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Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Images internally provided The majestic German Shepherd is renowned globally, not just for its striking appearance, but also for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Among the diverse color variants of the German Shepherd, the black short-haired version is a captivating sight, a blend of power and elegance. Historical Roots Originating from Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the German Shepherd stands out not only for its imposing stature but also for its unparalleled combination of intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. This breed has secured its spot as one of the most recognized and beloved dogs in the world. Physical Attributes Short haired German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, showcasing a blend of strength, agility, and elegance. They have a dense double coat that can vary in length and color, from black and tan to sable or even all-black. Their almond-shaped eyes exhibit intelligence and curiosity, while their ears — often erect and forward-pointing — add to their alert demeanor. Temperament German Shepherd puppies are known for their intelligence, making them quick learners and highly trainable. Their loyalty to their handlers or family members is unmatched, often leading to strong protective instincts. This protective nature, coupled with their bravery, has made them indispensable in roles like police work, search and rescue, and military operations. Socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure that their protective instincts are well-balanced, preventing undue aggression or timidity. By visiting their website, potential adopters can gain insights into available litters, the health and pedigree of the puppies, and the meticulous care they receive. Complete with photographs, detailed descriptions, and contact information, the German Shepherd Puppies NC website simplifies the journey of finding and adopting a short-haired German Shepherd puppy, ensuring that residents of North Carolina are only a click away from their future four-legged family member. Their years of expertise have given them a unique understanding of the breed, allowing them to provide puppies that are both healthy and well-adjusted. Top-Rated Breeder: The accolades speak for themselves. Their meticulous care ensures that every puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and ready to be a part of a loving family. Passion for the Breed: Their undying love for the German Shepherd breed is palpable in every interaction. In Conclusion The journey to finding the perfect pet can often be filled with uncertainty and countless options. However, when it comes to black short-haired German Shepherd puppies in North Carolina, the path becomes straightforward. German Shepherd Puppies NC, with its impeccable reputation, decades of experience, and genuine love for the breed, is undeniably the best choice for families looking to adopt. Ambassador With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to the highest standards of journalism, Victor Williams brings his extensive experience and global expertise to his contributions for NY Weekly. His education in world history sparked his interest in traveling the globe and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. Through his travels, Williams has gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences, which he draws upon in his reporting. With a commitment to journalistic excellence and a love of adventure, Williams continues to be a leading voice in the world of news reporting. Next Post. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

This is a cross between the relentlessly loyal, often silly American Bulldog and the gentle Great Dane. For experienced, confident dog parents, this breed is sure to only keep growing loyal fans. Despite their large size, the Great Dane is a gentle, affectionate companion. However, their playfulness and love for their families shines through in their personalities. If you plan to adopt one of these breed mixes, be ready for lots and lots of cuddles. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the American Bull Dane. Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. Lifespan Sociability American Bull Danes may seem too massive for anything but a mansion, but these laidback dogs make surprisingly good apartment dwellers. However, when they get rambunctious, they can knock over every bit of furniture in your house, so make sure anything breakable is put away. Also, their barks are loud enough to wake the dead, which may not go over so well with the downstairs neighbors. These dogs are klutzes, which is adorable — until they take out your entire bedroom set. They have a knack for finding the most uncomfortable place to put their paws and elbows. Some are as massive as Great Danes, while others are stockier, like American Bulldogs. Left to their own devices, all they want to do is curl up next to you and soak up affection, as well as play tug-of-war now and then. However, if anyone messes with their family, they will make that person immediately regret their decision. Along with the intelligence boost, the American Bulldog genes can make them extremely stubborn too. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Also, if you have small children at home, you should teach them how to behave around dogs in order to minimize the risk of a negative incident. This can lead to little kids getting trampled during playtime, stomped on while crawling on the floor, or just whapped in the face with a stiff tail. However, if your primary concern is keeping your family safe from outside threats, the American Bull Dane is the best home security system you can buy. All it takes is a single bark from one of these dogs to make even the most hardened criminal change their mind. If not, they may exhibit unfortunate aggression issues. The cat will need to be on alert to avoid being sat on or trampled. Novice owners can struggle when trying to control them, and many people underestimate how stubborn these pooches can be. These dogs are extremely food-motivated, so using treats during training will often be successful. However, be careful not to take that too far, as any extra weight will put a ton of strain on their already-beleaguered joints. Still, you will need to provide them with exercise. Mental stimulation is also important. Since these dogs are talented trackers, you can hide a few treats around the house and have them sniff them out. Be careful pushing your American Bull Dane too hard. Just be careful about letting them get fat; you may have to ramp up their activity levels if you notice them start to get pudgy. Issues like pulling on the leash and jumping need to be curbed at a young age, or else you could find yourself getting dragged through the park by an unstoppable tank of a dog. However, training can be problematic with these dogs. They tend to be incredibly food-motivated, so it may just take a treat or two to get them to do what you want. Their hair is so short that it can be hard to brush, and you may be better off smoothing over their coat with a rubber mitt than trying to attack them with a slicker brush. Their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection, about once a week. If your dog has a wrinkly face, wipe the wrinkles clean with a damp cloth once a week to prevent bacteria from building up. Here are a few issues these dogs often struggle with: Minor Conditions. Would most likely make a good watch dog since he will bark if someone comes up to the door but don't count on him being a GUARD dog, he's just too dang sweet. He is heartworm negative, weighs about 73 lbs. He loves to cuddle but then give you your space when you want or need it. I just asked Wes if he could think of anything to add and he said not really, then paused and said, I wish we didn't have to give him up. I feel the same way but alas, we must in order to continue fostering. A fenced yard not invisible and a home visit are required for the adoption of Honey Bun. Honey came to us from the local "pound". Poor guy was there for almost 2 months. The staff loved him so much they couldn't bare putting her down! Fortunally one of our amazing fosters took him and has been caring for him! They said this about him: He is one of the most affectionate, sweetest fosters we've ever had. I will miss him terribly when he's gone to his forever home. He is very good with other dogs, kids and is housebroken. He is Cratetrained as well and Loves to Cuddle! Incised on some Greek money dating back to 36 B. The Great Dane is known as the "Apollo of all dogs. German Gaul and part of Italy and Spain were invaded by an Asiatic people the Alans who brought with them powerful mastiff-like dogs. In Germany especially, where these magnificent animals capable of overcoming bears and wild boars were much admired, a process of selective breeding was begun. The dogs were crossed with Irish Greyhounds, and the issue was the beautiful, large, thin, agile dog known today as the Great Dane. Despite the fact that they are called Danes in English, these dogs have nothing to do with Denmark. The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. They need plenty of exercise - at least a good walk a day. The expected life-span is about 10 years, although some live .Is it more like the Bulldog or the Great Dane? With the Great Dane being in the mix, this is obviously going to make for a potentially larger dog. Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Bulldog Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue , we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Great Dane Bulldog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Great Dane Bulldog Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Bulldog History: The original intent of the bulldog was that they were bred to help butchers control livestock. It is a very old breed and by the 15th century, in addition to catching and herding horses, cattle, and boars in legitimate farming use. If you can believe it, this lasted for a few centuries until this activity was banned in .Being that this is such a violent activity, they were bred for aggression. After this ban, the more aggressive tendencies were not necessary and one might wonder why they would even stay a breed. Well, they are very faithful and loyal companions and are the official mascot for nearly 50 schools and five times as many secondary schools. They are also the unofficial mascot for the U. Marine Corps. For many subsequent centuries these large boarhounds continue to appear throughout ancient Greece. The Molossian hound, Suliot dog, and specific imports from Greece were used in the 18th century to increase the stature of the boarhounds in Austria and Germany and the wolfhounds in Ireland. Bigger dogs are depicted on numerous runestones in Scandinavia, on coinage in Denmark from the fifth century AD, and in the collection of Old Norse poems. Obviously very large dogs were a part of our history even thousands of years ago. The purpose of these extremely large dogs were to hunt bear, boar, and deer. The favorite dogs got to stay the night at the bedchambers of their lords. These so called chamber dogs were there to protect the princes while they slept from assassins.

Your pup can enjoy this food for up to 24 months before switching to adult food. This is considered one of the best dog foods for Boxer puppies for the money, and for good reason — you get more bang for your buck. This nutritious dog food features natural fish oil, chicken, and eggs, to name just a few healthy ingredients your pooch is sure to enjoy devouring. Pros Specially made for puppies up to 24 months Made with natural fish oil Features whole food ingredients Lacks in fruit and veggie nutrition compared to other options More expensive than other similar options 3. This puppy food has ingredients like L-Carnitine, meant to support healthy bone growth so your Boxer is less likely to develop health problems when they get older. Most importantly, this puppy food for Boxers is high in quality protein, which is necessary for healthy growth physically and mentally as your puppy grows into an adult. Royal Canin Boxer puppy food also features a wavy shape that makes it easy for the Boxer breed to chew and digest. But this is one of the most expensive options on the market, so it may not be financially feasible for some owners. Luckily, there are other high-quality options to choose from that are more affordable. Pros Designed specifically for Boxer puppies Features an easy-to-chew kibble shape Cons One of the most expensive options on the market The package tends to rip, requiring separate containment Can be tough to transition from this kibble to an adult option 4. Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This is a large breed puppy food that, while not specifically made for Boxers, still delivers all the nutrients your Boxer needs as they become an adult. Diamond Naturals puppy formula is an affordable option that your pooch can eat from puppyhood through adulthood, which takes all the guesswork out of proper nutrition. This food features pasture-raised lamb and includes added vitamins and minerals to help ensure well-rounded nutrition throughout all the puppy years. Made in the United States, it has no filler corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives to worry about either. Pros Made for large breed puppies like Boxers Affordable price tag Not meant for adult nutrition Missing quality ingredients that other options feature 5. It features controlled calcium levels to provide proper bone support. This dog food for Boxers is another good option made in the U. Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Dry Food Check Price on Amazon Formulated with real meat, fruits, veggies, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for puppies is another great option for Boxers because it provides all the essential nutrients that this larger breed needs, while offering up a host of additional vitamins and nutrients designed to allow your puppy to thrive and feel their best as they age. Included are essential omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are necessary for a shiny and soft coat of fur. The kibble pieces are tiny, so your Boxer puppy should be able to start eating quickly. Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This large breed puppy dog food is an excellent choice for Boxer owners because it features plenty of quality animal protein, as well as calcium and phosphorous that puppies need for strong and healthy bones. Containing DHA, Eukanuba can apparently help puppies better focus their minds so training is easier on owners. Once you choose a puppy food to feed your Boxer puppy, you should stick with it until you are ready to switch to adult food. Changing foods is hard on the digestive system and can result in problems like constipation, diarrhea, and discomfort. You should feed your Boxer puppy food designed specifically for puppies until they are at least a year old before you consider feeding them adult dog food. This will help ensure that your pooch gets all the nutrients they need while growing. What to Look For in Puppy Food When choosing a puppy food for your Boxer, the most important thing to consider is quality. In just a few months, your pup will be able to eat adult dog food. The money you spend now on quality food for your Boxer will result in a more well-rounded, happy, and healthy pooch. So, when choosing food for your Boxer puppy, you should look for real meat as the first ingredient. If grains or meal is the first ingredient, your pup may not get the vital nutrients and quality protein they need in order to thrive. Your chosen Boxer puppy food should have ingredients that include real fruits and vegetables, not just powders and concentrates. Avoid foods that include artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives whenever possible. Any food you decide to feed your puppy might not agree with their digestion at first, depending on what they have been fed up to this point. Offer up just a quarter cup of the food you want to feed your puppy to start. If no obvious digestion issues result, you can go ahead and continue feeding the new food to your new Boxer. If you decide to switch to a new brand at any point during puppyhood, mix the new stuff with the old stuff for about a week to make transitioning easy. You should do the same when it comes time to feed your Boxer adult dog food — mix the puppy and adult food for a few days before switching straight to adult food. Once you are sure your dog can handle the adult food, you can switch over completely. Take the list to your vet to gain extra insight and learn which would be the best option for your Boxer puppy. Final Verdict The type of puppy food you decide to feed your Boxer is up to you. Focus on the options that feature whole foods such as real meat instead of meal. There should never be artificial ingredients in play. Hopefully, our reviews of the best dog food for Boxer puppies has made your job easier. Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. Boxer Puppy kibbles are designed with an exclusive shape and size to make it easy for the Boxer puppy to pick up and chew. Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein min. Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, oat groats, brown rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, pork meal, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, pea fiber, vegetable oil, coconut oil, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, psyllium seed husk, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , salt, DL-methionine, L-lysine, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Daily Feeding Recommendations.

