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Temperament: Loyal, energetic and confident. Rottweiler Lab Mix Appearance Because this is a mixed breed, their physical appearance will vary depending on which parent breed the puppy takes after more. In general Labradors are thinner than Rottweiler, so Rottweiler Lab mixes will fall somewhere in the middle of these two breeds. Both breeds are broad-shouldered with a slight tuck and a large head. The first thing that you should notice with the Rottweiler Lab mix is how athletic they are. They should look muscular and give off a commanding presence. Their body usually resembles a Rottweiler, but their head and longer muzzle has more resemblance to the Labrador. Size The typical size of one of these dogs is anywhere between inches in height, with a weight of around pounds. Remember those pups with more Labrador will be on the smaller side, whilst those with more Rottweiler are on the heavier side. Coat and Colors These dogs come in a handful of darker colors including brown, black, gray or black and tan. A black and tan coat like that of a Rottweiler is the most common. The short to medium length coat of a Rottweiler Lab mix should be smooth to the touch. Because they have a double coat, these dogs shed quite a bit. To keep up with their shedding you should expect to brush your dog every other day or at the very least, weekly to keep the coat healthy. They are one of the largest hybrid dogs around. Despite the short coat these dogs are not hypoallergenic. This is a very adaptable dog and is suitable for most households. Rottweiler Lab Mix Personality and Temperament Rottweilers and Labradors vary quite a bit in their personalities, so it can be difficult to predict exactly how your mix will behave when fully grown. One thing you can know for sure is they love to be with their family. They will follow you all over the house and are happiest when they can be by your side. Because of this they are often prone to separation anxiety, so please be ready to work through this with your new dog. These dogs tend to be very playful and love nothing more than to play a game of fetch or tug with their owner or other dogs. And like working Labs they have boundless amounts of energy meaning that they will play for hours. Rottweiler and Lab mixes are a protective breed but are not typically aggressive — still caution is needed when letting your dog interact with strangers. Proper socialization when they are young can help to curb this but they will most likely never be very welcoming of strangers. Both Rottweilers and Labradors make great family dogs so expect this mix to be no different. They are more than willing to participate in any antics that their kids get up to. Just remember these mixes are protective by nature and will often view other children as a threat to their own kids. Caring for a Rottweiler Lab Mix The Rottweiler Lab mix is a highly active, very strong breed that needs discipline and a strong owner. They require obedience training from day one to make sure that you can keep control of them when they grow bigger and stronger. Other than that they do great in almost any household. They are a very adaptable dog that do not bark much. The biggest issue with this breed is the huge amount of physical exercise they need. Exercise Requirements Both the Labrador and the Rottweiler are high energy and athletic breeds, so your mix will be the same. These dogs like to go and need a lot of daily exercise. At least one hour walk a day with another hour of playtime is the bare minimum required for these dogs. Hiking or even swimming are great ways to tire out your dog physically. So make sure that you have the time to take them for an extra-hard hike at least once a week. You can also do dog sports with your Rottweiler Labrador mix, such as agility and rally. If these dogs do not receive the proper amount of physical stimulation they can become destructive. Number of Walks Per Day: 2. Grooming and Shedding Because of their short coat these dogs do not require regular trips to the groomers or daily brushing. However they do need to be brushed every other day or so. Regular bathing is also not necessary for these dogs. You can give them a bath just when they smell or look like they need it. Too many baths can dry out their fur and cause skin irritation. To remove dead hair and skin you can also use a wet washcloth and wipe it over their body. Feeding and Diet A high protein food specialized for large breed dogs is best for your mix. You should speak with your vet to establish the protein content your pooch needs it differs depending on how active your dog is. Because the Rottweiler Lab mix is prone to bloat it is best to feed this dog in smaller portions throughout the day. Giving them a cup of food three times a day is best. Never leave food out freely for this breed — they are prone to being overweight. Having pet insurance could save you from the headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! These devoted and docile animals are often seen following their owner and always trying to please their family with a clownish behavior. They might become destructive if you keep them separated for long periods. The Labrotties are not known to welcome strangers or other unfamiliar pets due to their territorial instincts. This makes it necessary to expose them to different people as well as sights and sounds. These pets get along fine with kids if raised with them. Care Exercise Since it has a working heritage, the breed requires a fair amount of regular activity to keep it happy. Even though it remains somewhat inactive indoors, it will appreciate a minute walk or a romp in a fenced yard. It also enjoys one or two sessions of interactive games including retrieving a ball, which it will happily carry in its mouth. Do not over-exercise your pet as its double coat could cause its body to become excessively hot. Grooming When it comes to grooming, your Labrottie needs a weekly brushing using a firm-bristled brush. This will help in not only removing the loose hairs but also distributing the skin oils much more evenly. To keep it looking clean as well as smelling good, you need to bathe your Rottweiler-Labrador mix once or twice every two months. If its nails do not wear down naturally, trim them down once a month. Health Problems Like all big dogs with a deep chest, the Labrotties are susceptible to bloat or torsion. Therefore, do not feed your dog a single large meal, neither encourage it to eat rapidly nor make it exercise vigorously after a meal. Moreover, this breed is sometimes affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, PRA, canine cataracts, and allergies. Training This breed is not suitable for those owners who lack confidence or do not have the time to supervise and train their dogs. Obedience Training: Keep the commands short, one or two words at the most. You may use clicker training that is based on positive reinforcement, consistency, and cooperation to curb its natural aggressive behavior. Socialization: Carefully introduce your Labrottie to other dogs, which will help it to learn to coexist with its new companion. Feeding Apart from feeding your dog on canned food and dry kibble, you could provide it with bones and raw meat. Feed your pet a quality dog food that has at least 30 percent protein, 20 percent crude fat, and less than 4 percent fiber. No, is the short answer to this question. Both parent breeds have coats that require little maintenance. Naturally, as it gets warmer, they get rid of their excess fur. This means your Rottweiler Lab Mix may need more regular grooming. Not all Labrotties inherit this feature. On the whole, Labradors tend to be faithful retriever dogs. If your lucky, your pup will inherit these fabulous qualities. On the flip side, a Rottweiler Lab Mix may inherit the characteristics of a Rottweiler. This breed is famous for being an excellent guard dog, so they have a natural distrust of strangers. Their aggressiveness can range anywhere from barking at strangers walking up your driveway to a full-on attack. Sadly, Rottweilers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of dog attacks, the majority of which are children. According to Dogsbite. The same principle applies to other pets. Leaving them alone for long periods of time not only triggers destructive behavior, but it can also cause separation anxiety. The last thing you want is for your pet to be unhappy. The best way to combat their aggression is to socialize them as much as possible as early as you can. Introduce your dog to lots of other dogs and different kinds of people from the offset. As puppies, this breed is supremely confident. A Rottweiler Lab Mix is best suited to a child-free household, where someone is around for most of the day. You should have time to take your dog on long walks. So grab your walking shoes and a coat and be prepared to get active! Ideally, you should take your Rottie on at least two 30 minute walks daily. You should also be an experienced dog handler. Due to their mixed lineage Lab Rottweilers are generally healthier than their pedigree parents. If left untreated, the disease can cause the bone to gradually deteriorate and eventually result in the hip joint losing all function. Hip dysplasia can also trigger a disease called degenerative joint disorder. This refers to the progressive deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints, the damage is sadly irreversible. Other illnesses to watch out for include: Hypothyroidism. Rottador Highlights Rottadors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Rottador coats are black, brown, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. When around children, especially young ones, they should be supervised because they are so big and strong. When Rottadors are raised with other dogs and cats, they generally get along well with them. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. Rottadors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Rottador History The Rottador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and Labradors in North America, likely in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Rottadors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Rottadors got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Rottador rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. However, as a mix between Rottweiler and Labrador parents, you can expect the Rottador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 70 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Rottador Personality Rottadors make affectionate family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Rottweiler parents regularly work as police or guard dogs or cattle herding, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting or guide dogs. They make excellent family companions. Just make sure you have a lot of time and attention to devote to them. Rottador Health The Rottador mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Fetch and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth three times a week minimum, or daily is even better. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Rottador Feeding An ideal Rottador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium-to-short, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are indoor dogs and need to live indoors. Because of their cattle-driving heritage, they have a tendency to lean and push and can accidentally topple a toddler with a nudge. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. They may have issues with strange dogs or adult dogs that are introduced into the home, being intolerant of same-sex dogs. With your training and guidance, however, they should accept new animals peaceably. Keep your Rottador on leash in public to prevent aggression or belligerence toward other dogs. Rottador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Rottadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. A Rottweiler crossed with a Lab is a large dog and will require at least 1, calories a day. The only way to achieve that is to go for recipes developed particularly for giant pups, such as these best large breed dry dog food brands. You may also serve them the overall best dry dog food , but remember to increase the portions. This crossbreed will have an insatiable appetite from their first months, so only give them the absolute best puppy food brands or even the best dry dog food for small dogs. Old goggies will still want to munch a ton, but the food needs to be appropriate for their age. The best senior dry dog food will have adequate ingredients for this age group and it will be softer so they can eat it with ease. This lessens the amount of food they will have per meal and reduces the risk of bloating, something that typically afflicts large breeds. Low-quality meals are also detrimental to their health, so keep your pooch away from the worst dry dog food out there. There are several good dry dog food for large breeds like the Rottweiler Lab cross. It also uses deboned chicken as its primary ingredient and eschews corn, soy or wheat. It reportedly also alleviates allergies and poor digestion. It also has flaxseed, which is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement : Although not food per se, supplements are essential for the necessary intake of vitamins and minerals that your pup may need if they are particularly active or muscular like a Rott Lab mix. It also has glucosamine to improve joint health. You should expect their offspring to inherit that trait as well. A Lab crossed with a Rottweiler needs to be taken on long walks daily, with each trip lasting about 30 to 60 minutes long. The question here is whether you have the energy and stamina to match your dog. Lack of activity and eating too much can cause your dog to put on weight. Being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes and other health problems. A Lab crossed with Rottweiler also needs a lot of attention. It needs company and puzzles and toys that will keep it engaged. Otherwise, it will become bored and develop separation anxiety. These can manifest into some pretty destructive behavior, like incessant barking, chewing, biting, and digging. The right toys can give your dog an outlet for their energy. It also helps sharpen its mind and reflexes. Here are the top toys for a large breed like the Rottodor. This KONG dog toy has been bringing joy to countless dogs for years now. The toy is designed to be filled with treats to keep your pet occupied for hours as it tries to get to the goodies. Nylabone Big Chew: This toy has a distinct shape and is made from extra-strong nylon. A lot of dog owners claim that it takes years for their dog to wear down this toy. Kick Fetch Toy Ball: Another great toy for large and active dogs, the Chuckit allows you to play fetch with your dog. But instead of throwing the ball, you kick it like a soccer ball. The grooves on the ball make it easier for your pet to carry it back to you. Rottweiler Lab Training Training the Rottweiler Lab can be easy, especially if you already have experience with dogs. Having two intelligent parents, Rottador is also smart and quick to learn. Its instinctual need to please its human gives it the motivation to work hard and learn new tricks. Like other breeds, a Rottweiler Lab mix will respond to positive reinforcement better than through punishment or other harsh strategies. However, you should tap the services of an experienced dog trainer to help train your dog. Expose your puppy to other dogs and people by bringing it to a dog park. You might have to keep it on a leash initially until it learns to interact peacefully with others. Even if your Lab Rottweiler mix is socialized, you should not let it play with very young children. Training and socialization will be a lifetime process. Punishment-based training never works. Studies have also shown that using this technique raises less obedient dogs that are more likely to attack strangers and even their owners. Have a lot of visitors over while your dog is still a puppy. Puppies are very confident, so this is the best time to introduce them to new situations. They should not become afraid of other people as fear is what makes dogs attack. Correct nibbling behavior immediately. A quick tap or a spray of a citrusy mix will put a stop to it. Redirect their gnawing tendency towards an appropriate chew toy. This strong dog has an equally strong will and drive. It needs someone who knows how to handle powerful, intelligent canines and who can step up and be firm with it. In short, it needs a no-nonsense Alpha. The Labweiler also needs a family who has an active lifestyle since it needs to be exercised regularly. This dog has boundless energy so it needs a place to romp around. It will not do well in small apartments or with owners that are more inclined towards a sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to very destructive behavior. You could come home to a ruined couch or to complaints of excessive barking. Families with young children should also choose another dog. The Rottweiler Lab mix can be the greatest canine companion for the right person. This lovable giant needs a confident and experienced dog owner who leads an active lifestyle. The appearance of this crossbreed dog will depend on the parent mix, but the Labrottie is likely to inherit a solid and sturdy body like the Rottweiler, a broad head like the Labrador and a short to medium length, shiny double coat. A Rottweiler Lab mix is one of the largest hybrid dogs around. It may look like a fearsome large dog but it can be very friendly, loyal, and loving. The Lab Rottie is a very energetic and muscular dog whose exercise needs should not be underestimated by any potential dog owner. Early behavioral and socialization training will help this Rottweiler mix show its affectionate and positive protective nature. A Labrottie puppy is an adorable crossbreed dog. A brief history of this mixed-breed dog A Rottweiler Lab mix is a cross between a purebred Rottweiler dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. When two different dog breeds are deliberately mixed, the crossbreed is known as a designer dog ; this Rottweiler and Labrador hybrid dog is sometimes nicknamed a Rottador. This breed is very confident and determined and is regarded as the No1 guard dog. Rottweiler dogs were as used to herd and guard cattle for Roman soldiers as they traveled around in their quest to conquer Europe; these cattle were the primary food source. Their alertness, discipline, and endurance made them an ideal guard dog. Fact: The Rottweiler is probably the oldest known herding dog breed with its origins traceable back to Roman times. The Rottweiler dog breed is believed to have descended from Roman drover dogs: a mastiff-like dog. Their intelligence, strength, and energy levels meant that these large dogs were used during the World Wars as guard dogs and for messenger or ambulance duties. They are still used today for this type of support and search and rescue activity. So what color is a Rottweiler dog? Parent 2: History of the Labrador Retriever — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just an attractive and loveable dog breed for any level of dog owner or as an adorable and friendly family dog. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve their fish from nets and catch any that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. The lab is gentle, fun-loving and loyal with an easy-going temperament. A Labrador Puppy, when trained and socialized it can be trusted and protective around anyone. