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Lifespan Sociability We know that Boxita puppies are incredibly cute, so you might find your willpower severely tested if you go to meet a litter of pups. But waiting a little longer to do your research and find out if you can provide everything that a Boxita will need is the right decision. Boxitas are powerful dogs, with a strong protective instinct that their owner needs to know how to channel positively. This breed is best suited to dog owners with experience socializing and training large breeds. These dogs will also sometimes try to assert themselves with other dogs, especially ones of the same sex. A Boxita owner needs to know that they can handle these situations and monitor their dog closely. Bored Boxitas will often make their own fun, and a dog this size can cause major issues! This extreme loyalty was perfectly demonstrated by an Akita called Hachiko. Hachiko used to walk his owner to and from the train station every day. While his owner was at work, Hachiko would patiently wait at the train station for him to return, and then they would walk home together. One day, when Hachiko was 1. When he did not arrive home on the train, Hachiko continued to wait loyally at the train station. He waited there for his owner to return for 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days. Hachiko died at the age of 11, from old age. His remains were cremated and buried next to those of his owner whom he had waited so long to be reunited with. Boxers are an ancient breed. Along with the ancestors of the Bulldog and the Mastiff, they were used as war dogs and protectors. More recently, we know that the Boxer is descended from the larger Bullenbeisser breed that was used for hunting for bear, wild boar, and deer. By the late s, the Bullenbeisser had been bred into a smaller type, the breed that we now know as the Boxer. Over the years, the breed has excelled at working as service dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other working categories. Boxitas are like a box of chocolates. Generally, where characteristics overlap between both breeds, the puppies are highly likely to inherit the same characteristics. So, like their parents, Boxita puppies are going to be large, intelligent, and energetic and have a strong instinct for protecting their families. Your pup could end up with the coloring of a Boxer and the thick double coat of the Akita, or vice versa. They could also end up with a mixture of the two. Boxitas need an above-average amount of exercise to keep them feeling content. Remember that a Boxita has the potential to become aggressive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. This is something that you as an owner need to take seriously and be fully prepared for. While your puppy may end up being good-natured, Boxita owners still need to be confident enough to handle a large dog. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They make a great choice for families with older kids who would love playing games with them in the backyard, although these dogs may be a bit too strong for young teens to walk on their own. You might need to enlist all family members to help make sure these dogs get enough exercise! Take your time to keep introductions short to start with, and make sure each animal has a safe spot in the house that they can retreat to if they need it. Never leave your Boxita unattended with smaller pets. Introducing a Boxita puppy to an older dog of a different sex will often work, but you may encounter problems as your Boxita matures. So, before you make your decision, there are a few more things to know. You might want to speak to your veterinarian about whether this is something you should consider for your Boxita as well. The Boxita can escape from insecurely fenced areas, especially if they spot local wildlife that they feel like chasing. They can be aggressive toward other dogs, so you need to stay alert to that possibility. They need correct training from the start, and an experienced breeder will begin the process of training and socializing the puppies before they even leave for new homes. Signing up for puppy classes is a good way to make sure you keep this training up, as well as helping you work out the best techniques for these large and somewhat headstrong dogs. They may also inherit a thicker double coat from their Akita parent, which will also need a weekly brush but will shed twice a year. At this point, prepare for your house to be full of clumps of hair. Daily brushing will be needed until the coat is fully shed. Certain conditions can still affect this breed. Minor Conditions. Sabo is a fun and energetic puppy. He was born on Halloween from a litter of .We got him when he was only 6 weeks old. He loves to play with other dogs at the dog park and is really great with kids. He is the perfect mix of a Boxer and an Akita because of his great loyalty to his owners and his colourings and size. Sabo has been a great dog, always entertaining and keeping me on my toes. He is almost a year old and it feels like only yesterday he was a cute, cuddly puppy. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Akita. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. We chose him 1 of 8 immediately.Aldo rode the whole minute drive in my lap. My grandma had an Akita mix, the price and breed did my research before purchasing a dog was right. This dog fit right in!!! He is VERY sweet, protective, and he loves our son best friends! We couldn't be happier with our Aldo dog, big lug! Tricolor, brindle, fawn, sesame, white Suitable for: Temperament: Protective, aloof, affectionate, adventurous A Boxer is a brachycephalic large dog with protective yet goofy temperaments. When you combine the two, you can get a myriad of different physical and temperamental possibilities. It is important to stress that both breeds are very different and can create various outcomes in a single litter. Getting to know both of the parent breeds will help you decipher what you can expect. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. These dogs are not regulated, meaning that most litters are likely accidental. If the litter is intentional, and the breeder continues to breed these two pups together, you might be dealing with a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders breed dogs together without acknowledging the welfare of the parents or puppies. They aim to turn out as many puppies as possible for the most financial gain. They might also not offer necessary vetting or make you put down a deposit or sign any contract. Many seem very eager just to get rid of the pups. We highly recommend that you use your own judgment. In this case, they are probably looking for the most suitable owners possible to take the puppies off their hands. Both the Boxer and Akita are similarly priced when they are purebred. The ultimate cost would depend on the quality, particular breeder rates, and the area you live. However, a Boxita should be significantly less expensive, especially if it came from an accidental litter. You might also find the Boxer Akita mix in a rescue or shelter nearby. Often, these dogs are fully grown, though sometimes you can get juveniles and puppies. To adopt a dog, you likely have to go through an application process and extensive steps to see if both the Boxita and your family are compatible. If you get a pup from a rescue or shelter, all vet costs, including a span neuter, are included in the total adoption fee. So make sure you are keeping up with routine, regular training, such as basic commands and potty training. They will be terrific candidates for advanced learning, too, but require experienced and patient owners. The Boxita will impress you with their intelligence and sometimes frustrate you. The Akita is notorious for being very dominant and stubborn. Boxers can also carry a few of these characteristics but tend to be the more agreeable of the pair. So keep in mind that you will have to keep a firm hand and have a strong understanding of both breeds to raise your Boxita correctly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Both the Boxer and Akita are incredibly affectionate and connected with their owners. While they can be social with others, it does take early exposure, constantly introducing them to various faces and situations. Boxitas are known for being slightly aloof with strangers. When you put these two together, you could create a suspicious dog who might not enjoy the company of others. You may have to put them in another room when company visits. Granted, many personality traits come from their lifestyle. So if you acclimate a puppy very early in life, the chances of them rising to the occasion are pretty high. But naturally, you need to know the incompatibility factors as well. Some people want nothing more than to have a guard dog that is loyal only to the family. Since these are very large dogs with high energy levels, they might not do as well in homes with very young or old household members. The Boxita can get along with other dogs. However, you want to make sure that you raise them together to ensure ultimate compatibility. Both parent breeds can be a little territorially aggressive sometimes, so if you plan on welcoming new dogs into your home in the future, well-socialize them right up front. Due to the prey drive of this potential parent, these dogs might not make the best candidates for homes with chickens and other barnyard life. While they can generally get along with cats if they are raised with them, they might still want to chase or play too rough. As the pet parent, you can discern the difference and respond accordingly. Here are some general care guidelines for the breed mix. The type of diet you choose is at the discretion of you and your veterinarian. Dry kibble is still one of the most prevalent options on the market. Wet canned food makes a fantastic topper for many meals and some use it for a standalone diet. Although, it can lead to weight gain and not be suitable for larger breeds since it does get expensive. Some families are relying on subscription-based food brands that deliver fresh food right to your door. These options are generally hassle-free and specially tailored to match the needs of your particular pooch. However, the service tends to be more expensive than traditional feeding. It is imperative to feed your Boxita according to their life stage. In the puppy stage, your dog needs a diet that fully supports their growing muscles, bones, tendons, and organs. When they are seniors, they also need some additional support to avoid potential health issues. Both parent breeds require an extensive amount of exercise per day. Your Boxita will require approximately 60 to 90 minutes of intense exercise per day. You can make the exercise fun and try out various interactive games. They will certainly need walks or a huge fenced-in backyard to burn off all of their steam. Due to their inclination to wander thanks to the Akita parent, they might never be suitable for open spaces with no secure borders. So if you live in the country, you might always find a runoff, and you might have a little trouble locating them. On the contrary, this is an incredibly intelligent combination. However, Akitas are notorious for their stubborn nature. Boxers might have a little bit of this tendency as well. When you combine the two, you might find that training is a challenge. That is why these dogs are often best for homes with a lot of canine experience. First-time dog owners might need to learn how to handle the unique challenges of this pairing. The Akita and Boxer have very different coats that require varying maintenance levels. Boxers might need a few passes of a brush per week to make sure their fur stays shiny and reduces shedding. On the other hand, Akitas are heavy shedders with long, bulky hair. They also have double coats, which means they have blowouts twice a year. As the seasons change, they will ultimately lose their old coats to make way for new growth. During these times, household maintenance and grooming your pup are very important. However, mixed breeds tend to be a little healthier than their purebred parents. However, they are just as capable of carrying any genetic disorders that plague the breed or genetic line. Regularly taking your pup in for vet visits is a great way to avoid problems. They will get to know their vet well in their first year of life. Since there is no true way to know for sure what ailments your Boxita might have, here are some health issues that can crop up in both parent breeds. Minor Conditions. You may like: Akita saint bernard mix Akita. The Akita rose from a violent past to become an affectionate and dedicated pet. These dogs may not win any awards for their congeniality but will fight for their owners until the end. They are a stubborn and proud breed that is unsuitable for first-time owners. They are also more comfortable in colder climates, so you may not want one if you live near Phoenix. The guide below will help you learn all about these amazing animals. They are not suitable for timid owners or first-time owners. They require a firm and loving owner. This active breed needs to be active. To keep them engaged and occupied, they need to be involved. Are you strong, handsome, and very, very cheeky? This is a Boxer. Although this breed may seem intimidating at first glance, they are a playful, affectionate and enthusiastic dogs. Continue reading to find out more about the most popular breed. This will help you determine if this dog is right for you. Boxers are muscular, square-headed, large-headed dogs that look intimidating until you look in their eyes and see the joy and mischief of life. The loyalty and love that boxers have for their families is well-known. Although they may distrust strangers, they will only become aggressive when they feel threatened by their family. They will lie to you to get as close as they can. It was accepted by the AKC the following year. The Boxer standard was controversial in the beginning. Also, the club approved a revised standard in .The revisions to the standard were made. The Boxer is currently ranked 7th out of the registered breeds and varieties by the AKC. The Boxer Akita mix is a large, powerful dog with a strong protective instinct. This mixed breed dog is smart and attractive. Also, Their strong guarding instincts can sometimes overshadow their other characteristics. You may like: Akita mix german shepherd. Boxer Akita mix are large, powerful dogs with a strong protective instinct. These dogs are loyal and loving to their family but can be aggressive toward strangers. They need plenty of exercise and socialization to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive. Boxer Akita mix breed typically weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and stand 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. The coat of a Boxer Akita mix can vary depending on which parent breed they take after. If they take after the Boxer parent, they will have a short, smooth coat. If they take after the Akita parent, they will have a thick, double coat. Either way, the coat is easy to groom and only needs to be brushed weekly. Boxer Akita mix breed dogs can be any color of either parent breed. This includes black, white, brindle, fawn, and red. You may like: Akita doberman mix. Boxer Akitas are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, like all designer dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer. It all boils down to the personalities of both the Akita Boxer Mix and the other pets in the family. For instance, the Akita parent breed has a very high prey drive. This means they tend to pursue prey and this trait may extend to your cats and others pets too, so a Boxita owner should take proper care to manage and control the mix to keep other pets safe. Make each socialization session short in the beginning, and make sure all the pets have their own safe place where they can find refuge if need be. Avoid leaving your Akita Boxer Mix alone with cats and other animals. Raising a Boxita with other dogs in the home can be a challenging process since they might not get along well with them, particularly if they are of the same sex. Socializing a Boxer Akita puppy with older dogs of the other sex might work, but you can expect some issues as your mixed breed dog grows. However, both parent breeds can be stubborn , so the Boxita is not the best choice for first time owners. With their stubbornness, housetraining may also be a challenge. The good news is that it is still possible to successfully train your Boxita puppy, especially if you start early. Start training your puppy immediately using positive reinforcements like treats, praise and other rewards. Besides housetraining, you want to teach your Boxer Akita to be an obedient dog. Start with teaching your puppy to see you as the pack leader. That way, your puppy will learn to feel safe and secure knowing that you are in charge. If your pup shows aggressive behavior towards cats and other dogs, try and keep him inside a secure, fenced-in yard from puppyhood. Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, and situations early in their life. Give them treats and other rewards for displaying good behavior. That way, your Boxita will learn to be friendly and calm around people and other dogs. Exercise Needs The Boxita is a high-energy dog who enjoys playtime and requires at least one hour of exercise each day. Daily walks, playtime and regular trips to the dog park can help meet the exercise needs of an Akita Boxer Mix. Other recommended activities include swimming, obstacle courses and agility training. If you do not give these lively dogs enough exercise to burn any excess energy, they might develop behavioral issues. Intelligent dogs like the Boxita also need interactive dog toy s to kill boredom and keep them mentally stimulated. Since this dog has a fine, short coat, he does not require much maintenance. Brushing their coat at least twice per week should be enough to minimize the shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. Bathing can be done with a mild doggie shampoo only when necessary and not too frequently because it removes the protective oils that keeps their skin healthy. When not bathing your pup, wipe them clean using quality deodorizing wipes for dogs. Since their floppy ears are vulnerable to ear infections, you need to check them regularly and clean them as needed. If you notice redness, excessive moisture or wax, or anything else that looks strange, make sure to consult your vet. Practicing proper dental hygiene for dogs will help prevent harmful dental diseases in the future. Brushing their teeth regularly is recommended. You can also buy quality dental chews for your dog or ask your vet to help you create a custom dental care program for your puppy. Nail trimming can be done monthly to prevent the nails from getting too long.