golden retriever puppy rescue pa

Raised in Homes From birth, to whelping, until to the moment you adopt your pup, it all happens in homes. Never Kenneled Our pups enjoy the chance to play, explore, and spend time with humans. Available Across the U. My co-worker told us how friendly Kathryn owner of Sacto Frenchies was and that she had an Instagram page that featured their recent puppies. We fell in love immediately with how spunky and cute they were. After gawking over them, we decided to contact Sacto Frenchies and Kathryn was quick to answer any questions we had. She provided information about the breed and also kept in touch with us during the process starting at birth up to us receiving our French Bulldog that we named Huey. Huey was our first puppy and even after we brought Huey home Kathryn answered any questions or concerns that we had. Huey has brought so much joy and laughter to our home! Sacto Frenchies is an AKC breeder and you can be rest assured that their litters are quality. We are looking forward to welcoming our second French Bulldog bred by Kathryn in a few months! If you are looking for a Frenchie to bring into your family we highly recommend Sacto Frenchies! Got some quick questions? Or are you ready to adopt? We have answers. The difference is that a purebred dog has a documented pedigree, and it is bred to meet very specific standards. A mixed breed dog has an ancestry involving different breeds. There is nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs, but many people prefer purebreds like French Bulldog puppies for sale Sacramento. What is the French Bulldog like? Friendly, cute, and tiny, Frenchies are hugely popular. They are actually descended from English Bulldogs, but they are smaller. They have lovely personalities and are adorable pets. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Sacramento also make great family dogs because they are friendly and get on well with kids. What makes French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs cannot reproduce naturally due to their narrow hips, so French Bulldog breeders Sacramento must use artificial insemination and the pups are also delivered by C-section. This means extra skills are required by French Bulldog breeders in Sacramento, and this is reflected in the higher prices. How should I use Uptown? We put the fun back into finding French Bulldogs for sale in Sacramento. Just search for a French Bulldog Sacramento, find a litter, and connect with the breeder. You can then start making arrangements to pick up your pup, and in no time at all you could find yourself meeting your dream Frenchie puppy! Am I going to find the cheapest French Bulldogs puppies here? We screen them all very carefully to ensure they have high standards, and they provide a boutique service. Why should I not just choose a shelter dog instead? Getting your dog from a reputable shelter could be a great option. However, shelters are not the right choice for everyone. If you want a purebred dog or you want to know its full health history, then finding a Sacramento French Bulldog for sale in the Uptown network might make more sense than using a shelter. How can I be sure that my Frenchie puppy will be in good health? All the companies and breeders in the Uptown Network provide full health checks. But you should still take your pup to the vet to verify its health when it arrives. Can I pick up my new puppy in person? If you find a French Bulldog for sale in Sacramento, you should make arrangements with the breeder to find out how to pick up your puppy. If you cannot find Sacramento French Bulldogs for sale, and you find a puppy much further away, the breeder can make travel arrangements so you can pick up your dog at your nearest major airport instead. If I have kids, will my Frenchie be OK around them? They love playing and having fun, after all! But make sure they are supervised properly, especially around young kids, in the same way that you would with any dog. What are the exercise requirements for French Bulldogs? A short walk and a bit of playtime is usually enough to keep them in good health.

We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder, breeding only the finest Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Australian Labradoodles are outstanding in every way. They not only have regal beauty but soulful natures and outstanding temperaments that are consistent within our pooches. Read More Our years of dedication to breeding selection with an emphasis on conformation, health, temperament, and overall regal beauty are evident in all our Australian Labradoodles. Since , all our breeding dogs were handpicked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. The following colors of Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats can be found here: Red, Apricot, Cream, Carmel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. It was an honor to serve as President for our breed an organization from to .Prior to that from to I served in various committees as well as the Vice President. We are proud to go to such great lengths to health test ALL our breeding stock! We are honored to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer their seal of approval. You are truly getting the cream of the crop when you purchase one of our precious pampered pooches. Enjoy our website and if at any time you have any additional questions feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page. Be sure to follow us and keep up on the latest news! We started with Bulldogs which is still a great love of ours. Unfortunately in my husband and our son Grant developed terrible allergies, it left us looking and researching a new breed. We started researching other dog breeds that were hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly. We fell in love with the majestic beauty and regal elegance of the Labradoodle and purchased our first breeding Labradoodle in .The minute we saw them it was love at first sight. Here you will find general information on the Australian Labradoodle breed including size, coat, and coat types. Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with majestic beauty that compares to no other. Their eagerness to please and smart, soulful nature makes them perfect for therapy work or a perfect family pet. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Bakersfield California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Then look no further than an Australian Labradoodle! Australian Labradoodles are exceptional dogs for individuals, families with children, and anyone who wants a friendly and loving pet. At Country Club Labradoodles, we breed the finest Australian Labradoodles and match them with the perfect forever families throughout California. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in CA As dog lovers, we believe every dog deserves to live a long, happy, and healthy life in a home filled with love and care. The stimulation, exercise, and initial training we provide help our Australian Labradoodle puppies become confident, well-behaved, and affectionate dogs. All our Multi-Generation Labradoodle puppies for sale are up to date on vaccinations. We breed variations of chocolate, cream, and caramel-colored Labradoodles. Although our breeding program is in California, we offer puppy delivery and shipping options throughout the continental U. Australian Labradoodle Guardian Homes Occasionally, we hold back certain puppies from our litters with especially exceptional pedigrees, personalities, and traits for future breeding. However, as we are a small breeder and believe dogs need as much human interaction as possible, we like to put our breeding puppies in loving guardian homes. As a guardian, your Australian Labradoodle puppy will be part of your family, live permanently in your home, and be cared for by you. New puppies coming end of the year accepting deposits. Puppies coming at the end of August. They will be chocolate and white, caramel and white approximately 30 to 35 pounds full grown. Puppies coming in October, will be approximately 25 to 30 pounds full grown.

But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. This medium breed dog is naturally strong and sturdy; one of the physical qualities that makes this dog so popular. An owner needs to find just the right balance.A Boxer's exercise needs will change from puppy to adulthood. One must offer enough to keep the dog strong and healthy.But also know the Boxer's limits.As too much at a young age can hinder proper growth.And too much at certain times can cause health issues. With this said, a lack of proper exercise over an extended amount of time will lead to muscle loss and weakness in the dog. Boxers under the age of 2 years old have a long way to go in order to mature into muscular, well-built adults. It is not uncommon for Boxer puppies to have loose skin and part of the dog filling out and gaining a tighter coat will be a quality diet and proper physical conditioning. To keep your Boxer healthy, daily exercise must be provided. Owners must be aware that allowing their dog to roam the yard is not considered to be enough physical activity. Each vet has their own particular schedule; however in general the 3rd and final combination shot Called a 5-way vaccine usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Check with your veterinarian to make sure that "all puppy shots" have been given. After this time, then you may safely begin to bring your puppy outside to explore the world and to allow him to meet his exercise requirements. Until this time, a puppy should only be allowed outside in an enclosed area, in which there are no other dogs and no chance of other dogs getting into the area. Consider the Elements While it is important to exercise your Boxer, keep the weather conditions in mind. The Boxer - along with other Mastiff breeds- have shorter, flatter faces than other dogs. They are a Brachycephalic breed, which means that the skull is compressed. You'll want to follow certain guidelines regarding summer care when you still need to exercise your Boxer, but it's hot and humid outside. The shorter hair on a Boxer dog also makes this breed a bit sensitive to outside elements such as extreme sun or cold and rain. If you will be going for a long hike or walk in bright sunlight, be sure to plan rest stops in shaded areas. For Boxer dogs that have any white markings, sunscreen should be applied to those areas and to the stomach if you will be out for longer than an hour in bright sunlight. All white Boxer dogs should have sunscreen applied all over be careful around the face- but do apply to the nose. What are the Exercise Needs of a Boxer Dog? Exercise with your Boxer dog should begin slow and increase at a steady pace as your dog grows older and becomes accustomed. Puppies should not be taken on a scheduled walk more than 1 time per day. This does not mean that he or she needs to say still aside from walk time! This only means that once you have ventured out, a purposeful, brisk walk for a 2nd time may be too much. Growth plates are not yet fully formed and excessive exercise can impede growth. In addition, muscles are not yet fully formed and cannot handle excessive activity. Over the course of the 1st year, you can increase exercise with your Boxer, until he or she is meeting the requirements of an adult dog. A Boxer should have a brisk 20 minutes for a puppy, 30 minutes to 45 minutes for an adult walk each day, given that the temperatures and weather are not extreme. Do not bring your puppy out for walks until all puppy shots are given. If your Boxer enters an adolescent stage from around the 14 to 22 month mark where the Boxer seems too skinny , keep up with exercise and a super-nutritious packed diet as his weight works to catch up to his height. On very cold days, walks can be kept much shorter. On very hot days, head out in the early morning or later in the evening when it's cooling down. Having 2 walks a day is just fine for adults, especially if you must keep the 1st one of the day shorter than normal. If you keep your Boxer inside and the living quarters are rather small, exercising outside twice per day is best for this breed. The Boxer dog should be given an opportunity to actually run around for exercise times a week. This can be done in a large, fenced yard. If you do not have a yard, finding a large open field is great, as is a controlled environment at a dog park. Naturally athletic, this breed will love to run after a tennis ball and enjoy using all of their muscles. You can be creative in the type of exercise that you provide to your Boxer dog. This dog can be taught to catch a Frisbee, always fun for both owner and dog. You can train him or her to run along side you as you bicycle, jog or inline skate. This breed, in general, loves to hike alongside their owner.So any trails or such that you can handle, he or she can as well. Swimming can also be a great way to exercise muscles for both of you. Best Times for Exercise Care should be taken to not allow extensive exercise right after the Boxer eats. This is a canine health condition that can occur from several causes, one being strenuous exercise right after eating. The symptoms are vomiting usually dry heaving , a very tight abdomen and restlessness in the dog. This condition needs immediate treatment at an animal hospital or veterinarian. In some cases, this can be fatal to a dog. Your Boxer will be ready for a walk 1 hour after a meal and for more intense exercise 2 hours after eating. Most do best with activity spaced part; a session in the morning and a session in the evening. If you will be leaving the home for quite a few hours, your dog will behave better if you offer a good burst of exercise before you leave. Try to limit activity within the last hour before expected night time sleep. Running with a Boxer Dog You may be a runner and wonder if the Boxer is a good breed to run alongside you. Dogs with lots of muscle like the Boxer, and especially those that are brachycephalic breeds like the Boxer, do best with short sprints as opposed to long runs. This said, if an owner wants to run with their Boxer, this is something that can be gradually worked on. We'd suggest starting with 2 miles and, similar to a person training for a marathon, work up