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Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments 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. Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety. Deworming Spaying or neutering If you were to add up the cost of all of these services separately, and not part of an all-inclusive adoption fee, the price tag would invariably be considerably higher. Additionally, you can also feel good about adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, as the proceeds acquired through adoption fees are used to help support the shelter from which you adopted the puppy. This allows a shelter to continue to rescue new animals and relocate them in safe homes. One potential downside to adoption is the time and effort that it may take you to find the right pup for you. Unlike a breeder who is able to provide you with rather specific dates, there is no telling when a new GSD puppy may be available through a shelter. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted out very quickly, so if you choose this option you must be very diligent and persistent. Be prepared to make lots of phone calls on a daily basis, as it is unlikely that a shelter will call you specifically when the puppy you want arrives, as many others will undoubtedly have the same request. This is because purebred dogs that are ethically raised by responsible breeders are expensive to breed in general. Also, in contrast to a purebred shelter puppy that spends a short portion of its life at the shelter prior to adoption, a breeder must pay all of the costs associated with raising an entire litter for a minimum of 8 weeks, as is mandated by law in many states. Next comes the cost of pre-breeding health checks performed on both parents, prenatal care, stud fees, shots, food, wormings, vet visits, and a host of other unexpected medical costs. You must also figure in the time and effort that it takes to socialize an entire litter, coupled with the fact that many breeders are dealing with more than one litter at a time, and it is easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Essentially, a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a breeder will cost more because they are more expensive to raise. However, a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will also come with health and temperament guarantees, so you do actually get what you pay for. For more detailed understanding of adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter versus purchasing one from a breeder, we have an excellent article here that will answer all of your questions and remove all of the guesswork for you. The Cost of the First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment. It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you. While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows: Initial Cost of Your Puppy As described above, this is entirely dependent on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. This cost varies widely and can exceed several thousand dollars on the high end. Dog Food With so many different dog food brands on the market today, this cost can also vary considerably. From basic dry dog food to available gourmet raw diets, you can spend as little or as much as you choose. Grooming While you can groom your GSD puppy yourself, many people opt to take their puppy to a professional groomer. Necessities such as nail trimming can be intimidating to the first-time puppy owner and may harm the puppy if performed incorrectly. Training While it is our preference that you take the time to properly train your GSD puppy on your own, as this is a unique and irreplaceable bonding experience on many levels for you and your GSD puppy, many people opt to seek professional obedience training. Some people simply do not have the time to do this, or perhaps it is their first dog and they are unsure of where to begin. If this is the case for you, then you should plan on this expense during your first year of GSD puppy ownership. It is, however, important to understand that individually these items do not cost very much, but if you love to spoil your puppy, then costs can add up very quickly! Crate and Divider A crate is another essential item that there is just no getting around purchasing if you want your puppy to be well-trained. Be sure to not make the mistake that many people do by purchasing too small of a crate and then having to upsize as their puppy grows. It is wise to purchase a large crate as well as a crate divider. This way, you are able to place the divider so that the volume of the crate can be increased as your puppy grows in size. Veterinary Care A preliminary veterinary health check and vaccinations are essential. If you adopt from a shelter, these are likely included in the adoption fee. However, if you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you may incur these costs after bringing your puppy home. Keep in mind that you can, and should, also plan on unexpected veterinary bills. What happens when your puppy gets into something that he definitely should not have, and even worse, after veterinary office hours? It is wise to prepare and set aside some extra funds for such emergencies. Heartworms can be deadly, so heartworm preventative medication is a must. Ticks can also transmit disease that may cause severe illness, such as Canine Anaplasmosis , and fleas are wildly uncomfortable for both human and puppies alike. Table: First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership Costs Now that we have gone over the basic essential expenses of GSD puppy ownership during the first year, we can get more specific as to the expenses that you may incur, depending on your own personal preferences. The table below provides a reasonable estimate of all costs associated with the first year of German Shepherd puppy ownership. Keep in mind that, while this is a reasonable estimate, it is still an estimate. There are certain services and items within the table below that are elective, such as boarding the puppy while on vacation or obedience classes. However, as discussed above, there are certain mandatory, nonnegotiable expenses such as food and veterinary care that you must take into consideration.

If your puppy is doing zoomies around the house, a chew toy with peanut butter on it or a bully stick will most likely grab their attention and get them focused on chewing instead of running around being crazy. After a long chewing session and a potty break, your pup will happily lay down for a nap. However, it is important that you monitor your puppy with new chew toys. For example, some toys are less durable than others and your puppy will chew through those in just minutes. He would completely ignore it until we started putting his food in there and rolling it around for him. Eventually, he started chewing on it a little bit, then realized he loved chewing on it, and it was one of his favorites for a long time. So to get your puppy hooked on chew toys, here are five tips. Put peanut butter on it If you spread a little bit of peanut butter on a toy, your puppy will love it. This worked for Oliver, especially with new chew toys. If you use a toy bin and rotate toys, you can recreate that feeling over and over again. Choosing toys that are the right size for their mouths will help them enjoy it more, and also keep them safe. They help wear them out, help relieve pain from teething, and they keep your puppy from chewing up your house. Have any questions about chew toys for Golden Retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. The below picks are toys for Golden Retrievers that are fully grown. For most Goldens, the toys I have recommended below will be great choices. If your dog is known to destroy and chew up his toys, skip to the section below on toys for chewers. Reminder, as a veterinarian I have to point out that even non-chewers should not be left alone with a toy. The large size Bob-A-Lot from Starmark can fit up to 3 cups of food so you can serve a whole meal in the toy. The toy method of feeding is great for smart dogs like Golden Retrievers and keeps them from eating too fast. You can also add treats to the inside to encourage them to play with it. It is easy for your Golden to pick up and carry. All of this makes this one of the best toys for Golden Retrievers which is why I usually have a couple rolling around my house. This plush stuffed critter is one of our favorite toys for Golden Retrievers. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. They just love it so much that I keep buying it. However, the topic of toy destroying leads to my next section on toys for Golden Retrievers who are chewers. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. All dogs should be watched carefully as they play with their toys so that you can take them away if they start eating the pieces. However if your dog is a moderate chewer, here are two that my toy destroying dogs enjoy. The good news is that inside the toy is a Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a great toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just carry it around the house. They do come smaller for young puppies. These balls dispense treats or dog food and can hold up to some moderate chewing remember no toys will outlast a really aggressive chewer. My dogs love these types of toys. This will keep them entertained for a bit and the larger the pieces you put into it, the longer it takes them to get them out. Best Toys for Golden Retrievers — Puppies Puppies have special needs in each part of their development. Although they can of course play with all of the toys listed above, we have chosen a few that are just for the little ones. Just like human kids, Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth. This happens from 12 weeks to about 6 months of age for a Golden Retriever puppy. The linked product is a 6 pack of fun shapes so they can have one in every room. These toys are durable, but you should always watch your puppy carefully as they chew and play with toys. If your pup starts getting some string loose, take it away immediately because string can cause GI problems. After they get used to the noises, they really enjoy tossing this around to get it to make the sounds. Lesson learned: Do not give the Giggler to your puppy and then get on a conference call with work, enough said. Best Stuffed Puppy Toy. Classic Kong The Classic Kong is a versatile toy ideal for keeping your puppy entertained. Fill it with treats or peanut butter and freeze it for an added challenge. Teething toys are essential for puppies because they relieve teething discomfort. You can help your puppy through this challenging phase while protecting your home with suitable teething toys. Chewing on toys relieves sore gums and can help prevent destructive chewing behavior. To keep your puppy engaged and satisfied, provide a variety of textures and shapes. How To Choose The Best Toy Your Golden Retriever Puppy There are several factors to consider when choosing teething toys for puppies to ensure your furry friend gets the best toys for their needs. Here are some key points to remember: 1. To soothe their gums, for example, at weeks, you can select a Nylabone teething ring or a Kong Natural Teething Rubber Puppy Toy filled with frozen treats. You can introduce adult chew toys such as rope or fetch when they are past the teething stage around 24 weeks. The Type Of Toy Numerous teething toys for puppies are available, but some of the best options include sturdy rubber toys that provide both safety and durability. Bully sticks are also a good option for teething puppies. Many puppy teething toys are softer than adult toys because they are gentle enough for developing teeth but firm enough to withstand chewing. Look for durable rubber toys that can withstand chewing without breaking apart and posing a choking hazard. You can choose the best toys for your furry friend by keeping these factors in mind, allowing them to get through their teething phase easily and comfortably. Chewing is an innate need in dogs because it releases endorphins, which make them feel good and relaxed. Unfortunately, this can lead to destructive chewing of household items. In addition, chew toys are crucial for puppies during the teething stage. Their mouths become sore as their adult teeth emerge, and chew toys can provide relief. Furthermore, Golden Retrievers are known to be a mouthy breed. Because their breeding history includes carrying hunted birds in their mouths, they are accustomed to using their mouths frequently. As a result, chew toys are an essential tool for satisfying their needs while protecting your belongings. There is no wrong time for a puppy to pick up a chew toy and begin gnawing. Chew toys are beneficial during crate training because they can keep your pup entertained and focused on something that makes them happy rather than feeling lonely in their crate. If your dog is tearing around the house, a peanut butter chew toy or a bully stick can be a great way to distract them and get them to focus on something else. Additionally, chew toys can help a hyper puppy relax. Your pup will be ready to nap after a chewing session and a quick potty break. Supervising your puppy when using new chew toys is critical because some are less durable than others and can be easily chewed through. If your puppy chews through the toy quickly, the pieces may be swallowed or choked on. Here are some valuable tips to help your puppy learn to love their chew toys: Treat them with peanut butter: Most puppies adore peanut butter, and smearing some on a new chew toy can instantly make it more appealing. As they lick and chew the toy, they associate it with the tasty treat and develop a fondness for it. Toy rotation and storage: Because puppies enjoy new toys, try rotating and storing their chew toys in a toy bin. Toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard, whereas toys that are too large may be difficult for your dog to grip and chew on. Put toys in the freezer: When your puppy is teething, their mouth may be sore and hot. Put their chew toys in the freezer for a few minutes to cool them down and provide extra relief for their sore gums. Praise them for chewing: Positive reinforcement is essential for getting your puppy to enjoy their chew toys. Chewing is an entirely normal behavior in dogs, but it can become a problem when it becomes excessive and causes damage to household items such as shoes, carpets, and clothing. To prevent this, provide your Golden Retriever with a safe chew toy they can enjoy. Another cause of excessive chewing in dogs is a lack of attention from their owner. Training is also essential in reducing excessive chewing habits. Teach your dog not to chew on anything they come across by rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement. Finally, exercise is essential. Golden retrievers are active dogs who require moderate to vigorous exercise regularly. They may become destructive and aggressive chewers if they do not get enough exercise. So give them plenty of opportunities to run, play, and let off steam healthily. The frequency at which you need to replace the toys will depend on how aggressively your puppy chews and how often they play with the toys. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace teething toys when they become damaged or start to show signs of wear, as this can pose a choking hazard or lead to ingestion of small pieces. Can I give my Golden Retriever puppy frozen teething toys? You can give your Golden Retriever puppy frozen teething toys. Frozen toys can provide additional relief for sore and swollen gums during the teething process. Be sure to monitor your puppy when they are playing with frozen toys and remove them if they become damaged or if your puppy seems to be having difficulty chewing. Golden Retriever puppies, like all puppies, will go through a teething phase during which they may be more prone to biting and chewing on objects around the house. Providing appropriate teething toys can redirect their chewing behavior to appropriate objects and help prevent destructive chewing of household items. Additionally, consistent positive reinforcement training can help teach your puppy appropriate chewing behavior. Toys that are designed to promote dental health often have ridges, bumps, or other textures that can help scrape away plaque and tartar as your puppy chews. Some toys may also contain enzymes that break down plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental problems. Harder toys made from materials like nylon or hard rubber can also help clean teeth and exercise the jaw. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. It means playing with your golden retriever too. Golden Retrievers love to be entertained and can provide hours of fun for both adults and children. However, many golden retrievers are left alone while busy owners go off to work each day and children are away at school. Ensuring that your golden retriever doesn't get bored and start eating your furniture and plants is another aspect of golden retriever ownership that many people neglect. This topic is dedicated to the best chew toys for golden retriever puppies in .Golden retriever dogs, especially puppies, love to chew. They'll chew anything in their path, from entire bushes to that pair of shoes you left outside the back door. For puppies, chewing relieves the pain of teething, while for others, they just like to gnaw on anything hard, including branches, sticks and, believe it or not, tools left lying around. To keep puppies and adult golden retrievers from damaging your property, make sure they have plenty of chew toys for golden retriever. These toys come in leather, plastic, and cloth and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Chews toys also aid in dental care for both golden retriever puppies and adults and provide hours of entertainment and satisfaction. So do balls, ropes and yes, even human toys. Golden Retriever puppies love to fetch and jump, and owners would be well off purchasing a selection of Frisbees and balls to play with their golden retrievers. Golden Retrievers also seem to like toys that make noises, so squeaky toys should be on your shopping list. No matter what kind of toys you purchase for your golden retriever, or whatever your golden retriever manages to find lying around to mangle, make sure that you remove damaged toys that may break into small pieces and become lodged in your golden retriever's throat. Remember, you're not the only one who gets bored on occasion. Quality of life is as important for your golden retriever as it is for you. If your golden retriever is left alone all day, it's your responsibility to take the time to play with him when you get home, to make sure your golden retriever is getting an adequate amount of exercise and has interaction with his best friend. Safe for both adult and puppy Tempting beef scent Carry on reading to discover why we made these choices, and lots of tips and buying advice to ensure you get the right product. As well as potentially choking on them, broken toys can cause a host of internal problems for you golden, too. Safe Materials The best chew toys are fairly hard and durable, but there are a few other things you should look out for when making a decision. If possible, always opt for toys made of non-toxic materials. That way, if they do chew off and swallow any of it, the internal damage can be somewhat mitigated. Be Prepared To Pay For Quality Not all expensive dog toys are high quality, but most high-quality dog toys are more expensive than the run-of-the-mill toys you can pick up at your neighborhood dollar store. Spending a little more money now to get a durable, safe and fun toy that will last is ultimately less expensive in the long run than having to continually replace cheap toys that your dog can destroy within hours. As with any product, the best materials will necessarily cost a little more. Certain materials lend themselves to durability — one of the most important features of a high-quality chew toy for golden retrievers. Favorite brands like KONG and Goughnuts make some of the toughest and most durable chew toys on the planet, and they use special formulations of hard rubber to achieve this. Rope Toys A close second to hard rubber is the huge balls of rope that many dogs love playing tug-of-war with. The plush fabric can be torn apart easily and swallowed. Any stuffing and squeakers can be swallowed, too — a definite choking hazard and something that could cause internal damage. Like a plush toy, they can easily be chewed apart in a few hours by a power chewer, and the likely included squeaker can, again, cause health problems if swallowed. Plastic While plastic is often just about hard enough to withstand the jaws of a heavy chewer, it scratches up easily and — if it does break — could see your dog swallowing sharp bits of plastic. These toys will keep your pooch entertained for hours, and hopefully your belongings intact and safe for far longer. Incredibly tough and durable, these toys are able to withstand a lot of pressure from gnashing teeth and can last for years. The idea is to stuff it with treats or kibble and let your retriever toil to get it out; keeping them busy for a few hours. First, they need to control the wobbling toy and stop it from rolling away from them! Top Features Great for dogs that eat too fast — the unpredictable dispenser helps them slow down, work for, and savor their food and treats It wobbles unpredictably, keeping your dog interested and challenged Can be used at mealtimes as an alternative dog bowl or for treating your dog Made in the USA Made of FDA-approved, high-strength plastic polymer Dishwasher safe with a twist-off dispenser Click Here For Price West Paw is another brand that specializes in high-quality dog chew toys. This Hurley bone chew is the perfect toy for golden retrievers that love to play fetch and gnaw on rawhide. Brightly colored so you can spot them outside Very durable and able to withstand heavy chewing Made in the US.

