gray boxer puppies

gray boxer puppies

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Premium breeder of Australian Labradoodle puppies Authentic, throughly health tested, and family raised Australian Labradoodles in Virginia Beach Health Tested We extensively test our parents through Paw Prints Genetics for a variety of genetic health conditions. In addition, eye screening is completed every 18 months, and we obtain hip, elbow, and patella ratings though the OFA. Echocardiograms are also performed on our parents to ensure healthy hearts. This will ensure your puppy has the coat qualities, temperament, and longevity Australian Labradoodles are known for. Holistic Approach We employ a holistic approach to the healthcare and nutrition of our mom and dad dogs to ensure optimal health while breeding. We feed a commercially prepared raw diet, minimally vaccinate, and omit any oral chemical pesticides. We also feed a highly nutritious raw diet to puppies as they transition from mothers milk to solids. We are a small in home breeder of Australian Labradoodles. Our mission is to raise allergy friendly and highly intelligent puppies which have the healthiest parents and sweetest temperaments who will then become your lifelong companions. 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 Virginia Beach Virginia 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. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat.

Looks just like his dad! Thor is growing and developing beautifully! We are so pleased with our sweet, gorgeous boy--he's a delight for our entire family! Not quite 6 months yet and he's growing like crazy. Everywhere we go, folks compliment his looks--especially his lovely conformation, strong lines and gorgeous coat and coloring. By the way, he is starting to show some silver under the black coat in his neck and shoulders. We think he's gonna look more like his Daddy through his body with his facial coloring favoring his Great Granddad and your Duke. What I want to share most with you is the request we received last week from our trainer.Our trainer called and said that working with Thor is an absolute pleasure for him and training dogs like Thor is his passion. Alan went on to say that mostly he's brought in to help older folks and folks with little lap dogs that have house training issues or need help with an undesirable behavior or two but will never really have a well trained dog. He rarely has an opportunity to work with great breeds like GSD's these days or with owners who practice and do all the homework to make their training experience more successful and their relationships with their companions even better. Alan went on to say that while we will have a very "good dog," Thor has the potential to be a really "great dog! Anyway, Alan said that training dogs like Thor is why he's been training dogs for over 20 years and he would love the opportunity to work even more with Thor and wanted to know if we would allow him to train Thor for free a couple hours each week! Thank you for all you're doing for this wonderful breed! Wishing you a great week! Top German Shepherds off championship bloodlines Limerick German Shepherd Age: 3 months 1 Male, 1 Female We are delighted to offer for sale our beautiful, intelligent, well-bred German Shepherd puppies. Born just a few months ago, these alert pups are already showing signs of their brilliant lineage. We have two female and one male puppy, all boasting a striking black and tan coat. Their father, a jet-black German Shepherd with a unique white Mallon streak, is a brilliant guard dog. His lineage includes top protectors from Ireland, England, and Germany, with a sire sheet available for viewing. He also boasts a lineage of show dogs. The mother, a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd, is not only intelligent but also a wonderful guard dog. She too comes from a champion show dog lineage. Both parents are our family pets and can be seen upon your visit. These puppies have been vet checked, wormed, and vaccinated. We are looking for good homes only, preferably with people who have experience with German Shepherds. Located in Limerick. Mother in last picture. Saber is a certified therapy dog as well - he loves people and loves to visit. .Saber at Three Below doing therapy and some casual shots Starting to fill out! He has had reds and tans too! Good thing she never looks at my websight or she'd kill me lol: Michelle and saber winning it all st the fair news paper article Saber doing agility walked right on the equipment first time Sabers brother at only 8 months old. .Like this male Saber consistantly produces bigger and better then himself Sabers 2 year old brother and letter from owners Good Morning Robin, I figured since Max just turned 2 I'd update you. He was born on 17 Dec , to Blaze and Ziva. Had him at the vet's on Monday and he weighed in at pounds, so his weight has been pretty steady for the past few months, but he has grown taller. Currently he likes to rest his chin on the dining room table when he watches me on the laptop. Always ready in case there is an opportunity to be pet. Loves riding in the car, and gets along great with other dogs, but still apprehensive with new people, or with someone he hasn't seen in a while. I always bring treats with me to help with the introductions. Loves going with me to different businesses where allowed and has never been a problem. Great on hikes, and he carries his own backpack and supplies. The picture was taken this morning while he was waiting for his breakfast. As you can see, the silver is starting to really show. We get stopped all the time when we're out and about because of his looks, and I'm always asked if it's ok for them to take his picture because they've never seen another German Shepherd like him. I've had too many offers to sell him to count. The vet's office is really surprised at his disposition because he takes the poking and proding without incident considering his size. As always there are people worried about him because of his size, but they soon learn their fears are unfounded. Overall I'd have to say he's been a great dog. Saber sons from his first litter out of a very small female! Both at 10 months old are over lbs and 30 " high at the shoulder. The rare tri color sable male is lbs the black and silver at 10 months old. When we take them for walks they strut like the world is looking at them. I wanted to get another puppy before he passed away, so that our older dog could help raise the puppy. After a while, I found your website, and looked through it, repeatedly. I was impressed by what you detailed. Large GSDs, with calm temperaments, good health, and long lives. I then researched your reputation. I am a trained investigator, being suspicious is a career hazard. I could only find one, single complaint.I wasn't really looking for a "breed standard" GSD.I was looking for more. Another white shepherd, with a straight back and good hips. I called you, and discussed what I was looking for.A large white GSD, with a good protective drive, lower prey drive, and a mellow disposition. Well, it is a year later.And we have gotten far more that what I had hoped for. Physically, he is an amazing example of a German Shepherd. He is a solid pounds, with incredible muscle tone, and a massive head. He has yet to start filling out. I expect him to be at least pounds. In all honesty, I have been a bit startled by how quickly he grew, and how large he has become. My veterinarian, who has been practicing for 35 years, has remarked that she has never seen another dog like him. She is very impressed with his bone structure, his stance, and how proportional he is. His strong, straight back; his massive head, his size, and his strength are all things that she has noted. She has suggested that I breed him, because she believes that it would be a shame not to pass his genetics on.He is, quite simply.When we take him out in public, he creates quite a stir. People routinely approach us to compliment him, and how beautiful he is. He has been described as "gorgeous", "regal", and "majestic". The fact that our eight year old can control him in public only adds to people's fascination with him. He is very obedient, and was easy to train.He is very intelligent. He is affectionate, very loving, and very playful. Despite his size, he is quite gentle with those he loves. His protective drive is very appropriate. He is wary of strangers until properly introduced. He physically places himself between my children and other people. After being taught by our older shepherd, he now regularly patrols the perimeter of our property. I have included a few pictures. Unfortunately, it is hard to get good angles of him, because he thinks my taking pictures is some sort of game. The pictures truly do not do him any justice. We will be picking up another puppy from you. Quite frankly, I think that you have managed to produce amazing examples of what GSDs should be.Large and powerful; extremely intelligent, loyal and gentle; superior health and longevity, with a very appropriate protective drive. You have surpassed all of my expectations, and our family thanks you.Andrew Sadowski.

Pettable Academy is designed to bring out the best in your pet Access Guided Dog Training Today Calcium deficiency is a common problem among domesticated canines. Dogs need calcium to ensure good health, facilitate proper bone development, and prevent health complications. Calcium is found in enriched products such as canned and bagged dog food. Incorporating dairy items like cheese and yogurt into a dog's diet can also provide a substantial amount of calcium for dogs. Fish and bones are other sources of calcium, but these foods should be properly prepared by the owner before the dog consumes them. Prepackaged dog foods found in most supermarkets usually contain at least small amounts of calcium from their numerous ingredients. These ingredients, however, undergo processing that results in a significant loss of essential vitamins and minerals. Adding other foods to a dog's diet is recommended to ensure that it consumes enough calcium. Dairy products, like yogurts, cheeses, and cottage cheese, are a great source of calcium for dogs and can be mixed in with dry dog food. Vegetables and legumes such as broccoli, spinach, and beans are rich in calcium, but many dogs will refuse to eat them, finding their taste unappetizing. Some fish are also acceptable for consumption and a good source of calcium for dogs. Tuna and salmon contain high levels of calcium nutrients and are affordable options for dog owners. Sardines and trout also provide essential vitamins and minerals, are high in protein and calcium, and taste great to dogs. Raw fish can cause stomach problems in dogs, so the dog owner should thoroughly cook the fish prior to feeding. If you don't think your dog is getting enough calcium in their diet naturally or you want to guarantee they are getting an adequate amount their are a variety of supplements you can add to your dog's food or snacks to help boost their supply. For their safety, dogs should not chew on small or large bones. Most veterinarians agree that bones should be processed with a blender into a fine powder and then added to the dog's food. Whole bones can splinter as a dog chews them and cause internal puncture wounds and bleeding. Some dog owners avoid bones altogether, choosing to grind up eggshells instead. Calcium supplements are an option reserved for when other methods fail. Most vets recommend supplements if a dog is unable to maintain recommended calcium levels from a balanced diet or if a calcium deficiency has been diagnosed. Dog owners do not require a prescription to obtain the supplements. They can easily purchase supplements at local and online pet stores. Get helpful pet care information and other helpful resources by visiting Pettable's blog. Most dogs get their essential nutrients from food, but in some cases they may need a little calcium boost. She has eight published cookbooks with her most recent The Family Immunity Cookbook being released in November .For over 13 years she has been the nutrition expert for FoodNetwork. Toby is a regular contributor to U. She has been quoted in hundreds of publications and appears on local and national television shows like The Dr. Oz Show and CT Style. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on February 2, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Dogs and humans! A healthy dog fed commercial dog food will get the recommended amount of calcium in their diet. However, there are some health issues that can cause your pooch to need more calcium. Even so, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement into your pup's diet. As such, the specific amount taken in will vary depending on your dog's daily calorie requirement. This is why it is always so important to feed a diet targeted at the correct life stage of your dog," Simon says. Pregnant and nursing dogs do require more calcium in order to help promote bone growth in the pups. If a dog takes in too little calcium when she is pregnant, it can lead to eclampsia which is a life threatening condition when the nursing dog's blood calcium levels drop. Eclampsia also dubbed milk fever most commonly occurs when the pups are between one to four weeks old, the time when the mom is producing the greatest amount of milk. Smaller breeds and dogs nursing many offspring may be at a higher risk for hypocalcemia compared to larger breeds with smaller litters. What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs? There are several foods and supplements you can give your dog to increase its calcium intake. Many of these food sources are the same for humans. When determining which calcium-rich foods to feed your dog, you should talk to your vet to ensure your giving the best source for your dog. You want to feed your dog food that is rich in calcium because it is the principal element in skeletal mineralization during growth. You want to choose food sources that absorb well in the intestines. If you feed your dog low-calcium dog food, you may want to give them a supplement. Calcium pills for dogs take the guesswork out of giving your dog the right amount of calcium to boost its immune system and strengthen bones and teeth. It contains just one ingredient — a pure porcine bone meal. The supplement contains phosphorus, which is known for helping with calcium absorption. It works well for most dogs, including puppies, adults that need supplementation, and pregnant dogs. A single teaspoon of the calcium supplement includes about milligrams of this beneficial substance. In fact, it will provide your pregnant dog with the energy needed to maintain regular, strong contractions, speed up whelping , and prevent the need for a c-section. This supplement is made with a proprietary blend that helps ensure quick absorption and has no artificial additives. The milk calcium complex and calcium carbonate in this product boost the calcium your pup needs during and after giving birth. The added magnesium and vitamin D improve calcium absorption while antioxidants reduce stress levels in your pregnant dog. The manufacturer recommends giving your dog a dose when they start labor and another after every two puppies are born. It is sold in a syringe, clearly labeled with measurement marks to ensure you get the dosage right. Based on reviews, most dogs like the flavor, making it easy to administer. The biggest disadvantage of this calcium supplement is the syringe is sometimes challenging to operate. This ensures purity and bioavailability. The supplement is harvested from seabed found on the southwest coast of Ireland, which is considered some of the cleanest and purest waters in the world. Along with coming from a pure source, this supplement is easy to feed to almost any dog. Thanks to the high digestibility of the supplement, a very low amount are needed to provide the desired benefits. This helps your money stretch further, which is a plus for most pet parents. The powder is flavor-free and almost completely odorless, which helps reduce resistance when giving it to your dog. The calcified red seaweed is a good source of calcium and provides other essential nutrients, including magnesium, boron, and zinc. Due to the makeup and sourcing of this calcium supplement, it is one of the most environmentally sustainable options available today. Nutrition Strength Calcium Phosphorus for Dogs Unlike some other calcium supplements for dogs available, Nutrition Strength Calcium Phosphorus is an all-life stages formula. Each dose is provided in a compressed and easy-to-chew tablet, with milligrams of calcium and milligrams of phosphorus. The supplement is made in the U. There are no preservatives, flavors, or artificial colors, and the product is manufactured in an NSF-certified and FDA-registered facility. If your pup is pickier about what they eat, it may be challenging to convince them to eat the tablet. This supplement provides superior value, with 60 chewable tablets in a single bottle. Also, they are reported to work well and produce positive results. This supplement combines the perfect blend of essential amino acids, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. It is free of artificial ingredients and a smart option for large breed puppies who grow quickly. Other dogs that may benefit from this supplement include pregnant or nursing dogs and any dogs who require a calcium boost. If your dog is less than 10 pounds, half a tablet per day is the recommended dosage, while larger dogs require two tablets per day. Each tablet features a liver and roast beef flavor that most dogs enjoy. You can give your dog the tablet directly or crumble it in their food. Bone meal powder for dogs is a good calcium supplement. Before giving your dog a calcium supplement, talk to your vet. Most dog foods contain decent calcium. But some situations can require higher calcium intake. If your dog is pregnant or nursing, it may need additional calcium since pregnancy can deplete calcium. Also, if you feed your dog homemade meals instead of commercial dog food, you may want to talk to your vet about calcium supplements. This is generally because homemade meals are protein-rich with very few calcium-fortified options. No, you should not give your dog human calcium supplements to your dog because they are formulated for humans and a much higher weight class than a dog. Calcium supplements for humans can also contain harmful ingredients for dogs. Calcium supplements that are formulated for dogs are very effective in treating calcium deficiency. Talk to your vet about giving your dog calcium supplements because too much calcium can cause health problems too. The best natural sources of calcium for dogs are: 1. Yogurt Yogurt is the most significant source of calcium for dogs. Yogurt contains mg of calcium in 1 cup. Is yogurt good for dogs? Cheese Cheese is high in calcium because it is a dairy product. Hard cheeses, like cheddar or jack, contain mg of calcium for 1 ounce of cheese. Many dogs prefer cottage cheese, which has 65 mg of calcium in a half-cup. Is cheese bad for dogs? Cheese is safe for your dog to eat, but you need to be careful about the types of cheese you feed your dog. Be careful not to feed large portions of cheese because it can lead to weight gain. Chicken and Fish Chicken is an excellent protein source that contains an adequate amount of calcium. Salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines also have high calcium content from mg to mg. Because both proteins have sufficient calcium, these meats are often in many types of dog food. If you buy chicken or fish-infused dog food, you should check the label for calcium content. If not, you may want to switch to higher-calcium dog food that contains more chicken and fish. You can also supplement their diet with chicken and fish food scraps. Can dogs eat tuna? Yes, dogs can eat tuna in small amounts. Want an all-natural soft jerky treat for your dog? Shop KC Strips dog treats in tilapia, elk, buffalo, venison, beef, and chicken. Your dog will thank you. In fact, a 75 lb dog houses about a pound of calcium. But many raw and cooked foods get calcium for dogs wrong. And there are other minerals that support calcium that also need to be balanced. This sounds complicated, and it can be! The remaining calcium is mainly found in the blood and lymphatic system where it plays a role in hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function. Calcium acts as a messenger that allows cells to respond to hormones and neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are found at the ends of nerves and they release calcium ions into the muscles and this influx of calcium causes the muscle to contract. In fact, rigor mortis happens because of calcium … after death, the muscle cell membranes become more permeable and allow more calcium in. So the excess calcium causes the muscle contractions you see in rigor mortis. Of course, rigor mortis is the ultimate calcium malfunction … but it shows the importance of keeping calcium levels within a very small range. Insufficient calcium is much more sinister in puppies than in adult dogs. Puppies require more calcium to support their bone growth. These issues can also happen if the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is out of balance. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism happens when too much parathyroid hormone is produced and too much calcium is pulled from the bones. In most cases, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism can be treated with proper levels of calcium and phosphorus. Too Much Calcium Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia is too much calcium in the blood. Most adult dogs can deal with large amounts of calcium in the diet … apart from constipation, they should have little trouble maintaining blood calcium levels. If you want to get calcium right, you also need to get phosphorus right. Both minerals are tightly regulated in the body by the parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Calcium and phosphorus combine to give bones their structure and strength. So too much phosphorus in the diet will also weaken bones and cause calcium deposits in soft tissue. Here are three things you need to consider: How much calcium is in the food? How much phosphorus is in the food? What is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus? We can also use AAFCO requirements to make sure our homemade diets have the right balance of calcium and phosphorus. Because puppies need larger amounts of calcium, there are different requirements for dogs and puppies: Min Calcium. Get help with access Institutional access Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways: IP based access Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account. Sign in through your institution Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. 