to a greater distance. Breaks must be taken for a Boxer to re-hydrate. And of course, if the Boxer starts to appear out of breath, a break must be taken for him to get his breathing under control. While the Boxer is not a severe brachycephalic breed, he is a moderate one. So, those compressed breathing passages can lead to breathing issues if he is over-worked. Boxer Dog Blog - Check out our monthly Blog - the Topic of the Month, where we discuss a new, relevant informational piece each month. We always write about something that has been suggested by our Members or that has presented itself as an important care element that owners should be aware of. Become a Member - When you sign up, this allows you to receive a friendly alert when new, helpful info has been added to the site. Stay informed at all times. Boxers make good running partners, and owners can start running with their boxer once they reach an appropriate age. Absolutely, adult Boxer dogs can make excellent running partners with a little practice! Boxers are a high-energy working breed that needs at least 1 hour of exercise per day. Healthy adults would preferably receive around 2 hours. Running is an excellent way to achieve this high requirement of physical exercise. Please note: Running should be reserved for adults between years of age. The reason being is that puppies under 2 and seniors over 7 need to be extra careful with their fragile joints. Continous jogging or running is very repetitive will likely lead to injury. With practice, a safe distance for your boxer to run with you would be up to 3 miles at a time 4. While running for longer distances than this is technically possible, the chances of causing joint issues or muscle strain increase dramatically. Start with light jogs of 1km before slowly increasing the distance. In the beginning, your boxer will not be accustomed to such constant running and will need to rest and recover sufficiently after each run you go on. Running with your boxer is best kept to times per week to avoid damaging the joints or straining muscles. Avoid dehydration and heatstroke by running in cooler temperatures only! Narrow walkways will make it really hard for your boxer to ignore another person or dog when going past. But the majority of the run should be on a more forgiving surface, like grass or mud. If your Boxer runs on concrete too often, it could lead to very sore paws which can be very painful. Use Only a Hands-Free Leash I know it looks super cool and majestic to run alongside your boxer off-leash. Hands-free leashes are perfect for running with dogs as they allow you to run normally while maintaining excellent control over your boxer. Running while holding on to a regular leash should be avoided as it might lead to sharp yanking and cause injuries. Hands-free leashes are supported by your waist and are typically fitted with a bungee to prevent sharp pulls. This is very important! Have a least one break and be sure to give your boxer some water. He should at least be running beside you or slightly in front of you. Exercise is necessary for overall health, but over time, things like running will inevitably wear down the joints. Adding a joint supplement to his diet should prolong the health of his joints, and prevent as much as possible general deterioration. The thing is, Boxers are balls of energy just waiting to bounce around on their walks. You have to teach him to stay by your side. Allow him to smell your palm down by your side as you walk. Every so often, stop, ask him to sit, and give him a treat. Then continue to walk with him by your side paying attention to your treat-filled hand. Practice outside where there are few distractions. All items are extremely highly reviewed, but I encourage you to check out the reviews for yourself too! But people wonder about their running ability. Boxers can run short distances fast: up to 45 miles per hour. Very athletic, not only can they sprint, but if conditioned properly they can run with you on a daily basis for miles. The earliest age they can run is 15 months. Not only are Boxers great runners, but they love to run as well. If you are looking for a canine companion that can really put in the miles, the Boxer might be the dog for you. Are Boxers Good Running Dogs? Not all dogs are great runners. Are Boxers good running partners? They might be more well known for their disposition. Boxers are born athletes, and one of these dogs in peak condition is a marvel of what the canine form is capable of. Boxers are full of energy. Their heritage comes from a lineage of dogs bred to chase down wild game like boar and bison. That lust for movement and action still remains within them. This means that they are more high maintenance than many other breeds when it comes to exercise requirements. The Boxer is not the breed for someone without the energy to match, so they are not the best choice for the elderly or small children. While most Boxers enjoy long, daily walks and some playtime in the yard, running can be an even better method to burn that energy. But how far is too far for them to run? How fast can they go? Break up their mileage to prevent extreme fatigue, injuries, and damage to their joints. You and your Boxer will have to build up to those long-distance runs with some consistent training. A Boxer at a full sprint can run 38 — 45 miles per hour. Dang, that is one fast dog! That speed is in a short burst, and they would much rather match your pace given the choice. Your running buddy Boxer can also benefit from sprints when you do go running. Train Their Endurance Humans are not the fastest animals, but we make up for that by being the best endurance athletes on earth. We can go further than any other animals, just at a slower speed. It is essential to keep this in mind when you start to run with any dog. They can smoke us in a sprint, but their bodies were not meant to maintain speed over long distances. It is important to start slow and learn what your dog is capable of. Take a look at our article on how to train your dog to be a good running partner. Monitor Their Fatigue Are they limping? Foaming at the mouth? These can all be signs of fatigue. You will know your dog better than anyone, so you need to be on the lookout for these signs that it is time to take a break. Your dog lives to please, so they will push themselves too hard if they think they need to. This can cause Boxers to overheat rather quickly if the temperature is high. Bring Water If you are going for an amount of time over thirty minutes, you should bring water for your pooch. Puppies should get their exercise how they see fit, running around the house and yard, playing, and gnawing. Only once your dog has matured should they go on long-distance running. For Boxers, this is around 15 months to 2 years of age. Asphalt and cement can be harmful to their claws and their footpads and even burn their poor little paws during the summertime. So, stick to grass and dirt whenever possible. They may be willing, even though they should be resting an injury. This goes the same for dogs recovering from surgery or illness. They will push themselves as long as possible to keep up with you. You need to be the one to initiate breaks for the sake of your pup. So whenever they seem to be slowing down, getting clumsy or panting harder than average, stop and let them catch their breath and cool down. Use A Leash A running leash is an excellent investment towards the safety of you and your beloved Boxer. It might take some extra training to get them, and you used to run with a leash, but it could save you some heartache. It might even save you trouble with the law in some areas.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us We are located in the flat country of Illinois where there are fields and fields of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Many families also raise livestock and produce their own vegetables. We enjoy where we live as it is our goal to live a nice, quieter, slower pace of life. I am a cabinet maker by trade and work at a local business producing kitchen cabinetry. On evenings and weekends, I partner with helping my wife care for our pets and other animals. This is my favorite time of day. It was said that during my growing up years that I had a way of spoiling our family pets and loved spending all my time with them. I always made sure they had the greatest care. This passion has carried with me into adulthood and it is the same with our current pets as well. It was in , as a teenager that I discovered a passion for raising puppies. I picked a Boston Terrier for my first dog because I liked their personality, confirmation traits such as the flat muzzle and bulldog looks. It was and still is a great joy to watch them grow. I especially enjoy the first days their eyes begin to open and they begin to steady themselves and finally walk. We also really enjoy socializing and playing with them. Spending every day with puppies is amazing therapy for today's hustle and bustle. In my life was changed forever when I married my wife. She has been an amazing partner and we have grown to share many of the same passions. My wife is amazing with our dogs and is the one to care for them during the day. It is always sad for us to see a puppy leave our home to another but it is a greater joy knowing they are strong, happy, healthy, and going to a loving trustworthy family. We always enjoy seeing the pictures and stories that come back from our puppies forever homes as well. We couldn't resist their fun-loving personality and well-built confirmation. Since we brought our first puppies home to raise we have always been focused on raising the bar for confirmation short ears, short muzzle, blocky build and genetic profile. Raising the French Bulldog breed comes with a special set of challenges but those challenges can not contend with our love and dedication to the breed. We have some adults with both standard and more rare colors such as blue merle, blues, and chocolate. It's always exciting for us to see what colors will come about from our breeding program and we are always researching how to improve. We have environmental controlled housing with temperature adjustment capabilities and air quality filtration. We also have outdoor play areas dedicated to each individual and we socialize with them daily. Our vet makes weekly visits to do health checks so we can be confident each of our pets is at peak health. We routinely visit breeder seminars to take advantage of the latest research and stay up to date on health and wellness standards. It is ultimately our goal though to exceed the standards for raising puppies and seek to raise the happiest healthiest pups that we can. Our pets are fed only top quality grain free dog food, supplements, and immune boosters. In our focus on health, we are working toward having all our adult dogs OFA tested, certified, and clear of any genetic disorders. Be sure to look through and read about the history and health care suggestions for the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier that is provided here on our site. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to meeting you. Blessing from us at South Prairie, Harvey Miller. Best seen on a computer, too many photos for most phones. Our puppies are all born in our home, or Kim and Justin's home. We love them to be house dogs and we work together to have a terrific line of quality Frenchies. Frenchies technically are born at the veterinarians since they have c-sections. French Bulldogs also often need to be bred by AI, and are normally born by c-section. C-sections also mean the moms will only have a few litters in their lifetime. Raising Frenchies, French Bulldogs is definitely not for everyone! The price of hard to raise puppies in breeds like French Bulldogs is simply greater due to the difficulty and cost involved in getting quality genetics and then of raising the puppies. Kims puppies at her home have started potty training at 6 weeks of age All puppies are microchipped and current on vaccinations. See the other pages: "About our puppies," "what comes with your puppy", and "is a puppy really right for you. Please do not get a puppy, or dog if you have any hesitation about long term responsibility of a furry best friend. We love our puppies and dogs and only want them in a home where they will be a part of the family! Frenchies are heat and cold sensitive, some more then others. Some are amazingly agile, fast, and athletic and do tolerate a wider range of temperature since we breed for a more open airway. Others are at risk of collapsing if overheated when simply out on a warm day and playing. Many make terrific therapy dogs. They are very sturdy and tolerant of children. See Fiona's story on the parent page. I need new photos! She has really grown, super cute! One up ear and one floppy ear yet. Mom, Mazzora, one of my favorites Mom, Mazzora, one of my favorites 6. He is a handsome guy, a unique heavily brindled blue, crate trained and well started on house breaking. Love to play and is catching on to sitting for pets, well socialized with other dogs and people. He is quite the ham, loves to bring you toys and bounce around in triumph. Very well natured getting along with lots of random dogs he's met along the way. We wont know if they are actually pregnant for awhile yet. The puppies would be 8 weeks old in December. Deposit information: Until puppies are born it is just an educated guess as to what colors they may be, or if the mom is even pregnant for awhile! We of course don't know gender, or color until birth. At times we have deposits prior to puppies being born, when that happens those families pick first and then the remaining puppies will be shown as available. We will post puppies as available until a deposit is received, then mark them as sold, or pending pick up. Always check by phone or email to be sure the website is updated for the puppy you are interested in. A deposit holds a specific puppy, or a place on the list for choosing a future unborn puppy. You can always pass and wait for the next litter when a specific color, or gender is desired, or just personal timing if you place a deposit. Past puppies and color references in the slide show! Brindle Pup with his new family Brindle.