This should be a very friendly dog that might try and herd you about the house and might have offensive tendencies. Is it also like the Boxer or the Catahoula? Those are the issues we will try and answer below. While we suggest that you get all animals through a rescue , we realize that some people might go for a breeder to get their Catahoula Boxer Mix puppy. If you are involved in helping pet rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer provides to help support shelter animals. This could make for a very big and strong breed with a lot of power and a high victim drive. Both of these parent breeds have more powerful energy and a very strong victim and drive abilities. They should get along fine with other pets if shown and socialized correctly as well. They are slightly fitted to independence or alone time when the family is loud or full. She reacts well to concrete coatings, like all dogs. More: Catahoula Leopard Dog temperament Catahoula Boxer Mix Health All dogs can evolve hereditary health difficulties as all breeds are sensitive to some things more than others. But, getting a puppy is one real thing because you can withdraw this as much as possible. A rancher should give a fitness guarantee on puppies. More: Catahoula dog colors Catahoula Boxer Mix Care Both of these dogs have slightly shorter hair and should be moderately easy to groom. The Catahoula will drop more, but it still has less hair. Be able to clean them a few times a week. Both way, get ready to buy in a good space if you want to keep your grounds clean! Give them showers as required, but not so much that you wipe out their skin. Never bind your dog up outward — that is inhumane and not fair to him. Each one is different and has different dietary conditions. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one likely to hip and elbow dysplasia should be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin additions as soon as possible. A good diet to see into is Raw Food and one might want to also consider an all natural dog supplement to help support overall health. Eye problems such as abnormal pupil dilation and tunnel vision Cancer in old age A Catahoula mix is any crossbreed in which the Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the parents. Like other mixed breed dogs and designer dogs, Catahoula mixes can have physical and mental characteristics from both parent breeds. Catahoula mixes are highly energetic working dogs. They can also be great family dogs. The Labahoula can be as affectionate and friendly as Labradors, which is not the case with purebred Catahoulas. This mix is also intelligent, hard-working, and has a lot of energy to spend. This crossbreed can shed a lot of it takes after the Labrador parent or shed lightly if it takes after the Catahoula. Their coat is usually short and dense, and it retains water-repelling properties in most cases. The Catahoula Lab mix can weigh between 55 and 95 pounds kilograms and grow up to 21 to 26 inches centimeters. The Labahoula is a healthy mix with few health problems such as hip dysplasia and deafness and an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Since Pit Bulls are smaller than Catahoula Curs, the mix between the two can vary in height and weight, depending on parental influence and gender. They can reach heights between 18 and 23 inches cm and weigh between 35 and 85 pounds kg. Pitahoulas are healthy dogs that can live between 8 and 16 years. In addition to hip dysplasia and deafness, they can also have problems with skin allergies. This crossbreed needs a lot of exercises — between 60 and 90 minutes of vigorous activity. The Catahoula-GSD crosses are very successful as herding, guard, and service dogs. Both parent breeds are similar in size, so their offspring can be 20 to 26 inches 50 to 66 cm high and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds kg , depending on the gender. In any case, this mix is powerful, imposing, and agile, with a lifespan of 7 to 14 years. The coat of the mix can be short and thin if the dog takes after the Catahoula parent. On the other hand, it can be thick and water-resistant after the German Shepherd. Whether the dog will shed lightly or not also depends on the parent. Boxer Catahoula mix Source: i. Catahoula owners know that they can sometimes be aggressive toward strangers or other animals if not trained properly. So, the Catahoula Boxer mix also needs to be socialized and trained early. The Boxer Catahoula mix can be high between 20 and 25 inches cm and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds kg. These dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Boxers are brachycephalic, like Bulldogs, Pugs , and a few other breeds. Depending on the coat color, people also call it the Blue Heeler or the Red Heeler. The Catahoula Heeler mix typically weighs between 40 and 70 pounds kg and has an average height between 18 and 22 inches cm. The coat of the Catahoula Heeler mix will be short and most likely retain water-resistant properties from the Heeler parent. You can expect light shedding year-round and minimal grooming. These are healthy dogs that live 10 to 16 years. This crossbreed is probably the most energetic Catahoula mix on our list. Both breeds are infamous as great working dogs, so you better have a job ready for their offspring or they will quickly get bored. However, the Catahoula is much heavier than the Husky. The Siberian Husky Catahoula mix is right up there with any other breed when it comes to being active and hard-working. They tend to be quite independent and have high intelligence. The Catahoula and Husky mix might have a short or medium coat, but it will most likely be very thick. Huskies shed more than Catahoulas, but their offspring is usually low-maintenance in terms of grooming. This crossbreed can live between 10 and 14 years. Beagles are small dogs that weigh up to 30 pounds, so a mix between the Beagle and the Catahoula will most likely weigh between 30 and 50 pounds 14 to 23 kg. Their height will also be in the middle of the two breeds, most likely between 16 and 20 inches cm While both parent breeds share some characteristics, they differ greatly when it comes to friendliness toward strangers and other animals. So, unlike Catahoulas, the Beagle Catahoula mix will not be a great guard dog. The average lifespan for this crossbreed is 10 to 15 years. Aussie Catahoula mix Source: homie. Aussies have a long, double-layer coat that is water-repellent, while Catahoulas have a short, single-layer coat that sheds lightly. The Catahoula Aussie mix can also vary in size and weight. For example, females may weigh from 40 to 55 pounds 18 to 25 kg , males from 40 to 90 18 to 40 kg. When it comes to height, both genders can grow up to inches at the shoulder cm. This crossbreed can live 10 to 15 years. They are extremely active and agile, and they need a job to do for both physical and mental stimulation. The Catahoula Aussie mix is loyal but not a very friendly dog, so early socialization is necessary to prevent hostility against strangers and other animals. This cross can weigh between 35 and 80 pounds kg and be 20 to 24 inches tall 50 to 60 cm. The average lifespan for the Catahoula Collie mix is 10 to 15 years. The Catahoula Collie mix is likely to be low to moderate shedder — Collies shed a bit more than Catahoulas. Depending on the coat that the mix inherits, a nice brush once or twice per week will keep their coat in check. Border Collies are usually wary of strangers and have strong protective instincts, just like the Catahoula. However, you can certainly expect your Catahoula Dane mix to weigh more than pounds 45 kg and be tall anywhere from 24 to 32 inches 60 to 80 cm. Both parent breeds have a short and smooth coat, but Danes tend to shed a bit more than Catahoulas. Still, a weekly brush should be enough when it comes to grooming. Combining these two breeds makes devoted, protective pets that are very active, so be prepared to exercise them for at least 30 minutes every day. The Great Dane Catahoula mix can live 7 to 14 years and have a few health issues, particularly hip dysplasia and bloat. Bulldog Catahoula mix Source: jackrussell. That being said, there are certain differences between the two Bulldog breeds that will affect their offspring with the Catahoula: Size — American Bulldogs are taller and heavier than their English counterparts, so the American Bulldog and Catahoula mix will be larger than the Catahoula and English Bulldog mix. Temperament — English Bulldogs are calm and docile. Both breeds are friendly and loyal. And while both breeds are brachycephalic have a short snout , the English breed has a much shorter nose. Health — The American Bulldog has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, compared to 8 to 10 years for the English Bulldog. Also, they are a healthier breed overall but both can suffer from breathing problems. This mix is full of energy and affectionate with the family but shy with strangers. If you have a job for them, they will cherish the opportunity. Both parent breeds are rather similar in size, so their offspring should be between 25 and 28 inches high cm and weigh from 70 to pounds kg. The Bloodahouli has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. When it comes to maintenance, the two breeds are not that similar. Bloodhounds tend to shed often, while the Catahoula is a light shedder. With that in mind, brushing their coat times per week is a good idea. Their mix will likely weigh between 35 and 90 pounds kg and reach 16 to 24 inches in height cm. This crossbreed can live 10 to 16 years. The temperament of these breeds is quite similar as well. They are both loyal, protective, and wary of strangers. The Catahoula Black Mouth Cur mix is an energetic and hard-working dog, great at different jobs. However, they are best at hunting and when used as tree dogs. They need to spend at least an hour outside, free to run and play. The average lifespan for the Poodle Catahoula cross is years. The Poodla Houla is likely to grow up to inches cm and weigh from 60 to 80 pounds kg. Of course, the Poodle can also be a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle , in which case the Pooahoula will be significantly smaller. Whether the offspring inherits the Catahoula or the Poodle coat, the grooming will be minimal since both breeds shed lightly. The only problem may be potentially longer hair around the ears, which may need further attention. More importantly, the Pooahoula may have a hypoallergenic coat if it takes after the Poodle parent. Rottweiler Catahoula mix Source: hannibal. Both breeds have a high prey drive and can be extremely protective. Proper socialization is necessary to prevent incidents with strangers and other animals. The Rottweiler Catahoula mix is an energetic dog that needs plenty of exercises to be content. This crossbreed will be large — it can weigh between 70 and pounds kg and reach 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder cm. Both breeds shed lightly year-round, but Rottweilers also shed profusely twice a year. The coat of the mix will be short or medium in length. Which Catahoula Mixes are Your Favorites? A Catahoula dog with her pup Before you decide to get a Catahoula mix, make sure they are right for you. All Catahoula mixes have a lot of energy. They require vigorous, regular exercise and, if possible, an interesting job to do. Do you have a favorite Catahoula mix? Share your experience in the comment section. Further reading: Popular Crosses from other Dog Breeds. Also known as Boxhoula or Boxahoula, this crossbreed is an excellent watchdog. It can have aggressive tendencies if untrained, but all that energy is manageable through training. However, if your brood loves action and spends the most time outside the house, the Boxer Catahoula mix is the right breed for you. This intelligent, loyal, protective, and energetic dog is excellent with kids. Your Boxhoula will enjoy running around and bonding with your family while getting much-needed exercise. To minimize its aggressive tendencies, acquaint your Boxhoula slowly with your other dogs and family members. Raising a Boxer Catahoula mix breed is inexpensive compared to other hybrids. You can brush its hair once a week and clip its nails once a month. Overall, the Boxahoula is a low-maintenance breed that you can take care of without help from someone else. To compensate for all the energy a Boxhoula spends, it needs a diet packed with fats and protein. You can consult your vet on what high-quality dog food you can get or what specific diet it needs. Pathogens from raw food can cause illness. Be mindful of what you give to your Boxhoula if you want it to be strong and healthy. All you need is to regularly take your Boxhoula for a walk to get its daily dose of exercise. With its high-energy level, the Boxer Catahoula should get 90 minutes of daily exercise. You can divide this into either 2 or 3 sessions to cut time and not exhaust your dog. For example, instead of walking your dog for 90 minutes straight, you can have two minute walks with your dog. Another way is to break it into three minute walking sessions. A Boxhoula needs proper training to manage its behavior. It may be bright, but it can also be stubborn to train. This hybrid dog needs a firm hand to take care of its assertiveness and social aggression. Provide opportunities for your dog to socialize by taking it often to dog parks to mingle with more people and dogs. The more activity it gets, the easier it is to train since it helps manage behavioral problems and aggression. Remember that when training your dog, always give positive reinforcement. All dogs respond well when adequately rewarded. Although the Boxer is a popular breed, the Catahoula is rare. The Boxer Catahoula mix is a lesser-known crossbreed among the Catahoula mixes. You may have to look for a reputable breeder who can give you a healthy Boxer Catahoula mix. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. However, its immediate parents are the Catahoula leopard dog and the Boxer. I will tell you some features of their parents so you can easily identify a Catahoula Boxer mix. For example, healthy Catahoulas and Boxers weigh about 65 to 90 pounds. Therefore the Catahoula Boxer mix will weigh just as much. In addition, the parent dogs shed light to moderate hair year-round. Therefore, you may notice shedding on a Catahoula Boxer mix. If you take good care of the crossbreed dog, it can live up to 12 years. I have given you a further description of a Catahoula Boxer mix in the next section. This article will help you distinguish a Catahoula Boxer mix from other resembling dog breeds. You will also learn how to care for a Catahoula Boxer mix. It is a beautiful, energetic dog that will get along with family and pets if you start socializing it from puppyhood. What is a Catahoula boxer? A Catahoula Boxer is a crossbreed descending from a Catahoula and a Boxer dog. They usually have white markings, dropped ears, and tight-fitting skin. The dog is of a medium to large size and weighs between 65 and 90 pounds. It is an extremely energetic, and athletic dog breed requiring significant mental and physical stimulation. Like its parents, the crossbreed will shed its hair throughout the year. A Catahoula Boxer mix needs a lot of space to walk, run, and play. However, caring for the dog is pretty simple. Take the dog for regular walks in the dog park or on the beach. That also allows the Catahoula Boxer to interact with strangers and calm its anxiety. If you train the dog properly from an early age, it will get smart, independent, and fun-loving. Catahoula leopard dogs have an instinct for hunting and herding and Boxer dogs are guard dogs. Therefore, Mixing the two dog breeds means you will get an energetic and extremely powerful Catahoula Boxer. The dog can dig and bite clothes or books everywhere in your house. Catahoula and boxer mix info Here is some in-depth info about a Catahoula and a Boxer crossbreed: 1. Breed information The crossbreed between a Catahoula leopard dog and a Boxer dog is called a Catahoula Boxer. The dog mix might have occurred through accidental breeding. A female Boxer will crossbreed with a Catahoula to give birth to seven Catahoula Boxer puppies in two months. However, a female Catahoula leopard dog crossbreeds with a male Boxer and gives birth to about 10 puppies. It is a medium to large dog that shares many similarities with its parents. The head, mouth, and nose of the Catahoula Boxer resemble that of Boxer dogs. The coat and hair color looks like that of Catahoula leopard dogs. A Catahoula Boxer mix likes raw food to give it the wolf experience. You can shop for a Catahoula Boxer or adopt one from the rescue. It is always good to adopt. Size As I said earlier, a Catahoula Boxer mix is a medium to large-sized dog. They vary in size but will reach between 51cm and 63 cm tall and weigh about 40 to 80 pounds. They have extended chests like a purebred Boxer dog. Since they will grow to medium and big sizes, use their 16th week birthday as the predictor for their adult size. Despite its size, the crossbreed is a rather friendly dog when trained properly. Temperament and family friendliness The Catahoula Boxer mix has a strong protective instinct. It will not be friendly to strangers or other pets unless you socialize or train them in their early life. But generally, a Catahoula Boxer is friendly and will always try to herd you and your loved ones. They make excellent guard dogs. A Catahoula Boxer is agile, energetic, and loyal. Like Catahoula leopard dogs, the crossbreed is very loving with family members. They earn their reputation by being very patient and protective of children. However, a Catahoula Boxer is not as intelligent. You can train it good habits and socialization skills, but it will learn slowly. Although training the dog takes a lot of effort, it is worth it because once they are used to a routine, Catahoula Boxers will stick to it. Always introduce Catahoula boxer mix to strangers gradually. If the person will stay with you much longer, feed your dog next to the stranger, then alongside the stranger, and then let the stranger start feeding your dog. Color and appearance The Catahoula Boxer mix has white markings and tight-fitting skin. The dog has a single coat that is quite coarse but not very rough. In that case, a Catahoula Boxer mix might have amber, blue, brown, or green eyes on one or both eyes. Another identifiable characteristic of the Catahoula Boxer is their ears, mouths, and faces. Most importantly, they are not hypoallergenic dogs. Catahoula Boxers will occasionally lick and bite their coat, leaving allergens that could endanger the life of anyone allergic to dog dander and saliva. That is because Catahoula mix will shed hair throughout the year. I will tell you how to deal with Catahoula Boxer mix shedding in the general care info. Lifespan The correct care will give a Catahoula Boxer mix an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Petfinder is a great place to start. They have rescued several dogs, treated them against common dog infections, and fed them appropriately. Therefore, Catahoula Boxers adopted from Petfinder have higher chances of reaching ten years and above. However, that does not mean you will not treat your dog forever. A Catahoula Boxer is prone to certain health issues that can lower its life expectancy if left untreated. Health issues The most common health issue the Catahoula Boxer faces is hip dysplasia. The first signs of hip dysplasia in Catahoula Boxers are decreased range of motion and difficulty running, jumping, or climbing. Another significant health issue you should be aware of is Degenerative Myelopathy. This mixed breed has the potential to inherit the best characteristics of both parent breeds, but it can also end up with some undesirable traits. Catahoula boxer mix history. The Boxer Catahoula mix is a relatively new breed, so there is little known about its history. However, we can take a look at the history of each parent breed to get a better understanding of where this mixed breed comes from. The Boxer dog is a German dog breed that was originally developed in the late 19th century. These dogs were also used for hunting, but they quickly became popular as family pets and working dogs. You may like: Catahoula lab mix. Catahoula leopard dog breed. The Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog is a medium to large sized breed that typically weighs between 35 and 90 pounds. These dogs have short, dense coats that can be any color or combination of colors. They are known for their webbed feet, which help them swim well and also make them good at running and climbing. Catahoulas are high energy dogs that need plenty of exercises. They are also very intelligent and can be easy to train. Overall, these dogs are loyal and loving companions. Boxer dog breed. The Boxer dog is a medium to large-sized breed that typically weighs between 50 and 80 pounds. These dogs have short, smooth coats that are usually fawn or brindle colored. They are known for their square heads and floppy ears. Boxers are high energy dogs that need plenty of exercises. You may like: Reverse brindle boxer every thing you need to know about this. Catahoula boxer mix temperament. The Catahoula boxer mix is a high energy dog that needs plenty of exercises. These dogs are also very intelligent and can be easy to train. If you are considering adding a Catahoula boxer mix to your family, be sure to do your research and make sure these are the right dog breeds for you. These dogs need plenty of exercise and attention, and they may not be the best fit for every family. However, if you are prepared to provide them with the love and care they need, they can make wonderful additions to your home. Catahoula boxer mix diet. The Catahoula boxer mix is a high energy dog that will need a rich diet in proteins and fats. These dogs should also have access to plenty of fresh water. A good quality dry dog food can be a good option for this breed, or you can talk to your vet about other dietary options. Catahoula boxer mix exercise. The Catahoula boxer mixes will do best with an active family that can provide them with plenty of opportunities to run and play. A daily walk or jog is also a good way to keep these dogs happy and healthy. You may like : why is my dog panting? Catahoula boxer mix training. The Catahoula boxer mix is a smart breed that can be easy to train. Start socialization and obedience training early, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Catahoula boxer mix grooming. The Catahoula boxer mix is a relatively low maintenance breed for grooming. These dogs will need to be brushed regularly, and their nails should be trimmed every month. You may like: How much is catahoula lab mix? Adding a Catahoula boxer mix to your family. If you are considering adding a Catahoula boxer mix to your family, do your research and make sure this is the right breed for you. Be sure to supervise all interactions between your new dog and other animals until you are confident that they get along well. Have patience during this transition period, and soon your new dog will be a happy and well-adjusted member of your family. The Catahoula boxer mix is a high energy dog that needs plenty of exercise. These dogs can be easy to train. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Height: 20 - 24 inches at the shoulder Weight: 35 - 82 lb. Lifespan: 10 - 14 years Boxer Catahoula Mix Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed that will have a lot of energy and a high prey drive. Both of these parent breeds have higher energy and a very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Boxer mixed with the Catahoula might be prone to Cancer, heart problems, hypothyroidism, bloat, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation, Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Boxer Catahoula Mix Care What are the grooming requirements? Both of these dogs have rather shorter hair and should be pretty easy to groom. The Catahoula will probably shed more, but it still has shorter hair. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Boxer Catahoula Mix Feeding A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in. Meet Maximus Last Weigh-in: .It may take him a few days to trust you, but once he does, you are his best friend! He follows me every time I go to a different room, even for just a second. When I first got him, he even missed me so much he gently climbed into my shower and just sat there staring at me, waiting for some pets. He comes home and takes a big nap when he is done, and in general, is a very calm, sleepy boy, as long as he gets his walk. If you take a chance on this big baby, he will love you forever and ever!! He takes a little while to warm up to you but is very sweet once he does! We rescued Juno back in October of .She gave birth to 8 beautiful puppies at our vet's office, and each puppy went on to other foster or permanent homes as well as their mother, Juno. Maximus found a temporary home with some folks who no longer had the means to care for him. As is our promise to every dog we save or birth, in this case, we took Maximus back with loving and open arms. Maximus is such a fun, lovable pup with a hint of an old soul to him, just like his mother. He gets along great with other dogs and cats and warms up to new people after some TLC. Max is good with dogs, cats, and kids but would probably be best with older dog-savvy kids. He is, after all, a big boy. Behaviors not listed have yet to be tested. Considering Maximus for adoption?

