is keen to please its owners and enjoys having a job to do. This makes them enjoyable and easy to train. Basic obedience training should begin at a young age, preferably around eight weeks old, when you first bring the pup into your home. This is due to their undying love and loyalty. They need to be a part of the family and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. White German Shepherds, like all varieties, are very active — exercise is essential to keep them out of mischief. They need at least two hours of regular physical activity every day. This should include various activities besides walking, such as hiking, off-leash running, flyball, agility, frisbee, and fetch. Mental stimulation is also essential, which includes playing games and having interactive or puzzle toys. This toy will keep your doggo entertained for hours and gets thousands of positive reviews. Without regular exercise and interaction, German Shepherds will display unwanted behavior such as chewing, biting, scratching, digging, whining, or barking. They can live outside but prefer to be inside with their family. Although they can do okay in a small house or apartment, a house with a yard is preferred, where they can run and burn off some energy. Allow me to share my experience; Willow is my first dog and is fantastic for all the family. Are White German Shepherds Protective? German Shepherds are often used in the police, military, search and rescue, and service or therapy dogs due to their versatility, bravery, loyalty, boundless energy, and easy trainability. But do they make good guard dogs, and are they protective? White German Shepherds are protective due to their natural guarding instincts. When faced with strangers, they can become nervous or suspicious and watch over their family, especially children. Early socialization and training are important to prevent any over-aggressiveness. Remember, they were originally bred to herd and protect livestock, so protecting their family is an instinctive characteristic of the breed. Are White German Shepherds Aggressive? There is a range of myths and misunderstandings that surround the GSD, no matter their color. In particular, many of these are based on fear, and culture or are caused due to inadequately trained dogs. This may cause you to wonder whether white German Shepherds are aggressive, especially if you want to raise one with your family. White German Shepherds are not aggressive if they are socialized early and are well-trained. They can become aggressive if provoked or mistreated. Since the GSD is often used for jobs that require them to be aggressive, it seems they have developed a reputation for being aggressive. They are large, athletic, and muscular dogs often used as guard dogs or in the police and military due to these characteristics and their high intelligence and protective nature. White German Shepherds can be trained to be aggressive towards strangers or certain individuals. However, a well-raised and socialized white German Shepherd has no reason to become aggressive. From someone that worked in law enforcement for almost 30 years and has experience with the breed, I can honestly say I never once saw an aggressive dog — except when commanded to be aggressive in the right situation. As long as you socialize and train your young pup, he will gain the trust and experience he needs with all new people and other dogs. This will allow him to react calmly and confidently to most situations he will encounter. Training a White German Shepherd is not any different from training other varieties of German Shepherds. White German Shepherds have the same temperament, intelligence, and trainability as other German Shepherd varieties. Here are some steps to help you train your White German Shepherd: Start with basic obedience training: Begin with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Socialize your White German Shepherd: Expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident. This can help prevent behavior problems like aggression and anxiety. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your White German Shepherd for good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime. Be consistent: Use the same commands and training techniques every time you work with your White German Shepherd. This will help them understand what is expected of them and prevent confusion. Use training aids: Consider using training aids like clickers, leashes, and collars to help reinforce good behavior and make training easier. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to successful training. Remember, training your White German Shepherd is a lifelong process. So, how much does a white German Shepherd cost on average? I obtained this price from the average of 4 breeders I contacted. Prices vary depending on various factors such as breeder reputation, demand, location, bloodline, litter size, and whether full breeding rights are included. These are the white German Shepherd breeders I contacted to get the prices of current litters. Some breeders will charge more if you want your pup to have AKC full breeding rights. Less - The White Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length, pure white coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the White Shepherd is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. Gender differences are readily apparent. Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to occupational injuries. The White Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by self-confidence. The breed is poised, but when the situation demands, they are eager, alert and ready to serve in any capacity. White Shepherds demonstrate both herding and protective instincts. They enjoy running, playing fetch or any activity with their human family. This is a joyful, active, intelligent and easy to train working dog with the ability to adapt and integrate to all kinds of social events and situations. Timidity in a mature dog or aggressive behavior is not typical of this breed. White Shepherds are very loyal and tend to be especially protective of the young of various species. With their playful and curious personalities, they make wonderful companions although some do have the tendency toward being quite vocal by exhibiting whining, grunting, moaning and sometimes howling. In the first half of the twentieth century, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, created the German Shepherd Dog using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock. Initially, color was not considered as long as the dog demonstrated working ability. During the late 30s, however, the white color fell into disfavor. There were, however, always breeders who appreciated the beauty of the white dogs and who continued to breed them. Because of their exclusion from most German Shepherd Dog breeding programs, the whites rather quickly evolved into a distinct type, and eventually into a separate breed. Black and Silver Brown German Shepherds can have a variety of different coat types as well. Their coats may be short, dense and thick, fluffy, or long. Pure white, solid blue, and spotted German Shepherds are not considered purebred. If you are interested in adopting a White German Shepherd, you should think about what you want it to look like aesthetically. The White Shepherd is a mid-sized, muscular dog that is tall with a medium rating for length. Their ears are normally erect, and their coat is often pure white, although they may be spotted. The color of a White Shepherd ranges from light cream to a light biscuit tan, although the United Kennel Club suggests that pure white is the ideal color. White Shepherds have a weather-resistant double coat that features a close-lying and straight outer coat, coupled with a short, thick and fine undercoat. White German Shepherds can be traced back to Germany, as they share the same bloodline as common shepherds. Historically, German Shepherds were typically white or black and tan. White German Shepherds are different from standard German Shepherds in only one way, apart from their color. White German Shepherds are known to have longer, stiffer hair than standard German Shepherds. White Shepherds are white due to a recessive gene in their DNA. This is similar to the Black German Shepherd, as both have a unique recessive coat color gene. White Shepherds are simply German Shepherds that have a rare recessive gene. Therefore, it is possible for standard German Shepherds to give birth to White Shepherds. This is where White Shepherds originated. Although, it is important to note that the only way to breed an entirely solid litter