June 26, German Shepherd dogs are a very popular dog breed, owing to their many qualities. While German Shepherds were bred specifically for their herding and intelligence, they are also known for their strength, trainability, and obedience. These traits make them excellent disability assistance dogs, police dogs, and watch dogs as well as excellent pets. They are also considered easily identifiable due to their distinct tan and black or red and black markings. Many other colour varieties do exist including black masks, sable, pure black, and pure white varieties to mention a few. This is an obviously handsome, eager to learn, and curious dog breed that is very self-assured despite the curiosity in its nature. They are loving and attentive dogs with their family members but are not inclined to make friends easily with strangers, making them quite intimidating at times. Once getting past the initial introduction, these dogs are very friendly and energetic with children as well adults. Much is known about German Shepherds and some of their common medical ailments by pet owners and dog breeders alike. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency to name a few conditions the dog breed is prone to. Good breeding practices can help limit these problems in the breed. As German Shepherd dogs can also be prone to a large range of skin related problems, these can also be limited with responsible breeding practices, although some of the skin conditions are difficult to completely eradicate as individual variations do exist. As the range of most common breed-specific dog skin problems in German Shepherds is quite vast, we will discuss these conditions over a 3-part blog series. Here are some of the common pet allergy related problems that are seen in German Shepherd dogs: Environmental Allergy Canine atopic dermatitis An environmental allergy can occur in the predisposed individual to natural environmental substances such as grass and tree pollen, house dust, house dust mites, human dander, and environmental fungus in wet grass or close to water bodies. Indoor allergens, outdoors allergens, or a combination of them may cause dog allergy symptoms. A shepherd dog with any lifestyle can be affected by environmental allergies. Environmental allergies can cause seasonal or round the year dog allergy symptoms at a young age including itchiness, skin infection, hair loss, ear infection, skin rashes and redness. Often, the infections are resolved with treatment but recur until allergy is identified and managed. As an environmental allergy is a life long problem, and usually progresses with age, early intra-dermal allergy testing to identify offending allergens is encouraged. This helps to start allergy immunotherapy for better allergy control. Allergy desensitization will generally help German Shepherd avoid long term bacterial skin infections, that they are also quite prone to. Contact Hypersensitivity German Shepherd dogs are also affected by contact allergies, which can be triggered by compounds coming in contact with skin. This is especially true and evident for less haired areas that are more in contact with the environment. Most signs are noted at the paws, underbelly, armpits and tail based, perianal regions for this reason. Over time, skin redness and irritation signs may progress further along additional areas of the skin. Secondary skin infections may also develop, leading to further skin problems. Contact allergens for dogs may be substances found indoors or outdoors. Household cleaning agents, various plants, toys, carpet fibers, and even some skin products when applied for treatment are examples of agents that can cause contact allergy dermatitis. To help minimize this skin problem, identification of the contact irritant or allergen and its avoidance is critical. Thorough patient history review and in some cases, patch testing can be performed at our pet dermatology clinic to help control this problem. Flea Bite Hypersensitivity also called Flea Bite Allergy Flea bite allergies can cause pruritic dermatitis anywhere on the body, but especially on the back of German Shepherds. All it takes is one flea bite to cause a severe reaction! The vast majority of symptoms of this allergy, especially itching, disappear within a few days of adequate flea control. Interestingly, it can be quite difficult to find fleas and their evidence on flea allergic patients, due to their intense itchiness on the back end, where fleas can generally be found. Excellent flea control and flea treatment products are available these days, of which the most suitable and effective for your Shepherd can help control this problem well. Remember, in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver areas of the lower mainland, our weather is mild round the year and harsh winters are not seen. Thus, flea infestations and flea allergy can be seen in pets round the year. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity As German Shepherds possess an immune system that can be quite reactive, they can also be affected by insect bite allergies including a condition called Eosinophilic furunculosis of face. In regions with biting flies being common in warmer months, fly bite dermatitis of ear tips is also seen in this breed. Being active dogs that like to train and spend time outdoors, they are definitely more exposed to insects in the environment. Food Hypersensitivity also Food Allergy, or Cutaneous Adverse Food Reaction Food allergies also affect German Shepherd dogs, in keeping with the dog breed being prone to developing allergies. While food allergy is less common compared to flea allergy as well as environmental allergy due to pollen, grass and dust mites, it is important to consider any pet with skin problems and signs of intestinal upset, to be a possible for allergic dog. If food allergy does affect a dog, controlling exposure to one or more allergens will help prevent ongoing concerns. Food allergy may also be seen in combination with other allergies, making identification of the problem more challenging. A fair amount of testing options are available for assessing food allergy in dogs. Not all these options are entirely reliable as blood tests and saliva tests have been proven to be of minimal benefit in benefiting the patient. If food allergy is suspected but control over the problem has not been achieved, a vet dermatologist consultation is encouraged to help confirm and eventually control the problem and related symptoms. Combination Allergies and Their Secondary Effects All dogs affected by allergies, irrespective of breed and including the German Shepherd, can be affected by more than one allergen. In fact, having allergies to more than one allergen is more common than being allergic to just one thing. Being allergic to a range of things polysensitization makes allergy in pets a complicated condition. This may mean an allergy to multiple grasses, tree pollen, foods, insects, etc. Some pets may be affected by a large range of food allergens without having additional allergy triggers. In dogs affected by multiple allergies, identification of the most important allergen is always the key. Ideally, most or all of the offending allergens need to be identified to help ensure good patient comfort. This in turn, will help limit secondary skin infections in a breed like German Shepherds, that is quite prone to skin infections as we will find in the next blog discussing skin infection related conditions of German Shepherds. Early and definitive identification of allergy signs is always helpful in stopping progression of allergies and their impact in any dog, but is especially true for German Shepherds. If your German Shepherd shows allergic symptoms of itchiness, redness of skin, hair loss, or changes in skin quality, it may be time to consult with a vet dermatology clinic so that your pet dermatologist can help identify the true problem. He is also the dermatology feature editor for Canadian Veterinary Journal. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? None of us want to see our German Shepherd itching like crazy and constantly in discomfort. Or, worse—in pain from their own skin! But there are solutions for German Shepherd allergies and dry skin that you can use right now to help your dog from itching like crazy. And you can do them right now, too! Although food is rarely a cause of dry skin or allergies, in many dogs a change in diet dramatically decreases itchy skin. While there are plenty of sensitive diets on the market you should try Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Formula which has no soy, wheat, peas, or corn. German Shepherd itchy skin might also happen if your current feeding routine lacks proper nutrition. Choosing a sensitive or hypoallergic dog food is a quick way to help your German Shepherd from itching like crazy. If your dog has special medical conditions, check with your vet first to make sure a change in diet will help with their scratchy and itchy skin issues. Look for a shampoo that contains coal tar which moisturizes and calms the red, irritated skin. Beware… Over bathing can cause more irritation by stripping the skin of natural oils and removing the protective layer. This can increase itching and scratching. Only bathe your dog with the medicated shampoo as needed to control their symptoms. They are also convenient and easy to use throughout the day. Look for a spray that contains aloe vera and vitamin e, both of which moisturize the skin. I use this spray for my itching German Shepherd and her skin felt moisturized and looked healthier after only a few applications. For areas you think are infected or extremely irritated, try a thicker cream that also offers pain relief, like this Sulfodene ointment. My GSD immediately shows signs of relief upon application! Use soft strokes and a brush with rounded tips. Specifically, try a rake brush that removes the dead undercoat. My GSD loves the rake brush, and this helps her to have the excess dead hair removed so that her skin can breathe more. This reduces the efficiency of the oil glands and causes your GSD to itch constantly and like crazy. Add Anti-Inflammatory Supplements to their Diet Research shows that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce skin inflammation and increase skin moisture in some dogs. You want o use a blended oil like this salmon oil with hemp oil blend because it produces outstanding coat and skin results that help your dog to itch less while giving them a shiny, healthy coat. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or even several months for your dog to feel the benefits of an omega supplement and for you to see the benefits. Begin before the cold seasons to avoid having a German Shepherd itching in winter or because of allergies. Most dogs enjoy the oil as a treat on top of their usual kibble. My German Shepherd itches and licks her paws a lot in spring because of grass and pollen allergies. Use a brand that has ingredients to help with scratching and itching. You need a wipe with soothing ingredients found in them, such as Tropiclean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes that give your dog clean skin to lessen irritations. Use these dry skin tips! Deicing solutions and salt on the walkways increase skin dryness. Remember, in the winter your German Shepherd needs special attention to their skin: Be sure to keep paw cleaning and wiping products by your door. Upon returning from every walk use them to remove any debris. Brush them thoroughly to help distribute their natural oils after walking outdoors in winter and apply an anti-itch spray and ointments if necessary. Run a Humidifier Adding moisture back to the air helps some dogs decrease their scratching, especially during the winter months and in dry climates. Especially if they enjoy lying close to the heat! Humidifiers come in a variety of models and sizes and both in a cool mist and warm mist options. Avoid Using Room or Fragrance Sprays Some German Shepherd allergies are brought on or worsened by unnatural, chemical-laden room and fragrance or perfume sprays. Avoid using these items, including the plug-in room fragrance models, if you suspect your German Shepherd has allergies or is itching constantly. The chemicals can even cause allergies to become worse in German Shepherds or they can develop breathing problems when you use too many chemicals products around them. Switch to a more natural cleaning option when possible. Use the following helpful information to understand why your GSD may have allergies and what contributes to allergies and scratching. German Shepherds are prone to a variety of skin problems because of flea or insect allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and skin contact allergies. Some GSDs are also itchy because of medicine allergies either over the counter or prescribed and even genetic allergies. This leads to a lower quality of life and possible serious medical and health complications. Itchy German Shepherd? Use this list to see if your dog might have an allergy to one or multiple items that causes them to itch like crazy: Food Allergy wheat, unusual proteins like bison, kangaroo, etc. Parasite Allergy fleas, ticks, etc. Environmental Factors cold weather, dry air, fragrance sprays, commercial cleansers, carpet powders, mold, etc. Always seek vet advice when in doubt. You can also provide temporary and sometimes long-term relief using the process of elimination and the home treatments for skin problems previously listed. How to help my German Shepherd from itching and scratching? Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution. There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away. Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. And for good reason! They are characterized by not only their smarts, loyalty and courage, but also the thick fur coat that protects them. However, their coat makes them very susceptible to developing skin issues. If you are a parent of a German Shepherd, stay informed by being knowledgeable about why they get skin allergies and what you can do for them. They are allergic to fleas, especially to their saliva. When bitten, they will constantly itch and their skin will be inflamed. You will most likely see red spots almost immediately. Flea control would greatly help. A few of the things you can do is give your dog a refreshing bath in either a pool or a bathtub. This way fleas are washed away. Do make sure you fully submerge the dog in the water. Controlling fleas can not only prevent German Shepherd skin allergies but they can also avoid serious health problems such as tapeworms, anemia, dermatitis and bacterial infections. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Steps for properly eliminating fleas from your German Shepherd: Bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Use a loofa for scrubbing his body. Make sure you cover his eyes with a dry cloth. Scrub vigorously to make sure it penetrates through his skin. Scrub for up to 5 minutes and make sure you include the genital area, tail and belly. These are the places where fleas tend to gather. Rinse using a hose a dry him off with a towel. Food Allergy Do you know that the number one cause of allergy in German Shepherds is the meat in dog food? When they develop this allergy, the skin is most likely the place where the inflammations would appear. If remain untreated, it could progress to infections or secondary bacterial infections that may be accompanied by alopecia or crusting. Food with real ingredients containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are a good choice. Skin allergies may not be completely avoided but your German Shepherd will not likely develop skin irritations related to food if he is consuming the right diet. Environmental Allergy German Shepherds, as a dog breed, are really prone to skin allergies. Pollen-related allergies are one of the most common. This happens usually in the summer or in the fall. Many dog owners will use Benadryl for dogs to help alleviate pollen allergies that are common during the spring season for many dogs. Pollen allergies could lead to Atomic Dermatitis. This is usually a genetic condition caused by dust, trees or pollen. The dog may also experience ear infections when the allergy is not treated. Claritin for dogs is commonly used to help alleviate this type of allergy but it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian prior to giving anything to your dog. Eye drops for dogs are common for helping to remove environmental allergies from the eyes and face of your dog. When you notice these, your dog may have an allergy. Symptoms also include flaky skin, hot spots, hair loss, dandruff, sores and dry skin. You need to watch out for skin allergies affecting either the ears or the eyes. Smelly ears or teary eyes could lead to painful infections when not treated. It would be best to consult a veterinarian right away for the proper prescription. Other Treatment Options For German Shepherds Most environment-related allergies are treated with over the counter treatments. Buying hypoallergenic or sulfate-free shampoo would be best for your German Shepherd. You can also choose a shampoo with either aloe vera or tree tea oil as the ingredients. These will provide a calming and soothing effect on their skin. Consult your veterinarian for antihistamine prescriptions for your dog. You may also visit a nutritionist so they could devise a good diet plan for your canine. Learn about our healthy protein food excellent for your German Shepherd. Managing Skin Problems with German Shepherds Fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants may reduce the symptoms. You may also regularly vacuum or wash the dog in hot water to remove the allergens. Keep an eye on them! We love our pets like family and hate to see them uncomfortable. Fortunately, by keeping an eye on their activity, watching how they react to their diet, bathing them regularly, and giving them a supplement if you think they need extra support, you can go a long way toward helping them live a more comfortable life! In this article:. The best way to prevent hot spots in your German Shepherd is by taking care of their skin and coat on a regular, preferably daily, basis. Although hot spots are common in German Shepherds, you can prevent them. Groom your dog regularly—take at least 5 to 10 minutes a few times a week to give your GSD a comprehensive brushing. Use a gentle undercoat rake brush to remove dirt and dead hair while detangling the longer coat fur. Provide your German Shepherd with food made for dogs with allergies, such as Advanced Allergy Care Dry Dog Food , or a limited-ingredient dog food diet. See also these valuable posts: Dog Food for Skin Allergies and Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs Some pollen can worsen skin allergies, leading to hot spots; therefore, keep your dog inside during the parts of the day when pollen counts peak normally early morning and early evening hours and wipe down their face, paws, and stomachs when returning from outside fun and walks with allergy relief wipes. With the right care, you can help your dog stay comfortable and happy. Seek treatment at the first sign of skin irritation. Have your supplies ready to treat the issue. Those pesky hot spots seemingly appear from nowhere! These hot spots often occur due to allergies, fleas, or moisture buildup on the skin. Check for skin issues during brushing. Thorough Drying: Dry your dog thoroughly after baths or in wet weather to prevent skin irritation. Flea Prevention: Use vet-recommended products, especially in summer, to prevent fleas and hot spots. Allergy-Friendly Food: Feed your dog specialized allergy-friendly or limited-ingredient food. Pollen Season: Keep your dog indoors during peak pollen times and use allergy wipes after outdoor activities. Stress Reduction: Create a stress-free environment with quiet zones, a comfortable bed, and regular exercise. Alone Time: Teach your dog to be comfortable alone to reduce anxiety-related skin issues. Taking care of a German Shepherd hot spot is easier when you know how to prepare yourself. If this post made your tail wag, please share it so you can help another dog owner. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. While they sound like they are insects similar to fleas, they are actually more like spiders, just in parasite form. As well, the longer you wait to seek out diagnosis and treatment, the more likely a minor issue with mites will turn into sarcoptic mange, or scabies, a much more serious condition. As Veterinary Partner explains, because the mites feed on dead skin, they like the more hairless areas on your dog like the ears, belly, or joints. Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are quite a lot like other skin allergies and conditions that can affect a German Shepherd. Your veterinarian may need to rule out other issues and do several tests. Even after a firm diagnosis is made, your dog will probably need a range of treatments, including antibiotics, topical shampoos or solutions, oral treatments, dips, and topical itch-relief products. You can see how severe the mange issues can become and also how effective treatment can be once a proper diagnosis is made. The big difference between scabies and Demodex is that the scabies mite is a definite invader, while the Demodex mite is always present on the skin. Typically, as long as your German Shepherd stays healthy with a strong immune system, the mites will live peacefully inside the hair follicles. But if there is any disruption to the immune system function, the mites may start to cause itching. The most common warning sign besides intense itching is patchy hair loss. In fact, current estimates indicate as many as 10 percent of all dogs alive today may be suffering from some degree of food allergies. Interestingly, food allergies in people are also on the rise. While researchers are not completely sure what is causing this uptick in interspecies food allergies, there are several suspects, from GMOs genetically modified organisms to global toxins. Certain foods are known to be more prone to causing food allergies in German Shepherds and other dog breeds. Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat gluten , rabbit, pig pork , and lamb are some of the most frequently cited food-based allergens. However, a German Shepherd may also have sensitivities to additional foods. For example, peanuts are known to be more prone to fungus, which can cause intense allergies in some dogs. Veterinarians who specialize in allergies and immunology are not sure exactly why dogs have sensitivities to foods that might ordinarily be a big part of their diets such as chicken and lamb. Even if your dog previously was able to eat the food item, over time sensitivity can develop and it may be necessary to remove that food from the diet going forward. One theory is that commercial livestock operations often give breeding animals and young animals antibiotics to try to ward off illness and infection. Some breeds are also naturally more likely to have food allergies and German Shepherds are one of those breeds. Your veterinarian will likely do some allergy testing to narrow down the search. Another option many veterinarians prescribe is to adopt a limited ingredient diet to see if the symptoms clear up on their own. Rather, it is important to rule out both behavioral as well as environmental causes to see what causes the itching to clear up. Behavior reasons why your GSD might be scratching Some German Shepherds may actually just need more enrichment, exercise, activity, or playtime. Because the GSD is such a sensitive and intelligent dog breed, these dogs can start to self-harm by chewing at the skin if they get bored or lonely. Boredom can lead to other destructive behaviors like digging , chewing things around the house, and barking. Systemic reasons why your GSD might be scratching Problems with thyroid function, endocrine disruption or immune system malfunction can also cause skin that dries out and becomes itchy. Sometimes testing reveals a hidden metabolic or systemic disease or sensitivity that is the real cause of the itching. Environmental reasons why your GSD might be scratching German Shepherds can be very sensitive to environmental toxins, including exposure to herbicides or pesticides or insecticides, toxic house or lawn plants, air pollution, seasonal pollen, mold or mildew, and similar triggers for scratching. It can be worth taking a second look at your lawn care and gardening products as well as what may be growing in and around areas where you and your dog walk regularly. Regular brushing and grooming can help you spot developing problems before they get out of control. Going forward, when you brush your dog each week, take time to examine the skin, ears, paw pads, tail, and belly areas, joints, and face for any signs of skin redness, hot spots, irritation, or inflammation. As well, it often helps to keep a journal so you can record what happened just before your dog experienced a bout of scratching. Does your dog seem to itch more after meals or yard time? These are valuable clues that can help quickly diagnose and treat the scratching issue. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? There are many different types of hypoallergenic and sensitive dog foods. These have been specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions as far as possible. By reducing the number of issues that their system has to contend with, you are likely to alleviate their itchiness. Common allergens found in dog foods are dairy proteins, chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, gluten, and soy. As well as this any chicken meal, fat, eggs, cartilage, grains, lentils, peas, potatoes, flaxseeds, fish, and yeast. If your dog is allergic to any of these things then their bodies will produce antibodies and antigens as part of its immune response. If you suspect that this is one of the problems with your dog, your vet may ask you to do an elimination trial. This is where you feed your dog a carefully controlled hypoallergenic diet for between 8 and 12 weeks. This diet cannot contain any foods that your dog has consumed in the past and does not allow for your dog to be fed with treats or supplements. Your vet may also perform a serum IgE test, which is a type of blood test. This will give them an indication as to what foods your dog may be sensitive to. Alternatively, your dog may be itchy if they are not being fed appropriate nutrition. They may be deficient in vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The blood test will indicate this to your vet too. This can also cause itchiness. It is vital to feed your dog the correct diet to keep them healthy and well. This will also help to improve the quality of their coat, making it shiny and luxurious. We recommend using an oil blend, such as salmon and hemp. This is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction and will work beautifully to produce a healthy coat and skin. To feed it to them, all you need to do is pour a little of the oil over the top of their kibble at mealtimes. You will not notice results immediately after you begin to feed the oil blend to your dog. It is likely to take somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks to notice the benefits. We strongly suggest that you begin to incorporate this fatty supplement into their diet before the cold season begins. This will help to reduce the chances of your German Shepherd becoming itchy and ill over the winter. These will help to boost their immune and digestive systems. Probiotics will also help to reduce the inflammatory response of their bodies to any allergens present in their environment. There is evidence to suggest that these supplements can also help to protect your dog from immunological attacks. Change their shampoo There are many different types of medicated shampoo that are ideal for treating itchy dogs. These will help to soothe their inflamed skin and reduce the itchy sensation. They are super simple to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase. Your shampoo should contain a compound known as coal tar. This is commonly used as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis as it is incredibly soothing on broken and irritated skin. It is also a highly effective treatment for overly oily fur and dandruff. You can purchase coal tar shampoos designed for both human and canine use. You should not wash your dog too often as this can also lead to problems. If you over wash your dog, you can strip the natural oils out of their coat and off their skin. This can actually lead to even more itchiness and further complications. It is a good idea to bathe them every months, or more often if recommended by your veterinarian. You should always rinse your dog twice thoroughly to ensure all of the shampoo residues have come off of their coat. Use moisturizer There are many different moisturizing skin sprays and ointments available to treat your German Shepherd. These help to keep their skin hydrated, therefore reducing irritation and itchiness. Sprays are highly convenient to apply throughout the day and will not cause you much inconvenience. You should look for sprays and ointments that contain Vitamin E and aloe vera. Both of these are very moisturizing and will massively help your dog. Apply liberally to areas that seem most affected. These sprays are clinically formulated to have veterinarian quality impacts from the comfort of your home. For really itchy and affected areas, it is wise to use an ointment or thicker cream for more of an impact. This can also be applied to small cuts and sores for instant relief. It will also help to eradicate any loose hairs that may be causing them irritation. We recommend grooming your German Shepherd with a rake brush with rounded tips, 2 to 3 times per week. During shedding season, in the spring and fall months, you will need to brush your dog every day. This is because they will be losing a huge quantity of fur and will need some assistance to ensure the dead hair does not just collect in their coat. If your dog lives indoors, they are likely to shed slightly less than outdoor dogs. Ideally, this brush will have a double row as these will remove the most hair with ease. Use soft but firm strokes in the direction of hair growth. We recommend using a rake brush. This is because German Shepherds have 2 coats of hair, and this type of brush will remove dead hairs from their undercoat. Neglecting to brush your dog will result in a thick blanket of hair growing over the skin and preventing adequate air circulation. This means that their oil glands can become clogged and can make your dog incredibly itchy. Wash them often This is a particularly important step during allergy seasons such as late spring and summer. If your dog is sensitive to pollen and goes outside, they will drag the pollen back in with them on their fur. This can cause them to have continuing allergic reactions, even when indoors. This will reduce the amount of grass and pollen that they come into contact with and can reduce allergic reactions. Invest in a humidifier If the air is particularly dry, this can cause your German Shepherd to itch too. This is particularly prevalent during the winter months when electric heaters and log fireplaces are running. Humidifiers work by introducing more moisture into the air. This can help to alleviate some skin conditions and improve the overall health of your dog. They can emit either a warm or a cool mist, and some are capable of both. You should place the humidifier close to where your dog spends most of its time. This will help to ensure they get as much benefit from the humidifier as possible. It is a good idea to place the humidifier out of reach of your dog to ensure they do not knock it over and hurt themselves. Do not point it directly at your dog as they may become wary and move if any mist or discharge from the humidifier is suddenly sent their way. Do not use fragrance sprays The respiratory and olfactory systems of dogs are far superior to that of humans. Their sense of smell is more than times stronger than a human, meaning that they are incredibly sensitive to odors. There are many smells, such as ylang-ylang, which can actually irritate and cause harm to your dog. If your German Shepherd is already itching, their symptoms may be worsened by the use of room fragrances or perfume sprays. We do not recommend burning scented candles or incense in the vicinity of your dog. In extreme cases, you may wish to consider stopping using aerosol deodorant and perfume sprays. Change your household cleaning products Commercially available cleaning products can cause your dog to itch. Many chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in your dog. There are lots of naturally formulated cleaning products available that will reduce the reactions in your dog. Look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Allow all surfaces that have had chemicals applied to them to dry completely before you let your dog near them. Other home remedies for itching A completely natural way to treat your dog is through the use of apple cider vinegar. Use this as a rinse to alleviate symptoms of itching. Dilute it in a ratio with purified water and put it into a bottle. Wash your dog as normal with a mild castile soap and then rub the apple cider vinegar into their fur. Ensure all areas of their body are covered, paying close attention to their belly and legs. Take care not to get the vinegar into their eyes as this will hurt them. Do not use this on open wounds or raw skin as it will burn and hurt your German Shepherd. Do not rinse this off, instead allow it to air dry on their skin and fur. This can also be applied topically throughout the day to alleviate itchy hotspots. It can also be used to clean out their ears and can be ingested for digestive issues. Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent. You may want to consider incorporating olive oil into their diet. Olive oil is high in vitamins K and E, as well as antioxidants. Do this 2 to 3 times per week to help alleviate itchiness and improve the quality of their fur. Another good incorporation into their diet is plain yogurt. Take care to ensure that this is one that has no additives or sugar, as these will be bad for your dog. The yogurt will contain probiotic cultures that will help to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in their gut. It can help to prevent yeast infections and skin issues. For small dogs, add in a teaspoon of yogurt 2 to 3 times per week. For large dogs, feed them 2 teaspoons. Coconut oil is another great and easy home remedy. Apply it topically to dry skin as a moisturizer or give it orally to your dog as an immune booster. It is also really useful as a human moisturizer and is delicious to boot. We have all heard of oatmeal baths for chickenpox, but did you know that this can be done for dogs too? Grab some oatmeal and place it into a high-powered blender and blend until a powder has formed. Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour in the oatmeal powder. Allow this to combine for a few minutes and then bring your dog in. If possible, allow your dog to soak in this bath for 15 minutes. Performing this bath regularly will help to reduce the overall itchiness of your dog and make their life more comfortable. You can also make herbal tea soaks for your dog. These can be done with chamomile, calendula, and green teas. All of these teas have soothing properties and will help to reduce itchiness. This is particularly useful for dogs with red raw skin that cannot stop itching. To make this soak, fill your tub with warm water and throw in around 5 tea bags. Leave them to steep here for minutes and then take the bags out of the water. Bring your dog into the bath and allow them to soak in the tea for around 5 minutes. If the itching is localized to smaller regions, steep a couple of tea bags in a jug of warm water. Allow it to cool and then pour over the affected patches and allow the tea to air dry. For more natural home remedies, take a look at this video. Learn About German Shepherd Scratching From a Canine Veterinarian In this YouTube video , you can watch a canine veterinarian examining a German Shepherd dog patient who is struggling with ongoing itching and scratching issues. Although their medium-length fur provides considerable protection, German Shepherds are far more susceptible to uncomfortable skin conditions than many other breeds. Skin conditions are some of the most common German Shepherd health issues. The average lifespan of German Shepherds is 10 to 12 years and German Shepherds stop growing around 18 months. So during that time, expect health problems every now and then. Knowing the three most common causes of German Shepherd skin issues can help reduce the risk of recurrence and potential complications. The more time you spend with your German Shepherd, the easier it is to pick up on subtle cues of them having a skin issue. When your four-legged companion starts biting at their fur, licking their limbs, or scratching a persistent itch, you might naturally assume a flea treatment, tick check, or bath will alleviate their discomfort. Said skin condition can also indicate other causes, such as a secondary infection. Many canine researchers believe German Shepherd skin issues are hereditary, meaning they have strong genetic components. German Shepherds are susceptible to many of the same health and wellness concerns as their human family members, including allergies. However, you may not realize your German Shepherd has a significant problem with common allergens until the reaction affects their skin. Although allergies can develop at any age, the allergic reactions most likely to trigger German Shepherd skin issues generally appear between the ages of one and three years. Until then, you may find it helpful to consider the three most common causes of German Shepherd skin issues. Hot Spots Polytraumatic Dermatitis Hots Spots polytraumatic dermatitis are areas of inflamed, infected skin. Although most often found on the paws, ears, hips, rump, or chest, hot spots can emerge anywhere your dog has been licking or scratching. If your German Shepherd dog seems uncomfortable, consider examining your pet for the following symptoms:3,4 A swollen, inflamed area of skin that feels warm to the touch Areas of moist, blistered skin that cause pain or discomfort Itchy round patches of skin that increase in size Hair loss or patches of matted fur crusted with discharge Scarring caused by continuous scratching, licking, or biting inflamed, infected skin The main triggers for German Shepherd hot spots tend to fall into one of four main categories, allergic reactions pollen, insect bites , breed-related genetic disorders , parasites dust mites, fleas , and pathological autoimmune, arthritic. The triggers that can cause symptoms to flare include seasonal pollen, human dander, soil fungi, harsh shampoo, and more. The most common culprits are the animal proteins commonly found in chicken, beef, and eggs. Your canine could also be allergic to grains, dairy, root vegetables, or preservatives. Although your German Shepherd will try to resolve their discomfort on their own, their efforts often increase the risk of pain, inflammation, and infection. Delayed healing increases the risk of infection. The advanced hypochlorous technology offers a powerful, non-toxic alternative to steroids and antibiotics and is completely non-toxic, even when ingested. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and remarkably loyal. Although most require only a quick brush and occasional bath, the breed is prone to developing uncomfortable itching, allergic skin reactions, hot spots, and other skin issues that could cause potentially serious infections. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: German Shepherd Corner. What is a Hot Spot in Dogs? German Shepherd Hot Spots? How to Treat Dog Dermatitis at Home.

Through some research and vet consultation, I found a homemade food recipe that has kept Hugo healthy, in great shape, and, not only does he toot way less, but they barely smell! I have had a lot of people ask me about the food we make, so I wanted to share our story and recipe for those of you who are interested. Then, when we moved to Ireland, we went through a bit of a rough patch. After two weeks and the worst potty clean-ups ever, enough was enough and it was time to figure out a new diet for Hugo. I follow several, okay, a lot, of Frenchie accounts on Instagram, and noticed that some of them got homemade meals and I was intrigued by that. I did a lot of online researching and came across this article, Best Food for French Bulldogs from allaboutfrenchies. The whole article is great to read, but if you scroll to the bottom, you will see the recipe that I use, which we have gotten approved by our vet. What I love the most about this recipe is that you can make big batches and then freeze the food. This makes cooking the food way less of a daunting task. We get about 4 weeks of meals every batch we make, and I would honestly make more, but our freezer space is pretty limited. So how is Hugo on this food? He has been on this recipe for almost a year and a half now and he is as healthy as ever. He is three years old and still in great shape. The biggest change we saw when we switched him over is that he drinks way less water. Overall, we are very happy with the switch to making homemade food. So long as Hugo remains healthy on it, we plan to continue to feed him this way. Victor, our latest addition, is less than a year old right now, so the vet advised us that he should be on puppy food until he is about 9 months old. Because of this, I am looking forward to the day when we can get him switched over to our homecooked meals! Here is a breakdown of how we make our food! Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your French Bulldog gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your French Bulldog gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your French Bulldog, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your French Bulldog is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid. Make sure to read until the end for two easy and quick French Bulldog food recipes that your fur baby will surely love! Why homemade dog food is a great option for Frenchies? Nowadays health issues such as allergies, chronic inflammatory diseases, obesity and diabetes are becoming more and more common in the canine world as well. Many of these are often associated with improper nutrition, as commercial dog foods and canned products often contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, colorants and other additives. Instead of real meat, they may contain animal by-products or meat meal, which is the dried and ground remains of dead animals. Proper nutrition can not only prevent the diseases mentioned above but can also reverse them in dogs! Probably the most common issues that Frenchies may experience are food allergies. Allergic symptoms include scratching, paw licking, frequent and recurring eye and ear problems, anal gland problems, skin changes, and swelling. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email So why is it recommended to cook for your Frenchie? Homemade food is also an excellent choice for picky dogs and your Frenchie may even experience less farting. Big bonus! Peter, Audra and Kamala, French Bulldog puppies at TomKings Puppies Many dog parents are reluctant to cook for their fur babies as it seems too much work. Firstly, you can always prepare larger portions, which you can freeze as well and serve it over a couple of days or even weeks. This can come from meats such as turkey, duck, rabbit, lamb, beef or salmon. Organ meats like liver, kidney and heart can also be included in smaller amounts as they are a good source of nutrients. Read our article about foods that French Bulldog cannot eat. Romina, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Regarding carbohydrates, it is important to choose slow- absorbing ones. Instead of white rice, brown rice is a great option, while sweet potatoes, cooked buckwheat and quinoa are also excellent choices. Vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, celery, turnips, spinach and others are highly recommended as well as fruits like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or apples. For more info, read our articles about the top edible and toxic vegetables and fruits. You should also always keep in mind to provide fresh water for your Frenchie continuously. A few additional things to consider We cannot emphasize enough that every Frenchie is different: what works for one may not work for the other. The list we provided above is not complete, it only contains the most important recommended ingredients. This includes washing your hands before and after handling food, using clean utensils and equipment, and storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. Two bowl-licking French Bulldog food recipes Turkey thigh with chia seeds for your Frenchie This meal can be prepared using leftovers after family dinners or holidays. Obviously make sure that everything is still fresh and is not expiring. Ingredients Two-day portion for a Frenchie weighing approximately 22 lbs Ground turkey thigh or turkey trimmings gr Root vegetables butternut squash, parsnips but NO potato , finely diced gr Sage 1 tsp. Pin80 Homemade Dog Food Are you ready to make the switch to homemade dog food? Now you can create your dogs food at home. You will know that you are creating the best natural dog food for your dog. Your dog is part of the family and want the best for them. I am here to share with you the homemade dog food recipe that I make for our fur baby, a little blue french bulldog named Lady. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We got a puppy back in March. A French bulldog puppy. From doing my own research I found that French bulldogs have sensitive digestive systems. So, I started looking into doing a raw diet for her. I even asked my vet for help with recipes but she was against it and continued to tell me to feed her a certain brand dog food. I was shocked! So, here I was on my own to figure this out. Have you had a similar experience? I decided to go with a cooked dog food as oppose to raw food. For me I just felt more comfortable cooking the food. Disclaimer: I am not a vet or a nutritionist. This is what works for my dog. After months of research I came up with this base recipe to feed Lady. I will share with you what I feed her everyday. I feed Lady her home made dog food two times a day. Once in the morning and once at night. I primarily use ground beef with some ground turkey. In my research I found that a lot of French bulldogs are allergic to chicken, so I decided to omit that from the beginning. I buy very lean ground beef. It only takes a little bit of your time to make. I will be monitoring her weight and adjust accordingly to increase or decrease portions due to her weight. You should take in account if your dog is a puppy or an adult dog. Puppies need more calories. Also, if your dog is fixed or not could have effect too. Then you would divide that in half to equal their morning meal and dinner meal. I use beef liver and beef hearts. That has spices and sugar in it not good for dogs. Ingredients Supplements Along with my base recipe I also add in her supplements and toppers. Her supplements that I give her are a multivitamin, calcium, heart health, and skin and coat supplement. I give them to her according to the instructions on the labels for each. I also only give her supplements once a day in the morning. You can find them here:. This supplement added to this dog food recipe should contain everything your dog needs, but of course, do your own research as every dog is different. Bring 1 cup of whole grain to boil in a pot of water. Cook ground beef with olive oil. Drain excess juices and rinse. Mix everything together! No need to cook the veggies. Overcooking the vegetables removes the natural nutrients. The cooked meat and whole grain will soften them up a bit. Homemade dog food can also be a more affordable option in the long run and can help avoid potential allergens or fillers that may be present in commercial dog food. Coconut improves skin and coat health, aids in digestion and promotes a healthy immune system. Calcium is essential for dogs as it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting nerve and muscle function, and aiding in blood clotting. Pumpkin regulates blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation and provide a natural source of vitamins and probiotics for your dog. Store in containers or Ziplock bags and freeze. Makes enough for around one week of meals for two dogs Fira weighs 14 lbs and Weston weighs 24 pounds. I feed them twice a day: breakfast and dinner. I feed Fira about a cup per meal and Weston gets a little over a cup of this homemade dog food per meal. Thaw out food the night before or microwave and serve! Additionally, preparing homemade dog food can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for dog owners who want to ensure that their furry companion is receiving the best possible nutrition. Nowadays, there are countless dog food brands available on the market. When I started cooking meals for my pup, there were only one or two companies to choose from. However, in recent years, the number of dog food companies has increased significantly, offering dog owners a wide range of choices to select from. Here are a few I recommend… Just Food For Dogs is the first fresh dog food company that I tried, which was almost a decade ago! They specialize in providing high-quality, human-grade food for dogs. Their meals are prepared in their own kitchens, following strict food safety standards, and are tested for nutritional content by accredited vets. Did you see their most recent Superbowl commercial? The food is gently cooked to maintain whole food integrity and natural nutrients, then frozen and shipped directly to your door. PetPlate also offers delicious, balanced dog food that looks like real food. Your dog will thank you! Need to find out what food allergies your dog may have? A lot of different factors draw people to try a new food, or new food preparation for their French Bulldog, especially if your dog is sick or has irritable bowel syndrome or something of the like. Switching from store bought food might be your answer. You are probably going to get better quality food by buying and cooking it yourself. Vitamins K3 can cause serious health risks. Top French Bulldog Food Proteins Meat should make up at least half of the diet of your French Bulldog, especially white meat, unless your dog is incredibly active! Bones are often fed to dogs, but just remember that some say you should not feed your French Bulldog cooked bones. Salmon is a great meat to either add to your already made, natural store bought, dog food or to incorporate into your homemade recipe. Fish provides vitamin D, which is an essential part of the diet. If you are not feeding your dogs fish then the vitamin should be supplemented. Feeding small amounts of liver daily is recommended. Beef or chicken liver would be a great ingredient to throw into your homemade dog food recipe. Generally speaking, add about one ounce of liver per pound of other animal products. Eggs are incredibly nutritious! If your French Bulldog is about 20 pounds they can eat a whole egg a day, smaller dogs can still have eggs just not so much at one time. Throw in the eggshells too- blended of course. Eggshells provide a ton of nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Plain yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, and ricotta cheese are all healthy for your dog too! Other types of cheeses have a little too much fat in them, which is why most people prefer cottage and ricotta cheese. So what ingredients should make up your homemade French bulldog food? Starchy veggies are good for French Bulldogs that need help keeping some meat on their bones, but should be given in moderation to dogs that are heavier set. Starchy foods have to be cooked in order for them to be digestible. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, pumpkin, and legumes are all great options. Leafy greens are low in calories and can be fed in any quantity! However please note, too much can cause gas. Broccoli and cauliflower are good for dogs, however it is recommended that if you are feeding in large portions to cook them, as they can suppress thyroid function. Bananas, apples, berries, melon and papaya are all safe and healthy choices, but do not feed your French Bulldog grapes or raisins because that can cause kidney failure. Grains are controversial. They may contribute to inflammation caused by allergies, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, seizures, and other problems. So proceed with caution if adding them to your homemade French Bulldog food recipe. It is not clear if starchy veggies do the same. A lot of homemade dog food recipes call for rice, you can always nix it out if feeding your French Bulldog grains makes you nervous. Grains and starchy veggies should not make up any more than half the diet. Supplements are another important part of any homemade dog food recipe. Feeding your French Bulldog can be viewed similarly to feeding a child. Same goes for dogs. The AAFCO provides nutrition requirements that dog food brands must meet, but it is said that those requirements are the very minimal for your dog to survive. Your goal with feeding a homemade diet to your frenchie is to find a balance of meeting the minimal requirements to keeping your French Bulldog alive and to over feeding and giving too much of these vitamins and minerals. Whenever you feed the dog with different kinds of food items, you should always read the label and understand the contents about the dog feed types that are being used in such commercial preparations. You should understand the ingredients while buying food for your dog and also know what to look for. Feed items include dry and fresh food. The fresh dog food that is prepared in homes generally consists of ingredients like freshly cut chicken pieces in addition to the cranberry juices, blue-green algae, etc. If you come across any different kinds of preservatives and if the dog develops all of a sudden signs pertaining to the food allergy, suspect the unwanted ingredient in the feed items given. Similarly, understand about the moisture status. If the food item is having more moisture, then the French bulldog may prefer this as well. Raw egg, chicken, beef, mutton, fish, quail etc. Likewise, in the case of dogs feed with frozen fish items, the vitamin called thiamine needs to be supplemented as an ingredient. Many premium type of French bulldog food preparations contain essential fatty acids, carbohydrates with adequate fiber contents, vitamins like A, D, E and B complex vitamins. Furthermore, minerals like zinc, is an essential ingredient for skin health status and calcium, which is an essential ingredient for bone growth, tonicity of muscles. They should be enriched in these food items. However, the cost of those food preparations are comparatively more expensive than the food preparations with general ingredients. Vitamin and mineral supplements are the most important components in your French bulldog feeding. If there is a balance in the vitamin and mineral supplements, then the animal will have a healthy life and hence, the immunity is not compromised in an unwanted way. This simply means that there the dog will be more disease resistance against various diseases. Pet owners should know that vitamins A, D, E, and K are the fat-soluble vitamins and others are water soluble vitamins. Vitamins like thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin are important for the functions of nervous system. Deficiency of vitamin A leads to night blindness and skin lesions and deficiency of vitamin D leads to the softening and weakening of the bones. These problems are many a time encountered by the French bulldog owners. Among these, vitamin A toxicities may occur if you feed them in excessive amounts, like vitamin D. Hence, give emphasis on this while you are using these vitamins in the dogs. Cod liver oil from selected fishes has more vitamin A in them and are universally good feed for dogs. All French bulldogs may not need supplements of minerals or vitamins to live well for the moment, but it is important for their future. If they become sick or aged or very young without proper feeding, supplementations are required for the upkeep of health status in them. However, one has to follow the instructions of veterinarian in this regard. If the dogs are fed with fish in frozen conditions, then they may be suffering constantly from vitamin B1 deficiency and hence, such dogs need to be given specifically B1. Careless supplementations of minerals may lead to diseases and hence, veterinarians always need to be consulted on the supplementation of minerals or vitamins. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper etc. Zinc is related to skin health and potassium is related to the muscle health and calcium with phosphorus is related to the bone health. However, if you feed your French bulldog with chicken, mutton or beef along with required vegetables, artificial supplementation of mineral or vitamin tablets may be highly reduced but supplements need to be thought of when you are not able to maintain a balanced nutrition as this happens with most of the dogs, due to multifaceted causes.