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Kelly Hepworth, his wife, Sarah, and their daughter Emily. They breed and train male and female labrador dogs and puppies that are AKC registered and have a month genetic health guarantee. Raising, training, and hunting with Labradors are significant parts of our lives and have always been lifelong endeavors. In addition to our labs, Kelly owns and operates a Veterinary practice located next to the kennel. Each fall, Kelly hunts waterfowl and upland birds in several states. Our labs are derived from the finest pedigree lines available. They are carefully selected for temperament, conformation, and intelligence. We keep our breeding stock free from hereditary problems. Each lab at Bear Creek has certified hips, elbows, and eyes. Our puppies are sold with a month hip and eye guarantee. Puppy dog pile! Black, yellow and chocolate lab puppies Puppy dog pile! All puppies have their dewclaws removed, are wormed, and receive their first shot. Our puppies have become superb family companions, bird and hunt test competitors, gun dogs, obedience winners, and K9 narcotic dogs. You can purchase your Bear Creek puppy with confidence. We have been established since .We are experienced, proven and conscious breeders! We are Selective in our breeding pairs as we have searched worldwide! We will not compromise the rich heritage, pure quality of our Traditional and International breeding lines. We are Dilute Clear!! Official AKC Standard for the Labrador Retriever, General Appearance: The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion…… The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament……The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance. Some of our breeders come with hunting titles as well!! Over the years, our dogs have made great companions, hunters, and service dogs. Our pups and dogs have been featured in commercials and magazines! Please send in your Pictures!! Janice M. We could not ask for a better puppy than Robin for a family. She is everything we were looking for. She has the sweetest temperament and I cannot believe how smart she is. She has been such a joy to train. She is already great with off leash recall and as soon as we tell her to stop doing something which is not often she listens immediately. Potty training and crate training were a breeze with her. What we love most about Robin is she is completely devoted to our children. She is with them before they go to school and then is at the door a few minutes before they walk in. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. He was smart, well tempered, and just an amazing friend. He was an ultimate protector of Jenine. We have been so happy with everything about him! From Maggie X Manny Litter of 12 pups, ! Our Puppies are Veterinarian Examined! We send stool samples in to eliminate all parasites! Your Health Certificate will share the details! Hello there, we are the Pangerls! We're an adventurous, outgoing, hardworking family of 4. As such, we treat her as part of the family. We take great pride in the care we provide to her and the quality of pups we produce on the farm. Since she is an amazing family dog, we knew we wanted to breed her with another purebred AKC registered English Lab whose characteristics and traits embedded strong hunting skills along with endurance and energy. We feel we found the perfect sire when we found Hampus. Your new puppy is guaranteed to be in good health and virus free for three days from the date the puppy is picked up. Parasites are a common problem, especially in young animals and are easily treated, therefore, these are excluded from this guarantee. We will guarantee the general health of your new pup: hips and elbows for 24 months. We will provide the first series of shots as well as dew claw removal prior to their leaving our care. Puppies are sold with AKC limited registration. Boulder Crest Farm reserves the right to retain any female in order to continue our breeding program with the highest quality genetics and traits to meet our standards. Promote the overall health and well-being of our English Labrador Retrievers by ensuring high quality genetics when breeding. Provide daily physical activity, emotional support and social interaction. Ensure puppies are placed in a family loved environment. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We do this by focusing on the dams that will help raise your future puppy. Not only are our gundogs rigorously tested for health and temperament, but all breeding females are trained and campaigned in hunt tests prior to breeding. By breeding proven dams to stud dogs that have either been imported or still reside in the United Kingdom our goal is to improve the quality of British Labradors. We achieve this through carefully planning each litter. Years of thought and research goes into every puppy. When we decide to breed one of our females, the litter will have an inbreeding co-efficient COI that is below the breed standard and have all the genetic tests that are recommended by the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. We want to provide you and your dog with the best experience possible. This small business grew out of a passion for dog training and desire to produce quality puppies from proven bitches. We take pride in running a clean and organized small business. We are located in Northwestern Colorado. If you are interested in a puppy please contact us to inquire about our next planned breeding. Note: To get connected, please reach out to aimee boulderflatbritishlabs. All rights reserved. Having their puppies is like icing on the cake. We absolutely LOVE having puppies around to play with and love! We don't even own a kennel. My husband always had Labrador Retrievers growing up, so it was only natural that he would want his children to also have a Lab to love. Enough for all our kids to play with and love. We are VERY blessed to be able to homeschool our children, as being home with our children and pets is extremely important to us. We couldn't imagine a life without Labs! Our Labs sleep in our home and run freely on our property.NO kennels for our sweet fur kids. They are family and family likes to be with family. Boarding includes crate and leash training, continued socialization, as well as early potty training. This works great for families that are not home all day when their puppy is still young. It is a wonderful way to stay connected with siblings and other BoulderCrest Lab lovers. Inquire for more info. These guys have had all their puppy shots and are crate trained. They sleep quietly from about 11 pm - 8 am and are learning basic obedience. They both had the wonderful English Lab temperment. She is playful and fun and would love to be with an active family. She is a girl who knows what she wants.She will love all the attention and love that her new family will offer and will give it right back. We have answers. What transportation options are available for the Boulder Labrador Retriever puppies for sale? You may also want to consider having your new furry friend delivered right to your door - talk to your chosen breeder about all the options available to you. With a breeder network that stretches from coast to coast, Uptown Puppies can help you find your ideal dog even if it means searching all over the country. If your ideal dog isn't within driving distance, don't worry — our network of businesses and breeders can arrange transportation to get your new furry friend to an airport near you, or even deliver them right to your door. Do partners in your network have a health guarantee? Puppies are a big commitment, so you want to make sure you're getting a healthy one that will bring you joy for years to come. The Labrador Retriever breeders in Boulder, CO on Uptown Puppies offer an amazing year health guarantee on their puppies, which is one of the best in the nation. Ethical breeders like these are more likely to stand by their puppies, and it shows with the peace of mind you'll get from such a hefty guarantee. How do you screen breeders? Uptown Puppies is dedicated to helping you find the best Labrador Retriever puppies Boulder has to offer. We do this by working only with ethical, responsible Labrador Retriever breeders near Boulder. Our strict standards and thorough vetting process help to keep puppy mills and backyard breeders out of our community. Take a look at our Breeder Pledge for more information. If you're looking for a Labrador Retriever breeder, be sure to do your research. There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are more interested in making a quick buck than in providing healthy, happy puppies. We try to help by independently reviewing businesses and breeders and only recommending those that meet our high standards. What is a puppy mill? The term "puppy mill" is used to describe a dog breeding operation in which the main goal is to produce cheap puppies for sale, often with little regard for animal welfare. Puppy mill dogs are typically kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, and may suffer from neglect and lack of socialization. As a result, these dogs often have genetic health problems and behavioral issues. If you want healthy Labrador Retriever puppies for sale, Boulder is home to a lot of honest breeders and we can help you find them! Are Labrador Retrievers good family pets? Looking for the ultimate family dog? Look no further than the Labrador Retriever! These Boulder Labrador Retrievers for sale are known for their loving, loyal, and obedient personalities, making them ideal for families of all types. They're also great with kids, thanks to their patient and kind nature. And of course, let's not forget that Labs are just downright adorable. What is the origin of Labrador Retrievers? Did you know that the original ancestors of Labrador Retrievers originated from Newfoundland in the s? This breed was perfect for working in the water, with their water repellent coats and webbed paws making them excellent swimmers. Who would have thought that such a popular breed today would have such humble beginnings? How does Uptown Puppies work? Looking for a new puppy can be simple and easy with Uptown Puppies. We can help connect you with reputable Labrador Retriever breeders who have Labrador Retriever puppies for sale near Boulder now or in the near future. You'll be able to select your ideal puppy and make arrangements for pickup or transport directly with the breeder. What are some common Labrador Retriever health problems? No dog is immune to developing a genetic illness. However, these conditions can be exacerbated when you select a puppy from an irresponsible or inexperienced breeder. Some of the most common health problems seen in Labrador Retriever puppies are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint disorders. When looking at Labrador Retriever puppies near Boulder, make sure to choose a reputable breeder. Do Labs need a lot of exercise? There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much exercise your Labrador Retriever puppy needs — every pup is different. However, in general, these high-energy dogs need at least 45 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. Keep in mind that as a working breed, your Lab may need even more activity to stay healthy and relaxed. What other dogs are similar to Labrador Retrievers? Labs are popular dogs because they are big, energetic, friendly, and intelligent. Some people even cross Labrador Retrievers with Poodles to create Labradoodles. These mixed breed dogs usually have the best traits of both Labs and Poodles, including the non-shedding fur of a Poodle.

We have owned and shown boxers in conformation events since and have been breeding boxers since .We have Canadian and American Champions in our house and breeding programs and we do show our dogs in conformation in Canada and the United States. All of our boxers live in our house not in a kennel and our puppies are raised in the middle of everything being exposed to our daily lives. Our older dogs remain with us to live long health lives in retirement. We are also proud to rescue boxers, helping out Boxer Rescue Canada, and some older ones end up residing with us for good. We occasionally breed our dogs and our boxer puppies are raised in our home with our family and the other dogs. We are proud of our well socialized puppies and we want to ensure they go to loving homes where they are members of the family. We also show our boxers and that is our hobby but they are first and foremost family. We do allow people to come and see our dogs but we have a very busy schedule which includes our new business www. Although we don't have puppies often we do want people to realize the value of buying from a reputable breeder and why that is so important so we do try and meet up with you even if it is at a show to talk about dogs. When you have questions or problems later on we'll still be here for you, we've been around for over 25 years.We are are always to here to help you with your boxer! We are very proud of limiting our breeding program to ensure all boxers are fully health tested and they PASS their tests, including yearly holtering , Echo by Doppler for SAS along with other health testing. This is NOT just a vet visit but more extensive tests to ensure we are breeding healthy boxers so Your puppy is healthy and has a chance of living a long life. He is a family friendly pet who has never shown any signs of aggression and was raised around children for most his life. He is obedient and knows his commands. Can be.There is an incredible fawn female. She is extremely sweet and loving. Up to date on all vaccines. Potty trained. Very calm and playful dog. Looking for a good home for him. He is a boxer and Rottweiler.We have the pleasure of raising these pups in our home along with our children. Pups are exposed to a variety of stimuli and.Lancaster Park Beautiful purebred boxer pup, full of energy and very playful. Vet checked and house trained, she is also unfixed. Dog just has too much energy and is too strong for current elderly owners and would.She has a tail, good with house training and not a chewer. Our puppies are raised on our acreage with our children and other pets. They are well socialized. Puppies are.Will be a year old on Oct 8. His shots are utd and is intact as was looking into him being a stud for breeding. Very healthy with no issues. Bo is a very well behaved dog and.Both mom and dad and grandparents have echocardiograms to ensure heart health, and to ensure they are clear of subaortic stenosis- which is a potential boxer.Born on March 7th, female and male. Lots of brindle Coloring There is 1 female left. Raised with both dog parents in a family home out in the country. She has 2 sets of shots. Mostly potty.Great with kids of all ages. House, leash and kennel trained. She is calming down with age, easy going but still space to run around big yard or acreage.Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location. He is a family friendly pet who has never shown any signs of aggression and was raised around children for most his life. He is obedient and knows his commands. Can be.There is an incredible fawn female. She is extremely sweet and loving. Up to date on all vaccines. Potty trained. Very calm and playful dog. Looking for a good home for him. He is a boxer and Rottweiler.We have the pleasure of raising these pups in our home along with our children. Pups are exposed to a variety of stimuli and.She has a tail, good with house training and not a chewer. Our puppies are raised on our acreage with our children and other pets. They are well socialized. Puppies are.Both mom and dad and grandparents have echocardiograms to ensure heart health, and to ensure they are clear of subaortic stenosis- which is a potential boxer.Born on March 7th, female and male. Lots of brindle Coloring There is 1 female left. Raised with both dog parents in a family home out in the country. She has 2 sets of shots. Mostly potty.Visit Website Below to Order Now! Shipping by seller Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location.

The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in New York that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in New York that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in New York, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in New York, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in New York, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in New York, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses New York has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in New York. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, New York is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in New York? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Lifelong Customer Support Expert advice will be a phone call away. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. As English Bulldog Breeders, how do you breed for a healthier Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other bulldog breeders from improving the health of their Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes them unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities and produce high quality English Bulldogs for sale. I have been looking for English Bulldog Puppies for sale near me. Where are you located? We are located in the Northeast corner of Indiana. We just happen to be about 2. We are also about a 30 minute drive from the Michigan and Ohio state lines. Other major cities within 2. If you are looking for an English Bulldog puppy near you and happen to be in one of these areas we are certainly within close proximity. What if I am not located locally? Do you offer delivery services? A large portion of our adopters are located on the East Coast and Southern states. While many do make the drive to pickup, we also offer a delivery service to those with extremely busy schedules or limited ability to travel. We also utilize our own flight nanny for our West Coast adopters looking to have their puppy hand delivered. Whether through pickup or through delivery service, we try to be the type of bulldog breeder that is ethical and responsible to both our bulldogs and adopters. He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs? Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.