of White Shepherds is by breeding two adult White Shepherds. On the other hand, if a White Shepherd is bred with a standard German Shepherd, the litter will contain a mixture of different colored puppies. The number of White Shepherds born in such a litter would depend on whether the standard German Shepherd parent holds the White Shepherd recessive gene. Interestingly enough, White Shepherds have their true color hidden, meaning that if you breed a White Shepherd with a non-white Shepherd, it is hard to determine what colors the puppies will be. White German Shepherds are not albino German Shepherds. Although White German Shepherds can be born as albinos, this is not the standard for the breed. Albino dogs have deficient pigmentation, which causes them to have pale skin, pink eyes, and uncolored hair. White Shepherds have pink or black skin, brown eyes, solid white fur, and colored noses. Although some people associate rare dog colors with poor health and temperament, this is not the case with White Shepherds. The recessive gene that is responsible for making German Shepherds white are not tied to any known diseases or syndromes. This means that White German Shepherds are prone to the same diseases and health issues as standard German Shepherds. Many people take advantage of these rare dogs because they come at a higher cost to the people who wish to adopt them. Some breeders will breed them because of their color and not care much for their health and wellbeing. This is why finding an ethical, reliable breeder should be your foremost objective when searching for your next White German Shepherd. Finding a reputable and responsible breeder may take time, but it is worthwhile. Black German Shepherds are rarer because, in order for a Black German Shepherd puppy to be born, both parents must have the recessive gene associated with solid black fur. Black German Shepherd The price is slightly lessened by the fact that two Black German Shepherds can be mated together to produce a solid litter of Black German Shepherds. If you are in the market for a Black German Shepherd, be prepared to pay more than you would for a White Shepherd or standard German Shepherd. Just make sure you choose a reputable breeder to ensure that the White Shepherd you adopt is healthy and ethically bred. Much of their history is shared with the more traditional German Shepherd Dogs that are brown and black in color. They were predominantly used as herding dogs in northern Germany during the late s and early s. During this time, white German Shepherds occurred merely by chance. It was commonly thought that these oddly colored shepherds were weaker and less healthy. Even Adolf Hitler held strong opinions about white German Shepherds. In fact, many breeders began selectively breeding in an attempt to get more all-white GSDs. They are much rarer than their two-toned counterparts but highly sought after. Still, they are surrounded by controversy. The damage done to their reputation during World War II continues, and many German Shepherd fans still prefer the dark coats. Some farmers and ranchers use White German Shepherds to help guard their flocks. While the two breeds likely share some common ancestors, they are indeed separate breeds. The current leading thinking is that German Shepherds have a single piece of their genetic code that determines whether they will be all white, all black, or patterned like the traditional GSD. It is a recessive gene. For this reason, obtaining a White German Shepherd is no longer left up to chance. Breeders will breed a white male to a white female and will know that any offspring will be white. Breeders and buyers of White German Shepherds prefer true, snow-white coats. However, coat colors actually range from pure white to a light cream color. Unlike a dog with albinism, a White German Shepherd has grey skin under his thick double coat. According to the American Kennel Club , German Shepherds reach anywhere from 24 to 26 inches in height, with males being just slightly taller. Females can weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds, while males usually weigh 65 to 90 pounds. White German Shepherds are very strong dogs with alert, erect ears. They tend to be longer than they are tall, a feature that contributes to their incredible agility. German Shepherds have long been considered some of the strongest breed of dogs. German Shepherds can also assist firefighters in rescue work. Their keen insight can also help firefighters quickly find search and rescue targets, reflecting the importance of shepherd dogs in firefighting work. Some companies have even produced incredible firefighter challenge coins featuring German Shepherds as a reminder of the dedication of these hero dogs in rescue work. Still, generally speaking, White German Shepherds are affectionate and sociable. White German Shepherds have mostly been bred for companionship for families. As such, they are usually very friendly dogs who enjoy the company of both humans and other dogs, and who are gentle with children. Many owners of White German Shepherds find that their dogs are easy to train. However, GSDs of all colors are known to be headstrong dogs. White GSDs make great family pets. German Shepherds are very loyal, and even White German Shepherds have been known to protect their family at all costs. White German Shepherds are no more aggressive than any other dog, but they are very strong. Dogs who are well socialized, respected, and treated as a valued member of the family are far less likely to exhibit any aggressive behaviors. And of course, it is very important to teach children to respect all dogs. This is a generous lifespan, and longer than many other large breeds are expected to live. White German Shepherds that live as long as 14 years will have good genetics, and will be well taken care of by its family. Those who live less than 11 years may have lower quality breeding, have common or uncommon health issues or have experienced trauma. Not only do dogs who are well taken care of live longer and happier lives, but they make better companions too! After two weeks after its final inoculations, your German Shepherd puppy will be allowed to walk on the ground outside or begin visiting friends and family. One of the best things you can do for your new puppy is to socialize him or her. Carefully introduce your new White German Shepherd to as many adults, children, and other animals as you possibly can. Dogs who are well socialized are less likely to exhibit human or dog aggression later in life. Grooming White German Shepherds can be long-haired or short-haired. Grooming your White German Shepherd is also the same process, regardless of whether your pet is long-haired or short-haired. All German Shepherd dogs have an insulating undercoat that keeps them warm in colder months. GSDs tend to shed a lot, but during the spring and summer, their shedding increases as they lose their undercoat. Brushing your White German Shepherd at least twice a week with a stiff-bristle brush or shedding tool can help with the shedding. Bathe your White German Shepherd one a month at a maximum to avoid removing essential oils in its coat. Too many baths can also lead to skin dryness and extreme irritation. If you have a long-haired White German Shepherd, you will want to invest in professional grooming more frequently. A professional groomer will also clean your GSDs ears and glands, and will trim their nails. They have a ton of energy, so it is important that GSD owners allow their dogs plenty of opportunity to work both their mind and muscles. Dogs who are not allowed a sufficient amount of exercise will find other, more destructive ways to spend their energy. Usually, these more destructive ways involve injury to household objects, the dog himself, or even humans. You will want to take your White German Shepherd for a walk or run at least once a day. Sniffing on his walk will allow your White German Shepherd to exercise his clever brain. Other ways to exercise your White German Shepherd include hiking, a day at a doggy daycare, or even swimming at a lake or in a backyard pool. Avoid feeding your White German Shepherd table scraps and other human foods. Any food you buy for your White German Shepherd should be dry. Dry food encourages teeth to form solidly, and even acts as a natural toothbrush of sorts. This scary, but still uncommon, the problem is when the airway no longer opens wide enough for the dog to properly inhale. Some studies have been done to see if there is a link between the white gene of their coat and spontaneous laryngeal paralysis, but much more research