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Rottweiler Labrador mix — the Labrottie puppy. Designer dogs gained popularity in the United States during the s and this increased demand and popularity for cross-breeds such as the Labrador Rottweiler mix. The Labrottie puppy is a hybrid dog breed and is therefore not recognized as a breed in its own right, by the American Kennel Club; nor can it be awarded pedigree papers. Any other colors may be due to a gene mutation and are rare. What are the main characteristics of a Labrottie? Any crossbred dog, like the Labrador Rottweiler mix, could inherit the characteristics and the health problems of either parent or from both; or perhaps they could get the best of both and be stronger and inherit fewer health problems than their parent breeds. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. With any mixed breed dog, you just have to wait and see how it turns out. Labrottie puppies tend to have more of the classic appearance and sturdy build of the Rottweiler but with the friendlier facial features and floppy ears of a Labrador. This mix is likely to be courageous, confident and smart and also loving and affectionate. They will show devoted loyalty to their dog owner and family. They will be fairly active and enjoy having lots of company. Reputation: Any Rottweiler mix dog could be thought of as a fierce guard dog. The Rottweiler is a confident breed that looks fiercer than its behavior displays. When a Rottweiler is mixed with a Labrador Retriever, the perception changes, as the Labrador is considered a highly friendly, soft-natured, and docile family pet. When mixed the Labrottie will be loving, loyal, and protective of its loved ones, but wary of strangers, with a big bark. This mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as it is not a purebred dog, but this will not affect this attractive dog being in demand. Trainability: Any Rottweiler mix puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as possible. This Rottweiler Labrador mix puppy will be a powerful and muscular large-dog breed that needs to learn control and discipline early. They are intelligent and determined so training should be fairly easy, but this powerful dog is not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner or anyone who cannot provide it with lots of exercise and long walks. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended for this large dog breed as is very confident, and strong-willed, so it will need to build trust with its owner. Rottweiler mix puppies should be trained slowly and never negatively punished, challenged directly, hit, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. Clicker training would work well with this puppy. This powerful mixed breed dog is no more likely to bite than any other dog breed however with their muscular build they could be very physical in their attempts to play; therefore they should be supervised at all times around young children and smaller animals. The Labweiler is fairly energetic, so a Labrador Rottweiler puppy will need at least one hour of daily exercise and playtime, building up hours a day in adulthood. Power and intelligence: Labrotties are smart, very powerful with a protective nature. They are fast learners but can be stubborn and aloof, so they will need to be trained and handled properly to be able to socialize in public with other dogs and children. They will love to keep active and play games with their family in a way that keeps them challenged; catch the ball or frisbee, puzzles or interactive toys are popular with this breed. Socialization: Early socialization dog training and discipline are strongly recommended for any Rottweiler mix dog. This type of hybrid dog has two highly active parents and one is a powerful guard dog. This mixed breed dog will need to learn to control its strength and have discipline training early to become well—behaved and trusted with other dogs and children. It will thrive in an outdoor environment. Purpose: A Rottweiler Labrador mix will be observant and have herding and retrieving instincts and want to be kept busy. The Labradors have a soft bite that is delicate and careful when retrieving anything and the Rottweiler is determined and forceful. Over time both have used their skills for good activities such as search and rescue, as both can follow orders and commands. A Labrottie can be a disciplined and protective family pet or a good service dog. Behavior: A Rottweiler Lab mix can be strong-willed, occasionally stubborn, and physically powerful, therefore it needs to be trained early as it can become destructive, bark, or chews things if under-stimulated. Physical Characteristics of the Labrottie Size: The Rottweiler Lab mix is considered a large-sized dog breed that has a solid and muscular build, with the build of a fearsome guard dog but the face of a loveable Lab. Weight: You can expect both male and female to reach between 70lblb kg in adulthood. You can expect a Labrottie to live between years, and to spawn a litter size of between pups on average. Temperament: The Rottweiler Lab mix can be strong-willed and stubborn. This Rottador has a very high energy level and can be destructive and bark if not occupied. With careful training and socialization they can be affectionate, pleasant and kind and protective How should you train a Rottweiler Labrador mix dog? The Rottweiler breed has had a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous if not trained properly. The boundaries need to be set early for this mixed breed dog. Fun and positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best. Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge this Labweiler to rebel and refuse to cooperate. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop basic command words: Stop, Sit, Down, etc. This hybrid dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use. Health problems and health issues What health problems can a Rottweiler Lab mix suffer from? Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — common in many large breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. Early warning signs are visual stiffness then walking, a reluctance to get up when prompted, and a difference in walking style; limp or caution. Bloat — any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from bloat. This dangerous excessive gas build-up can cause the stomach to twist and damage other organs. Other health issues include ear infections, bone cancer, heart problems, skin conditions and allergies, epilepsy, and cold tail. How do you care for a Labrottie dog? Exercise needs A Labrottie is outgoing, athletic, and energetic so it will need lots of mixed exercises that blend fun and challenges. They need outdoor space to run around and burn off their excess energy, long walks, and activities that involve exercising around 2 hours a day as an adult. Feeding Feed as a large-sized dog, around 3 cups of Kibble dry formulated food per day. They should be fed twice a day and slowly to prevent bloat. Grooming This mixed breed dog inherits a short to medium length, shiny, dense double coat. Bathing This shortish-haired, water-resistant coated dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Cleaning teeth, nails and ears As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need trimming regularly, say monthly, and ears need to be checked for debris that could cause infection. Lifestyle This breed is very confident, intelligent, and highly energetic. It will try to be dominant unless controlled and needs to be kept occupied otherwise it can become destructive. They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored or left alone for long periods of time, so keep stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom. They need your company and outdoor space to run. This breed is a natural watchdog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family. Positives and Negatives of ownership Positives A Family dog and loyal companion Intelligent and affectionate. Tweet on Twitter A black Lab Rottweiler mix has one purebred Labrador parent with a black coat, and one purebred Rottweiler parent. The black Lab Rottweiler mix is loyal, clever, and hard working. Puppies will grow into large dogs with lots of muscle. So, socialization and training from a young age are vital. Are you getting ready to bring a black Lab Rottweiler mix dog home? What is a Black Lab Rottweiler Mix? A black Lab Rottweiler mix is the same as any other Rottador mix. But, the Labrador parent will have a black coat, rather than chocolate or yellow. So, if your heart is set on a black Rottador or a black and tan Rottador, choosing a puppy with a black Lab parent can be a great idea. Because the black Lab Rottweiler mix has two purebred parents, it is a first generation mix. First generation mix puppies are much less predictable than later generations, since they can inherit any genes from either parent. And if the two parent breeds are quite different, this can cause some real variation, even within a single litter! Luckily, the Rottweiler and Labrador breeds share a lot of traits. So, predicting what a puppy will be like is a little easier. Purebred Rottweilers are black with either mahogany, rust, or tan markings. This is because the genes for black fur are dominant over other shades. Some may have markings, like the Rottweiler parent. And some may have different fur altogether, with other common Labrador mismarks, or even chocolate and yellow coloring. This is because black Labradors can carry the genes for chocolate or yellow coats. Ultimately, you will have to wait for the black Lab Rottweiler mix puppies to be born before you know whether they will have a black coat. But, if this is something you want, speak to your breeder and they may be able to give you first choice of any black puppies in the litter. This means a puppy will often be intelligent, friendly, and very loyal. This mix is also highly energetic. They will love spending plenty of time with you, and need a lot of mental stimulation each day. The friendliness of the Labrador is well known. But, some people can be wary of Rottweilers. However, with proper socialization and training, Rottweilers will be just as friendly and loving as a Lab. A study into canine aggression found that Rottweilers scored slightly higher than average for stranger-directed and dog-directed aggression, but lower than average for owner-directed aggression. Rottweilers form very strong bonds with their owners. So, if not socialized properly, their protective instincts may kick in, prompting potential aggression. Socializing your black Lab Rottweiler mix from a young age will help them feel comfortable and happy in the presence of unfamiliar people and animals. Black Lab Rottweiler Mix Exercise On top of training and socialization from a young age, the black Rottador mix will need plenty of exercise, as it comes from two high energy breeds. Both the Labrador and the Rottweiler parents have histories working alongside humans. And, both can be seen working with humans today, for instance as police dogs or guide dogs. This working ability is shared by all Rottadors. Training is a great way to provide some of this. But, these dogs will also need dedicated time outside to stretch their legs and run about. If they take after their Lab parent in particular, they will love fun retrieving games like fetch! Generally, this mix does best in a home with plenty of space. Ideally, they need a large and safely enclosed yard to explore and run around in. Black Lab Rottweiler Mix Health Fortunately, there are no specific health risks linked to black fur in dogs. In fact, puppies can inherit health issues from either parent breed. Rottadors are prone to the following: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Do Rottweiler Lab mixes have health concerns? Labrador Retrievers got their start when they were imported from Newfoundland to England in the s. They were hunting and fishing dogs. Rottweilers are of German descent. They have been traditionally used as guarding, herding, and hunting dogs. The Rottweiler Lab mix was perhaps inevitable with two such high demand parents. One of the best things about crossed breeds is the wide range of potential shapes and personalities your dog could grow to have. But this can have its downside as well. In the case of the Labrottie, there are several different possibilities for both appearance and personality. Labradors and Rottweilers are different sizes, and your puppy may fall anywhere between. Rottweilers generally weigh up to pounds, while Labradors are significantly less heavy set at pounds. Rottweiler height can be up to 27 inches at the shoulder, whereas Labs only grow to a maximum of .Both breeds can vary in size within themselves, so it stands to reason that larger Labrador and Rottweiler parents will have a larger Labrottie pup. Most, however, should fall somewhere in the middle. Labrador Rottweiler Mix Coat Rottweilers are well known for their classic black and tan coloring. They have short, low-maintenance coats. Labs come in different colors. Yellow, chocolate, black — they could pass down their coloring to your Labrottie puppy, resulting in a unique coloration. All you can bank on is the range from both parents. Labrador Rottweiler Mix Shedding Labradors have a double coat that protects them from the cold in winter or while swimming in cold water. This is especially true during certain times of the year, as their winter coat starts to come loose. The Labrottie has the benefit of two parent breeds with generally low-maintenance coats. Both Labradors and Rottweilers have short, easily groomed coats. Rottweiler Lab mix pups will definitely have the same length coat. Then they may need a little more. Rottweiler Lab Mix Temperament Labradors have a proud history as faithful retriever dogs, whereas Rottweilers have an equally proud history as guard dogs. Labradors are generally friendly, and are bred specifically for the task of returning hunted game to their owners. A dog bred for this purpose needed to be comfortable around all sorts of people. Rottweilers, in their guarding capacity, have been bred in a way that a fearful and distrusting attitude toward strangers. But how does this combination affect your pup? Labrottie Personality First generation mixes are kind of like rolling a dice. Or you might end up with a protective guard dog that looks exactly like the Labrador. Rottie Lab Mix Aggression As a breed, Rottweilers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of dog attacks. They certainly appear to be among the more aggression-prone breeds. This should be seriously considered by people with kids. Guarding dogs are generally good with their families, but families have friends. Kids bring over other kids, and a family pet needs to be accepting of this. One is by meeting the Rottie parent and making sure they are totally at ease in the presence of you and your family. Socialization is vital for any breed, but especially for a breed like the Rottweiler. Rottweiler Lab Mix Socialization The idea of using traditional training techniques on your Rottweiler mix may be a daunting task for some owners. Fortunately, nowadays we have better and safer methods for training dogs. The first step is always socialization. Introduce your dog to lots of other dogs and people at a very young age to help desensitize them to strangers. You want them to happily accept people coming and going in their home as nothing to be afraid of. Your Rottweiler Lab mix puppy must meet new visitors every day. Make sure a large proportion of them are children. In the wild they would be under the protection of their family, so fear would be unnecessary. Therefore, this is the best time to throw them into all sorts of new situations. Training And Exercising Your Rottweiler Lab Mix Positive training techniques also play a vital role in crafting the obedience and temperament of a dog. For anyone still considering punishment-based training, I would strongly advise against it. Studies have shown that dogs trained in this manner are less obedient, and more likely to attack both their owners and strangers. Rottweiler Lab Puppy Training Like any puppy, your Rottador will require specialized training when they are young, in addition to socialization. Rottweiler Lab Mix Exercise All dogs require a good amount of exercise to keep them in shape. This is especially true with physically capable breeds like the Rottweiler and Lab. Given a good amount of space to run around in, your Labrottie will thrive. Lack of exercise combined with poor diet can unfortunately be deadly. Obesity in dogs, as in humans, leads to diabetes and other complications. Breeding two dogs that are genetically dissimilar results in a phenomena called hybrid vigor, whereby outbreeding undoes a lot of the harm done by inbreeding. These dogs can still carry on genetic diseases from either of their parents given the right circumstances. Labrador Health Both Labradors and Rottweilers suffer regularly from hip dysplasia, meaning their hips are improperly formed. One nasty complication of hip dysplasia is a disease called degenerative joint disorder. One of the more commonly reported concerns in Labradors is exercise induced collapse. This strange condition means that Labradors in the full swing of physical activity may suddenly be unable to hold themselves up. It has actually been linked to a gene, so it is doubtless inherited from dog to dog. Other problems commonly seen in Labradors include elbow dysplasia, PRA, obesity, ear problems, and skin allergies. Hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as PRA, can be tested for. Health testing is an important part of the process of taking care of our pets. Rottweiler Health Elbow dysplasia is also a very common condition in Rottweilers. A study of German Rottweilers found more than half suffered from this ailment. Rottweilers also appear to be susceptible to a few nasty neurological disorders, namely nueroaxonal dystrophy and leukoencephalomalacia. Both of these diseases are degenerative, meaning they gradually get worse and worse. Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment for either, and they sadly can be fatal. For more information on health tests and screens that should be done for Rottweilers, visit the British Veterinary Association and this panel from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. Although he is potentially less likely to suffer from any of these diseases than a purebred dog, the risk is not removed. Health testing is still a vital part of good breeding practice, even for mixes. Rottweilers have a shorter span of years. Your Rottweiler and Labrador mix could fall anywhere in that range, depending on the health of the dog. What makes a pet good depends on the person, and also the individual pet. Your Lab Rott mix could look like a Labrador, but with the guarding instincts and characteristic wariness of the Rottweiler. Equally, your dog could look much more Rottweiler-ish and have the gentle, easily trainable personality of a Labrador. The likelihood is it will be somewhere in between. Socialization and training go a long way to producing a happy and friendly dog. But genetics play an important role. The Labrador Rottweiler mix is best suited to an active adult home, where the family is around for much of the day and is committed to positive reinforcement training methods. But they will need a lot of work in terms of socialization and training, to make sure you reduce the possibility of bad behavior later on. Both parents should be friendly, healthy and confident. This is by no means a guarantee, but stacks more of the odds in your favor. Please avoid buying from puppy mills or pet stores, as these have no real concern for the health of their animals. Rottweiler Lab puppies are now deliberately bred, but they have existed for quite a while by accident. You need to avoid backyard breeders by only going to someone who has mixed a beloved pet due to their excellent health and wonderful temperament. Good breeders ask lots of questions, and are happy to answer them in return. Both the Lab and Rottie parent of your puppy must have excellent hip and elbow scores. The breeder should provide you proof of this. They must also be clear for PRA and have recent unaffected eye tests from their vet.

Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd breed has always been popular in America. In fact, they have been ranked as number 1 in popularity throughout most of U. If a female German Shepherd dog GSD has joined your family, and you are thinking about breeding from her, you may be curious about how many puppies you should expect in one litter — as well as how many she might have over her years with you. On average, a German Shepherd can have puppies per litter. Some have as many as 15 or as few as one puppy per litter. On record, the biggest German Shepherd litter was 17 puppies by a dog named Mosha. The gestation period is approximately 63 days about two months after conceiving. However, this number may vary by several days. A German Shepherd dog can have two litters per year until around the age of 8. This means that a German Shepherd Dog can have approximately 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Well, the answer to this may help you understand the quantity of puppies they produce in a litter. The German Shepherd is native to Germany and is a cross breed between working sheep dogs and a dog believed to be a quarter wolf. They were originally bred to protect families and to herd livestock. Are there factors that affect the number of puppies a female German Shepherd can have? How many times in a year can they give birth? Knowing how many puppies to expect may help you plan resources to accommodate them if you are planning on becoming a breeder. A female German Shepherd with a small body will have a smaller litter size compared to a GSD with a bigger body. If you want a larger litter size, therefore, you should breed your German Shepherd before they are seven years or older. The best breeding years are between 2- 5 years of age. As the male dog ages, their sperm count decreases, and this affects the number of puppies in the litter. If you are a breeder, it is best to practice breeding when the male dog is in its prime years, between 2- 5 years. This way, you are likely to get a bigger litter size. The female should also have a healthy diet before breeding. Diet and health go hand in hand. A diet that consists of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will help your GSD to have a larger litter size. Your vet will help you determine the perfect diet before, during, and after your dog's pregnancy. Although it may be nerve-wracking, you need to be there to help your German Shepherd give birth. A whelping box with a heating pad or a heating lamp will help keep the new-born puppies warm. New-born puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature, hence why the heating pad or lamp will come in handy. Heating pads: place them under the blankets or towels where the puppies lie. Make sure the setting is comfortable for them. At birth, they weigh about 0. German Shepherd dog puppies have four developmental life stages after they are born. You will notice the mother licking her puppies to clean them. Milk from their mother is very crucial at this age. They can begin eating some main foods but still nurse and feed on soft foods. By eight weeks, a puppy has all its teeth, and the teething process begins. At this time, you should ensure each puppy starts to wear a properly-fitted dog collar. For added security, choose a collar that allows you to track their location via GPS. Final Thoughts Owning a dog is a joyous experience, and when you own a German Shepherd, you have a loyal, smart, fierce, and protective dog for life. To add to that, German Shepherd dogs make good mothers and they know what to do during and after giving birth. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Once your dog has had them Factors that determine the number of pups that the dog will have Although the body of most animals operates synchronously and wonderfully, dogs are not machines. Therefore they do not always have the same number of pups. In addition, some factors may interfere with the amount of puppies present in the litter, which may vary according to: The age of the dog - the most numerous births often occur from the fourth heat onwards. If the dog is properly nurtured and fed. The dog's general health. When the dog is bred. Female dogs have only two fertile days and breeding them at this stage will ensure greater litter numbers instead of doing it a few days earlier. Dog sperm can survive inside the female for two days, so if bred two days before the fertile time, the female can still get pregnant - but it is likely that only a few sperm are alive to fertilise those eggs, reducing the amount of the dog's litter. It's the bitch who frees the number of eggs that will be exposed to fertilisation depending on factors such as size and heritage, thus the myth that a dog is a stud and that depends solely on the male for the amount of puppies is false. The number of puppies depends on the number of mature eggs that emerge from the ovaries, the day the sexual intercourse is done and then, of course, the fertility of the male dog. Besides, German Shepherds with pedigree tend to have fewer puppies than those that do not have such a pure lineage or care. How many puppies do German Shepherds usually have? We must bear in mind that the German Shepherd is a large breed, so the ovaries have the capacity to produce more eggs and the uterus has more space to store the puppies, which means that they usually have large litters. A German Shepherd which does not have a pedigree lineage usually has between 7 and 9 puppies, while those with pedigree lineage often pop out between 4 and 6 puppies. It is essential to note that this is not a standard because many factors interfere with the formula. There may be bitches that have more or even fewer puppies than indicated here. Once your dog has had them It is essential to respect the time of birth and the first hours in which both puppies and your dog are together. Remember that dogs are highly olfactory, so you should not bathe your dog after giving birth or you could remove its natural odour and thus confuse the puppies. However it is useful to carefully clean the dog basket and wipe it with a damp cloth that has been dipped in warm water. Then dry it with some towels and return it to those puppies. During the first 12 hours, your bitch will not want to eat, but it is important to give her plenty of fresh water to keep her hydrated. When the animal regains its appetite, it must have at its disposal nutritious food. German Shepherd puppies should not be separated from the mother before 8 weeks. This could affect their learning and development. The recommendation, in fact, is to wait until 10 weeks to give them a new home. Puppies If your German Shepherd is pregnant or you are planning on breeding you may be wondering how many puppies can a German Shepherd have. The amount of puppies each German Shepherd has will vary on many different factors. This article will answer dive into the factors to help you better predict the number of puppies your GSD will have. Generally, you can expect a German Shepherd to have between 5 and 8 puppies per litter. However, German Shepherds have had litters as large as 14 and as small as only 1. There are many factors that contribute to the size of the litter. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. Large dogs like German Shepherds go into heat around every 6 months. During their heat is when they are capable of becoming pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two and four weeks long. Thus, if you breeders or individuals who are looking to breed their GSD track their heat timing and plan to have them mate during their heat. German Shepherds are pregnant for nine weeks on average. Factors That Affect German Shepherd Littler Size Although it is normal for a German Shepherd to have between five and eight puppies a litter, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the litter size. The most common factors are below: The size of the female dog The size of the dog has a big impact of how many puppies they can carry. Although German Shepherds are considered to be a large dog breed some female German Shepherds are larger than others. A female GSD that is larger will be able to carry more pups than a smaller one. Inbreeding Another factor that can contribute to litter size is inbreeding. A pregnancy that is the result of inbreeding will generally produce less puppies than one that is not. Accordingly, if you want to increase your GSD litter size make sure not to bred a female with a male that is related. The age of female The age of the female German Shepherds also plays a role in their potential litter size. Older German Shepherds will generally have smaller litters. The prime age to breed a GSD is between 2 and 5 years of age. You should not breed an elderly GSD. Just like with human males, the sperm count of male German Shepherds will decrease as they age. This decrease can make it harder for them to get a female pregnant and can also impact the litter size if they do get a female GSD pregnant. Health of the female Another factor that is important is the overall health of the female German Shepherd. In order for any dog to produce a healthy plentiful litter of puppies the dog carrying the pups has to be in prime health. Leading up to pregnancy your dog should be fed a high-quality diet, and during pregnancy a GSD will require a diet in that a certain amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates to ensure a health pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant German Shepherds can sometimes need dietary supplements if they are not getting the appropriate nutrients through their diet. Conclusion There are many factors that impact how many puppies German Shepherds can have. Most commonly German Shepherds will have between five and eight puppies, but age, health, and inbreeding can cause a GSD to bear a smaller litter. Breeders who are looking to increase litter size will need to make sure that all those controllable factors are in line and let nature do the rest. Aug 3, Share German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. According to the AKC , the largest litter registered was 17 puppies. This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds. For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach pounds. When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter. It is impossible to tell how many puppies that a particular dog might have until she gets further into her pregnancy. These factors may help you make a good guess, however. This is most obvious when comparing different dog breeds. In turn, small breeds have small litters. However, the exact size of the dog also matters. Smaller German Shepherds will have smaller litters on average than larger German Shepherds. If your dog is larger, she may end up having a larger litter, or she might not. This will reduce the overall size of the litter. Even if you feed her excellent food and take care of her, underlying health problems can cause puppies to perish before they are fully developed. Diabetes is an excellent example of this. However, improperly fluctuating blood sugar can have a massive impact on growing puppies. Without the proper blood sugar levels, many puppies will not develop properly. Short-term conditions can also cause some puppies to develop improperly and be reabsorbed. For instance, infections can cause one or more puppies to stop developing altogether. Most miscarriages go unnoticed without any clinical signs, especially if only a few puppies are lost. Only late-term miscarriages usually get noticed. This seems to happen most commonly in purebred dogs, according to the vets at High Street Steeping Vet Clinic. Purebred dogs may have more genetic abnormalities than mixed breed dogs because they inherit traits from a smaller genetic pool. The odds of them inheriting something harmful is higher, simply because there are fewer genes for them to inherit. Many purebred dogs are also inbred, including the German Shepherd. Middle-aged German Shepherds tend to have larger litters than younger and older dogs. German Shepherds typically have the largest litters around age 5. After that, they may decline in size. However, this decline is more rapid and apparent in some dogs than others. Many older dogs have health problems, which likely affects their litter size too. Some of these health impacts may go unnoticed and therefore, be wrongly attributed to age. Season There is evidence that the season that the dog gives birth affects the litter size. However, other studies found no correlation between when the litter was born and the overall litter size. There may be a regional component to this, though. In areas with more significant seasonal changes, the season may make more of a difference. In the tropics, it may not. However, more studies are needed to determine this possibility. Heritability Studies have found that dogs may inherit their litter size potential. Dogs that are born to bigger litters tend to have bigger litters themselves. If there is another factor at play, it will likely take precedent. Plus, much of this heritability may be linked to the size of the dog. Many dogs are going to be a similar size as their parents. Nutrition Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock There are a few nutritional components that can affect litter size and the overall health of the mother and her puppies. When a mother dog becomes pregnant, her nutritional needs change. Protein is essential for pregnant dogs. This is similar to what puppies need, so many pregnant dogs are often fed puppy-intended dog food. Fatty acids may also play a role. Dogs with lower levels of serum glucose in their amniotic fluid tend to have smaller litter sizes. Therefore, feeding them a diet higher in omega fatty acids may be helpful. Image Credit: J. Feeding your canine a better diet may result in a bigger litter, for instance. If your dog is sick, it is paramount that you treat them before attempting to create a litter. However, these factors have to be adjusted before the dog gets pregnant. Once the dog has conceived, it is impossible to increase their litter size, though you can prevent losses. There are also many factors out of your control. While there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of these issues, you can never prevent them entirely. Even if your dog lives in a clean environment and is healthy, infections can still occur. You should be feeding her food suitable for puppies as soon as you plan on breeding her or at least as soon as you find out that she is pregnant. Choosing which dogs to breed also impacts litter size and can be controlled to a certain extent. However, some dogs may have small litter sizes but may otherwise be great breeding candidates. In general, to increase your dog's litter size, we recommend doing the following: Regular testing for infections Regular vet checks for reproductive tract disease Final Thoughts The average German Shepherd litter size is about eight puppies. However, there are many factors that can go into this. Keeping your dog healthy is essential to maximizing litter sizes. But many factors are outside of your control. If a puppy inherits specific genes, they are less likely to develop correctly and make it to birth, lowering the overall litter size. Related Reads:. A junior is the canine version of a teenager, and this is usually the time period between six and twelve months old. Adult dogs have completely finished growing and range between one and seven years old, while mature dog is at least seven years old. After this age, the dog will then be considered middle-aged. The ages of the last two categories will depend on the breed. A senior dog is an older dog that has reached the final quarter of its life expectancy. Since a German Shepherd has a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, it will enter its senior years when it is between nine and .A geriatric dog is one that has reached the end of its stated life expectancy — and is still going strong. If Gunther the German Shepherd makes it to 15, he is considered geriatric. Is it true that dogs age seven years for every human year? She says it may have stemmed from an observation that dogs lived to be 10 years old, while humans lived to be 70 on average. It is true that dogs age much faster than humans, but the extent and speed of this process depends on many factors. Larger dogs tend to age faster and have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. The AKC divides dogs into four size categories: Small 20 pounds or under Medium 21 to 50 pounds Large 51 to pounds Giant Over pounds An adult male German Shepherd usually weighs between 66 and 88 pounds, and an adult female generally weighs between 49 and 73 pounds. Then, until they reach the age of five, they age four years every year. Large dogs that are over five years old then generally age five or six years every year, and a German Shepherd that lives to be 14 is comparable to a human of .How many puppies can German Shepherds have? It is born completely helpless and depends on its mother for everything; it even needs her help to go to the bathroom. The puppy will typically start to crawl when it is a week old, and its eyes will open a few days later. The first baby teeth emerge when the puppy is two weeks old, and it will start going to the bathroom on its own around the same time. The socialization period lasts from the third to the twelfth week. Then, when the puppy can move, see, and hear, it needs to learn the social skills that will enable it to successfully interact with humans and other dogs. However, it still needs to stay with its mother during this time, so she can teach it proper dog behavior and other vital life skills. German Shepherds this age should also be introduced to humans to begin getting used to their presence. They will generally begin playing with their littermates and their humans when they are about four weeks old. Puppies that are at least seven weeks old can then be housebroken. The following video covers the growth and development of a German Shepherd puppy from when it is seven weeks old to six months old. The owner noted such physical changes as increasingly erect ears and darkening fur. The juvenile period lasts from three to six months and ends when the dog reaches sexual maturity. By this age, the puppy has all of its baby teeth. The puppy will be old enough for obedience school towards the end of the juvenile period. By the time a German Shepherd is six months old , it will look mostly like an adult dog, but it has not yet finished growing. It will have reached about 70 percent of its adult height and weight, and it will also have all of its adult teeth. German Shepherds, at this age should be spayed or neutered unless their owner plans to breed them. Health A healthy German shepherd will produce many healthy puppies compared to an unhealthy one. Always take your GSD to a vet clinic to confirm that she is in a healthy state. This is because the larger ones have a bigger carrying capacity. Diet Diet plays a crucial role in influencing the size of the litter of a GSD. Feed her a balanced diet rather than only kibble throughout. Age German shepherds are more fertile between the ages of two to three years. If she gets older than that age, she is less likely to deliver a large litter. Individual Genetic Factors If a German shepherd delivers a large first litter the chances are that she will do the same in the second and the third litter. Gestation period for a GSD Their pregnancies take around 64 days which is a little more than other dogs. This is influenced by their bigger size. What to Expect of a Pregnant German Shepherd Change in Appetite The appetite might increase or decrease depending on the stage of pregnancy. She can show signs of morning sickness like vomiting. In case of a reduced appetite, you should try to feed her her favorite meal. Decrease in Activity If your GSD feels exhausted most of the time, she will be taking a nap more than usual. If your dog likes sleeping a lot, this sign might go unnoticed. Unless you have confirmed that she is pregnant, sleeping a lot should be seen as a red flag especially for active dogs. Behavior Change Behavior change will depend on an individual dog. Some German shepherds will seek extra attention and will be around you most of the time, while others will like isolation and will be hostile whenever you get closer to them. Her abdomen will enlarge, though this is among the last signs of pregnancy. This should not worry you as she will be back to her normal size once she delivers. The nipples might get dark red in color. Other times the milk might leak in the late stage of pregnancy. Frequent Urination A female German shepherd can increase the no of times she urinates during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be territory marking. She can pee anywhere, in the living room, the seat, or in the corner of a room. Nesting Behavior During the last stage of pregnancy, she will start preparing a place for the expected puppies. She will shred anything from blankets, newspapers, or clothes and keep them in her nest. Proper Feeding Feed your expectant German shepherd a balanced diet. Buy her the best dog food you can afford. It is advisable to increase the quantity of food you feed her. Instead of giving her a lot of food at once, divide the food into smaller portions and give it to her many times. This is to ensure that that the mother and the unborn puppies are healthy. Give Her space Due to hormonal changes, your dog will have mood swings. If she is not willing to eat or play do not compel her. Just give her space to be herself. Whelping Box A whelping box is set on the last stage of German shepherd pregnancy. It is a safe and comfortable place equipped with all the necessities needed for safe delivery. The place should be noise-free. Bottom Line German shepherds are caring parents. In rare cases, German shepherds eat their newborns. Be watchful to avoid such instances. Related Posts:. How many puppies do German shepherds have in their first litter? April 27, We all know that German shepherd is an intelligent dog and quite active in all his areas. But apart from his intelligence, he is the most fun-loving dog. And I also found that this is the only breed of dog which is so versatile, he can be your family dog, a guard dog, a military dog, a police dog, a search and rescue dog and a herding dog as well. I can say that this is the most versatile dog. Pregnancy and litters of German shepherd dog The bodyweight of a female German shepherd is around 30kgs and height are between 20 to 24 inches and this is a bodyweight for the healthy pregnancy of a German shepherd dog. German shepherd dog becomes a wonderful mother and she has a huge number of litters in her pregnancy. This is no fixed numbers of puppies in the German shepherd litter and it can vary from 1 to 15 puppies. Usually, a female German shepherd dog has 8 puppies in her first litters. A Female German shepherd has two litters in a year and this started from an early age and continues up to the age of 8 which means that she can have 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Factors affecting the size of litters.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today!