Sponsor Meet Porrto Porto, a handsome 3-year-old black lab mix, was rescued from a high kill shelter and is now seeking his forever home. With a joyful and sweet demeanor, Porto has the potential to bring immense happiness into your life. With his impressive size of 80 lbs, Porto would benefit from a home that can accommodate his energy and provide him with the space he needs to thrive. He would do best in a home with a yard where he can run and play. As he is still in the process of decompressing from his shelter experience, we are currently getting to know him better to provide a comprehensive understanding of his temperament. While we don't have detailed information about Porto's personality at the moment, we assure you that we will update his profile as soon as we discover more about him. As he continues to settle in, we anticipate uncovering more about his unique qualities and preferences. We believe that Porto has the potential to become a wonderful companion, bringing joy and love to his new family. To learn more about Porto and follow his progress, please visit Philozoia. Porto is currently in the process of decompression and is located in Santa Monica, CA. Approved adoptive families can explore weekly transport options to bring this special pup into their loving homes. Considering Porrto for adoption? We have Lab puppies for sale in California that are available throughout the year in different colors, including Silver Labradors , Charcoal Labs and Champagne Labs! Let us know what you are looking for and we will find the right puppy for you! About our Wonderful Labs.The Labrador Retriever loves to retrieve. Show a Lab to water and it will retrieve all day: balls, sticks, small boats and even children who might happen to go for a swim. Descended from dogs found in Newfoundland by explorers, fishermen and settlers, the Labrador Retriever evolved by natural selection. An excellent retriever of fish and game, these dogs have been known by several names, among them the Black Water Dog, the Lesser Newfoundland and the St. John's Dog. In the early s, the breed was introduced to Britain, where it was eventually crossed with other sporting breeds. The final product was the strong, sturdy, happy Labrador Retriever, which is America's most popular dog, thanks to its outgoing, eager-to-please and loving temperament. Males usually measure .Weight for males ranges from 65 to 80 pounds, with females averaging about 10 pounds less. The coat is short, dense and hard in colors of black, yellow, silver, charcoal, chocolate and many shades in the middle such as the white and champagne Lab. The AKC only allows black, chocolate and yellow to place in the show ring but that doesn't stop us from loving the other colors! A simple good brushing will remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. A distinctive feature of the breed is the medium-long tail. Thick and round at the root and gradually tapering to the tip, it is often described as an otter tail. This tail can clear a coffee table in seconds! The Labrador is easy to train and excels as a field dog as well as obedience trials. Labs enjoy all outdoor exercise but are especially fond of swimming. They say this medium-sized, high-energy dog is best suited to a suburban or country home with a yard and a family that can provide it with the activity it loves--but that said, many city-dwelling Lab owners tell us it is the most wonderful "city" dog they have ever had! City, country or anywhere in between, the Lab is simply the best! Also, before submitting an adoption application, be sure that we cover your area. We also serve the coastal communities of Santa Barbara County from Goleta south to the Ventura County border and, in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County we serve the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga—dependent on volunteer availability. For more information, including a list of Lab Rescue groups that operate in areas in which we do not, please see our Areas We Serve page. We are also unable to accept applications from group homes or other institutional settings. Since SCLRR so rarely has puppies under 6 months of age, we do not accept adoption applications from individuals or families seeking only to adopt a puppy. By far the best place to find a rescued puppy for your family is your local animal shelter. Foster Dogs Listed below are the fostered Labrador Retrievers that are ready for adoption. Again, we do not adopt outside the areas we cover in Southern California! Absolutely no out-of-State adoptions.

We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today! Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products. One of the most popular membership boxes out there, BarkBox is all about themes. You and your pup are sure to be delighted by each month's delivery. From Scooby-Doo to Cinco de Mayo, the boxes come filled with two toys, two treats, and a chew curated to fit the theme. When you sign up, you will answer a few questions about your pup weight, age, and allergies. Shipping is free within the contiguous United States, and BarkBox even has an online shop selling more toys and surprises. If your pup likes to chew , you might want to opt for the Super Chewer box filled with impossible-to-destroy toys. You can cancel at any time on a month-to-month plan, but the other plans cannot be canceled. You can also get boxes that provide your dog with both premium-made toys and treats. Based on box selection, your package may contain five or six surprises for your pet, and you can customize the toys based on their preferences. This brand is a great choice for anyone looking for value. Each month you will receive a box of well-made toys and treats for less than you would spend in a store. The BoxDog subscription box is a monthly service that comes with two treats, one skincare item, and two to three toys, clothing, or accessories you pick. Choose from items such as a dog jacket, a squeaky toy, or a premium leash, depending on what your dog needs. Your first BoxDog box typically ships within a couple of business days, and then every three months for the seasonal plans. BoxDog is a great choice for any pet parent who wants a less-frequent subscription box and likes curating items for their pup. Instead, consider a monthly subscription like the Pet Treater box, which offers a toy-only bundle or a treat-only package. Items like stuffed animals, chew toys, and rope pulls will make sure your furry friend will never be bored again. Want more for your little buddy? Choose from a monthly subscription, or pay for multiple months in advance to save even more. You can cancel at any time, and customer service representatives are always available via live chat, email, or phone. You can even tell the customer support team to avoid certain types of toys e. Best for Chewers: Bullymake Sign Up Now Anyone with an intense chewer knows the pain of seeing a brand new dog toy in shreds after only a few minutes. But if a chewing debacle happens, the company offers to send a replacement as long as you provide a photo of the sacrificed toy. Every box comes with two to three chew toys and three healthy treats. While Bullymake boxes cost more than some other choices on our list, the price is worth it for toys that last. This monthly subscription includes a trendy bandana with every installment, as well as two treats and two toys for your pooch. We give bonus points to the Dapper Dog Box for how easy it is to cancel or skip a month without speaking to customer service just do it on your profile. This subscription offers fresh dog food packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. All ingredients are human-grade and never processed, nor do they contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Every shipment arrives cold and should be frozen until you're ready to feed your dog. This monthly subscription is made by the same company that offers BarkBox, but this service is focused specifically on dog dental hygiene. With every box, the company donates bowls of food to shelter pets in need, so you can feel good about spoiling your pooch. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly cost. And, you can cancel any time with a month-to-month subscription. Even if your dog does not love one of the toys which we doubt is possible , you will still feel great about giving back and helping a shelter dog in need. While the company doesn't offer full or partial refunds, you can send them an email with a photo if your package is damaged and they will try to resolve the problem. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. The price depends on the type of surprise you want for your pup treats or toys, for example and how often you want a box delivered. A dog subscription box is often cost-effective if you tend to get your dog treats and toys regularly. Many companies charge less than pet store prices. What Comes in a Dog Subscription Box? Most shipments include a variety of products such as toys, treats, and chews. Heavy chewers, dogs with allergies , or pups that ignore toys can all benefit from a dog subscription box. While some dog subscription boxes only provide chews and treats, most come with a toy or two every month. If you are mostly interested in toys, you can opt for a box specializing in dog toys such as Pet Treater Dog Box or Bullymake. These options are great for dogs that go through toys quickly, requiring frequent replacements. Related Topics.

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Cutting back on treats. Take your dog for a walk before mealtime. If your dog is not eating after min, take the bowl away and allow her to skip the meal. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Let your dog eat in a quiet corner without distraction. Make mealtime fun, such as letting her play with a food dispenser or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick. You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor. But be careful GSD are can get bloat with an elevated eating position. Switch to a different kind of food, such as wet food if you normally feed your dog dry food. Why do dogs become overweight? On the other hand, being overweight can also lead their other health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, joint injuries or high blood pressure. So you also need to be aware of your dog is overweight. Although German Shepherds are active dogs, they still can become overweight for many reasons. The obvious ones are: Overeating: Too many calories, or the wrong type of calories Aging: As dogs age, they lose muscle mass over time, which leads to slower metabolism and weight gain. Osteoarthritis: This frequently causes hip pain. The more overweight your dog is, the greater the strain placed on their joints. Unfortunately, the pain caused by osteoarthritis makes it harder for your dog to exercise. Hip dysplasia: Your dog may experience pain when the hip is touched, which eventually deters them from moving around. Here are our top tips for how you can help your dog lose weight: Cut back on the snack or treats Choose high-quality dog foods Reduce processed carbs; replace them with healthy proteins and vegetables. They may have food recommendations for overweight dogs, and your vet can help ensure your dog is getting adequate nutrition. How do I know if my German Shepherd is healthy? Much like humans, preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best ways you can do to ensure your dog is in top shape. Health costs for a big dog like a German Shepherd are more expensive than their smaller dogs. Treatment for many conditions can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance or cost-sharing service is certainly a good investment to prevent you from breaking the bank, by covering the medical expenses in the worst-case scenario. Some plans are also available to cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, congenital conditions, and more. Conclusion Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. At the end of the day, keeping your GSD at a healthy weight will ensure a lifetime of health and joy for both of you. More on German Shepherd Health and Care. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Tweet How big will my German Shepherd get? Along with hundreds of submissions from others lucky enough to be owned by a GSD. What the heck is FCI? Keep in mind that dog growth can be affected by genetics and environment, so take that into consideration when comparing your pup to the data in the German Shepherd growth chart. What is the normal size of a German Shepherd puppy? A German Shepherd dam will normally whelp give birth to between six and eight puppies. Puppy Growth Chart A healthy large breed puppy will normally double her birth weight during the first week. And moderates to an ultimate weight of around 70 times the puppy's birth weight. Check the puppy growth chart for an explanation of the different puppy development stages and puppy growth rate. German Shepherds normally reach physical maturity at months. Curiously, some Eastern European lines mature more slowly and do not reach full maturity until 36 months of age. Their growth rate slows noticeably at 6 months and continues minimally after .Puppy to adult in 40 seconds Here is a great time lapse video that shows GSD Dunder's growth from 8 weeks to 1 year. Standard, MO. If you have any doubt that your puppy is not changing according to the above German Shepherd growth chart, the best thing to do would be to contact your trusted vet. If you are providing adequate exercise and quality dog food , your German Shepherd's dog growth should be normal and she will have no trouble reaching her full potential. Not sure if you're feeding your GSD enough? Check out this breed specific dog food calculator to make sure. Is your GSD growing by the numbers? How is your pup progressing? Enter The Title of Your puppy growth story ex. Just type! Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Show off your puppy! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it. Note: Submissions without at least one picture, will likely not be published. Your Name. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.