is needed before anything can be concluded. Sadly, German Shepherds of all colors are prone to some other serious health issues. Most of these issues are inheritable, and reinforce the importance of careful and thoughtful breeding. The most common health problems for White German Shepherds are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Dysplasia is a malformation of the bone at the joint. In its mild form, it can cause some pain and limping. However, if it is allowed to worsen, it will likely lead to very painful arthritis. Other issues affecting White German Shepherds include degenerative myelopathy, heart disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and eye disorders. Some White German Shepherd owners report skin issues as a common ailment. Fortunately, skin issues are usually treatable through a careful diet, finding alternatives to bathing swimming, for example , and vet-prescribed help. The price of a White GSD puppy will vary based on gender, eye color, breeder reputation, and of course, overall demand. A purebred German Shepherd that is pure white in color will cost more than a mixed breed, or a purebred German Shepherd that is more beige in color. It is very, very important to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders will prioritize breeding healthier dogs. They also contribute less to the massive issue of the unwanted pet population because they breed just one to two times per year. These striking animals are known to be very loyal, and make excellent companion dogs for families with children. Though they are vulnerable to some of the same health issues as standard German Shepherds, White German Shepherds can live up to 14 years when given the right care and attention. Unfortunately, Jessup developed serious allergies to many different types of dog foods and ingredients when she was just a puppy. Meanwhile, Brody could eat seemingly anything and carry on as healthy as could be. Sarah spent hours of time researching and testing different foods and brands before finding something that worked for little Jessup. She wants Dog Food Care to simplify this experience for future dog-parents who face food allergy or tolerance issues of their own. Dog Food Care will never accept payments, bonuses, or gifts in exchange for a positive review. All Rights Reserved.
Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases franklymedia. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! Morning Headlines. Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy. The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on.
Mixed Breeds By K9 of Mine Staff 19 min read July 14, 23 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Labrador retrievers are well known for their even-tempered personalities, loyalty, fun-loving natures, and complete devotion to their family members. In fact, the Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular dog breed in the US — a position the breed has held for 27 years straight! Take a gander and share your thoughts in the comments below! Note: K9 of Mine does not endorse irresponsible breeding — please keep in mind that this photo collection is intended for enjoyment and pooch appreciation, not as any kind breeding recommendation or resource. There is very little official data about mixed breed dogs, so the photos displayed here are chosen based on information given by owners. We are unable to personally verify the breed heritage of the pooches shown here — instead, we must simply trust that owners are truthfully describing their dogs with they share photos of their mixed breed canines. TL;DR: Just enjoy the cute photos of doggos! The Basics of the Labrador Retriever Before we introduce you to some of the cutest Lab mixes around, it is important that we talk about a few of the basics of Labradors. This will help you decide whether a Lab mix may be a good fit for your family! Labradors usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Labs have moderately long lifespans of about 12 years, though some reach even older ages. Labs are members of the sporting group, who were originally bred to help fisherman tend nets, until their owners started using them to retrieve downed birds. Labrador retrievers have a friendly, happy-go-lucky demeanor, and they usually get along with most two- and four-footers they encounter. Labs are full of energy and often make superb running or hiking companions. Labrador retrievers can make great pets for first-time dog owners, so long as you provide plenty of exercise and stimulation each day. Labs are people-oriented dogs, who thrive best in homes that are rarely empty. Labrador retrievers are generally intelligent and eager to please, making training a breeze. Labs tend to shed pretty heavily, thanks to their thick double coats. Labrador retrievers do often suffer from a few common health problems, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans. No dog breed is perfect for all situations or scenarios, but as you can see, Labs are certainly one of the most appealing breeds in the world and they have quite a bit to offer the right family! Without further ado, here are some Labrador designer breeds that are sure to steal your heart. In some cases, like the Labradoodle a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle , the names are pretty popular and used widely. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes also produces some puppers with pretty adorable coat color patterns , which just adds to their appeal. These pups are best paired with active owners. But while they may have blockier builds than typical Labs, most of these guys and gals are big softies, who love nothing more than cuddling with their humans. Like Labs, American bulldogs excel at a wide variety of tasks, making them great all-around dogs for families, farmers, hunters, and more! Labs are lovable goofballs who are all about fun and games, while Akitas are no-nonsense pooches, who project an air of competence and quiet dignity. One pooch in the litter may take after the Lab parent, while another may more closely resemble the Akita. Name aside, these playful pups have energy levels that are off-the-charts, so be sure you have a big yard and plenty of time to visit the park before adding one of these dogs to your family. Well, the Beagador may be just the thing! But, they can be a bit aloof around strangers. But when you cross a bullmastiff with a Lab — a dog who views all strangers as potential pals — all bets are off! These mixes can be a bit of a house-keeping headache, as Labs shed pretty heavily, while bullmastiffs are Olympic-caliber droolers. Labs have held the 1 spot since , but the cocker spaniel has sat atop the popularity pyramid in 23 different years since the s. Note that there are two different corgi breeds the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi , and each will produce a slightly different version of this mixed breed. Either are considered Lab Corgi dogs. Doberdor Labrador Retriever X Doberman Pinscher A post shared by Charli the doberdor charlithedoberdor Given that Dobermans and Labs are both very affectionate dogs who bond strongly with their owners, Doberdor mixed breed pups will make great companions for individuals and families alike. The Doberdor loves his human family and will make it known with endless puppy kisses and loyalty. Wanna see more Doberman mixes? Check out 15 of our favorites here! You may just want to consider the Dalmador. Labs make pretty good jogging partners themselves, and Dalmatians can run for days. Honestly, there are a variety of Dalmatian mixes available for fans of polka-dotted pooches. Dachsador Labrador Retriever X Dachshund. Typical Lab mix traits The best Lab mix breeds are of course a matter of opinion. As with any purebred dog, it depends entirely upon why you want a canine companion. If you want a small Lab mix as a family companion then getting one who is crossed with a smaller, calmer breed is a good choice. But if you want a dog for sports or hunting then going with a Labrador crossed with another working breed is a sensible move. If you want a dog to have a go at agility, then a Collie cross is a great place to start. Lab mix dogs are often found in shelters or Lab rescue centers. What is My Lab Mixed With? Labrador mix bred dogs can often look very different to either of their parents. And in some cases, if the parentage is unknown it is entirely possible that they have more than one breed in their genetic makeup. If you are rescuing an older dog, the only way to know with reasonable certainty where your mixed breed dog came from, is to order a DNA test. This