Average weight: kg for males; kg for females. The large pricked ears and clean-cut tapering head mean that even at rest these dogs look alert and primed to spring into action. The North American-bred German shepherds have a definite sloping stance with hind quarters low to the ground, quite distinct from the more level in appearance European lines. The most common coat colour is black and tan, but other patterns include black and cream, black and silver, black and red, sable, grey, blue, liver, black, and white, although blue, liver, and white colourings are not accepted in certain show classes. Temperament The German shepherd can be described as intelligent, courageous, obedient, loyal, alert, watchful, and confident, but they are also aloof, reserved dogs that tend not to make friends instantly with everyone they meet. With their owners and family, they are easy-going, friendly, and extremely loyal characters, and very protective when threatened, making them exceptional guard dogs. The protective, loving nature of the breed make it a good choice for families with children, or any individuals able to provide regular exercise and suitable companionship. They can adapt to life in a city apartment or out in the country living a ranch or farm life, but they need to live indoors as part of the family and are not suited to life in an outdoor doghouse. As with many herding breeds, German shepherds are barkers. They need daily physical and mental exercise, and if they are left alone for extended periods or become bored, barking can become an issue, along with other unwanted behaviours such as chewing. Regular grooming two or three times each week will help to keep more of the hairs on the brush than elsewhere in your home, but a vacuum cleaner designed to cope with pet hair could be a worthwhile investment. Bathing is only needed occasionally as German shepherds are generally odourless. Ears should be checked and wiped clean weekly, nails trimmed monthly, and teeth cleaned regularly to keep teeth and gums in good shape for chewing on toys and bones. Feeding As with all dog breeds, a German shepherd should be fed according to its weight to prevent over or under feeding. The large size, and high energy and exercise needs of the breed must be taken into consideration, and advice from a veterinarian will help to establish the correct portion sizes. An overweight German shepherd may suffer from joint problems and other health conditions, so measured meals, limited snacks, and adequate exercise are essential to ensure a long and active life. German shepherd puppies grow extremely rapidly in their first year, especially between four and seven months, making the breed susceptible to related bone disorders. A high-quality, low-calorie diet is recommended to help control the rate of bone growth in puppyhood, and dietary needs will then change at different ages and stages of life. Exercise German shepherds are not couch potatoes and they need daily physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and healthy. An absolute minimum of two half-hour walks each day plus some form of stimulation through play or training is required to prevent boredom leading to undesirable behaviour. Playing on grass and softer surfaces and taking part in activities such as puppy agility will ensure the joints are given adequate time to form fully without risking damage or injury. Training Originally bred for herding, German shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, but they need regular exercise and training to satisfy their high-energy needs. The German shepherd is an action-dog that can be trained to work in a wide variety of roles, including being a hearing dog for the deaf, a sniffer dog for the police, and a search and rescue dog following earthquakes or avalanches. On top of this, they can be great family dogs when they are given plenty of opportunities to socialize with children early in their training. Health Overall, German shepherds are a healthy breed, but they can be prone to joint issues and digestive disorders. Conditions that may affect the breed include: Hip dysplasia a developmental condition causing weakness in the hip joint, generally manifesting before the age of 1 year. Cancers German SHepherds can develop benign skin tumors that are easily removed with simple surgery, but several other types of cancer can occur, including heart, brain, thyroid, spleen, testes or mammary glands, and lymphoma. Elbow dysplasia as with hip dysplasia, joint laxity in the elbow can result from bones growing at different rates, leading to pain and lameness. Bloat also known as gastric dilation and volvulus, bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects large dog breeds with a deep chest such as the German shepherd. The stomach becomes distended if the dog eats too much or too rapidly, or drinks too much water at once, especially before exercising. A twist in the stomach then prevents belching or vomiting, and the consequent drop in blood pressure leads to shock. Preventing this condition requires careful feeding of appropriately sized meals at the correct times of day. Degenerative myelopathy DM a neurological disease affecting the spinal cord and nerve function in the hind legs. This condition is most common in middle-aged and older dogs, eventually taking away the ability to walk. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI a genetic disease affecting the pancreas and the ability to digest and absorb food. Symptoms of the condition include loss of appetite and weight loss, leading to a thin and hungry dog, but most dogs recover with appropriate medical care. Allergies German shepherds can suffer from allergies ranging from food to contact varieties, and symptoms include licking at paws, rubbing at faces, and scratching. Gradually, the ears become erect, but not necessarily at the same time. Welcome from our. Breeds Puppies The link has been copied! German Shepherds are medium to large working dogs that were bred in Germany to be used as a herding dog for sheep. Today, they are common household dogs that are loved around the world. These dogs tend to be loyal, stubborn, confident, intelligent, curious, brave, obedient, and protective. They have many positive attributes that make them very popular as pets. Size and Appearance of a 4 Month Old German Shepherd Once a German Shepherd reaches four months of age, it can be one foot tall and will weigh about half of the total adult weight. Male German Shepherds will weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, while females will weigh between 31 and 35 pounds. Between months three and four of life, a German Shepherd will gain around 10 pounds of body weight, and this will cause a difference in the dog's size and appearance. At this age, German Shepherds will be growing quickly, and you will be able to notice differences in the dog's size month-by-month. A four-month-old German Shepherd will no longer look like a puppy, and it will more closely resemble an adult by this age. Once the dog reaches four months old, the coat will be different from that of a puppy, and the dog will shed much more. The coat will become thicker and glossier, and the exact texture might depend on what foods the dog is eating. German Shepherds come in a variety of colors that include black, white, gray, black and tan, black and red, black and silver, and sable. The coloring of your dog will depend on the breeding and parents. Additionally, the dog is teething at this age. The German Shepherd will be teething until about seven to eight months, and during this time, the milk teeth will be replaced with larger adult teeth. German Shepherd puppies tend to have ears that lay flatter, while the adult's ears will be perky and stand straight up. At four months, the process of ear perking will begin, although the cartilage will not strengthen for another month or two. This means that the ears can perk up, then flatten, then perk up again until they become permanently lifted in adulthood. The dog's ears can remain flat if they live somewhere with consistently loud sounds, as they will try to avoid damage to their hearing by listening to these noises. To allow the dog's ears to perk properly, it is important to keep your dog away from loud, abrupt noises that can negatively affect their hearing. Activity and Behavior Four month old German Shepherds are very active puppies that must be stimulated physically as well as mentally. Some great activities to do with a dog include playing outside, playing with toys, going on walks or jogs, dog sports, and attending obedience training. A four-month German Shepherd will enjoy going on walks for about a mile at a time, and it is preferable to go on several shorter walks throughout the day rather than going on one very long walk. About two hours of active playtime per day is important for your puppy. Playtime is when they are both physically and intellectually enriched, and it is vital for development going into adulthood. For the first four months of life, there are many new experiences and adventures that your dog will learn from, so it is important. Sleeping Needs Sleep is extremely important for a young German Shepherd, and if the dog is not getting enough sleep , it might start to misbehave. If you notice this, it is important to discuss working out a proper daily schedule with your veterinarian, as it will often be a fix that you can make yourself by changing your routine, walk schedule, eating times, or play times. At the age of four months, a German Shepherd will sleep for around 18 hours a day. They need the energy to grow, which is why they sleep for most of the day, but in the hours when they are awake, German Shepherds tend to be very active. Dogs that exercise a lot will also sleep more to recuperate the energy lost during the day. If there are many new things to explore, the dog will sleep for fewer hours during the day. Some four months later, German Shepherds will also take 15 to minute naps during the day, and then they will wake up to play, eat, or use the bathroom. Health and Care Each time you take your dog to the vet, you should weigh and measure your German Shepherd to make sure that they are growing at the proper rate. If your dog is healthy, it should be growing quickly, and the veterinarian can confirm that everything looks good. At the age of four months, you should get a third set of vaccines, including DHPP and rabies, to protect your dog against these diseases. This can be done through a veterinarian. Vaccines are important to complete on time to boost your dog's immune system and keep them as healthy and up-to-date as possible. It is important to take your dog to the vet if you notice extreme changes in behavior, sleeping patterns, coughing or sneezing , runny noses or overly watery eyes, any form of weight loss, lack of appetite, heavy breathing, excessive urination, irritated gums, vomiting, or diarrhea. These can be signs that your dog is sick and needs medical care. Bathing your German Shepherd too often can cause the natural oils that a dog needs to keep its skin protected to dry up, so it is important not to over-bathe your puppy. However, it is important to keep your dog's bed, bowls, and toys clean to avoid fleas or other insects that might negatively affect your pet. As your four-month-old German Shepherd's coat is transitioning into an adult coat, it is important to brush the fur every day. This is to prevent excessive shedding, which can irritate your dog and create a mess inside the house. It is important to always be gentle with your dog and not brush him too roughly. Feeding Your 4 Month Old German Shepherd A German Shepherd is a big dog, and at the age of four months, it is still a puppy that is actively growing and will therefore require a large amount of food. Four-month German Shepherds should be fed three times a day, and they should eat one to two cups of kibble at each feeding time. This kibble should be specifically meant for puppies of this age, as it will have the proper nutrients and ingredients for your puppy to grow into a healthy adult. At the end of the fourth month, you can begin to feed your dog twice a day, but they should still be eating kibble meant for puppies until they reach six months of age and they are no longer growing as rapidly. Treats are also a good addition to kibble, but you should not exceed three to five small treats per day. These treats should be exclusively for dogs , as feeding your German Shepherd adult food can cause many health issues. It is important to monitor how much you are feeding your dog, as overeating can cause obesity and lead to severe health issues. Additionally, if you decide to use a raw diet rather than kibble, it is important to be mindful of the quality and nutrition of the food to keep your German Shepherd healthy and energized. Training A four-month German Shepherd will be easy to train because the puppy's main goal will be to please their owner, and they are very intelligent and loyal dogs that will be eager to learn from their owner. One of the reasons why German Shepherds are such a popular breed is because of their trainability. A German Shepherd's instinct is to protect, as the breed was originally bred to herd and protect sheep. This can lead to a puppy barking often as a means to protect its family, and this can be a misbehavior that the owner hopes to correct. Training can help reduce unnecessary barking in your German Shepherd puppy. Another potential behavioral issue is using the bathroom inside the home, which is common at four months old. The owner must train their dog to go outside to use the bathroom, and patience is required for this process. The most efficient strategy for potty training is to be encouraging when the puppy correctly uses the bathroom outside and to avoid any anger when they have an accident, as this will only make training go slower. German Shepherd puppies might also bite and nip people to try to get attention or play. They will understand that they should not repeat this behavior and will learn quickly. While your German Shepherd is teething, it might bite furniture, which can cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to buy many chew toys to help your dog with the process of teething, as well as move any valuables out of the dog's reach. This behavior will reduce once the dog's adult teeth have all come in. Socialization with people and other animals can help your German Shepherd behave better, and it is important to expose them to new situations to help them learn. They are very curious animals who will enjoy having new experiences and trying new things. A German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized dog, and by the age of four months, the puppy will already be much larger than it was at birth. At four months, a male German Shepherd will have a shoulder height between 11 and 14 inches. A female German Shepherd will have a shoulder height between 10 and 12 inches. A male German Shepherd at four months old should weigh 35 to 40 pounds. A female should weigh 31 to 35 pounds. The dog should be rapidly growing, but it is important not to let them overeat because obesity can be a real health issue for your dog. Measuring the weight of your dog regularly can help you keep track of its growth, and if there are any concerning patterns, you should discuss it with your veterinarian. At the age of four months, it is not unusual for your dog to grow up to two pounds in a single week, and it is a time of great change and growth. At the age of four months, your German Shepherd should eat three meals a day. These meals should consist of one to two cups of kibble. This means that the total amount of kibble eaten per day should be three to six. You should base how much you feed your German Shepherd on their size, activity level, and how hungry they are. If you are unsure about how much to feed the puppy, you should consult your veterinarian for help. Treats can be used in moderation to train your young puppy and motivate them to partake in good behavior , or they can just be used as a snack throughout the day. A 4-month-old German Shepherd can walk for about one mile at a time before they become tired. Going for a thirty-minute walk twice a day will be sufficient exercise for your puppy to keep them nice and strong without overworking them. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are great dogs to keep as pets. They have many positive traits that make them brilliant, loyal, and protective companions that will stay by your side no matter what. They are great work dogs as well as great pets, including for families. German Shepherds are easy to train, and they are very obedient animals that can learn all kinds of tricks. When your German Shepherd is still a puppy, it is the best time to teach them obedience, potty train them, and teach them to play. German Shepherds will be growing rapidly at four months, and it is important to take proper care of them so that they can grow into strong, healthy adults. Making sure that they have enough intellectual stimulation through walks, exploring new people and places, and toys can ensure that your dog is getting the attention that they need. Additionally, they should be fed enough to fuel their growing bodies. They should be taken to the veterinarian regularly to make sure that they are growing at a proper rate and that there are no health problems that need the attention of a professional. German Shepherds grow up fast , and when they are four months old, you will notice many changes in their size, mannerisms, and behavior. By four months, they will have developed a unique personality, and they will be your best friend! Taking care of your best friend will bring joy to both you and your pet, and it is an exciting journey to take together. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Reliable training German Shepherd puppy training: socialization! The first item in your German Shepherd puppy training list is Socialization. It means that you must provide your baby German Shepherd with interesting and positive interactions. If you ensure that your pup interacts, and has a positive and rewarding experience, with as many people, dogs, animals, sounds, objects, sights and experiences, you will raise a confident and reliable dog. Every new activity or interaction must be followed with a yummy treat! This will ensure your puppy will have a positive association with every new experience, object, person, animal, etc. You can use your dog's kibble or something better like chicken, beef or cheese. Commercial treats are also a good and easy to use option, but make sure you buy healthy, all natural dog treats to keep your German shepherd puppy healthy and strong! German Shepherd dogs are loyal and may have a tendency to be apprehensive with strangers. Socialization will ensure that your puppy grows a strong bond with you without developing a problematic over-protectiveness. German Shepherd puppy training socialization tips: Never separate a puppy from his mother and littermates before the age of weeks. During this time, mom teaches her puppies some important rules of the dog world like body language communication and they start to learn bite inhibition by plying with the other puppies. Unfortunately many vets will tell you not to take your puppy out of the house until they have had all of their shots. This is old school thinking and can have extremely bad consequences that will become apparent only when your canine becomes an adult. Without the full set of shots, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases, however taking your pup to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized reduces the risk for becoming sick AND will make your German Shepherd a confident, well adjusted and friendlier dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization , even before the full set of vaccines are given to the pup. Take socialization in your own hands. Spend the first 4 weeks holding parties at your home! Yes, parties! Invite all your friends and family for Karaoke, sports watching, boardgames, etc. Ask them to bring their kids too! And always make sure socialization is about positive interactions. If any of the kids or adults make your puppy a little scared, simply remove the threat and let the puppy explore other things. Back to top of German shepherd puppy training article. German Shepherd puppy training: stop the biting! Socialization is hard work, bite-inhibition is even harder! But it is one of the best things you can ever teach your pup. Dogs have really strong jaws and can learn to apply just the right amount of pressure with it. Adult dogs that have had this kind of training can get into fights and defend themselves without drawing blood. This is so important to avoid any type of dog-human or dog-dog bite accidents. German Shepherd puppy dogs have sharp teeth for a reason: to learn how to use their mouth properly. Teach your puppy to bite without hurting! To teach your pooch not to hurt human skin you will need to yelp like a puppy every time you feel teeth in contact with your skin. Engage in puppy play and Yelp Yes! Loud, sharp, high pitched and clear when you feel teeth. Your pup will most likely stop in surprise. As soon as he has stopped, wait seconds and resume play. Repeat as many times as needed. Start with those bites that really hurt or scratch. If you yelp every time you feel teeth, your puppy will think it is how you play. It may take a few weeks for you to notice that your pup is not hurting as much.Progressively teach your pup to play without hurting you. This make take a couple of months! Do not let your puppy play with your clothes, shoes, face or hair. If your puppy bites any of these, the game is over. Wait for him to calm down and start playing again. If you are tired of playing and getting bitten, grab a tug-toy or a ball and play those games instead. After a while, settle your puppy with a stuffed Kong toy on his bed or crate. Never punish your puppy for play-biting, this can lead to aggression or your puppy fearing "hands" near his face. Even though German shepherd puppy dogs are really smart, bite-inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. Most of the time you will feel he is not learning anything at all, keep at it. You can add second time outs on top of yelping if needed. It is definitely worth your time. If bite-inhibition is slow, this article has more tips to help you! Another aspect of training your German shepherd puppy bite inhibition are toys! Your pup needs to learn to bite only his toys, not furniture, not the walls, not your shoes. For this reason you need to load your house with puppy toys and TEACH your puppy how to play with them. The best dog toys are interactive, this means that you can put food inside the toy and your puppy has to think how to get it out. This toys are the best because they add enrichment to your dog's life. Interactive dog toy recommendations: Feed EVERY meal inside an interactive dog toy Use interactive toys with your German shepherd when he is left alone in the house. Make sure he has plenty of toys interactive and others so he won't get bored when you leave. Use interactive toys when you need some quiet time because you need to work, or you have guests. Kong dog toy's are the best , you can fill them with something soft like cheese or peanut butter and let your puppy lick it for a while. Even better.Below you will see some of my favorite interactive dog toys durable and fun! German Shepherd puppy training: potty outside! Another important item on your German shepherd puppy training list is House training. It can be a bit stressful, but if done correctly, you can accomplish it very quickly. Just keep in mind that depending on your puppy in can take anywhere from 1 week to several months to complete potty training. The following info-graphic has some simple rules to follow and make german shepher potty training easy and effective: Take your puppy out for a potty break every hours. Take your puppy out for a potty the break after every meal. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a nap. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a play session. The main idea when potty training a German shepherd puppy, is to take him out or to the correct place as often as he needs to and reward him after he is done. The infographic above gives you an idea of how often a puppy needs to go out. However, you need to know your own puppy. This way you will know how often he is relieving himself. You may also notice if he does it after every meal or nap. Reward with a treat after he is done! Repeat steps 2 and 3, you should start noticing that after a couple of days or weeks your puppy chooses the correct place more often than other places. NEVER punish your dog for accidents, this can stress him and even make him do his business hidden from you which will make potty training very hard because you won't be able to reward him. You can crate train your German shepherd puppy so he learns to have quiet times in between active times. Crate training also prevents your puppy from having accidents. For more information and a puppy crate-training schedule check this article! German shepherd potty training aids The are several commercial items available to help you potty train your German shepherd dog. Regular cleaning products may take away the urine scent -you- smell but they will not remove the scent your dog smells. Enzymatic cleaners do that, they break down urine molecules to make them easy to remove. This will prevent your pet from returning to the same, incorrect, spot. Puppy pads are very popular because they are less messy than news paper. However, if you put a puppy pad and leave you puppy alone with it, you will find it in shreds! You must teach your puppy to use the puppy pads, not to chew on them. To do this, put the puppy pad on the floor and interrupt your puppy if he tries to play with it. Exchange for another toy and reward with treats for not grabbing the pad with his mouth he can however, stand or sit on it. Repeat until he learns this! If you have a backyard, a doggy-door is an excellent way to give your pup access to the outdoors without your help. You must teach him how to use it! Use a treat to lure him through the door many times until he can do it on his own! Then, every-time you take him outside, make him go though the door on his own. You can also teach your puppy to let you know when he needs to go outside! Use a doggy doorbells for this purpose. You must teach your dog how to use them! First, teach your dog to touch the bells. Then, ask your dog to touch the bells every time before you open the door to let him go outside. Finally, be alert for when he does it on his own! I do not recommend any "Not Here" or "Yes Here" type sprays. They don't work very well, specially without any training.German Shepherd puppy training: basic commands! Some dog trainers won't start until the dog is 6 months old, at which time he is past the socialization and bite inhibition period and he is probably doing all sorts of naughty things. You can start training your German shepherd puppy from the first day you bring him home. From weeks you can start teaching your canine many commands, however I strongly advice you keep your focus on socialization, bite-inhibition and potty training. If you have time to train basic commands…. Your pooch will love it! Step-by-step obedience training tutorials for your German shepherd German Shepherd puppy training "SIT": You will use this command all the time. Ask your pup to sit when a stranger wants to pet him, for attention, for the ball to be thrown, etc. To start use food to lure your pooch into the sit position. Only give him the treat once his bottom is on the ground. Repeat many times! Follow this link for detail instructions.This is useful at the vet as well as to mix and match commands. From a sit or down position lure your baby german shepherd into a stand. This link will take you to the step by step guide.Start your pooch from a sitting position and lure him into a down. Only give your dog a treat after he is completely down on the ground. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.Why train your pooch sit, down and stand? You need three commands to mix up when you ask your dog to do something. If you have at least three options, then your smart German Shepherd won't be able to predict what you will ask. Practice Puppy Push-Ups! Sit-down-stand, Down-sit-stand, and ask you German Shepherd puppy to do one, two, or more commands to earn treats, toys and attention! Other useful cues include: Speak and Quiet , settle and ask for permission before rushing into something potentially dangerous. You can see a full list of commands on this link. Enjoy German Shepherd puppy training time and leave us your questions and comments in the box below. Bi-color dual color Coat The long-haired German shepherd does not always have a double coat and is more susceptible to the cold and heat than its short and medium-haired counterparts. While this looks very nice and neat, it can have some negative side effects. The coat can trap water down the back and cause skin irritation that leads to infection. This is even more true for long-haired GSDs because their long coats get tangled, matted with dirt, and require daily brushing. A comb with long teeth will help get all the way through the coat to get tangles and shedding out, and a shorter brush will help smooth out the coat. If the coat is left to tangle and mat, it will pull on the skin, which will lead to sores, irritation, and infection. It is essential to run a comb or brush through their coat for at least a few minutes every single day. Owing to the fact that they have long tufts of hair around their ears, their ears can trap dirt and become infected fairly easily. Keeping Your Long-Haired German Shepherd Active Aside from the grooming specifications mentioned above, the care your long-haired German shepherd needs is very similar to the care requirements of the short- and medium-haired German shepherd with some small additional considerations. German shepherds are incredibly active dogs and require a sizable amount of training and dedication from their owner. Long-haired German shepherds are no different. These dogs also need to be trained from an early age to prevent behavioral problems from presenting later on in life. You should exercise your long-haired GSD three times a day for 20 minutes. The exercise can take the form of activities like going on walks, taking hikes, going to a reputable dog park, playing fetch in the garden if you have the space to run around, or intense training sessions. Additionally, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise and will tire your dog out as much as if they went for a jog around the block. Puzzle toys , sniffing games, and obstacle courses are all excellent ideas for mental exercises. Finally, keep in mind that because long-haired German shepherds lack an undercoat and have extra-long hair, they can struggle to regulate their body temperature and will overheat easily if they spend too much time out in the sun. However, these dogs are not for everyone, so it is important to consider whether your home and lifestyle is what this breed needs. These questions can help you figure out if the long-haired GSD is the dog for you: Are you able to devote at least 10 to 15 minutes everyday to groom your long-haired German shepherd? Are you happy with your long-haired German shepherd spending most of its time indoors away from the elements? Are you able to devote an hour a day to exercise your long-haired German shepherd? Are you willing to devote a considerable amount of time to train your long-haired German shepherd? FAQs Do long-haired German shepherds get along with other dogs? Provided your long-haired German shepherd has been correctly socialized with other dogs and pets from the time they were a puppy, yes, they get along very well with other dogs and pets. Do long-haired German shepherds get along with children? German shepherds, whether they are long-, medium-, or short-haired, are excellent family dogs and get along well with children. For an in-depth look at why they fit well into families with kids, check out our dedicated article. Are long-haired German shepherds more susceptible to diseases than short-haired German shepherds? The hair gene does not affect their health either negatively or positively. However, if their hair is allowed to tangle and mat, they can suffer from painful and severe skin conditions and infections. Are long-haired German shepherd puppies expensive? Finding a German shepherd puppy is relatively easy. However, finding a long-haired German shepherd puppy can prove to be difficult because they are rare. Their rarity often makes them more expensive. As a personal aside, we have fostered and rescued many German Shepherd mix puppies over the years and some had a longer coat similar to the long-haired GSD. Does the American Kennel Club recognize the long-haired German shepherd? The AKC does recognize the long-haired German shepherd as a registered breed. Rolling Over On The Long-Haired German Shepherd The long-haired German shepherd shares almost all of its physical and behavioral characteristics with its more common short and medium-haired cousins. They have a wide range of coat colors, such as: Black Black and cream, red, silver, or tan Blue. Marissa Taffer is a consultant, writer and strategist based in Philadelphia. She lives and works with her rescue dog Charlie, a certified therapy dog. But have you wondered if the German shepherd makes a good pet? Learn all about this magnificent breed and decide if adding one to your family is the right choice. About the German shepherd German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs, and for good reason. They are loyal, protective and agile dogs. The average German shepherd stands between 22 and 26 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 50 pounds. Male dogs fall to the higher end of this range and females on the lower end. As their name implies, the German shepherd originated in Germany. In the late s a a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz began working to breed the ideal German herding dog. He bred herding dogs that at the time had some variety from district to district in the region until the breed began to resemble the German shepherd we see today. As there became less of a need for livestock herding, he promoted these dogs as working dogs — great for police and military work. Which is why they still hold many of these jobs today. When bringing a German Shepherd into your home, you want to ensure your dog will have a job to do. Otherwise, this pro can quickly become a con. Loyal to family In addition to making a great working dog, the German shepherd can be trained as a personal protection dog for the family. This works well because these dogs form deep bonds with their families and can naturally become very protective. While these dogs may easily learn to watch over your kids, remember not to leave young children unattended with dogs. Do well in almost any climate From warm weather too cooler temperatures, these dogs can live and work in any climate. Their double coat keeps them warm in the winter but also protects them from the sun and extreme heat in the summer. Like any other breed you still want to ensure they have access to shelter when needed as extreme temperatures can increase the risk of things like frostbite and hypothermia or heat stroke. Attractive dogs These handsome dogs come in a wide variety of colors. These include black, blue, grey and even white. Active and need a high level of exercise Although this can fall into the pro column for families who are very active, it is important to remember that these dogs need to work. So, you need to make sure you have a plan to give your pup enough physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and healthy every single day. With a life expectancy anywhere from years, this is a lifetime commitment. Even as these dogs age and start to slow down, they will still need some work to do that is appropriate for their level of fitness. This type of personality can come in handy for certain types of working dogs. With a family pup, it might mean you need to bring strangers into the house slowly and carefully. When having a party, be sure to give your dog a quiet place to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. Some German Shepherds bark…a lot If you live in close proximity to some neighbors, they may not appreciate a pup who can turn up the bark volume at every person, squirrel or leaf that blows by. In order to minimize barking, German shepherd owners can teach their pup the quiet cue and reinforce being quiet instead of barking. Is a German shepherd a good family dog? The short answer is maybe. It really depends on your family and your lifestyle. It is important that potential owners of German shepheds have a plan to ensure that their dogs have a job to do and enough space to get some exercise. Like any other dog, German shepherds need proper training and socialization. This means exposing your dog to as many people, places and things as possible when they are young. You also want to make sure your dog is under you control. A 90 pound German Shephard dragging you around town can be downright dangerous, so leash manners are a must. A good and reliable sit, down and come will also help you keep your dog well under your control. At Ollie , we know a thing or two about feeding German shepherds. This breed is one of the 10 most popular of all of our customers. German shepherd parents know Ollie will deliver delicious and nutritious food their pups will beg for meal after meal. Our recipes packed with human grade carefully selected proteins and combined with delicious and wholesome high quality fruit, vegetables and grains will keep your best friend full, happy and healthy. The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie. Over the years, German Shepherds have excelled in a wide range of roles that require a high degree of training, from serving as a K9 police officer to serving in the military to performing in dog shows. From basic obedience training to security dog training, here are a few of the German Shepherd training courses that we offer. Advanced Obedience Training Advanced obedience training builds upon basic obedience training by teaching German Shepherds more advanced skillsets and commands such as off-leash training, on-leash training, non-verbal commands, and more, resulting in a dog that is highly obedient and well-trained. Guard Dog Training Thanks to their loud, intimidating bark and high degree of intelligence, German Shepherds make for excellent guard dogs. If you would like to raise and train a dog that will be able to alert you in the event of an intrusion as well as ward off the would-be intruders then the German Shepherd is an excellent breed to consider. Security Dog Training Security dog training builds on guard dog training and is typically meant for professional working dogs. German Shepherds that receive security dog training can be used to guard specific locations or persons as well as attack on command and respond to other important, security-related commands. K9 Tactical Training All over the world, German Shepherds remain the most popular breed for police and military organizations. Custom German Shepherd Training Given how loyal and intelligent German Shepherds are, the sky is the limit when it comes to what they can be taught. If you have a specific set of tricks, skills, or commands that you would like your German Shepherd to learn that are not covered in a pre-set course then custom German Shepherd training will allow you to decide for yourself what you want your dog to be taught. Whether you have a German Shepherd puppy that needs basic obedience training, a German Shepherd that you would like to train to become a K9 officer, or anything in-between, contact us today to learn more about our industry-leading German Shepherd training.

Quality Goldens for family companions, obedience, and show. I breed Golden Retrievers that have been carefully chosen to produce family companions with excellent temperaments, good conformation and that are intelligent and easy to train. At Carriage Hill we believe in striving to produce the best goldens we can therefore we breed to produce the breed standard and all of our golden's have clearances from OFA on their hips, elbows and heart as well as testing on their eyes by an ophthalmologist. At Carriage Hill we specialize in helping you to pick a puppy that will be a match for your family, and providing support on how to care for your new family member. I feel the most important part of pet ownership is that you train your puppy, I will show you how to use everyday games to prepare your puppy for training and to help establish yourself as the Alfa in the family. You should plan on taking your puppy to a minimum of two training sessions, first the puppy obedience class when they are 12 weeks old and then beginners obedience. Each of these classes are usually once a week for 8 weeks and are a essential part of responsible pet ownership. I sell all of my pet puppies with a limited registration from AKC, this means that you will need to get your pet either spayed or neutered. All of our golden puppies are socialized with our family, have had their first set of puppy shots, are wormedtwice, and their dew claws are removed. We usually plan 2 - 3 litters a year. Browse through the rest to see pictures and information about Stormy and Bode our males, and our Golden Girls. We have answers. What class of dog are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Naperville? Golden Retrievers are classified as a Sporting breed. This means that they are a type of dog that excels in tracking and retrieving activities, hence the "retriever" portion of their name. They are generally active, outgoing, and have a good working temperament making them ideal family companions. Golden Retrievers are content to play all day and love to be around people. With caring owners, they thrive and enjoy all the activities life has to offer. They are an intelligent, loyal breed that is known for obedience, so they make a wonderful addition to any home. Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Naperville non-shedding? Although Golden Retrievers are considered relatively low-shedding breeds, they are not considered to be non-shedding. Golden Retrievers tend to lose some hair throughout the year, particularly during the fall and spring when their coat will go through seasonal shedding. During this period of shedding, additional grooming and care should be taken to help minimize the shedding. In general, however, Golden Retrievers shed less than other similarly-sized breeds, making it a good choice for those looking for a companion that has minimal shedding compared to other breeds. What's the best dog food for Naperville Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Finding the best dog food for your Golden Retriever can be a challenge. Every pup has its own individual nutritional needs depending on its activity level, age, size and health conditions, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Additionally, it's best to source from a reliable dog food brand that sources high-quality ingredients, like meat, fruits, and vegetables. A good rule of thumb is that the fewer ingredients in the food, the better. Do Golden Retriever puppies in Naperville have any kind of special requirements? Golden Retrievers have the same basic needs as other breeds, but they do have some specific requirements that you need to be aware of. Since they are a larger breed, they need adequate exercise and access to a yard is ideal. They also need ample mental stimulation, so they need regular playtime or learning activities such as obedience training. Golden Retrievers are happiest when they have human interaction, so regular grooming and petting is a must. Additionally, like other breeds, they do have some specific dietary needs, so make sure to consult your vet on how to feed them properly. What sizes do Golden Retrievers for sale in Naperville come in? Golden Retrievers come in a range of sizes, ranging from very small to extra large. Small Golden Retrievers typically reach a height of 18 20 inches and weigh between 35 50 pounds. Medium-sized Golden Retrievers are 21 22 inches tall and weigh 40 64 pounds. The largest Golden Retrievers eat up real estate, reaching a height of 23 24 inches and weighing between 65 75 pounds. Bear in mind that these measurements are approximate. An individual Golden Retriever's size can still vary from the general range and could be slightly larger or smaller. How many minutes per day should I walk Golden Retriever puppies near Naperville? Every Golden Retriever is different when it comes to the amount of exercise they need, but as a general guide, it is recommended that a Golden Retriever should get between minutes of exercise per day, depending on their age, size, and activity level. However, if you have a young, energetic Retriever, they may require up to two hours of exercise to stay happy and healthy. When walking your Retriever, be sure to choose a safe, stimulating environment for them, and engage with them throughout the walk by playing games and using obedience cues. Are Golden Retrievers in Naperville good family dogs? Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs due to their friendly and loyal nature. Adults and children alike will easily become attached to their Golden Retriever through its affectionate demeanor and eagerness to please. Not only do these dogs have a calm temperament, but they are also highly intelligent, making them easy to train and handle. With consistent training and socialization, Golden Retrievers will become an excellent family companion, providing dependable protection while forming strong bonds with your loved ones. These dogs have a natural desire to protect the family, making them great watchdogs. Are Naperville Golden Retrievers for sale smart? Yes, Golden Retrievers are incredibly smart dogs. They consistently rank among the top dog breeds in obedience-training tests, demonstrating a high level of intelligence and coordination. Goldens have the ability to learn commands quickly with persistent and consistent training. They are also very easy to train, remain engaged with their owners, and they continue to display an eagerness to please. Experts report that their combination of intelligence and obedience is unique among dogs and makes them great working dogs, show dogs, and beloved family companions.

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 Vermont 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 Vermont? 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 Vermont? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. This is hobby of passion and labor of our love for the Golden Retriever breed. Our dogs are vital members of our family and live with us in our home, not in kennels. We hope to place our puppies in homes that are interested in occassionally returning for a full Butternut Golden experience. We've built this website for you to get to know us and our Golden Retrievers. We hope you enjoy the photos, videos and informative links. Our life with our dogs keeps us busy and away from technology most of the time. Contacting us can be a challenge. Forwarning: Susan is not good about keeping up with emails. We participate in different venues depending on each dog's needs and talents -- including conformation, tracking, rally, obedience and therapy work. We live on a hill, at the base of Butternut Mountain, in Johnson, Vermont, with our butternut colored Golden Retrievers who love to eat butternut squash. Thus, Butternut Hill seemed to be a fitting name for us. We have been members of the Golden Retriever Club of America since .No breeding plans are currently in the works. Own a Butternut Golden? Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. Please do not copy without written authorization Retrieve ButternutGoldens. It is a small kennel located on 14 acres at the base of Mount Mansfield in Jericho, Vermont. We have successfully bred and shown quality dogs for over 40 years. We have been breeding golden retrievers for soundness of temperament and type for show, obedience and for a family pet always with the aim of producing beauty, brains and dogs with the true golden temperament. All of our dogs used for breeding have the following clearances: Hip and elbow cerification by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA Eyes cleared yearly by a board certified opthalmoslogist Heart cleared by a board certified cardiologist. All of our dogs are members of our family and our dogs are raised in the house and spend a great deal of time inside but also enjoy spending their time on sunny days outside where they can play, getting plenty of exercise chasing each other, taking a dunk in the spring fed mountain brook and rolling in the grass. Our goal is to produce goldens that are wonderful representatives of the breed whether involved in competition or as a family pet. We are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We hope you enjoy visiting our website and will check back to see updates.