That would list you among many GSD lovers doing something to make a difference for homeless dogs in the state. We found you the best German Shepherd rescues in Iowa where you can start this noble cause. Read on to make your informed choice! We described the best dog rescues where you have a high chance of finding and adopting a German Shepherd. The Rescue invests time and resources into giving a second chance at life to neglected and abandoned GSDs. German Shepherd saving mission at the Rescue is realized through training, education, and fundraising activities. Through these activities, hundreds of dogs are able to find new forever homes where they can live happily, surrounded by care and the warmth of a loving family. During their stay in foster care, the GSDs receive nutritional and medical care, as well as training and socialization classes courtesy of the Rescue. You Can Help! The German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa appreciates assistance in donations as well as volunteer and foster services for the good of rescued dogs. The Rescue has a precise GSD adoption process, completed in these 5 steps: Apply for adoption by completing an application form. Await contact from a representative of the Rescue. Allow a home visit to determine if it is fit to welcome the GSD. Attend a meet-and-greet with all family members, including current pets. You can bring home your new GSD at the end of this process if the Rescue confirms your application. More information about the Rescue can be found on the website gsdri. The organization has saved more than a million pets since its institution. For that reason, the Rescue runs several programs, including: Pet adoption. Education on humane pet ownership. Spay and neuter services. Campaigns against animal cruelty. Becoming Part of the League You can be part of the mission at ARL by giving a helping hand in various ways, such as: Making donations the Rescue accounts for all donations through an independent annual audit. Becoming a volunteer or foster. Taking part in fun and educational activities for both kids and adults. Buying pet supplies at the ARL shop. Adopting a dog. Adopting a German Shepherd from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa follows the general steps for any dog adoption: Look through the list of adoptable dogs. The list is updated daily. Bring home your GSD if you and the dog are considered a good match. It takes only a couple of hours to complete the adoption process. Calling .Sending an email to [email protected]. An Inspiring History In , the founders of Second Chance Dog Rescue started the organization following the loss of their son to spinal stenosis. They stand out in their resolve to honesty and transparency, asking only for what they need for the dogs. How You Can Help You can be part of the mission to give a second chance to a German Shepherd by opening your home to foster a dog, becoming a volunteer, or making a donation. Adopting a German Shepherd or any other dog is even better. It will give a forever family to a homeless dog. The process of adopting a German Shepherd from Second Chance Dog Rescue commences when you fill out and submit an application form. Personnel at the Rescue will contact your vet to confirm you are up-to-date with medical requirements for any current pets. Once your application for a particular dog is accepted, the pet is removed from the list of adoptable dogs until the adoption personnel can determine if you can adopt it. The adoption fee varies from dog to dog. You can make additional inquiries about adopting a German Shepherd from Second Chance Dog Rescue by sending an email to [email protected]. You can also visit their website, secondchancedogrescueofiowa. Here are the top two: Canine Country Club. Lady This sweet momma came to our rescue with her two babies as a part of a neglect case. Lady enjoys her foster siblings but doesnt need to be with them. She doesnt mind her foster cat siblings and has been around kids! She loves to be where her foster mom is at all times! Lady is still a little timid when doing new things or going to new places. We are still working on going up and down the inside stairs to bed and kennel. She is 4 years old and is potty trained! Does Lady sound like she could be a part of your family?! This girl is an angel! She seems to be potty trained and is very well behaved! She likes to have her people near her but also likes to be in her own space where she feels comfortable. Her favorite is butt scratches and she will ask for belly rubs!! She knows sit, shake, down. Before throwing the ball, she has to sit. She gets so excited. She loves playing in water and will jump up to catch any water splashed at her. This girl is amazing on a leash too, she gets a little excited to smell every once in a while but once you pull the leash, she takes the correction and is back to your side. She is cat friendly as she avoids them at all costs. Could this girl be the right fit for you? She is ready for her furever family at anytime! Adult, Female, Large Lola Name: Lola Occupation: Showgirl Likes: Food, everything, everyone, puppy toys Dislikes: Being lonely, computer printers, world hunger This gorgeous beauty queen hails from the mystical small town of Fairfield, Iowa, where she was temporarily loved by the good people of Noahs Ark Animal Foundation, and where she won her first beauty title of Best Ears. Thanks to that experience, Lola has gone on to win other good doggy titles such as Most Energetic and Employee of the Month, with her foster family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lola is an 8 month old all white German Shepherd that would do best in a home that has experience with the breed and is prepared for puppy energy, such as a home with older kids as she can be a bit rambunctious at playtime and might knock down smaller children. She is housetrained and knows a few basic commands and tricks but would do best in a home that will continue her training to become the best version of herself. An obedience class would do her wonders as she is a very quick learner! Lola would also do best in a home that has someone there most of the day. She will not be adopted to a family that plans to crate her all day, as she is still trying to grow hair back on parts of her legs from being kenneled for long periods of time. Lolas foster mom works from home and Lola is only crated when everyone in the house will be gone, however she will most likely grow be able to be trusted to roam free alone in a home eventually. At night she is not crated but prefers to sleep with or near her people for instance the hallway outside bedrooms. Some nights she will make the rounds and sleep with everyone, to make sure no one in the family misses out on her cuddles! Lola is a very loving and delightful puppy that would make any family a very good companion that gives her returned love and attention. She told us that she is already very excited to meet you! I am a petite girl who enjoys freedom in the house but dont let my good looks fool you - I am a very smart girl and love to steal food when youre not looking! I am a polite GSD who doesnt jump on humans but I do like to bark when the mail gets delivered. I am potty trained and I know sit, stay, and will usually wait for my food if you tell me! I love squeak balls and love a good hard chew. Im not sure how I feel about other dogs - I see them at the groomers but I usually start to squeal. Im kind of picky when it comes to other dogs and Ive never met a cat before. Ive never met a stranger I didnt like and Ive even been around kids, old and young! I have a fenced-in backyard but I usually stay on a leash because I still havent mastered coming back when called. Im looking for someone who has patience and knowledge of GSDs and would love someone who can take me for a nice, long walk. Senior, Female, Large Mia Mia is a sweetheart of a gal looking for a forever home that will love and cherish her. Mia is great with people, kids, and dogs. Mia is super playful. She has a genetic condition called MegaEsophagus. Her throat does not push food down to her stomach. To help her eat, Mia must sit in a "Bailey Chair" to eat softened food. She must then sit for 30 minutes while gravity works its magic. Mia knows her chair and her routine. Mia must also drink from an elevated water dish. If she eats in any different way, she will likely regurgitate and may aspirate. Due to her condition, she underwent a gastroplexy with her spay. This means you will never have to worry about bloat with Mia. With attention to detail, Mia can live a long happy life. She will reward you with a kind heart and dedication. Mia is whip smart. Mia has basic obedience down and would shine in good citizen and advanced obedience classes. Mia's chair and supplies will come with her. He has been with his foster since June .He is heartworm negative and up to date with his vetting, including neuter. Moe gets along great with dogs. Although Moe has not been tested with children. We have no reason to believe that he would be a problem with them. We are not sure about cats. She was an owner surrender because she was not very nice to the feral kitties in the neighborhood. We will not place her in a home with cats. Nova is great with dogs and children. She is a lovely girl in the home, content to lay at your feet as you work or relax. Adult, Female, Large Pepper Pepper cam into our rescue with her sister and mom, life has not be kind to her. Pepper and her family were part of a neglect case in Oklahoma. Pepper is a very sweet girl, but she will need lots of love to get her confidence back up! Pepper does not mind cats and has been around kids. Pepper is approximately 2 years old and is potty trained. Because she is so shy and timid, she is still working on leash training. We would like Goldy and Pepper to stay together! Do they sound like they could be a part of your family?! A friends daughter fostered her and found her to be sweet. However, it didnt work with her other pets, so she took her back. Princess had a hard time at the shelter with a few incidents. I agreed to take her, and my friends daughter pulled her on the day she was to be euthanized. I picked her up in early April. At the time, she had heartworm. Treatment was completed. Shes probably due for a check on it now. The Dallas shelter had her as 13, but everyone here thinks shes younger. Maybe .When she was surrendered, she was in heat. They spayed her at the shelter. Since Ive had her, shes been sweet to others other than the growls at repairmen. She likes to lick people. Now the special issues she has. Princess has separation anxiety. Shes gone from Prozac when I picked her up to trazadone. The trazadone helps a lot. Acepromazine was too strong, but the boarding place I use sometimes gives her half doses if needed. I can now leave her for several hours without anything happening to the house. She became smart to my tricks to get her into the crate at night, so I leave her out now. She really doesnt get along with other animals. I was told that when I got her, so Ive left my four cats in bedrooms since she arrived. Thats a huge reason why Id like to find her a forever home. Im not skilled with dogs though, so maybe someone could help her overcome that problem. I understand that she was surrendered with another dog. I also go out of town a lot, so I end up boarding her. She is kept away from direct contact with other dogs. Its been mentioned that she has made a lot of progress since she started there. Shes less reactive when other dogs go by her pen. I think the best scenario for her would be with someone who is home a lot and has no other pets. She definitely loves her humans. The sweetest most gorgeous GSD mix who cant wait to find her new home! Rachel has had a rough start to life but that doesnt stop her one bit! Rachel has love for everyone and everything she does. We think she is about 2 years old but in those 2 years she was likely never inside. So know if you would like Rachel as part of your family that she will need training. She doesnt understand how house life works, whats acceptable and whats not. As her fosters we have taught her a few basics but with just a few short weeks with her she will need lots of attention in her new home. Shes a master counter surfer. She does great with the 2 young kids in her foster home ages 4yrs and 18months and also with the other 2 German Shepherds in the home male and female. We do not know how she does with cats or small dogs. I believe Rachel would benefit from having another dog in the house who loves to play as much as she does! She is so playful and full of energy she could go for hours! She is very much a Velcro dog, she will follow you step for step everywhere you go. This gorgeous girl is ready to share her sweet, smart and sensitive self with her forever family! Adult, Female, Large. This female German Shepherd mix is ready to blossom into a loyal and loving companion. Spring's vibrant personality shines through her lovely smile, a warm greeting that melts your heart every time. As she continues to grow, it's clear that she's destined to become a big girl with an even bigger heart. Her potential for companionship and fun knows no bounds. With Spring by your side, every day feels like a new adventure. Whether it's exploring the great outdoors or simply enjoying cuddles on the couch, she's up for any activity that involves spending time with her human friends. Her curiosity knows no limits, and she's eager to learn and discover new things. As you watch Spring mature into her full potential, you'll witness not only her physical growth but also the development of a deep and unwavering bond between you. She's a quick learner and is sure to become an integral part of your life in no time. If you're looking for a furry friend who's as delightful as a fresh spring breeze and as promising as a new season, then Spring is the one for you. Embrace the opportunity to welcome this sweet and spirited companion into your home, and watch as your days become brighter and more joyful with her presence. My name is Ralf aka Ralfy aka Ralfy Palfy. My fosters gave me the last nickname because they say I will make someone a great Pal. You see, I was found on the side of the road barely alive after being hit by a car. I couldn't walk very well because my pelvis was broken in three places. But after visiting this place called the veterinarian, I started feeling much better. Unfortunately before my accident I had never met kind humans and still to this day, I'm very easily startled and scared of new people. It's going to take someone very special and patient to earn my trust. But once you earn it, I'm the sweetest and most gentle dog ever. I love love love chest rubs and ear scratches. But my number one love of all time is treats!!! I love all flavors so if you decide to take me home, don't be shy when shopping for me! I enjoy sunbathing and relaxing in my kennel. It's my safe place when I feel overwhelmed. I promise to love you if you promise to take the time to get to know me. I will do best in a quiet house with maybe 1 or 2 adults and an older mature doggy friend. I don't care much for traveling and prefer to be a homebody. I do love to play with doggy friends and don't mind cats either. I'm currently working on becoming more confident in public spaces. What do you say? Can you give me a shot? Ralf is kennel trained and potty trained. He is a local adoption only. His current foster is a trainer who is willing to offer two free sessions along with his adoption to set you both up for success and better help you understand what he will need and how you can help provide that for him. He is a Shepherd mix that weighs roughly 50lbs.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What Vaccines Do Puppies Need? Core Versus Non-Core Vaccines CORE vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating, easily spread, or can be spread to people zoonotic that vaccination against them is deemed of critical importance. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot. NON-CORE vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases and conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution meaning they don't affect all parts of the country equally , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically recommended for every dog. The Benefits of Vaccines The benefits of vaccines far outweigh any risks. Vaccines are very effective and safe. Their use has notably decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. Per a study, there were only .Adverse events were more typical among smaller dogs and those receiving multiple vaccinations at one visit. Vaccine Safety Before I jump into which vaccines your puppy may need, it's critical to know that where they get their vaccines is equally as important. This is because individuals and organizations that aren't regulated, like veterinarians are, buy vaccines from places that may not know how to handle them properly. They may allow the vaccines to get warm, and this inactivates them. Or people transport them and don't keep them temperature-controlled or leave them in a vehicle for too long. In both these cases, the vaccines are essentially useless. Where you get your vaccines matters, and your veterinarian is trained and regulated to administer them properly. Puppy Vaccines By Age 6—8 weeks of age In some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you're getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when. See the safety note above. This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup's initial vaccination series, as all these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of initial shots followed by booster shots. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine to help protect against a highly contagious respiratory virus. If your puppy is only receiving its first vaccine or is a toy breed, your veterinarian may administer the Bordetella at the next appointment. The Bordetella vaccine comes in three different types, intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boosted in 2 to 4 weeks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who will go to dog daycare, puppy classes, dog parks, dog shows, be boarded, etc. Dog Flu There are two different canine flu vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of dog flu. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are given, for the best protection. Again, this non-core vaccine is suitable for dogs who will go to puppy classes, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, travel, be boarded, etc. However, the facility needs to be clean, and all pups in attendance need to have also received their first veterinary-administered vaccines and deworming. Check with your vet and your puppy training facility of choice on timing, and see this position statement on puppy socialization timing from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Meet some not all other dogs: A puppy can usually also start to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs at this point in locations that are safe and clean. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other areas or settings frequented by other unknown dogs. Socialization of puppies is critically important for their emotional and behavioral development, and it isn't just about them being "social" with other dogs or even people. There are many "non-social" things that young puppies need to be properly exposed to early on. Check out our Pupstanding App with its fun, easy-to-use checklist to help socialize your pup. Either way, it's an important visit. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing, but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine. Kennel Cough The initial vaccine can be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boostered in 2 to 4 weeks. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other areas or settings used by other unknown dogs should be avoided. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be great places to socialize your puppy without excessive risk of contagious dog diseases. However, keeping your pet in a stroller or backpack lessens your pup's chances of being exposed to diseases. Your goal is to remove any trace of fecal matter before your pup licks their paws or contaminates your care or home. Their booster shots at this visit are important to build their immunity and help protect them from these diseases. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important non-core vaccine. State and local regulations determine the age at which all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. See below for more detail on what this vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Note: Because Lepto can be devastating to both your dog and you it is zoonotic , and also because all dogs can be at risk including even indoor-only dogs and those that never leave their backyard , your veterinarian may highly recommend and consider this vaccine "core," and may recommend starting the initial series in the 9—12 week age range rather than 12— 16 weeks old. See below for more detail on what the Lepto vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 12—16 week vaccine visit: Play with unknown dogs: Following this visit, a puppy can usually begin to expand their circle of friends to include unknown dogs i. Still avoid: Daycare centers, fields, and parks including dedicated dog parks should still be avoided. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 15—17 week vaccine visit: Freedom! One week after this final puppy vaccine visit, most pups have enough vaccine protection against the common vaccinable conditions to be able to get a full groom and go to the dog park, doggie daycare, pet stores, and other places where large groups of unknown dogs frequent and congregate. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid any obviously sick dogs. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout their life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life are influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of the year, and a host of other factors. For some dogs and some conditions, titers blood tests measuring the level of antibodies in your dog's system may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet. Titer Testing for Dogs A titer is a test that is done using a sample of your dog's blood to measure the level of antibodies to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the body as a response to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances or stimuli to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or vaccinations, that cause the body to mount an immune response. Vaccine titers are used as a screening tool to determine whether or not to revaccinate for a particular disease. If a vaccine titer comes back high, this indicates that your dog, if exposed to that disease, should be able to fight it off. The problem with titers Vaccines are given either yearly or every 3 years. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your dog at risk until you go in for another titer test. Rabies is a vaccine required by law in all states. There are only certain states that allow titers for medical exceptions. Every puppy is different. Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. Maternal immunity is protective but can interfere with a puppy's vaccinations. Over the first few weeks of life, maternal immunity begins to decline, and by about 12 weeks it is generally gone. However, some puppies are provided protection by maternal immunity as old as 20 weeks. The vaccines are given as a series to give the maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and in conjunction with their shots. Missing a Vaccine or Booster Shot Dog owners should be aware that missing or delaying a vaccine in a series for more than 4 weeks puts a puppy at risk of disease. During the initial series of a vaccine, if you delay a booster more than six weeks or miss one, an additional booster vaccine will be needed 3 weeks after resuming the series. For example, if you miss the third vaccine in the DA2P series, a vaccine will be given and then boosted again in 3 weeks. Note: You may need to restart a series two vaccine doses 3 to 4 weeks apart for yearly vaccines that are not boosted within 1 year and 6 weeks from the last vaccine given. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs The core vs. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and your environment necessary to best guide you. Note that some of the vaccinable conditions listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people. The bacteria is transmitted through the air or direct contact, especially when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contaminated clothing, bowls, beds, and other communal surfaces such as cages or kennels. What Shots Do Puppies Need Did you know that vaccines work the same for dogs as they do for you and me? By triggering the production of antibodies, vaccines allow the body the chance to build up immunity to a disease, virus, or bacteria. However, while vaccines are certainly effective, they do not make us immune to the possibility of contracting the illness we were vaccinated for—they just make us and our furry friends less likely to suffer severe symptoms. Puppy Pro Tip: Core vaccines are those which are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle factors. On the other hand, non-core vaccines are not necessarily recommended for all dogs, and are evaluated on a pup-by-pup basis by your vet; non-core vaccine recommendations are based on factors such as: lifestyle, health conditions, location, risk factors, etc. Bordetella Known to cause a highly infectious form of bronchitis in dogs, Bordetella is nothing to mess around with! Some pups become so ill from the bacterium that they suffer from serious side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and rarely death. The good news is, Bordetella can be avoided! Simply ask your vet about the different options for vaccination—which usually include a nasal spray or a traditional injectable vaccine. What makes distemper so contagious is the fact that it spreads easily through respiratory droplets in the air, as well as through shared water and food bowls that have been contaminated. For these reasons, the canine distemper vaccine is considered a core vaccine. The symptoms of distemper are often on the serious side and range from coughing and vomiting, to diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and even death. Because there is no cure for canine distemper, the best thing you can do for your pet is vaccinate them! Hepatitis While unrelated to human hepatitis, canine hepatitis affects your pup in largely the same way—by attacking the liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and spleen. The symptoms can range from congestion and fever, to vomiting, stomach swelling, and severe liver pain. Like distemper, there is no official cure for canine hepatitis. Symptoms can often be managed in milder forms; however, more severe forms can be fatal. Because of the risk of fatality, this is considered a core vaccine. Additionally, this is considered a core vaccine. This infection is insidious, as the early stages produce no symptoms. However, in the later stages of the disease, a heartworm infection can cause breathing difficulties and lethargy in your pup. For the health of your pup, it is important to start the preventative medication as soon as your vet deems it appropriate to do so. Kennel Cough Also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Kennel Cough is the all-encompassing name given to a set of symptoms that include dry, harsh coughing, and— occasionally—gagging, retching, and a loss of appetite. Rarely, it is fatal. Kennel cough is often caused by either Bordetella, Parainfluenza, or both. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be transferred between dogs that are in close proximity. Leptospirosis Caused by a bacteria that exists naturally in soil and water all over the world, Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease— meaning, it can spread between animals and humans —that can have severe consequences. Serious side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness, infertility, and even kidney and liver failure. Lyme Disease As with humans, canine Lyme disease is contracted through a bite from an infected tick. In dogs, symptoms of infection can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, and even limping. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to neurological disorders in your furry friend. There are antibiotics which can be administered if diagnosed quickly; however, if you have already received the vaccination, your pup has a much better chance of quick recovery. Parvo attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Because Parvo causes extreme dehydration in dogs, it can become fatal as early as hours after contracting it. Unfortunately, once Parvo is contracted, there is no cure. The serious symptoms— combined with the lack of a cure for Parvo— are a part of what makes it a core vaccine. Canine rabies is one of the most serious diseases your pet can get—it invades the central nervous system and eventually leads to death if immediate treatment is not administered. The good news is, the rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine and as a result, most states have regulations requiring rabies vaccines to be administered regularly; simply talk to your vet to learn more. Usually, this means regular vet checkups and puppy vaccinations. This is especially important if you have other dogs or other pets in your household. Otherwise, you may want to bring a stool sample with you when you first see the vet. Ask your vet to clarify what, if any, samples you should bring with you. This article is intended as a general guide for puppy vaccinations. If you have any specific questions or concerns relating to your puppy, please consult your licensed veterinarian. Most puppies should be vaccinated starting at 10 weeks old. Some vets may recommend annual booster shots. There is significant debate on whether booster shots every year are necessary or if they do more harm than good to the immune system. Speak to your vet and share your concerns about booster shots. Vaccines are meant to keep your puppy from catching a specific disease. Just like children are vaccinated against measles or chicken pox, puppies are vaccinated against rabies, distemper and other common but dangerous diseases. However, if you live in an area where certain diseases are more frequent, then there may be other legal requirements for vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association both recommend that your puppy be vaccinated against these core potentially fatal and non-core not as deadly diseases. Your vet will also be able to recommend vaccines that are the most appropriate for your puppy so be sure to ask. This is why the rabies vaccine is required by law. Once your puppy has been immunized for rabies, you can expect to bring your dog in for a booster shot once a year or once every three years, depending on local laws. Death or chronic kidney problems are the unfortunate results of canine hepatitis. Parvovirus is a life-threatening illness that attacks white blood cells. In puppies, parvovirus can damage the heart muscles and cause death or chronic heart problems. Canine distemper does not have a known cure. Vaccination has significantly cut down on the spread of canine distemper. Your vet will have more knowledge about your dog and local infections, and should be able to recommend one or more of these vaccinations: Lyme Disease can be passed on to dogs from tick bites and typically causes joint inflation, arthritis and lameness. However, Lyme disease can be treated and very rarely causes death in dogs. Kennel Cough, a mild respiratory tract infection, can be caused by the parainfluenza virus or the bordetella bacterium. Coronavirus causes puppy diarrhea. Puppies younger than 12 weeks are at the highest risk for mortality. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite species giardia that lives in the intestine. Dogs usually catch the parasites from one another through infected fecal matter. Distemper is related to the measles virus and is part of the four recommended core vaccinations. Leptospirosis is contagious to humans and can be caught from infected water, soil or other animals. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect of vaccinations. But if you do notice changes in behavior, skin rashes, high fever, vomiting or signs of dizziness, call your vet right away. As to costs, it depends on where you live and the number of vaccines you choose to give your dog. Found this article helpful? Share with other dog lovers or let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

You will also need to purchase starter items that will make the transition of your Whippet Lab pup to its new home comfortable. Hence, it is very difficult to find authorized breeders specializing in breeding a Whippet Lab mix puppy. Luckily, there are reputable places you can visit that advertise Whippet Labrador puppies for sale! Here are some of the places where you can find Whippet Labrador puppies: Puppies. You can easily find the breed you are looking for using their search filter system. There is a high chance that you might find a Whippet Labrador mix on their listings. PuppySpot — There are over thousands of puppies, purebred and mixed breed, listed on the website of PuppySpot. They have comprehensive puppy profiles which cover the birth date, health condition, age, and personality of the listed pups. Petango — With its vast network of breeders, Petango remains one of the largest pet advertising websites in the United States. This pet marketplace lists hundreds of purebred and mixed breed dogs, including Whippet Lab puppies. You can also opt to adopt a Whippet Labrador dog from a local shelter instead of buying from a breeder. This method of acquiring a Whipador is not only practical but also noble. Their rescued Lab mixes are treated and trained before being cleared for adoption. Labs4Rescue — This non-profit organization takes in purebred Labradors, and Labrador mixes. Rescue Me! You can easily find the nearest Whippet Labrador mix available for adoption near your area through their website. Moreover, if this is your first time applying for adoption, I suggest that you read our ultimate dog adoption guide. This guide includes helpful information and tips that can help ace your adoption application. If you are still skeptical about whether this is the right dog for you, you should check out the pros and cons of owning a Labrador Whippet mix listed below. Here are some of the pros of owning a Whippet Labrador mix: Intelligent hybrid and easy to train: Whippet Labrador mixes are smart mixed breed dogs. Hence, training them is fairly easy to do. These dogs are very eager to please their owners and follow commands. Low maintenance: Whipadors only shed moderately. Also, they only require weekly brushing and routine bathing to keep them fresh and clean. Suitable for families with children: This mixed breed dog is known to be calm and gentle around children, thanks to the amiable personalities of its Labrador and Whippet parent breeds. Here are some of the cons of owning a Whippet Labrador mix: High energy dog: Whippet Labrador mixes are highly energetic and active dogs that require frequent stimulation. They need to be exercised at least an hour every day to keep them stimulated and healthy. If you are a busy person, the Whippet Lab mix might not be the right dog for you. Growth is difficult to monitor: Since this hybrid is fairly new, there are no available growth guides or charts that can help you monitor the development of your Whippet. Hence, it is only logical that the Whipador has inherited the hunting instincts of its parents. This hybrid will likely chase after small animals. If you think that the pros outweigh the cons and you are confident of your capabilities in maintaining a Whippet Labrador mix, then nothing should stop you from getting one. Just know that owning a Whippet Labrador mix or any dog breed for that matter is a lifetime commitment. Whipadors, just like their parent breeds, are intelligent hybrid dogs. They are easy to train and very eager to follow orders from their owners. How Fast Can Whipadors Run? A Whipador can run for approximately 35 miles per hour at its top speed. This is faster than most medium-sized dogs! This is expected since one of its parent breeds, the Whippet dog, was originally bred for racing competitions. In addition, it is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Whippet Labrador mixes are moderate shedders. However, you should expect it to shed heavily twice a year, especially during the spring and winter seasons. Nonetheless, weekly brushing and regular bathing can help manage the shedding of your Whippet Lab mix. Are Whippet Labrador Mixes Hypoallergenic? Since Whippet Labrador mixes are moderate shedders, they are not considered to be hypoallergenic. They lose hair throughout the year and shed heavily during the shift of seasons. This also means that they are not suitable for people with allergies to fur and danders. The Whippet Labrador mix is indeed an excellent pick for a family pet. It is playful, friendly, and calm around children and other pets. It is also easy to take care of and maintain. However, if you are a busy type of person, this hybrid might not be the right dog for you. Whipadors are highly active and energetic dogs that require regular daily exercise. Nevertheless, if you think you are capable of maintaining and caring for a Whippet Labrador mix, nothing should stop you from getting one. If you have prior experience with this hybrid, let us know in the comment below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. It is outgoing, friendly, kind, and affectionate. Its even temperament makes it an ideal choice for breeders to create crossbreeds with calm temperaments for family settings. The result of these two dogs is a friendly dog that balances the calm temperament of a family dog and the energetic, outgoing personality of a working dog. The Whippet Lab mix brings out the best qualities from both parents, making it a high-quality, valuable dog. Whippet Lab Mix Background Like most crossbreeds, there is not enough information on the background of the Whippet Lab mix. The good thing is that both parents, the Whippet and the Labrador Retriever have a rich history dating back to their earlier days and how they evolved to what they are today. Here are the backgrounds of the Whippet and the Labrador Retriever; hopefully, these can give you an insight into the kind of mix these two create. Whippet Background Whippets can be traced back to the s, with their origin believed to be England. These medium-sized dogs are known to be part of the sighthound family, descendants of the greyhounds. Dogs in the sighthound family are similar; however, whippets are smaller than regular-sized greyhounds. Whippets, in this case, were bred as working dogs to chase rabbits and other small animals. They were trained to hunt small animals and chase them out of their burrows. Thanks to their high speeds, Whippets outdid themselves in hunting and were popularly kept as working dogs for a long time. Today, Whippets are kept as home pets, although some people still utilize their working capabilities. They were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in .This followed recognition by the Kennel Club in England in .They were bred as hunting dogs; however, they were not as fast as whippets and were not as popular as their hunting counterparts. Labradors are believed to have originated from Newfoundland, Canada. Their popularity grew in England when the British visiting Newfoundland appreciated their hardworking and easygoing personality. They became popular in England but returned to North America in the early s. American sportsmen admired their positive qualities and brought them back. They became popular, and this followed recognition by the AKC in .Today, Labrador Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs and the best award-winning hunting dogs worldwide. Even so, they are still charming and gentle, qualities that draw people to keep them as family pets. Whippet Lab Mix Appearance The appearance of Whippets and Labradors is significantly different; therefore, the Whippet Lab mix has a unique appearance, a blend of features from both parents. That said, a Whipador can be a mix but still look like one of its parents. This entirely depends on the dominant gene in the mix, which means that puppies from the same litter might not look alike; it all depends on the outstanding gene in each puppy. Generally, Whippet Lab mixes have an athletic look that has a striking resemblance to that of Whippets. However, this could also be a contribution from the Labrador, which has a robust body shape; much more pronounced than the Whippet. Size Whipadors are averagely sized; the Labrador is much heavier than the Whippet, so the mix tends to be bigger than the Whippet but smaller than the Lab. On average, a Whipador can weigh between 25 to 80 pounds. The weight range is significant; therefore, you are bound to find some Whipadors smaller than others even though they might be close in age. This wide range in weight can be attributed to the varying size of the parents; the mix can lean to the weight of one parent. An average Whipador has a height of 19 to 24 inches; therefore, most of the mixes will have the same height. It is rare for a Whippet Lab mix to take the size of the Labrador, so you cannot expect a robust mix. The Labrador retriever comes in black, chocolate, and yellow, while the Whippet comes in white, blue, fawn, black, tan, and brindle. If the Whippet Lab mix takes after the Lab parent more, the coat color can be black, yellow, or chocolate. If it takes after the Whippet parent, it can come in solid blue, blue, fawn, black, or brindle. It can also have a mix of fawn brindle, white, and another color. Whipadors come with a double-coat like Labradors or a short single coat like Whippets. Whippet Lab Mix Temperament Whipadors take the temperament of either parent or get a mix of both. Labradors are outgoing and friendly and present a kind and affectionate character. On the other hand, Whippets are gentle and loving; they enjoy spending time with their family. Both parents were bred for their incredible hunting skills. Whippets are considered the fastest hunter dogs and have a strong drive to chase. Labradors have a strong prey drive and are excellent at sniffing and retrieving game. These qualities result in Whipadors that are equally gentle as they are fierce. When they are out, they can be wild and overly active; at home, they can be calm and peaceful, a balance that most crossbreeds do not have. Generally, Whippet Lab mixes are affectionate, loving, and friendly. They are shy and occasionally anxious like whippets, especially around strangers and in new environments. They are energetic and appreciate an excellent playtime session in the outdoors. That said, Whipadors are high-energy dogs that need to be with active people. Therefore, they need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and loving. Watch this video to see a high-jumping Whippet Lab playing fetch outdoors: How to Care for The Whippet Lab Mix Your gentle Whippet Lab mix will give you as much love as you give it; therefore, it is crucial to understand how best to care for it. Whippets Lab mixes are generally easy to care for, but like other dogs, they have a set of needs that must be met to lead a happy and active lifestyle. The vital needs are feeding, exercise, training, and grooming. Whippet Lab Mix Feeding Each dog requires a specific diet and amount of food each day. For the Whipador, a diet curated for medium-sized dogs will do, as long as it has all the essential nutrients that the dog needs to grow and stay healthy. It is important to note that Whipadors are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. To keep this at bay, your dog needs a diet rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil—these support bone and joint health, especially in aging dogs. You should remember that Whippet Lab mixes are highly active dogs; therefore, the diet should provide enough energy to stay active and healthy. Be careful not to overfeed your dog as it could easily become obese. If you have challenges finding the right dog food for your Whippet Lab mix, talk to your vet for advice on an appropriate diet. Its offspring will take after this quality; Whipadors are playful, full of energy, and outgoing. This dog requires adequate daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need to exercise their hunting instincts and chase drive while expending built-up energy from staying home all the time. Their high energy active characteristic makes them only suitable for people that can meet their high exercise demand. If you have a busy schedule, you might need to hire a dog walker or take your dog to a daycare where their exercise needs can be met fully. However, you should ensure that the training sessions are engaging and fun to keep them attentive to the cues and commands. The best way to do this is by implementing positive reinforcement by giving treats during training or praising the dog each time it makes a step in the right direction. Your dog will likely focus on the training if you encourage it with praises, treats, and fun games. Socializing your dog to ensure it can stay with other dogs freely and comfortably is essential. Whipadors tend to be shy in new environments and with new faces, but with early socialization, they can handle unfamiliar situations better. Whippet Lab Mix Grooming Whippets do not shed as much, but Labradors do; therefore, your Whipador might require more care than the Whippet when it comes to grooming. However, remember that the kind of care your dog will depend on the coat it has, depending on the dominant gene. Generally, a Whippet Lab mix will need grooming at least once a week to eliminate loose hairs and dander. Since it is a shedding dog, you ought to keep up with grooming and regular vacuuming to care for fur on surfaces around the home. Whippet Lab Mix Health Like other crossbreeds, the Whipador can inherit health issues from either parent or both. Labradors and Whippets are generally healthy dogs but susceptible to some illnesses. Here are some of the health conditions your dog may be predisposed to: Hip dysplasia. They are naturally very friendly and very reliable. They love playing with their owners and will excitedly welcome new guests, instead of being hostile towards them. Also, they also love snuggling with their owners after a day of being active. As mentioned earlier, Whippet Labs are from two hunting breeds. If there are any pests or small animals trying to invade your home, they will make sure to track them down and chase them away for you. They are worthy investments since owners will gain both a trusty companion and a loyal friend. This is why a lot of people are looking to have Whippet Labs. However, like other dog breeds, Whippet Labs are also susceptible to some congenital diseases. Before you finally purchase a puppy, make sure that you also understand the risks that your new pet will face, and what you need to do to take care of it. Taking prior precautions will ensure that your pet will live out its maximum lifespan. While they offer the convenience of making sure that you will be able to have a pet at once, they may not be able to check up on each dog if it is still healthy enough to live out a long life. Missing out on small issues could lead to future problems for your pet. That way, you can ensure that the parents of the puppy grew up in areas that are conducive for living. You can find out if it inherited a disease from its parents and if that particular disease has been treated or not. It helps to have more information about your new pet before you take it home and take care of it yourself. Aside from these sites, you may also visit local rescue centers if they have any Whippet Labs that are up for adoption. The mix of the two makes the Whippet Lab a moderate shedder. They tend to run around a lot, so expect fluffs of fur all over your house if they are free to roam around. As with most dogs, Whippet Labs should be given baths when needed. Usual hygienic practices, such as trimming their nails and brushing their teeth, also apply to Whippet Labs. You may comb their fur as well, but again, watch for the shedding. Having a long nose also comes with the risk of having nose tumors and other nose-related issues. The color of their skin also puts them at risk for skin damage and sunburns. Mitral Valve Degeneration: While this condition is a common risk for dogs in general, Whippets have been observed to have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Some studies have shown that Whippets have a low level of thyroid hormones. This puts them at risk for hypothyroidism, something that the Whippet Lab could inherit from the parent. Additional medical precautions need to be taken to avoid this. Overfeeding is not encouraged since Labradors tend to become obese. Whippet Labs are active and energetic, which means that they need food that will sustain them efficiently. Make sure to look into food that can supply the energy they need to run around and play a lot more. These best dry dog food options ought to do the trick, while the worst dry dog food is what you should undoubtedly avoid. Just make sure not to overfeed your pooch, as this could lead to hip and elbow dysplasia, something that the Whippet Lab is highly susceptible to. It would help to have a diet rich in fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine, all of which can be found in the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Life stage nutrition is a thing nowadays, so make sure to select accordingly — the best puppy food brands for cubs and the best senior dry dog food for doggo-grandpas! Whippets are thin, medium-size pooches, while Labs are much bigger woofers, so their mixed offspring can be either or anywhere in the middle! Browse through our guides on the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food so that you can choose the right kibble for your nibbler! This makes it easy for the dogs to digest and regulates how much stool it produces, while still giving energy. It also has a lot of beneficial ingredients to promote a healthier immune system for your dog. Alpo Prime Cuts: This particular kind of dog food is packed with protein and 23 vitamins and minerals, perfect for an active breed like the Whippet Lab. Aside from ensuring muscle growth, it also gives your dog additional protection from possible diseases that it could develop. Vitality High Energy Dog Food: This was made for working dogs and show-dogs so that they would be supplied with sufficient energy. It has Beef and Lamb flavors that dogs love, and it also contains Omega oil for healthy skin and shiny coat. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you may also resort to raw food for your Whippet Lab. Feeding them raw meat and vegetables will give them a decent amount of energy and nutrients for their growth as well. Whippet Combined with Lab Exercise Requirements Lab-Whippet mix To ensure that the Whippet Lab will stay happy, exercise should be done, and the dog should be allowed to run around. Otherwise, it will become depressed and may ruin household objects. As such, the Lab Whippet should be allowed to stretch out at your home or in dog parks. Daily walks are also advised. You may also play games with your dog to further exercise it. Playing catch or fetch is advisable, given its hunting lineage. It also functions as a squeaker toy for your dog to play around with. You can use this to give your dog some exercise while teaching it to fetch. It launches a ball that the dog will fetch, then re-launches the ball once the dog returns it to the machine. It will keep the dog occupied while you can focus on other things. It keeps the dog from looking at other household things as chew toys. Labrador Combined with Whippet Training Whippet-Lab mix To further understand how the Whippet Lab can be trained, you have to know how its parents think. It has to recognize who is in charge so that it will obey commands effectively. Having a stronger relationship with the Whippet makes training it so much easier. Labradors, on the other hand, are natural service dogs and are motivated by positive reinforcement. They respond well when rewarded, especially with food. They are also people-pleasers, which means that they will work hard to perfect a particular skill to satisfy their owners. Naturally, the Whippet Lab will inherit these qualities from its parents, giving you a dog that is highly motivated by strong bonds and positive reinforcement. Both breeds are quite intelligent as well, so you can teach the dog various tricks. You may follow these tips to make training easier: Be firm with commands. You have to establish that you are the alpha and that the dog must obey your commands. When you issue an order, make sure the dog follows you. You should also be clear and consistent with rules to avoid confusion. Provide varying levels of positive reinforcement. After a dog learns to do the trick repeatedly, you have to start withholding rewards. This will teach the dog to work harder for the next treat. Repeat this until the dog successfully improves specific skills. Make your bonds strong. To appeal to its Whippet side, you have to make sure that you have enough time with your dog. Exercise with it and give it cuddles to enhance your relationship. Try to please it as much as it will try to please you. Give it enough exercise. The more activity a Whippet Lab gets, the easier it becomes to train. Make sure to walk the dog often and give it enough space in your home to roam around. Take your dog to parks and allow it to socialize with other people and other dogs. Labradors are naturally social dogs, so bonding with it will come quickly. All members of your family will have fun bonding with the dog and playing with it. If you have hyperactive kids, you can make them run with the dog so that they will both bond and have exercise at the same time. When you or someone in your family are out for a morning jog, take the dog with you. It is the result of the union of two great hunting breeds: the loyal Whippet and the reliable Labrador. As long as you know how to take care of the dog, it will give everything it can to take care of you as well. Just make sure to remember everything that you read here. Keep the dog happy by making sure it gets its exercise daily. Let it expend its naturally high energy by letting it run around and play. If it gets tired, let it rest, and take that opportunity to cuddle with it. Feed the dog specific food that will give it back its energy and strengthen its muscles and bones. Take care of its health as well by knowing how to avoid health risks. When training the dog, make sure to have a strong bond with it and reward its good behavior. Work hard to please the dog, and it will begin to please you as well. Make your family members bond with the dog so that its socializing tendencies are fulfilled as well. Teach it useful skills so that you can utilize its service dog qualities. References: Davison, L. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, .Bengtson, Bo. The Whippet. Kennel Club Books, .Whippet Labrador mixes are produced by crossbreeding pure-breed whippets and Labrador Retrievers together, these are also known as Whipador. As odd as this mixture might seem, the result is quite astonishing. The Whipador is a fantastic pet that has excellent traits and a fun personality. Whipadors are extremely streamlined canines that look a little bit like a heavy or overweight whippet or sometimes a lean Labrador. Whippets and Labs are both hunting dogs that originated hundreds of years ago. The American Kennel Club registered its first whippet dog in .Labradors originated from Newfoundland, Canada, during the early s. After some time, these small dogs were crossbred with Newfoundlands to produce the Labs. The AHC registered its first Lab in to be among its sporting group. Even as excellent hunters, Labs are still well-reserved and charming service and house dogs. Most people love them. Therefore, the actual appearance of Whipadors primarily relies on chance and genetics. A Whipador can have the whippets fairly upright ears and a bulbous head, or long ears like those of Labrador Retrievers, or a mixture of these traits. Since the Labradors are much heavier than whippets, the Whipadors tend to bit bigger than the whippets. Generally, the female breeds tend to be lighter and shorter than the male breeds. The standard coat colors for Labrador retrievers are black, chocolate, and yellow. Common whippets coat colors are white, fawn, blue, tan, black, and brindle. Whippet Lab Mix Traits And Temperament Reproduced from a hunting crossbreed and excellent retrievers, your Whipador is expected to be very energetic and active. Meaning, you should always be ready for those frequent plays and exercises for your pup to thrive and be happy and satisfy their chase drive. This crossbreed can be very predacious too. Therefore, you should ensure your home is well-fenced and always have a leash for those outside walks and hikes until your pooch learns to walk off-leash. Whichever the case, Whipadors are more likely to be predacious and incredibly energetic. Whippet Lab Mix Health And Life Expectancy Crossbreeds usually are susceptible to health disorders that their parents carry or afflict. Whippet lab mixes are prone to eye issues, such as retinal dysplasia, glaucoma, and lens luxation. They might suffer from heart issues, bloat, hereditary myopathy, joint dysplasia, and skin ailments like demodectic mange, elbow hygroma, and allergies. Hence Whipadors are full of energy and playful too. To thrive, be happy, and be well-adjusted, they require adequate daily exercise to burn off their extra energy and satisfy their chase drive. Once in a while, you should allow your Whipador to play off-leash. You can also plan to take your puppy out for long walks or hikes and short runs. Get enough toys to engage and him busy. You should set aside time to play with your dog, train, and indulge in various activities that match his energy level. Mixes with the short fur coats occasionally shed while those with double coats shed more often. Therefore, Whipadors require frequent brushing and grooming to maintain a clean home and dog. This is when you should invest in that robust and expensive vacuum cleaner to pick up all the hair your pooch will shed without hassling. Individuals living in such areas should be prepared to invest in proper clothing and doggy boots to protect their furry friends from freezing. Underfeeding him will make him thin and malnourished. Therefore, you should ensure to feed your pup a proper diet and the right amount of food. Since the whippet lab mix are susceptible to elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, they require food rich in fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine supplements. Obese dogs are prone to these health disorders; hence you should always give your food the right food amount. Your veterinarian can help you decide on the best food amount, type, and quality for the whippet lab mix. Whipadors can also enjoy raw foods. However, you should ensure the training sessions are highly engaging, fun, and consistent. To motivate your dog to learn fast and remember cues, you should use treats and praises to reinforce desired actions or behaviors. As intelligent dogs, the Whipadors require adequate mental stimulation and exercise to them mentally focused and fit. A well-exercised dog is easy to train too. Therefore, you might exercise your dog to ease the training sessions. Another crucial learning your dog will need is socialisation to stay with other pets and people comfortably and without fear. Therefore, those park walks and daycare visits can help introduce your Whipador to more pets and people as possible. Final Thoughts Whippet lab mixes are perfect family and service dogs. If you want a slightly smaller and more streamlined Labrador, a Whipador can be an excellent choice for you. However, you should be ready to engage him in plenty of activities and games and ensure your home is well-fenced to keep them safe when they want to stretch. Obedience training and house training are essential for your pup to be well-behaved and an exciting family pet. You should train him to control it and respond to your commands promptly. Careful genetic testing is essential to identify the specific health issues the breeding parents have. Other Popular Posts. But I should emphasise that most Whipadors are a healthy breed. As long as you regularly have them checked you should be able to keep them in tip-top condition and identify health issues before they become serious. The life expectancy for healthy Whippet Labradors fed a healthy diet and exercised appropriately is 10 to 12 years. Find out about more about Whippet health problems. As with any breed, insufficient exercise makes for an unhappy dog with a lot of energy that needs to come out. Given a Whipador will inherit more powerful jaws from the Labrador side, this could be a problem for your furniture! If you have an enclosed garden area, your Whipador will enjoy having additional time to sniff around and stretch his or her legs! You might find you need to groom a Whipador once a week to prevent excessive shedding messing up your furniture and to keep dander to a minimum especially important for allergy sufferers. You may also need to use a vacuum cleaner more frequently than you would with a purebred Whippet! Find out more detailed information about how much exercise a Whippet needs. These best illustrate their general appearance as well as the variety in terms of colouration and personality! Summary Many Whipadors combine the looks of Labradors and Whippets as you might expect, however there can be a lot of variance depending upon the dominance of the parent genes. Friendly, loyal, obedient and intelligent, the Whippet Labrador mix is an ideal medium-sized dog for families but they do need sufficient exercise to keep them happy. Please share on Pinterest! Do you own a Whipador? Share this post.Whippet x Labrador Health Mixed breeds, such as Whipadors, may inherit some or all of the health problems that afflict or are carried by their parents. Fortunately, both Labs and Whippets are relatively healthy dogs. But as with many purebreds, their genetics and physical attributes predispose them to certain health problems. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that Labrador retrievers are predisposed to, check out the health section on our website. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that Whippets are predisposed to, keep reading! In addition to the aforementioned health conditions, the following genetic ailments have also been observed in Whippets: Nasal health issues Whippets are dolichocephalic, or simply put, they have longer noses than some of their shorter-muzzled brethren. Having a longer muzzle definitely has its perks, but it sometimes can put a dog at risk of developing nasal tumors, sinus problems, and other conditions. Congenital deafness According to a study, Whippets with the piebald or extreme-white piebald gene are most likely to be born bilaterally one-sided or unilaterally completely deaf. The piebald gene is found in predominantly white dogs. Color Dilution Alopecia Another color-related genetic condition, color dilution alopecia unusual hair thinning or loss has been reported in Whippets that have a diluted hair coat color. Especially blue or fawn. Hemangiosarcoma One final color-related health condition that is common in Whippets is hemangiosarcoma, or skin cancer. Whippets have naturally thin fur and light-colored skin, and so like fair-skinned and fair-haired humans, they are more susceptible to sunburn and subsequent skin damage. One way to prevent a susceptible dog from developing skin cancer is to carefully monitor their exposure to extreme sun if you live in a very sunny climate. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation should not be given certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, dewormers, pain medications or tranquilizers. Doing so could result in an adverse reaction due to toxin build up, including but not limited to seizures, blindness, loss of muscle control or death. According to a study, sighthounds like Whippets have most commonly been observed to have low total thyroid hormone levels. A dog with hypothyroidism will need to be given a pill to replace the hormone that is not being secreted. This will protect them from such symptoms as dry skin, hair loss, skin disease, weight gain and behavioral issues. When one copy of the mutation is present, the affected dog may just appear to be very muscular and highly athletic. But when two copies of the mutation are present, the dog will appear entirely too muscular. While over-muscling is not necessarily detrimental to afflicted dogs, as the condition may cause some muscle cramping, it is mostly just unsightly. Mitral valve degeneration MTD This heart condition, which often leads to left-sided heart failure, is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in dogs. It typically does not present until a dog reaches older age. But in Whippets, some studies are showing an increasing number of much younger Whippets presenting with signs of cardiovascular disease. This suggests that MTD could be hereditary in certain breeds of dogs. Anesthesia complications Sighthounds like Whippets are usually lean-built dogs without a lot of body fat and devoid of a super thick coat. This makes them especially susceptible to cold temperatures. Where this relates to anesthesia is as follows: Surgery takes place in a cold and sterilized environment. Whippets placed under anesthesia are thus at risk of developing hypothermia if their body temperature is not monitored closely and adjusted as needed during a procedure. Whippets also have an issue with their liver filtering certain drugs that are used during anesthesia. Therefore, certain agents cannot be used for anesthesia in Whippets and Whippet mixes. Or they may become a royal terror to your house, not to mention become very unhappy. Your dog will also love the opportunity to be let off its leash to stretch its legs. Buying Labrador Whippet Mix Puppies Before you purchase a puppy from a breeder, we recommend that you do plenty of research to ensure that you only buy from the best of the best, so to speak. Not all dog breeders are equal. Responsible breeders use genetic testing to prevent the passage of undesired traits or health conditions. While irresponsible breeders breed using stock with known health problems or genetic predispositions. Responsible breeders also keep all of their dogs healthy and in clean living conditions. Unfortunately, there are lots of breeders who run puppy mills solely to produce lots of puppies, with no concern for the health of the breeding stock. Adult dogs, purebred and mutt, working dog or pet, end up in shelters or animals rescues. Some are surrendered by owners who cannot care for them anymore. Others are taken from bad situations. And some are picked up as strays. You might find yourself a perfectly nice Whipador for adoption at an animal shelter or rescue. We suggest beginning your search from a Labrador or Whippet-specific rescue association. Similar Breeds. We adopted a 12 yr old cat American Gray short hair - Rebecca from a friend who was forced to leave the country about 4 years ago. Having a cat was a very different experience, she went from a very distant aloof type of cat to a lap cat in about one years time. She actually sleeps on me every single night. We love Rebecca very much but I am a dog guy so it was time for my next fur baby. I really wanted a family type medium sized dog, she had to be a rescue and of course she had to get along with Rebecca. We looked for a long time months and then we went to what felt like our 60th adoption fair for a scheduled meeting. While greeting another dog, this lanky blonde pup caught my eye. Her foster parents called her Blondie, she was in the back corner of a pen with 3 other lab mix puppy's but she was so not interested in all the commotion, she looked like a Lazy Daisy so we called her Dazey. This quirky 4 month old baby stole my heart in a moment. I knew instantly that she was the one! The rescue did not know for sure what breed she was except that she looked like a Lab mix. She was blonde, had long legs and a very lean racing type build. One ear stood straight up and the other ear flopped over, she had a crooked curved tail we thought it had been broken previously but now we know the curved tail was the Whippet and pretty thick claws for a 4 month old. She was very nervous but seemed to know that she had been adopted because she clung to us as if we were old pals during the adoption process. Dazey fell asleep in my partner's lap on the way home from the adoption fair. She was covered in fleas so we had to give her a flea bath before going in the house. It was obvious that she was not fond of the water still isn't but she was very well behaved during the bath. Once dry, we went in the house and she quickly investigated her new home, she completely disregarded the cat and the cat was not impressed by her either. I went to get her bed set up and when I returned to the bedroom with the bed, she was fast asleep in my bed, on her back with all 4 legs in the air. Once awake Dazey claimed her bed quickly, she seemed to prefer having her own space and she was a long girl. Dazey is oddly very skittish around new people and she really is not a fan of children. She is also very protective of her new family. I can honestly say that I have never had a more loyal, pleasant and easily trained dog before which if you knew my previous pets, you would agree that's saying something. Dazey is great with other dogs as long as she is off her leash like at doggie daycare, she has no problem with how big other dogs are but she prefers to play in the small dog room. We really had no idea what her mix was, so many people offered suggestions including our vet. We knew that she must have a hunting breed mix because her nose rarely leaves the ground and she can see small birds, rabbits and the like from a long distance. We took her to the park her most favorite word now - next to Frisbee to see if that type of play interested her and we were blown away by her instant ability to track, chase down and catch a Frisbee mid air. I mean she literally knows exactly where its coming down regardless of the winds, she almost never misses. One day an elderly lady came up to us in the park all excited, she said that it had been a long time since she had seen a Whipador! We were like a.She even opened up her phone and pulled a few pictures of Whipadors' up and to our surprise, there was Dazey well at least a look alike. The DNA test confirmed that she was correct! Dazey has a shiny golden blonde coat, chestnut brown eyes and has all the characteristics of the Whippet but look's like a mix between the breeds and she sheds like a lab. She is the sweetest, funniest little girl with two speeds, full throttle and sleep, lol. Dazey also loves to howl along with us once we get her going, she has a deep hound dog chest howl and a very big bark. OH, I am sure you are wondering about how Rebecca and Dazey get along.At first Rebecca was annoyed with her, Dazey has no sense of personal space as she frequently will sniff Rebecca from behind, often lifting Rebbeca's back legs off the ground. Rebecca responds with a hiss and a soft swat but no malice intended. We do have to watch Dazey because sometimes her instinct to chase gets the best of her and the two go flying through the house but Rebecca many times will instigate the play time. They also frequently share a bed or a pillow, depending on who got there first. Sorry this was so long but I just found this page and I wanted to share! Thanks for reading!