As the name implies, this breed originates from Germany and was originally intended to be a herding breed. Today, however, the German Shepherd is best known for its versatility. Although they may have started as a herding dog, GSDs have been used to perform a huge array of tasks. They are a popular breed for police work, search and rescue, and tracking. But the German Shepherd also makes a fantastic companion dog. Single Coats vs Double Coats in dogs. Dogs have either double coats or single coats. In dogs with a double coat, the undercoat is made up of softer, dense usually short fur. It keeps the dog warm in cold weather, and also protects the dog against extreme heat. If a dog has a single coat, then there is only the topcoat. No undercoat will be present. Are German Shepherds Double-Coated? Although German Shepherds have the same general looks, there is some variation within the breed. German Shepherds are generally considered double-coated dogs, but the coat can come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses. Some German Shepherd dogs do not have an undercoat present. The only German Shepherds that are acceptable in competitions will have a medium-length overcoat with an undercoat. If the dog does not have an undercoat, then this is considered a fault by the AKC. Some dogs have undercoats that are very sparse or that shed completely. This is called an open coat, and it is also considered to be a fault. German Shepherd coats can vary greatly. A medium-length coat, which is usually one or two inches long and is the only coat acceptable for show lines. There will be an undercoat present. A long coat with an undercoat, which will have an overcoat at least two inches long. This coat will usually be very thick, which makes these particular dogs especially well-suited to colder climates. A long coat without an undercoat, which looks very similar to a dog with a long coat with an undercoat, but without an undercoat. You should be able to feel for yourself the softer undercoat underneath the overcoat. However, it can be more difficult to tell in puppies. This is because puppies are born with a single coat, with the fur being very soft and fluffy. At around 4 to 6 months old, the puppy will shed this coat completely, and his adult coat will grow in. If the parents both have double coats, then most likely the puppy will also have a double coat. Remember to always get your puppy from a reputable breeder. Coat Types and Shedding German Shepherds shed throughout the year, but their coat type can affect the amount that they shed. During the spring and fall when your double-coated German Shepherd is blowing out his coat, you will need to be even more diligent about brushing him. One of the biggest mistakes you can make for your dog is bathing him too often. You should only have to bathe your GSD every 3 to 4 months or so. Around the spring, during flea season, you may find that you need to bathe your dog more often. Just try not to bathe him more than every 2 months to help keep his coat and skin healthy. Can You Shave a German Shepherd? Your dog is already naturally insulated from hot weather. If you shave your German Shepherd, then you may ruin his double coat. It can take years for his coat to grow back in properly, and in some cases, it may never grow in right again. Using a suitable de-shedding tool or rake, brushing at least thrice a week helps remove loose hairs, stimulate the skin, and keep the coat healthy. It's essential to follow the direction of the coat and use gentle strokes. Brushing a German Shepherd's double coat is more than just a beautification routine; it's a vital part of maintaining the coat's function and the dog's overall well-being. Regular brushing stimulates blood flow to the skin, enhances the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and removes dead hair, dirt, and debris. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to check for signs of skin problems or parasites, which may otherwise go unnoticed. It fosters a healthier coat and strengthens the bond between the owner and the pet. High-Quality Diet Feeding a high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients, especially Omega-3 fatty acids, promotes a healthy coat in German Shepherds. Proper nutrition supports skin health and reduces excessive shedding by nourishing the hair follicles, making the coat more resilient and vibrant. A well-balanced diet for a German Shepherd caters to their energy needs and plays a vital role in their coat's health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, flaxseed, and certain high-quality dog foods improve skin hydration and hair strength, thereby reducing shedding. Professional dog trainers and veterinarians often recommend a diet specifically targeting a German Shepherd's dietary needs, including the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The high-quality diet approach not only enhances the appearance of the coat but significantly contributes to the dog's overall well-being. Proper Bathing Proper bathing plays a significant role in controlling shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Using a specialized dog shampoo formulated for shedding control and bathing in moderation helps maintain the coat's natural oils, preventing dryness that can lead to increased shedding. Proper bathing is not just about cleaning; it's about maintaining the health and integrity of the German Shepherd's double coat. Overbathing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and more shedding, while underbathing may lead to buildup and matting. Moreover, the choice of water temperature, gentle drying methods, and proper rinsing all factor into a successful bathing routine. The perfect balance in bathing is crucial in making your German Shepherd's coat manageable, shiny, and healthy, reflecting proper care and attention. Flea Control Flea control is vital in managing shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Fleas can irritate the skin, causing itchiness and discomfort and increased scratching and shedding. Utilizing appropriate flea control products and regular inspections can help keep these pests at bay and the coat healthy. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; they can severely affect a dog's skin and coat health. When a German Shepherd puppy suffers from flea infestation, it leads to constant scratching and biting at the skin. This irritation can break the hair, leading to more shedding and potential skin infections. Preventing and treating fleas is not just about using anti-flea products; it includes maintaining a clean environment and regular coat inspections. Professional dog trainers recommend a multi-faceted approach that involves vet-approved flea control products and maintaining hygiene in the dog's living spaces. Proper flea control, therefore, plays a critical role in managing shedding and ensuring your puppy's comfort and well-being. Hydration Hydration plays a vital role in a German Shepherd puppy's overall health, including the health of its skin and coat. Ensuring constant access to fresh water helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration, preventing dryness that can contribute to increased shedding. Suggestion: Do German Shepherds drink a lot of water? The connection between hydration and a dog's skin and coat health is often overlooked, yet it's essential to controlling shedding. Skin is an organ; like all organs, it requires proper hydration to function optimally. Dry skin can lead to brittle hair and excessive shedding. A well-hydrated dog will generally have a more resilient and glossy coat. Ensuring that fresh water is always available, especially during hot weather or after exercise, can significantly affect your German Shepherd's coat health. Though simple, hydration is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being and is integral in managing shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Use of Conditioners Utilizing conditioners specifically formulated for dogs during bathing can significantly help manage shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Conditioners nourish the coat, keep it silky, and prevent dryness, a common cause of increased shedding. Conditioners play a significant role in maintaining the integrity and health of a German Shepherd's coat. They contain ingredients that help lock moisture into the hair shaft, making the coat more resilient and less prone to breaking and shedding. Many conditioners are enriched with vitamins, oils, and other nourishing ingredients that not only improve the appearance of the coat but also make grooming and detangling easier. Choosing a conditioner designed specifically for dogs is essential, as human products may contain ingredients that can irritate a dog's skin. Conditioners are a simple yet effective method to enhance the coat's health and manage to shed in German Shepherd puppies. Routine Veterinary Check-ups Routine veterinary check-ups are essential in controlling shedding in German Shepherd puppies, as they can identify underlying health issues that may contribute to shedding. Regular vet visits enable early detection and treatment, ensuring the overall health and well-being of the coat and skin. Veterinary check-ups are not just for vaccinations or obvious health issues; they also play a critical role in monitoring the overall condition of your German Shepherd's skin and coat. Veterinarians have the expertise to identify these issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and possibly reducing or eliminating the associated shedding. These visits also offer an opportunity for professional guidance on diet, grooming, and general care tailored specifically to your dog's needs. This proactive approach to health care can significantly aid in managing shedding and maintaining the vibrancy and beauty of your German Shepherd's coat. Avoid Stress Avoiding stress is crucial in controlling shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Stress can cause physiological responses leading to excessive shedding. A comfortable living environment, regular exercise, and mental stimulation can keep your puppy happy and reduce shedding. Stress in dogs can manifest in various ways, including increased shedding. Stressors for a German Shepherd may include a sudden change in environment, loud noises, or lack of mental and physical stimulation. Professional trainers emphasize the importance of understanding your dog's needs and stress triggers. Recognizing signs of stress early and taking proactive measures to create a stable, positive environment for your German Shepherd will help manage shedding and contribute to a happier, healthier, and well-adjusted dog. Use Specialized Grooming Products Utilizing specialized grooming products designed for German Shepherds can be an effective method to control shedding. These products, including shampoos, brushes, and de-shedding tools, are formulated to meet the specific needs of the breed's double coat and help reduce loose hairs. Specialized grooming products have become increasingly popular among German Shepherd owners and professional groomers, tailored to the breed's unique double coat. The dual-layer coat requires specific care, and using products designed to penetrate the thick undercoat can make grooming more efficient and effective. Furthermore, shampoos with natural ingredients formulated for the breed can help nourish the skin and reduce shedding. Investing in the right grooming products is an essential step towards a well-groomed and beautiful coat and contributes significantly to controlling shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Keep a Stable Environment Keeping a stable environment is pivotal in controlling shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Abrupt living conditions, temperature, or routine changes can cause stress and increase shedding. Maintaining consistency and predictability in your puppy's environment supports a healthy coat. The importance of a stable environment for German Shepherds cannot be overstated. This breed often thrives on routine and predictability, and sudden changes can cause unnecessary stress, manifesting in physical symptoms, including increased shedding. Professional dog trainers emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent daily routine, including feeding, exercise, and rest times. This stability fosters a sense of security in the dog, leading to a calmer disposition and a healthier coat. By understanding the importance of routine and consistency in a German Shepherd's life, owners can create a positive living environment that reduces shedding and contributes to the dog's overall happiness and well-being. What months do German Shepherd puppies shed the most? German Shepherd puppies shed the most during spring April and autumn September as they transition between their winter and summer coats. This process, known as "blowing the coat," produces more loose hair during these seasons. The shedding pattern of German Shepherd puppies, particularly during the spring and autumn, is part of a natural process to adjust to seasonal temperature changes. In the spring, they shed their thicker winter coat to make way for a lighter summer coat, and in autumn, they prepare for winter by shedding the summer coat for a denser winter one. This phenomenon can be observed in many double-coated dog breeds. Owners must be prepared for this increased shedding by adjusting grooming routines and using proper tools designed to handle the heavier shedding. Understanding this shedding pattern can help manage the process, keep the puppy comfortable, and maintain a healthy, well-groomed appearance throughout these key transitional months. How to keep the coat of your German Shepherd puppy healthy? Keeping the coat of a German Shepherd puppy healthy requires a combination of proper diet, regular grooming, stress management, and routine veterinary check-ups. These factors work together to maintain the coat's shine and strength and reduce excessive shedding. Proper Nutrition: Proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy coat for German Shepherd puppies. A balanced diet, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, directly influences the coat's shine, strength, and resilience. Quality dog food formulated specifically for German Shepherds will have the right blend of nutrients that support skin and coat health. Providing the right diet is a critical step in maintaining a lustrous coat and the overall well-being of the puppy. Regular Grooming: Regular grooming is vital for maintaining a healthy coat in German Shepherd puppies. This process removes loose hair and stimulates the skin to produce natural oils, which keep the coat glossy and moisturized. Using the right brushes and grooming techniques ensures that the topcoat and undercoat are properly cared for, promoting overall coat health and reducing shedding. Regular grooming also allows early detection of any skin issues, contributing to the puppy's overall health. Use Specialized Products: Using specialized products specifically designed for German Shepherds can significantly enhance the coat's appearance and health. These shampoos, conditioners, and grooming tools are formulated to suit the unique double coat of the breed. By using products that cater to the specific needs of the German Shepherd's coat, owners can ensure proper care, nourishment, and maintenance, thus supporting optimal coat condition and minimizing problems such as tangling and excessive shedding. Routine Veterinary Care: Routine veterinary care plays an integral role in maintaining the health of a German Shepherd's coat. Regular check-ups allow for early detection of underlying health issues that might affect the coat, such as skin infections or hormonal imbalances. Veterinarians can also provide tailored advice on grooming and nutrition, ensuring that the coat remains vibrant, strong, and reflects the overall well-being of the puppy. The veterinary insight contributes significantly to a proactive approach to coat health. Flea Control: Flea control is essential in maintaining a healthy coat in German Shepherd puppies. Fleas can cause irritation, scratching, and subsequent damage to the skin and coat. Proper flea prevention through regular treatments and maintaining a clean living environment will avoid these issues. Flea control not only helps keep the coat lush and healthy but also ensures the overall comfort and well-being of the puppy by preventing potential skin infections and discomfort. Maintain Hydration: Maintaining hydration is vital to keeping a German Shepherd puppy's coat healthy. Adequate water intake ensures the skin remains supple and hydrated, preventing dryness and flakiness that can lead to increased shedding. Providing fresh water at all times and encouraging regular drinking helps preserve the coat's natural shine and resilience, reflecting a well-hydrated and healthy puppy. Avoid Stress: Avoiding stress is key to maintaining a German Shepherd puppy's coat health. Stress can trigger physiological responses that lead to excessive shedding and a dull appearance. Creating a stable and predictable environment, including consistent routines and positive reinforcement, can minimize stress. By fostering a calm and secure setting, owners can promote a vibrant and healthy coat and overall mental well-being in their German Shepherd puppies. Proper Bathing: Proper bathing is essential for keeping a German Shepherd's coat healthy. Overbathing can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness, while underbathing may allow dirt buildup. Using breed-specific shampoos and conditioners, and following a suitable bathing schedule, ensures the coat remains clean without losing essential moisture. Proper bathing techniques nourish the coat, promote shine, and prevent unnecessary shedding, contributing to a well-groomed appearance. Temperature Control: Temperature control is an often-overlooked aspect of maintaining a healthy coat in German Shepherd puppies. Sudden changes or extremes in temperature can lead to dry, irritated skin and increased shedding. Owners can create a comfortable environment that supports healthy skin and coats by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and humidity level. Proper temperature control contributes to the overall well-being and comfort of the German Shepherd, reflecting in a lush, vibrant coat. Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise is essential for a German Shepherd's overall health and coat condition. Physical activity stimulates blood circulation, nourishing the skin and fur and promoting a healthy and shiny coat. Exercise also helps in reducing stress, which can affect coat health. Engaging in daily physical activities tailored to the puppy's age and needs ensures a vibrant coat and a happy and well-balanced German Shepherd. What are the best grooming tools for German Shepherds? The best grooming tools for German Shepherds include a slicker brush for removing loose hair, an undercoat rake to thin out the dense undercoat, a bristle brush for smoothing the topcoat, and nail clippers for regular maintenance. These tools are essential for the breed's specific grooming needs. German Shepherds have a dense double coat that requires specialized care. The slicker brush is used for detangling and removing loose fur, while the undercoat rake helps to thin out the dense undercoat without damaging the topcoat. The bristle brush smooths the topcoat, giving it a shine and finishing look. Nail clippers designed for larger breeds are also essential for maintaining healthy nails and preventing issues that could affect the dog's gait. Choosing the right tools makes grooming more efficient and enhances the overall health and appearance of the German Shepherd's coat. Below, you can find the most popular and favorite choice of grooming tools for German Shepherd dogs: Final words Navigating the world of German Shepherd shedding can be a hairy adventure, but fear not! Our in-depth conversation has unraveled the mysteries of when and why these magnificent dogs shed, how to tame fur tumbleweeds, and the best tools to make grooming a breeze. We've explored everything from the seasonal shedding cycles to the importance of proper nutrition and even debunked the myth of shaving. The health and happiness of your furry friend are just a brush stroke away. So grab that slicker brush and embrace the joy of grooming your German Shepherd! Frequently asked questions Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here! German Shepherd puppies shed the most during seasonal changes, particularly in spring and autumn. In spring, they shed their dense winter undercoat to prepare for warmer weather, and in autumn, they shed their summer coat for a thicker winter. Your German Shepherd puppy may be shedding excessively due to various factors such as seasonal changes, poor diet, allergies, skin infections, or hormonal imbalances. Consulting with a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause can help determine the appropriate care and treatment for your puppy. German Shepherd puppies shed continuously, with increased shedding during seasonal changes in spring and autumn. The intense shedding periods typically last around weeks. Regular grooming can help manage the shedding and maintain a healthy coat throughout the year. Yes, German Shepherds may shed more as they age due to skin and coat health changes. Factors such as reduced natural oil production, hormonal imbalances, or underlying health issues can increase shedding in older German Shepherds. Regular veterinary care can help manage this condition. Your German Shepherd may be shedding excessively in the summer as part of the natural process of shedding the dense winter undercoat, making way for a lighter summer coat. Other factors like diet, allergies, or skin conditions might also contribute to increased shedding. Regular grooming can help manage the shedding during this period. Yes, German Shepherd puppies shed constantly, but the amount can vary throughout the year. They have a double coat that requires continuous maintenance, with increased shedding during seasonal changes in spring and autumn. Regular grooming helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy. Shaving a German Shepherd puppy is generally not recommended. Their double coat is insulation against cold and heat, and shaving can disrupt this natural temperature regulation. It may also cause issues with regrowth, leading to a patchy, uneven coat. Consulting a professional groomer for proper care is advisable. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. Panda Black German Shepherd Most of these other colors are a lot rarer and are generally less desirable for show dogs. Length The most common coat appearance for a German Shepherd is a medium length, black and tan coat. Much like the coat color, the coat length and thickness can vary as well, including long, thicker coats, medium-length plush coats, and short-haired coats. Appearance A German Shepherd coat is almost always fairly straight, with a coarse outer coat. Long-haired dogs can appear smoother than the medium-length or short-haired coats. It is possible for German Shepherds to have variations in coat due to genetics. A double coat, when parted with the fingers, has two very different-looking hair types. There is a smooth, thick-haired outer-layer called the guard coat, and a thick, fluffy under-layer called the undercoat. Another way to tell whether your dog has a double coat is to examine shed hair from your dog. Look closely at the shed hair to see if there are two different types of hair present. A double coat will have some fluffier tufts with a few single, more wire-like hairs. Shedding in itself is a sign of a double coat, as double coats thicken out over winter and thin out, or shed, during the spring. As mentioned above, the undercoat is made up of a thick, fluffy layer of fur growing beneath the guard coat. The hairs that make up the undercoat are much finer than the outer layer. There are many more of them, together forming the fluffy appearance and texture. The Guard Coat The guard coat is the protective layer of hair covering the undercoat, and this layer protects the undercoat and skin from dirt and water, being naturally water-resistant. Double coats are a result of breeding, associated with colder climates or areas that snow. For example, German Shepherds originated from Germany, which is known to have very cold winters. The undercoat is the main insulator. When dogs with a double-coat shed, the hair that comes off is predominantly the fluffy undercoat. In the spring, this fluff comes off in tufts and leaves a lot of mess. The shedding helps your dog stay cool for the warmer temperatures to come. Source Substantial coat maintenance not only keeps your dog happy and comfortable but also keeps your house cleaner. Regular grooming avoids unnecessary shedding and trapped dirt in the coat, which inevitably lands on your floor or furniture. Brushing A German Shepherd with a double coat requires daily brushing. The best brush to use for a double coat is called a rake. A rake targets the shedding undercoat, and the hair is picked up on the brush instead of falling out onto the floor for you to clean. Rake the undercoat from head to tail while removing the hair out of the brush. When you can brush through the hair with almost no hair coming off onto the brush or rake, you know that you have removed all of the shedding undercoat. In general, double-coated dogs can be washed every eight weeks if necessary, and more often if they are shedding. Washing a shedding coat can help to remove excess shedding fur and prevent mats. You can brush the wet coat thoroughly after the wash to assist in shedding maintenance even more. Over-washing can cause irritation and dryness of the skin, so make sure you limit washing to no more than once a week to once a month only if necessary. A double coat is an insulation system on its own. The guard hairs may not grow back properly, and the undercoat may take over some areas of the outer coat. If shearing your dog is absolutely necessary, never shear the coat shorter than one inch. A coat shaved shorter than an inch will leave the skin exposed to sunburn and insect bites. There are dog foods specially formulated for German Shepherds and are always a good choice when looking into proper nutrients for your dog. Choosing The Right Dog Food The main components to look out for are quality protein sources, adequate fat percentage of around five to eight percent, and the following vitamins: Vitamin A. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Conclusion 1. That said there are additional benefits to getting a DNA test for your pup and these tests are out there and readily available. All you need to do is purchase a kit online. Although the kit will likely come with two swabs, each kit is only meant to test a sample from one dog. These kits usually include sealable plastic bags to place the swabs in and a pre-paid return box or envelope. When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. The coat is typically dense and short and lies close to the body. This more typical look is only one of many of the purebred German Shepherd. A purebred German Shepherd can have three different varieties of coats, which are the double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The double coat is considered the standard of the German Shepherd coats, although many German Shepherds that are kept as family pets have a long-haired coat. Regardless, German Shepherds shed regularly throughout the year and require regular brushing and grooming. While the typical and often preferred coloring of the German Shepherd is tan and black, look for other variants in coloring. The next most common coloring of the German Shepherd is pure black, along with black and cream, black and red, black and silver, bi-color, blue, gray, liver, sable and white. Other Physical Characteristics There is a multitude of other physical characteristics that immediately makes a purebred German Shepherd stand apart from other dogs. These include: Distinct, pointed ears. This means your German Shepherd is going through the puberty stage, where they are teething as well as growing and developing cartilage in their ears. Along with the distinctly pointed ears comes the distinct German Shepherd head tilt which fans of this breed also tend to adore. A strong, proportioned build. Part of the reason the German Shepherd makes an excellent working dog is due to its strong, tall build. A typical German Shepherd is up to 26 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 77 and 85 pounds. A typical German Shepherd puppy weighs up to 10 pounds in the first month and reaches close to 60 pounds by the time they are six months old. A full, long, bushy tail. This is another cherished physical feature of the German Shepherd. When the German Shepherd is resting, their bushy tail tends to hang low to the ground. Behavioral Characteristics Putting aside their physical features, German Shepherds are largely known for certain behavioral characteristics — both positive and negative. These behavioral characteristics include: A high energy level. German Shepherds need a ton of daily exercise and preferably a backyard to let off some steam in-between walks. A strong sense of loyalty. They can be extremely protective of their families if they feel threatened which means that German Shepherds may not necessarily be the best choice for someone with no experience with dogs. A high level of intelligence. German Shepherds are extremely smart, making them excellent working dogs. You often see German Shepherds doing important jobs like assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue. German Shepherds benefit from training and obedience classes which also help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. A sense of possession. As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families. If your family is looking for a guard dog, a German Shepherd is definitely an excellent option. Due to their sense of possession, German Shepherds are also great dogs for herding sheep. Your German Shepherd may be fantastic with you and your kids but act standoffish or protective around other adults or children. This is where additional training is necessary to make sure that your German Shepherd is not acting unnecessarily aggressive or territorial. Asking Questions The simplest way to identify a German Shepherd? Ask questions! There are a variety of different sources you can ask about the German Shepherd, including: Talking with a breeder. Find a reputable German Shepherd breeder and ask as many questions as you can about the German Shepherd. Unfortunately, a breeder may not be completely forthcoming about negative information so really dig deep about the breeder before purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. Talking with a German Shepherd owner. Speak with someone that you know has a German Shepherd and ask questions. That said, exercise caution when doing so as the German Shepherd may not be overly accepting of a stranger approaching their owner. Talking with a veterinarian. Veterinarians can provide all kinds of valuable information about German Shepherds. If you already have a dog that you believe to be a German Shepherd but are unsure, ask your veterinarian to give you their opinion on whether they believe the dog to be so. Downloading an app. You are now able to download a dog breed identification app to identify a large variety of dog breeds. Additional Identifying Factors An additional identifying factor is unfortunately the genetic health concerns that come along with German Shepherds. German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, some more so than other breeds. These health conditions include degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask your vet about their experience in regards to German Shepherds and whether or not they think this breed would be a good fit for you. Conclusion German Shepherd or not, there are so many wonderful breeds of dogs out there that have an incredible amount to offer you and your family. Mary Nielsen I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

We will also talk about some of the factors that can affect this number. The average litter size for Goldendoodles is three to eight puppies. However, this number can range from one to twelve puppies. Litters of ten or more are considered large, while litters of four or less are considered small. There are a few factors that can affect the litter size of Goldendoodles. Some of these include: Stressful Environment: One of the most common reasons for small litter size is stress. If the dam mother is in a high-stress environment during pregnancy, she is more likely to have a smaller litter. This is because the stress hormone cortisol can cause the dam to abort some of her fetuses. Younger dogs tend to have larger litters than older dogs. This is because their bodies are more capable of handling multiple pregnancies. If the dam is not in good health or if she is not getting enough nutrients, she is more likely to have a smaller litter. Additionally, if the dam has had previous litters that were small, she is more likely to have another small litter. This is because her body may not be able to produce enough milk for multiple puppies. Genetics: Genetics plays a huge role in litter size. Some breeds of dogs are more likely to have larger litters than others. For example, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers tend to have larger litters than toy breeds. Additionally, some individual dogs may be predisposed to having smaller litters due to their genes. Inbreeding: Inbreeding can also impact litter size. If two closely related dogs are bred, they are more likely to have smaller litters. This is because inbreeding can lead to genetic defects that can impact fertility. Additionally, inbred dogs are more likely to have health problems that can make it difficult for them to produce large litters. How The Insemination Took Place: Another factor that can impact litter size is how the insemination took place. If artificial insemination was used, the number of puppies that are born may be smaller than if the dogs were allowed to mate naturally. This is because artificial insemination can cause damage to the eggs or sperm, which can reduce fertility. Additionally, if only one dog was used for artificial insemination, the litter size may be smaller than if two dogs were used. The age of the Goldendoodle can also impact litter size. This is because their bodies are not yet fully developed and they may not be able to produce as many eggs. Additionally, younger dogs are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery, which can lead to smaller litters. The average age for a Goldendoodle to have its first litter is between 24 months and three years old. However, some Goldendoodles may have their first litter as early as 18 months old, while others may not have their first litter until they are three years old. The average age for a Goldendoodle to have its last litter is between six and eight years old. However, some Goldendoodles may continue to have litters until they are ten years old or older. Beyond this, you can put your Goldendoodle at serious risk of health complications by continuing to breed them. At this age, the puppy will begin to eat solid food and will no longer need to drink milk. Weaning a puppy too early can cause health problems, so it is important to wait until the puppy is at least six weeks old before you begin weaning them. Conclusion: We would like to conclude by saying that the number of puppies a Goldendoodle can have depends on many factors. The health of the mother, the age of the puppy, and the weight of the mother all play a role in how many puppies a Goldendoodle can have. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if your Goldendoodle is healthy enough to have another litter of puppies. By Dr. Merliza Cabriles, D. Breeding Goldendoodles is both a science and an art. It comes with important and crucial responsibilities. Responsible dog breeders always share an underlying purpose—to improve the breed. This is achieved by making sure that the parents have been tested for specific Goldendoodle health issues , including prenatal checks. Breeding Goldendoodles will entail devoting time to acquiring in-depth knowledge about the breed, including genetic testing and the standards established by the Goldendoodle Association of North America GANA. A responsible Goldendoodle breeder is dedicated to learning about Goldendoodle pregnancy, health, breeding, and raising puppies. Goldendoodle breeders also recognize the importance of attending breed-specific events and establish good relationships with reputable Goldendoodle breeders. How Long Are Goldendoodles Pregnant? The average gestation period of Goldendoodles is 63 days, although it could vary from 58 to 68 days. When calculating the number of days of pregnancy, you should bear in mind that conception is often hard to ascertain. This means the act of mating is not a reliable way to start measuring the gestation period. The gestation period refers to the time between when the fetus was conceived and birth. The gestation period of Goldendoodles may vary if the female has been bred several times or if the eggs are fertilized by the sperm a day or two after mating. It is calculated from the first day of ovulation and not during the day of mating. When Can Goldendoodles Get Pregnant? The minimum age for Goldendoodles to get pregnant is years of age. The maximum is 12 years old. The first heat cycle of female Goldendoodles takes place between 6 and 18 months of age. While they are able to get pregnant at this time, this is not the best time to start breeding your Goldendoodle. When Can Male Goldendoodles Breed? The minimum age that male Goldendoodles can breed is 2 years old. The maximum is 10 to 12 years of age. Once male Goldendoodles become sexually mature, they will be able to mate every day throughout their entire lifetime. The viability and vitality of the sperm can be affected by the aging process, illness, or exposure to toxins. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? Female Goldendoodles can get pregnant throughout their lives. A Goldendoodle can be bred every 6 to 8 months. However, experts recommend letting one heat cycle pass in between each litter to avoid over-breeding your Goldendoodle. The earliest sign of heat in Goldendoodles is swelling or engorgement of the vulva. However, there are female dogs in which the swelling is not as obvious. For some female dogs that are in heat, the vaginal discharge will become apparent several days after heat has begun. The amount of vaginal discharge during heat varies from dog to dog. As the cycle progresses, the color and appearance of the vaginal discharge change. The bloody discharge during the early part of the cycle eventually becomes thin, watery, and light red in color as days pass. How Long is a Goldendoodle in Heat? The estrus cycle of Goldendoodles can vary from weeks with an average of 3 weeks. Morning sickness such as nausea and vomiting is rare but may occur in some dogs around days 21 to 25 as a result of hormonal changes. Signs of pregnancy in Goldendoodles are typically exhibited during the second trimester or during the third week of pregnancy. Have a question for a vet? Click here to live chat instantly with a verified veterinarian! Two to nine days before whelping, milk may be present. Drop in Body Temperature — This usually occurs 24 hours before labor. The normal temperature of Goldendoodles is between .Signs and Stages of True Labor As labor becomes more imminent, the frequency and intensity of the contractions will increase. The dog may not have much of an appetite and her abdomen hardens like a bag of rocks. Nesting may continue and the dog may keep on rearranging the bedding in her whelping box before a puppy is born. What is the Average Whelping Time of a Goldendoodle? So, for a litter of 5, the whelping time normally takes about 5 hours total. What is the Average Goldendoodle Litter Size? The average Goldendoodle litter size is puppies. To learn about responsible Goldendoodle breeding, you should consider becoming a member of the Goldendoodle Association of America , which is the first and only breed club for the Goldendoodle. There are also a large number of Facebook groups where you can connect with and learn from other breeders in your area and across the world. Read More…. Conclusion: How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is typical for a female Goldendoodle to birth puppies per litter, with up to two litters per year. They can do this for around years, as long as their health is adequate. Several different components influence the size of a Goldendoodles litter. These items can include genetics, health, age, size, and diet. One way to ensure a large litter is to feed your dog a healthy diet consisting of high-quality ingredients and adequate portions. This act will allow her to get all the necessary nutrients needed to sustain herself and her babies during conception and pregnancy. Doing so will also enable a quicker recovery, which will create more extraordinary conditions for future litters. You also want to ensure healthy birth practices with the appropriate veterinary care. Doing this twice a year for multiple years can also take a toll on their bodies, especially without proper care. Just like a human mother, having pregnancies too close together can cause health issues or increase the risk for problems down the road. Calculating Litter Size Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles Being that a Goldendoodle is part Golden Retriever and part Poodle, there are variants when you look at the exact breed of Poodle. With Golden Retrievers, there are different sub-breeds, but they are all quite similar. Even outside of the size variations, their care and temperament also have other characteristics. Whereas a Toy Poodle has a small dog mentality, the Standard Poodle can be more friendly and inviting. And just how does this play into the litter size of a Goldendoodle? The type of Poodle that the Golden Retriever mates with will significantly affect the number of babies conceived. The Golden Retriever breed has eight puppies per litter on average. However, poodles vary based on type. Some Poodle breeds can produce up to five babies in a litter. Others may only birth one of two babies with each pregnancy. Therefore, the parenting genetic combination and the lineage between the two come into play to dictate the litter amount. When you combine this with the many other factors that influence litter sizes health, age, diet, genetics, height , it is truly a guessing game until the birth occurs. The more pregnancies that occur will bring larger litter sizes as long as the dog is in good health and receives appropriate veterinary care. Therefore, do not be disappointed if the first Goldendoodle litter results in a small number of puppies. Future births will likely turn out more babies. When Breeding Can Start Those who make a living out of breeding animals often want to get started as soon as possible. It is worth knowing that Goldendoodles tend to go into heat at around six months of age. This is true for a smaller Toy Goldendoodle and Mini Goldendoodle as well. Going into heat means that their bodies are capable of reproducing, similar to women who start puberty. However, it would be best if you always waited until at least the second heat cycle before attempting to breed. The reasoning is because despite being able to conceive and birth them, the dog is not at an appropriate maturity due to their young age. Without proper care from their mother, the puppies could suffer from poor health or even die. As you learn about animals and the life processes they go through, it is easy to see the connections between animals and humans. Humans are capable of producing at a young age, similar to animals. However, we are discouraged from doing so due to the mental and emotional levels needed to parent a dependent being adequately. This instance is just one situation where there is overlap between species, and it points out how similar things in life can indeed be. This need pertains to both the mother and the father. If you again compare this situation to humans, it is similar to how fertility is higher in younger couples. Our eggs and sperm are of higher quality and mobility in our youth. Therefore, we often find it more simplistic to conceive in our earlier years. This case is the same for dogs. As they age, the quality of their reproductive components goes down, making it more difficult to conceive. In their earlier years, the process of conceiving is much easier. This is true of the female dog and male dog. On the flip side and in similarity to humans, as dogs age, they are likely to give birth to larger litters. This likelihood is based on whether the dog has previously given birth or not. If they have and conceive again in later years, it is of the high probability that they will have a large hybrid dog litter. Correspondingly, if a human gets pregnant later in life, the chances of conceiving multiples go up. There is a higher likelihood of a woman naturally conceiving more than one baby at a time over the age of .For Goldendoodle dogs, this age is five. Issues That Negatively Affect Litter Size There are a lot of factors that go into a successful birth and the size of a litter. There are also several things to stay away from if you want to achieve the best-case scenario. Having a calm and serene environment lays the best foundation for pregnancy, even in canines. Although the idea makes sense, conception is more likely if it is done naturally. In this way, it is more conducive to the actions of the body and the natural process that happens when in heat. As a dog owner this is unacceptable, and not the actions of a reputable breeder. Genetics: We have talked about how breed genetics can influence litter size. However, it does need to be understood that just because the parents of a dog conceived quickly or birthed large litters does not mean that the children of those dogs will have the same fate. As we know, genetic can often skip generations or not show back up at all. These anomalies can happen within dogs as well. Poodles typically have puppies per litter but this can vary. Inbreeding: There is a certain percentage of genetic similarities that are acceptable to breed between. Some people whoa re trying to create the perfect doodle puppy designer dog cut corners and make mistakes. Inbreeding is dangerous because of the medical issues it can cause in dogs that are a product of the situation. In the search for a F1b Goldendoodle or multigen Goldendoodle mny breeders cut corners and run out of unrelated dog. This is unacceptable. A reputable breeder cuts NO corners. Inbreeding can also cause problems for future litters, inbred or not. The reason is because of the abnormalities that trickle down like predispotion to hip dysplasia or poorly formed body parts. Because of this, smaller Goldendoodles litter size can become more prevalent. With Goldendoodles being a highly desired breed with high demand, it is vital to remember the key concepts above. Successful breeding and large litter sizes result from careful practices. Conclusion: Dog breeding is a complex subject, affected by many different elements. It is important to remember that you can only control so much and that having healthy dogs to give to new families is the desired result. Breeding dogs, especially popular breed types, is a form of income for many people. Because of this, larger litter sizes equals higher profits. However, it is essential to remember that dogs are not machines. They are members of the family. Their health and safety are a priority, just like yours. Accounting for their wellbeing will benefit you more in the long run, so it is essential to focus on that. Although the prospect of an eight puppy litter is enticing, so is the health and happiness of our best fur 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. The demand is huge and if your dog is expecting, some of your friends might be already asking you if they can have a puppy. How big a Goldendoodle litter size is depends on a variety of factors, most of them having to do with genetics. What is a Goldendoodle? A Goldendoodle is the cute child of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Since Golden Retrievers and Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world, it is easy to see how Goldennoodles have become so popular in such a short time. The first known example of a Doodle is the Cockapoo, which first appeared in the s, the result of the happy union between Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. Goldendoodles only appeared in the s and at the moment they seem set to become the number one Doodle dogs. How many different types of Goldendoodle are there? Basically, there are two types of Goldendoodle, and this depends on the size of the Poodle in the mix. If a Golden Retriever mates with a standard Poodle inches tall , their offspring will be a Standard Goldendoodle. However with a miniature Poodle 13 to 15 inches tall or a toy Poodle less than 10 inches tall , the result is a Mini Goldendoodle. On average, Goldendoodles are 20 — 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 90 lbs. What is the average Goldendoodle litter size? To understand this we must first talk about how the size of a dog affects its litter size. Large dogs tend to have larger litters simply because their body is big enough to carry more puppies at a time. This explains why Chihuahua and Pomeranian females have puppies on average, while a big Bullmastiff averages 5 — 13 puppies per litter. For Golden Retrievers the average litter size is 8 puppies. Since this is the average number, you can expect a Golden Retriever to give birth to as little as four puppies or an impressive 12 puppies at a time. With Poodles, the average litter size depends on the type of Poodle. Standard Poodles have six puppies on average, miniature Poodles have five, while a toy Poodle might have 1 — 3 puppies per litter. Mini Goldendoodles can produce 3 — 8 puppies per litter, which takes us to an average of five. Standard Goldendoodles can have more than five puppies per size, but you must understand this is not an exact science and there are other factors that come into play. While older females tend to produce larger litters, the same cannot be said about the father. An older dog might be affected by sper mobility issues so the litter that comes from such a union might be small. In general, a female dog is fertile the first time she goes into heat, which happens between 6 — 12 months of age. For Golden Retriever it is recommended that they mate for the first time around the age of two, which corresponds to the third heat cycle. The same goes for Poodles of any type. A female that does not mate until the age of five will generally have small litters for the rest of her life. In some cases, it is recommended to mate a female twice in a row and then give her a break for a cycle or two to allow her to regain her strength. These are general recommendations that apply to all dog breeds, including Goldendoodles. A female dog can have puppies throughout her life, but it is not recommended. As far as Golden Retrievers or Poodles are concerned, a female should only be mated until the age of 8 at the most. After the age of , a pregnancy can have complications, putting the life of the mother in danger. What is the difference between first generation and second generation Goldendoodles? To put it simply F1 means first generation Goldendoodle. F2 means second generation Goldendoodle. The main difference between F1 and F2 is that first generation Goldendoodles benefit from the so-called Hybrid Vigor. On the other hand, with F1 Goldendoodles it is more difficult to predict what traits they will inherit from their parents, in terms of appearance or personality. An F1 might have a smooth coat like a Golden Retriever or a curly one, typical of Poodles. Some still shed quite a lot, like their Retriever parent, while others are hypoallergenic and barely shed at all. F2 Goldendoodles are more predictable and they tend to shed less than first generation dogs. At what age should a Goldendoodle puppy be weaned? If you have a litter of brand new Goldendoodles you might be wondering when they are going to grow up a bit and be less dependent on their mother. By 6 weeks a puppy should be completely weaned. At what age will a Goldendoodle puppy be ready to go to their new home? True, in terms of feeding needs puppies are ready to move on at around 6 weeks of age, but they should not be separated from their mother and their siblings quite so early. What you need to keep in mind is that this period is crucial in terms of socializing and a dog starts doing this with his siblings. It is also a period when a puppy learns about getting and sending signals to other dogs, and this is very important for their future training as well as for their ability to interact with other dogs later in life. Typically, these dogs are bred to take the best traits from their parents. Even inside the same litter, puppies can vary widely. Other Similar Posts. View Larger Image How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Like many Doodle lovers, you might be asking yourself this question. First, a Goldendoodle is the most popular Doodle dog. Its parent breeds are the Golden Retriever and Poodle. A Goldendoodle comes in these sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Female Goldendoodle puppies go on the heat for the first time in six months. Even so, the best time to mate the dog is during the following one or two heat cycles. If you desire to raise Goldendoodle dogs, read the rest of this article to know about its pregnancies and litters. What are the various Goldendoodle generations? F1 Generations — The best hybrid Goldendoodle litter comes from the first generation, the F1 Goldendoodle. In the F1BB Goldendoodles category, puppies have .The next F2B Goldendoodle litter size is .The F2BB Goldendoodle litter consists of .How many puppies do Goldendoodles have after the first litter? The latter generations get more Poodle genes. Poodle is the dominant parent determining factors like size, intelligence, and coat. As Poodles can be miniature, medium, or standard-sized, they can bring forth puppies of varying heights and weights. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Now you understand a few facts about the Goldendoodle generations and backgrounds. Next, we will answer this: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? On average, a Goldendoodle female gives birth to three to eight puppies. This number is an estimate because several factors affect the litter size. The dog generations matter when estimating the litter size. Arriving at an accurate answer requires first answering these two questions. First, how many puppies do Golden retrievers usually have? Golden retrievers produce eight puppies on average. The next question to consider asking yourself is this: how many puppies do Poodles have? Poodle dogs tend to have more babies as their size increases. Hence, a toy Poodle produces three puppies, while a miniature one produces five. But what number of puppies do standard Poodles have? Standard Poodles are the biggest dogs in the lot. They produce about seven puppies in one litter. A Goldendoodle dog should produce a range of three to eight puppies. Litters can be bigger than eight or smaller than three. Nobody can accurately answer this, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is a matter of chance. When your dog gives birth, you can tell if your estimations are correct. What can increase or reduce the litter size? Goldendoodles are some of the loveliest Doodles. No person can mind having many puppies in a litter. Sadly, you might expect many puppies only to get three or fewer. A secret to having a larger litter size lies in the degree of care you offer the female dog. Although you cannot control some biological factors affecting fertility, you should play your part. Goldendoodle size Generally, the litter size depends on the Goldendoodle size. A poodle is the determinant of size. Earlier, we noted that Poodles have more babies as their sizes increase. Thus, larger Goldendoodles come from mating a standard-sized Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These hybrid dogs will produce more puppies than miniature and medium Goldendoodles. Here is the breakdown: How many puppies does a standard Goldendoodle have? How many dogs does a medium Goldendoodle produce? How many puppies does a mini Goldendoodle have? Goldendoodle generations We already told you how generations could affect the number of puppies a mother can have. The offspring can be big or small depending on the percentage of parent genes in a Goldendoodle. Where the gene ratio is , you might have fewer or many puppies. If a dog inherits more dominant fertility genes from its Golden Retriever parent, it might have a big litter. In most cases, though, puppies have more Poodle genes. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on this notion? If Poodle genes are dominant, the litter size will be three to eight puppies. We must also consider this: What number of puppies does a standard Poodle have? Standard Poodles have seven puppies on average. You will be at an advantage if mating Goldendoodles that came from a Standard Poodle parent. The odds are high that the litter will be big. Food A female Goldendoodle needs to eat enough calories each day. It also needs to eat a balanced diet to get fertile many times. Likewise, pregnant dogs require a healthy diet to deliver puppies with higher odds of survival. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have when eating a proper diet? First, a young female dog should always eat a healthy meal to better its chances of going into heat. Provide the best dog food for Goldendoodle during pregnancy time to get healthy puppies. Secondly, the dog should eat a more nutritious minerals and vitamin diet when pregnant and after giving birth. If you follow these easy rules, your Goldendoodle might sire more puppies. Unhealthy mothers deliver smaller litters and weak puppies that may not make it to adulthood. Current health status How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if their health status is good? Healthy Goldendoodles produce more puppies than unhealthy ones. For instance, your Goldendoodle boasts a lot of mental and physical energy. It needs proper physical and mental stimulation to get fit and feel happy. A Goldendoodle requires sixty minutes of exercise daily and some quiet time. Another determinant of good health is the number of medical checkups you offer your dog. Before mating your Goldendoodle, call a professional veterinarian for a thorough medical checkup. After breeding your pet successfully, keep taking it for pregnancy testing and evaluations. A veterinarian can guide you on how to care for a pregnant Goldendoodle pet. The pet does not need regular prenatal checkups like humans. Take the pet to a vet in the beginning and toward the end of a pregnancy. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have at birth? A health checkup done two to three weeks before birth ensures that the mother can deliver all puppies safely. If the mother and litter are healthy, wait for the birth date to deliver the puppies at home. As with humans, puppy deliveries are not always safe. As anything can happen, visit your veterinarian if an emergency crops up. Whether the dog delivers at home or not, it requires a thorough medical checkup about forty-eight hours after. The vet will verify if the mother and puppies are doing fine. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if the pregnancy ends well? The dog might not have stillbirths, which means all the puppies in the womb will come out. A younger woman has optimal fertility levels, unlike an older woman. Also, an older woman than thirty-five years has higher odds of carrying twins, triplets, or other multiple pregnancies. Hence, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on age? Younger Goldendoodles with smaller body sizes reach maturity earlier than their larger counterparts. Also, older Goldendoodles can have more puppies than younger mothers. Nonetheless, an older dog should be super healthy to avoid having weak puppies in one litter. Younger dogs produce fewer but stronger puppies and can come on heat faster than older dogs. Breeding conditions The environment in which you breed your dog can determine the litter size it would produce. If the female dog has stress, it will deliver fewer puppies. It might also deliver weak puppies with limited chances of reaching adulthood. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have in favorable breeding conditions? Your dog can have a bigger litter if it has no stress. Human mothers respond poorly to stress during pregnancy. Some suffer from miscarriages, hypertension, and more. Dog mothers are similar in that they can lose a pregnancy due to stress. To help your Goldendoodle get pregnant and not suffer a miscarriage, provide a nurturing environment. Inbreeding The choice of dogs to mate with is crucial when answering this part: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? If you keep mating the same related dogs, the chances of having smaller litters are high. Inbreeding leads to genetic defects in dogs and other animals. Additionally, the resulting offspring might inherit health issues from the family lineage. The more health problems the dogs have, the lower their survival chances. Even surviving puppies might later pass bad genes to their offspring. The solution to inbreeding is finding a male from another dog family. Artificial insemination can lead to higher or lower-quality puppies. It may also decrease the litter size. Dogs sire more puppies when they mate naturally. Besides, the professional conducting artificial insemination should use more than one dog to increase the litter size. When should you allow your dog to mate for the first time? A mating cycle can affect the puppies numbers. As we mentioned, a female can reach its first mating cycle at six months. Do not give your female to a male dog at this age. Its body is too young and might not have adequate eggs. Besides, a young dog can develop pregnancy complications and deliver in an emergency. These factors can lower their odds of having many puppies. It is better to have your Goldendoodle reproduce at twenty-four months or after. After the eighth to the tenth year, it is safer to forbid your Goldendoodle to have other litters. It can develop risky health issues and die before its fifteenth year. A Goldendoodle should get pregnant in its second or third cycle. Their gestation period is sixty-one to sixty-four days. As we earlier said, the type of Poodle used to breed your Goldendoodle can affect its future offspring. If the Poodle is of medium size, chances are that the mother would produce five to six puppies. Again, if the mother has stronger reproduction genes from its Golden Retriever parent, her chances of reaching six puppies go up. A Goldendoodle dog will deliver three to eight puppies in their first litter. The more Poodle genes the dogs have, the higher the odds of having a smaller litter. But when considering standard Poodles, the litter gets bigger. Three or eight puppies are not standard figures but estimates. Ever asked this: how many puppies do Labradoodles have? Labradoodles have twelve puppies per litter. They produce a larger litter than Goldendoodles. Miniature Goldendoodles can have three to 4 puppies per litter. They produce the least number of puppies on average. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? The correct age to mate your Goldendoodle dog is 24 months. Six to twelve months is usually the first cycle in most dogs. It is not the best age because the pet is too young to nurture puppies. The second or third cycle is the best time. Related Posts. Related posts: The average litter size for a goldendoodle is six puppies. The goldendoodle is a unique and beloved breed of dog that is slowly growing in popularity. Unlike many regular canine breeds, goldendoodles are fairly renowned for their larger-than-usual litter sizes — averaging around six puppies per litter. For goldendoodle owners who want to take the plunge into responsible parenting, this large of a litter can seem pretty daunting! However, with the proper supplies and resources, raising and loving multiple goldendoodle puppies can become an incredibly rewarding experience that all members of the family can be involved in. Standard goldendoodles can have litters of anywhere from two to twelve puppies, but six is the most common number. Goldendoodles, a cross between a goldendoodle and a poodle, are an increasingly popular family pet. Not only are goldendoodles beautiful, but they come with the intelligence of a poodle and the outgoing attitude of a goldendoodle. See also The Secret to Getting AKC Documents for Your Goldendoodle When it comes to goldendoodle litters, there can be quite a range from two to twelve puppies per litter — however six is fairly typical. This is why goldendoodles make such great companions; not too many puppies all at once to manage! Each pup has an individual personality that adds to the charm of having one in your life. Some factors that can affect how many puppies a goldendoodle has include the age and health of the dam, as well as the size of the litter. When it comes to goldendoodle puppies , there are a few factors that can affect how many puppies the pup will have in a litter. Additionally, sometimes goldendoodles may unexpectedly only have one puppy in a litter — even if both parents are healthy and relatively young. This is due to numerous things including genetics and size difference between parents which can make it difficult for goldendoodles to have large litters. However, most goldendoodles have a somewhat average-sized litter ranging from three to six puppies depending on these other factors. If you are thinking about getting a goldendoodle, be prepared for a lot of puppy kisses! Goldendoodles are a unique and loving breed of pup, and getting one promises life full of unconditional puppy love! As the offspring of two majestic breeds—Golden Retrievers and Poodles—Goldendoodles are highly praised for their good temperaments, intelligence, and trainability. Of course, this means that you can also expect an abundance of puppy kisses when you bring a goldendoodle into your home. Get ready to be showered with tail wags and slobbery smooches! Goldendoodles make wonderful companions who will stick around to keep you company for a long time. All in all, goldendoodles are a great breed for many reasons and the litter size is no exception. In conclusion, it is possible for standard Goldendoodles to have anywhere between one and twelve puppies, although the average litter size is usually six to eight. Additionally, it is essential to consult a vet in order to make sure that both mother and puppies stay safe during the birthing process. Related posts:. By Jennifer Nelson When you are looking to get a Goldendoodle, it is likely that you will have a lot of questions about the dog and how they will do within your family. And if you decide to take it to the next level and breed the Goldendoodle yourself, you need to learn as much about this type of dog as possible to be prepared. One of the first questions that you can have in either of these situations is what is the average litter size of a Goldendoodle. What is the Average Litter Size of a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles usually have between puppies in a litter. Poodles average 6 puppies per litter and Golden Retrievers average 8 per litter, so Standard Goldendoodles usually have bigger litters while minis and smaller have progressively smaller litters. Keep in mind that larger dogs will often have a larger litter because they have the right body size in order to carry more of the puppies at the time. This is why small dogs like the Pomeranian are just going to have an average of 1 to 3 puppies while a big Bullmastiff will be able to have up to 13 puppies. For the Goldendoodle and other crossbreeds , we are going to need to look more at the averages for the parents rather than for the dog. And the exact amount can vary depending on if you are working with a standard Goldendoodle or a mini Goldendoodle. When we take a look at the Golden Retriever, the average litter size for this dog is 8 puppies. Since this is the average, you will find that each litter is going to be a little bit different when it comes to the Golden Retriever. Some will give birth to as few as four puppies while others may give birth to up to 12 puppies in one litter. Then we can take a look at the Poodle parent as well. The Poodle will have different types of litter sizes based on the type of Poodle that you work with. The Standard Poodle is going to have an average of six puppies. Then the miniature Poodle will have five and the toy Poodle will have between one to three puppies for each litter. Mini Goldendoodles are going to be somewhere in between all of this and the exact amount will depend on the size of the Goldendoodle that you are trying to breed. For example, if you are working with the mini Goldendoodle, they will be able to produce between three to eight puppies in each litter, giving us an average of five puppies. Then there are standard Goldendoodles, which are going to be able to have more puppies per litter, many averaging between 6 to 8 in each litter. Keep in mind that this is not an exact science and there are a number of factors that can happen to determine how many puppies will be born in a litter. For example, the first litter for a female is often going to be smaller in size compared to the following litters. While the older females are often going to produce larger litters, the opposite is going to be said with the father. An older dog might be affected by sperm mobility issues so the dogs will be smaller in the process too. Whether you are just starting out with the Goldendoodle and using the Poodle and Golden Retriever to get this done, or you would like to breed your Goldendoodle, you do not want to start the puppies on their first litter too early. To start, the female dog in the grouping is going to be ready to have babies when she first goes into heat. This will happen sometime between 6 to 12 months of age. Most experts agree that you should not breed them right away. The dog is not prepared to be a parent yet and this can be hard on their body. It is best to do it after the second or third fertile cycle at the earliest before you allow the dog time to mate. This will allow their body to become fully grown and makes it more likely that the dog will be able to handle the pregnancy. For the Golden Retriever parent, it is best that they wait until they reach the age of two before they are used for breeding. This will usually happen around the third heat cycle. This is a pretty common rule for all types of Poodles as well. If you wait until the female is