will give you as many as three or four generations back, and give you a great idea what breeds went into your wonderful dog. They are fairly rare, as Afghan hounds are not terribly numerous. Your Afador puppy is likely to grow to be fairly large, as both Afghan Hounds and Labradors are reasonably tall. You could therefore end up with a dog with medium to long fur, which will require regularly grooming. Afghan temperaments tend to be more aloof than that of Labs, with less boisterous enthusiasm for everyone they meet. Basset Hound Lab mix Another rare cross but one which has great appeal to some people, is the Bassador. They are on average around 14 inches tall as adults, with body proportions suiting a larger breed of dog and shortened legs. Working line Basset Hounds tend to be in far better shape than their show bred cousins, and this is where you should start your search if you have your heart set on a Bassador. Border Collie Lab Mix Border Collies are incredibly intelligent dogs, who work very well with their owner if properly trained. Loyal to their families, and fairly indifferent to everyone else. They are quick to learn and can be taught a mind boggling range of activities through positive reinforcement training. The show dogs tend to be the least driven, although still high energy dogs that require a lot of stimulation. Like Labs as puppies they can be very nippy. This can express quite strongly around children, as they attempt to herd them around. They are not generally therefore recommended to families with very young kids. They do however often make excellent pets when older for active, busy families who enjoy training and working together. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are without a doubt some of the friendliest little dogs in the world. They are charismatic, fun and loyal. They also have a fairly good average lifespan of 11 years. However, there are a couple of big, scary health problems associated with large numbers of this breed, so be very careful and do a lot of research if you are thinking of bringing one into your home. Health problems impacting a vast quantity of these little dogs include mitral valve disease , a heart problem which causes early death, and syringomyelia. This is a neurological problem caused by the size and shape of their skulls, not allowing their brain and brain stem to be properly accommodated. Two very popular breeds of gundog with a lot of similarities, this is one of the cross breeds where can be fairly confident of the type of Lab mix you will be getting when you bring home your puppy. Goldadors are very popular seeing eye dogs. They are well known for being intelligent, fast learners and very co-operative with their handlers. Like their Golden Retriever and Labrador parents, they tend to have very friendly temperaments and love spending time with their human family. Golden Retrievers are similarly sized dogs to Labradors, but with a far longer and wavier coat. Most Goldadors seem to have shorter fur more like the Lab parent, but this is not guaranteed. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be fairly calm and aloof as adults, and require a lot of dedication to socialisation when they are young due to potential nervousness around strangers and guarding tendencies. Due to their size, they are not really recommended for homes with young children or frail adults. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large, growing up to 28 inches tall and weigh up to pounds. They also have a long coat, which requires a lot of grooming to keep in a good condition. Unfortunately like many extra large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have very long life expectancies, averaging around 8 years long. When looking at longevity size is a big factor, and giant breed dogs regardless of whether they are mix bred or not will have shorter lifespans. You could therefore expect to see your puppy potential live fewer years than the average purebred Lab. They are utterly beautiful dogs, and if well managed can make wonderful companions. Labmaraner The Weimaraner is a beautiful dog, and an intelligent one too. Like all members of the gun dog group he has been bred with co-operative working in mind. Although he tends to be slightly less people focussed in general than your average Lab. This means that they are not as obsessed with greeting everyone when you take them for a walk. However, they can also be a little harder to engage in the training process and in some cases be even more driven than a Labrador. Like Labs, Weimaraners can also be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Labradoodle Labradoodles are the most popular Labrador Retriever designer dog breed at the moment. A Labradoodle will not necessarily be a non-shedding dog, and may require some extreme grooming or very regular visits to the poodle parlour in order to not become matted. Pitbull Lab Mix The Pitbull Lab mix should be a great family dog, full of energy, with a short, easy care coat. Rottador or Labrottie Rottweilers crossed with Labradors are known as Labrotties. Or Rottadors. And they can be incredibly beautiful and dedicated companions to their families. Rottweilers can be up to around 27 inches tall, with big heads, deep chests and well muscled bodies. They are powerful dogs and need commitment to positive training from day one from their families in order to understand how to behave in their homes. Rottweiler temperament is also quite different to that of your average Labrador Retriever. There is no way of knowing which of his parents your Labrottie will take after. Rottweilers are a guarding breed. Extremely loyal to their family, but known to be wary of strangers and unpredictable around children if improperly socialised and managed. Your Labrottie puppy must be very well socialised, just as you would with a pure guarding breed dog. Make sure he has regular positive contact with people of every age, and is familiar with things like beards, hats and unusual items of clothing. Springador Springer Spaniels crossed with Labs are often referred to as Springadors. They can make fabulous pets or working dogs, but can have the extremes of both breeds. They are not for the inexperienced or inactive owner. Springers are very lively dogs with an incredibly high prey and hunting drive. They benefit from positive reinforcement training from an early age. In general Springers have great temperaments. However, there are some working lines which have nervous aggression problems and fixations on light chasing. Make sure that you meet the Springer parent to ensure that they are confident and not agitated. English Springer Spaniels tend to be smaller and lighter than Labs, with a longer coat. Springadors often have shorter coats, and can look a lot like a slightly shaggy black Lab with a few white markings. Lab Mix Temperament When you buy a mixed breed dog, their temperament will be a product of their varying lineage. They could end up with any mixture of the two lines temperaments, or something completely different. Make sure to meet both parents to ensure that they are confident, friendly characters. If both lines are happy, loving dogs then the chances are good that your puppy will be the same. Photo kindly provided by N Pappalardo. If your Labrador is a known cross, then you can make an educated guess that he could be anywhere between the average sizes for those breeds. However, it not always the case. And with a Labrador mixed with unknown other dogs, then they really could be any size at all. The Labrador element to their genetics does not limit their growth. Nor do they mean that they will definitely have any specific height to them. There will potentially be huge variation even within the litter. I grew up next door to a family who had two Labrador x Terriers from the same litter. One looked exactly like a Labrador in every way, except she had very short legs. The other was Labrador height but with a totally different shape. If size matters to you, then a purebred puppy or dog over 18 months old might be a better choice. Lab Mix Health Mix breed dogs can still be susceptible to the diseases carried by their parents. Especially if those diseases are common in both breeds. The Labrador parent should have a clear eye test of less than a year old. They should be PRA clear, and have a lower than average hip score. For full health testing for Labs check out this article. The other parent may also need a clear eye test, and a good hip score. The most important thing is to pick a puppy whose parents have both had all of the health tests relevant to their own breed. And whose personalities you would be happy to see replicated in your pup. Alternatively, look for a rescue dog that you have met and fallen in love with yourself. Should a Lab Mix take after their Labrador Retriever parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that loves their families. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that tend to have an extended puppyhood. They are also social, friendly, and tend to be patient and gentle with children. This makes them fantastic pets as they also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets, despite their retriever tendencies. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. You still want to ask questions about the other parent breed as they are bound to introduce some potential quirks of their own. Although Labs are happiest with room to run, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. They also do well in most climates, but do not like to spend long stretches of time alone. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? As with purebred dogs, health often depends on reputable breeding practices. Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them. From the Labrador side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Labrador Mix include patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. The other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential conditions to this list. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Labrador Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. First-time owners may have a challenge at first with their high energy and exuberance, but tend to be successful. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. If the other parent breed tends to be more challenging to train, then you will want to be prepared for that potential and be ready to enroll in puppy training classes if you need them. A Lab Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Labrador Retriever coat, it will be short and will shed throughout the year with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep a Lab coat healthy. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Because dental care is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth every day or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Labrador Retrievers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and a job to do to be happy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you should expect a Labrador Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed sits in a lower activity range, you will still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog should they take after their Lab parent. Fully-grown Labrador Retrievers tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Labs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Featured Labrador Mix Article.
We love all of our fur family of animals as our own. Each one is a precious life who we raised for the joy of contribution as "YOUR" lifetime family member for you and yours. Here at our unique ranch, we breed Top Show Quality English Style Labradors, American Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses and a menagerie of fairytale like small animals in a certified wildlife habitat and preserve, with 47 years of agriculture and breeding experience. Our life and our home is dedicated to these beings and making life long lasting friends with our community. We don't own our animals, Our animals own us! Our dogs are part of our family, No mass production. They get the best quality feed and natural nursing. They are gently held and cared for as infant babies would be. They are loved and socialized with people and other animals. We will provide you with our recommendations from many years experience. Reserve your labrador puppy with select look, color, gender, temperament and perfect match! A Furever Friend Our lab puppies have been adopted as high quality pets, as contribution for other breeding programs, for service and therapy, for agility, hunting and great companionship! They love to cuddle for a good movie snuggled on the couch and play during the day. They care, they have feelings and they know what you require from them. What would it be like to have one of these puppies? We like yogurt!!! Around the clock for the first 8 weeks of their lives, we assure they are properly eating, exercising, give them lots of love, kisses and begin socialization. Introducing them to unusual sounds, activities, animals, toys, obstacles, etc. At 8 weeks, they are ready to be adopted and go home with their forever families! The fun begins! Or do you prefer black lab puppies? We evaluate our english lab puppies which are best for show, breeding, pet, service and therapy. Investing in a healthy breed quality Labrador puppy ensures a long life of optimal health enjoying every moment of your time together. He's our sweet stocky beautiful block head boy and is available at STUD. Proven as an ultimate producer of show english lab puppies. Breeding for the betterment of the breed is our primary focus. Outstanding Pedigree Rain Forest. Since Welcome to Tru-Heart Labradors! Tru-Heart Labradors is an established professional dog breeder situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, that proudly produces the finest dual-purpose chocolate, yellow, and black Labrador Retriever puppies currently available in Florida. Our puppies are sold on a limited-registration basis to pet homes only, and we take pride in the fastidious, loving, and stimulating environment in which they are raised. Because we want every Tru-Heart puppy to find the best possible forever home, we ask that you submit an application before we discuss pricing or accept a deposit from you for one of our outstanding puppies. We do not inbreed. How do wild animal populations manage to remain healthy for thousands of generations without DNA testing? They don't lose important genes from the gene pool. In the wild, animals occasionally move from herd to herd, or flock to flock, which helps to restore genetic diversity to the population. If a particular group becomes isolated, and new individuals are prevented from entering the population, the gene pool is effectively closed. Breeders of other domestic animals understand this. Dogs are no different, and we put this truth into practice. By adhering to our scientifically-proven breeding philosophy, we ensure Tru-Heart puppies are born with sound temperaments, aesthetically-pleasing conformation, good bone, and genetic health and vigor. Please watch the following video on this subject from the Embark Canine Health Summit:. Duke is a perfect fit in our family. He loves our small children. He is medium in size. He is just like his momma Lacey.I highly recommend Penny Lane Labradors! Jennifer Sample: Duke I constantly get comments not just on how handsome he is but his temperament. My husband has had labs his entire life and I have owned one other lab with him for 10 years. Bosun is hands-down the best dog we've ever had. Thank you for breeding such great animals. He is a gem! She is adjusting well! Thank you for taking care of her for 8 weeks :! Charlotte Kountz: Dannie Thank you for our puppy muffin Juno. She is so sweet. She is definitely getting spoiled. She is a good little girl. We just adore her! Deanna Morrey: Delilah Lexi has the most adorable smile and is a little cuddle bug! Rachel Roberts: Lexi We named our little ball of joy Maisie. Thank you for such a wonderful pup! We love her so much!! He loves to swim at the beach and go on walks. Laura Watson: Sully Brady on his 11 wk birthday. He is very good - after the first night he has slept thru all of the nights. He is the perfect puppy!! Loves to get into the refrigerator- never seen anything like it! Took her to the beach first time Yesterday- she absolutely loves all the other dogs and people she meets, and they love her. She sleeps thru the night now in her kennel next to our bed. Thanks for raising such a fine puppy- she has stolen our hearts and filled our lives with joy! She is adjusting fine. She slept free in her own bed in our room till about then went straight back to sleep. Erika Foster: Olive. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits. If you are looking for that special new labrador puppy addition to your family, we have a perfect blocky Lab Puppy for you. Our Snow White Lab Pups possess lots of bone, coat and that wonderful lab temperament. Just to clarify, the white shade coat is simply the lightest form of the yellow Labrador Retriever!! There is nothing rare about the white coat. This shade along with black pigment gives our puppies the look we so desire. The AKC standard states — yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream. We breed for the lightest shade of cream, which oftentimes many refer to as White or White Labradors. This slideshow requires JavaScript. Our pedigrees are strong with English show and obedience champions. We limit our breedings; selectively breeding for temperament, beauty, and quality. Our pups are sold as pets on a limited AKC registration. We as breeders produce yellow labs that range from snow white to cream in color. We stand behind the dogs we produce; always eager to hear from the people who have acquired them. You are welcome to visit our facility on weekends to meet our white labs. If you cannot make the trip to Tennessee we are proud to provide potential white lab puppy purchasers with pictures, pedigrees, and references. If you have questions or concerns, please fill free to contact us. We know there are many white Labrador breeders out there but do not settle for a puppy that does not have lots of bone, a big blocky head, and that nice thick otter tail. Always check out the sire and dam to make sure both possess these essential English Labrador characteristics! Puppies receive half of their genetic makeup from mom and half from dad. It is important that both parents display the characteristics you are desiring in a puppy. All white lab puppies are adorable but not all are equal. We offer yellow, cream and white Labrador retrievers for sale several times a year — usually 1 — 4 litters yearly. If you would like to get on our waiting list please contact us via email. We offer Lab Puppies for Sale to pet family homes. We select the most handsome studs for our white labrador program that have beautiful black pigment. These amazing white stud dogs produce some of the most gorgeous little white lab polar bear puppies you will ever see. Our English Lab Stud dogs are something to witness. Thank you so much for visit our English White Labradors website. All rights reserved.
german shepherd puppies palm springs - Articles Scott American Bulldogs are among the most friendly and affectionate doggies we can ever get. Since bull-baiting, our bull doggies have become the most ideal companion due to their athleticism and adorable looks. You will indeed become the fittest person while trying to keep up with the energy level of this adorable canine friend. It is a guard dog, lapdog, and gentle giant. For questions related to Scott American Bulldog pups, we created a comprehensive guide. This complete guide will help you learn more about this adorable four-legged furry friend. Image from Instagram: marley. In terms of height, looking at the long legs that stand beneath its body and not on its sides, the Scott American Bulldog typically stands about 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and resembles an oversized version of the White Pitbull. However, your Scott American Bulldog pooch may grow to be a bit smaller or larger than the usual height. Physical Appearance Some unique qualities of the physical appearance of the Scott American Bulldog are its muscular features and giant head. With amplification over generations, this dog breed now has a large square-shaped head. You will also notice that the Scott American Bulldog has chiseled muscles all over its neck, shoulders, chest, hindquarters, and legs. Also, the affectionate eyes of this loyal canine are mostly either almond or round in shape. The lips hang loosely from each side of the mound, and ears flap-fold forward. So, the bull doggie bites either on the level or with a little underbite. In addition, the canine body always grows a little bit longer than their cute tail. Its appearance is rather similar to White Pitbull but starkly different from Johnson American Bulldog whose coat is often white with patches of black or brown. When the breed is healthy, this adorable furry friend will be physically active and strong. You can expect out-of-the-world energy that helps to make their life healthier and longer than ever. However, these doggies are prone to hunger and eating more than their stomachs handle well, which causes some health problems. Common Health Issues We will cover the common health issues that your bulldog pooch may deal with. These health issues lessen the expectancy of living a longer and healthier life. So, keep an eye on them to avoid the risk of such issues. Obesity As the brachycephalic pup, bulldog puppies overeat and they tend to gain excess weight. This becomes more complicated due to their short snouts and unfavorable facial structure that makes it difficult to breathe properly. Again, if you see that your canine is becoming overweight from an early age, your furry friend can develop severe health complications like hip dysplasia in later life stages. Eye Conditions Scott American Bulldog friends can develop cherry eye , a visible red or pink mass protruding from the eyelid. Similarly, they may suffer from entropion eye conditions in which eyelids fold inward or get inverted. Other Health Issues Some common genetic issues include swelling and a nervous system disorder medically known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. In addition, your doggie can suffer from a kidney disorder, thyroid disorder, elbow dysplasia, and bone cancer. Scott American Bulldog canines need more proper care than other dog breeds. So, you need to live quite an active lifestyle to adopt this energetic pup breed. Exercise Routine Unless you fix their exercise routine to include regular daily workouts, your moody furry friend will start chewing and ripping anything that comes in their way. Ideally, a Scott American Bulldog canine must get a daily dose of 1 to 2 hours of exercise. So, take your furry friend out for a walk for at least 45 minutes at a moderate pace. Also include additional playing and vigorous activities like playing jolly ball, tug-of-war, or frisbee in their exercise routine. But, for furry friends less than 12 months old, exclude strenuous exercises from their routine and take them out for 10 to 15 minutes of brief walking. So, why do they need a lot of exercise? The daily exercise routine will help your furry friend let go of their pent-up energy while stimulating muscle tone. High-Quality Diet Your furry friend needs not only exercise but also a high-quality diet rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. So, include meat, chicken, tuna fish, and salmon. Remember, the food should be free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and poultry by-products. For this purpose, we recommend Pet Plate that offers veterinarian-approved recipes. All the recipes are human-grade and taste like a delectable treat loaded with nutrition for canines of all ages. Multivitamins also form an important part of a high-quality diet. Essential fatty acids and vitamins offer health benefits by promoting coat health and improving cognitive functions. Do consult with your veterinarian about including supplements like multivitamins to complement the diet. Use Dental Water Additives Along with a good diet, supplements, and exercise, you need to use dental water additives to prevent periodontal diseases in your Scott American Bulldog. Simply add a few drops to the drinking water bowl your pooch drinks from and you are all set for the day! Take a look here! When your furry friend remains busy playing, they will be energetic, and other times, they will be quiet. Plus, when your furry friend stays indoors, the puppy will behave well and be sweet, but once you get them to the park or anywhere outdoors, they go wild. Besides, aggression in your furry friend is a complicated subject as it can be extremely dreadful and dangerous. Aggression is common as your doggy stresses a lot when you go away and leave your furry friend alone. Scott American Bulldogs are one of the most socially amicable breeds of doggies. Consequently, when you leave your canine alone, they become wild and have excessive stress and anxiety issues. This separation anxiety often gets confused with poor training, but in reality, your doggy suffers from anxiety issues. The Scott American Bulldog canines are not only affectionate but also fairly intelligent. This furry friend of yours can protect your family, your home and detect anything suspicious. So, give your Scott American Bulldog friend quality training from an early age. Offer positive reinforcement with the help of dog treats to assist your pooch with a rewarding training session every time. Do Scott American Bulldogs Shed? Grooming Tips For Scott American Bulldogs Yes, your healthy furry friend also sheds in moderate amounts all through the year. It is only during the season changes when you will notice shedding increase. If I need to say straight, then your furry friend will shed most during winter to spring when the temperature becomes hotter. However, due to their fine and short hair, you may not notice the shedding. Though they are not hypoallergenic, you need to take proper care of your pup. Brushing will help remove the dead hair in a much more controlled manner than shedding. Get your hands on this ergonomically designed Furminator Undercoat Tool to effectively remove all the dead hair. The Furminator comes with a curvy edge that makes it practical to use without causing any damage to the topcoat. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Not only does this soap-free shampoo help whiten the white coat, but this product also uses its proprietary Pharmasome technology to keep your Scott American Bulldog smelling fresh longer. Apply it on your furry friend while giving them a joyful bath and control the shedding and tangling of fur. Professionally formulated mild yet effective soap-free formula is ideal for.Many pets right after a bath they try to find a.Wherever you go, you will find this bulldog canine breed among the most expensive breeds. The Scott line pups, known as the standard American Bulldog pups, come in pure white. Johnson American Bulldog pups are classic American Bulldog pups with colored patches, ranging from black to brown, all over their white fur. Do Scott American Bulldogs Swim? Scott American Bulldog pups have a short snout causing them to lean their face upward. However, proper training, like getting your pup used to water, can help with safe swimming for short periods. They are clear of known diseases for the breed and over other genetic diseases and sub-variants. We also apply proper nutritional practices and supplements for joint and muscle health, practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible damage to both bones and joints. Our professional breeders also provide educational information to potential buyers and anyone interested in canine health and genetic testing. We are working with other breeders to proactively address the benefits of genetic testing for health and breed purity. The Importance Of Genetic Testing For American Bulldog Breeding In the past, breeders have relied strongly on phenotype when breeding, which allowed the introduction of other breeds. To reverse this tendency to breed by phenotype only, it is crucial that the American Bulldog community work towards having genetic testing as a fundamental practice in their breeding programs. The coefficient of relationship is a measure of the degree of a biological relationship between two dogs. Our Client Reviews "Awesome farm and knowledgeable breeder! Remy is everything we wanted and more! Words cant describle your devotion to this breed. Great experience with extremely educated breeders! Our Partnership with Experienced Veterinarians Think About It Farms is working with veterinarians from both the genetic and research fields. The veterinarians are assisting us in the proper care, nutritional needs, exercise, determining which hereditary qualities and behaviors are considered beneficial to improving the breed, developing practices of selectively breeding, and raising the dogs to promote these desirable traits. Call us today at to learn more about our American Bulldogs and our efforts to preserve them. Because of their similar looks, the Scott American Bulldog is often mistaken as a Pitbull. Their respective breeding programs resulted in the American Bulldog lineage around today. American Bulldogs were once in the brink of extinction after they were extensively used in the cruel sport known as bull-baiting. But breeders like Scott and Johnson decided to bring back the species, creating two distinct dog varieties in the process. Today, the breed is healthy and thriving. Physical Characteristics of the Scott American Bulldog Often mistaken as a larger white Pitbull, this breed comes with longer legs positioned directly underneath their body instead of towards the sides. The face comes with a longer muzzle with a slightly undershot bite or none at all. Their necks are arched coupled with a muscular yet sleek head. The eyes of a Scott American Bulldog is almond or round-shaped. Usually, this is a dark brown to brown. Most of the breed sport a soft coat and feature markings ranging from red, brindle, black, tan, or brown. Once properly trained, they can become loyal, independent, and friendly dogs with plenty of energy to spare. They are friendly towards children and affectionate with their owners. When they are not in play mode, they can be quiet and relaxed. In fact, a lot of owners say they make giant lap dogs. They are also fantastic guard dogs because they can be protective and territorial. While indoors making them behaved and mellow, once you get them outside to play fetch or run, they will go wild. They also work great with other dogs and pets, provided there is a proper introduction on neutral ground. A lot of Southern farm owners love this breed because of their dual nature of being excellent hunting and guarding dogs, as well as their capacity for affection. Because of their size and looks, a lot of people can feel intimidated by them and sometimes this will lead to misunderstandings. Common Health Concerns Found in This Breed Generally, they are a healthy breed with a life span ranging from years. But like any breed, they do have a natural predisposition to certain health issues. These include the following: Demodectic Mange: These mites are inherited by the pups from their moms. They cannot affect other dogs or humans and are normally inert. But if the dog or puppy has a weakened immune system, they can show up causing scaly red skin and hair loss. Bone Cancer: Most American Bulldogs have a propensity for osteosarcoma. This is an aggressive type of cancer that quickly spreads around the bones of the animal. They might require immediate amputation or chemotherapy. However, the prognosis can still be poor despite immediate medical attention. Brachycephalic Syndrome: This is found in dogs with short muzzles. This can result in snoring, difficult breathing, nasal discharge, a blue tongue and gums or noisy breathing. Deafness: This can be hereditary with the breed. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Usually an abnormal development of the hip and elbow joints while the dog is still young. This can lead to a lot of pain or even lameness. Caring for a Scott American Bulldog Caring for the Scott American Bulldog mostly involves meeting their energy and exercise requirements. Take your American Bulldog outside or in the yard and let them exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. You can take them for a walk, a hike, or even have them run beside you while you bike or skateboard. They are also keen on playing fetch or any interactive sport where both of you can play together. The type of food they will need will change as they grow older. Weight management is important for this breed since they have a tendency towards obesity. Physically, their ears should be checked weekly and their nails cut each month. Their coats are moderate and require only weekly brushing. Take them to the vet on a regular basis, so they can get physical health checks. Because of their tendency to excessively drool, you might also want to wipe off their drool when possible. Training your dog, as mentioned, is crucial while they are still young. They need someone who is firm and consistent in order for them to learn. Positive reinforcement is important. Before buying a Scott American Bulldog puppy, make sure to understand the type of lifestyle this dog breed requires. Even more, you also need to consider the legislation surrounding this breed. Some people or government organizations might register your dog as a Pitbull and as a result, could put you in a tight spot with certain Breed Specific Legislation. You can find plenty of legitimate organizations online offering assistance in helping you find the perfect American Bulldog for you. You can get in touch with any of these organizations to find out more:. Contact Us Cornerstone American Bulldog is a breeder dedicated to bringing the world quality standard performance bulldogs that are as close to the original American Bulldog as you can get. Producing sound dogs with special attention given to disposition, alertness, drive and intelligence. We monitor temperament as any good breeder should by keeping our puppies around our other dogs, helping to keep dog aggression under control, this way we can effectively