As such, they are recognized experts in facts and figures for many breeds of dogs. According to their data, most labrador litters contain between five and ten puppies, with the average being seven. In comparison to all dog breeds, Labradors are right in the middle. The average size of a litter of puppies, in general, is five or six dogs. The largest known litter of labradors ever recorded was 14 puppies , born to a black labrador in the United Kingdom in .Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! In short, probably not. Your vet can confirm pregnancy, give an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is, and give you an approximate due date. Humans and canines alike know the excitement of a first pregnancy. When it comes to labradors, this can also impact the size of the litter. Biological and evolutionary factors come into play and make first litters smaller. Expect one or two additional puppies from her first two. After the fourth pregnancy, the litter size tends to taper off. In addition to whether or not it is her first litter, the age of the mother labrador also affects the size of the litter. Generally speaking, the older the mother, the smaller the litter size. This fact is a little confusing, though, when you also consider that first litters are smaller. It means that a 3-year-old labrador will have larger litters than a 5- or 6-year-old labrador. So, if two female labradors have their third litter at ages four and six, the four-year-old labrador is likely to have the larger litter of the two. How Old is Dad? Believe it or not, the age of the father of the puppies can also impact the size of the litter. This is because of the viability of his sperm. When a female dog is in heat, her ovaries release several eggs that are ready for fertilization. However, if the male dog is older, his sperm tends to be less vigorous, meaning fewer will reach the eggs, and therefore fewer eggs will be fertilized, resulting in smaller litter size. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Natural versus Artificial Insemination How did the mother dog become pregnant? Many labrador breeders and breeders for other types of dogs, as well prefer artificial insemination. It also takes the social interactions of the two dogs out of the equation. Some dog handlers and breeders hesitate to put their mama dogs in such a sensitive and potentially unpredictable situation. The bad news is that, while artificial insemination seems to be the more controlled and safe option, it usually yields fewer puppies. Of course, the breed of the dog is a significant factor in genetics. Does the Size of the Mom Matter? Not really. If you have a mom who is part labrador herself or is a purebred labrador but has puppies with another breed, some of these numbers and averages change. If your pregnant pooch is only part labrador, the size of her litter will also depend on what other breeds she contains. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the breed, the larger the litter. If your lab is a part German shepherd , expect a somewhat bigger litter. The breed of the father matters less, though. The breed of the father has more to do with the size of each individual puppy. Fun fact: the largest known litter of puppies ever recorded is a whopping .Unsurprisingly, the 15 male and nine female puppies were born to a Neopolitan Mastiff in , one of the most giant breeds around. Do Labs like water? Healthy dogs tend to produce larger litters. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. In this article How to determine your Labrador's litter size As we've said, the number of puppies inside a Labrador's belly varies greatly. Your pet can have anywhere from one to over twelve puppies. The average litter size is five to ten, but it is heavily influenced by several factors more on that later. Your veterinarian can actually help you find out exactly how many puppies there are inside a Lab's uterus. They can take X-rays of the pregnant female and count the skeletons of pups in her belly. This is an acceptable way to determine litter size in dogs. You have to wait until six weeks of pregnancy for puppies' skeletal system to develop. Ultrasound scans and abdominal palpation are other ways to estimate litter size. What is the average litter size for Labs? In , a comprehensive study was performed to answer the question of litter size in dogs. The researchers analyzed breeds and more than 10, litters, and they calculated the average litter size to be 5. However, there was a clear difference between miniature and large breeds. The former only had 3. The above research is for all dog breeds. But the AKC analyzed over 85, Labrador litters to conclude that Labs have a typical range of five to ten puppies, with an average of 7. So we can safely say that Labradors, being a large breed, will likely have a larger litter size. Though cases of producing just a puppy or two are not unheard of. Overall, if you have a pregnant Lab mother, expect her to give birth to about half a dozen babies. The biggest Labrador litter on record Now you know how many puppies to expect when your Lab gets pregnant. And you're probably wondering, "But what's the maximum they can pop out? Back in , when a black Scottish Labrador named Anne was pregnant, the vet predicted that she would have three to six puppies. Little did they know, the proud mama kept popping out babies one after the other until there were 15 of them! A more recent case was reported a few months back in April .Here, A Labrador called Bella produced 14 fur babies, just one shy of the record set in .The labor lasted for seven hours, and Bella gave birth to eight black and six yellow Labs. Fun fact: Anne's 15 kids are a lot, but the Guinness World Record for most puppies is set by Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff. She gave birth to 24 puppies in November .Of course, she couldn't do it all by herself and had to take the help of a Cesarean section. Factors affecting Labrador litter size Many variables influence how many puppies Labradors have. In this section, we'll talk about some of the crucial ones. But several other factors such as breeding management, reproductive history, and season also play a role. Even the environment she lives in affects her well-being and, consequently, the health and number of her babies. Much of the information here is sourced from an article published by Dr. Bretaigne Jones for Royal Canin. Age Labradors usually remain fertile for their entire lives. However, as you might imagine, their litter size decreases as they get older. As a general rule, Labs are most fertile between the ages of two to five. However, regardless of her age, a dog's first litter is usually smaller than the future ones. After the first one, the number of puppies increases with every litter, through the fourth litter. Then, it starts declining steadily. A Labrador will have her first heat cycle anytime after she's six months old. But you should never breed a Lab during her first heat cycle, as she's relatively young at this point. Imposing the stress of pregnancy and lactation can have adverse effects on the mother's mental health. Just like very old females, too young mothers also produce smaller litters. This is why the AKC recommends waiting for the third heat cycle, which means not breeding until the female Lab is months old. Lastly, the male Lab's age also affects the litter size. But the influence is much less than the female's age. As a male Lab gets older, his sperm count and quality decrease. He will produce larger litters under the age of five. Breed Size We've already discussed that smaller breeds tend to produce fewer puppies, and larger breeds have a bigger litter size. This trend is seen even within the same breed. A Labrador weighing 45 pounds 20 kg may only produce five or six babies, while a pound 32 kg Lab may give birth to a litter of ten puppies or more. Again, these are only generalizations based on the data available about Labrador puppies, which means there will be exceptions. You can have a relatively small Lab giving birth to nine or ten pups every litter. Health and Nutrition This one is a no-brainer. If your Lab is happy and healthy, she'll give birth to more puppies, and the babies born will be healthier as well. The mother needs to be in perfect health so that she and her pups survive the birthing and whelping process. Not only the female but the male Lab should also be healthy if you want to avoid complications. Nutrition is crucial for your Labs throughout their entire lives. And when it comes to breeding, diet directly affects the litter size. Both male and female Labs will produce healthier and larger litters if they've been fed a high-quality diet. Check out my Recommended Products for foods that I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions. Gene Pool Diversity Breeding two dogs from diverse genetic backgrounds results in bigger litters. Similarly, the smaller the gene pool is, the fewer puppies your Lab will have. Gene pool is smaller when closely related dogs brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters, etc. The more dogs are bred from the same line, the smaller the litter will be. This process of mating such dogs is known as inbreeding. We can measure the gene pool diversity using the coefficient of inbreeding, a numerical value ranging from zero not inbred at all to one completely inbred. Other Factors to Consider Apart from the things we discussed, litter size is also affected by: Type of breeding: Natural breeding results in more puppies than artificial insemination AI. Using AI can decrease the litter size by as much as 15 percent. Season: Usually, if a Lab gives birth in spring, she produces more puppies. But if the breeding takes place in summer, the litter size is smaller. Mating frequency: Litter size is smaller if the female is bred only once. So it's recommended to mate the Labs every other day until the female refuses to mate. What can you do to increase litter size in Labradors? While litter size is mostly out of our control, optimal conditions can increase how many puppies Labradors have. The first thing you should do is feed your Labs a healthy diet throughout their lives. There's no reason to spend extra money on grain-free food because dogs' evolution has given them the ability to digest grains easily. Just make sure you're feeding them one of the high-quality kibbles available in the market. Apart from a healthy diet, you should also give her enough playtime and exercise to maintain her ideal body weight. For female Labradors, it's lbs. Pregnancy drains the mother's body of protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy. You need to satisfy her dietary needs with food rich in fats and carbohydrates. Feeding a low-carb diet during pregnancy leads to increased fetal death and stillbirths. Consult your vet and make sure her diet includes enough vitamins, amino acids, minerals, omega-3 acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. As the mother nears the last three weeks of pregnancy, her dietary needs will increase significantly. This is because the embryonic puppies gain 75 percent of their body weight during this period. Depending on the litter size, she may need one and a half to two times her typical requirement for these few weeks. Control inbreeding risk Another thing you control is the coefficient of inbreeding. We've seen that mating closely related Labs results in decreased litter size. So it's the breeder's responsibility to choose suitable Labradors to pair. It would be best if the male and female Lab's last three ancestors are unrelated. Lastly, you can give your Lab lots of love and attention. She's going through a challenging period, and it's up to you to support her. Doing this doesn't directly increase the litter size, but it keeps the mother happy and enhances her well-being. So go and scratch her behind the ears! The One-Half Rule This is a general rule that's usually followed by all mammals. It states that a mother will produce half as many babies as there are nipples on her. Sounds interesting, right? Statistics back this rule. Most female dogs have eight to ten nipples, and as we've seen, the average litter size is 5. Humans, of course, have two. Most mothers give birth to one child at a time, but they may also produce twins occasionally. While it does happen, having more than two babies is rare among humans because nature tries to ensure enough nutrition and nourishment for all the babies. Now don't start counting your Lab's nipples! This is simply a statistical correlation; it's not a method you can use to predict litter size. The best way to determine litter size is to take your Lab to the vet. How often do Labradors produce puppies? As we've discussed, female dogs can go into heat anytime after they're six months old. After the first heat cycle, they will typically go into heat twice a year, which means they can produce puppies every six months. However, many breeders and veterinarians advise against breeding continuously. They contend that it's hard on the mother's body and decreases the litter size. Accordingly, they allow their female Lab to breed every other heat cycle, which means the mother will give birth to one litter per year. Others, including one I spoke with on the issue, contend that breeding back to back has physiological benefits for mothers, citing commentary from Dr. Robert Van Hutchinson, a well renowned veterinarian and reproduction specialist. In an online reproduction seminar , Dr. Hutchinson explained that the female's progesterone levels remain elevated for 60 days during ovulation - regardless of pregnancy. This causes severe stress to the uterine lining, and can lead to long term health issues. Therefore, skipping seasons prolongs this activity as opposed to breeding season after season and retiring the mother early. How many puppies Labs have in their lifetime As we've discussed, a Lab goes into heat twice every year, which means she can give birth to a litter every six months. Suppose a female starts breeding when she's two years old and continues doing so until she's eight. In that case, she would produce 13 litters over her lifetime. We've also seen that the average number of pups a Labrador produces is 7. We know that litter size is affected by several factors and does not stay the same throughout the years. But for argument's sake, let's say our female Lab continues to give birth to seven kids during every heat cycle. So theoretically, a Labrador can give birth to over 90 puppies in her lifetime. How long are Labradors pregnant? When measured from the date of ovulation, gestation lasts for days. Since it's difficult to determine the date of ovulation, you cannot know precisely how long your Lab will be pregnant. This is because male sperm can live for 10 to 11 days in the uterine tubes of the female dog. However, for the most part, you should expect your Lab's gestation period to last for two months, or maybe slightly longer. Signs of pregnancy in a Labrador As we've discussed, Labs' gestation period is only about two months. So you don't have a lot of time to notice and interpret the signs. Many pet owners are shocked to find their Lab pregnant in the final days of her pregnancy. Below are some signs of pregnancy in Labradors. If you start to notice them in your female dog, it could be that she's about to give birth to little fur babies. Your dog becomes exhausted quickly or spends more time sleeping Loss of appetite early stages or increased appetite later stages She becomes more affectionate, seeking extra attention, and wanting to stay beside you Appearing lethargic or depressed and just want to be left alone all the time There's mucus discharge from her vulva occurs about a month after mating Her nipples' size or color changes happens about a month after mating Her abdomen size increases noticeable after 40 days She gains weight starts happening around day 35 Of course, the best way to determine whether your Lab is pregnant is to take her to a vet. They will perform one of several diagnostic tests to determine if she will become a mother. Abdominal palpation, ultrasound scan, witness relaxing test, and X-rays are the most common ways to check pregnancy. Final thoughts Breeding Labradors isn't an easy task. You have to invest time and effort to take care of the mother and her puppies properly. Labs usually have five to ten babies per litter, and the average litter size seems to be 7. Factors like the mother's age, health, diet, and the coefficient of inbreeding affect how many puppies Labradors have. We can also influence the litter size to some extent by making sure the female Lab is healthy and by selecting unrelated dogs for mating. Many breeders mate their Labradors every other heat cycle once a year ; others believe back-to-back breeding to be most effective. If your vet isn't concerned or dwarfism isn't an issue in her lineage I wouldn't be either. Like most larger dog breeds labs can take a while to 'fill out', per se. It's totally normal for labs to go through an awkward adolescent phase where they are horribly lanky. I wouldn't worry too much about her weight either, obviously as long as your vet is fine with it. At 1-year-old Teller only weighed 45 lbs but had reached his full adult height of 24" at the withers, he had a huge head, huge paws, and a supermodel waist. Seriously, he looked more deer than dog. I was worried he would look like that forever he's my first big dog but the vet and trainer assured me he would grow into his body. A year later he had put on 30 lbs of substance! If anyone told me my greyhound-looking lab pup would turn into a solid chap, I'd have looked at them like they had 2 heads. She should be of a similar size to her parents and any previous litters they had if any. Is she from show or working lines? Working lines tend to produce more athletic-looking leaner dogs than show lines and those bred as plain ol' pets can go either way. I've seen some lab bitches out of field champions that are only 50 lbs or so and others that are closer to 70 lbs. However big she ends up being, I'm sure she will be a great girl! That's my boy at 1 year. God, he was so awkward lol. That's him at 2. Black Labrador retriever named Zola, 4, delivered ten pups who are a mixture of three different colors — only seen on a "handful" of occasions before. Over the years, they bred a mixture of yellow, chocolate, and black Labs and decided to strategically mix doggy DNA to produce a litter of all three. They have used Wylanbria Kennels as their stud farm from the moment they started breeding. Diana Stevens, 47, the farm's owner, worked with them to breed a line of stud dogs with whom their female Labs could successfully produce a mixed litter. Zola was impregnated by Stevens' black Labrador Rocks, 3, who was also uniquely bred to carry all three color genes. SWNS It took over a decade to combine the correct genes on both sides to make it happen, and even then, the chances were still slim. The ten adorable pups — two yellow, three chocolate, and five black — were born on October 18 and are all matched with permanent loving homes. Last week, Zola went into labor, and Davis told SWNS she had her fingers crossed that this would be the litter that she'd both been waiting for — and wish was granted. The couple has a huge waiting list of families keen to get one of their pups. Zola had a tricky pregnant experience with her rarer litter — culminating in her delivering the puppies via C-section — so Davis has decided not to breed her anymore. In a few years, Davis plans to breed from one of Zola's daughters, which will give her the freedom to choose between each color combination. Related Articles. But what if you have a Lab that has recently given birth to only 2 puppies? Is that normal for Labradors, or should it be a cause for concern? The larger the breed, the more likely the litter will be bigger, but a healthy Lab can also have a small litter. The rest of this article will go into Labrador litter sizes in greater detail. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting subject! The breed of the mother is another factor to consider. Make sure to keep your puppies warm during the first few weeks. If the mother has previously had larger litters, she may be confused or distressed due to having such a small litter this time around. You should also stay close to her if she seems highly distressed. Littermates Are Important for Puppy Development During the first few weeks of life, puppies learn basic social skills by playing and play-biting each other. The mother will scold puppies for being too aggressive and teach them manners. Feeding your Lab a healthy diet will also increase the chances of a big litter. After seven years old, having a small litter becomes more common in Labradors and all dogs. Although it may not seem like it, keeping your Labrador healthy and active will also increase its chances of having many puppies. A healthy Labrador will have a more muscular body, so carrying a big litter will be easier. Litter Size Occurs Naturally You can do certain things to make it more likely for your Labrador to have a bigger litter, but it may not always work. Or she may be too young or too old! Many small dog breeds are likely to have small litters, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers. Typically, Labs will always have many more puppies than a Pomeranian. Jack Russels, for example, are a small breed, but their average litter size is six. Six is a big number, considering how tiny Jack Russels are! A healthy Labrador between 2 and 5 years old has the best chance of having a big litter. Smaller litters need extra help to stay warm due to the lack of warmth from littermates.