five years old or older, they will generally have smaller litters than doing it before this time. Breeding between the ages of 2 and 5 is often best. While it is technically possible for the female to have puppies each time they go into heat, this is not a good idea. You should not force the dogs to go through one pregnancy after another because this can have some negative health effects for the dog. At most, you can mate the female twice in a row and then give them a few cycles to recover and regain their strength and to prevent issues along the way. If you are ever uncertain about whether it is a good idea to start breeding the dog, it may be a good idea to discuss this with the vet ahead of time to keep your dog healthy. The first step to helping breed your Goldendoodle is making sure that you do not start this process too early for your dog. Once you have decided when to start, it is time to figure out when you should stop breeding the dog. Technically, the female dog in the couple is able to breed and have puppies throughout their whole life. However, this is not something that is recommended. While each dog is going to be a little different, when it comes to the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, it is best to not mate the dog much past the age of 8 at most. The health of your dog should be an important factor to consider if you are worried about when to stop breeding. However, most dog clubs try to provide an incentive to stop you from breeding a dog that is too old. For example, most of the common dog clubs that you can choose from will not register a dog if their mother is older than 8 when they are born. This is done to help discourage continuous breeding up until the time the mother dies. In most dogs, once they reach the age of seven to eight, the pregnancy is going to have more complications. This is going to put the life of the mother in danger and is not that healthy for the dog or their puppies at all. Being careful with breeding when the dog starts to get older is not a good option. If you start to notice that the pregnancy is not going well for your dog or they seem to have a number of other health issues that may affect how well they are able to have puppies, then it is time to stop. The health of the mother always needs to be a top priority to make sure that they do not get sick. Taking care of the mother is a top way to keep the puppies in that litter a little safer as well. Breeding Your Goldendoodle Breeding a Goldendoodle, or their parents to make a Goldendoodle, can be a fun adventure that you are sure to love. This can help you to get some cute puppies that you can use for yourself or you can use to give out and sell to others who would like this kind of dog. No matter the reason for breeding your dog, you need to make sure that you are doing it the right way so that you do not cause any harm to the dog and can help them and their puppies to stay as healthy and happy as possible. These are two great dog breeds. These dogs were originally bred to be service dogs. Goldendoodles are very popular because they are beautiful and graceful. These breeds are playful and active. Goldendoodles are an excellent choice for pets because they are gentle and respectful of their owners. Goldendoodles were bred for the first time in the s and are still considered a young breed. Different physical characteristics distinguish Goldendoodles from other breeds. They have a charming appearance due to their wrinkled coats. They are intelligent and have good memories. They can calm anxious children and are excellent therapy dogs. They can also be very loyal and loving, making them a perfect choice for families with children. No better breed offers companionship, fun, and lots of it than the Goldendoodle. These dogs are energetic and can be very demanding. It is a wise idea to socialize your dog as soon as possible. A common question about standard Goldendoodle ownership is how many puppies can Goldendoodles have? A female Goldendoodle can have between 3 to 8 puppies per litter and as many as two litters in one year. As long as their mental and physical health is good, they can usually do this. This means that all puppies are born simultaneously or on the same bed. A litter is a group of puppies born at once. Is Dog size and breed effective? Because the Goldendoodle is a part Golden Retriever and a Poodle, there are a variety of variations when looking at the kind of Poodle. In addition to the differences in size, their temperament and care are also different. While a Miniature Poodle is a small dog, a Standard Poodle can be warm and welcoming. What factors influence the litter size for Goldendoodles? Genetics is the first. Some Goldendoodles reproduce at high rates, while others have very low rates. This is due to their genetic structure. A Golden Retriever has an average litter of eight puppies. For Poodles, however, it is more complicated. Their size is the most important thing. One to three puppies can be born to a toy Poodle. The bigger the dog, the larger its litter size will be. If your Goldendoodle is tiny, you should expect fewer puppies per litter. For a standard Goldendoodle, the average of 5 puppies per litter is reasonable. Also, the first litter of a female canine is usually the smallest. It will go up for the next litter. A female Goldendoodle can have two litters per year. Their fertility can last up to 8 years. It is most recommended for a female dog to mate before two years old. Five months is the average time for a litter of puppies to be born. What is the best time to start breeding? It is best to wait for the second cycle of fertility to pass, then start breeding. A female should have her first litter within the first two years of her life. This will increase her fertility and litter size. You may like: are huskies dangerous Breeding tips. Knowing the average size of a Goldendoodle litter will help you make informed decisions about breeding programs that will work for your dogs. What problems Impact the size of litter? Numerous elements affect the success of birth and the number of babies. There are a few factors to avoid to have the ideal scenario. Stressful environment: Dogs can feel stress. This could impact the fertility of your dog. As a dog owner, this is unacceptable and is not the behavior of a respected breeder. Genetics: Genetics of breeds can affect the size of litters. As we all know, genetics can often skip a Goldendoodle generation or not appear again. Inbreeding: It is dangerous because of the medical issues it can cause in dogs that are a product of the situation. Many breeders cut corners and run out of unrelated dogs searching for an F1b Goldendoodle or multigene Goldendoodle. This is unacceptable. A reputable breeder cuts NO corners. Goldendoodles fall into this category due to their natural tendencies toward hyperactivity and intelligence. They are perfect family pets as they are highly affectionate, energetic, hypoallergenic, and loyal. While they are young bred, they are gaining increasing popularity. This makes them suitable dogs for breeding. This is a subject close to my heart as a breeder of Doodles and a former breeder of Labrador Retrievers. The gestation period is counted from the first day of ovulation rather than the first day of mating as these two dates can differ somewhat. While it used to be believed that a bitch would only mate on the days she was ovulating we now know, thanks to the help of the tools available to us today, that this is not always the case. This means that they ovulate earlier during their heat period than some other breeds and also give birth slightly earlier. Most breeds usually ovulate and are ready to be mated from approximately the fourteenth day of being in heat the first day of the heat period is counted as the first day you see bleeding but I have found with my Goldendoodle girls that they ovulate as early as day .With that in mind, in the early days of my breeding career, before progesterone testing was readily available, if I had used the fourteen-day rule of thumb I may actually have missed my girls ovulating. This means that mating slightly too late does not necessarily mean she will not become pregnant but that she may have a smaller than optimum sized litter. For this reason, we do not allow our bitches to be mated only once — it is important to repeat the mating again 48 hours later meaning a minimum of two matings. If you are taking your girl out to stud, rather than using your own in-house stud, it is particularly important to know when she is ovulating to avoid a wasted journey or wasted mating. Some bitches will stand to be mated slightly before and after ovulating, so allowing the dog to mate her is not indicative of ovulation on its own. I have found this to be especially true of my Goldendoodle girls who always seem keen to mate early in their heat periods. In addition to ovulating early in their cycle, I have also found that my girls give birth earlier than other breeds, generally giving birth on day 61 of their pregnancy rather than day 63 or 64 when my bitches of other breeds delivered their litters. I have found this to be true not only of my own Goldendoodle bitches but also of the bitches that have been brought in to be mated by my stud dogs. There are several ways we can confirm pregnancy in our Goldendoodle bitch starting from day 21 after ovulation. Many breeders also report a clear mucous discharge from the vulva at around this time. From day 28 you can have an ultrasound examination to confirm pregnancy however this is not a reliable way to ascertain litter size and bitches can also reabsorb fetuses even after this point. From roughly the fifth week after mating, however, you should be able to tell just by looking that your girl is indeed pregnant. I always notice that her rib cage looks wider when viewed from above at this stage. You will often find that her appetite increases around this time too. During the last two weeks of gestation, your vet can carry out an x-ray to check the number of pups that your bitch is expecting. This is more accurate at this point as calcification will have occurred and a good radiographer and often an experienced breeder can count the number of skulls and spines seen. Before even considering breeding from your Goldendoodle bitch there are a number of checks that should be carried out. No vet is needed for genetic testing as this is done via cheek swabs which are sent away to a laboratory; however, this takes several weeks. Assuming all these checks are OK before actually mating you must ensure that your girl is up to date with vaccinations, worming, and flea treatment and have her checked over by a vet to confirm that she is in perfect health and fit for breeding. Once she is actually pregnant apart from the confirmation of pregnancy, she should need no further pre-natal checks. Average Litter Size of a Goldendoodle Like most large breeds, Goldendoodles do tend to have large litters. The average litter size is 8 to 11 puppies. In my own personal experience, this has proved to be true with my smallest litter being ten pups and my largest thirteen. Goldendoodles are generally great mums and my girls have raised their litters beautifully and I have not had to assist with feeding, even with my largest litter. Can There Be Any Outside Impacts on Gestation Period Generally, if a bitch is having a smaller litter of four or fewer pups, she is more likely to give birth later than expected compared with a bitch having a larger litter. However, usually not by more than a day or two. Pups born seven days or more before their due date have a very low chance of survival, but this is thankfully a rare occurrence. If a bitch experiences trauma or contracts an infection during her pregnancy this can also cause early onset of labor or even abortion, so it is important to protect the pregnancy by ensuring the bitch is in optimum health and kept in suitably clean conditions. It is wise to avoid any unnecessary veterinary drugs or exposure to chemicals during her pregnancy. Your bitch will need to be wormed during pregnancy but make sure to use products specifically for use during pregnancy to avoid damage to the unborn pups. What is the Average Whelping Time? However, I have found that for a normal-sized litter 8 to 11 pups it usually takes on average around 8 — 10 hours for all pups to be born. Usually, once pushing starts the first few pups are born in relatively quick succession, but this slows down somewhat towards the end of delivery. This is caused by several things. There is no need to panic so long as the bitch is not distressed or actively pushing for over an hour without delivering a pup. The normal temperature is to .Once you observe this temperature drop it is vital to stay by her side. As labor progresses the bitch will pant and become restless often becoming stressed if you leave her even to pop to the toilet. She will start to dig, especially out in the yard so make sure you accompany her on toilet breaks. She may also have diarrhea or vomit. This is the time to encourage her to move to her whelping box. Tips on Caring for Your Goldendoodle During the Gestation Period During the gestation period, it is important that your Goldendoodle is kept in the very best of health. Make sure she has plenty of high-quality food, puppy food, or a complete raw diet are best and let her eat as much as she likes. Exercise is also important as a fit bitch will have an easier delivery. My own girls usually continue their daily walks right up until the day before delivery. Start worming the bitch on day 40 of her pregnancy with a pregnancy-safe product at the correct dose for her weight and continue this until two days post whelp.

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 Huntington Indiana 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. Hawaii Labradoodles!! We are excited to bring locally bred Labradoodles to Hawaii. We all currently reside in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Veronica grew up here on Oahu, in Kailua, on the Windward side. She's had many pets and has always been an animal lover who's enjoyed caring for pets since she can remember. Casey is originally from Huntington Beach, Ca. In , our little Jack Russell Lucy passed away and we were longing for another dog. We had a wish list of sorts that we had in mind for our next dog: great temperament and personality low to no shed bigger breed During our search, we came across the labradoodle breed which fit the description perfectly. But it couldn't be that easy.We wanted a unique phantom colored labradoodle. Until now, finding any quality multi-generational labradoodle puppy in Hawaii was impossible. In , we searched diligently and came across a breeder in New Zealand, Willowbrook Farm, who had just had a litter of phantom colored labradoodles. We worked closely with the breeder and finally chose to make Maya part of our family. We were updated weekly with her progress, provided pictures of her during the entire process and enjoyed a very friendly dialog with the breeders. We anxiously awaited her arrival until she finally made her big voyage at 12 weeks old. We instantly fell in love with her. She is so kind, loving, smart, and obedient. Just a beautiful dog. She loves to watch animal planet, enjoys her tummy rubs, car rides, and loves to snuggle. Maya had three gorgeous litters and is now retired from our breeding program. Maya Cruise In , we decided to add the most gorgeous breeding stud into our breeding program. He is a 9 yr old multi-generational labradoodle that we imported from New Zealand. His name is Cruise and he has sired several amazing litters. We are committed to providing Hawaii with excellent multigenerational labradoodles. There are many "breeders" out there just breeding to breed and are not considering their responsibility in providing healthy and quality puppies for you to enjoy and add to your family. Also, do your research on what a F1 or F1B labradoodle is. F1's tend to have a totally different look and will shed. The F1B generally pull towards the poodle side with longer noses and tighter curls. We are conscientious about filling a need for the labradoodle community without adding to the pet over population problem. We want committed families so we know that our pups would never end up in a shelter. If you are interested in being placed on the wait list for the next litter, please fill out a puppy application. Mahalo for visiting our website! Copyright by LiveAlohaLabradoodles. All rights reserved. He is the size of a Labrador Retriever. He was at the shelter where he came in as a stray. They treated him there for an ear infection and some mild skin inflammation which he has long recovered from. We did notice cloudiness in both eyes and were diagnosed with cataracts. Surgery was done to remove them and has recovered well but will need 2 different eye drops for life. He can be very playful with other playful dogs and loves to play fetch, or, can cuddle up next to you just as well. Walks are his favorite activity. He is also good with calm, friendly smaller dogs. He has not been around cats. With children, he does better with 12 years and older. Leon becomes attached to his human and will follow them like a shadow. He can be a little stubborn and will growl and snap at times when disciplined or if bumped while sleeping. He has been adopted twice and returned for this reason. Once he is comfortable in his new home, he will do it less. He may have separation anxiety at 1st, but with time and patience, he gets over it. He does better with a furry companion. He just needs someone to give him a chance. We believe he would do good in a house with a big yard, another playful dog, or an experienced, active family. If you want to meet Leon and see if he fits you, email us at heartandhomerescueorg gmail.