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UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common The English bulldog is a brawny little powerhouse whose characteristic crablike waddle exudes great strength, stability and vigor. The dog's head is large and spherical, and the muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The English bulldog's eyes are dark and set low and wide on the forehead in the frontal plane. The nose is black and slightly upturned. The jaws or "chops" are massive, broad and undershot. The lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw to scarcely expose the lower incisors, producing a comical grin. The lips are fleshy and pendulous. The cheeks are well rounded and protrude sideways. The ears are thin, small and angle forward like flaps that frame the forehead. The English bulldog's neck is short and thick; the shoulders are massive, muscular and broad. The chest is deep and full, and the back is barreled and slightly arched. His rounded hips protrude slightly above the level of the back. The stubby tail is thick and either straight or screwed. His short, stocky legs have great muscle definition. They are splayed out and slightly bowed at the elbows and hocks to form a sturdy, base-wide stance. The English bulldog stands about 16 inches tall. The female weighs about 50 pounds 23 kilograms , and the male weighs about 54 pounds 24 kilograms. The English bulldog's skin is loose and pendant with heavy wrinkles and thick folds on the face and a dewlap hanging from the throat. The coat is short and fine textured. The various color patterns are brindle, piebald, and solid white, red, fawn or fallow. Personality: The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With: English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. History: Named for its use in the sport of bull baiting, the English bulldog seems to have originated in the British Isles sometime prior to the 13th century. One of the few references to the sport dates back to , and talks about a butcher's dogs that chased a bull through the English town of Stamford. This pursuit so pleased the earl of the town that he inaugurated bull baiting as a sport in his domain. Today, the English bulldog makes a fine family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the bulldog. Related Pet Care Articles. He is characteristically big-boned, goofy, and full of love. Although they were originally bred as fighting dogs—and later became a worldwide symbol for toughness and tenacity—the bulldog evolved into a gentle, family oriented dog who just wants to watch the world go by from the comfort of his bed. You're also likely to see this handsome breed on TV, patrolling the sideline at a college football or basketball games, or in the movies, famously trying to keep an inflated Aunt Marge from floating away. It's no wonder you find them everywhere, the bulldog is the fifth-most popular breed in America. They're beefy boys and girls. A staple trait is their huge underbite, and sometimes the pups will " hang a fang. English bulldogs sit low to the ground and have wide shoulders, two characteristics that behooved them in their dog fighting history. They can be any combination of these with additional brindling, ticking, or black masks. Their eyes should always be dark brown or black. You won't confuse an English bulldog for the other members of the bulldog family. The French bulldog is smaller and has tall bat ears. The American bulldog is an athletic all-purpose working dog with longer legs and a leaner body made to guard, hunt, or farm. The Olde English Bulldogge, a larger, more muscular mix of English bulldogs, pit bull terriers, American bulldogs and bullmastiffs, is the least common bulldog. Temperament A bulldog's temperament is far more friendly and goofy than he may look. Although they're intimidating physically, bulldogs are actually extremely family and kid friendly. The more positive interactions they have with new situations, the better off they'll be. The bulldog is rarely aggressive. In fact, he's almost dopey. He doesn't always understand what you're saying, but he's kind and earnest in his ways. Their low energy level means they can thrive as apartment dwellers. They certainly don't need a huge yard to run and romp, as they'll get tired after 10 minutes of playing and need a snooze. The bulldog absolutely loves children and will put up with all the noise, yanking and tugging that come with them. They'll never show anger; they'll just walk away if they feel bothered. This breed doesn't bark a ton, but they make great watch dogs that can frighten someone off with their appearance alone. They are also known for having courage, and will protect their loved ones no matter what. Bulldogs prefer a slow life lounging on the couch or squeezing onto your lap yes, even at 50 pounds. They are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a wide skull and a flat face that can make exercise tough. Their heavy heads and chest make them poor swimmers and they should be watched closely around water to avoid drowning. Care A bulldog's coat is very fine and short, so they only require brushing once a week. The more you brush, the less hair you'll find on your furniture and clothing. More important than brushing is keeping his face clean and dry—with so many wrinkles, they can get irritated or infected if not cared for properly. Trim his nails once a month or so, until you can't hear him click-clacking on the floor. Weekly or daily teeth brushing will prevent future vet visits down the line. While the bulldog doesn't care much for exercise, he still needs it to maintain a healthy weight, as he is prone to weight gain. A daily walk around the neighborhood during the cooler hours will wear him out, as will a quick play session. He would much rather be cuddling with his child companions or taking a nap in the AC. Consult your vet about the right food for your bulldog, and monitor that food intake to prevent weight gain. Bulldogs are better off with two measured meals a day rather than leaving the bowl out all the time. If nobody stopped them, they'd keep eating. Because they can be lazy, bulldog owners need to have focus and patience with their puppy. Once he learns something, he will remember it, especially if treats are involved. That short, bullish stature can give way to joint or respiratory difficulties. The brachycephalic bulldog can get overheated quickly, so he shouldn't be left in enclosed warm spaces and must be monitored outdoors. Always have plenty of water, shade, and access to AC for your bulldog to reduce the likelihood of heat stroke. History The modern day bulldog is quite the turnaround from his ancestors. In the 13th century in England, bulldogs were used for the sport of "bull baiting," the AKC writes. Before we had professional sports, spectators would gather and bet money on this inhumane practice. One or multiple bulldogs would attempt to pin a bull to the ground using their powerful bite. These early bulldogs were slightly taller and more muscular than today's English bulldog, and only the most aggressive were bred. The AKC writes that the bulldog's tenacious character stems from their history in the ring, because they developed a high pain tolerance and kept fighting until the last second. It wasn't until that bull baiting was outlawed in England, and bulldogs faced extinction without that purpose. Many people admired the strength, determination, and appearance of the breed, and didn't want to see them die out. Luckily, there were breeders who dedicated their lives to re-engineering the bulldog. They used only the even tempered dogs to reproduce, until only the docile were left. In , the English bulldog was recognized by the AKC. The dog that originated in England has come to symbolize their people. And, well, he looked like a bulldog, too. Today, the bulldog is known as one of the most gentle, kid-friendly dogs in the world. President Warren G. Harding also had a bulldog in the White House, Old Boy. Yale was the first university in the United States to adopt a mascot—a bulldog named Handsome Dan. Today, dozens of colleges and universities use a bulldog as their mascot. Otto, a bulldog from Lima, Peru, set a world record in " the longest human tunnel traveled through by a dog skateboarder. Was this page helpful? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bulldog Overview The Bulldog, a beloved and iconic dog breed , holds a special place in the hearts of many, with a history that spans centuries. With a history dating back to the 13th century, Bulldogs have evolved into the lovable and devoted companions we know today. Their journey from the bullbaiting pits to becoming cherished family pets is a testament to their adaptability and resilience. This breeds appearance is instantly recognizable, with its distinctive features and unique physique. Their short-muzzled head is massive and square, adorned with dense wrinkles that add to their endearing charm. These wrinkles serve a functional purpose, helping to protect their eyes and funnel moisture away from their face. Bulldogs have a muscular and low-slung body, coupled with a sturdy build and broad shoulders, giving them a powerful and determined appearance. Despite their strong physique, Bulldogs are surprisingly gentle and docile, making them excellent companions for families, including children. Their stocky legs and wide chest contribute to their distinctive gait, often described as a waddle rather than a typical walk. This amusing gait, combined with their snorting, snoring, and grunting habits, endears them to their owners and adds to their unique charm. Their devotion to their families knows no bounds. They thrive on human companionship and seek out attention from their owners. While Bulldogs are generally calm and dignified, they are also known for their courageous and protective instincts. Despite their sweet disposition, they will not hesitate to defend their loved ones if they sense any threat. Their loyalty and devotion to their family members are unmatched. Bulldogs are prone to respiratory and joint issues due to their distinctive facial structure and stocky body. Their popularity has grown steadily over the years, and they have become cherished pets in households worldwide. Their adaptability to various living situations, including apartments and family homes, has contributed to their status as a favored breed for many families. Their unique appearance, combined with their loving and devoted temperament, make them stand out among dog breeds. Whether they are representing school mascots or snuggling up with their owners on the couch, Bulldogs continue to win hearts with their irresistible charm and lovable character. For those seeking a canine companion filled with loyalty, love, and a touch of quirkiness, the Bulldog is an exceptional choice that will undoubtedly bring joy and affection to their home for years to come. Bulldog Highlights Bulldogs, with their charming and endearing personalities, are known for being a bit stubborn and inclined to laze around. As they mature, their enthusiasm for walks may wane, but it remains essential to provide them with daily exercise to maintain their physical fitness and overall well-being. In warm weather, Bulldogs can struggle to tolerate heat and humidity. Keeping a close eye on them when outdoors is crucial, as signs of overheating should not be ignored. Many caring owners find relief for their furry friends by offering kiddy play pools filled with refreshing water in shaded spots, creating a relaxing oasis for Bulldogs to enjoy while everyone is outside. Conversely, Bulldogs are also sensitive to cold weather. During chilly days, providing them with appropriate protection, such as cozy blankets or insulated jackets, will ensure their comfort and safety. As affectionate as Bulldogs are, their distinctive wheezing, snorting, and snoring sounds are part of their charm. Yet, these adorable noises can sometimes be accompanied by sleep apnea , a condition that requires attention and care from their loving owners. Bulldogs have also earned a reputation for their occasional bouts of flatulence. While this is common among the breed, excessive gas may warrant a visit to the vet to ensure there are no underlying health concerns. Due to their characteristic short noses, Bulldogs are prone to respiratory ailments. Some may even have pinched nostrils, making breathing more challenging, and in severe cases, surgical correction might be necessary to alleviate their discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for Bulldogs, as they have a propensity to be greedy eaters. Without careful monitoring of their food intake, they can easily become overweight or even obese, which can lead to various health problems. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to keep these charming canines fit and happy. When it comes to reproduction, Bulldogs face unique challenges. Their relatively large heads and front structure often necessitate caesarean sections for safe delivery of their puppies. Therefore, breeding Bulldogs requires experienced and responsible practices to ensure the well-being of both mother and offspring. Discussing this matter with the veterinarian beforehand is essential to ensure their safety and well-being. In the quest for a healthy and well-adjusted Bulldog, it is vital to avoid obtaining puppies from unethical sources like backyard breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Instead, responsible pet seekers should seek reputable breeders who prioritize genetic health testing and good temperaments in their breeding dogs. With proper care, attention, and love, Bulldogs will flourish as devoted and cherished members of their families. Their unique personalities and delightful quirks will undoubtedly win the hearts of those fortunate enough to share their lives with these lovable and affectionate companions. By embracing the responsibility of providing for their specific needs and ensuring their happiness, Bulldog owners can look forward to years of joy and companionship with these endearing canine friends. Bulldog History The Bulldog of today stands in stark contrast to its ancestors, descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs and exclusively developed in England. It was an incredibly popular spectacle, captivating audiences in a time before professional sports, television, movies, or video games. The early Bulldogs were taller and heavier than their modern counterparts, selectively bred to excel at this gruesome activity. Their short, flat noses allowed them to breathe while maintaining their grip, and their tolerance for pain was heightened to endure the demanding battles. The wrinkled skin on their heads even had a practical purpose, redirecting blood away from their eyes during the gripping struggle. No longer bred for aggression, the Bulldog faced a transformation. Dedicated and patient breeders set their focus on the temperament of the breed, selecting only dogs with docile and gentle personalities for breeding. Over time, this re-engineering process successfully transformed the once ferocious Bulldog into the affectionate and amiable companion we know today. The journey to rehabilitate the Bulldog was not without challenges. In , the first Bulldog breed club was formed, but unfortunately disbanded after just three years. However, the tenacity of Bulldog enthusiasts prevailed, and in , The Bulldog Club of America was founded, establishing a new standard for the breed. This standard underwent revisions and adaptations, eventually gaining acceptance in and remaining in use to this day. As Bulldogs were brought to the United States, their popularity began to grow steadily, leading to their recognition by the American Kennel Club in .Throughout the s and s, Bulldogs enjoyed popularity, ranking close to the top 10 breeds. Today, they proudly stand as the 12th most popular breed among the registered by the AKC, a testament to their credentials as beloved companions. The transformation of the Bulldog from a once feared and ferocious creature to a friendly and tranquil companion stands as a testament to the human ability to rehabilitate and refine an entire breed through thoughtful and dedicated breeding practices. The once-feared Bulldog has evolved into a loving and cherished member of countless families, a triumph of human compassion and dedication. Bulldog Size A medium-sized breed, Bulldogs are known for their sturdy and compact build. Mature male Bulldogs usually weigh around 50 pounds, while females tend to be slightly lighter at approximately 40 pounds. For show dogs, the weight may be slightly higher, often adding about 10 pounds to their size. Despite their weight differences, Bulldogs maintain their iconic charm and distinctive appearance. In terms of height, Bulldogs typically stand between 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Their low-slung bodies and stocky frames give them a unique and endearing look. Despite their relatively short stature, Bulldogs exude confidence and presence, captivating everyone they encounter with their charming demeanor. Their compact size and well-proportioned bodies make Bulldogs agile and adaptable, making them excellent companions for various living situations. Their gentle and loving nature, combined with their unique physique, ensures that they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Whether as devoted family pets or show champions, Bulldogs leave an indelible impression wherever they go, becoming beloved companions to those lucky enough to have them by their side. Their mere presence is enough to deter any would-be intruders. Temperament is influenced by various factors, including genes, training , and socialization. To ensure your Bulldogs grow up to be well-adjusted dogs, early socialization is key. Expose them to a range of experiences, people, and environments during their formative months. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is an excellent way to kickstart their social education. Regularly inviting visitors and taking them to busy places will help them polish their social skills, turning them into delightful and well-rounded companions. With a blend of charm, courage, and affection, Bulldogs are truly one of a kind, canine confidants that will undoubtedly bring endless joy to your life. Bulldog Health Like all breeds, Bulldogs may be susceptible to certain diseases and conditions. Choosing a responsible breeder increases the likelihood of getting a healthy Bulldog, as they ensure vaccinations and deworming for their puppies. Responsible breeders use physically sound, mature dogs, testing them for genetic diseases relevant to the breed. The following conditions may affect Bulldogs: Cherry Eye: Cherry eye is a condition in which the gland under the third eyelid protrudes, creating a red, swollen appearance that resembles a cherry in the corner of the eye. While not typically painful, it can cause discomfort and potential irritation for the dog. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reposition the gland and alleviate the issue. This can result in discomfort, redness, and a blue haze over the cornea. Veterinary consultation is essential to diagnose the condition accurately and provide appropriate eye drops or ointments to manage the symptoms effectively. In severe cases, corneal damage can occur. Surgical correction is often recommended to reposition the eyelids and prevent further complications. Inverted or Reverse Sneezing : While not a health problem per se, inverted or reverse sneezing is a common occurrence in Bulldogs. It happens when nasal fluids drip down the soft palate, causing a temporary closure of the airway. Owners can soothe their Bulldogs during these episodes by gently massaging their throat or offering a distraction. Brachycephalic Syndrome : Bulldogs, with their short heads and narrowed nostrils, can suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, which results in obstructed airways. This may cause noisy or labored breathing, especially during exercise or warm weather. Severe cases can lead to respiratory distress and even collapse. Head Shakes: Head shakes in Bulldogs can resemble fits but only affect the head. They are involuntary movements from side-to-side or up-and-down, possibly linked to stress or low blood sugar levels. If the shaking is unrelated to excitement or stress, a prompt veterinary visit is advised to rule out any underlying health issues causing discomfort. Timely veterinary attention is crucial to manage the condition effectively. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition in which the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to poor fit between the thighbone and hip socket. Although Bulldogs often show signs of hip dysplasia on X-rays due to their naturally shallow hip joints, they may not always experience significant lameness or pain. Proper weight management and controlled exercise can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of joint problems. Tail Problems: Some Bulldogs may have abnormal tail formations, such as screw tails or inverted tails, which can cause skin problems. Keeping the tail clean and dry is essential to prevent infections or irritations associated with these tail types. This can cause lameness, an abnormal gait, or even joint arthritis over time. Treatment options range from conservative management to surgical correction, depending on the severity of the condition. Bulldog Care Having a low to moderate energy level, bulldogs are well-suited for indoor living. They prefer a relaxed lifestyle and are content with about 15 minutes of play before needing a nap. This adaptable energy level makes Bulldogs suitable for various homes, from apartments to houses with yards. A mile or two walk during cooler times of the day is sufficient, but even a short stroll along your street brings them joy. Due to their brachycephalic pushed-in face structure, Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme hot or cold weather. They tend to breathe heavily and struggle to dissipate heat, making them susceptible to heatstroke, especially in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing a cool, air-conditioned environment and ensuring access to fresh water is crucial for their well-being. Another important consideration is their inability to swim due to their heavy heads. In terms of training, Bulldogs may not excel in obedience trials, but they are highly capable learners. They have an excellent memory and respond well to fun training sessions that involve repetition, positive reinforcement, food rewards, and praise. Patience and consistency are key to successful training with Bulldogs. Bulldog Feeding Feeding your Bulldog the right amount of high-quality dog food is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. However, the exact portion your adult dog needs depends on various factors, including size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs, like people, are unique individuals, and their dietary needs can vary. Opting for high-quality dog food is crucial as it provides better nourishment, reducing the quantity needed to meet their dietary requirements. Be cautious not to overfeed your Bulldog, as obesity can strain their joints and lead to health issues. You can do this with the hands-on test by feeling their ribs without having to press hard. For more detailed guidance on feeding your Bulldog, consider our guidelines for choosing the right food , feeding puppies , and feeding adult dogs. Proper nutrition is vital for a happy and healthy life for your beloved Bulldog. The head is adorned with heavy wrinkles, and there are two loose folds forming a dewlap from the jaw to the chest. Bulldogs come in various colors, including red brindle, other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow pale cream to light fawn, pale yellow, or yellow-red , and piebald large patches of two or more colors. Solid black is less common and not highly admired in this breed. Daily cleaning of their face is essential, paying special attention to cleaning inside the wrinkles. Dry the wrinkles thoroughly after washing, and consider using baby wipes with lanolin and aloe vera for gentle cleaning. Bulldogs are moderate shedders, and regular brushing can help reduce hair on clothes and furniture. Other grooming needs include nail care and dental hygiene. Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and bacteria. Regular grooming sessions also offer an opportunity to check for any sores, rashes, or signs of infection on their skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. The ears should smell good without excessive wax or debris, and the eyes should be clear without redness or discharge. Bulldog Children And Other Pets An amiable temperament and sturdy build make Bulldogs a wonderful companion for children, including young ones. Nevertheless, if they ever get tired of being tormented, they will simply walk away, showcasing their sensible judgment. Teach them to be gentle, respectful, and considerate towards their furry friend. Supervising any interactions between dogs and young children is of utmost importance to prevent any unintended mishaps, such as biting or pulling of ears and tail. No dog, including the gentle Bulldog, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. While Bulldogs are known for their amiable disposition, any breed of dog may react unpredictably to certain situations. Therefore, adult supervision is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the dog during their interactions. Beyond their affinity for children, Bulldogs exhibit a pacific nature that extends to other pets, including dogs and cats. Their sociable demeanor makes them generally great companions for various household animals. However, like any dog, Bulldogs may display some reserve or caution when encountering unfamiliar dogs. Proper introductions and gradual socialization can help Bulldogs become more at ease in the presence of other canines. By teaching kids how to approach and interact with dogs respectfully and under adult supervision, the bond between Bulldogs and their human and animal companions can thrive in a harmonious and loving environment. Bulldog Rescue Groups Often, Bulldogs are acquired without a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities involved, leading many of them to find their way into rescue groups seeking adoption or foster care. However, opting to adopt an adult Bulldog presents several compelling advantages. Adult dogs frequently come with pre-existing housetraining and basic obedience skills, making the transition into a new home smoother. Moreover, they have already outgrown the boisterous puppy phase, sparing potential adopters from dealing with the inevitable mischief and destruction associated with young pups. Their affectionate, outgoing personality is what most people love about this breed. Bulldogs bond with almost any kind of person, young or old, boisterous or quiet, and are not known for aggressive behavior. Bulldogs are truly social creatures. But their favorite social interaction of all is curling up next to you on the couch. They will pout and sulk if they feel rebuffed, making some hilarious faces in the process. Once you give them the attention they crave, Bulldogs immediately slip into silliness and roll all over the floor with excitement and paw at you for more. But Bulldogs can be stubborn, too. But their skin is a different issue. Use a damp cloth or a baby wipe to clean underneath all the hanging skin, especially the wrinkles around the nose and tail, and then be sure to dry the exact same areas; moisture can create bacterial breeding grounds. Look for signs of skin irritation as you go, and, if you notice any redness or flaking, talk to your vet. They may recommend applying a soothing ointment to the areas for a few days while keeping an eye on the condition. If they have skin problems, talk to your vet about bathing more frequently. Be sure to start grooming your Bulldog puppy as soon as they come home to get them used to being touched and groomed. Speaking of paws, be sure to keep their nails trimmed. You may need to trim them about once a month. Oh, and good treats, of course! Bulldogs are just not that into obeying you. Bulldogs can learn all the important commands—sit, come, stay, leave it—to keep them safe. Use positive reinforcement treats, cuddles and special toys to reward your Bulldog for listening. Pup parents say that once a Bulldog learns a command, they never forget it. As with all breeds, early socialization with other dogs is key for Bulldogs to learn how to, well, be a Bulldog! Dogs teach each other when and how to play and when to back off. Make sure the food you choose meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. You might have read that Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. Unfortunately, their facial structure leads to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS and causes breathing difficulties see the Health section for more information. But BOAS can trigger digestive issues, too, including vomiting, gagging or regurgitation. To lessen these issues, feed your Bulldog small amounts at a time they are speedy eaters who will gulp down whatever is in front of them in seconds! Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which makes the symptoms of BOAS worse. Talk to your vet about an appropriate feeding schedule for your Bully and their appropriate weight. Your vet is in the best position to help you pick the best food for your pup based on their individual needs. Exercise The breathing difficulties caused by their flattened snouts makes vigorous and extended exercise a no-go for Bulldogs. Although they will get a burst of energy and run around in circles from time to time aka the zoomies. Overexertion—especially in hot weather—can actually be dangerous for this breed. Three easy-going, minute walks a day, mixed in with a few dog-park play sessions or doggy playdates throughout the week is plenty. Be sure you schedule these in the cooler parts of the day and avoid the heat at all costs. Other than that, Bulldogs are content to stay inside, making them great apartment dogs for city living. Oh, and Bulldogs love to play tug-of-war! So stock up on tug toys and play a quick game—it counts as exercise! When it comes to the safest, most comfortable environment for this breed, it comes down to one thing: air conditioning. Other than that, Bulldogs are adaptable and social pups who would love to be in a home with lots of people—kids and babies included—to give them attention. They even get along well with aloof cats! That said, Bulldogs can be just as happy bonding with one doting pet parent. Back to Top Bulldog Health For all the fantastic things there are about the Bulldog, there is one drawback. Their overall health is not that great. Years of breeding for the pugilistic-looking flat face have created myriad problems for the English Bulldog. Either way, it is important pup parents are aware of these health concerns so they can help their Bully stay healthier, longer. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome: BOAS is an inherited condition that almost all Bulldogs have to some degree due to their short muzzles and the shape of their heads. Keeping your Bully at a normal weight is one way to help them breathe more easily. If their breathing problems are more severe, surgery may help. Soft-palate surgery opens up the breathing passages allowing your dog to breathe more easily. Skin Infections: Bulldogs are prone to developing skin infections in their delightfully wrinkly skin. It is essential you clean and dry their folds every day. Signs of infection may include increased itching or scratching, a bad odor or a greasy or really dry coat. If you do suspect your pup has a skin infection, get to your vet pronto! Your vet can determine the best course of action, most often a topical medicated cream. Eye Issues: Cherry eye looks like a red or pink bulge in the interior corner of their eye. It occurs when their third eyelid swells and is out of place and is sometimes due to weakened connective tissue or inflammation. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments depending on the severity. Bulldogs also suffer from entropion, a condition in which the eyelid rolls in and rubs the eye, causing irritation. Entropion can be treated by surgery; if left untreated, blindness may occur. Birth: One of the distinctive traits of the English Bulldog breed is their massive head. More often than not, Bulldog puppies are born via c-section to safeguard the puppies and the mother. Back to Top Bulldog History Were you once a college athlete who now gets winded bringing the laundry upstairs? Though their precise origins are unclear, Bulldogs most likely originated in England and may have descended from ancient mastiff-like breeds. This brutal practice was gruesome and bloody for both the bulls and the canines; naturally, it became a popular spectator sport. Gamblers bred Bulldogs for vicious temperaments and shorter and shorter snouts, which could latch on to the bull more easily. Thankfully, bull baiting was outlawed in .By this time, the peculiarly cute, compressed faces of the Bulldog had won the hearts of the English people, who continued to breed them for their looks, not their aggression. Shortly after, Bulldogs were brought to America, where the American Kennel Club recognized them as an official breed in , and the Bulldog Club of America was formed in .Today, most of the qualities that made Bulldogs such successful bull baiters have been bred out of them. Their lovable personalities make them the fifth most popular breed in the country. Their flat faces, though, continue to be popular symbols of pluck and determination: Bulldogs serve as a mascot for many high schools, colleges and universities think Yale University and the University of Georgia , Mack Trucks, and the US Marine Corps. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The English Bulldog is a wide, medium-sized, compact dog with short legs. The body and head are massive with extra skin on both the skull and forehead falling in folds. The cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, short and pug with a broad, deep stop. The black nose is broad with large nostrils. The dark eyes are deep set. The rose ears are small, thin and set high on the head. The jaws are massive, very broad, and square with hanging upper lips. The teeth should have an under bite. The tail is either straight or screwed and carried low. The short, flat coat is straight, smooth and glossy. Coat colors include red brindle and other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colors. Temperament Although the English Bulldog's appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder , and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are very much a people's dog, seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness. Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior. A Bulldog who understands its place in the human pack is nice to, and reliable with all people. This breed is good with family pets , but some can be combative with strange dogs if they do not see themselves as followers in their pack. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older. They snore very loudly, most have drool and slobber tendencies and are messy eaters. Bulldogs that display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture , food, toys, or other spots in the house, or that are dog aggressive do not have humans who are being the dog's pack leader. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Dogs that feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs that know they are human followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "his" humans in line. Height, Weight Height: about 12 - 16 inches 31 - 40 cm there is no prescribed height, but shorter Bulldogs are more prized when being shown Weight: Males 53 - 55 pounds 24 - 25 kg Females 49 - 51 pounds 22 - 23 kg Health Problems Prone to breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, cherry eye , very susceptible to heatstroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Prone to mast cell tumors. Birth defects are common in some lines. Susceptible to skin infections, hip and knee problems. Prone to flatulence, especially when fed any other type of food other than their regular dog food. Puppies are often delivered by caesarian section. Some say it is because of the dogs' large head size, however others claim you can hardly tell the difference between the head size of a Bulldog with the head size of other breeds when the pups are first born; claiming not enough dams are given the opportunity to try and deliver naturally because of the large head myth. A lot of Bulldogs do run the risk of having weak labors and this could increase the risk of a caesarian. Living Conditions The English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. Exercise The English Bulldog needs to be taken on a daily walk to fulfill its primal canine instinct to migrate. Those individuals that do not get this need met are more likely to have behavior issues. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human. English Bulldogs that are in good shape are capable of moving very quickly for short periods of time. Life Expectancy An average of 8 years. Some live longer while others live shorter lives. Litter Size 4 - 5 puppies; as a result of this breed's large head they are prone to needing a caesarian section Grooming The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder. The dog was given the name "bull" because of its use in bull baiting and for its robust look of a little bull. They were aggressive, ferocious and courageous with the power to attack full grown bulls, which they did in arena combat before the practice was banned by law in the 19th century. Bulldogs would attack from the bottom up going underneath the bull and aiming for the neck, making it hard for the bull to fight back. Today's Bulldog has a very different temperament from those of his ancestors, but still retains a strong determination. Other topics The English Bulldog , one of the most easily recognizable breeds, is also known as the British Bulldog. As its name suggests, this breed originally hails from England as a descendant of the fighting Mastiffs the Romans brought to the region. Today, the English Bulldog is a popular breed loved by its pet parents for its friendly and affectionate disposition. According to the American Kennel Club AKC , the English Bulldog stands to inches tall and weighs approximately 50 pounds for males and 40 pounds for females. On average this breed lives eight to 10 years, has a calm or mild demeanor, and typically requires weekly grooming. It was officially recognized by the AKC in .Bulldog Club of America Established in The Bulldog Club of America BCA formed in and continues today helping owners, breeders, and judges work together to maintain a high standard of excellence for the Bulldog breed. This amazing and charismatic English Bulldog set the record for the fastest meters on a skateboard by a dog. His time was an astounding .Tillman not only loved to skateboard, but he surfed, and appeared on the television show the Greatest American Dog and in the Rose Parade. Because of this condition, English Bulldogs may breathe noisily, snorting and snuffling. They may also suffer respiratory issues. Every Uga has been a beloved companion and faithful mascot, several earning impressive achievements. For example, Uga V was in a movie and on the cover of Sports Illustrated while, Uga IV was the first mascot invited to the presentation of the Heisman trophy. The nose folds in particular can be susceptible toward infection. Famous Bulldog Owners Throughout history, the English bulldog has held the hearts of many pet owners. Famous English bulldog owners include but are not limited to President William G. Post by: Eric M. Once bred for sport and work, the English Bulldog has evolved into a loyal and easygoing member of the family. About the Breed With a knack for getting along with everyone, English Bulldogs can make themselves at home with any type of family. An extremely loyal breed, these pups are known to form strong bonds with children, while being laidback enough for pet parents who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. And even though their large jaws and underbite can give the impression of sadness or concern, anyone familiar with this breed knows that these playful, even comical, pups are more silly than sad. With adorable wrinkles and a playful temperament, the English Bulldog is sure to turn a lot of heads wherever they go. Breed History Originally bred for bull-baiting in England, Bulldogs were first referenced in works of literature dating back to the s. The breed developed their stocky frame, large head, and notorious jowls due in part to the strenuous activities they participated in. As the English Bulldog transitioned from a working dog into a show dog, the breed eventually found their way to the United States in the s. Once in the States, their popularity grew. Outside of finding major success in the show ring, the English Bulldog found celebrity status, too! The original Yale mascot was an English Bulldog named Handsome Dan — the name gets passed down to each successor. During WWI, the U. Marines became associated with the breed and made them their mascot, as well. Each Marine bulldog takes the name Chesty. The University of Georgia Bulldogs are represented on the sideline by an English Bulldog named Uga and, you guessed it, each mascot proudly takes the name Uga. This unique build gave them a wide stance and bowlegged gait. The breed has short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including brindle, white, red, fawn, yellow, and piebald. On average, these pooches reach 12 to 15 inches in height and weight 40 to 60 pounds. There is little size difference between genders with males tending to be just a bit heavier. An occasional bath and a few brushing sessions with a short bristle brush each week should be enough to keep their coat looking marvelous. Unfortunately, their upkeep goes beyond getting out the brush. If left unclean, these folds can be a haven for bacteria and other unpleasant surprises. Dental hygiene is also especially important with this breed due to their compressed jaw. In addition to requiring an increased focus on teeth cleaning, the shape of their head can also lead to a few other less than desirable features, including snoring, wheezing, and drooling — of course, these are all normal side effects. Learn more about how pet insurance could help you cover your pet's eligible veterinary care expenses. Training By their nature, English Bulldogs are people pleasers, even though they can be slightly strong willed from time to time. They learn best when owners make training fun, especially if it involves repetition, positive reinforcement, and, of course, a few treats of encouragement. Outside of training, English Bulldogs are known to be independent dogs who can solve problems on their own without needing help from their humans. Aside from a few preventable concerns, like their lack of swimming ability, a tendency to quickly overheat in the sun, issues with reproduction and the need for caesarean section, and exercise-induced breathing issues, English Bulldogs face a lot of genetic issues. Get a free quote now! Instead, human intervention has lead to many issues and exacerbated many others. Poor practices, selective breeding, and overbreeding have led some experts to believe that any breeding of these dogs is inhumane. While there is no consensus when it comes to the ethical quandaries of English Bulldogs and breeding, it is important to be aware of all of the factors at play when deciding on which breed is right for your family and lifestyle, while also noting the importance of knowing where a dog — no matter the breed — comes from. This is especially important when it comes to these wrinkled wonders — the price tag on an English Bulldog can reach quadruple digits. Despite their many health concerns, English Bulldogs do have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. And, if well cared for, can live happy, comfortable lives while providing unflinching companionship and boundless entertainment in the proper home. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian. Before adopting your own Min Pin, learn more about this German breed. And while their faces often express a sense of worry, their hearts are full of affection and fun — and a little bit of mischief.