tailor behavior with the potential owner. We have been breeding the Scott type standard American Bulldog for 20 years and have attained, in our opinion, dogs of the highest quality. American Bulldog puppies from Cornerstone grow to be the epitome of what Cindy Cooke VP of events for the UKC says about the present day standard American Bulldog; "A dog that can work on a ranch or on a hunt for hours a day and not get winded. Cornerstone American Bulldog puppies are sold with full confidence that they will meet or exceed the expectations of even the most demanding dog enthusiast. A Cornerstone performance American Bulldog is along the standard Scott Type line, which are smaller than the Johnson line and bigger than the Painter line. We strive to produce a structurally sound bulldog that is ready and able to perform any task put before it. We have chosen our breed stock carefully to ensure strong, athletic and genetically-sound dogs for extreme performance. Males usually weigh between lbs, though some can get up to lbs. Performance American Bulldog people will refer to Williamson, Tate and Bailey as three distinct bulldog lines from Scott, but the distinctions are minor. The Williamson American Bulldog is known for a lighter build, narrower head, longer legs and a slightly longer muzzle. Some people say these dogs are easier to train, which makes them good for sports like Schutzhound. The Tate American Bulldog is closely related to the Williamson strain, though they may have a medium build like the Scott American Bulldog and tend to have more color. A couple of breeders started breeding them seriously as 'all-around' working dogs after World War ll, and that's really what they are now. A few are used in police work and they excel in iron dog competitions. Although they are not for everyone, we believe that the American Bulldog is the greatest of all dog breeds. We will not perpetuate this by selling puppies to just anyone. Cornerstone will ask all potential buyers what they intend to use their American Bulldog for, their level of knowledge about the breed and their experience with dogs of similar temperament. We want all of our bulldog puppies to go to a home where they will be happy and taken care of properly. With proper research and understanding, the joy of having an American Bulldog far outweighs the extra efforts of responsible ownership. A Cornerstone American Bulldog is bred for superior breed quality, so if you are looking for excellent standard American Bulldog puppies, you've come to the right place!!! Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. Will my puppy be registered with papers? Yes, all puppies are registered with the National Kennel Club 3. Will my puppy come dewormed and vaccinated? Yes, all puppies are dewormed, and vaccinated with their 8 week shots 4. Will my puppy be seen by a veterinarian? Yes, all puppies are seen and receive their health certificate by our trusted Doctor, George Lewis; which has provided us with his excellent services for over 30 years, 5. What age can I get my puppy? What do you feed your puppy? At the time of pick up, your puppy will be weaned and eating canned dog food, mixed with dry puppy food, and a little bit of Goats milk. I normally use the canned pedigree, mixed with dry Showtime Testimonials I bought my dog Miss Molly here a year and a half ago. I flew from California to get her, Scott brought her to the airport to me.Nice folks and great dogs! You have a person who has a passion and dedication for his Bulldogs. His Bulldogs are well taken care of, healthy, and socialized. I highly recommend Scott Conley for anyone interested in having a quality Bulldog. John E FishwickCustomer I got our dog from him he's a good man. Magenbrian CochranCustomer Previous Next On average the males will mature out to pounds, and the females .They have nice heads and athletic bodies. Quick Links.
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german shepherd puppies palm springs - Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Louisiana Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Louisiana? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Louisiana? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Located just 7 miles north of Covington, LA. For over 40 years, we have been providing the people of Louisiana with some of the finest Golden Retrievers. Fifteen years ago, we integrated Golden Doodles into our breeding program. If you are looking to add a member to your family, contact Hunnington Farms today. We have puppies for sale that are looking for that perfect home. Hunnington Farms is a breeding facility that believes in breeding the finest animals. We are a family-owned farm that started breeding dogs purely out of love for the animals. The way our dogs have always enriched our lives and assisted in running our farm made us want to breed the same dogs. We firmly believe the best possible dog breed for a single owner or a family with children are Golden Doodles and Golden Retrievers. No matter what trait you are looking for in your next pet, Hunnington Farms breeds the perfect dog for you. If a loyal, fun loving, ultra obedient and a true lifelong friend is what you want, we have the finest Golden Retriever puppies in Louisiana. If you? Thank you for visiting our website. Here you will find valuable information on the breeds we provide and the puppies we have for sale. We are a full service farm that has transformed a small portion into our breeding haven. We follow all AKC breeding requirements and go the extra mile to provide every home with the highest quality pet. All of our breeding dogs are OFA certified for hips, patellas, elbows, dental, and heart. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn About The Breeds. Questions about Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Louisiana? We have answers. Give me an overview of Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Louisiana. The price you will pay for Louisiana Golden Retriever puppies for sale can be affected by several factors. Your best option is to start searching for Louisiana Golden Retriever breeders, and find a puppy that fits your budget. Can breeders make travel arrangements if I find my perfect puppy in another state? Breeders and businesses of Golden Retriever puppies for sale Louisiana in our network can easily arrange transport for your puppy. So while you may begin by looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Louisiana, if you find your perfect pup elsewhere, you can arrange to meet it at your nearest major US airport. How can I be sure the breeders I find here are ethical? We only want the best, most ethical Golden Retriever Louisiana breeders here, so you can search with full confidence. Find out more in our Breeder Pledge. Is using Uptown Puppies different from searching online? It can be difficult these days to find ethical Golden Retriever breeders Louisiana with all the scammers and mills out there. We put the fun back into finding a puppy! These are terrible places where the only concern is profits, so steer clear in your search for a Golden Retriever for sale in Louisiana. That means ethical standards are often very low, and puppies from mills often develop health problems and die younger. I have a specific Golden Retriever in mind, can I find it here? How can Uptown Puppies help me find my puppy? We have put the fun back into finding a new puppy. Not only do you know that all the breeders and businesses here have incredibly high standards, but we also make it easy. Just search here for a Golden Retriever for sale Louisiana, find the puppy of your dreams, and connect with the breeder. How can I be confident that I can trust you? Bad breeders are hard to avoid because there are so many of them! When you start looking for a Louisiana Golden Retriever for sale, you can trust us because we have a very strict vetting process in place so only the top breeders and businesses get in. Want to see what other customers are saying? Then check out our reviews! Can I keep a Golden Retriever in a small apartment? There is no problem having a Golden Retriever if you live in a small home. When it comes to Louisiana Golden Retrievers for sale, they are kind, loving, and friendly dogs who love to be near to their owners. But they do need a lot of exercise, so make sure they get to go out and run around for a few hours every day to keep them happy. Are Golden Retrievers good with young kids? Obviously, every dog is an individual, and you should ensure correct supervision when your dog is around children. But in general, they are a great breed for families with kids.