This intelligent, loyal and friendly breed can fill diverse roles with ease as a family dog, therapy dog, hunting companion and guide for the blind. Good natured and beautiful, the Golden Retriever is a real crowd pleaser. Temperament Golden Retrievers are known as world-class family dogs whose sweet, puppy-like temperament makes them a joyful playmate to people of all ages. Loyal, trustworthy and eager-to-please, these dogs are typically easy to train. Goldens are part of the Sporting Group, so they are hardworking and need and love! Characteristics Behind the friendly eyes of the Golden Retriever lives an intelligent mind and sweet temperament. Eager to please, Goldens are easy to train and love hearing praise when they master a new skill. Goldens are also high-energy and can perform tasks like waterfowl retrieval for hours on end. Because they were bred to assist on the hunt, keep them well exercised and busy to avoid undesirable behavior. Overall, this smart, outgoing and good-natured breed makes him a trustworthy leader in a number of fields. Golden Retrievers serve important roles such as search-and-rescue dogs, guides for the blind, hunting partners and beloved family dogs. Lifespan 10 to 12 years Colors The Golden Retriever gets his name for his beautiful and lustrous golden-colored coat. Its golden hue can range from dark to light golden, but is always a shade of gold. Shedding Goldens sport a thick, water-repellant double coat. They shed heavily one or two times a year, and moderately on a continuous basis. Brush your Golden Retriever a few times a week to keep shedding under control. Health Golden Retrievers are a generally healthy breed. Screening for elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions and certain heart diseases is recommended, however. Without adequate exercise, Goldens are at risk of becoming overweight. You want to select a food that will help him maintain his ideal body condition long-term. Here are a few foods that we recommend for Golden Retrievers. Raising and breeding AKC Registered golden retriever to the best standards. Our puppies are family Happy, Healthy Bloodline Few dog breeds are as iconic or as recognizable as the Golden Retriever. Characteristically gentle, intelligent, and eager to please, the capable breed is both easy to train and incredibly devoted to their owners. In fact, Golden Retrievers are known to sometimes retrieve items throughout the house without command, like slippers or even the morning paper. A Furever Friend Golden Retrievers are bred to be intelligent, friendly and incredibly loyal hunting companions, they are also irresistibly cute when they are puppies. Golden Retriever puppies are born in litters of 5 to 10, and in a variety of coat colors and lengths. Though small, lbs, Golden Retriever puppies grow quickly and soon discover an insatiable curiosity for their surroundings. Like a mischief seeking missile, Golden Retriever puppies are known to be very inquisitive and eager to explore and play. Thus, new puppy owners are encouraged to puppy-proof their homes to ensure their Golden Retriever puppy doesn't get into too much trouble. Golden Retrievers are also instinctively drawn to the water. New puppy owners should also research their houseplants to determine if they are potentially poisonous to a canine. Lastly, Golden Retrievers explore their surroundings with their mouth. Financing Available. Chicken is the 1st ingredient Added DHA for brain health Contains calcium and phosphorus for bone health Comes in two bag sizes — 15lb and .What to Look For in Puppy Food? When you are searching for the right puppy food, we recommend the food should consist of the ingredients found below. Fish oil supports heart health, reduces itchy and flaky skin, promotes a silky coat, and relieves allergies and joint pain. It can also strengthen their immune system and help fight cancer. Calcium and Phosphorus both aid in joint health and can help prevent joint problems later in life. Chondroitin and glucosamine also aid in joint health. These nutrients are commonly found in protein sources like chicken. So, the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers will also have good sources of calcium, phosphorous, chondroitin, and glucosamine — whether that be added to the food or derived from protein sources like chicken. Protein and fat help puppies develop their muscles and gain energy. Therefore, the best kinds of puppy food for Golden Retrievers will not only have high protein levels, but also high protein levels from good sources. Important Note Good protein sources are chicken, lamb, salmon, beef, and turkey. It is normal for a lot of dog foods to feature some type of by-product of these protein sources chicken meal, for example. However, the main protein source in the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers should be the actual meat, not a by-product. It is important for a puppy to start off with good sources of nutrition. Therefore, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the food you choose. As owners, we want to make sure that our new puppy gets just the right amount food to grow at their pace. We do not want to overfeed or underfeed. Our wish is to make life for them as comfortable as possible. For more detail on this topic check out our article Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. If you use our recommended Purina Pro Plan, see below for the feeding chart. Here are a few of the most important ones. For a long time, boutique grain-free dog foods have been seen as the healthiest option for pups and hounds the world over. Of all dog breeds affected by this sudden and unusual spike, golden retrievers have the most reported cases. The statistics are thought to be skewed slightly by a bias caused by stronger retriever based online communities through which information about risks is shared. More retriever owners are made aware of the risk than owners of other breeds, thus more retrievers get tested, and finally, more are found to have the heart defect. It could, of course, also mean that retrievers are more susceptible to developing the heart disease after all. If food is grain-free, it should make that very clear on the packaging as it has been a selling point for many years, but to make sure, check the small printed ingredients. Commonly used grains are wheat and corn. Budget Dog food is never really all that expensive, but there will be some that are two or three times the price of cheaper options. Settle on one that your dog enjoys, has healthy ingredients, and that you can continue to afford. Breed Specific Breed specific dog foods are great. They give you the peace of mind that comes when you know your golden fluffer is getting exactly the nutrition they need to thrive, but you still need to be cautious. Breed specific foods may still have subpar ingredients, and their mission to provide a generalized nutritional standard for an entire breed omits cases of individual difference. Not all golden retrievers are the same. They can have very different dietary requirements. A really good blend of standard dog food with great ingredients will be just as good for your retriever as the one marketed directly towards them. Age is one of the most important things to consider before settling on a food. Different age retrievers have different nutritional requirements. Too much of it and their bones can grow too quickly which will inevitably lead to mobility problems in later life. This is the easiest stage to feed your dog as you can stick to what they like. Unless your pooch has digestive or weight issues, you can focus on protein-based foods that will help them develop lots of lean muscle. The more lean muscle your dog has, the less pressure there will be on its bones, and the faster it will burn calories during exercise. To keep them in tip-top shape, you may also need to augment their diet with supplements. A young girl and her Golden Retriever in the snow Good Ingredients Not all dog food is created equal. Some are made with nicer, more nutritious ingredients than others. The first major thing you should look out for is meat content. Real meat is preferable but may also be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs that are acclimated to a milder diet. Dog foods often also use animal byproducts to provide protein. A mix of byproducts and real meat can be a good pairing. The last animal content will be fats, most commonly chicken fat. Due to their high omega 6 content, animal fats are quite effective at lowering cholesterol, improving heart health, and reducing cancer risks. These veggie extras are typically very good for them. That said, some of the ingredients still being monitored by the FDA include peas, legumes, lentils and potatoes. For dogs, it helps with eye health, reproductive health, digestive health, and heart health. Probiotics are living bacterias that aid in the entire digestive process. Frequently Asked Questions Are dogs allergic to grains? The allergens are actually most likely to be the meat itself. Is wet food better than dry food for dogs? There are benefits to wet food in some circumstances, for example, a dog with few remaining teeth will benefit from a soft lubricated food , but for the most part, nutritionally speaking, they should have relatively similar content. Are golden retrievers more likely to suffer from DCM? They do have a higher report rate, but that may not actually mean they are more likely to get it. Summing Up There you have it, folks. Five of the very best dog foods for golden retrievers doing the rounds at the minute. 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. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. Take a look at what ingredients are available for the age and size that match your dog. Sensitive Stomach Some dogs will be sensitive to certain ingredients. These sensitivities can range from full-blown allergies to minor stomach irritation. Regardless of the cause, if you notice your dog avoiding his or her food or exhibiting allergic reactions, try a stomach sensitive option. These mixes deliberately avoid ingredients that many dogs find problematic. We cannot go into detail about each of the many Purina Pro Plan dog food varieties. This is a brand-appropriate and popular for retrievers and should be fairly representative of the entire line. Overview Performing an analysis of nutrient content on the dry matter basis of the dog food, Dogfoodadvisor. Compared to more premium brands of dog food, this is still a little high in carbs, but the protein content is right up there with the best of them. This dog food has a good balance of essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth. Chicken Purina loves to hype up the fact that they were the first dog food to make meat the first ingredient. This is significant and should impress you, but maybe not as much as Purina would like it to impress you. The reality is that they weigh in the chicken before cooking. In actuality, chicken accounts for a much lower percentage of the total than Purina would like you to believe. Ground rice Ground rice is generally used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour. This is used as a binding agent to hold the kibbles together. Avoiding gluten helps with nutritional value, but obviously, having starches or grains so high up on the list is not ideal and drives up the calories counts. Whole grain wheat Like other grains, wheat has little nutritional value for dogs and contributes to high caloric content. This is an inexpensive filler to add structure and mass to the kibble. Poultry by-product meal Poultry by-product is the dried, ground-up leftovers from poultry slaughterhouse processing. Poultry by-products can vary vastly in quality. On the plus side, poultry by-product contains nearly three times as much protein as fresh poultry. Soybean meal Soybean meal is a by-product of soybean production. This means that the protein is harder for your dog to digest and use. Not all protein sources are created equal. These sorts of additions are designed to cheaply boost the protein amount reported on the label. Whole grain corn More cereal grains here. Corn is going to have the same issues previously discussed with rice and wheat. This is the rubbery substance that gives things like bread their structure. Beef tallow Beef tallow is a fatty by-product of beef rendering. This ingredient really drives up the fat quantity and is considered a lower quality ingredient. Fish meal Like poultry meal, fish meal is a dried meat concentrate. This is essentially ground whole fish and fish cuttings. It usually comes from commercial fishing operations. Barley Of all the grains listed, Barley is actually the least problematic. Barley supplies fiber and other nutrients and can support stable blood sugar levels. Fish oil You may have heard fish oil touted as a wonder ingredient for human nutrition. These fats are essential for healthy bodily function and have a wide array of health benefits in people and in dogs. The addition of fish oil increases the overall health value of Purina Pro Plan. Brans are rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These contribute to a well-balanced diet. Garlic oil Unfortunately, garlic oil can cut both ways. On the one hand, it has health benefits such as being a rich source of Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium, and fiber. On the other hand, garlic oil has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs. Dried fermentation products Fermentation products are additives designed to help the animal with digestion. These can help prevent the dangers of bloat. Menadione Menadione is a cheaper form of vitamin K. Menadione is linked with liver toxicity, allergies, and the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. This ought to be considered a black mark. Purina Pro Plan contains a large amount of meat and is free from many controversial or dangerous ingredients. The mix has some thoughtful, high-quality additions that round out its nutritional profile nicely. There are some obvious cut corners with large amounts of plant-based protein and high volumes of filler grains. Alternatives Purina Pro Plan dog foods are pretty great overall but have some specific drawbacks. Here are a few alternatives to Purina Pro Plan that will have your golden retriever looking and feeling great. Health Extension Grain-Free Chicken and Turkey Dog Food With the first four ingredients being organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, deboned turkey, and turkey meal—Health Extension packs a meaty punch. Purina is so proud of putting the chicken in that number one spot, but the first four slots dedicated to meat products puts them to shame. It also uses healthy grains such as barley, oats, and rye to round out its nutritional profile. This mix has a very high volume of quality protein and will help your dog stay lean and active. This stuff is pricey. I guess buffalo meal is hard to come by. Summary So, should you buy Purina Pro Plan for your golden retriever? Lots of dog owners say yes. In many supermarkets and pet stores, Purina Pro Plan might be the most ideal dog food available. On the other hand, there are dog foods out there that easily beat out Purina. These brands are more expensive and more difficult to find, but they contain a higher concentration of quality ingredients and avoid cheap fillers such as grains and plant-based proteins. The choice of what to feed your golden retriever is up to you. But understanding the basics of dog nutrition and how Purina stacks up will help you make an informed choice to give your pet the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible.