Share 1 Shares Golden Retrievers are famous for their intelligence, friendly personalities, and beautiful golden coats. This paired with their trainability makes this dog breed a great choice for many active families out there. However, when getting a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder it is important that you make sure that the breeder is reputable before buying a puppy from them. This will not only ensure that your dog will have good confirmation, but it also increases your chances that your dog will be in good health and have a solid temperament significantly. Here are the top 15 reputable Golden Retriever breeders in Missouri. Ozark Mountain Goldens Ozark Mountain Goldens in Missouri This Golden Retriever breeder does not only focus on the stunning good looks of their Goldens but their incredible intelligence as well. Of course, the health of their dogs is important to this AKC breeder of merit as well. To ensure the health of their dogs, all dogs are health tested and cleared before being bred. In addition to this, all puppies are kept up to date on all of their vet-recommended and age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. Puppies also receive an aptitude test and a microchip before going to their forever homes. All puppies are sold with a month health guarantee. This breeder enters their dogs into AKC agility, obedience, conformation, tracking, and performance events as well. Name of Owner. My focus is not just on the conformation aspect of the breed, but the intelligence of it. They should excel at performance, obedience, agility, tracking, therapy or service work, and confirmation events. I strive to raise the healthiest, happiest puppies possible and place each of them in a loving home. Each puppy is aptitude tested when they are 7 weeks of age. This helps me make sure each puppy is placed appropriately. The puppies are born and raised inside. We start house and crate training along with teaching some basic training commands. They will arrive at their new home current on all age-appropriate vaccinations and dewormings. They will come to you already fitted with a microchip that will stay safely in place for life, offering protection from loss, theft, or separation. The microchip number is unique and belongs only to your puppy. All of my puppies include a 25 month written and signed health guarantee, papers for AKC registration, complete medical record, and health certification. Some helpful information can be found on my FAQ page. For each puppy, I prepare a puppy care package that includes a daily schedule with the current diet, feeding schedule, and potty routine which will help them settle in with your family. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Missouri Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Missouri? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Missouri? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good. Frozen veggies and fruit Exploring Their Surroundings Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Their heightened scent receptors drive them to explore things around them, including household items and even your fingers. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Curiosity is a healthy habit for Goldendoodles, but biting should not be part of the process. However, if your new best friend is doing damage while exploring its surroundings, you must puppy-proof your home until they learn proper manners. Playing Dogs will instinctively bite and nip when they play with littermates as puppies. If this behavior is left unaddressed, mature dogs will continue to bite during playtime. Playful biting is not always harmful, but it can be if it gets out of control as your Goldendoodle matures. A Goldendoodle getting a belly rub from his owner. The Resolution When Goldendoodles bite during playtime, you must correct the behavior immediately. Give your pet a stern no command, and offer them an alternative to biting and chewing. Some dogs respond well when owners stop playing with them after biting and leave the room. This breed is intelligent and will quickly learn that biting is not welcome. Boredom Goldendoodles are smart dogs requiring adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. If your pet is not receiving enough engagement throughout the day, it will become bored and chew or bite. Some animals may even bite at your hands and feet to get your attention when bored. Goldendoodle with fresh haircut on a white background. Although boredom can be prevalent in the first couple years of your Goldendoodles life, it can still be a concern for some mature dogs. In addition, try offering your pet toys to help stimulate their mind, like treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These products will provide the mental exercise they need and keep them from being bored at home. We'll do everything we can to make sure you and your dog are happy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Unfortunately, some dog breeds, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This hybrid dog enjoys the company of its humans and can show anxious traits if you leave them home alone all day. The Resolution If your Goldendoodle is biting you before you leave or when you return, they may have anxiety issues. Proper kennel training and routine exercise with mental stimulation can help calm your pet down when you need to leave them alone for an extended time. Lack of Training Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, and many dog owners will let some typical puppy behaviors, like biting, slide. A boy trains a Goldendoodle at the park. This hybrid dog breed is extremely energetic and needs proper training to follow your commands. The Resolution For Goldendoodle biting that happens due to a lack of training, you can still turn it around, even with adult dogs. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent and loves to please its owners. Always remember to use a stern no command when they bite, offer alternatives, and reward them when they act appropriately. Soon, your Goldendoodle will have the proper training and better manners you want in a pet. Scared or Fearful Some Goldendoodles bite when they are scared or fearful of something. For example, if your pet is afraid of loud noises or certain people, they may lash out by biting. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. This fearful behavior can get out of control and inflict harm to people or animals without proper coaching as your dog matures. The Resolution Dogs who feel safe are less likely to bite when a frightening situation occurs. Owners of Goldendoodles that bite can use various methods to help eliminate this behavior, depending on the reason for their fright. Some ways to help your pet are: Scared of thunderstorms — use a thunder jacket. Frightened about meeting new people or animals — use slow, short introductions. Afraid of loud noises — offer a crate as a safe space with treats and positive attention. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Therefore, a dog who suddenly bites its owner may have underlying health issues. Animals will do this to scare people away from handling them where it hurts the most. If your Goldendoodle bites when you try to pet it or handle it, it could be dealing with pain from an illness or significant injury. The Resolution If you have ruled out other causes for your Goldendoodle biting behaviors, the next step is heading to your local veterinarian. You want to ensure your pet does not have a health condition that is causing them pain. Your vet may conduct x-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out physical fractures or serious illnesses that may produce pain for your dog. Final Thoughts Of course, everyone loves a well-behaved Goldendoodle, but sometimes your pet needs a little extra training and support to learn good manners. Once you can pinpoint the reason for the behavior, you can use these successful methods to keep it from happening. You may need professional help from a trainer or veterinarian, but once your Goldendoodle knows how to behave, you will have a terrific and loyal friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Goldendoodle puppy teeth can be painful, and puppies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Goldendoodle puppies usually stop biting when they are months old when their adult teeth have grown. Goldendoodles are bred to retrieve things, and their mouthy tendencies need bite inhibition training. Bite inhibition training should involve the same method that puppies learn with their littermates. It involves a loud squeal, stopping the play, and ignoring the puppy for up to a minute. Play dates with other puppies can also help teach bite inhibition. Giving puppies frozen fruits, teething toys, bully sticks, and engaging them with chew toys can help deter biting related to teething. Having new teeth pushing through your gums is uncomfortable, and chewing on things can help reduce that discomfort. Tasting things is also another way that puppies explore the world. Without hands or opposable thumbs, their mouth is the best way to determine the texture and firmness of an object. Additionally, Goldendoodles are the product of two breeds that were bred to retrieve things from the water. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were both bred to collect birds that hunters had shot. That means a tendency to hold items in their mouth was actually bred into them. Goldendoodles tend to be inherently mouthy, so you will have to teach your puppy to have better bite inhibition reducing how much force they bite down with during play. The younger your puppy was when you brought them home, the more difficulty your Goldendoodle may have with bite inhibition. Teaching Bite Inhibition When left with their littermates long enough, puppies learn that biting a playmate too hard causes the fun to stop. To teach your puppy bite inhibition, you have to do what their littermates would have done. Anything else — yelling, bopping the puppy on the nose, continuing to play — reinforces the biting behavior. So next time your Goldendoodle puppy bites you, think like a puppy yourself. Squeal, stop, and ignore. Play Dates Playing with other puppies is also an excellent way for your Goldendoodle puppy to learn bite inhibition. When they bite another puppy too hard, that puppy will let them know. Make sure all puppies are up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations before letting them play together. More Ways to Stop Biting Not all biting is related to a lack of bite inhibition. Teething is a significant factor that causes puppies to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Provide plenty of chew toys in different textures and shapes. Teething oil or gel can help soothe sore gums. Play tug of war with your puppy gently. Fill a Puppy Kong with peanut butter, then throw it in the freezer. The cold will soothe their gums while they chew on the rubber, and working on getting out the peanut butter keeps their brain engaged. Give your Goldendoodle bully sticks to chew on while you are around to supervise. Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to dangerous rawhide, but puppies may swallow large pieces if left unsupervised. You need to use different techniques to manage this type of biting compared to teething or play biting. Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the puppy started to bite you. Continue brushing your puppy while they struggle. Try to get the puppy to bite the brush rather than your hands, but still try to keep brushing. Once your puppy stops fighting and biting, reward them with praise and a treat. If you stop brushing your puppy every time they bite you, your Goldendoodle learns that biting makes bad things stop. Play provides crucial bonding between a Goldendoodle and their people. The goal is to teach them to play nicely, not to discourage playing with you at all. These things are likely to encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet. Hitting a puppy for playful mouthing can make them bite harder. It can trigger your puppy to play even more aggressively. It can also make your puppy fear you or create real aggression. Avoid all punishments that might hurt or scare your puppy. That encourages your puppy to jump after the hand or foot and resembles play. If your puppy likes to bite your feet when you walk, you can try spraying your feet with a bite-deterrent spray like this one. Eventually, they should learn to turn that urge to bite toward their toys instead of your skin or clothing. Encourage non-contact forms of play like fetch and tug of war. Rough play with your hands tends to entice your puppy to bite. Luckily, though, there are many things you can do to discourage various types of puppy biting. With a little bit of time and consistent training, puppy bites should be a thing of the past by the time your Goldendoodle is 7 to 8 months old. Do Goldendoodles Chew Furniture? Often though, this joyful time is marred by painful nips and bandaged hands. A biting phase is all too common in puppies, but it should not be what defines your relationship. How do I get my Goldendoodle puppy to stop biting? Provide the puppy with a variety of teething aids to help soothe sore gums. Consistent bite inhibition training will teach your puppy that biting people is unacceptable, as will refusing to interact with or give attention to an actively biting puppy. Most of all, remember to be patient as your puppy gets through this frustrating and painful time. When they bite, divert their attention with a chew toy. If biting continues, walk away and ignore. Everything you need to get started and help your dog reach his full potential. Temperament, sizes, generations, and coat types. Necessary supplies and feeding guidelines. Reward-based training. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Common behavioral issues and possible health concerns. Grooming and total body care. And much, much more! Eliminate the guesswork and pick up your copy today! Unfortunately, gnawing on fingers and toes is completely normal puppy behavior. All puppies, not just Goldendoodles, go through a biting stage, but thankfully, it does not last very long. So, what causes the urge to bite and chew on everything in sight, including your poor fingers and toes? While there is likely no pain when the puppy teeth are lost, there is probably a lot of discomfort as the adult teeth push through the surface of the gums. Puppies often seek relief by chewing on anything and everything within reach, including you. Exploring Puppies explore much of the world around them with their mouths. They learn about different tastes, textures, and sizes by putting items in their mouth. They discover which items are fun to chew on slippers — delightful! Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition controlling the intensity of their bites from their littermates and their mother. This is one reason why a puppy should stay with the breeder as long as possible. When a puppy bites too hard while playing with a sibling, the other pup will yelp and stop playing. The puppy quickly learns that the fun ceases when he bites too hard. If he makes the same mistake with his mother, the puppy will receive a firm correction from her, and he will likely not do it again. Seeking Attention Puppies love all types of attention. Some quickly learn that biting leads to attention, even though it is often negative and in the form of discipline. This is called unintentional negative reinforcement. Genetic Makeup Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, used to create the beloved Goldendoodle, were bred to be outstanding water dogs, skilled at retrieving waterfowl. You can learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. The desire to have things in their mouths was intentionally bred into them. This trait is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles, particularly puppies. As is the case with most retrieving breeds, the intense need to chew and carry things in their mouth sometimes equates to excessive mouthiness in young puppies who are still learning what is acceptable and what is not. Providing your Goldendoodle with sufficient daily exercise is a key component in eliminating unwanted behaviors, like biting. How much is recommended? Check out this article. For most puppies, the biting begins to taper off as teething come to an end, usually around 7 — 8 months of age. By this age, almost all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and the chewing, biting, and nipping urges greatly diminish. By the time your puppy has finished teething, more maturity should be evident as he nears adulthood. When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing and transition to adulthood? Find the answer here. Many puppy behaviors, such as whining, submissive urination, and biting begin to disappear by this age. Get Your Copy Today! Try offering frozen pieces of carrot, banana, or strawberry to soothe sore gums. Frozen blueberries are great too. Many puppy teething oils see on Amazon are available to numb tender mouths. Provide a wide variety of puppy chew toys multipack on Amazon of different shapes and textures. A puppy Kong can be packed with a treat like peanut butter and frozen. The natural rubber satisfies the chewing urge, the cold numbs the gums, and working to access the treats inside provides mental stimulation.

Life Span Did You Know? They are also sometimes called a Malshi, Maltzu, or Malti-zu. This designer breed was developed in the s with the goal of creating a small, low-shedding companion breed. It is one of the most popular designer breeds in Australia and is becoming more and more popular in the United States and other countries. Mal-Shis are known for having an outgoing, playful personality and a sweet disposition. Due to their gentle nature and social personality, they make great companions as well as therapy dogs. A Mal-Shi tends to be bold and outgoing with an open and friendly personality. They tend to be interested in making friends with everyone, especially if that means they get some love, attention, and playtime. This means that they tend to get along well with other pets, dogs, strangers, and children. Due to their small size, the Mal-Shi can be easily injured by accidental falls or rough play, so any playtime with younger children should be closely supervised. Mal-Shis are wonderful family dogs. They are naturally affectionate, loving, and devoted to their owner. They are alert, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They also tend to be open and friendly, so although they may alert you to someone or something coming to the house, they will be more interested in making friends than being a guard dog. This is a highly adaptable dog breed. Mal-Shis are a good fit for apartment living as well as larger homes. They also do well in most climates. You will have to keep an eye on them in warmer weather as they can easily overexert themselves. In colder weather, you will likely need to add some layers to help your Mal-Shi stay warm. This dog is a true companion animal and loves to be with their family; this means they do not like to be alone for long periods and can be prone to separation anxiety. Since the Mal-Shi is a mixed breed, it can inherit health issues common to one or both of the parent breeds. Some common health issues to be aware of in your Mal-Shi include respiratory problems, White Shaker Syndrome, and patellar luxation. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential health concerns. This dog breed is intelligent and happy to be with their owners, which also makes them eager to please. They are a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of every experience level. Mal-Shis will tend to pick up on basic commands relatively easily and will enjoy learning more advanced tricks in ongoing training. However, they can have a stubborn streak, but consistent training will help. Because of their outgoing and social personality, the Mal-Shi also tends to have a sensitive soul. Harsh scolding or tones will hurt their feelings and could make them withdrawn or more stubborn. They respond best to ongoing training that is interesting, consistent, and positive. Housetraining can be difficult with this small dog breed, so you will want to introduce crate training early. Also, small dogs have small bladders, so your Mal-Shi will need to take more trips outside, especially as a puppy. Crate training and consistent routines can help with housetraining. Because they are so small, it can be tempting to baby your Mal-Shi. Of course, you want to treat your dog well and reward them for good behavior, but too much babying can result in your Mal-Shi acting more like a spoiled brat than the attentive, loving, and affectionate dog they usually are. Common coat colors vary and can be any combination of white, black, brown, or tan. Although a Mal-Shi is often low-shedding, you will still need to brush their coat every day to remove tangles and prevent matting. If you choose to keep their coat clipped short, you can likely get away with brushing every couple of days. In addition to coat care, your Mal-Shi will have plenty of other grooming needs as would any dog. Trimming their nails monthly, or sooner if needed, keeps their nails from growing too long and affecting their ability to move around comfortably. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning them carefully as needed can help prevent ear infections caused by trapped moisture, dirt, or debris. Good dental care for dogs , like brushing teeth, using enzyme toothpaste, or dental chews daily, can help prevent the tartar buildup that causes gum disease and tooth decay. The Mal-Shi is a dog breed with a moderate activity level. A few walks a day plus some playtime will keep this dog breed happy and healthy. They also tend to love the outdoors and will match their energy level to yours. So, if you want to be more relaxed, your Mal-Shi will relax with you, especially if it means more cuddles and time with you. If you want to be more active, your Mal-Shi will keep up and will be more than happy to be with you. Because of their small size, they can get tired quickly and may overexert themselves trying to keep up with you. So, keep an eye on them and take a break or go home if you see them start to pant heavily or struggle. Fully-grown Mal-Shis usually stand about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 6 and 12 pounds. A Mal-Shi will typically live 12 — 14 years. Because Poodle or Doodle hybrids are so popular, the Mal-Shi is one of the few designer breeds whose parentage does not include a Poodle. Mal-Shi Puppies for Sale. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. However, the Maltese Shih Tzu is much more than that. He does well as a therapy dog, and his wonderfully social nature makes him a great family pet. This extrovert is gutsy and gregarious, and he loves people of any age group. Like any dog, this cross needs to be socialized as a puppy and as an adult. The Maltese Shih Tzu can be active, but he can also adapt to quieter living. He requires some exercise each day through either a walk or a good play session in the yard. He loves being outside and although he makes an acceptable apartment resident, he does much better with a small yard to romp in. Maltese Shih Tzus are adaptable and will be active and outgoing in a busy home, or quiet and reserved in a calm home. They require daily exercise and do well with a good walk or romp in the yard. Maltese Shih Tzus can suffer from respiratory problems. Heat and humidity can aggravate these conditions, so a home with air-conditioning is best. They will alert bark, however, so they can make good watchdogs. Maltese Shih Tzus are low shedders, but they require daily brushing to keep their coats free of mats. The coat can be clipped every six to eight weeks. Loving and gentle, Maltese Shih Tzus can make an excellent companions to both children and the elderly, and to first-time or timid owners. Maltese Shih Tzus generally do well with other dogs and pets. Maltese Shih Tzus are intelligent and train easily. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Unlike many other designer dogs, the use of cute names has not been necessary to promote this hybrid. The Maltese Shih Tzu is currently one of the most popular hybrids in Australia, although his fame has also grown in North America and other countries. There are no breed clubs or breed standards for this dog, and many of the litters produced are the result of first-generation breeding between Maltese and Shih Tzus. There has been some second-generation breeding, but so far the Maltese Shih Tzu has not undergone breeding of third and subsequent generations. For a Maltese Shih Tzu, the most important aspect of life is family: nothing else matters as much as being with you. If he has that, everything else is negotiable. When good breeding stock is used, he has a nice, well-rounded temperament. He can be curious, which can occasionally get him into trouble. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. The Maltese Shih Tzu needs early socialization and training. Early socialization helps ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling your young Maltese Shih Tzu in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, taking your dog to busy parks and stores that allow dogs, and going on leisurely strolls to meet the neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. Regardless of generation, both parents should have applicable health clearances. Some disorders are caused by recessive genes that may not appear for generations. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Patellar Luxation: also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. White Shaker Syndrome: This affects young to middle-aged dogs. The disease is seen in both the Shih Tzu and Maltese and has been seen in any crosses produced by either breed. Symptoms are uncontrollable shaking and an inability to walk. An episode can last all day. He can be active and outgoing in a high-energy home, but he can also be calm and reserved in a quieter home. Regardless of personality, the Maltese Shih Tzu requires the same amount of care. He should have a daily exercise , but this can be as simple as a leisurely walk through the neighborhood or a fun game of fetch down a hallway or in the yard. Expect about 10 to 15 minutes of exercise per day. He can do well in apartments, but the ideal is a home with a small yard. Maltese Shih Tzus love the outdoors and will spend a significant amount of time playing and romping outside. He makes an excellent dog for first-time owners. Socialization is important, especially since the Maltese Shih Tzu is a social dog and loves to receive visitors or go visiting himself. A crate is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your dog accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Maltese Shih Tzu in a crate all day long, however. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Maltese Shih Tzu in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. It should have some wave to it, but it should never be curly. Maltese Shih Tzus generally are white or white with tan markings on the body and ears, but they can sport a combination of other colors, such as black, brown, black and white, brown and white, and black and brown. A fine Maltese Shih Tzu coat requires care and needs daily brushing to keep out tangles and mats. Regular bathing keeps the coat soft and silky. He can be clipped to make grooming a bit easier, but he still needs to be brushed weekly at a minimum, and clipped every six to nine weeks. Maltese Shih Tzus can have some problems with tearstains under the eyes, like their Maltese parents; these may need to be treated with commercial tearstain removers. Keeping the area around the eye clean helps reduce staining. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. He makes an excellent companion for older, more considerate children, but he also loves the small kids. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. A Maltese Shih Tzu does well in homes with other dogs and pets and can thrive in multipet homes. There are many Maltese Shih Tzus in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. When dealing with designer dogs, the nomenclature can be a little hard to follow. Combining three breeds is even more confusing. Here are the terms you need to know to understand Malshipoos. A Malshi is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. A Maltipoo is a hybrid of a Maltese and a Poodle. A Malshipoo is a mix of all three breeds. A post shared by spritzy. What Does a Malshipoo Look Like? While the designer dog parents of Malshipoos have been around for over 20 years, Malshipoos are new enough that they are not yet recognized by any dog registry. A post shared by Pikachu the Malshipoo pika. Height and Weight Maltese weigh up to 7 pounds. Shih Tzus are considerably larger, usually 9 to 16 pounds. Maltese A Toy Poodle may weigh as little as 4 pounds and up to 6 pounds; Miniature Poodles are about the same size as Shih Tzus, 10 to 15 pounds. Shih Tzu Maltese are usually 7 to 9 inches 14 to 23 cm tall. Shih Tzus are taller, 9 to .A Malshipoo will weigh about 10 pounds and stand about 10 inches 25 cm tall. A Malshipoo might be smaller if one parent or grandparent was a Toy Poodle and larger if one parent or grandparent was a Miniature Poodle. Abstract painting of a standard Poodle. Every dog has two strands of this DNA, and each strand can cause the dog to grow either large or small. Coat Color and Curl There is a beautiful range of coat colors in dogs because coat color is controlled not by one but by five groups of genes. Each group of genes is called a locus. E, K, A, B, and D loci have up to four variations each. The E locus, for example, has E, Em, Eg, and e genes. The E gene codes for black coat color. But the presence of other genes may make those pigments turn out brown, blue, or isabella. The e gene codes for red coat color. But other genes dictate where the red color will appear. A puppy can inherit two e genes for red colors in its coat that are never seen because B and D genes lighten the pigment to make it invisible. These genes also determine eye, nose, and paw color. The variations you can find in Malshipoos come primarily from their Maltipoo parent or grandparent. Shih Tzu So, what kind of coat do you get when you mix the genetics of a Maltese with the genetics of a Shih Tzu with the genetics of a Poodle? Poodles carry a gene called KRT.If any dog gets two copies of this gene from its parents, it will have curly hair. Dogs with just one copy have wavy hair, and dogs without copies of this gene have straight hair. Toy Poodle How genetics work for a Malshipoo depends on which breeds were the parents and which were the grandparents. Cross a Malshi with a Poodle, and all the resulting Malshipoo puppies will have at least wavy and possibly curly hair. Cross a Maltipoo with a Shih Tzu; some puppies may have long, straight hair. Here are the possible combinations: Black Malshipoos have the black hair color of their Poodle parent or grandparent with the long hair of their Maltese parent or grandparent. Some Malshipoos will have black hair as puppies that turns brown as they grow up. But they will have black paws and noses. Blue Malshipoos are often born black but fade to blue as they mature. Black Malshipoos can also fade to gray. Chocolate Malshipoos have a coat the same color as a Hershey Bar. But they can fade to tan as they become adults. Red Malshipoos are very hard to breed. It is easier for breeders to get apricot coats. All-white Malshipoos require all-white parents and grandparents. Not just the Poodle parent or grandparent will need to be all-white. Most breeders look for Poodles with an all-white pedigree going back five generations to be sure of getting all-white Malshipoo puppies. You will occasionally encounter Malshipoos with bronze, cream, or liver colors. There are also Malshipoos with parti coats, 50 percent black with the rest blue or sable. All Malshipoos need regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Most owners will take them to a professional groomer monthly. Malshipoos are lap dogs. They love to curl up with their owners. They are designed to be loving companions. Malshipoos are intelligent dogs. They are easy to train. They adapt to new living conditions quickly. Malshipoos are great apartment dogs. They fit in small spaces. In fact, you need to be extra careful when you take your Malshipoo outdoors for exercise, protecting it from larger dogs and road hazards. The price of constant companionship from your Malshipoo is, well, constant companionship. Malshipoos do not like to be left alone. They can experience separation anxiety if not supplied with toys or a companion pet. They get along well with other dogs and cats and are loving pets for small children, but that leads to another concern. Malshipoos are small dogs that are easily injured. At most, they could nip the ankles of an intruder. With some grooming and the right haircut, a Malshipoo can look like a living teddy bear. But Malshipoos tend to look like puppies their entire lives. Not everyone likes the look of an aging dog. Other common concerns include the following: Malshipoos love the sound of their own bark. They require intensive training to minimize barking. Malshipoos are great companion dogs for kids, but it is important to ensure that children treat them gently. Malshipoos thrive with a daily walk, but they also need complex play or puzzle toys for mental stimulation. Malshipoos can steal the heart of any dog lover. They never run out of love to give. Health Concerns for Malshipoos Nearly all Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Poodles suffer from the same preventable health problem: gum disease. Small dogs need to have their teeth brushed two or three times a week. Most dogs come to enjoy tooth brushing sessions that can make a huge difference in how long they keep their teeth. Making sure they never have to go up and down stairs reduces the risk of developing this problem. Any reputable breeder will do genetic testing for common health problems before breeding the parents. It is better to meet the parents and the puppy before you take your Malshipoo home. Professional dog breeders take time to make sure puppies get a good start in life. They will have begun socializing your dog with people and other pets, and they will be able to give you face-time with their puppies before you make a selection. To find reputable breeders, ask your veterinarian. Or make inquiries at the International Designer Dog Registry and the ones mentioned above. Malshipoos are rarely available as rescue dogs, but it never hurts to let your local shelter know that you are looking for this delightful designer dog. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message. I got Roxy in January and she is such a good girl! At 5 months she already knows how to sit and give kisses. Thank you!! Just wanted to tell you we are delighted with our new mini GoldenDoodle we got yesterday! She is the sweetest pup! Meet Elsa! She is so smart! Rolls over, shakes, rings a bell to go outside! Her little personality makes me laugh every day. My wife and I absolutely adore our female Whoodle pup that we purchased from you guys. Midnight is the sweetest pup and has so much love to share. We will hopefully be back this coming fall or spring to bring home another puppy. Good morning, I wanted to share a few pictures of our red minature goldendoodle we purchased from you. She is so fun, spunky, sweet heart and loves to play. She came into our home May .What a delightful, sweet dog. Thanks Valley View! I got her in Oct of .She is my sweet baby girl with lots of personality!! She is now 3yrs old and spoiled rotten!! We got Bear sometime in the beginning of and he is the best thing to ever happen to us. We drove three hours to get him and it was totally worth it. He is a very smart dog that can learn tricks in less than 10 minutes! His favorite trick is giving hugs! I have never met another dog that is this goofy. He loves eating socks, digging out of the trash and licking bellybuttons. He also farts when he stands and burps super loud. He makes me laugh and I love him so much! Thank you! This is Alfredo and we got him 15 years ago. This pup is Gizmo and we got her in January .We welcomed Winter into our family July of .She just turned 1 years old and is a very healthy beautiful girl. She enjoys the outdoors. She had an attitude the size of a horse and uses it to her advantage at times. She is spoiled beyond belief! The joy she has brought into our life has been amazing. Thank you for our beautiful girl. She is absolutely perfect! We have our two perfect girls now but if we ever decide these two need another sister we definitely will be back! Love the Beetcher family! This is Pixie Pickles. She is a great addition to our family. She is so friendly and has the best personality! We absolutely love her! Heston family We purchased a golden doodle from you Just before Christmas last year. We have been extremely happy with him, he is quite a character. Everyone who meets him, falls in love with him right away. Including my mom. I will attach a couple pics of Tucker also. Thank you very much. I hope you have a great rest of the day. Hello There, I bought Milo from April .Pandemic started then and since then has become my super companion. I remember his dad is called snow and mom is acorn. Are those 2 still alive? I just want to see what they look like. This is Milo now. He is soo happy and super clingy with us. But over all healthy dog. I will forever be grateful of the farm. He really helped me with my depression during the pandemic. Spoiled rotten is this dogs life now! Thank you so much we love her, and will definitely be back again when looking for another puppy. He will be 2 on January 14th he is the best and smartest pup we have ever had. This is Pixie Malshi. She joined our family in October .We fell in love with her picture online and the moment we saw her we knew she was perfect! She loves being around people and has the best personality. She fits in perfectly with our family. Hello, Just a quick update. We are not the original owners. He grew to be a 20 pounder. We have his teeth cleaned every year and has only lost 2 teeth. He is in excellent health. He was trained and certified as my PTSD service dog. He has taught himself other tasks to keep me safe including alerting me when my blood sugar drops. He has saved my life several times. He is my constant companion seeing me through life threatening surgeries and complications. I groom him as part of my PTSD therapy. Wherever we go he finds the one person who needs a hug. He is fantastic with kids. His soft mouth has help so many kids overcome their fears. We named him Harley. We are crazy in love with him! She is still very shy when it comes to people but she loves other dogs. She will start her puppy class on the 25th of this month. She loves her big sister Gabby. Her favorite toy is her elephant. She loves to snuggle and gives kisses she also loves to go for car rides. There are plenty of ads posted all over the site, and many of them are from people who are looking to find a good home for their shih tzus. All Shih tzus listed on this site come from registered AKC parents. The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed and has a long history as a lap dog to nobles. History of shih tzu puppies Shih Tzu Puppies for sale is a small breed of dog that originated in China. It is believed that the breed was developed by crossing the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese, and it was originally bred to be a lapdog for the Chinese royal family. Temperament of Shih Tzus Shih Tzus are known for their long, silky coats and friendly, playful personalities. They are generally good with children and get along well with other animals. Shih Tzus are also intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of tricks and behaviors. They are popular pets due to their small size and affectionate nature. Coat Shih tzu puppies for sale is a small but sturdy dog with a lush, long, double hair coat. The shih tzu is a sturdy toy breed , weighing anywhere between 9—16 pounds. They are best known for their long, silky, luxurious double coat, which can be found in 14 different colors—including black, black and white, gray and white, and red and white—and three different markings. All dog breeds have a purpose. They simply desire to be with you. Health This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Shih Tzus. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Shih Tzu looking and feeling her best. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.

But, unfortunately, there are so many organisations only in it for the money, charging exorbitant prices and neglecting the health and wellbeing of their puppies and dogs. One of the most obvious signs of an unethical breeder is the poor or neglectful treatment of their puppies and breeding dogs. An ethical labradoodle breeder in Australia will; Strive to find the right home for their puppies. Instead, they go above and beyond to make sure they find the perfect home for each puppy. Usually, the search involves asking potential buyers a range of questions about their home and lifestyle, so they can pair families with a puppy that has a temperament right for them. Provide the highest quality care and living conditions. Ethical breeders ensure that both the puppies and breeding dogs have premium quality care, including comprehensive health checks, socialisation, and training. Rehome adult dogs. Once the female is retired, she is de-sexed and either adopted by our internal staff or a loving family. Never separate the puppies early. Puppies Downunder waits until the puppy is ten weeks old before we allow them to join their new family. Meet and exceed all the necessary requirements. We comply with all codes and requirements set by the Domestic Animal Act, actively assist with inspections of our facilities, and have received approval from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria to operate as a Commercial Breeder and the Minister for Agriculture. The breeder should be asking plenty of questions. A puppy is a long-term commitment, so ethical breeders ask plenty of questions to make sure the buyer is the right fit for the puppy. Here are a few examples of questions you can expect to hear; How much space do you have? Will you be home often? How often will you exercise the dog? Do you have kids? Do you have other animals? Where will the puppy sleep? They should encourage you to visit the breeding facility. When looking for Australian labradoodle puppies for sale, you need to make sure the breeder will allow you to inspect the facility and meet the parents. You can also ensure the dogs and puppies are raised in clean, high-quality conditions by visiting the facility. The Puppies Downunder team understands that not everyone can come and visit our facility, so we have plenty of photos of both the breeding facility, puppies, and dogs online. The breeder should try and find out the address the puppy will be living, the details of the new veterinarian, and any other relevant information needed to ensure the puppy is being well looked after. Your breeder should have organised the first two vaccinations, microchipping and worming and parasite prevention, before going home with their new family. At Puppies Downunder, we go above and beyond, providing a complete medical history. We also provide you with information about their individual dietary requirements, socialisation, registration, medications, and required vaccinations. An excellent ethical breeder should be vetting potential buyers to find the right family for that specific puppy. Is the puppy cheeky? How much exercise does the dog need? Unfortunately, a lot of unethical breeders will understate or flat out lie when telling buyers how much exercise their new puppy will need. For example, people looking for a labradoodle for sale in Australia might be told they have a moderate activity level, which is accurate. However, they may be given the same advice for bordoodle, which is wildly inaccurate for this high-energy, restless dog. Can you provide references? The breeder should be able to provide you with references from a veterinarian and previous customers. We offer lifelong support. At Puppies Downunder, we continue to provide support for our customers throughout the lifetime of their puppy. Do they offer a guarantee? At Puppies Downunder, we provide a health guarantee for the first 21 days of sale. Do they provide the essentials to give the puppy the best start to life? Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to their care. In fact, we have the highest ethical standards of any dog breeder globally. We absolutely adore mini labradoodles, and we take advantage of any opportunity to share our love of them with others. What Is A Mini Labradoodle? Their beautiful, calm temperament and high intelligence make mini labradoodles ideal candidates for therapy pets and service dogs for individuals with autism, PTSD, diabetes, and other disabilities. How big do they grow? A mini labradoodle will typically grow to cm in height and around kg in weight, so they stay relatively small. From elderly couples to families with small children, the mini labradoodle will fit right in. Do mini labradoodles shed? That all depends on their coat. If a mini labradoodle has a wool coat, the tight curls will catch any dander, fur, and dirt, thereby minimising shedding and reducing allergies. However, wool coats are high-maintenance and require brushing every day. It all depends on the type of coat your mini labradoodle has. Fleece and hair coats are very low maintenance, but wool coats are pretty high-maintenance. They have a pretty moderate level of activity, and they enjoy minutes of exercise per day as well as playtime and mental enrichment. Are there any health concerns we should keep an eye out for? Mini labradoodles are a crossbreed, so they have very diverse genetics making them less likely to develop genetic diseases. They may also develop hip or elbow dysplasia if over-exercised or overfed. Labradoodles have adorable long ears, but this means they are prone to dirty ears and ear infections, do their ears need to be checked regularly. From birth to 8 weeks, puppies benefit from valuable socialisation time with their siblings and mother. However, not crate training your puppy may be doing more harm than good. We suggest introducing your puppy to their crate throughout their first day, enticing them with treats and making sure they associate the space with positivity. Open the crate door throughout the day, so your puppy can retreat to their safe space whenever they feel the need. Make sure your puppy has a separate area to go to the bathroom at night. Puppies Downunder are an ethical mini labradoodle breeder, and we take great pride in our high-quality breeding facilities and our commitment to providing a safe, comfortable home for our dogs. They have incredibly high intelligence and need to be kept mentally stimulated; otherwise, they can become bored, stubborn, and destructive. Dogs with high intelligence love a challenge, and they love working for their food. You can either purchase puzzle or interactive feeders such as snuffle mats or Kong toys, or you can create your own DIY slow feeder bowl. We suggest having a few different puzzles in varying difficulty levels, so your puppy is always mentally stimulated at dinner time. The labrador retriever in your labradoodle will have an instinct to retrieve, and the poodle side will have an instinct to hunt, so try to incorporate these traits into games. Silicone licking mats are a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained. Smear some peanut butter, wet food, or baby food on the mat and pop it into the freezer. Once frozen, get it out and give it to your puppy to lick for a refreshing summer treat. You can buy or make plenty of toys that encourage your puppy to solve a problem before receiving treats as a reward. For example, grab a muffin tray, some treats, and some tennis balls. Put treats in a couple of the openings and block them all with tennis balls. Your dog will need to snuffle and work out which balls have treats underneath. Cut a slot in the bottle and fill it with food or treats, and let your dog bat it around to get the treats out. Dogs who are allowed to sniff and explore on their walk are far more stimulated than dogs that just walk. Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to their care. Labradoodle Puppy. The Australian Labradoodle are fun loving, loyal, intelligent, cheeky, with a brilliant temperament, and are remarkable to train. This coupled with their non-shedding, allergy friendly coat makes the Australian Labradoodle the perfect valued family member. Our focus as a breeder of these jewels, is to offer healthy, well-adjusted puppies with a gentle affectionate nature and at ease to interact and train. Our breeding stock are our cherished family pets, they come from generations of genetically sound distinguished bloodlines. Applications are currently open for future litters. We at Argyle Labradoodles have taken great care and time to research extensively the Australian Labradoodle and have chosen personal choice to breed standard and large medium sized dogs, we have taken great due diligence in our choice. Being a responsible breeder we do not Kennel or Cage our breeding dogs or puppies, our wonderful puppies are loved and socialised, they run in grassed large yards and are provided with all the stimulation and comforts to provide you with the best possible temperaments from happy, socialised puppies. We feel our future Argyle mums will fulfill all of the above attributes with abundance. We will be interested in guardian families when we are further into our breeding plan. We shall use this application form to identify the puppy that best suits your family and lifestyle. Our personal guarantee is that every Argyle puppy has been born and raised in our home, they have been loved, socialised and come with puppy care notes. Our Argyle puppies are spayed and neutered before they leave our home, this means the temperament of your puppy will not be influenced by their gender. The information you provide us with will help us choose the most suitable puppy at 6 weeks of age when we allocate the puppies on the waiting list to their future family. Essentially Argyle Labradoodles maintain the breeding rights to the puppy for a contracted period whilst the puppy gets to live a pampered and loving family life. If you would like to be considered to be a guardian family to a beautiful puppy in the Argyle breeding program, please apply via our email at argylelabradoodles gmail. Like both their parents, these dogs are smart, friendly and fairly active. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? They are highly intelligent, super friendly and easy to train. We have a perfect litter of 5 Labradoodle pups. Both parents have been DNA tested and cleared of any genetic diseases. Mum is our much loved family dog. Dad is a handsome stud red moyen poodle. They will be low shedding and roughly labrador height or smaller. They have been raised in a country family environment in the beautiful Macedon Ranges. They are also crate trained and have started toilet training. The have grown up with children playing with them, 3 adult dogs and already use a doggy door. Our puppies are lovingly raised by our family as well as their mums up to the day they leave for their new forever homes. Puppies will be vet health checked, vaccinated and microchipped at 6 weeks of age. They have been wormed regularly. We can also assist with interstate travel arrangement if required. Will not reply to generic messages. Don't message me wanting me to email you. Mature kilos. References available. Video calls welcomed. Pictures of pups, siblings. Microchipped and vaccinated. She's such a pleasure and has brought me so much joy so far. I've had smart dogs b4 like a Belgian shephard and a border collie, but she is the most intelligent dog by far. You did such a fantastic job and have her the best start in life and it really shows how much time and love you put into your puppies. So thank you for that. I'm so grateful for her. She loves to play indoor soccer and dance with me that's with two legs! He loves to fetch, find and jump. They are my pets. Both DNA tested and cleared of genetic diseases by Orivet. Results are available. Puppies are wormed at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks, and then monthly. They are raised indoor. They will grow up to be large dogs between kg, cm tall. They are playful, affectionate, friendly, loyal, and intelligent. Crate and potty mat training commenced at 3 weeks old. At 7 weeks old, they have learnt to sit and wait for me to say "eat". They receive daily hugs and kisses, and physical and mental stimulations. Fed Advance or Black Hawk kibble. Fleece coat with low shedding. Coat colour may change as they age. Each come with a toy, blanket, and a bag of kibble. Please call only. Happy to do Facetime, Google Meet, or Zoom. Hau Labradoodle puppies for sale I have seven F1 Labradoodle puppies looking for their forever homes. Labradoodle puppies are a great option for those who suffer from allergies as they shed much less hair than most other dogs. DOB: 16th June puppies will be ready to go to new homes from 12th August, Both parents have had full breed specific DNA testing through Orivet and are cleared for passing on any congenital conditions. Reports are avaliable upon request. Dad, a Standard Poodle weighs approx. Puppies are expected to reach somewhere in between once fully grown. Girls will be on the smaller side. Mum and Dad are family pets and are available for viewing upon request. Happy to assist with pet transport interstate if required additional charges apply Please contact me to arrange a time to come and meet these beautiful treasures. I am a member of the Responsible Pet Breeders Australia-my membership number is .Our puppies have non shedding and allergy friendly coats that are easy care for. Please phone send me a message or email discholl icloud. We are happy ,playful healthy dogs,we are family dogs ,very friendly and easy to train due to blood line of Labrador in the breed. I want to make sure these puppies are going to good family home where they will be treated like family member. For more information please contact me and we can organise to inspect the dogs. Both parents are Orivet-tested F1 Labradoodles clear of genetic diseases - affectionate, intelligent, loyal and active family pets both looove playing fetch and weigh just under 18kg. They also share life with a 10yo Rhodesian Ridgeback. The pups are well socialised already and accustomed to all the usual happenings around the home mowing, blower, etc and other dogs. Non-shedding, sweet and playful! Mother is a Labradoodle, father is a Groodle. Standard size between kg. Both male and female pups are still available. Bred in our family home, lots of love, cuddles, and playtime. All puppies will have had de-worming, microchipping, and vaccinations up to date. Looking for loving families, price negotiable to a suitable home. Laura Cooper Gojo I was gifted a this puppy but due to how busy I am, I would like to find him a new home that will care for him and give him the attention he deserves. I will provide the toys, lead and collar I have already brought him Sebastian Brown Double Doodle Groodle x Labradoodle pups 8 weeks Boho Oodles has 2 beautiful Double Doodle Groodle x Labradoodle female puppies ready for their fur-ever homes. They can be collected from Brisbane or transported interstate additional cost. She is very sweet and affectionate and would be great for a family with small children or someone looking for a companion. She will be ready for her home mid Sept after she has completed 28 days of puppy training. Please enquire if you'd like more information on what it means to be a Boho Guardian family. Looking for forever home. Fun loving family pet great with kids. Minimum shedding. They have been microchipped and vet checked. Vaccinated and wormed every 2 weeks since birth. Will grow to aprox 15kg. Looking for family home with lots of cuddles. Great loyal companion dogs. Mum is a pure chocolate Labrador and Dad is a pure black standard poodle. Well socialised at home with children, being handled daily. Toileting on puppy pads. They are all vet checked and are in good health. Located in Burpengary, also happy to help with transport. Unlike a multigen, F1 Is the initial cross between a purebred labrador and purebred poodle. F1 labradoodles are usually a low shedding dog. Our dogs: Mabel, our beautiful Dam, is a purebred golden labrador with a loyal, loving and gentle temperament. He boasts gorgeous parti colouring and a sweet and beautiful temperament. Puppies will be medium sized dogs. Available puppies: 1. Black boy 3. Chocolate boy 5. Black boy 7. Black boy Inclusions: Microchipped, wormed, vaccinated. Soft toy, Australian made collar by Native Collars, natural fibre blanket. Puppy growth history and vet report, puppy rearing information. Meet and greet from 4 weeks of age. Mable is a special part of our family and these puppies are handled daily, well socialised and loved. They will be weaned and ready for their new homes on Friday 7th July. Meet and greet available from 8th June. Our puppies will not be desexed. We choose not to desex until 9 months of age due to the important role that hormone production plays in the long term health of a dog. It is our recommendation that you consult your vet to discuss appropriate timing. We are looking for loving, forever homes for these precious pups, matching the puppies personality to you, as they will become part of your family. Please send us a message telling us about yourself and we will be happy to answer any questions. Mum has also been hip and elbow scored. Available in the litter are : 1 x chocolate female, 1 x black male3 x black females. Our puppies are well socialised and handled extensively every day to ensure they make great family members. Pups will be microchipped and vaccinated, as well as flea and worm treated. They will come with a Puppy food pack as well as 6 weeks free Pet Insurance. Ready to go from 17 June. Pickup is in Mudgee NSW, puppies can be transported across Australia through jet pets or I can meet in a surrounding suburb close to Mudgee. Litter of seven large medium to standard size black Cobberdog Labradoodle puppies, as per photos. Remaining pups are ready to go NOW! They were microchipped, vaccinated and health checked including full physical by our vet on .If you believe you can provide a wonderful forever home for one of these beautiful puppies, please message with your email contact details and we'll send you an application form. Application forms need to be completed in full in order for you to be considered. Mum and Dad are our forever pets; we are not in the dog breeding industry. Dad has since been desexed and Mum will be as soon as pups are fully weaned, therefore this is a one and only opportunity to share your home with one of these stunning babies. The pups are being sold as pets only and a desexing contract will be required. They are expected to have fleece coats and mature around 8 - 15kg. Mum is a black labrador and dad is a 5kg black and white parti poodle who carries the dominant curly coat gene which he passes to his pups. We've sourced our dogs from all over Australia, tested their DNA and conduct regular vet testing. We take breeding healthy pups really seriously and spend all our time making sure both pups and parents have the best environment possible. You are welcome to visit and meet the pups or they can be delivered to Canberra airport for interstate travel if required airflight to be organised by buyer. We are an experienced breeder with over 15 yrs of breeding experience. We are also a vet audited member of RPBA which means we have passed very strict and comprehensive criteria for the care of our animals. Our dogs are part of our family. There are lots of pictures on their to show what these pups' siblings have looked like when grown up - We are very proud grandparents! We have medium and small second generation girls and boys. Colours available are red, black and two-toned phantom. Puppies coats will be fleece or wool. Minimal shedding and hypoallergenic. They will go to their new homes vet checked, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and with a puppy pack. We are located in Port Stephens which is 30 minutes from Newcastle or 90 minutes from Sydney. Please contact us to arrange a visit or FaceTime for interstate buyers. They will be toilet trained on artificial grass. Labradoodles are great for living indoors or outdoors and are very low shedding. They come with a puppy pack including toys, puppy food, blanket with mums scent on it for an easier transition into its new home etc. Will also been socialised with people and other pets to help them with social skills and playtime. We live on 5 acres and have lots of room for parents and puppies to run around and play I can help with organising interstate transport and we do video calls to help you find your perfect furbaby. We are looking for loving homes for our gorgeous puppies where they will get the attention, love and training they need. Please feel free to call or message me for more information, or if you would like addition pictures. We take great pride in producing and providing high quality puppies for families looking for their new furbaby. We are situated on 5 acres and have lots of room for our dogs and puppies to run around amd grow up in. Puppies are all socialised with people and our other pets and different noises to help them adapt to this new world they live in. We offer 6 weeks free Pet Insurance, desexing voucher and a 12 months genetic health guarantee. These puppies will be medium size with very low shedding, this makes them great for any family and also great for indoors. They suit any type of family, older families and even families with younger children. The great thing about Bordoodles is that they can be out and about walking and exercising with you or they are happy to chill out at home. They are the perfect family member. They will be toilet trained on artificial grass and they will come with a puppy pack including toys, food, blanket with mums scent on it for an easier transition into their new loving homes and other goodies. We are happy to do personal viewings or video calls and for interstate buyers we can also help you organise transport with our breeders discount. Viewings for prospective forever homes will be conducted at our home when puppies are 4 weeks old. Puppies will be vet checked , vaccinated , wormed and microchipped before going to their new homes. Pups will be weaned onto Blackhawk premium puppy food. They are bought up in our home around humans, cats and general household noises. Pups are wormed, vaccinated and microchipped and will come with a puppy pack. Book your appointment for a visit now.

How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts What Is a Labradoodle? They are a friendly and outgoing breed that makes wonderful pets for individuals and families. The original goal behind breeding Labradoodles was to produce an even-tempered and hypoallergenic dog. While Labradoodles are increasing in popularity, they are still not recognized by the American Kennel Club or other major kennel clubs. The American Kennel Club only registers purebred dogs. Registration requires that both parents of a puppy must be registered as the same breed. Labradoodles may have two purebred parents, but they are different breeds. Since the first crossbreeding, there are now three sizes of Labradoodles. A Labradoodle comfortably sitting on the road. Sizes of Labradoodles Many dog breeds have size variations available. Labradoodles can be Miniature, Medium, or Standard. These three stylish Labradoodles help to demonstrate the curly coat type. They still have furnishings and could be trimmed to Teddy bear like Wavy coat but notice the loose Poodle curls on the chest of the middle dog. Extremely low shedding. A Moyen is a medium-size Poodle that does not qualify for purebred competitions because of its mid-range size. Smaller Moyen will produce a Miniature Labradoodle. Miniature Poodles are not much smaller than Moyen, topping out at 25 lbs. The Mini doodle is comparable to the Moyen Poodle in size and weight. Moyen is another word for Medium. Both large dogs produce large offspring. Within the standard category, you will see some variation between males and females. Males will generally grow taller and weigh more than females. But, you can estimate when your Labradoodle will stop growing. You can tell that your dog is almost done growing because he is near the top of the weight spectrum for Miniature Labradoodles. If you bring a Medium Labradoodle into your family, you should not expect to have a 70 lb guard dog. Miniature and Medium LDs with Lab dominant genetics will tend to be larger. Labradoodles are highly-active dogs that need lots of exercise. Regular playing, running, and walking are necessary for a healthy Labradoodle. Feed your Labradoodle high-quality dog food to help maintain a healthy weight. If you know your Standard Labradoodle should be about 90 lbs maximum, a Medium should not be more than 45 lbs, and a Miniature tops out at 30 lbs, you can tell if you are overfeeding your dog. Overfeeding and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and related health problems. Breed Facts The size and weight of your adult dog are important information to have before choosing a breed. There are a few other facts about Labradoodles that you should know whether you bring home a Standard, Medium, or Miniature. Activity Level Labradoodles are a highly active breed. A bored Labradoodle will seek stimulation by being destructive or hyperactive. Ideally, you will provide at least 60 minutes of exercise for your Labradoodle every day. Walk, run, fetch, or go to a dog park. They can live up to 16 years. Proper diet and exercise contribute to a long, healthy lifespan for your dog. An Apricot Labradoodle puppy happily laying in the dog park Allergy Affects Most Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, but not all. The original Labradoodle crossbreeders wanted to create a hypoallergenic dog that is also outgoing and friendly. The hypoallergenic Poodle combined with the happy-go-lucky Labrador Retriever achieves that goal. As breeders have produced more variations within the Labradoodle category, some traits have shifted. Not all Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. If this feature is a top priority for you, look for an LD with wavy or curly hair. Doodles with straight hair are not hypoallergenic. Happy Oodle friends Max the happy Mini Labradoodle in the middle Considerations When Choosing a Labradoodle Adding a canine to your family is one of the most enriching experiences we can have as humans. They add joy and love to our lives as few other pets can. Labradoodles are especially friendly and affectionate. Bringing an LD home means that you have time and energy to make sure it gets enough exercise to be healthy and happy. Ask yourself if you can commit about an hour each day to exercise and play with your dog. Think about the size of your home. A large, active dog in a small space is not fun for anyone. Consider whether your space is fitting for a Miniature Labradoodle that will weigh lbs, a Medium Doodle that will weigh up to 45 lbs, or a Standard Labradoodle that could tip the scale up to 90 lbs. A happy woman holding her lovely golden Labradoodle in her arms. Final Thoughts Labradoodles make excellent pets for individuals and families. They are congenial and active dogs who love to run, play, and make new friends. They get their sweet personalities from their Labrador Retriever parent. The dominant genes at breeding determine the adult weight of your Labradoodle. Miniature and Medium Labradoodles who get their size from their Labrador parent will be on the larger end of the weight estimates. You can estimate when your Labradoodle will stop growing by doubling its puppy weight at about six months old. Regardless of which size Labradoodle you bring into your family, it will be done growing by its second birthday. At that point, you want to feed and exercise your dog to maintain a healthy weight. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Labradoodle Life Events There are certain things that can typically only be accomplished by a Labradoodle as they age and grow. However, once they grow to just a few months old, they will have little difficulty accomplishing this task. Growth matches the natural progression of age. They have things such as social, mental, and physical growth to consider and all those points follow the natural flow of aging. For Labradoodles, and basically any other dog breed, some good training can greatly help with their overall growth. When a Labradoodle is 8 weeks old, it can usually begin with some basic training and socializing. When they get 2 months old, their cognitive growth has reached a point where their natural instincts will start to manifest themselves. According to several sources, hunting specific training should begin when your Doodle is between 6 — 12 months depending on how your dog responds to the exercises but also your own personal preference. If your Labradoodle is eager to learn and well socialized in most settings you can think of, you can start to train them for hunting. Good habits can be hard to learn, but through consistency, they are a lot easier to maintain. Labradoodles are sturdy, high-energy dogs and they require a lot of exercises. A good way to be able to have fun, exercise, and expel your Labradoodles energy is through running and bike rides. It is simply a small reminder to say that between months old, you should primarily have your Labradoodle run around and play in smoother and softer environments: dirt, forests, grass, and so on. When they are fully developed, Labradoodles are much better able to handle the effects of exercising and playing on hard surfaces. Know your Labradoodle and keep them safe. These things can include things such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye problems. One thing that you can do to make sure your dog grows as healthy as possible is by only giving them the best quality of food and supplements. Generally speaking, should a Labradoodle have around cups of dry food every day. Labradoodles are very agile and intelligent dogs. They require quite a large amount of physical and mental stimulation as well as the best possible food as fuel to support those things. Feeding your Labradoodle great food in correct servings will go a long way in helping them grow at the rate at which they are supposed to. They supply some of the best foods possible, all tailormade to your special dog. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. December 2, Fact Checked The Labradoodle is a relatively new breed in the history of domesticated dogs, having only made its debut in the s, and thus far without AKC acknowledgement. Initially developed in Australia by combining the strength, loyalty, and intelligence of a Labrador Retriever with the low-shed coat of a Standard Poodle, this breed was originally intended to produce an allergy-friendly guide dog. Today, these dogs have moved well beyond their initial plan to become beloved household pets throughout the world. For first-time Labradoodle owners, research almost always includes questions on size. So what should a potential Labradoodle parent expect of a labrador full grown? Crossbreeding Surprises The practice of dog breeding as a whole has the same process, regardless of breed: selecting a parental pair with the highest level of positive characteristics and the lowest level of undesirable ones. While labs as a whole are considered medium-sized dogs, the poodle has more available size variance built into its breeding bloodlines. Labradoodles are bred according to three size guidelines per the Australian Labradoodle Association: Miniature Labradoodles have a height between 14 and 17 inches. Medium Labradoodles have a height between 22 and 17 inches. Standard Labradoodles have a height of at least 22 inches. Because the difference in height between two sizes is relatively minor e. On average, Labradoodles weigh around 50 to 65 pounds and do have consistent exercise and interaction needs. They do best with a yard they can run and play in, as well as pet parents that can give them simulation with love, treats, and training on a regular basis. Since labradoodles are crosses between two different breeds they tend to be less prone to breed specific health problems. However, they are not immune to developing health issues. Feeding your favorite CBD dog treats to your labradoodle can help manage their pet pains that come along with getting older. When Do Labradoodles Stop Growing? Generally speaking, most Labradoodles stop growing at around 12 to 18 months. While they may reach their full height, they still tend to fill out and continue to gain weight past this age. Genetics are the sole determining factor of how large a Labradoodle puppy will get. Depending on his parents and the particular mix of genes he inherits, he may be miniature, medium, or standard. He will generally be tall enough to enjoy head pats with only a minor stoop, if any, required of his parent. While Labradoodles are widely touted and sold as hypoallergenic dogs, their cross-bred origins mean that this property can vary from dog to dog. Most allergies are triggered not by fur or hair from a dog, but from canine skin dander that is sloughed off along with the hair follicle itself. Curly-coated Labradoodles will also need brushing to remove dirt, debris, and mats from their coat, or else it may become painfully tangled. While he may be a bit larger than a lapdog on average, the Labradoodle is a fantastic size for home and family life. He will fit into standard collars, leashes, and dog beds without a problem, although he will likely require a large-sized dog door, if one is being used. Accessed October 16, .Whether you love or hate the puppy phase, we all wonder when it will end. And with mixed breeds, you might wonder what to expect with maturity. As you may know, dogs grow in stages. You can expect your puppy to reach maximum height first, then weight, and mental maturity last. So when does a Labradoodle stop growing? The answer may surprise you. Since Labradoodles are a mixed breed in various sizes, it is best to look at how the purebred lineages grow for the best approximation. In the Labradoodle cross, the mother is usually the Labrador Retriever, and the father is the Poodle. The typical Labrador will weigh pounds and stand inches tall. But it takes a while for them to grow. A Lab will reach its full height by a year old but might look thin and lean. By two years old, the lab will gain all the weight that she needs. Around this time, a female Labrador Retriever becomes fully mentally mature, but she will still love playtime as much as a puppy. Poodle Growth Poodles put the Doodle in our Labradoodles. And since they come in varying sizes, it also gives us multiple Labradoodle sizes to choose from. First, we will talk about Standard Poodles that give us the standard Labradoodle that we all know and love. And like all puppies, they reach their maximum height before they are considered mentally mature. Full height is reached around one-year-old, weight by two, and mental maturity by .Miniature Poodles grow at a much faster rate than standards. A mini only gets 15 inches tall, and pounds, and most of this happens within a year. You will notice that the Mini Poodle reaches full height by months old and maximum weight by a year old. You will also find that not long after a mini has stopped growing, it also reaches full mental maturity. Finally, we have the Toy Poodle. These small dogs only reach 10 inches and pounds. The growth rate of these little dogs is even faster. Maximum height is achieved by months, and soon after height by nine months. You will see that the Toy Poodle is mentally more mature by a year old than other Poodle sizes. Since Labradoodles are a combination of these two dogs, you need to find the average growth rates. And since Labradoodles come in various sizes, it will vary for each one. Below we have the best estimates from breeders on what to expect in the first year of life. While these are not an exact science, most owners find that their puppies grow to these expected Labradoodle growth stages. Both of these dogs have a similar growth rate, so you can expect the Labradoodle growth to be the same. Standard Labradoodles get inches by a year old, and pounds by two years old. At two years old, your Standard Labradoodle will also start to reach mental maturity. Their maximum weight is pounds and inches tall. But here is where a little guessing and averaging is needed. Most medium sizes reach their full height by a year old, and weight by 18 months. While they might take just as long as standards to reach their adult height, they gain weight quickly afterward. And in between all of this, they also hit mental maturity a little faster than standards. Medium sizes usually reach their mental maturity just after a year old. Mini Labradoodles A Mini Labradoodle full-grown is only inches tall and pounds. These smaller sizes are only possible through artificial insemination of a Lab and Toy Poodle. With a little more math, we can average that the Miniature Labradoodle size is reached by a year old. Most Mini Labradoodles even reach their full height by nine months old. And minis reach mental maturity faster than all of them. By a year old, your mini will have the wise mind of an adult dog. The reason for this is to breed dogs that are consistent in low-shedding and size quality. These lines are sometimes considered the original Labradoodles and have amazing breeding lines from Australia. But other than this, do Australian Labradoodles differ in growth? Australian Labradoodles come in the same three sizes as the American lines, standard, medium, and mini. These sizes are all identical to the American standards as well. So your Australian Labradoodle will grow at the same rates as the American Labradoodle growth charts. If your Doodle is getting close to maturity, you might wonder how to tell if your dog is still growing. The best way to know for sure is to have your vet examine your puppy for their growth plates. Puppies have growth plates in their bones that allow them to grow. These plates close up and fuse together when your dog finishes all of their growth spurts. Many breeders and show trainers do this for their dogs before rigorous training or breeding. But there are also a few signs to know that your Doodle finished growing. For starters, you could keep an eye on your dogs weight. Small breeds will gain 5 ounces a week while larger breeds can gain up to 2. Your puppy will grow steadily at this rate until about a year old. After a year, larger puppies will continue to grow about 1. If you notice that your puppy is not gaining as much weight, they will likely come to an end of the puppy years. Puppies usually eat three small meals a day of high protein puppy food. Adult dogs switch to lower-calorie food with only meals per day. If an adult dog stays on puppy food too long, they might not finish a meal or two. But if your adult dog is especially food motivated, they might start overeating the puppy food. In turn, this will begin making them overweight. That is because although your dog might have reached physical maturity, it does not mean that they will quit acting like a puppy. As you well know, Labradoodles are a very active dog. They love to run and play and do activities with you, and most of them do these until they grow old. Well, your right. You can expect that most Labradoodles come to full mental maturity by 1. So how can you tell the difference between puppy energy and the usual Labradoodle energy? For starters, your Doodle will have an obvious stopping point in playtime. Sure they will be excited and love every minute of the time they have with you, but they will want to stop. Instead of playing nonstop for hours on end, your pup will slow down and give apparent signs that they are tired. Though they might not stop if they know it will please you. But they will still excitedly greet you. Your Doodle might also show their excitement in different ways. Where your puppy might have bounced off the walls, your mature dog will jump in place and wag their tails excitedly. And finally, they will put their training to good use. Some dogs are so in tune with their owners that they know a command is coming before it is said. All of these are signs that your dog has finally calmed down. Summary So when does a Labradoodle stop growing? It really depends on the size of your Labradoodle. As long as you make them feel young, your puppy could be 15 years young. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. As much as we want them to stay little forever, Labradoodle puppy growth happens. And it is very fast. In fact, puppies grow much faster than human babies do. An 8 week old Labradoodle will already weigh between 7 and 12 pounds! And by her first birthday she may weigh upwards of 80 pounds. How Big Do Labradoodles Grow? When fully grown, these dogs stand between 21 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh from 55 to 90 pounds. Miniature Labradoodles are considerably smaller, standing somewhere between 10 to 18 inches tall and weighing from 15 to 25 pounds. These dogs are the result of mating a Lab with a miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. Sometimes when Labradoodles reach a size which is in between these two ranges, they are described as medium Labradoodles. Males tend to be larger than females in any Labradoodle type. Predicting Labradoodle Puppy Growth Many people want to know how big their puppy will be when fully grown. Every dog is an individual. Mixed breed dogs like Labradoodles can even differ in size significantly within a single litter. The amount of variation in size between siblings depends a lot upon the difference in size between their parents. Labradoodle Parent Breeds Whenever two different breeds mate, their puppies may grow up looking a lot like one parent, or some combination of both. This is why there is such variance within designer dog breeds. In the case of the Labradoodle, some puppies can be more like the Labrador Retriever while others are more like the Poodle. The Labrador generally weighs between 50 and 80 pounds and stands from 22 to 25 inches tall. They typically carry their size on a well-built, muscular frame. Standard Poodles reach 17 to 24 inches tall and 40 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles stand 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 10 to 15 pounds. In profile, the ideal Poodle has longer legs relative to their body than the ideal Labrador, so they give the impression of being leaner and more lithe. They will end up broadly the same size as both of their parents. For example, Labradoodles might look relatively stocky, like a Lab, or more tall and slim, like a Poodle. These methods are simply for reference and in no way should replace regular vet weigh-ins and check-ups. The Two Month Rule At two months, whatever he weighs will be roughly one quarter of his adult weight. The Four Month Rule At four months take how much he weighs, double it and add 10 pounds. When do Labradoodles Stop Growing? Most breeds tend to do the majority of their growing during their first 6 months of life. Growth slows down dramatically at around the time dogs reach sexual maturity, and female dogs start their seasons. Large and small dog breeds have considerably different growth patterns. In fact, bigger dogs can take twice as long to reach full size as small dogs. By contrast, miniature Labradoodles are generally fully grown at 11 to 13 months old. Spaying and neutering is an effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and prevent some health problems. In other words, without testosterone male dogs grow taller than normal. Prolonging the growth period like this is not a good thing and can lead to joint problems such as cruciate ligament ruptures. Many vets believe this is of particular concern for Labradoodles, because they are already at increased risk of joint diseases such as hip dysplasia. Small-breed dogs can be spayed or neutered at about 6 months of age. When spaying a large breed female, there are a number of factors, such as lifestyle and risk of disease, to consider. There is a healthy amount of evidence now that spaying and neutering might not be the best idea for many dogs. And that they are more prone to some illnesses when they have these hormones taken from them. Proper nutrition is needed for normal health and Labradoodle puppy growth. Fuel for growth For example, puppies of all breeds need more calories every day relative to their size than adult dogs. However, overly rapid growth caused by too much fat relative to protein in their diet can cause number of growth disorders , several of which are incurable. This is particularly a problem for large and giant dog breeds. Eating too much as a puppy also predisposes dogs to obesity in later life. Labrador Retrievers in particular are known for being insatiable when it comes to food. Left unchecked as a puppy or adult, this can result in an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease further down the line. Vitamins and minerals Puppies also need precise amounts of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous in their diet, to support healthy bone development. These include demineralization of the bones and skeletal deformities as they grow. This is why malnutrition from eating the wrong type of food is just as dangerous as eating the wrong amount of food. He might have a parasitic infection which is preventing him from benefiting from all the nutrition in his diet. Or, he might simply be small but healthy! Never try to make him grow faster by feeding him more. Overfeeding can cause digestive problems and create a fat puppy. You want to make sure that his mental and social skills are developing properly as well. If not well socialized in this time, they can become fearful of anything unfamiliar. Even at the tender age of 8 weeks, basic training and socializing can start. Use positive training methods with food as incentive. But we do know that the best indicator of how big a puppy will get is to look at the parents. Watching a puppy grow up is an amazing experience. Enjoy it while it lasts. Related Articles.

gray boxer puppies - Even though this mix is more current, its parents have been around for thousands of years. They have an incredible sense of smell. During the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the beagle to England, and in , General Richard Rowett brought the breed to America where it became popular with hunters and families. Humans only have 5 million if that gives you any idea! Besides their love to hunt, their loyalty, family companionship, as well as friendliness makes them an excellent breed. So much so, that The American Kennel Club named them 6 on their most popular dog breed list of , and we named them 8 of the 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World. The Boxer Boxers have an unusually shaped head— but it served them a purpose back in their hunting days. Along with superiorly strong teeth and jaws, their snouts are supposed to be half the length of their skull, making it easy for them to catch prey in their mouth, hold onto it until their owner arrived, and breathe through their nose the entire time. The boxer is thought to have been around for even longer than the Beagle, dating back to around B. E as war dogs in the Assyrian Empire. However the modern versions we know today were first noticed in Munich in .As direct descendants of the extinct German Bullenbeissers, a Tibetan line of mastiffs, they arrived in the U. They were primarily used for hunting large dangerous animals, like bears. But eventually, they were bred for family life and used as guard dogs. Their name comes from their signature paw movement whenever they play or fight. Overall you can expect your bogle to be between inches in height and pounds in weight. .Most often though, they range from pounds and are between inches tall— perfectly resembling a medium-sized dog. They Have a Good Lifespan Bogle mixes can live up to years, which directly correlates with their medium size and fewer health problems as a mixed breed. At the end of the day, these dogs are great for families with older children, but may not be well suited for those with young children as they can get easily annoyed with young, jumpy kids. However, if you raise your boggle puppy and young children together, they will respond much better. You might also find it a good idea to train your dog to fetch, as his beagle nose makes him a natural at tracking. But if properly cared for, these dogs should reach maximum life expectancy. They should be brushed once every 1 or 2 weeks and bathed with sensitive shampoo every few months as to not disrupt the natural oils of their coat. To avoid ear infections, keep their ears dry after baths and try to clean weekly. As you can see, boxers have very short, fine hair. They can shed quite a bit sometimes, and their darker fur makes it even more noticeable. Be prepared to brush your boxel and be aware that their coat can get quite oily at times. Beagles can be prone to obesity, so make sure to regularly watch food intake and weight. You can also put them in sports like agility, flyball, hiking, and dock jumping to get any extra energy out. Boggles also need adequate amounts of brain stimulation through games like treasure hunts and find the treat in the kong. It caters to their natural tracking abilities and love of chasing! Between playing fetch, running up and down our hill, and bounding down the stairs, her energy levels will probably never fade. You can expect your boggle to be similar. So before you go looking from a breeder, check your local shelter. You may just find one! Their playful and energetic personality means lots of laughs and fun for everyone. If anything, these funny compilation videos of their parents say something! This also means they can get adequate amounts of exercise without you having to put in huge amounts of effort. Our boxers absolutely NEED a large backyard to enjoy life. They just have so much energy. Be kind to your boggles! Their shape will vary greatly as well. Boxers are more muscular whereas beagles are leaner, so your boggle could look more or less like each depending on the traits he receives. But usually, you can find them with broad chests, short and muscular legs, a long tail, and long, droopy ears. At the end of the day, the beagle-boxer mix is perfect for outdoorsy and active families. Social media has increased its popularity, as we can often see mixed breed puppies on Instagram and praise their beauty and cuteness. One such dog is the Boxer Beagle mix. You might not even think this dog is actually possible and available. But this hybrid dog has been quite popular among families with children in the past several years. The offspring of a Boxer parent and a Beagle parent is energetic, cheerful, and lively. In any case, it is a perfect combination of a fun-loving, loyal, and athletic puppy. These dogs are great family pets. Temperament can vary, depending on which parent breed is more dominant in the genes. Yet, it is a guarantee you will get an energetic, affectionate, and playful puppy in your home. They are great for families with children, preferably older children. Yes, they will play with the family, but they might get annoyed by the young and jumpy kids. Meet the parents Boxer When it comes to the Boxer dog breed, we all know some of the main personality traits. Those are loyalty, affection, intelligence, and good looks. They are among the most athletic dogs in the canine world. Their beautiful looks and stature are well-documented. Standing at 25 inches, Boxers are a large dog breed that is athletic and beautiful. And then you have that wrinkled forehead that gives them an alert and curious look. Here are some common personality traits: Intelligent and high-energy dogs They are playful dogs that want to stay busy Loyal to the bone, they love to be in the company of their owners They will guard their family, but they are friendly around strangers They will rarely bark, usually when they bark, there is a good reason for that Beagle Beagle is the second parent breed in this combination. And it is another loyal, playful, and energetic breed. This dog is known as the happy-go-lucky canine. Bred for hunting purposes, Beagles still retain their excellent sniffing ability, but they are more family pets nowadays than hunting companions. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they remain easygoing and enjoy the company of others. Here are some common personality traits of the Beagle parent: Amazing sniffing ability Friendly around other animals, even cats Loyal, they stay close to their human companion Because they are needy, they might develop separation anxiety Easygoing and funny Appearance Now we get to talk about the Boxer Beagle mix and its appearance. Generally speaking, this medium-sized dog grows between 23 and 25 inches. It is a bit smaller than its Boxer parent, which is a large dog breed. They weigh between 45 and 60 lbs. Yet, there is no standard set by the American Kennel Club. They will have wide and big-sized heads and long tails. As athletic dogs, they have broad chest and well-balanced posture. They have a short coat since both parents have such a coat. As for their coat color options, they can be quite fun and amazing. You can find this puppy in tan, black, brown, and white colors, as well as a mixture of these colors. Temperament When it comes to your Bogle puppy, it can inherit the personality traits of both purebred dog parents. And given that Boxers and Beagles have a similar temperaments, you can expect a playful, cheerful, alert, social, and loyal puppy. They are also funny and clownish. You can expect hours of amusement and entertainment. Given that their Beagle parent is known for its nose and natural sniffing instincts, Bogles are also good at it. This canine is also protective of their humans, and while they do not bark often, they can bark at strangers. You also have to remember that because of the Beagle lineage, they can howl like other hounds. While these dogs are weary of those they do not know, they are quick to warm up. Your Bogle puppy is easy to train and is unlikely to develop behavioral issues. But if they are not trained and socialized early on, they can get aggressive, especially toward strangers. The good news is that the Beagle Boxer mix will take little effort to train. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your hybrid dog. Get some dog food, and you can go a long way. Make sure to use sniffing and scent to your advantage. Beagles love to sniff, and you can play games with dog food at home and outside. Start with obedience training as soon as possible. One thing to note, do not ever try to scold them when they do something wrong. This might make your family dog grow to resent you and it makes dog training sessions harder and more challenging. Exercise Needs Boxers and Beagles are not high on the smartest dog breeds list , but they are quite intelligent. It is just a different type of intelligence. These dogs are not as eager to please as a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, for example. You have to use their instincts to your advantage. And by that, we mean using sniffing. Remember, these are agile and athletic dog breeds that need quite a lot of exercise. Generally speaking, your Bogle puppy needs between 30 and 60 minutes of physical exercise and mental stimulation per day. Because they are athletic, they make a great companion for hiking, jogging, or similar outdoorsy activities. Health One of the reasons why designer dog breeds have been popular lately is their lifespan. On average, your Beagle Boxer mix will live between 12 and 15 years. This medium-sized dog has fewer health problems than its purebred parents. Yes, the Boxer parent is prone to health issues like epilepsy, intervertebral disk disease, cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, and so on. But with a mixed breed , these risks are of lower percentage. Grooming Some of the big selling points of the Boxer Beagle mix are beauty and affection. They have short coats, which means low shedding. Brush your puppy once per week to remove dead hair. They will shed more during the winter. As for bathing, we do not recommend frequent baths, since your dog is prone to skin issues and allergies. Bathing will make matters worse. Two times per year is more than enough. This breed is prone to mental health issues like neurosis, which can require quite a lot of maintenance. Yes, the Boxer breed is low maintenance dog , but this mixed breed might be prone to neurosis There is a lot of unpredictability, particularly in terms of physical characteristics Because of its varying size, it might be challenging for most households Top 3 reasons to get Boxer Beagle Mix You get an active dog that will make a great companion to a family with an active lifestyle Easy to live with, this loving and caring family dog is easy to train Amazing beauty, your Beagle Boxer mix is athletic and gorgeous Facebook. He is known as a designer dog, which are the offspring of two purebreds. Beagle and Boxer mixes are mostly first-generation crossbreeds. The idea behind crossbreeding stemmed from a desire to take the most appealing characteristics from each purebred parent and produce an ideal pup from the combination. This crossbreed combines the muscular body of the Boxer and the good familial instinct and the unique, strong sense of smell of the Beagle. The Beagle We can trace the origin of the Beagle to 5th-century Greece, where it was used for hunting small game. The small hound later came to America with the help of General Richard Rowett in and became popular among game hunters as well as families. Beagles remain well-loved pets even today. These charming canines got their name because of the way they use their paws whenever they jump, play, or fight. They were first seen in Munich in and came to the US in the early s. Is the Boxer-Beagle crossbreed officially recognized? This crossbreed is one of the most sought-after and popular dogs to date, so it has been recognized by different dog clubs. What does a Beagle Boxer mix look like? The Beagle Box has physical features that hint at both its Beagle and Boxer ancestries. They are an energetic, athletic breed with a muscular, medium-sized built. They may have a square-shaped, wide head and a shorter muzzle like the Beagle or a thinner and longer face like the Boxer. Get a better look at this crossbreed through this video: How big does this crossbreed get? A full grown Boxer Beagle mix stands between 13 to 30 inches 33 to 76 cm in height and weighs around 20 to 80 pounds 9 to 36 kg on average. These are well-built dogs, with a consistent muscular formation. They are perfect companions for people looking for a reliable and active pet. Does the Beagle and Boxer mix have a thick coat? Neither the Boxer nor the Beagle has a thick coat, so the Bogel is unlikely to have this feature. His coat tends to be sleek, short, and smooth, with a dense texture. What behavior should I expect from the Bogle? When it comes to its temperament, this crossbreed has a good mix of the personalities of the Beagle and the Boxer. The Beagle Box has a high sense of loyalty towards their family, so expect him to stick to your side whenever possible. He has a friendly, gentle demeanor and enjoys being around a lot of people. You may discover that your Bogle likes to jump on people as a greeting, but, with the right training, this habit can be nipped in the bud. Every breed possesses both good and bad traits, so it is essential to train your Beagle-Boxer hybrid at a young age. Proper training will help it become a well-mannered member of the family. At a young age, these dogs should be included in socialization opportunities to foster good relationships with all members of the family and to temper his restlessness and distrust of strangers. Boxer-Beagle hybrids tend to get along better with older children. For safety, younger kids need to be supervised when interacting with these dogs. These sweet crossbreeds should never be bothered when they are eating or sleeping. Boxer-Beagles are also not tolerant of cats and will not hesitate to show it. Is the Beagle Boxer mix a barker? Boggles can be protective when it comes to his owner or family. These dogs tend to be wary of strangers, making him an excellent watchdog. However, this dog will easily warm up to them the minute he knows that the stranger is a friend. How much grooming does a Boxer Beagle mix need? The Boxel dog is quite convenient to care for since he only needs a minimal amount of grooming. When it comes to shedding, he has a coat that sheds moderately to low amounts of fur. Winter is when he sheds the most. Make sure to use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. It is important to keep his ears dry and clean after baths. Their ears need to be cleaned weekly to avoid ear infections. Nails should be trimmed monthly. You can either do the trimming yourself or have a pet groomer do it for you. How much activity does the Boxer Beagle mix need? Given the hunting background of their Beagle parents, Boggle dogs are known to be active crossbreeds, and their boundless energy might leave you breathless. This crossbreed enjoys playtime and is a great outdoors enthusiast. Boxels need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, whether in the form of walks, jogs, or visits to the dog park. Canine sports like agility , flyball, and dock jumping help them burn off their energy. Games like fetch and treasure hunts are other good ways to keep him active and healthy. Given his great jumping abilities, he would be safest in a fenced yard. Most Boggles are diggers, too, due to their Beagle parentage. Your best bet to keeping your puppy safely contained is to use a wireless fence for your yard. How to train Beagle Boxer mix puppies The Bogel is an intelligent dog, thanks to his equally smart parents. He is easily trained, and, as long as you are calm and consistent, he will be receptive to your commands. You can start your training with fetch since he loves to run and chase after things and he is a natural when it comes to tracking. Training is a vital part of the life of such an active dog, and we cannot overemphasize the importance of teaching good behavior during their puppy stage. Bogles respond well when their interest is stimulated and kept high at all times. You should employ a variety of training methods and combine them with rewards and praise. Positive reinforcement will produce better results, as the Boggle loves to please his owner. He does not respond well to harsh treatment. The firm but gentle correction will let your pup know that you mean business. Exposing him to new environments makes him more adaptable. Common health problems for the Boxer Beagle mix The Boggle is likely to inherit a few health concerns from the Boxer and the Beagle. These health conditions include: Intervertebral disk disease. Conclusion Appearance Boggles are muscular with long bodies and drooping ears. Their coat is smooth and dense with moderate to low shedding. Considered a medium-sized dog, as mentioned above they are usually lbs and inches in height. Their coloring may be black, white, tan, brown or any combo of these. Boggles can inherit any of the traits belonging to their purebred parents. They are known to be playful, cheerful, alert, social and loyal. They can also be quite funny and clownish in their antics, and therefore will provide you with hours of amusement. Due to their Beagle ancestry, Beagle Boxers have sharp noses and natural instincts when it comes to tracking and hounding. This makes them great police dogs due to their ability to detect narcotics. The Boxer lineage in the Boggle makes him prone to having an aggressive personality. This is why socialization with children, people, and other animals at a young age is imperative. Jumping on people can be an issue with this breed, but through proper and consistent training, this tendency can be stopped. Boggles are very protective of their humans, and although they do not bark often, they will bark if a stranger approaches the home. How should Beagle Boxers be cared for? Boxer Beagles are energetic dogs and need an outlet for all of their natural energy. Daily minute walks are recommended. They will also benefit from having a fenced in yard where they can run around freely. Boggles require weekly cleaning of their ears because they are prone to ear infections. They also need to be brushed every other day and should be bathed only when necessary using a sensitive dog shampoo. Due to their activity level, it is important that they are fed adequately to keep them energized throughout the day. Their daily food requirement is cups of high-quality dog food. What is the best way to train your boggle? The Beagle Boxer mix is a smart dog, and he will quickly understand commands and behaviors if given consistent training. This breed does not respond well to being treated harshly, so patience is required throughout training. As with most breeds, it is important to begin training as soon as you bring your Boggle home. Establish the rules, keep it simple and remain constant. Your new companion will become confused if you do not provide consistency in training. Simple and direct commands are a good starting place. Due to the Beagle heritage, fetch is a good training technique to do initially. Their natural tracking abilities, and fondness for chasing will help them learn quickly; therefore, they will understand further commands quicker. During training, it is important to be firm and show that you are the leader, but positive reinforcement, such as treats for good behavior, and encouragement will garner better results than anger or punishment. Boggles do have a stubborn side and will try to challenge you, but it is essential that you remain calm and steady in your training. Check out this adorable video of a Boggle playing, relaxing and riding in the car. Health Concerns As with temperament, Boggles could inherit the health concerns common to either of their parent breeds. These concerns include the following: Eye problems. Boggles can be slightly food aggressive and distrustful toward strangers. You can limit or even completely avoid these behaviors if you begin proper training early on. However, introducing this breed to children later on in their lives can be problematic. This is an important thing to keep in mind if your family is still growing. Some of Their Ancestors Are Extinct You know the Boggle is a mix between a Boxer and a Beagle, but what you may now know is that the Boxer is a descendant of a now-extinct breed called the Bullenbeiser. Hopefully, these breeds are here to stay! They Have Very Extensive Ancestry Although the Boggle was first popularized in the early s, the Beagle parent breed dates back to the 5th century! About 1, years ago Beagles were prominent in Ancient Greece and were being used as hunting dogs. However, they would be wrong! Like all other traits, the Boggle inherits its likelihood to bark and howl from both parents, but they tend to resemble their Boxer parents more in this regard who bark only as a means of protecting their family and home. You can expect your Boggle to bark if people approach your home or knock on the door, but they are otherwise fairly quiet dogs. This breed may be medium-sized, but their love of roughhousing is more representative of a larger dog. Are These Dogs Good for Families? If socialized early you should have no problems with children, but this breed will always prefer to be around grown-ups. As far as their relationship with adults goes, your pup will fit right in! Boggles love being around familiar people, so the bigger your family, the happier your pooch will be. This breed is also high energy, so multiple people living in the same household with them is often ideal, especially if it means someone will always be at home with them. Because this breed gets its moderate-to-high prey drive from their hunting ancestors, you may want to avoid this breed if you have cats or other small pets, and especially rodents. You should expect to feed your Boggle two to three cups of food every day, and this quantity can be split up into two or three meals. Because this breed can vary quite a bit in size, you should speak with your vet about your individual dog to avoid under- or over-feeding. While these dogs have no specific diet requirements, you should choose a quality, high-protein commercial dog food formulated for medium dogs with high energy levels. These dogs will need about thirty to forty minutes of exercise every single day. To maintain proper health and to dissuade destructive behavior, you should plan on a vigorous walk or run each day in addition to their regular play and backyard frolicking. Given their activity levels, many people who enjoy the outdoors will opt to take their Boggles on hikes or nature walks. This breed tends to be wary of strangers, so early socialization is a must. Teaching this breed that strangers are friends too is critical. You should plan to brush your Boggle with a wire brush once a week or so, and this is mainly to keep their coat clean and to cut down on shedding. This breed does shed but not nearly as much as many other dogs. However, being aware of the issues that your dog can have is important to help catch them early and treat them as needed. Minor Conditions. In one of these shelters, there is a possibility that one of them is a Boxer crossed with Beagle looking for a new lovely home. Here are some reliable shelters and rescue groups you can contact. You can try www. This is why owners of this dog breed are expected to know the basics of maintaining its well-defined features to a certain degree of elegance while keeping in mind the charm of the dog. However, what sets this crossbreed as different from other designer dogs is that it is medium to low maintenance. The Beagle combined with Boxer is a medium to low shedder, and winter is when it sheds the most. While they maintain lowkey shedding, their hair and coat need weekly brushing to remove dead hair. As regards to bathing and shampooing, they only will be done at least two times a week so as not to remove the natural and essential oils that the skin of the pup produces. Frequent baths will render the hair brittle and dry. The ears must also be a focal point of the cleaning, and must be regularly checked for signs of nasty infection and nails should be trimmed frequently. Note, when trimming their nails need, one needs extra care and precision so as not to cause bleeding and prevent bacterial infection. You should also start introducing your Beagle combined with Boxer to proper grooming at a young age such that you will not have any problems to keep the dog clean and neat as he or she grows up. Boxer combined with Beagle Health Problems All dog owners must note that all crossbreeds are prone to an array of health issues from their purebred parents. Nevertheless, it is also possible that the offspring not be vulnerable to these diseases. While the Beagle is generally healthy overall compared with other active dogs, the known ailments to plague this purebred are glaucoma, patellar luxation, central progressive retinal atrophy CPRA , epilepsy, hypothyroidism, chondrodysplasia, cherry eye, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca KCS. The Boxer, on the one hand, is a dog that is known to procure ailments when it reaches adulthood such as heart disease like aortic stenosis , hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal issues, hip dysplasia, neurological diseases, and eye diseases. Depending on its genetically favored parent, the Boxer mixed with Beagle would be prone to these diseases: Gastrointestinal issues: A particular focus on the diet of your Beagle mixed with Boxer should be observed to help prevent a lot of internal gastric problems that the crossbreed would potentially encounter in its latter adult years. Avoid constantly changing dog food and observe him in his travel outdoors since he might ingest something he is not supposed to eat for example, stray squirrels, dead birds, etc. Consult a veterinarian for a healthy diet and never stray away from the orders of the doctor Hip Dysplasia: A lot of crossbreeds with a Beagle parent suffer from this, and the Beagle crossed with Boxer is no exception. A focus on exercise and diet high in meat and glucosamine is recommended to prevent Hip Dysplasia complications. Ear infections: When you bathe your Boxer combined with Beagle, make sure to clean its ears thoroughly. Since it has long droopy ears, it would be best to cover all areas especially the back. Bacteria is easy to cultivate around this area so make sure to check it as often as you can. Observe the odor of the ears: it should not smell as bad, because if it does, there might be some bacteria. You should carefully pick the Boxer and Beagle parents from the local breeder. Boxer mixed with Beagle Food Requirements To keep this dog fit, the right amount of food must be administered each day. Because of their active lifestyle, the Boxer beagle mix needs a high-protein diet. Dry dog food containing meat, fish, and chicken is highly recommended. If you have a pup, best puppy food brands will provide your pooch with everything they need to reach their full growth potential. If your dog is an elderly citizen, vitamins and minerals in best senior dry dog food will help to keep their coat sleek and their bones less brittle. Make sure to also introduced complex and healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and brown rice to his diet to keep his energy levels up. If you give your pooch treats, make sure they are healthy. Administering of treats and scheduled feeding patterns must be intertwined with free-feeding at least once per week. This is done to make sure that your Beagle combined with Boxer does not overeat and lead to obesity. The focus of your feeding pattern must be to make sure you do not overfeed your crossbreed, and this is why the free-feeding must be inserted. The veterinarian will be able to carefully indicate the nutritional and dietary needs of your Beagle combined with Boxer according to their weight and size. The right amount of vitamins and minerals for your dog must be determined in consultations with the veterinarian, but you can choose the right kibble yourself by browsing these handy dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food guides. Owners should focus on purchasing dry dog food rich in glucosamine or chondroitin. Here are some examples of the dog food available in the market: Dog For Dog Food : This notable dry dog food rich in glucosamine. The multiple protein sources from this dry dog food provide a healthy balance of amino acids, supporting muscle development and maintenance. Plus, it would be a flavorful change of palette for your dog with the natural flavors it possesses. Lastly, it has high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for diet control along with a hint of Vitamin E to help maintain a shiny and healthy skin and coat. It is made a good choice for average dogs for stocking them up with muscle fibers. This works well with regards the joint health because without strong muscles the bone would remain to be susceptible to problems. Its main ingredients, among other things, are salmon meat high in glucosamine , real beef, and chicken, perfect for a Boxer Beagle mix to enjoy. Wellness Core Dog Food : This dog food consists of blueberries, apples, chicken, spinach, and carrots. This is perfect for your Boxer crossed with Beagle because of the nutrients it provides for your crossbreed. SmartBlend One: One of the essential benefits from this Purina One product is its ability to provide a rich and delicious diet for your pup. It also keeps at part with scientifically advanced food safety protocols to make sure it does not cause many problems to your dog. As such, lean and robust muscles would be gifted to your dog with its high-protein enrichment. The ingredients from this dog are made from sustainable and trustworthy sources made with no grain, corn, wheat, filler, or any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Boxer combined with Beagle Exercise Requirements The Beagle mixed with Boxer is a good option for owners wanting a medium to a large sized dog that needs hours of daily activity. You need to at least take your crossbreed to a walk a couple of times a day with around 30 to 60 minutes of outdoor time. If you have more time at your disposal, you can enroll your dog in canine sports programs like flyball, agility, and doc jumping to help them burn off their energy. However, a simple game of fetch or treasure hunts is recommended to those with limited time and only have about an hour per week. If you are not the type to have time to join him for activities, you can introduce him to interactive dog toys like Animal Sounds Babble Ball, Hide-A-Squirrel, or Trixie Flip Board all available on Amazon. Its temperament would not be much of an issue to any dog owner, much less those with families to tend to. You would also not face any problems having this dog out of its cage or out in the yard during family gatherings or parties. Not only is it pretty to look at, but others might also find this dog a sweet and caring one to play with.


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gray boxer puppies - Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.