Margaret O. I could not be happier. A mentally healthy dog is so important. Our little guy came to us in an unexpected unique way. After a previous family was unable to take him, Jeff called us and asked if we were interested in coming out to meet the puppy that same day! They are willing to sit and talk through any questions you have, they give you a lot of information about the breed, and what to expect when you bring your puppy home. Another big plus for us was seeing that the kennels were clean and all the dogs that we saw looked very healthy. Our puppy was the sweetest when he first met us! He ran up to us, showered us in puppy kisses, and was just overall a happy chill little dude. He just had his first vet appointment and was given a clean bill of health! He is sweet, gentle, and such a fast learner! I have never met any dog with this level of intelligence and at such a young age! We have only had him for 6 days and he has settled in so quick and has already learned basic commands. Thank you so much Jeff and Rhonda for our new little addition to our family! When we first went to meet with them and take a peek at Adrian and Barus litter, we liked that they had all the dogs in the home and the home was clean!!! Adrian had a calm temperament as well as the rest of the dogs. Caught on extremely quick w the training and is extremely good with our young grandchildren. We definitely chose the right breeders. Good communication and great canine genetics are obvious! Response from the owner Thank you so much April for the kind words. Rhonda and I try very hard to make things special for our puppy families. Pride and integrity means everything to us. Rhonda takes care of pupies like her own kids! We have 3 of their dogs one male that is the puppy of untox and panja. H gets to play fight likes that and playing with his ball. Rhonda was spectacular to work with, detailed and friendly. She is one of the most intelligent, healthy puppies we have ever owned and her temperament with our family is world class. When we were looking for a puppy we met with Rhonda and could not of been happier. There dogs were so well behaved, stunningly gorgeous and just wanted to be loved. Exactly what my wife and I were looking for. We all no there is never any guarantees in life when it comes to purchasing a puppy, but I can say we have a true champion in our little Bella. She has been a total blessing since we got her. Thanks Rhonda and Jeff!! Response from the owner. As a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high-quality German Shepherds from some of the top-rated German Shepherds in Germany. We strive to produce with the high-quality breed of our German Shepherd puppies for sale which means breeding with top-rated Champion German Shepherd bloodline of some of the best German Shepherds in the world. We are Vom Ragnar, a passionate breeder, and we are committed to offering our future puppy owners or puppies lovers with excellent German Shepherd puppies for sale with a dedication to increasing the quality of puppies with each selective breeding. Our German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale are excellent with kids and other pets and of course, perfect for the families. Our puppies have super temperament character. The rich black and red color and of course is a pure breed, German Shepherd. We specialize in German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale for Family, companionship show dogs, or working dogs. We are now can ship our German shepherd litters of puppies, young dogs, or adult dogs for sale worldwide. For more information about seeing our puppies at kennel facility, please complete the form to make an appointment or simply call us at .Our goal is to be the best and that means breeding the best German Shepherds in the country. People travel from as far as Alaska, and even from across the Atlantic, to see and purchase our pups. We also take German Shepherd pups from all over the world to professionally train in basic or advanced obedience training as well as personal protection and protection work training. But, no matter where our new pups go or where people come from to have their pups trained, Vom Ragnar is proud to be a part of the Chicago community and will always consider Chicago to be our home base. We are equally committed to maintaining a healthy business relationship with the city of Chicago and the surrounding communities. Or you can email us at vomragnar gmail. Our German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale are excellent with kids and other pets and of course, perfect for the families. Our puppies have super temperament character. The rich black and red color and of course is pure breed, German Shepherd. We specialize in German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale for Family, companionship show dogs or working dogs. We are now can ship our German shepherd litters of puppies, young dogs or adult dogs for sale worldwide. For easy to locate and drive to our Kenny, please use the Google Map below: For more information about seeing our puppies at kennel facility, please complete the form to make an appointment or simply call us at .Your Name required. We specialize in family companion dogs, and our dogs are used for children with Autism and Aspergers. We also provide dogs for epileptic and diabetic detection, as well the hearing impaired. Our dogs also serve as companions to veterans , and we work closely with VA hospitals to provide dogs who assist with PTSD and anxiety. A large number of our dogs are also competitors and working schutzhund dogs. We make use of a private courier service to pick up and deliver our dogs. We're very mindful to ensure the dogs are completely happy throughout the delivery! If we think you're the right match for one of our dogs we can deliver them to you wherever you are based in the US. All of our dogs come with a lifetime guarantee on health contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Our dogs are gentle and attentive and have dispositions perfect for family companionship or special needs. Puppies come with comprehensive training included, along with a full year of shots. A list of individual dogs accomplishments include Va Winnie, Va Ollie, V1 Saint and many dogs involved in the 6xwinner of the progeny group competition. Regis Regal German Shepherds have also worked in many different areas of public service, such as patrol dogs, search and rescue dogs, avalanche rescue dogs, bomb detection, narcotic detection, and even arson dogs. As featured in Puppy Rental for Special Events Looking for a memorable experience at your next event? Rent one of our German Shepherd dogs for a limited time at your next special event. Our team is perfect for birthdays, conferences, conventions, company retreats, and special events all over the country! Get in touch with our AKC German Shepherd breeders to learn more about our puppy rental services and event guidelines. Contact our team to learn more. Client Testimonials "I purchased my German Shepard from them when she was a puppy and she is now a beautiful, sweet tempered 4-year-old dog. We took home our pup and have had only good thoughts and things to say since we left. Cindy shared so much time and knowledge with us before we left. Axle just turned two years old and will be an important part of my kids lives as they grow up. We work closely with them in order to train our dogs to assist veterans with PTSD, anxiety, and more. Cindy's Latest Articles Cindy Kelly loves to share her expertise on breeding, training and raising world class German Shepherds. When she has time she publishes articles on the Regis Regal blog - you can find some of her most recent ones listed below. If you would like to hear Cindy's thoughts on any particular element of owning or raising German Shepherds then feel free to get in touch. Learn here! Read More Trending States Based on their Interest in our World-Class German Shepherds We make use of a high quality, private courier service to deliver our dogs where a customer is unable to come to our premises in Illinois.

German Shepherd Itching Constantly? None of us want to see our German Shepherd itching like crazy and constantly in discomfort. Or, worse—in pain from their own skin! But there are solutions for German Shepherd allergies and dry skin that you can use right now to help your dog from itching like crazy. And you can do them right now, too! Although food is rarely a cause of dry skin or allergies, in many dogs a change in diet dramatically decreases itchy skin. While there are plenty of sensitive diets on the market you should try Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Formula which has no soy, wheat, peas, or corn. German Shepherd itchy skin might also happen if your current feeding routine lacks proper nutrition. Choosing a sensitive or hypoallergic dog food is a quick way to help your German Shepherd from itching like crazy. If your dog has special medical conditions, check with your vet first to make sure a change in diet will help with their scratchy and itchy skin issues. Look for a shampoo that contains coal tar which moisturizes and calms the red, irritated skin. Beware… Over bathing can cause more irritation by stripping the skin of natural oils and removing the protective layer. This can increase itching and scratching. Only bathe your dog with the medicated shampoo as needed to control their symptoms. They are also convenient and easy to use throughout the day. Look for a spray that contains aloe vera and vitamin e, both of which moisturize the skin. I use this spray for my itching German Shepherd and her skin felt moisturized and looked healthier after only a few applications. For areas you think are infected or extremely irritated, try a thicker cream that also offers pain relief, like this Sulfodene ointment. My GSD immediately shows signs of relief upon application! Use soft strokes and a brush with rounded tips. Specifically, try a rake brush that removes the dead undercoat. My GSD loves the rake brush, and this helps her to have the excess dead hair removed so that her skin can breathe more. This reduces the efficiency of the oil glands and causes your GSD to itch constantly and like crazy. Add Anti-Inflammatory Supplements to their Diet Research shows that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce skin inflammation and increase skin moisture in some dogs. You want o use a blended oil like this salmon oil with hemp oil blend because it produces outstanding coat and skin results that help your dog to itch less while giving them a shiny, healthy coat. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or even several months for your dog to feel the benefits of an omega supplement and for you to see the benefits. Begin before the cold seasons to avoid having a German Shepherd itching in winter or because of allergies. Most dogs enjoy the oil as a treat on top of their usual kibble. My German Shepherd itches and licks her paws a lot in spring because of grass and pollen allergies. Use a brand that has ingredients to help with scratching and itching. You need a wipe with soothing ingredients found in them, such as Tropiclean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes that give your dog clean skin to lessen irritations. Use these dry skin tips! Deicing solutions and salt on the walkways increase skin dryness. Remember, in the winter your German Shepherd needs special attention to their skin: Be sure to keep paw cleaning and wiping products by your door. Upon returning from every walk use them to remove any debris. Brush them thoroughly to help distribute their natural oils after walking outdoors in winter and apply an anti-itch spray and ointments if necessary. Run a Humidifier Adding moisture back to the air helps some dogs decrease their scratching, especially during the winter months and in dry climates. Especially if they enjoy lying close to the heat! Humidifiers come in a variety of models and sizes and both in a cool mist and warm mist options. Avoid Using Room or Fragrance Sprays Some German Shepherd allergies are brought on or worsened by unnatural, chemical-laden room and fragrance or perfume sprays. Avoid using these items, including the plug-in room fragrance models, if you suspect your German Shepherd has allergies or is itching constantly. The chemicals can even cause allergies to become worse in German Shepherds or they can develop breathing problems when you use too many chemicals products around them. Switch to a more natural cleaning option when possible. Use the following helpful information to understand why your GSD may have allergies and what contributes to allergies and scratching. German Shepherds are prone to a variety of skin problems because of flea or insect allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and skin contact allergies. Some GSDs are also itchy because of medicine allergies either over the counter or prescribed and even genetic allergies. This leads to a lower quality of life and possible serious medical and health complications. Itchy German Shepherd? Use this list to see if your dog might have an allergy to one or multiple items that causes them to itch like crazy: Food Allergy wheat, unusual proteins like bison, kangaroo, etc. Parasite Allergy fleas, ticks, etc. Environmental Factors cold weather, dry air, fragrance sprays, commercial cleansers, carpet powders, mold, etc. Always seek vet advice when in doubt. You can also provide temporary and sometimes long-term relief using the process of elimination and the home treatments for skin problems previously listed. How to help my German Shepherd from itching and scratching? Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution. There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away. Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Hormone imbalances, illness Shedding German shepherds shed year-round. They have a thick double coat that helps regulate their body temperature. As the weather changes, about twice a year, they blow their coat, which results in lots of shedding. When they are blowing their coat, or shedding more than usual, they may scratch more often as they try to remove the excess fur. You can help de-shed them by brushing them often with an undercoat rake. It can also help to give them a bath in a conditioning, Ph balanced, de-shedding shampoo. If you lack time, consider a professional groomer a few times a year to help keep them well-groomed and less itchy. If your dog suddenly starts to shed more than usual or their fur is getting thin and dull, you may need to visit the vet. Illness, stress, dermatitis, and infections can all contribute to excess shedding that requires medical care. A few times a year is usually enough for most dogs. However, if they get wet, dirty, exposed to allergens, or have irritated skin, it can trigger lots of itching. To remove the itchy triggers from their skin and fur, its best to give them a bath using a rubber bath brush , which will help loosen fur and debris and gently massage their skin. When bathing, consider using a conditioning shampoo made with oatmeal and aloe to relieve the skin from irritants. Be sure to follow with a conditioner to protect their skin and coat and dry them off, which will also help remove any dead fur. Parasites Parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks can all cause excessive itching as well as a problem in your home and yard. Dogs infested with parasites experience intense itching and some even have allergic reactions all over their body but especially at their belly, rear, hocks, elbows, and ear flaps. Dry Skin Dry, flakey, itchy skin can be caused for many reasons, including allergies, illness, infection, heat or air conditioning, being exposed to a household cleaner or soap, change in diet, or even needing more omega oil in the diet. Infections Itchy dogs are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections due to their constant scratching and licking. These infections also cause dogs to itch, creating a painful cycle of itchiness. Infections can usually be identified by intense itching, redness, sores, and may even have a foul odor. One of the keys to helping a dog recover from a skin infection is to stop them from scratching. This can usually be done with a combination of antibiotics or antifungals from your vet as well as anti-itch shampoos and sprays. Nutrition German shepherds tend to do best on a high-quality food that is easy to digest and nourishes the skin and coat. However, not all dogs thrive on the same food. There are many opinions about which dog food is best but what works great for one dog is sometimes a disaster for another. When feeding your dog, looking for a high-quality food for large breed dogs usually over 50 pounds that is AAFCO labeled complete and balanced for the life stage of your dog. Many foods created for sensitive dogs are free of corn, wheat, and soy yet still contain some grains, while others are grain free. Environmental Allergens Controlling the itching in dogs with environmental or seasonal allergies can be difficult. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may want to consider allergy testing and immunotherapy. Food Allergies Food allergies are far less common in dogs than environmental allergies. According to Tufts University, "Food allergies occur when an animal's immune system misidentifies a protein from a food as an invader rather than a food item and mounts an immune response. The end result of this response can be itchy skin or ear and skin infections in some pets, while it may cause vomiting or diarrhea in others. Which means every time your dog eats the offending food, it triggers an immune response and may worsen every time your dog eats that particular ingredient. Dogs are also far more likely to be allergic to the protein in a food chicken, beef or eggs than grains. In fact, allergies to rice or oats are rare and allergies to other grains, uncommon. So, if you keep rotating foods but are feeding the same protein or beans and legumes, that could be the problem. We hope these tips help your dog live itch free. Please feel free to share them with your friends with itchy dogs. And for good reason! They are characterized by not only their smarts, loyalty and courage, but also the thick fur coat that protects them. However, their coat makes them very susceptible to developing skin issues. If you are a parent of a German Shepherd, stay informed by being knowledgeable about why they get skin allergies and what you can do for them. They are allergic to fleas, especially to their saliva. When bitten, they will constantly itch and their skin will be inflamed. You will most likely see red spots almost immediately. Flea control would greatly help. A few of the things you can do is give your dog a refreshing bath in either a pool or a bathtub. This way fleas are washed away. Do make sure you fully submerge the dog in the water. Controlling fleas can not only prevent German Shepherd skin allergies but they can also avoid serious health problems such as tapeworms, anemia, dermatitis and bacterial infections. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Steps for properly eliminating fleas from your German Shepherd: Bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Use a loofa for scrubbing his body. Make sure you cover his eyes with a dry cloth. Scrub vigorously to make sure it penetrates through his skin. Scrub for up to 5 minutes and make sure you include the genital area, tail and belly. These are the places where fleas tend to gather. Rinse using a hose a dry him off with a towel. Food Allergy Do you know that the number one cause of allergy in German Shepherds is the meat in dog food? When they develop this allergy, the skin is most likely the place where the inflammations would appear. If remain untreated, it could progress to infections or secondary bacterial infections that may be accompanied by alopecia or crusting. Food with real ingredients containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are a good choice. Skin allergies may not be completely avoided but your German Shepherd will not likely develop skin irritations related to food if he is consuming the right diet. Environmental Allergy German Shepherds, as a dog breed, are really prone to skin allergies. Pollen-related allergies are one of the most common. This happens usually in the summer or in the fall. Many dog owners will use Benadryl for dogs to help alleviate pollen allergies that are common during the spring season for many dogs. Pollen allergies could lead to Atomic Dermatitis. This is usually a genetic condition caused by dust, trees or pollen. The dog may also experience ear infections when the allergy is not treated. Claritin for dogs is commonly used to help alleviate this type of allergy but it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian prior to giving anything to your dog. Eye drops for dogs are common for helping to remove environmental allergies from the eyes and face of your dog. When you notice these, your dog may have an allergy. Symptoms also include flaky skin, hot spots, hair loss, dandruff, sores and dry skin. You need to watch out for skin allergies affecting either the ears or the eyes. Smelly ears or teary eyes could lead to painful infections when not treated. It would be best to consult a veterinarian right away for the proper prescription. Other Treatment Options For German Shepherds Most environment-related allergies are treated with over the counter treatments. Buying hypoallergenic or sulfate-free shampoo would be best for your German Shepherd. You can also choose a shampoo with either aloe vera or tree tea oil as the ingredients. These will provide a calming and soothing effect on their skin. Consult your veterinarian for antihistamine prescriptions for your dog. You may also visit a nutritionist so they could devise a good diet plan for your canine. Learn about our healthy protein food excellent for your German Shepherd. Managing Skin Problems with German Shepherds Fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants may reduce the symptoms. You may also regularly vacuum or wash the dog in hot water to remove the allergens. Keep an eye on them! We love our pets like family and hate to see them uncomfortable. Fortunately, by keeping an eye on their activity, watching how they react to their diet, bathing them regularly, and giving them a supplement if you think they need extra support, you can go a long way toward helping them live a more comfortable life! In this article:. Bees, hornets, and wasps Environmental Hygiene Most environmental allergies also known as inhalant allergies in German Shepherds are seasonal, which means your dog may only be prone at certain times of the year. However, the exceptions to this are molds, mildew, and house dust mite allergies, as these can occur yearly. Here are the common environmental allergies in German Shepherds due to their genetic tendency to become sensitized to: Tree pollens oak, ash, cedar, etc. Grass and weed pollens ragweed House dust mites Mold spores and mildew Other pet dander, such as cat or human skin These allergies also cause atopic dermatitis atopy , which causes red, itchy skin, rashes, hot spots, hair loss, and infections. Likewise, you should also look at their environment. Although dogs can have similar symptoms, they mainly suffer from itchy skin pruritus , especially around the face, paws, tummy, and armpits. Your German Shepherd will continually scratch, lick, or bite his skin, making it red, sore, and prone to infection. He may also try to rub himself on furniture or the floor to help relieve symptoms. Wrong Diet German Shepherds are predisposed to gastrointestinal problems. One example is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, which affects the normal digestion of food. They are also at risk of bloat GDV , a life-threatening condition. German Shepherds are also more prone to food allergies than other breeds, along with Labradors. Did you know that some GSDs have been lactose intolerant since their birth? As they begin experiencing digestive issues, you can confirm the level of lactose intolerance. There is nothing unusual about these foods other than they have been the most common ingredients in dog foods for years, so dogs have been repeatedly exposed to them. The skin condition can worsen and open the way for maggots to enter the body. In aged dogs, this can lower the appetite and also impact every organ of the body over time. Besides, some dog allergies, for example, seasonal pollen allergies, can temporarily go away. Some symptoms can also be a sign of a completely different condition. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if your GSD is itching too much due to environmental reasons: Did you recently change your floor cleaner? Is there another dog with a skin condition next to your GSD? Do you find red spots on the belly? In these cases, your German Shepherd might have a problem with the environment and needs immediate cleaning. When your German Shepherd passes watery stools, it can often be the case of a food allergy. Well, there are chances for your German Shepherd to itch so much due to multiple causes too. How to Treat An Itchy German Shepherd When a German Shepherd itches more than usual, it reddens the spot, and most importantly, it can lower the appetite and movement over time. The best way to treat an itchy German Shepherd is to identify the underlying cause and choose a suitable plan of action. GSDs with dermatitis need medicines and medicated baths, while those with environmental allergens need regular cleaning to eliminate allergens. Contrarily, those with food allergies need a change in diet. Here are some treatment options for your German Shepherd to control the itchiness: Medications. Antihistamines or corticosteroids anti-inflammatory can be prescribed to block the allergic reaction and help relieve symptoms. Immunosuppressive agents are also an option, but they must be used wisely due to possible side effects. Antibiotics can also be given for secondary bacterial infection. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, have effectively treated skin allergies as they can improve the response to steroids and antihistamines. Medicated shampoo or cream. These can help with severe itching and inflamed skin. Some therapeutic shampoos also contain anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agents to help your dog. Frequent bathing can help to remove allergens from the fur. Holistic medicines or natural treatments. Some dog owners opt for alternative therapies such as essential oils like chamomile or aloe vera. Always consult a vet familiar with their use if you wish to try these. Immunotherapy also known as hyposensitization. A series of weekly injections allergy shots is given to your German Shepherd to introduce the allergen to desensitize him to it, for example, pollen. Hypoallergenic diet. This contains a novel protein, such as kangaroo, duck, or venison. Feeding new foods will prevent a continuation of the over-response. Prevention Tips Even though German Shepherds are susceptible to allergies, here are some prevention tips. Some of these tips can also be used if your dog already has his diagnosis to help to relieve his symptoms: Flea prevention treatment. Regularly vacuum carpets. To help prevent fleas and dust mites, vacuum carpets daily. You should do this at least weekly with hypoallergenic, non-toxic detergents. Regularly grooming. For ease, I use the FURminator de-shedding tool from Amazon, which does a great job as it gets right through to the undercoat and safely removes loose hair. Check out my article on how to reduce GSD shedding for some cool tips! Avoid pollen. Walk your German Shepherd before dawn and late afternoon to early evening, as this is when pollen is at its lowest. Wipe his paws and body after his walk to help remove pollen and other allergens. Feed a nutritious, high-quality diet. Some of the preservatives and additives in commercial dog food may also cause allergies or intolerance. To prevent this, always make sure you feed your German Shepherd high-quality food. Opt for the most expensive you can afford. Feed dog food with only one or two protein sources. This can help give you more choices later on, should your German Shepherd develop an allergy. Use an air purifier. Air purifiers help create a cleaner, healthier environment by capturing tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. The latest model also comes with Wi-Fi enabled. Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers take moisture out of the air in your home. Drying out the air keeps allergy triggers to a minimum, subsequently relieving symptoms. In other instances, environmental and food allergies can also provoke a dog to itch regularly. Sometimes, a medicated bath does the job. Most dog breeds, including German Shepherds, scratch with an aim to perform a self-cleaning of the body and ears. If your German Shepherd is prone to direct heat or extreme cold, he may scratch quite frequently, and this is only a reaction to the environmental allergen temporary. You can see bald patches on various parts of the body. Vets might recommend medicines along with medicated baths and changes in diet. German Shepherds are prone to allergies. They are a high-risk breed predisposed to skin allergy known as canine atopic dermatitis CAD. The most common allergies are caused by fleas, food, environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or mold , or contact with other irritants. Final Thoughts I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have a German Shepherd itch so much all of a sudden. The situation worsens when you have multiple dogs at home. Although the German Shepherd breed is predisposed to different forms of allergies, they can still live a long, healthy, and happy life with the right treatment to control the symptoms. Related Posts You May Like:. While they sound like they are insects similar to fleas, they are actually more like spiders, just in parasite form. As well, the longer you wait to seek out diagnosis and treatment, the more likely a minor issue with mites will turn into sarcoptic mange, or scabies, a much more serious condition. As Veterinary Partner explains, because the mites feed on dead skin, they like the more hairless areas on your dog like the ears, belly, or joints. Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are quite a lot like other skin allergies and conditions that can affect a German Shepherd. Your veterinarian may need to rule out other issues and do several tests. Even after a firm diagnosis is made, your dog will probably need a range of treatments, including antibiotics, topical shampoos or solutions, oral treatments, dips, and topical itch-relief products. You can see how severe the mange issues can become and also how effective treatment can be once a proper diagnosis is made. The big difference between scabies and Demodex is that the scabies mite is a definite invader, while the Demodex mite is always present on the skin. Typically, as long as your German Shepherd stays healthy with a strong immune system, the mites will live peacefully inside the hair follicles. But if there is any disruption to the immune system function, the mites may start to cause itching. The most common warning sign besides intense itching is patchy hair loss. In fact, current estimates indicate as many as 10 percent of all dogs alive today may be suffering from some degree of food allergies. Interestingly, food allergies in people are also on the rise. While researchers are not completely sure what is causing this uptick in interspecies food allergies, there are several suspects, from GMOs genetically modified organisms to global toxins. Certain foods are known to be more prone to causing food allergies in German Shepherds and other dog breeds. Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat gluten , rabbit, pig pork , and lamb are some of the most frequently cited food-based allergens. However, a German Shepherd may also have sensitivities to additional foods. For example, peanuts are known to be more prone to fungus, which can cause intense allergies in some dogs. Veterinarians who specialize in allergies and immunology are not sure exactly why dogs have sensitivities to foods that might ordinarily be a big part of their diets such as chicken and lamb. Even if your dog previously was able to eat the food item, over time sensitivity can develop and it may be necessary to remove that food from the diet going forward. One theory is that commercial livestock operations often give breeding animals and young animals antibiotics to try to ward off illness and infection. Some breeds are also naturally more likely to have food allergies and German Shepherds are one of those breeds. Your veterinarian will likely do some allergy testing to narrow down the search. Another option many veterinarians prescribe is to adopt a limited ingredient diet to see if the symptoms clear up on their own. Rather, it is important to rule out both behavioral as well as environmental causes to see what causes the itching to clear up. Behavior reasons why your GSD might be scratching Some German Shepherds may actually just need more enrichment, exercise, activity, or playtime. Because the GSD is such a sensitive and intelligent dog breed, these dogs can start to self-harm by chewing at the skin if they get bored or lonely. Boredom can lead to other destructive behaviors like digging , chewing things around the house, and barking. Systemic reasons why your GSD might be scratching Problems with thyroid function, endocrine disruption or immune system malfunction can also cause skin that dries out and becomes itchy. Sometimes testing reveals a hidden metabolic or systemic disease or sensitivity that is the real cause of the itching. Environmental reasons why your GSD might be scratching German Shepherds can be very sensitive to environmental toxins, including exposure to herbicides or pesticides or insecticides, toxic house or lawn plants, air pollution, seasonal pollen, mold or mildew, and similar triggers for scratching. It can be worth taking a second look at your lawn care and gardening products as well as what may be growing in and around areas where you and your dog walk regularly. Regular brushing and grooming can help you spot developing problems before they get out of control. Going forward, when you brush your dog each week, take time to examine the skin, ears, paw pads, tail, and belly areas, joints, and face for any signs of skin redness, hot spots, irritation, or inflammation. As well, it often helps to keep a journal so you can record what happened just before your dog experienced a bout of scratching. Does your dog seem to itch more after meals or yard time? These are valuable clues that can help quickly diagnose and treat the scratching issue. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? There are many different types of hypoallergenic and sensitive dog foods. These have been specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions as far as possible. By reducing the number of issues that their system has to contend with, you are likely to alleviate their itchiness. Common allergens found in dog foods are dairy proteins, chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, gluten, and soy. As well as this any chicken meal, fat, eggs, cartilage, grains, lentils, peas, potatoes, flaxseeds, fish, and yeast. If your dog is allergic to any of these things then their bodies will produce antibodies and antigens as part of its immune response. If you suspect that this is one of the problems with your dog, your vet may ask you to do an elimination trial. This is where you feed your dog a carefully controlled hypoallergenic diet for between 8 and 12 weeks. This diet cannot contain any foods that your dog has consumed in the past and does not allow for your dog to be fed with treats or supplements. Your vet may also perform a serum IgE test, which is a type of blood test. This will give them an indication as to what foods your dog may be sensitive to. Alternatively, your dog may be itchy if they are not being fed appropriate nutrition. They may be deficient in vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The blood test will indicate this to your vet too. This can also cause itchiness. It is vital to feed your dog the correct diet to keep them healthy and well. This will also help to improve the quality of their coat, making it shiny and luxurious. We recommend using an oil blend, such as salmon and hemp. This is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction and will work beautifully to produce a healthy coat and skin. To feed it to them, all you need to do is pour a little of the oil over the top of their kibble at mealtimes. You will not notice results immediately after you begin to feed the oil blend to your dog. It is likely to take somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks to notice the benefits. We strongly suggest that you begin to incorporate this fatty supplement into their diet before the cold season begins. This will help to reduce the chances of your German Shepherd becoming itchy and ill over the winter. These will help to boost their immune and digestive systems. Probiotics will also help to reduce the inflammatory response of their bodies to any allergens present in their environment. There is evidence to suggest that these supplements can also help to protect your dog from immunological attacks. Change their shampoo There are many different types of medicated shampoo that are ideal for treating itchy dogs. These will help to soothe their inflamed skin and reduce the itchy sensation. They are super simple to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase. Your shampoo should contain a compound known as coal tar. This is commonly used as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis as it is incredibly soothing on broken and irritated skin. It is also a highly effective treatment for overly oily fur and dandruff. You can purchase coal tar shampoos designed for both human and canine use. You should not wash your dog too often as this can also lead to problems. If you over wash your dog, you can strip the natural oils out of their coat and off their skin. This can actually lead to even more itchiness and further complications. It is a good idea to bathe them every months, or more often if recommended by your veterinarian. You should always rinse your dog twice thoroughly to ensure all of the shampoo residues have come off of their coat. Use moisturizer There are many different moisturizing skin sprays and ointments available to treat your German Shepherd. These help to keep their skin hydrated, therefore reducing irritation and itchiness. Sprays are highly convenient to apply throughout the day and will not cause you much inconvenience. You should look for sprays and ointments that contain Vitamin E and aloe vera. Both of these are very moisturizing and will massively help your dog. Apply liberally to areas that seem most affected. These sprays are clinically formulated to have veterinarian quality impacts from the comfort of your home. For really itchy and affected areas, it is wise to use an ointment or thicker cream for more of an impact. This can also be applied to small cuts and sores for instant relief. It will also help to eradicate any loose hairs that may be causing them irritation. We recommend grooming your German Shepherd with a rake brush with rounded tips, 2 to 3 times per week. During shedding season, in the spring and fall months, you will need to brush your dog every day. This is because they will be losing a huge quantity of fur and will need some assistance to ensure the dead hair does not just collect in their coat. If your dog lives indoors, they are likely to shed slightly less than outdoor dogs. Ideally, this brush will have a double row as these will remove the most hair with ease. Use soft but firm strokes in the direction of hair growth. We recommend using a rake brush. This is because German Shepherds have 2 coats of hair, and this type of brush will remove dead hairs from their undercoat. Neglecting to brush your dog will result in a thick blanket of hair growing over the skin and preventing adequate air circulation. This means that their oil glands can become clogged and can make your dog incredibly itchy. Wash them often This is a particularly important step during allergy seasons such as late spring and summer. If your dog is sensitive to pollen and goes outside, they will drag the pollen back in with them on their fur. This can cause them to have continuing allergic reactions, even when indoors. This will reduce the amount of grass and pollen that they come into contact with and can reduce allergic reactions. Invest in a humidifier If the air is particularly dry, this can cause your German Shepherd to itch too. This is particularly prevalent during the winter months when electric heaters and log fireplaces are running. Humidifiers work by introducing more moisture into the air. This can help to alleviate some skin conditions and improve the overall health of your dog. They can emit either a warm or a cool mist, and some are capable of both. You should place the humidifier close to where your dog spends most of its time. This will help to ensure they get as much benefit from the humidifier as possible. It is a good idea to place the humidifier out of reach of your dog to ensure they do not knock it over and hurt themselves. Do not point it directly at your dog as they may become wary and move if any mist or discharge from the humidifier is suddenly sent their way. Do not use fragrance sprays The respiratory and olfactory systems of dogs are far superior to that of humans. Their sense of smell is more than times stronger than a human, meaning that they are incredibly sensitive to odors. There are many smells, such as ylang-ylang, which can actually irritate and cause harm to your dog. If your German Shepherd is already itching, their symptoms may be worsened by the use of room fragrances or perfume sprays. We do not recommend burning scented candles or incense in the vicinity of your dog. In extreme cases, you may wish to consider stopping using aerosol deodorant and perfume sprays. Change your household cleaning products Commercially available cleaning products can cause your dog to itch. Many chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in your dog. There are lots of naturally formulated cleaning products available that will reduce the reactions in your dog. Look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Allow all surfaces that have had chemicals applied to them to dry completely before you let your dog near them. Other home remedies for itching A completely natural way to treat your dog is through the use of apple cider vinegar. Use this as a rinse to alleviate symptoms of itching. Dilute it in a ratio with purified water and put it into a bottle. Wash your dog as normal with a mild castile soap and then rub the apple cider vinegar into their fur. Ensure all areas of their body are covered, paying close attention to their belly and legs. Take care not to get the vinegar into their eyes as this will hurt them. Do not use this on open wounds or raw skin as it will burn and hurt your German Shepherd. Do not rinse this off, instead allow it to air dry on their skin and fur. This can also be applied topically throughout the day to alleviate itchy hotspots. It can also be used to clean out their ears and can be ingested for digestive issues. Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent. You may want to consider incorporating olive oil into their diet. Olive oil is high in vitamins K and E, as well as antioxidants. Do this 2 to 3 times per week to help alleviate itchiness and improve the quality of their fur. Another good incorporation into their diet is plain yogurt. Take care to ensure that this is one that has no additives or sugar, as these will be bad for your dog. The yogurt will contain probiotic cultures that will help to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in their gut. It can help to prevent yeast infections and skin issues. For small dogs, add in a teaspoon of yogurt 2 to 3 times per week. For large dogs, feed them 2 teaspoons. Coconut oil is another great and easy home remedy. Apply it topically to dry skin as a moisturizer or give it orally to your dog as an immune booster. It is also really useful as a human moisturizer and is delicious to boot. We have all heard of oatmeal baths for chickenpox, but did you know that this can be done for dogs too? Grab some oatmeal and place it into a high-powered blender and blend until a powder has formed. Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour in the oatmeal powder. Allow this to combine for a few minutes and then bring your dog in. If possible, allow your dog to soak in this bath for 15 minutes. Performing this bath regularly will help to reduce the overall itchiness of your dog and make their life more comfortable. You can also make herbal tea soaks for your dog. These can be done with chamomile, calendula, and green teas. All of these teas have soothing properties and will help to reduce itchiness. This is particularly useful for dogs with red raw skin that cannot stop itching. To make this soak, fill your tub with warm water and throw in around 5 tea bags. Leave them to steep here for minutes and then take the bags out of the water. Bring your dog into the bath and allow them to soak in the tea for around 5 minutes. If the itching is localized to smaller regions, steep a couple of tea bags in a jug of warm water. Allow it to cool and then pour over the affected patches and allow the tea to air dry. For more natural home remedies, take a look at this video. Learn About German Shepherd Scratching From a Canine Veterinarian In this YouTube video , you can watch a canine veterinarian examining a German Shepherd dog patient who is struggling with ongoing itching and scratching issues. When determining why your German Shepherd may be itchy, there are three primary reasons behind it. Fleas and lice commonly attach themselves to dogs, and can cause extreme discomfort and even self-mutilation through efforts to relieve the discomfort. The same applies if your dog has recently visited the veterinarian, though this is not as common as after returning home from a kennel. While your GSD may be allergic to one particular thing that he may have ingested, chances are that if there is an allergy present from food that it has to do with a change in his regular diet. Itching due to a food allergy is usually due to something that your dog will have been consuming for a while versus just on one occasion. Environmental allergies Environment allergies, also called Atopic dermatitis , present when your dog is allergic to some type of an environmental substance. This could be an airborne substance like pollen, but it could also be from dust mites, which are found in literally every household. Environmental allergies are most often present in dogs at least 6 months old, but they are more common in dogs that are at least 1 year old. These allergies can begin as seasonal in nature. They may begin in the spring and then taper off as fall approaches. Dust mites can also be a cause of itching. They can be found gathering in places where dead skin cells accumulate most often — places like furniture, bedding, carpeting, throw rugs, and stuffed animals. Dust mites can be found in just about every household. They are most prevalent from August to November when houses are closed up because of cool evenings and increasing humidity. However, be aware that, while seasonal, dust mites can still show up in the winter when heaters are stirring up dust. Go through the following steps and you will be able to isolate the most common cause for your GSD being itchy. Has your German Shepherd had the same food throughout his life? If this is the case, speak with your veterinarian. Have the seasons recently changed? YES — If the dog is middle-aged, then not likely a seasonal allergy. Seasonal allergies begin to show up after 6 months to 1 year of age. YES — If the dog is 6 months to 1 year old, then his itching is likely due to a seasonal allergy. NO — A seasonal allergy is probably not the concern here. They will show up the vast majority of the time when spring has just arrived. The exception here are dust mites. If you suspect that dust mites are the culprits, then talk with your veterinarian, as you will not be able to see them. Dust mites are only visible under a microscope, and even then they still look very small. This often causes excessive paw licking, recurring ear infections, hair loss and redness in the groin area. You will also notice seasonal allergies recurring each year, and worsening as the years pass. You will need to check your dog and look for signs of skin irritation. Not a small task, but a necessary one. Evaluate whether it is very dry and brittle, or if there is excess dander present. Look closely underneath his lips and examine the gums. Check to see if there are any types of ulcerations or lesions anywhere. Look closely for any redness that could indicate an ear infection. Pay close attention to the spaces between his pads and see if they feel particularly rough or if there are any unusually hard areas on the surface. Flea eggs magnified Flea eggs can also be difficult to see, so clean the comb out over a white piece of paper. The eggs are dark in color, so they will be easier to see on a white background. If you do not come across any fleas or flea eggs, then there is a good chance that you will come across a louse. Louse, singular for lice, are about the size of a small sesame seed. You will need to purchase a good quality flea shampoo to treat your dog effectively. Regardless of whether your dog has fleas or lice, a flea shampoo will be effective to treat the issue. Most flea shampoos contain either pyrethrins or organophosphates, which are both effective at getting rid of both lice and fleas. Pyrethrins are pesticides that are found naturally occurring in some types of chrysanthemum flowers, while organophosphates are chemical compounds made from phosphoric acid and alcohol. This will greatly cut down on the number of flea eggs or lice present and will make sure that the shampooing will be as effective as possible. Also make sure to put the flea-infested hair into a sealed bag and throw it away outside in the garbage. Do not dispose of the hair in an indoor garbage can in the event that some of the fleas or lice manage to escape. If some do manage to get out, you will just have another problem waiting to happen. You may also choose to use a topical insecticide. Two popular and effective topical insecticides are: Frontline Plus : This will kill all of the fleas on your dog within 12 hours. It kills live fleas as well as any contained in unhatched eggs. Advantage II : This product will also kill the fleas on your dog within 12 hours, and it will also stop fleas from biting almost immediately. A few popular brands are: Capstar : An effective oral pill, it begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes of dosing and will kill them before they lay eggs for a full month. However, some dogs love the taste — others, not so much. Also, treats will never work as quickly as a topical or oral medication, so these are not recommended if your GSD has on ongoing severe case of fleas. Thankfully, you are in a position to be able to find the root of the problem and do something about it. Most GSD itching issues can be effectively managed as long as you are proactive in paying attention to what may be causing the issue. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to put an end to it sooner than later. Fleas Fleas are a common culprit for itching dogs. They cause your German Shepherd a lot of discomforts. Previously flea-free dogs can pick up these external parasites from other dogs or outdoors. Some dogs have strong reactions to fleas. These flea allergies can cause your dog to scratch until they break the skin. When a dog scratches so much that he breaks the skin, it can cause a secondary infection. If your dog is bleeding or has caused open wounds, he will need to be looked at. Dirt and bacteria can get inside these wounds. A vet might even need to prescribe antibiotics. Lice Dogs can also get lice. Lice are small, external parasites that look a lot like dandruff to the naked eye, but up close, they are white, grubby, wingless insects. Environmental allergies Similar to humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to elements in their environments. The most common environmental allergies are airborne pollen and dust mites, both of which can be seasonal allergies. Dust mites are at their worst in the Autumn months. German Shepherds also can be allergic to certain items in your house such as carpet fibers, air fresheners, and shampoos. The condition they develop is called contact dermatitis, which is essentially a skin allergy. Fungus Ringworm is a common fungal problem in dogs. Ringworm is characterized by a circle of scaly, red skin; fur loss; and dandruff. This fungus can be passed from pet to human as well as from pet to pet. So, caution is advised if you suspect your dog may have ringworm. German Shepherds are not particularly predisposed to ringworm, however, dogs who have open wounds may be more prone to get the fungus. How do vets treat skin allergies in German Shepherds? Your veterinarian might recommend immunomodulatory medications. These are available either as a daily pill Apoquel or a Cytopoint injection given every weeks. Source: PetMed Apoquel can significantly reduce itching, and also decreases the associated inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin. Along with these, antibiotics or antifungal medicines are often required to treat the skin infections that result from allergies. Home remedies for German Shepherd itchy skin The first thing you will want to do is to determine the cause of the allergy. This will take some time. You can begin by eliminating any new substances that your GSD came into contact with before he started having symptoms. Check price on Amazon Use a Humidifier Winter months are notoriously bad for dry skin in both humans and dogs. Fireplaces and heaters sap moisture from the air and from the skin. Check price on Amazon Vacuum daily In addition to these measures, if your dog has a dust mite allergy, you will want to vacuum regularly and clean fabric surfaces often. Remove the carpet Your carpeting is something that may trigger allergies in dogs. A dog carpet allergy can be caused by the material itself or by a substance either on or in the carpet In extreme circumstances, you may even need to replace the carpet with tile or hardwood flooring. Common hypoallergenic dog food recommended by GSD owners include:.