Females are about 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kilograms. The golden retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat and gold to cream in color. One of the most attractive features of this breed is the feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, underside and tail. The dog's head is strong and broad. The ears are not very large, but they sit high on the head and hang just below the jaw line. The chest is deep, and the body is well balanced. Golden retrievers live about 10 to 13 years. Personality: The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. These dogs are eager to please, which probably explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. They also like to work, whether it involves hunting birds or fetching their guardian's slippers. .Golden retrievers are not often barkers, and they lack guard instincts, so do not count on them to make good watchdogs. However, some golden retrievers will let you know when strangers are approaching. Living With: This breed likes to be active. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. Golden retrievers are considered average shedders. Brushing about once weekly will keep the coat looking nice. History: In , the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain, however. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland but not the Newfoundland we know today , and perhaps even a bloodhound. The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. Today, golden retrievers are not only good bird dogs and family pets; they also are popular as service dogs for the blind and disabled, and as search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. Few dogs can claim this breed's versatility. Related Pet Care Articles. 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. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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 Golden 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. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. 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. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. 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. 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. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust -- until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. If you want a dog who.Is large, athletic, and natural-looking Has a pretty feathered coat Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Is peaceful with other animals Is eager to please and very responsive to training A Golden Retriever may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Providing a goodly amount of exercise Exuberant jumping, especially when young Mouthiness -- chewing on things, carrying things around Regular brushing and combing to avoid mats and tangles Heavy shedding Concerns about a multitude of serious health problems A Golden Retriever may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Golden Retrievers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. High energy when young. Young Golden Retrievers up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers were developed to be hunting dogs, which mean they are athletic and smart dogs. They need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. You can't just let them in and out of the back yard and think that qualifies! They will become bored — which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. You can control your Golden Retriever's bounciness AND keep him mentally stimulated by enrolling him in ongoing agility classes an obstacle course for dogs. Also follow the training program in my book Teach Your Dog English Words , which includes lots of fun exercises for your Golden. Shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders — you need to be okay with this reality. You'll find a lot of hair on your clothing and furniture. Golden Retrievers also have a noticeable doggy odor and produce a lot of dander. Not the breed for anyone with any type of allergies! Some Golden Retrievers have a medium-length coat that's not difficult to groom, while others have a heavier coat with lots of feathering. These latter dogs need regular grooming to comb out tangles before they become painful mats. Goldens also need occasional clippering and scissoring, especially around their "bathroom parts" in order for those to remain sanitary. Serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever has lots and lots of potential health problems. Many Goldens do live to 12 or 13 years old, but they're not necessarily healthy during those years; chronic health issues can really take their toll. Many other Goldens are lost at age 6 or 7 or 8, to crippling joint and bone diseases, heart disease, epilepsy, or cancer. Golden Retrievers should not be fed a kibble diet, as this can cause or worsen skin disorders and allergies, which are all too common. I recommend feeding a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables and absolutely no grain. Read more about Golden Retriever Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. About inches at the shoulder, with males usually in the higher half of that range, and females usually in the lower half. Weight can be as low as 55 pounds, but is usually pounds. However, there are many oversized Goldens, with some individuals topping 90 pounds. Unfortunately, this heavier weight isn't good for their joints. Where does the Golden Retriever come from, and why was the breed developed? He was developed in England and Scotland as both a land hunter and a water retriever retrieving shot ducks from the water. What kind of temperament and personality does the Golden Retriever have? To get an idea of what a breed might be like, always look at what he was developed to do see the question above. Many of the Golden Retriever's characteristics -- his strong body, his energy level and enthusiasm, his love of swimming and retrieving, his strong desire to carry things around in his mouth -- are hardwired into his genes, because they were needed for a retriever to do his work. Can Golden Retrievers be any color other than golden? I've seen some reddish ones. Golden Retrievers come in only one color, but the shade of their coat ranges from reddish like an Irish Setter to medium gold to pale cream to nearly white. It's all the same breed, and no shade is more desirable than another. Golden Retrievers do tend to turn white around their muzzle at a fairly young age -- this is normal for the breed. During the winter, some Golden Retrievers will lose pigment on their nose, which turns pinkish. This is a harmless and temporary condition referred to as "snow nose. Their silky feathering needs to be kept combed to avoid mats and tangles, which can be quite painful, as they pull on your dog's skin whenever he moves. The worst places for mats and tangles are behind their ears, behind their front legs in their "armpits" , and on their chest, stomach, and groin. Their legs and paws also need to be kept combed, and their tail. The rest of their body can just be brushed. Several times a year, their feathering should be trimmed short to make it easier to comb. You can do this yourself, or have a professional groomer do it. During shedding season see the next question , you should brush your Golden Retriever every day to pull out the worst of the dead hair so less of it ends up on your floor and furniture. How much do Golden Retrievers shed? Golden Retrievers shed quite heavily. They shed some hairs here and there throughout the year, with the bulk of their shedding occurring twice a year, for three weeks in the spring as their winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and three weeks in the fall as their summer coat switches over to a thicker winter coat. Do Golden Retrievers have a doggy odor? Yes, definitely, and it can be quite strong. Are there different builds in Golden Retrievers? My brother has a hunting Golden Retriever, which looks different than the Goldens on the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Yes, breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring produce Golden Retrievers who look quite different from the Golden Retrievers produced by breeders who specialize in hunting and field trials. Golden Retrievers from show lines are stockier and heavier-boned, with a large blocky head and dense coat. How long do Golden Retrievers live, and what health problems do they have? Typically years. Some reach years. Do crossbred or mixed breed Goldens make good pets? What about "Goldendoodles"? They do make good pets, yes, but first you need to know what a purebred dog really is -- and what crossbred and mixed breed dogs really are. Can you help me decide whether the Golden Retriever is the best breed for me? Yes, I offer personal consultations on choosing the best breed for your family and lifestyle. Learn more about my Dog Breed Consulting Service. Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets? Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Golden Retrievers have pros and cons, and female Golden Retrievers have pros and cons. First you need to know what registration papers really mean -- and don't mean. There's an adorable Golden Retriever puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true? There are no responsible Golden Retriever breeders who would ever place one of their Golden Retriever puppies in a pet shop for resale. How do I find a good Golden Retriever breeder? It's hard! The sad truth is that the vast majority of people offering Golden Retriever puppies for sale are unknowledgeable, irresponsible, completely clueless -- or all of the above. How do I pick the best Golden Retriever puppy from a litter? You can do puppy personality tests. I'm interested in adopting a dog rather than buying from a dog breeder. How do I find Golden Retriever dogs for adoption? You can find Golden Retrievers available for adoption from dog rescue groups or from the animal shelter. I just got a new Golden Retriever. Which pages should I read first? Golden Retriever Health , which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Golden Retriever puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Training Golden Retrievers , which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Golden Retriever puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on. What's a good training schedule for training Golden Retriever puppies? What things should I teach, and when? How do I housebreak my Golden Retriever? The key to housebreaking your Golden Retriever is confinement, confinement, confinement. My Golden Retriever has some behavior problems I'd like to solve. Respect training solves behavior problems much better than obedience training. What's the best dog food for Golden Retrievers? Homemade dog food. If you can't make your own homemade meals, a company called NomNomNow will make them and deliver them to your house. I have to take my Golden Retriever to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need? The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically -- but most vets are not telling you the truth about this! Don't let your vet give your Golden Retriever any more shots until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations. What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Golden Retriever, and when should it be done? Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. My vet doesn't agree with some of the things you've written about health care. There are two competing veterinary organizations in the United States and they disagree on just about every aspect of canine health care. Visit Think Your Veterinarian's Good? Here's How To Tell. I have a question about Golden Retrievers that I don't see answered on your web site. It's probably answered in one of my books:. The Golden Retriever's kindly expression says it all. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. As with Labrador retrievers, the muzzle of the British type golden retriever is shorter and wider and it has a blockier build. The legs and tail of the British type are shorter and the chest is deeper than the American type golden retriever. British type goldens are generally heavier dogs and have rounder eyes as opposed to triangular-shaped eyes. He's a large, strong dog, though, and he can easily knock over a small child by mistake. 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. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Golden's attitude toward other pets is the more the merrier. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs, and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. They are obedient, playful, intelligent, well-mannered, great with kids, and kindly to strangers. They are good watchdogs, but make lousy guard dogs as they love people far too much to be effective. Golden Retrievers are always at the top of their obedience classes and are often the champions of sporting competitions. Hunters find them to be reliable bird dogs, and their keen sense of smell and desire to work alongside people makes them sought-after narcotics sniffers. Golden Retrievers need people and are best suited for large, active families. The correct relationship of length of body to height is .The Golden Retriever is a dog without exaggeration. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. A Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant and compatible with people and other dogs. Goldens are particularly good with children. The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog, with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and an eagerness to learn. When I got him as a puppy, I thought he'd help me pick up girls, but that never happened. Instead, he helped me learn something else. Really, Goldens are like little furry Buddhas. They are like a small drop of God's love made incarnate. My dog loved everybody. He just met you--he loved you like an old friend. He would lean on people and just stare up at them with his doleful eyes, looking to be petted. And when he did this, people began to relax and open up. Here I was, a teenage boy hoping to use my cute fluffball to meet girls when we went out for walks, and instead my dog became an impromptu therapy dog for people from all walks of life. People would tell me about their dogs who had passed. People would tell me about their worries about their kids. People would tell me about their problems, their struggles with addiction, their hopes of reuniting with family members--all stuff that was way too big and heavy for a seventeen-year-old kid to handle. My dog's simple, unconditional love for all revealed the broken world around me. He helped me want to do better, want to be better. Goldens are special. She was just trying to bring back a ball and didn't see me. She was moving very fast. Pumpkin was a good, good girl. Positive reviews. Read the full disclosure here. One breed you will fall in love with right off the bat is a purebred golden retriever. Take time to find out whether the pup is truly purebred. I discuss it all and even answer some of the most pressing questions you may have about this dog. Shall we begin? They trace their roots back to Scotland, where Lord Tweedmouth bred them for hunting. He was a keen waterfowl hunter but he also wanted a dog that could be loyal, friendly, and even-tempered while at home. All this happened between to .Tweedmouth kept a breeding record that now shows what he was trying to achieve — a hunting dog that also had the traits of a family pet. Even though now extinct, Tweed water spaniels were ardent retrievers and in the home they were friendly, loyal, and calm. In the following years, the AKC changed the Golden Retriever breeding standards to suit the tastes and needs of Americans. Right now, goldens are a popular breed in the US, rivaling Labradors, German shepherds, and French bulldogs. How To Identify A Full Breed Golden Retriever Top on the list of ways to identify a pure golden retriever is to check whether it has the right paperwork and pedigree. Proper documentation is proof that the dog has been registered with a well-recognized kennel club or certified registry that keeps records for that specific breed. Meet the three types of golden retrievers. In North America, the American Kennel Club AKC is the largest and most popular kennel club but there are a few other legitimate registries as well such as: Canadian Kennel Club United Kennel Club Continental Kennel Club For a pup to qualify for documentation, its parents must have been listed with a certified registry. Once you obtain them, you only have to pay a small fee, fill up the registration documents and mail them to the relevant registry for processing. To be one hundred percent sure that your golden is purebred, check to see if it has the features that define such a breed. These are the unique characteristics purebred golden retriever puppies should have. Females, on the other hand, weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and are usually .Both genders reach full height after turning one-year-old and mature weight by the age of two. Structurally speaking, goldens have a symmetrical muscular build and look very athletic. Size-wise, they are classified in the medium to large category. Also, note that their hind limbs are strong and straight while the shoulders are well-built and rugged. Personality Goldens are defined by their sweet, soft, easy-going demeanor. They get along well with pretty much everyone, including kids, and are always eager to please the owner, but these and other great attributes will only be apparent if you train and raise them well. All goldens have a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that is resistant to water and requires regular grooming with one of the best brushes for golden retrievers. Some have wavy coats, while others are straight. Their fur feathers on the chest, underbelly, along the tail, and on the back of their front limbs. Shedding is heavier in the fall and spring and moderates in the summer and winter. To keep their beautiful coats in top shape, clean, and free of fleas, use one of the best flea shampoos for dogs. Other special characteristics of purebred goldens to watch out for include: Short ears that can fold over Fairly or dark brown medium-large eyes with dark eye rims A thick tail that is muscular at the base and curved upwards at the end How Long Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Live? Based on statistics, golden retrievers have been found to live an average of years; however, if you go the extra mile in taking proper care of your golden, she can live longer than that. Augie, the oldest known Golden retriever , passed away at the age of .Just as a reminder, taking good care of a golden retriever involves the following: Proper diet.