A post shared by Jami Miller portie. They require tons of exercise, though you should be careful not to over-exercise them. They require plenty of socialization and training to become well-behaved adults. These dogs are extremely intelligent, so they often take well to training. However, they also need lots of mental stimulation. Without it, the puppies can become quite destructive. Your best bet is a specialized breeder, though you may have to travel far to pick up your puppy. They may come at a higher price than other breeds due to their rarity. As always, be sure to research any breeder before purchasing a puppy from them. Ethical breeders will produce healthy, well-adjusted puppies. Ask about what health tests they perform before breeding the parents, as well as any health certificates and health records for the puppies. They perform well in dog sports and other high-intensity activities that require a lot of training and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. These dogs also love to be around their family and love attention and affection. They require plenty of attention compared to other breeds. Portipoos tend to be extremely intelligent. However, they can also be headstrong if not trained early. Dogs often experience an adolescent period just like humans, when they can be more stubborn. These dogs need lots of exercise and playtime. Their intelligence means they require lots of mental stimulation, too. Many of them love swimming, but they have to be introduced to the water at a young age, otherwise, they may be fearful of it. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, they only do best in active families, as they have a very high-energy temperament. They may also not be suitable for families with younger children, as they can be a bit too hyper and energetic. They need regular exercise and playtime. The Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix can absolutely get along with other pets. Of course, you should always supervise the Portipoo with other pets, as they can be a bit too rough in some cases. However, they do not have any special dietary needs. Because of their active nature, they may require more protein and overall calories than other dogs. There are many dog foods out there for active dogs, and these may work best for Portipoos. A high-quality commercial food is vital for their health. However, be sure to choose the correct food for your particular dog. Puppies should consume puppy dog food, for instance. If your dog is overweight, you may want to switch to low-calorie dog food. Plan to take them on walks and play with them regularly. These canines love just about any type of activity, including swimming, playing fetch, and walking. Be careful not to overexercise these dogs, especially as puppies. They can push themselves too hard and damage their growth plates, which can lead to hip dysplasia. Therefore, they take well to training and are often extremely obedient. Early socialization is necessary to prevent behavioral issues, though. While they do learn quickly, they are extremely intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation. This mental stimulation need can be fulfilled partly by regular training. They have thick, curly coats in most cases, and they require regular brushing to prevent matting, as well as professional grooming. Brushing also helps keep their coats clean, as the brush can remove loose hair and dirt. However, they do need a bath every 2—3 months. Being a mix prevents them from inheriting many of the common health conditions that affect other dogs. For instance, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the joints. It causes mobility problems and arthritis-like symptoms, though at a much earlier age than arthritis. These can lead to weakness, weight loss, and lethargy. Because Portipoos have floppy ears, they are prone to ear infections. Keeping their ears clean can help, including drying them completely after swimming. Skin allergies are often common, causing itching and irritation. History Mini Portidoodles are playful, loving, and happy-go-lucky dogs. They enchant with a cheerful attitude and a great love for all things fun. These gorgeous pups are very fond of water, dog sports and games, and most importantly, their family. Known to form strong attachments, the Mini Portidoodles are entirely dedicated to their humans. They enjoy entertaining with comical tricks, are affectionate, fun, and wonderful with children. As great family dogs, Mini Portidoodle pups bring a great deal of love, joy, and laughter into their lucky-to-have-them home. With a cheerful disposition and a friendly demeanor, the Mini Portidoodle Mini Portipoo appears docile, approachable, happy, and sweet. The Mini Portidoodle adult has a sturdy-built body, a long fluffy tail, a medium-length muzzle, cute floppy ears, and dark expressive eyes. Its coat is of medium length, soft, curly or wavy in texture. It is low-shedding, hypoallergenic, and can come in various colors and color combinations. Mini Portidoodle colors include white, black, brown, cream, gray, merle, sable, with various patterns and markings. The Mini Portidoodle size is between small and medium, depending on which side of the family the doodle puppy takes after more. Typically, a full grown Mini Portidoodle weighs between 14 and 28 pounds. F1b Mini Portidoodle dogs can weigh less than 14 pounds. The adult Mini Portidoodle height can range from 10 to 20 inches. They are great with family children, docile with their fur siblings, loyal to their owners, and entertaining for the whole family. These unique dogs exude happiness and are friends with everyone they meet. They are energetic, playful, outgoing, and fond of fun activities. They enjoy social interactions with dogs and humans alike, family adventures, canine games, dog sports, chew toys, jogs, and cuddles. As the offspring of two water-loving dog breeds, the lively Mini Portidoodles love to splash in puddles, swim in lakes, jump in beach waves, and chase sprinklers. Mini Portidoodle puppies are small, adorable, and fluffy bundles of joy. They love to play, bounce, zoom, chase, chew, and get cuddled, pampered, and spoiled. As the fur-babies of two exceedingly bright dog breeds, the Mini Portidoodle puppies are fast learning students, excellent people-pleasers, and eager learners. They pick up on basic tricks and commands impressively fast and are quite eager to move on to more complex training. Training a Mini Portidoodle can be a rewarding experience. For more insights on training dogs effectively, check out our blog Easiest Dogs to Train - Top 5 Pups for Effortless Training Insights Mini Bernedoodle vs Mini Portidoodle Comparison A warm-hearted dog that resembles a cuddly teddy bear or a fun family dog that loves games and adventures — meet the Miniature Bernedoodle and the Miniature Portidoodle. These two dog breeds are among the most popular doodles in the canine kingdom. They are favored for their joyful personalities, keen intelligence, and eagerness to please. Both the Mini Bernedoodle and Mini Portidoodle train easily and are generous with affection. They are a fantastic fit for a wide variety of families, Hypoallergenic Puppies Allergies to dogs are a common thing around the world. Care Grooming Mini Portidoodle dogs are medium to low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Because they have a medium-length wavy or curly coat, they require a quick brush every other day. Their ears should be cleaned regularly, and their teeth brushed a few times every week. It is recommended to start the Mini Portidoodle puppy Mini Portipoo puppy grooming process early to accustom them to the grooming tools and get them comfortable with their ears, paws, and bodies getting handled. Grooming your Mini Portidoodle is essential for their well-being. They enjoy running, chasing, fetching, playing Frisbee, swimming, and any activity that allows them to burn off energy. Because they are great at dog sports like agility, tracking, rally, and water sports, these dogs love challenges and having a job to do. To keep them fit, healthy, and exercised, they need to be walked for an average of 30 to 60 minutes each day and given canine puzzles, toys, and activities that keep their minds stimulated and their bodies worked out. Health Mini Portidoodle puppies are bred by carefully crossing two healthy, routinely vet-checked, purebred dog breeds. They enjoy superior health thanks to hybrid vigor, and they have very few health concerns that can be possible during their lifespans. Common issues in all dog breeds include hip dysplasia, cataracts, allergies, dental issues, and in some cases hypothyroidism. These can occur in Mini Portidoodle adults, most commonly during their senior years. Lifespan Like their parents, Mini Portidoodle dogs are long-lived, happy dogs. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Dogs that are loved as members of the family tend to live longer, happier lives. Training Mini Portidoodles are very smart and highly trainable dogs. They can be taught up to words as well as complex obedience and agility lessons. They respond best to positive reinforcement training and reward-based methods. As eager-to-please dogs, Mini Portidoodle puppies can be motivated with praise, a gentle and fun approach, and vet-approved treat rewards. Early socialization, as well as early leash and crate training , are recommended for the Mini Portipoo puppy. Early socialization ensures that the Mini Portidoodle puppy grows up into a well-mannered, friendly, and non-aggressive adult dog. The Mini Portidoodle is somewhat independent and can be left alone for up to 6 hours each day. It is not recommended to leave the Mini Portidoodle or the Mini Portidoodle puppy alone for more than 6 hours each day as they might develop separation anxiety. Early training is key for a well-behaved adult dog. By mixing two highly popular dog breeds, professional breeders aimed to create a hybrid that would possess the hypoallergenic qualities, keen intelligence, agility, and fun nature of both parent breeds. A gift to the world, the Mini Portipoo breed impressed from the get-go and is one of the most sought-after doodle breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog puppy , also known as Cao de Agua dog of water is a centuries-old breed that originated in Portugal. With their webbed paws, excellent swimming capabilities, and great love for water, the Portuguese Water Dogs were trained to lure fish into nets, retrieve fishing gear and nets from the water, and act as messengers between fishing vessels. When fishing ships joined the modernized era, the Portuguese Water dogs moved on to become loyal, affectionate, and treasured companion pets. The Poodle puppies , famous for their big brains, gorgeous looks, and sweet nature, are a breed with a most impressive history. Developed in Germany, Poodles have been long admired for their stunning looks, retrieving skills, performance with the traveling circus, therapy work, companionship, and sporting titles. Officially recognized by the AKC for their three sizes Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle , Poodles, regardless of their size, never fail to impress with their agility, friendliness, and learning skills. They are considered the second most intelligent dog breed in the world and the top breed in many countries. Should a Portuguese Water Dog Mix take after their PWD parent, they will be an energetic, playful, and loving dog that is likely to love the water! Portuguese Water Dogs are known to have friendly, playful dispositions. They bond closely with their families and love being around them. They also tend to get along with just about everyone. As long as they are properly socialized, they do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even open to meeting strangers! If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a Portuguese Water Dog Mix. You still want to talk to the breeder about the other parent as they will their own quirks you will want to be aware of. You can also meet the mother to see what her temperament is like and what behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. PWDs tend to be highly adaptable dogs. As long as they get enough daily exercise and attention, they do well in apartments as well as larger homes. They are not overly sensitive to the heat and cold, but you still need to be cautious with extremes as with all dogs. These dogs also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Portuguese Water Dog Mix. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs. Both of these are genetic and reputable breeders should be testing for them. Reputable breeders should be screening their dogs regardless to avoid passing issues to puppies. Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and pick up on things quickly. As long as you can handle their energy and keep training interesting, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Portuguese Water Dog Mix. If the other parent breed is more difficult to train, then you will want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. A Portuguese Water Dog Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both. If they end up with a Portuguese Water Dog coat, they will be low-shedding, require weekly brushing, and need the occasional bath. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Portuguese Water Dog is a high-energy dog that needs daily walks, plus playtime, some time to run, and other activities to be happy and healthy. They are an agile and athletic breed that tends to be well-suited for several dogs sports and are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy breed, then you should expect a high-energy Portuguese Water Dog Mix. If the other parent breed has a lower activity level, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A fully-grown Portuguese Water Dog Mix stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so you want to ask the breeder about them. A PWD generally lives for years on average. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a Portuguese Water Dog Mix. Two members of the same family Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs split centuries ago. The Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix combines the history, heritage and popular conceptions of these breeds. This takes us back to a type of dog that started it all in the beginning. As dogs and men began to work together, various types of dogs were bred and selected. Guard dogs, herding dogs and hunting dogs were probably the first three sorts. Some dog breeds may have been chosen and bred specifically for certain takes. Many other dogs were simply allowed to be themselves, and work was tailored around them. A need arose for dogs who could work as hunters and retrievers in the water. These dogs would bring back ducks, geese and other waterfowl to their owners. And these dogs are the parents of both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Poodle. The major difference is that the Poodle is now generally regarded as coming from France, while the Portuguese Water Dog is from Portugal. This mix brings the two branches of the family back together again. While Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mixes are mixed breeds, they bring many of the advantages of purebreds with them. This includes an intriguing history, good looks and a dog that is uniquely yours. Some lesser known facts about these dogs include: They can be mistaken for poodles on a regular basis. Their tight, curly coats may make them better for those with allergies. This mixed breed generally results in excellent swimmers. Beyond these general facts, Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mixes are a bundle of surprises just waiting to be unlocked by you. They are 17 to 22 inches high and can weigh up to 60 pounds. They are not going to be as small as some Poodles may be. This includes brown, black, silver, blue, white and red. You may also find a fawn, cream or grey-coated Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix. Their eyes are usually brown or amber, and their coats tend to be curly and on the shorter side. This means some extra time spent on grooming. These dogs may have long necks, tapered tails and well-defined toplines. Any combination of the above is also possible. The best way to find out what your pup may look like is to find a litter or a group of older dogs and take a look. As both of the parents are intelligent to start with, this mix tends to be even more clever. This can have interesting repercussions. Because of their need for mental stimulation, Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mixes can be very destructive. However, this is not malicious or aggressive behavior. It also makes them great with small children because they are always up for a challenge. Small children provide that in plenty. They are also very friendly, extroverted and social. Given these traits, deliberate socialization and training are a must in order to provide the best possible experience for you and your pup. To a lesser extent, resources for working with adult dogs are also available. We offer both on our site. What are some specifics for this mix in particular? Kind but firm training is a must, as is enough mental simulation. Intelligence puzzles and obstacle courses may be great choices for a Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix. A wide variety of toys and playtime will also help prevent boredom. As these pups tend to be more sensitive and touchy when disturbed, it is a good idea to get them used to other dogs as soon as possible. What can be expected on a daily to yearly basis? And what should you know about the projected lifetime of these dogs? A Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix can be expected to live about 10 to 12 years. While these dogs have no known chronic or ongoing health problems, a few concerns may crop up over the years, both major and minor. Less serious issues that you may face generally circle around eye issues. Eye examinations in particular can be requested if you find any cause to worry. On a day-to-day basis, these dogs have no special medical or health needs. As with every dog, quality food will go a long way to prevent troubles down the road. Talk to your vet or breeder about your options to make sure your choices are headed in the right direction. Daily care for a Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix includes frequent two or more times a week brushing and grooming home sessions. Depending on the family, the first answer is yes. Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mixes are highly adaptable and very intelligent, which makes them a good fit for most family situations. Because they are very active dogs, they might not be the best for a family who is not at home very often or who is not physically very active. Elderly people may have a harder time keeping up with these dogs. However, for families with small children, children with special needs or changing schedules, a Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix might be the right dog for you. Because they adapt and adjust quickly, these pups can handle situations that are not predictable or set in stone. Every family is different, but overall, this mix is qualified to become a new member of almost any family. Rescuing a Portuguese Water Dog Poodle Mix While it brings different challenges than a puppy, it gives a dog another chance and another life with a loving, caring owner. Because a Portuguese Water Dog looks so much like a poodle, it may be hard to rescue this exact breed. Check your local shelters and ask around; those people may have other resources to help your search. Focused social media pages may help you out as well. As you network, you may find families or people who have to give a beloved dog up or strays that have not been taken to a shelter just yet. These are all viable options. Regardless of the network you tap into, it can be done. It might take a little longer and be a little harder, but you have a great chance of finding your forever friend as a rescue. First of all, please avoid puppy mills, obvious and otherwise. These places are out to make money off of unsuspecting people and unloved dogs. No one wins in these situations. These places may also sadly be some of the first places you find through the Internet. When talking to or meeting any breeder, take a double or triple look at their practices and papers. Look for breeders who do not pressure you in any way to buy a pup right away, who may have a wait list or nothing available at the moment, and who will interview you as to your ability to raise one of their pups. Breed clubs for Portuguese Water Dogs or other local focus groups surrounding this mix are a great place to start, as are any referrals they may give you. Online focus groups can also be very helpful. What are some of the best ways to raise a Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix puppy? Most puppy advice training is not breed-specific. For Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mixes in particular, it may be helpful to focus on their intelligence. These dogs are very smart and may not need to be told things very often. However, this can lead to them finding new avenues for mischief. Thus, the emphasis on training their intelligence. In any case, loving, caring and firm training will only improve the bond between you and your pup. Most poodle mixes share many of the admirable traits of the Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix. Depending on the other parent, you may be able to find to some extent a pup that is almost ideal for your needs. Both parent breeds are an option as well. Ask around at various places for other ideas. Everyone will have an opinion. Your best bet is the Internet and focus groups once again. Depending on your location, they may or may not be available. Check particularly with Poodle rescue organizations because they may have a much better understanding of the rescue landscape that you may have. If you are looking for an intelligent, loyal and adaptable companion to be at your side, this mixed breed is right for you. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to help this dog bond with your family, the answer is probably yes. Best of luck to you on your decision. References and Further Reading:. Portidoodles are affectionate, loving designer dogs obtained by cross-breeding a Portuguese Water Dog with a Standard or Mini Poodle. Portidoodles are also known as Portuguese Water Doodles. The first Portidoodle might have arrived on the scenes in the early s when breeders began experimenting with creating hybrid dogs having one Poodle parent. Often, they have low-shedding coats thanks to their Poodle genes. Breeders often aim to breed dogs that shed minimally. After all, there is a great demand for hypoallergenic dogs in families having individuals with pet allergies. The Portuguese Water Dog is ideal to mix with a Poodle because Porties as they are called fondly have hypoallergenic coats as well. In fact; President Obama selected a Portuguese Water Dog named Bo for his daughter Malia since she suffers from pet allergy symptoms around dogs. Let us take a look at the origins of the parent dog breeds in brief so we can understand more about the Portidoodle. They are smart, shed minimally, and are easy to train. Poodles are a German breed — often known as the pride of Germany. The word Poodle comes from the German word — Pudel — meaning to splash or water puddles. Poodles were bred to work in the water and help hunters to retrieve waterfowl. Today, Poodles consistently top the list of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Their smartness has earned them great accolades. Many Poodles have become famous because of their extraordinary abilities to perform tricks, dance, and even play musical instruments! No wonder you find Poodles performing in circuses, dog shows, etc. Their compact sizes also make them easy to travel with; a feature that circuses need in their animals. Today, Poodles are popular as companion pets because of their affectionate natures and easy trainability. Most importantly, people love them for their extraordinary charm and intelligence. Like Poodles, Porties are equipped with a curly, water-resistant, and hypoallergenic coat. They also have webbed feet which help them propel through choppy waters easily. Porties were mainly bred to assist fishermen to retrieve fish from the nets. They even helped rescue shipwrecked sailors and to retrieve gear tossed out in the water. Due to their ability to work in water, many Porties were employed by National Baseball teams to retrieve their balls from the bay. These dogs even earned money from this job and the proceeds were all given to various pet charities and animal shelters. Portuguese Water Dogs are a rare breed in Australia. After all, these hybrid dogs are not recognised by any of the major Kennel Clubs. In general, you could expect to find Mini Portidoodles PWD x mini-Poodle weighing in the range of pounds kg and measuring between inches cm. The colours seen in the hybrid dogs are black, white, fawn, grey, chocolate, merle, and sable. You could also have various markings and patterns. Are Portidoodles Hypoallergenic? Portidoodles tend to be low-shedding since both the parent dog breeds shed minimally. The Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle both have tight, curly coats. As mentioned, both breeds were originally developed to work around water bodies, and their water-resistant coats dried quickly while also keeping them warm in freezing waters. You may also follow the same precautions as you would when you are around dogs that shed. This includes washing your hands frequently, not allowing your Portidoodle to lick your face, taking baths frequently, vacuuming with a HEPA filter-based vacuum, etc. Do check out my guide on Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes. Like both parent dog breeds, they are incredibly intelligent and respond well to obedience training. Puppy training with this cute dog is a must since rewards and praise can lead your dog to excellent behaviour. Never punish your Portidoodle or use aversive training methods and tools like prong collars, electric shock collars, slip leads or check chains. Such training methods have been shown to increase aggression, stress and fear. Your Portidoodle loves humans and will enthusiastically greet people. Portidoodles make friends easily and do not have a mean bone in them. This trait means that they do not make the best guard dogs, but they are still extremely loyal and possessive about their humans and their territory. Due to this possessive tendency, a Portidoodle might bark at mailmen, squirrels, and even other dogs that walk past your property. They are fun to be around and love to play with children. After all; these small dogs could get injured easily if the kids play rough. Also, you should socialise your Portidoodle with other dogs and cats from an early age. The best doodle breeders do this job for you. They raise their Portidoodle puppies at home where they are exposed to loud noises, doorbells, kitchen gadgets, and car rides, as well as other dogs, cats, and kids. This desensitises the puppies to various human experiences and makes them confident dogs. Inherently, Portidoodles are dependable, brave, and curious. It is rare to see a tired Portidoodle! They are eager to learn new things and quickly learn the commands and words for common objects. Like both parents, Portidoodles love water. Your pet will look forward to going to the beach and swimming and diving. Swimming is an excellent exercise for Portidoodles as it has a lower impact on their joints. Portidoodles are also prone to separation anxiety. Check out our guide to preventing and stopping separation anxiety in doodles for tips. They tend to get lonely, depressed, and bored if left home alone all day. You might want to consider enrolling your puppy in doggy daycare or hiring a pet sitter to watch your dog and take it out for walks especially if you will be gone out all day. How Much Do Portidoodles Cost? They are also rare as there are just a handful of breeders selling these pups. So, you could expect to pay more than purebred dog prices for this hybrid dog. Some Portidoodles including the mini size and those with rare coat colours and patterns can cost even more. You can always consider adopting a Portidoodle. But not many dog shelters have rescued, neglected, abandoned, or abused Portidoodles — they are a rare poodle cross. Try contacting a shelter near you. There is no shortage in the variety of dog food available in Australia. So much so, that it can get confusing as to what to feed your Portidoodle. You can always ask your breeder for guidance. Later on, your vet nutritionist can also recommend the right food for your pet based on its age, overall health, and activity levels. In general, look for dog food containing USDA-certified, human-grade ingredients. It should be minimally processed and ideally made in the USA. The Raggy Dogs enjoy homemade raw dog food meals. Their diet consists of human-grade meats, raw meaty bones, homegrown organic vegetables, offal and Ziwi Peak freeze-dried treats. Portidoodle — Portuguese Water Dog Poodle Mix: Health Issues and Lifespan Portidoodles are known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and thyroid issues. Some dogs even develop progressive retinal atrophy, eyelid problems, and skin infections. Like Poodles, Portidoodles could experience cataracts, epilepsy, and ear infections. The best Portidoodle breeders DNA test their breeding dogs and conduct hip and elbow scoring. The lifespan of a Mini Portidoodle is between years. Standard Portidoodles have a lifespan of years. The Porti poodle mix is particularly popular because of its non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat and high trainability. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information, exclusive offers and access to our community of reputable breeders. These Poodle Portuguese Water Dog crosses are still a great pet for the right family The origin of these parent breeds is much more similar than many would expect There are misconception about the Poodle because its status as a fashionable dog — once upon a time. Yet, this was a retrieving animal right at home in the water too. The difference is that they retrieved ducks and waterfowl in Germany, while the Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal. This origin leads to similarities in their athletic build and the quality of their coat. They are lean, energetic dogs with dense coats. This has two implications for the Portuguese Water dog and Poodle mix — their grooming needs and activity levels These Portuguese Poodle mix pups should have that same thick, dense coat — either tightly curled like the Poodle or a little looser like the Water Dog. This means that they need lots of regular brushing and grooming in order to keep this coat in the best condition. Be careful which tools and products that you use because of the quality of the coat. However, there is also the fact that these cross bred pups are sure to be hypoallergenic. Both parents are, with the most minimal of shedding and no dander. Therefore, these mixes are a great choice if there are family members with allergies. As for the exercise needs, this active dog will require plenty of walks and a good diet to stay lean and strong. They share the affectionate, loving and playful tendencies of both the parents. However, this is best achieved with the right training and socialization. This is because of their tendency to be a little more sensitive than some other breeds. Most families will love playing with this loyal cross breed. This is important because of the intelligence of the dog, as well as that need to bond with the family pack. Problem solving games and agility are a great option here. This is important when dealing with that sensitivity and socialization, as well as obedience, barking issues and any other problems that arise. Those that continue to struggle to get results should turn to an online guide for help. Other important information about these Poodle Water Dog crosses Training, exercise and a good diet are all important for a happy, healthy pup. On that note, there are some health issues to remember when taking care of this cross. There is a chance that these dogs could develop some of the more common conditions of their parents. Still, they could be long lived, with an average life expectancy of years. Anyone with concerns over the health care of this dog should check out the Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. It offers great advice on a range of subjects, with accessible information for new owners. Finding the right breeder for a healthy Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix So far in this guide we have highlighted the benefits of the cross between the Standard Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog. This is because this is the safest, most viable Poodle cross around. This appealing to all those that want to find a way to shrink a Portuguese Water Dog. However, there are health implications and risks. Image source The solution here is to search for Portuguese Poodle breeders that know what they are doing — preferably with a Standard Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog. They best way to be sure is to visit them at home. Take some time to meet the litter and parents to understand more about the pups. There is also the option of Poodle Water Dog mix adoption. Some shelters may have one of these animals in need of a good home. However, it can be difficult to know the precise parentage of some dogs. These Poodle Portuguese Water Dog crosses are still a great pet for the right family Whichever you end up with — a Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix or a mini Portuguese Water Dog — there are some great traits to this dog. They are smart, keen to learn and play and a joy to have in the home — with the right training. They are also playful and hypoallergenic with minimal risks to family members. As long as you are careful when searching for Portuguese Water Dog Poodle mix puppies for sale, and treat them well, this should be a great pet. Featured Image Credit: Source.

What is a Miniature German Shepherd? Purebred or crossbreed? The other side claims it is a mixed breed. The truth is that the Miniature German Shepherd is indeed a crossbreed. Small-sized standard German Shepherds do not exist unless the dog happens to have dwarfism. To get a Miniature German Shepherd, the standard is bred with another purebred, most commonly the Collie or Poodle. Instead, take a look at the parents to get an idea of how a puppy could possibly turn out as an adult. The Intelligent Border Collie This breed is world-renowned for its smarts. A lovable family doggo with talents for competition and herding, it contributes desirable personality traits to make a German Shepherd Collie mix. It can weigh up to 44 lbs 20 kg with a height of 22 in 56 cm and has a lifespan of up to 17 years. Some health concerns to be aware of with this breed include bloating and an eye anomaly that causes partial or complete blindness. This dog makes an elegant and friendly family dog that is a fast learner. The Poodle excels as a competition dog and is also widely used for therapy. The Poodle can weigh up to 70 lbs 31 kg with a height of 22 in 56 cm and has a lifespan of up to 15 years. There are health concerns associated with this breed, such as epilepsy, canine hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy. The Loyal German Shepherd The German Shepherd is sharp as a tack and completely dedicated and in love with its family. Ranking as the 3rd most intelligent, you get a well-rounded dog that is not only stunningly beautiful with its thick coat, confident stance, and communicative features, but an excellent guard dog that will protect at any cost. It can weigh up to 88 lbs 40 kg with a height of 25 in 65 cm and has a lifespan of up to 13 years. For further insight into German Shepherd growth, take a look at this guide and chart. With the Shepherd breed, hip dysplasia is a common health issue that is seen in the Miniature variety as well. Shepherds are also known to suffer from a neural disease called degenerative myelopathy and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which is a digestive disorder. This is a rare inherited genetic disorder that results from breeding two purebred German Shepherds. A German Shepherd with dwarfism, though significantly smaller weighing up to 30 lbs , will exhibit the token characteristics and mannerisms the breed is known for. It will also look like a typical Shepherd, except with shortened limbs. This is one way to procure a smaller than normal Shepherd, but there will be extra health issues to deal with, such as allergies and thyroid issues. It is common for these dogs to bald as they age as well. Here is a cute video that gives a glimpse into what life is like for a German Shepherd with dwarfism. The Mini German Shepherd is undoubtedly smaller than the standard one, weighing up to 50 lbs 22 kg. Any combination of these colors can be inherited by the Mini. This Dog is a Devoted Protector maria. They make excellent guard dogs but are good-natured. If you have kids, the Mini will take full responsibility for their safety, with a healthy dose of playtime and cuddling thrown in. Hardworking and intelligent, they make phenomenal search, rescue and therapy dogs. Training is a breeze, as this breed is a fast learner remember, all of three possible parents rank TOP-3 in the smartest dog breeds list? The earlier you introduce behavior commands and socialization methods such as walks in the park where other dogs can be encountered safely, the sooner you will see the intelligence blossom. Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited disease from the German Shepherd parent. This painful condition occurs when an abnormality in the hip socket causes the dog to become crippled or experience agonizing arthritis. To keep your small German Shepherd in good health, plenty of exercises is key. This breed is also prone to canine hypothyroidism, which can cause obesity. No one can guarantee how a mix will turn out. The breeder should be able to present health clearances for hip dysplasia and other common diseases. Check out these Miniature German Shepherd breeders for available litters. The fur sometimes flies among German shepherd fanciers regarding coat lengths. What the hairball, right? The overwhelming majority of German shepherds have moderately short to medium-length hair, as dictated by the breed standard. The term is primarily used to distinguish them from long-haired GSDs. Some long-haired individuals lack an undercoat, and they sometimes cost more due to their rarity. However, they are essentially the same pooch otherwise. Long-haired shepherds also occur, but both the AKC breed standard and UKC standard call for one coat length as we mentioned: medium. Excessively long or short, close-cropped coats are deemed faults. A standard German shepherd has a thick, medium-length coat that may appear slightly longer around the neck and rear legs. This is a point of contention in many breeds with differing looks, including Chihuahuas who can be short or long coated and Labs, who come in three colors. Many owners insist there are behavioral differences between types, while others disagree. Personality Differences Generally speaking, appearance has little weight on personality. A German shepherd is a German shepherd. They are large, athletic dogs who love human interaction and thrive when faced with challenges. Dogs from working lines are usually more active with a strong drive compared to show stock. Health Differences As with personality, there are few health differences noted between the short-coated and long-coated shepherds. Any potential health differences between the two can likely be attributed to the coat length. For example, the long-coated variety may be at greater risk of developing hot spots in wet weather. Also, and somewhat counterintuitively, long-coated shepherds are sometimes more susceptible to hypothermia, since they sometimes lack an insulating undercoat. All dedicated GSD breeders as well as those working with any other breed should screen their breeding stock for common health concerns of the breed. Certain colors can lead to issues, however. For example, pale, blue, and liver colors are considered faults, and white is a disqualifying color. On the other hand, long-haired German shepherds do not meet the breed standard since a long coat is considered a fault. These dogs cannot compete in a show ring. No — short-haired GSDs are not rare. In fact, short-coated German shepherds are more common than those with long coats. Additionally, since long-coated GSDs are seen as going against the breed standard, most breeders avoid producing them, or they choose to sell them on a pet-only contract. The point behind this is line of thinking is that every generation of puppy should strive to reach the breed standard. But on the other hand, because of the rarity of the long-coat gene, some breeders deliberately produce them and charge a premium for these long-haired doggos. Also, note that those who opt to breed long-coated shepherds may not always have the same goals as traditional GSD breeders. Now, while the standard calls for a double coat, the undercoat is sometimes lacking in long-haired GSDs. On the surface, this may not appear to be a big deal, but in colder climates, an undercoat is vital in insulating your dog from the elements, so these long-haired pups may actually have a tougher time staying warm. Because the vast majority of short-haired shepherds have an undercoat, they shed more than longer-coated pups who lack one. They also require more brushing around shedding season to remove any loose undercoat. The same is true of long-haired GSDs with an undercoat. Image from Pinterest. The German shepherd dog has a dense coat that sheds regularly. Weekly brushing is recommended to maintain his handsome looks and cut down on tumbleweeds around the house. Brushing should increase during heavy shedding periods, such as when seasons change. Regular tooth brushing and ear cleaning are also musts to keep him in tip-top shape, as is a good flea prevention program. Lifespan Sociability Since the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, there are plenty of reputable breeders, and finding a puppy is usually not a problem. That said, they can vary fairly widely in price, as some are bred purely for the pet trade, while others are bred as working dogs and will cost a fair bit more. While the German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, they are actually a fairly recent breed. German Shepherds as we know them today were first bred in the late s by Max von Stephanitz, with a dog by the name of Horand becoming the first officially registered German Shepherd. They have American Kennel Club recognition. They go by several names. During World War I and II, both Americans and Europeans sought to get rid of the German part of the name due to its association, and the dog thus became known as the Alsatian in most of Europe. Image Credit: Pixabay 4. They are highly intelligent. German Shepherds are widely considered among the most intelligent dogs on the planet. They are immensely popular. According to the AKC, since , German Shepherds have consistently ranked second in the United States for the most popular dog breed, with only the family-favorite Labrador Retriever above them. They served in both World Wars. During World War I, German Shepherds were used by both the Germans and Allied forces for carrying messages and distributing food and as rescue dogs and as personal guards. After the war, soldiers were impressed by the capabilities of the breed. They are Hollywood stars. German Shepherds have long had starring roles in many Hollywood movies, with Rin Tin Tin being the most well-known, with dozens of movies throughout the early s. They were one of the first seeing-eye dogs in the U. Dogs are commonly used as an aid for people with visual impairment or complete blindness. Although this role is now often associated with Labradors or Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds were among the first. There are few dogs more adorable than German Shepherd puppies, and there is no shortage of homes for them. They come in eleven recognized colors. The classic black and tan German Shepherd is the color most associated with the breed, but these dogs actually come in 11 different colors. Their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility are almost unmatched by any other breed, evidenced by their use in so many ways. Life Span Did You Know? A Miniature German Shepherd is a cross between a German Shepherd and a smaller dog breed that is meant to result in a smaller version of a German Shepherd. Although these Mini Shepherds can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, they tend to be energetic, intelligent dogs that bond closely with their families and are affectionate with them. Miniature German Shepherds make great family dogs. They may be hardworking while on a job, but they have a playful spirit while relaxing with their family. They also tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they tend to do well with smaller pets they have been raised with, they do have a high prey drive. Mini German Shepherds are also protective and alert. They will bark to alert you and will be naturally suspicious of strangers. Proper socialization and training early on can help make sure barking does not become a nuisance and will help them open up to strangers once introduced. Miniature German Shepherds are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to be a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. But, they can adapt just as well to apartments as long as they get the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond so closely with their families and want to be near them, they do not do well with long periods of alone time. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs because of genetic diversity. However, this is not a guarantee. They could inherit no conditions common to the parent breeds, but they could also inherit some or all of them. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. For the Miniature German Shepherd, potential health conditions to be aware of include progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Because of their body shape, they are also at risk for bloat. Although Miniature German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle on their own. Their high energy, working dog instincts, thirst for learning, and need for structured training can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners. Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended if you are not an experienced dog owner. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your dog, and also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. In general, a Miniature German Shepherd will have a coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavier seasonally. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath is usually sufficient for this coat type. If a Miniature German Shepherd has a Mini Poodle parent, there is a chance they could inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Although good dental care for dogs is essential, it is often overlooked. This is one of the reasons why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in older dogs. You can help protect your pup from painful dental diseases later in life by brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day and keeping up with regular vet visits. Although a Miniature German Shepherd may be smaller than a German Shepherd, they are still a high-energy dog with working dog instincts. In addition to having a job to do, these dogs also need daily walks plus playtime and time to run to be happy and healthy. If they like it, swimming can be a good low-impact activity while they are still growing. Once puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like hiking, running, training for dog sports, and more to see what they like. A fully-grown Miniature German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs about 50 pounds. There can be some variation depending on the other parent breed in the cross, but meeting the mother dog in-person can give you a better idea of what size to expect in a Mini GSD. A Miniature German Shepherd generally lives for years. If the other parent crossed with a German Shepherd is a Standard Poodle, the result is a Shepadoodle. Featured Miniature German Shepherd Article.