High; requires up to minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for active families that can take good care of them Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require high-quality food depending on activity level Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, bloating, deafness, eczema, epilepsy, hemophilia, and cataracts Blue Heeler History Image Source: Ezio Ricardo Martins — pexels. They are known for their herding skills and are often used as working dogs on farms. Blue Heelers are also popular pets and make excellent companions. Blue Heelers were first bred in the s and were used as working dogs on Australian farms. They are intelligent and loyal dogs and make great companions. They were originally bred in Germany for herding and guarding sheep in the late s. German Shepherds are now used as working dogs in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs. They are intelligent, hardworking, and protective dogs. GSDs make great family pets. Their coloring is predominantly black and tan, with the saddle patterning seen in German Shepherds. They may also have some white markings on his chest and feet. The mix typically stands around inches tall and weighs pounds. Their coat is thick and weather-resistant, making them a great choice for those who live in colder climates. They have the characteristic straight tail of the Australian Cattle Dog, as well as the pointy ears and broad face of the German Shepherd. Overall, they make impressive dogs that are sure to be a favorite among many people. These dogs are loyal, protective, and intelligent. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. Heeler Shepherd Mix are medium to large dogs that range in size from 35 to 80 pounds. They have a short, thick coat that can be black, brown, white or a mix of these colors. Their ears may stand up or hang down, and they have long tails. Temperament If you are looking for a dog that is both active and protective, the Blue Heeler cross German Shepherd may be the perfect breed for you. This crossbreed is known for being loyal and intelligent, making it an ideal watchdog. However, as with any dog breed, it is important to understand the Heeler Shepherd Mix temperament before bringing one into your home. The Blue Heeler and German Shepherd mix is an energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. If left to its own devices, this crossbreed can become bored and destructive. However, with proper training and socialization, they make great family pets. This breed is also known for being protective of its family and home, so it may not be the best choice for those who live in a small apartment. Feeding As with any mixed breed, the Blue Heeler Shepherd mix can inherit traits from either parent. The Blue Heeler is a high-energy dog that needs a diet that will sustain that energy. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbs is ideal. The German Shepherd is a large dog that requires plenty of protein and calories to support its growth and development. Training One of the most important things in Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix training is to be consistent. If you are tough one day and then lenient the next, your dog will become confused and may not respond well to training. Be firm but fair, and always stick to what you have taught your dog. This will create a strong foundation for German Heeler training. Another important tip is to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog when they do something right, such as sit or stay. This will help them to understand what you expect from them and will make training more enjoyable for both of you. Blue Heelers are intelligent dogs, so be patient with them. They can grow quite a bit in their first year and will need regular trims to keep them looking their best. Make sure to find a groomer who is experienced with German Shepherd Heeler Mix, as they can be a bit more challenging to groom than other breeds. It is important to be aware of these conditions and to seek veterinary care if your dog begins exhibiting symptoms. Some common signs that your dog may be sick include lethargy , loss of appetite, and difficulty walking. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Blue Heelers are also at risk for bloat, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself. This can happen if your dog eats too fast or drinks too much water after exercise. If you notice your dog acting strangely or appearing in pain, contact your veterinarian immediately. Bloat is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Cancer is also a concern for both Blue Heelers and German Shepherds. The most common types of cancer that affect these dogs include lymphoma, skin cancer, and bone cancer. It is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with German Heeler and to seek veterinary care if your dog begins exhibiting any symptoms. By providing your dog with regular check-ups and preventive care, you can help reduce the risk of disease and ensure that they live a long, healthy life. Does Blue Heeler and German Shepherd mix make good guard dogs? Blue Heeler Shepherd Mix makes great guard dogs. They are loyal and protective of their family and home. They will bark and alert you when there is someone at the door or when something is not right. Heeler Shepherd mix makes excellent watchdogs and will protect you and your property. If you are looking for a good guard dog, a German Shepherd Heeler Mix is a great choice. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive? They are very intelligent and have a high energy level. They need a lot of exercise and training. Some people think that they are aggressive , but this is not true. They are just very protective of their family and home. If you are thinking about getting a Blue Heeler German Shepherd, you should be prepared to give them the time and attention they need. They will be a great addition to your family. How much does a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy cost? Blue Heelers are bred for their herding abilities and make great working dogs. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are known for their intelligence and obedience. If you love the outdoors and being active, then the German Heeler is definitely the right dog for you. They are a high-energy breed that loves to run and play fetch. They are also very loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent guard dogs. The downside to this breed is that they require a lot of physical stimulation and can be very stubborn. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great choice for families who are looking for an active and loyal dog. However, they require a lot of exercise and training, so be sure you are prepared for this before bringing one home. They will make a great addition to any family who is willing to put in the time and energy needed to care for them. Conclusion The German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix is a hybrid dog that combines the best of both breeds. These dogs are intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions. They make great family dogs and are excellent with children. Blue Heelers are known for their herding instincts, while German Shepherds are known for their obedience and trainability. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thus, it can be quite a challenge to find this hybrid. However, if you are eager to get one as a pet, you can refer to the following lists to find possible sources of this lovable pooch. Listed below are platforms where you can possibly find a German Shepherd Heeler mix: Lancaster Puppies — Lancaster Puppies is a website where you can browse puppies of almost any breed or hybrid for sale. There are AKC-registered pets available on this site as well. You can use multiple filters to speed up your search. Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies is a platform where you can find puppies for sale from all over the United States. They also show information about each breed or hybrid they advertise. They are offering Blue Heeler mixes, so be sure to check them out. PuppyFinder — Puppy Finder is a website where you can use search filters to find pets. Each puppy or litter they offer is described well through their posts. You can try checking out our top picks of German Shepherd breeders to broaden your options when finding a German Shepherd Cattle Dog mix. Apart from buying from a reputable breeder, you can also adopt a rescue dog if you prefer a much cheaper option. They are dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming German Shepherds and GSD mixes while also ensuring that the adopted dogs are happy in their new homes. They have been rescuing Australian Cattle Dogs and their mixes for the past ten years, and they make sure that each dog is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. They also aim to educate about the importance of sterilizing pets. You can inquire to see if they have a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix on hand. You can also check out our top picks on German Shepherd rescues to have more choices in your search for the Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix. This guide will equip you with the ins and outs of adopting a dog. There are also details about the requirements that adoption centers set as well as a few tips to give you a head start in applying for adoption. However, enough preparation and self-assessment should be done before bringing home one. Here are the advantages of owning a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: Highly intelligent: Blue Heeler German Shepherd mixes are well-known to be intelligent dogs, just like their parent breeds. Despite being stubborn at times, this highly skilled pooch is very trainable and can be obedient once disciplined. Positive reinforcement training is an excellent way to teach them. Great guard dogs: Both German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs are excellent guard dogs due to their loyalty and protectiveness. The same goes for their crossbreed. This hybrid will not hesitate to defend its owner or family. Excellent workout companion: As discussed, the Heeler Shepherd mix is a very active and energetic dog compared to other pooches in the canine world. This dog is a great partner for people who have an athletic lifestyle or love outdoor activities. Overall handsome appearance: The mixture of the German Shepherd dog and the Australian Cattle Dog definitely makes sense. The compact but athletic build of the Blue Heeler and the noble and stoic stance of the German Shepherd combine to create a good-looking hybrid. Thus, this furry pooch demands regular grooming. Regular brushing is a must when keeping this hybrid. Has aggressive tendencies: A hybrid of strong character, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can show signs of aggression. But this usually only happens when the dog feels threatened. Proper training and socialization are keys to good canine behavior. Can be stubborn: Despite being an intelligent pooch, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can be quite a challenge to train if it fails to recognize you as a master. Obedience training and showing a firm hand can let this dog know its place. Extremely active and energetic: As mentioned, the Heeler Shepherd mix is a dog packed with energy, all thanks to its very active parent breeds. Before owning this hybrid, you must be prepared to provide it with a regular playtime schedule and a place to frolic. Hopefully, the list can help you in deciding whether a German Shepherd Heeler mix is the right dog for you or not. Lifespan Sociability In terms of energy and trainability, this breed is one of the best that you could bring home. The one area that a hybrid breed like the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix lacks is sociability rating. Both parent breeds are strong-willed and protective. There is a good reason for that. This breed was originally bred to protect flocks of herding sheep from predators. They were servants for farmers and not considered companions. However, as humans grew closer to these animals, they still thrived in a work environment. These dogs contain the same blood as Dingo dogs. Dingoes are free, wild dogs that are native to Australia. It is extremely rare to find a domesticated Dingo. They prefer to live wild, free lives, which is why Heelers have a bit of a wild look to them as well. These dogs are very intelligent and catch onto training fairly quickly, but only with owners who are persistent enough to handle their strong-willed nature. Poor socialization could lead to issues with children, strangers, or other pets. They do tend to bark a lot, and obedience classes could do this breed some good. These dogs are not suitable for cities or apartment living. The amount of energy they have pairs best with families who own a good chunk of land that allows them to run around and patrol the property. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, not all dogs are the same. Puppies who grow up with the kids and are around other pets and animals a lot tend to adapt just fine to those around them. It is recommended to give active dogs of this size about 1. Divide this amount into two separate meals so that they eat both in the morning and at night. Cattle Shepherd mixes are happiest when they are given a specific job to do. The bare minimum amount of exercise they require is 1 hour, but they do a lot better when they have at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. This level of activity is much easier to achieve when they have lots of land to explore. In other words, they are not suitable for apartment living. The biggest issue that owners face when training a Cattle Shepherd mix is breaking through their willpower. Brush through their medium-length hair once per week to remove any loose strands. They also benefit from a bath once every week or two since they spend a lot of their time outside. Keep the nails trimmed by using a sharp clipper. If you start the grooming routine when they are young puppies, then they are cooperative as adults. Any responsible breeder should be happy to share the results of all pre screening test results on both parent dogs. Ideally, you should also take the time to meet and interact with both parent dogs before making a lifetime commitment to a new puppy. Breed Characteristics What can you expect when you decide to welcome a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix dog into your life? What will your new dog need from you? What type of personality and temperament can you expect? How much exercise will your new puppy want and need? How about brushing and grooming needs? German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix weight and height The German Shepherd dog can weigh 50 to 90 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulder tops. The Blue Heeler can weigh 35 to 50 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. Depending on what generation your hybrid puppy comes from, the potential weight range can be anywhere from 35 to 90 pounds, which is quite a wide range! If we look at averages without factoring in gender, the most likely outcome is a hybrid dog weighing around 60 pounds and standing around 20 inches tall. The first thing to remember is that both of these dogs are true working dog breeds. Most working dog breeds have naturally high energy levels and love staying active. Both make great family guard dogs, will be protective of their home and family, and will need mental as well as physical stimulation. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy is going to crave athletic outlets and an active lifestyle. Whether you involve your dog in canine athletics or put your pup to work, these dogs are born to work long hours with dedication and diligence. While puppies sleep a lot , you need to be prepared to devote at least two hours per day to running, playing, and caring for your adult dog. German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix exercise and training German Shepherds and Blue Heelers have been deliberately bred through generations to work hard, long hours every day of their adult lives. The only way to know when your dog is finished growing is to have your veterinarian do X-rays of the long leg bones. What your vet is looking for is the closure of the soft growth plates at the top of each leg bone. This typically occurs at the age of 12 months or older. Once the growth plates have closed and hardened, your dog is done growing. At this point, you can train for canine athletics, K-9 protection work, or herding. With a highly intelligent dog like the German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix, only use positive reinforcement training methods like praise, treats, pats, and playtime. These dogs will bore easily if training sessions become repetitive or drag on for too long. For best results, add new skills to each training session and keep the sessions short, fun, and extremely positive. The first thing dog owners absolutely need to know about both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler is that each dog has the classic working dog coat. A working dog coat is a double layer coat that serves two purposes: protection and insulation. This outer coat layer protects the dog from bites, sunburns, windburns, and from being drenched in the rain. Year-round, the working dog coat sheds lightly to replenish itself and keep all the guard top hairs functional. So your German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix will definitely shed. The best way to control shedding is to do daily de-shedding and brushing. In fact, bathing too frequently can strip the outer layer of the coat of some of its water-repellant, protective properties, so you want to bathe sparingly. Young children, in particular, might find this upsetting or stressful. The German Shepherd Blue Heeler may not be the best choice in this case. Understanding Hybrid Breeding By Dog Generation As Breeding Business explains, there are several different generations that a hybrid dog breeder can choose to focus on. A breeder can specialize in multiple generations and may indicate the differences between litters on their website. This can help you decide what generation of German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy you would like to add to your family. F1 An F1 generation hybrid breeder focuses on the earliest stage of hybrid dog breeding — crossing two different purebred dog breeds together to produce puppies. F1 puppies would have one purebred German Shepherd dog parent and one purebred Blue Heeler dog parent. The F1 generation is arguably the most interesting generation for dog breeders. Another puppy in the very same litter may inherit just the opposite blend of traits. F1b F1b generation dog breeding typically pairs one purebred dog parent either a German Shepherd or a Blue Heeler in this case with one hybrid dog parent here, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix. In this breeding stage, the breeder is refining for preferred traits, whether they be for appearance, temperament, or some combination thereof. As an example, if you need your dog to grow to a certain size, you would want to work with a breeder who focuses on F2 stage or later dog breeding. F2b The focus of an F2b breeding program is once again further refinement to the new hybrid breed through back-crossing. F3, et al With each later stage of a hybrid dog breeding program, the puppies grow more and more uniform in every way. For the right family or individual who wants to lead an active lifestyle with a dog by their side, this mixed breed dog may make a fabulous companion canine! The average German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix will reach a weight of 60 pounds, and a height of 20 inches. In actuality, your dog could be significantly smaller, or much larger. It depends on what parent breed it takes after most. Potentially, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix could be between 35 and 90 pounds, and 17 to 26 inches. The reason for this is the size differences between the parent breeds. While the German Shepherd is long and tall, the Blue Heeler is shorter and stockier. A fully grown German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix can be quite a big dog. On average, it will be smaller than a purebred German Shepherd. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix good dogs? As an intelligent breed, they respond best to positive reinforcement. However, they can also get bored easily. When you want to train your dog, you need to take care to keep the sessions energetic. Give lots of positive feedback, keep the training short, and mix up what you do. Due to the working dog heritage, a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix needs a lot of exercise. Long walks, and plenty of mental stimulation, are necessary to keep them happy and healthy. German Shepherd Blue Heeler mixes are loyal dogs, who can be protective. They respond well to commands, but hate to be bored. Are Blue Heelers good family dogs? Due to their size and power, their confident intelligence can be difficult to handle. The Blue Heeler also has a tendency to nip at the heels of livestock, and humans. This comes from their history as herding dogs, and often happens around running children. While the nipping may not be painful, it can be distressing. Young children, in particular, may find being nipped at upsetting. Blue Heelers should be socialized from a young age to get them comfortable around children. Many of these traits can be seen in the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix. These dogs are loyal, and this can become protective. As German Shepherds can be aggressive, the mix has a potential for boisterous behavior. Are Blue Heelers aggressive toward other dogs? As working dogs, they have bundles of energy. Because of their working history, Blue Heelers will look for a leadership role. Around other dogs, they may try to establish dominance. Blue Heelers have prey instincts, meaning they try to hunt smaller animals. Socialization helps curb this behavior. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix also needs to be socialized with other dogs. Otherwise, they can display the same dominant tendencies. Do Blue Heelers like to cuddle? Instead, look for other ways to show your Blue Heeler how much you care. Although they may not crave a cuddle, there are still plenty of ways to show physical affection towards your Blue Heeler. Otherwise, give them lots of petting. Start at a young age, to get them used to human contact. There are times when you can perhaps expect a cuddle with a Blue Heeler. However, they have as many differences as they do similarities. This can make choosing a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy challenging if you want certain traits in your new canine companion. To ensure you select the best and healthiest puppy you can find, select one from a trustworthy breeder. You can also request that your chosen pup undergo DNA testing to know more about its heritage and any potential health problems. Make sure you provide it with two to three cups of premium dog food during each feeding. The right food will help nourish your dog and give it additional protection to fight back against certain illnesses. Hills uses only high-quality ingredients that are enriched with vitamins and amino acids and have an excellent anti-oxidant profile. It reduces digestive problems caused by gluten and has enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your pet healthy. Taste of the Wild asserts that their kibbles are a healthy approximation of what canines in the wild will eat. It uses lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The company only uses natural sources of antioxidants like apples, spinach, and pumpkin. They also use the cold-press process to ensure that all the healthy goodness is preserved. Taking good care and helping your dog stay safe is what every responsible dog owner wants. If your dog is a bit older, try to get any product from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppies have a bit different food requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little munchkins in the best puppy food brands list. You should discuss any change in the diet plan with your vet. It loves to remain active and play all day. As a responsible owner, you should make sure that you can provide it with the necessary physical activity and mental exercises it needs to stay healthy and happy. The exercise needs of this mix will depend on which parent breed it takes after more. While the GS needs considerable exercise, it pales in comparison to the massive amounts of activity that the Blue Heeler requires. The energy levels of the German Shepherd Blue Heeler make it a good pet for a physically active owner or families who love the outdoors. While this dog that loves doing different activities, running along its owner as they jog or ride a bike is a favorite. Older kids will undoubtedly appreciate all the games they can play with this dog, but its enthusiasm might make them too rough for younger children. Your mixed breed will need a minimum of two walks a day. Aside from that, it will also need ample space to run around and play to release its seemingly boundless energy. Playing a game of Tug of War and Frisbee will bring happiness to your dog and strengthen your relationship as well. There are three types of toys that are ideal for your Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross — puzzles, chew toys and tug toys. Here are some of the best toys for your dog: Kong XXL: The classic chew toy from the company that specializes in sturdy dog toys since the 70s. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes for your dog to try out. Place the pole in your yard and watch your dog tug and play with the attached rope. Watch your little buddy spend hours twisting and turning this toy to reach the treats. Ultra Ball: This virtually indestructible toy can be used for both outdoor and indoor play. Chuck it and watch your dog leap and run after it. HDP 18 ft. Dog Training Tunnel: If you have a large yard, a training tunnel is a good investment. It will simply soak up knowledge, making it easy to train. While this dog will learn commands easily, its innate stubbornness means it should be trained early. As a puppy, it will have a tendency to be wary of strangers and become possessive of its owners. This is not surprising as the parent breeds are family-oriented and dedicated to protecting its family. These are traits that it can carry until adulthood if it does not undergo obedience training and socialization early. Without the right training and exposure to other people and dogs, your German Heeler puppy will not learn to obey commands. In time, their protective, defense-based personality could hit extreme levels. It needs consistent, solid training and a lot of activities to exercise its mind and body. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. Use treats and praises during training. Harsh words and punishment-based strategies will only make the Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive. Be a strong leader. You need to step up and give your dog the leadership it needs. Proper training and socialization will lead to a well-adjusted and happy German Shepherd Blue Heeler puppy. But this crossbreed will thrive if placed in the capable hands of an experienced owner who has already dealt with strong-willed working dogs. German Shepherd Blue Heeler and Families When it comes to families, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler crossbreed will blossom under someone who has the proper training and experience in handling large and powerful working dogs. This is an athletic dog that will be happy to either help out with ranch and livestock duties, or to go hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors with its human. Newbie dog owners and families with young children will find the Blue Heeler German Shepherd too much to handle. If you want the industriousness and easygoing personality of a German Shepherd and the enthusiastic and affectionate ways of the Blue Heeler, then their hybrid offspring is the perfect dog for you. This dog will likewise be happy in families with older children and those who live in homes with enough space to run around. If you think you have room in your life for this unique dog, you have to step up and be the strong alpha it needs. You should make sure you can provide it with the love and attention, as well as the physical and mental care it needs. As both of his parents are shepherd dogs, the blue heeler german shepherd mix is a very active and energetic dog who would need a lot of playtimes and mental stimulation. Appearance of blue heeler mix german shepherd Like any other designer crossbreed, a blue heeler mix with german shepherd will shape up based on the dominant genes. They can look like a German Shepherd or a blue heeler or somewhere in between. Still, the below traits should likely be present. Body: They have a strong and muscular long body with broad shoulders. Face: They have a lean face with a medium to long, deep muzzle. Ears: They have erect pricked ears. Coat: They have a thick double-coat between short to medium coat length. They can come in varying colors but a mix of blue and tan is the most popular. This is a wide range and where any dog would fit would be based on whose genes are more dominant. Lifespan: They typically have a lifespan of 9 to 14 years. Check out another Blue heeler mix — Cowboy Corgi The temperament of blue heeler german shepherd mix Blue heeler german shepherd mix are working dogs that carry the traits of driving cattle. They love being engaged with work or play. And if they get bored, they may find something by themselves which could be destructive. Blue heeler german shepherd mix will thrive on human companionship. So if you are planning to leave your dog alone for a long time, this would not be the right dog for you. Here are a few of their personality traits that you should be aware of. Needs a dominant leader ACD and GSD mix may take the position of the leader of the pack if the owner is not a consistent leader. Energetic and agile Blue heeler german shepherd mix has a powerful body and are extremely energetic and agile. They would need a lot of playtimes and running or else would get bored. This is because both the parents of this breed are working dogs who were used to drive cattle. They would enjoy being active in some work which may mean both physical and mental stimulation. If they are not engaged actively, they may devise something of their own like chewing or scratching things that you may find destructive. Loyal and obedient They are loyal to their owners and family. Given proper training, they can be highly loyal and obedient companion dogs. Excellent guard dogs These dogs are fearless, territorial, aggressive, and wary of strangers. This makes them excellent Guard dogs. Intelligent but stubborn These dogs are intelligent and learn training commands easily. But at the same time, they can be obstinate as well with their free-thinking. Strong willed Blue heeler german shepherd mixes are strong-willed and confident dogs. They need an experienced dog owner who can be in charge else they would be ready to take up the position of being the leader in the pack and be aggressive to others. High prey drive Both the parents of Blue heeler german shepherd mix have a high prey drive. This can lead them to go after smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or cats, etc. It is a must for them to be socialized since puppy age to other pets, children, and strangers. Avoid if you have young children Blue heeler german shepherd mix, if properly trained, are good family dogs who do well with older children. Though for families having children aged 7 years or less, we would not recommend them. They have a high prey drive and are considered aggressive. Young children may not know how to treat them with respect. Noisy — depends? Although the blue heelers are not known for being vocal, german shepherds do have a bad reputation for barking for their needs or if they are left alone for long. Experienced dog owners only With their wary to stranger attitude, prey drive, intelligent mind, and independent thinking, they are not recommended for a first-time dog owner. Not apartment friendly Blue heeler german shepherd mix is a very active, energetic, and agile dog. He would need a fenced yard to play and run for venting out his energy and hence not recommended for living in apartments. Care Nutrition It is recommended to give 1. You would need to adjust the diet based on the size, age, and activity level of the dog. Meat is recommended for them as a source of protein. If you do make up your mind for this food, we would recommend to slowly start mixing in your dog food before completely replacing it to be sure that your pooch is not allergic to the ingredients of this dry dog food. But they will shed heavily when their inner coat blows out. They can have a dense inner coat and a short or medium-sized outer coat based on which parent breed gene is more prominent. It is good to groom him daily but at least twice in a week is recommended. Regular grooming would help to massage the skin to produce oil and keeping the coat healthy. It will also promote bonding between the owner and the dog. This will also aid in keeping the hairs contained as the loosened or dead hairs will be removed by the brush reducing the chances of hairs spreading everywhere. It has got great reviews from dog owners and is very easy to groom. Its self-cleaning feature is great and makes removing hairs from the brush hassle-free. Blue heeler german shepherd mix needs bathing once in four to six weeks or when you feel he is dirty or smelly. Frequent bathing may lead to dry skin and other skin related ailments. Choose a natural oatmeal based shampoo. You should also need to clip his nails once every month. This would help to minimize the risk of nail splitting which could be very painful to the dog. Exercise Blue heeler german shepherd mix is an extremely agile dog who needs a lot of exercises and playtime. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation. If you are an active jogger, he would be an ideal companion. Just the daily walks may not suffice the needs of this active and energetic dog. He can play all day and hence it is recommended for folks who have a fenced yard where he can vent out his energy. Training They are smart dogs and are easy to train. They will learn the commands quickly. At the same time, they can be obstinate due to their independent thinking. So you should start the training since the beginning. Here are a few tips to train a Blue heeler german shepherd mix. Start the training at puppy age. Start with simple commands like sit, stay, and stand. Positive reinforcement training works better with them. We recommend obedience and crate training as a must for them. Obedience training helps to make them follow your commands and subvert their aggressiveness and high prey drive. Crate training helps them to feel safe when alone. They should also be socialized early with other dogs, pets, and humans so that they can become a well-adjusted dog. Health They are generally healthy crossbreed dogs but they can be prone to certain health issues. It is not necessary to have the disease but as a responsible dog owner, you should be aware of what disease your dog may be prone to. This can be painful in various intensities in different dogs but finally leads to Arthritis. This can be inherited and dogs having this medical condition should be neutered. Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is an inheritable medical condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the dog. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA This is a disease that leads to gradual blindness. The dog would start to lose his night vision first and then slowly it leads to complete blindness in a couple of years. This again can be inherited and the dogs having this should not be bred. Deafness This is a genetic disease prone to Queensland Heelers and can be passed upon. This could affect single or both the ears. How to get a Blue heeler german shepherd mix puppy? So you do not want a lazy pooch and have made up your mind for a Blue heeler german shepherd mix, let us look at how you can find a puppy for you. It would not be an easy task to find this designer dog breed. You should check first for the local shelters of blue heeler and then GSD ones and check if you can see this crossbreed. There might be a dog waiting for a new life. Though you may not know the details about him so it is best to spend some time before finalizing and taking him home. Pros and Cons. They might just be because blue heelers usually have beautiful shiny coats and black masks, so when you breed them with another breed that also has the same markings it stands to reason that their puppies will too. What is a blue heeler? In the past, they were used for herding cattle but now mostly as family pets or police dogs. These are large sturdy dogs standing at cm tall 20 inches weighing around 20 kg 50 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be either short or long and can be blue, black, red, or speckled. They have a characteristic black mask across their face. What is a German Shepherd? They are also large dogs, standing at cm tall 24 inches and weighing around 30 kg 75 pounds. They are bred as working dogs but are now popular as family pets too. They come in a range of colors including black, tan, and sable. They have a long coat that needs regular brushing to keep it looking good. So, when you put these two breeds together you get some pretty impressive puppies! Not only do they inherit the good looks of both parents but they often inherit the good characteristics too. This means that they are very intelligent and active, which makes them great all-rounders! Many people like to keep these mixes as working dogs because of the endurance and stamina they inherit from both parent breeds. They make excellent farm dogs and can be trained to herd cattle in much the same way as their parents do. Appearance: The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix inherits the color of their parents, with a speckled or mottled blue coat. The mask is usually black but can become more prominent as they get older just like the Aussie Blue Heelers. They are often brown eyes but sometimes inherit the amber or green eyes of one parent breed or another. This breed gets its height from the German shepherd parent, measuring about 20 inches tall 60 cm with an average weight of around 75 pounds 30 kg. So you can see that these puppies are going to be quite large dogs, like their parents. They need plenty of both physical and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored or restless. Training should be positive and consistent, using treats and rewards to encourage desired behaviors. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down are a good place to start. Physical activity is also important for these active dogs. A good hour-long walk or run every day will help keep them in good shape and burn off energy. Playing fetch or Frisbee in the yard is another great way to get them moving. Agility courses or even just regular playtime with other dogs can provide plenty of exercises. In addition to exercise and training, Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix also needs a lot of attention. They do not like being left alone for long periods and prefer to be with their family at all times. They are very loyal dogs who crave attention from the people they love. This can result in separation anxiety if you have to leave them home alone for too many hours each day. This breed also loves children and is typically very gentle with them. However, because of their intelligence and high energy, it is important that they get plenty of quality time from any small humans in the house to help channel their boundless energy properly. If not socialized properly it may get protective over certain members of the family or become aggressive. As with all dogs, proper socialization and training from a young age are important. They need to be taught not to chase people or other animals and should learn the basic commands such as sit and stay. Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can also get protective of their family and territory if they are not properly socialized with friends and strangers. If their coat is short and dense, then they will require very little grooming. However, if their coat is long and fluffy, they will need to be groomed regularly to avoid mats and tangles. No matter what their coat type, Blue Heeler German Shepherds Mixes should always be brushed at least once a week to remove any dead hair and keep them looking healthy and clean. They may also need to be bathed occasionally, depending on how active they are and how much dirt and mud they get into. Nail trimming and ear cleaning may also be necessary from time to time. Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes do not have a characteristic dog smell and are not known to drool or to have any body odor. However, if their coat is long and fluffy they may get mud and twigs stuck in the fur around their paws sometimes. Health Problems: Typically, they have similar health concerns as their parent breeds, but some ailments may be exacerbated by the hybridization. Both breeds can be prone to PRA progressive retinal atrophy , detachment of the retina, cataracts, and glaucoma. The condition of progressive retinal atrophy results in partial or total blindness for your dog which develops progressively over several months or years. The other conditions result in blindness in one or both eyes. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common problem in German Shepherds, and it can also occur in blue heeler German shepherds. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Ear Infections: Ear infections are another common problem for both breeds of dogs and can be a problem for blue heeler German shepherds as well. Ear infections should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as they are noticed in order to prevent further damage to the ear and possible hearing loss. Other Health Concerns Other health concerns that may affect blue heeler German shepherds include epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid problems, and cancer. All of these conditions can occur in either purebred or crossbred dogs, so it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian regularly. Personality And Behavior: The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is bred for its intelligence and working ability, so you can expect your puppy to be bright and full of energy. They will need plenty of exercise and training or they may become destructive. These dogs are loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs. They are also very good with children. You can expect your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix to be quite energetic and dominant. Sometimes, this dominant nature can make them aggressive or overly protective of their family. They are not exactly shy but they do need socialization from an early age to help them feel more comfortable around strangers. Like most herding breeds, they can be reserved but remain loving and loyal to their family. But there is a high chance you will find it for less if you choose to adopt instead of buying from breeders. Nutrition Requirements: One of the best ways to make sure that your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix gets the right nutrition is to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. However, there are some general nutritional guidelines that all dogs should follow. First and foremost, your dog should have access to fresh water at all times. In addition, they should eat a balanced diet that consists of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Dogs need between 18 and 30 percent protein depending on their age, activity level, and breed. Good sources of protein include meat, eggs, fish, legumes, and cottage cheese. Dogs also need plenty of healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa. And finally, Blue Heeler German Shepherd mixes need healthy fats like Omega-3s to help keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny. Good sources of Omega-3s include salmon, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds. A healthy Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix needs between 60 and minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of a long walk or jog, playing fetch in the park, or going for a swim. By providing your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, you can help them stay healthy and active for a long time. Both of its parents are well-known for being good with children and being loyal and protective companions. Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies are usually very friendly and love to play. They are also very intelligent and learn quickly. As they grow older, they will be loyal and protective companions to their families. If you are looking for a family pet that is easy to train and loves to play with, a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dog may be the perfect dog for you. Just make sure you are prepared to handle the high energy levels of this breed! However, some health problems that can be shortened to years. They get along great with other animals and children. They are also very loyal and protective of their family. They are a great dog for active families who love the outdoors. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great dog for families. They are loyal and protective of their family and get along great with other animals and children. They are also very active and love to be outdoors. This makes them a great choice for families that love to be active and spend time outdoors. This breed can be very protective of its family. They are good watchdogs, but not the best choice for guard dogs. They love to please their owners and are easy to train. It is important that they receive a lot of attention from their families. If you work all day or your family is inactive, this dog will not be happy living in your home. Socialization needs to happen during the first year of life, before 12 weeks old, and after 4 months old the most critical times. This breed should also get along well with cats if properly introduced at a young age and if they are raised with them. Pros of having a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: 1. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a very good guard dog as it is alert, intelligent, and agile enough to prevent an intruder from entering the house during unauthorized hours. This breed of dogs is also used as military or police dogs due to their strong physique and sense of duty towards protecting their master against any harm whatsoever. As it has a high energy level, needs lots of physical exercise such as jogging or playing ball games with you which will release all the tension built up in his mind due to work or monotony. This breed is the best to keep at home with children because it loves them and they love it in return. They are very clean dogs which also makes them non-allergenic for people who have allergies to dogs. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix does not bark unnecessarily due to its highly intelligent nature once trained properly by owners so that they warn their master of any unwanted intruders or suspicious movement outside instead of barking continuously which could be irritating for the family members living in one apartment after a certain hour at night. It has a long life span of 12 years or more due to its high immunity levels against diseases, infections, colds, etc. Cons of having Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: 1. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is very expensive and not easily available at pet stores or animal shelters. It needs constant companionship and without it can become destructive by chewing furniture, shoes, wires, etc. Owners need to be committed to spending time with this breed to avoid any such incidents from happening. As it needs lots of exercise, it cannot be left alone for long hours during the day when its owners are working and would require someone else to take it out for a walk or play games with it in the yard. Otherwise, it can develop neurotic behavior which is very difficult to train out of the breed. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix cannot be left alone for long periods at home because it has a dominant personality and could harm other pets around without any warning. It is always advisable to keep the other pets away if they are smaller in size or even cats as these two could become their food due to their hunting nature. To avoid any mishap happening, owners should not allow this breed untrained by themselves because it can snap suddenly without any reason causing physical injury to family members living with them or strangers coming to visit them unexpectedly. Since this breed enjoys chasing running animals like squirrels, rabbits, etc. They are loyal, and protective and make great family dogs. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for both experienced and first-time dog owners. However, as with all breeds, there are some things to consider before bringing one of these hybrids into your home. First and foremost is their size — they can be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them. Finally, they do have a reputation of being aggressive with other dogs and animals — especially if not introduced to them from a young age — so take extra care when taking them out in public. However, with the right training and socialization, it should not be too much of an issue. It is very hard to imagine our life without this cute, cuddly family member. They are just perfect for many reasons. They are loyal, compassionate, and have the ability to understand their owners even before you speak a word! The breed gets its name from its blue-grey color which makes it resemble a heeler dog. Heeler mixes are lovable pets with usually medium energy levels so they can be great companions not only for active individuals but also for people whose physical activity level is much lower. This type of dog needs consistent training and socialization in order to stay obedient and friendly towards both strangers and other pets, especially cats or small dogs which they might perceive as prey. As for other characteristics, the Blue Heeler Mix is devoted to its family and has a tendency to form an excellent bond with kids. These dogs like children as much as the kids love them! The answer to this question is not a simple one. However, it is generally safe to say that Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dogs can be aggressive, particularly if they are not well socialized from a young age. This is because both the German shepherd and the blue heeler are bred for working purposes, and as such, they can be quite independent and strong-willed. If these traits are not properly managed, they can lead to aggression in dogs. It is therefore important to ensure that your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix receives plenty of socialization and training, especially if he will be around children, as these are the two groups who are most likely to provoke an attack. Additionally, it is important to remember that both parties in this crossbreed had their temperament breed into them, so even if you give your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix constant love and attention throughout its life, they may still snap at another animal or human without warning. If your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy is exhibiting signs of aggression, it is important to take steps to correct the behavior as soon as possible. One way to do this is by enrolling them in a good obedience class. This will help to teach them how to properly behave around other people and animals. You can also try using positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise to reward your dog for good behavior, which will help to establish a strong bond between you and your pet. If all else fails, you may need to consider using a muzzle when out in public until you can get the aggression under control. What activities are not recommended for Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies? Although they are very adaptable, these dogs do best in a home or apartment with a large yard. This is especially important for this breed because of their size — adults can reach up to 70 pounds! They will want to run around outside until they drop from exhaustion, so make sure you provide plenty of space. If you live in the city or apartment, do not get this breed. Post navigation. This is a relatively new crossbreed, with a limited history. However, we can look to the parent breeds to learn more about these dogs. Both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler share a similar history. Both were bred to be herding dogs, primarily to be used on cattle ranches. He then spent the next 35 years refining the breed, while promoting it and forming the first German Shepherd club in existence. As commercial husbandry took over, and the need for herding dogs declined, the German Shepherd retained its role as a working dog. The Blue Heeler was also bred to herd cattle, but this time in Australia. The breed was developed through a complex mix of breeds including Collie, Dalmatian, Black and Tan Kelpie, and even a feral breed known as the Dingo. Thus, you could end up with a mix that looks more like a German Shepherd, or more like a Blue Heeler — and anywhere in between! There is always some variability with mixed-breed dogs like this, so keep that in mind. With that said, we can look at the details of the parent breeds to get a good idea of the general appearance and size that a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix might take on. The German Shepherd is a large dog, weighing between 50 and 90 lbs and measuring inches tall. The Blue Heeler is short and stocky and generally smaller, at pounds and a typical inches tall. Thus, you can expect your Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix to be somewhere in the middle — around pounds, and inches tall. Again, this varies from dog to dog and is difficult to predict! As far as their coats, both parent breeds have thick double coats to protect them from the elements. Both dogs tend to shed a lot, particularly in the spring as they prepare for the warmer months. Temperament Traits The German Shepherd has a confident, intelligent and courageous temperament. On the other hand, the Blue Heeler has an alert, curious and watchful personality. Both are extremely loyal and protective. These tendencies can be both positives and negatives at the same time. Their intelligence and confidence makes them able to accomplish incredible feats, but can also make them stubborn and difficult to train. In short, this mix needs an experienced owner. If not properly trained and socialized, this breed can be aggressive and is prone to guarding tendencies. Early and frequent socialization is very important! One need only to look at the purpose these dogs were bred for, and what they are used for today. Both breeds are herding dogs for large animals, designed to both herd and protect large groups of big animals. They are excellent at what they do, but these instincts can make them difficult to keep in domestic situations. This breed can make for a good family pet, for the right situation. While they are generally okay around children, they should always be supervised. That said, this mix can also make for a loving, and fiercely loyal, companion dog. When push comes to shove, they will not hesitate to protect their family, making them excellent watch dogs. For experienced owners, this breed can make for a good family pet. With that said, they are definitely not the easiest breed to train. Training should start early, and be conducted often. Positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to train your dog. Socialization is also important — both with other dogs, other animals, and with humans. This mix is not naturally outgoing. So, socialization is even more important than it is with many breeds. Ideally your pup should be trained and socialized from a young age, for best results. This is also a fairly high-energy breed that will need plenty of exercise. Aim for at least 2 long walks per day, and ideally mix in some higher-intensity exercise like running or hiking. You should also seek to give your dog mental stimulation by giving them challenging tasks. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix loves to have a job to do! Blue Heeler and German Shepherd Health This mix is generally fairly healthy, with an expected lifespan of years. Although, like any breed, some health concerns are possible. The German Shepherd brings with it a high likelihood for back problems due to the intense slope of their back. Hip and elbow dysplasia is also common in both breeds, as are certain eye problems and allergies. Some of these conditions can be tested for, and some cannot. To maximize your chances of getting a healthy pup, try to source your dog from a reputable breeder, or adopt an adult dog. Ideally, this cross combines the enthusiasm of the Blue Heeler with the kindly, easy-going disposition of the German Shepherd. This makes the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix a powerful working dog that is clever, determined and loyal. However, it is important to point out here that the resulting puppies can inherit the physical characteristics and the personality traits of either parent breed. Blue Heeler and German Shepherd Mix — Source The hybrid might also look like a perfect blend of both parent breeds or lean towards one breed over the other. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! But where did the German Shepherd Heeler Mix come from? Well, he is a relatively new crossbreed in the canine world. However, it is widely believed that the Blue Heeler Mix with German Shepherd was created in the last 30 or so years. A wide variety of breeds were used in the early stages of developing the Australian Cattle Dog. The early stock that was used in developing the breed included: Smithfield: a sturdy herding dog that originated in the British Isles. Dingo: these Australian wild dogs were used to boost endurance. Bull Terrier: these dogs were used in the s to enhance stockiness. Dalmatian: the Dalmatian was added to increase the love of cattle and loyalty to their owners. Kelpie: the Australian Kelpie was added to instill a good work ethic and the tan markings characteristic of Blue Heelers today. The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely intelligent and can solve problems on the move. He can also be stubborn because of the tenacity necessary to herd challenging cattle. They also tend to be possessive and some can be aggressive towards other dogs. Therefore, proper socialization is a must for your Blue Heeler Mix dog. This dog is also intelligent and loyal. The history of the German Shepherd begins in the late s when Captain Max von Stephanitz decided to develop the ultimate German herd dog. In fact, the present-day German Shepherds are descendants of his herd dog, Horand von Grafrath. Stephanitz also played a huge role in defining the early standards for the breed. Among his priorities were working potential and high intelligence levels. As livestock farming methods improved, their herding use reduced drastically. Nonetheless, their intelligence and spirited nature remained the same. Today, German Shepherds are commonly used for military and police activities around the world. But did you know? The German Shepherd dog is sometimes also known as an Alsatian. As with all dogs, the amount of care and love you shower on your GSD will be returned to you and your family manifold. Physical Characteristics of the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Descending from two different breeds, it can be difficult to predict the physical characteristics of each puppy. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppy can take on the traits of either parent or become a combination of both. The upright ears of both parent breeds is a must. This cross also has a strong, muscular body, just like both parent breeds. Both parents are working dogs and their offspring will have a shorter frame and broad shoulders. Size, Height and Weight Blue Heelers are generally short and strong. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd is also a very powerful dog, although taller, leaner and longer. As you would expect, it can be difficult to foretell the adult size of their offspring. He should reach around 18 to 26 inches tall. Males are generally larger, but females will also have a strong, athletic body. With any hybrid dog, it is important to keep in mind that crossbreeding does not guarantee the desired personality traits of a dog. To understand his temperament, you need to study both the parent breeds. Strength and bravery are both attributes that both the parent dogs share. They are both loyal and protective, making them good guard dogs. Both parent breeds also share a good work ethic, intelligence, endurance, herding skills and a general tendency to be quite stubborn. These strong and athletic dogs are likely to be destructive if left alone for an extended period of time. With this mix, expect an alert and steadfast dog that will always be ready for anything. These pups can be possessive and tend to be wary of strangers. Since both the parent dogs get along well with adults and older children, your Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix could be a good family pet. However, this mix can be somewhat unpredictable with young kids. This fact should be taken into consideration before buying or adopting one of these dogs as a family pet. Training If you think that a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix might be a good match for you, be sure that your new furry friend will be intelligent and quick-witted, just like his parents. When you teach this dog various commands, he will learn quickly. But since these dogs tend to be quite stubborn, make sure to start training them early as puppies. It is natural for both parent breeds to be dedicated and family-oriented. However, obedience training is important if you want to keep your pup out of trouble. Without proper training and socialization, your Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppy will not obey any commands. Their defence-based, protective personality may reach extreme levels. During training, be sure to give your dog clear and simple commands. Using complex sentences or too many unnecessary words can lead to confusion and frustration on the part of the dog as well as the trainer. Otherwise, you can expect this cross to respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. Strong leadership is important if you want your dog to learn quickly. To make your dog obey any rules you set, be authoritative and firm with him. Teaching him to stay, sit and come is very important. Crate training is recommended if you want to adapt your puppy to a safe and comfortable environment. A properly trained and socialized Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppy will end up being a hardworking, loyal and obedient canine friend. Exercise Requirements The German Shepherd Australian Cattle Dog Mix is a high-energy dog who loves to stay active as well as play around throughout the day. This cross is just as active as his parents, so be sure to provide him with the necessary physical exercises as well as the mental stimulation he needs to remain happy and healthy. Ideally, you should be physically active yourself and have a proper daily exercise routine in place. This dog loves various physical activities. Although taking your dog out for daily walks is highly recommended, he will also need to play and run around to release his limitless energy. Playing together can also help strengthen the bond between you and your beloved dog. Games such as Frisbee or Tug of War are also an excellent way to tire out your dog. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These dogs have a double coat, but minimal grooming demands. Grooming your dog might be quite easy, but if he inherited the longer coat of his GSD parent, he will have moderate grooming needs. This mix has a strong tendency towards heavy shedding whereby he loses his undercoat. During such periods, you should brush him each day to help keep his coat healthy. Bathing should be done only if he gets particularly dirty. Bathing him too frequently could make his skin dry. A good option is to use quality deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep his skin properly conditioned at all times. Top 15 Feeding Info These dogs require 2 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day. They also need to be fed two to three times each day to remain happy and healthy. You can also provide vitamins and fish oil to supplement his diet. This mixed breed dog is considered to be quite healthy. However, chances are he can inherit the health issues of his parents. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy , eczema, deafness and eye disorders. You can ensure your puppy has greater odds at good health by buying from a reputable breeder and also using the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to find out about his heritage and any potential health concerns. A good breeder will be happy to meet you in person and find out if this dog is a good match for you. They will also allow you to meet both parent dogs. Make sure to check the health of both the litter and the parent dogs before making your purchase. You can also go online, search for reputable breeders, view pictures and check the price of any Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppies that are available for sale. Alternatively, you can visit local animal shelters and rescue organizations and see whether they have any of these puppies or dogs available for adoption. Imagine the enthusiastic Blue Heeler and the industrious, easygoing German Shepherd dog rolled into one! If you lead an active lifestyle and need a loyal and intelligent companion, this dog is a good fit for you. Just make sure to buy your puppy from a responsible breeder who will help ensure your Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix is healthy and will live for many years to come.

In a video shared on December 1, Golden Retriever Winnie can be seen lying in her bed looking despondent. However, her sadness quickly turns to excitement with the arrival of puppy Scarlett—delivered via a basket in the front yard. Winnie's owner, TikTok user Kathleen Walsh winnieandscarlett , believed the two-year-old golden girl was lonely, so decided to get another dog for her to play with. Since being shared, the cute clip has received almost eight million views and over one million likes. Left, Golden Retriever Winnie meeting puppy Scarlett for the first time. Right, Winnie and Scarlett on their deck at home. Dogs are known as man's best friend for a reason. Canine companions have been by our side for more than 30, years, and even evolved "puppy dog eyes" to communicate with us better. But is socialization with human owners enough to keep a dog happy? She told Newsweek that whether or not a pooch will get lonely in a one-dog household depends on their personality. If your dog is a lone wolf, then it can be content with just its humans for company. Winnie and Scarlett's owner Kathleen Walsh said the pair love snuggling together. This is also why some breeds are more likely to have separation anxiety than others. If you're thinking of bringing a puppy home to keep your older dog company, Smith said it's important to introduce them correctly —unless you want the fur to fly. As well as making sure both dogs have their own bowls, beds and space, you need to remember that two dogs are twice the work for you. He loves his poodle, Riley, and has been known to play with cats on occasion, even though he's allergic to them. Other interests include ice cream, riding his bicycle, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He lives in Iowa. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on December 9, I wish I could be as excited about anything as this golden retriever is upon meeting his two new puppy brothers. We meet our friend Finn in a TikTok video posted Tuesday from the account thegoldenbros3. He's sitting at the front door of a house, excitedly watching as a man cradling a puppy approaches. He drops down to a knee on the other side of the glass door—an excellent way to introduce two dogs —so Finn can get a better look at his new brother. Finn circles the human with a wagging tail and even rises up on his hind legs to investigate his new brother. The man lowers the puppy down to Finn's level again, allowing them to sniff each other. Joyously satisfied he has a new friend, Finn retrieves a toy for them to share. Gah, it's too much. In a video posted Wednesday , our guy got to meet both his new golden puppy brothers—Sully and Gus, who I think met Finn in the first video. This video is shorter, but Finn is just as thrilled to see them both. Meanwhile, both the puppies exchange playful paws and nuzzles while they're still in human arms—perhaps remembering their earlier cuddle session. The new trio seems to be doing great, and hopefully Finn can soon teach his baby brothers his best tricks. Was this page helpful? Play separate Bring your dog to a puppy socialization class as early as eight weeks to allow them to exhaust their energy with other puppies. This will relieve your adult dog from some of the puppy play and increase the foundation for positive interactions. We brought Emma home on a Saturday and took her to puppy class on Monday. Looks for an organization that sanitizes the play location and requires all puppies have at least their first round of vaccinations. Play sessions can be in short durations minutes. Older dogs will naturally give your puppy some corrections, and this is great for training manners. However, puppies can be like the Energizer bunny and can be more playful than your adult dog. They have not learned bite inhibition yet, and their razor-sharp shark teeth are as unpleasant to your adult dog as they are to you. Ellie likes her personal space, so watched her closely for times when she appeared overstimulated by mouthing and jumping. Behaviors to monitor and unacceptable play? Signs of tension, aggression, or fear Behaviors such as growling, snarling, snapping, charging, or biting Stiff body movements instead of bouncy Curled lip, low warning growl Ears pinned back Tucked tail One dog trying to jet away instead of taking turns You'll want to intervene and redirect if you see any of these signs. Do not pull them apart by the leash. Instead, quietly step in, separate the dogs, and distract them with a chew toy. This reassures the older dog they do not have to do it all on their own and that you will step in to rescue and support them. Be mindful of food, treats, and toys Continue to manage the environment to maximize the success of positive interaction. Pick up and remove anything your dog may be territorial over, which reduces resource guarding, when a dog reacts when they perceive a threat to a valuable resource in their possession. Feed each dog separately. You may also be interested in… About the Author Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More A Goldendoodle with straight hair might have been a rare sight in the recent past, but they are gaining much recognition in Doodle circles. Just as adorable as their curly and wavy counterparts, Goldendoodles with straight hair sport a less Poodle-like look while also benefiting from a less demanding coat care regimen. Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? The Goldendoodle is probably one of the most popular hybrid breeds thanks to its amazing personality, loving nature , and hypoallergenic coat. As the Goldendoodle is a mix of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, the puppies will inherit their genetic makeup from both of the parents. Consequently, this gives us a wide range of estimates about how the Goldendoodle puppies might turn out. Some pups will inherit their looks and traits from the Poodle parent, while others take after the Golden Retriever parent. By combining the genetics of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, Goldendoodles can come in four coat types — curly, wavy, straight, and flat coat. This makes them the perfect choice for people who struggle with allergies. People often refer to straight coat Goldendoodles as flat-coated. However, not all straight coat Goldendoodles have flat coats. If straight coat Goldendoodles have fluffy beards, eyebrows, and ears, then flat coat pups have short and smooth facial hair. In fact, they look very much like the Golden Retriever parent. After all, the purpose was to create a breed that has many of the same qualities as the Golden Retriever, but with an allergy-friendly coat. Although breeders often prefer to produce curlier Goldendoodles, straight haired Goldendoodles can just as well happen. Naturally, a Goldendoodle is more likely to have a straight coat if their lineage includes equal parts of the purebred parents. So, why exactly do some Goldendoodles have straight hair? Genetics Whether a Goldendoodle has straight hair or a curly coat, the biggest key factor is their genetic makeup. Naturally, the outcome is never the same. Some puppies exhibit dominant Poodle genes, others have more dominant Golden Retriever genes. What determines if a Goldendoodle pup gets curly, wavy, or straight coat is the presence and amount of curl genes. Additionally, genetics also determine if a puppy can get a flat coat. Many Goldendoodle breeders do genetic testing on their parent pups to know what coat types can be achieved. However, keep in mind that not all breeders have their dogs DNA tested. Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to fall in love with the Straight Hair Goldendoodle - they are sure to bring a smile to your face and endless joy to your life! The Straight Hair Goldendoodle is a delightful and joyous breed that has captured the hearts of many. With their cheerful disposition, friendly personality and unique appearance, these dogs are the epitome of love, happiness and fun. They are a perfect blend of their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents , and have the best qualities of both breeds. Their straight hair adds a touch of elegance and grace, making them stand out in a crowd. These dogs are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them ideal family pets. Straight Hair Goldendoodle It's a common trait for this breed and is a result of their Poodle genes. The flat coat is low-shedding and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for those with allergies or who don't want to spend a lot of time grooming their pet. However, it's important to note that the coat may require regular trims to maintain its shape and keep it looking neat. Whether a flat coat is good or bad is subjective and ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. The important thing is to ensure the dog is healthy and well-cared for, regardless of its coat type. Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? Yes, Goldendoodles can have straight hair. Goldendoodles are a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and the coat type of each individual dog will depend on the dominant genes it inherits from its parents. Some Goldendoodles have curly hair, which is typical of Poodles, while others have wavy or straight hair, which is more typical of Golden Retrievers. Are Goldendoodles Always Curly? No, Goldendoodles are not always curly haired. The coat can range from loose waves to tight ringlets and everything in between. It's important to note that the coat may change as the dog grows older and that regular grooming may be necessary to maintain the desired appearance of the coat. What Is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? The "Flat Coat" refers to the coat type, which is less curly and wavier than other Goldendoodle coat types. This breed is known for being friendly, intelligent, and having a low-shedding coat. The Flat Coat Goldendoodle is a popular choice for families due to their friendly and affectionate nature. They are often described as sociable, outgoing and gentle dogs, making them great companions for children and adults alike. They are also highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a well-behaved pet. It's important to note that as a hybrid breed, the temperament and appearance of a Flat Coat Goldendoodle can vary widely, with traits from both parent breeds appearing in different combinations. This is why it's important to meet the individual dog and their parents before adoption to ensure a good match for your household. Goldendoodles with straight hair are relatively rare compared to their more curly-coated counterparts. This is because the curly coat is a dominant trait in Poodles, which is one of the breeds used to create the Goldendoodle. While some Goldendoodles may have a straighter coat, it is not a common or consistent characteristic of the breed. It's important to keep in mind that Goldendoodles can have a range of coat types, including wavy, curly, and even corded, and the coat type can vary even within the same litter. The coat type of a Goldendoodle is largely determined by the genes they inherit from their parents. When looking for a Goldendoodle with a straight coat, it may be helpful to work with a reputable breeder who can provide information about the coat type of the individual dog and their parents. However, it's also important to keep in mind that coat type should not be the only factor considered when choosing a Goldendoodle, as temperament and personality are just as important in determining if a dog will be a good fit for your household. The coat type of a Goldendoodle, including the flat coat, can vary widely depending on the specific genes that the dog inherits from its parents. However, it's generally believed that the coat type of a Goldendoodle can be influenced by the generation of the cross. F1 Goldendoodles , which are first generation crosses between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, tend to have a wider range of coat types and textures, including flat coats. F1B Goldendoodles, which are a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle, tend to have curlier coats due to the higher proportion of Poodle genes. It's important to keep in mind that the coat type of a Goldendoodle can be influenced by many factors, and that there is a great deal of variation within each generation. In general, the coat type of a Goldendoodle is largely determined by the genes that the dog inherits from its parents. When choosing a Goldendoodle, it's important to meet the individual dog and their parents to get a better idea of what coat type to expect. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Goldendoodles, including those with straight hair, are often marketed as being hypoallergenic due to their Poodle heritage. However, it's important to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. All dogs produce dander, which is a major cause of allergies in some people, and some dogs also produce a protein in their saliva that can cause an allergic reaction. The idea that Poodles are hypoallergenic is based on the belief that their curly coat is less likely to shed and produce dander compared to other breeds. While this may be true to some extent, the coat type of a Goldendoodle, including straight hair, can still produce dander and trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies and are considering getting a Goldendoodle, it's recommended to spend time with the individual dog to see if they trigger your allergies before making a decision to adopt. Additionally, it may be helpful to work with a reputable breeder who can provide information about the health and temperament of the individual dog and their parents. Do Straight Coat Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, straight coat Goldendoodles can shed, just like any other breed of dog. While the Poodle, one of the breeds used to create the Goldendoodle, is known for having a low-shedding coat, the shedding of a Goldendoodle can vary depending on the genes they inherit from their parents. Goldendoodles with a straighter coat may shed more than those with a curly coat due to the hair being more loosely attached to the skin. However, the shedding can still be minimal compared to many other breeds of dogs, especially if they inherit more of the Poodle's low-shedding genes. It's important to keep in mind that all dogs shed to some extent, and that the amount of shedding can vary even within the same litter. When choosing a Goldendoodle, it may be helpful to spend time with the individual dog and their parents to get a better idea of their shedding tendencies. Additionally, regular grooming and brushing can help minimize shedding and keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Yes, it is possible for F1b Goldendoodles to have straight hair, although it is not as common as the curly or wavy coats. F1b Goldendoodles are a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle Golden Retriever x Poodle and a Poodle, and as a result, they tend to have a higher proportion of Poodle genes and a curlier coat. However, coat type is determined by a complex interaction of genes and is not a guaranteed characteristic of a specific generation of Goldendoodle. While F1b Goldendoodles are often bred for their curly coats, some individuals may have a straighter coat due to the influence of other genes. Additionally, the coat type of a F1b Goldendoodle can vary even within the same litter. How Maintenance And Grooming Differs The maintenance and grooming requirements for a straight coat Goldendoodle may differ from those with curly or wavy coats. The amount and frequency of grooming needed can also vary depending on the individual dog's hair length, thickness, and rate of growth. Wavy Coat Maintenance Wavy coat Goldendoodles typically require more maintenance compared to those with straight coats, but less than those with curly coats. Wavy coat Goldendoodles need to be brushed regularly, at least once or twice a week, to prevent matting and tangling of the hair. A slicker brush or comb is a useful tool for removing loose hair and distributing natural oils throughout the coat. It's also important to avoid over-bathing a wavy coat Goldendoodle, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and frizzy. When bathing is necessary, it's recommended to use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo to keep the coat soft and shiny. Wavy coat Goldendoodles may also benefit from regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer to keep the coat in good condition and maintain its shape. These sessions can include trimming, shaping, and clipping to maintain the desired length and style of the hair. Curly Coat Maintenance Curly coat Goldendoodles require frequent brushing, at least once or twice a week, to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. This is because of their high maintenance coat and the fact that its length, thickness, and rate of growth can vary from dog to dog. For the best results, it's advised to use a slicker brush or comb to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. It's also important to limit the amount of baths for a curly coat Goldendoodle, as this can strip away the natural oils and make their fur dry and frizzy. If a bath is necessary, opt for a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo to keep the coat soft and shiny. In addition to regular brushing, regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer can help to maintain the shape of the hair and keep it looking its best. These sessions may include trimming, shaping, and clipping. Finally, it's important not to brush a curly coat Goldendoodle's hair when it's wet, as this can cause matting and tangling. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair and retain its beautiful curls. Straight Coat Maintenance Straight coat Goldendoodles typically require less grooming and maintenance compared to their curly or wavy coat counterparts. However, it's still important to keep their coats in good condition by brushing them regularly. A weekly brushing with a slicker brush or comb can help remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. This simple grooming routine will also prevent matting and tangling, which can be a problem for straight coated breeds. While trimming is not necessary for all straight coated Goldendoodles, some individuals may benefit from a regular trim to maintain the length and shape of their hair. This can be done by a professional groomer or with the help of clippers or scissors at home. It's also important to avoid over-bathing a straight coat Goldendoodle, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. A straight coat Goldendoodle can make a great pet for many different families and individuals. Some reasons why you may want to consider getting a straight coat Goldendoodle include: Lower grooming needs: Straight coat Goldendoodles typically require less grooming and maintenance compared to their curly or wavy coat counterparts, making them a good choice for those who don't want to spend a lot of time and money on grooming. Minimal shedding: Goldendoodles are known for being low shedding dogs, and straight coated individuals are no exception. This can be a great benefit for those with allergies or who are looking for a pet that won't leave hair all over their furniture. Easy to care for: Straight coat Goldendoodles are relatively low maintenance, making them a good choice for busy families or individuals who want a pet that is easy to care for. Affectionate and playful: Goldendoodles are known for being affectionate and playful dogs, and straight coat individuals are no exception. They can make great companions and family pets for those who enjoy spending time with their pets. Ultimately, whether a straight coat Goldendoodle is the right choice for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and individual needs. It's important to research the breed thoroughly and consider all factors before making a decision to ensure you find the right pet for you. Conclusion Straight Coat Goldendoodles are a unique and versatile breed that can make great pets for families and individuals looking for a low maintenance and low shedding pet. These dogs typically have lower grooming needs compared to their curly or wavy coat counterparts and are known for being affectionate, playful, and easy to care for. However, it's important to keep in mind that the needs and personality of each individual dog can vary, and thorough research and careful consideration is necessary to ensure you find the right pet for you. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Straight coat Goldendoodles have a stronger resemblance to the Golden Retriever and are absoDoodletutely gorgeous. All coat types inherit the personality traits of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. They all possess the pretty face, large eyes, long lashes and that endearing smile. Of the three types of coats found on a Goldendoodle — I believe the straight coat is the rarest of them all. However, Goldendoodles with straight coats are becoming very popular. Straight coat Goldendoodles rarely occur in F1 or F1B generations. Their coat is silky smooth and classified as low to moderate shedding. Experienced Doodle breeders are able to tell you because they understand the DNA of their doods along with the generations. The best rule of thumb is — look at the fur around the face and muzzle, not the body. Smooth face and muzzle fur indicates a straight Goldendoodle coat type. For weeks Harley the puppy looked like he licked an electrical socket. Hair was sticking out everywhere! We receive many emails about coat types because people are still learning about this cross breed. No matter what their hair does — curl, wave or lay still — I adore their playfulness, cuddliness, and loyalty. They are great companions for all human lifestyles. Prospective owners are sometimes shocked to learn that straight hair Goldendoodles exist! Goldendoodles with straight hair, sometimes called flat coat Goldendoodles, are often the subject of a lot of confusion. Is there anything wrong with them? Keep reading to get all your questions answered about this unique Goldendoodle coat texture! Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? While not as common as wavy or curly coats, Goldendoodles can have straight hair! As a mixed breed dog, Goldendoodles will take on some qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Naturally, some Goldendoodles will have a flat coat like the Golden Retriever and some will have a curlier coat similar to the Poodle. Breeders often strive to produce Goldendoodle puppies with curly coats, as they tend to be more allergy-friendly and have a lower potential for shedding. Photo courtesy of archiebgolden on Instagram. Are Goldendoodles Always Curly? Goldendoodle coat types can range from curly, to wavy, to completely straight. While there are plenty of straight hair Goldendoodles out there, curly coats are definitely more common in this breed. What coat type a Goldendoodle puppy has depends entirely on the DNA passed on from their parents. Straight hair comes from the Golden Retriever side and curly hair comes from the Poodle side. Photo courtesy of boopitsremy on Instagram. What is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? A flat coat Goldendoodle is a term used to describe Goldendoodles with straight hair that lack furnishings. Whether or not a Goldendoodle has a flat coat is based on if they have furnishings. See how the one on the left has a more scruffy, teddy-bear look? Just like humans inherit traits from their parents, so do Goldendoodles! Coat texture is one example of a trait that can be passed along from either parent breed. Coat texture can differ not only between litters of puppies but between individual puppies from the same litter! In any given litter of Goldendoodles, some puppies may have flat coats while others have curly or wavy hair. Responsible breeders take great care to select dogs from well-known bloodlines and perform extensive genetic testing prior to breeding. This not not only reduces the likelihood of genetic health issues in Goldendoodles , but it can help increase the chances of a low-shedding and allergy-friendly coat. Breeders sometimes say that straight haired Goldendoodles have an improper coat. Photo courtesy of presleydoo on Instagram. This number indicates how far removed from the initial pairing of two purebred dogs a litter is. Still confused? The generations most likely to result in a straight hair Goldendoodle are F1 or F2 since they both contain the highest percentages of Golden Retriever DNA. Alternatively, you may find a breeder that backcrosses a Goldendoodle to a Golden Retriever resulting in puppies even more likely to have a flat coat. However, this is extremely rare to come across. Most people are hoping for a curly haired Goldendoodle. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Straight hair Goldendoodles will NOT be hypoallergenic. Photo courtesy of remdog. Do Straight Coat Goldendoodles Shed? Straight coat Goldendoodles will usually shed moderately. The good news is that with the right knowledge and tools, Goldendoodle shedding can be effectively managed! It all starts with a healthy diet, frequent brushing and bathing, and using the proper equipment. The average, standard-sized straight hair Goldendoodle is 21 to 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 75 pounds. A Goldendoodle sitting on the grass. Genetics What makes their coats different if straight-hair Goldendoodles are so similar to other Goldendoodles? The answer lies in genetics. Goldendoodles inherit a KRT71 curl gene from both parents, also known as a Cu locus gene. It is impossible to determine whether a Goldendoodle puppy will have straight hair both before birth and as a puppy. However, there are some early indicators. The percentage of Golden Retriever in the parents can also help determine this. Goldendoodle puppy lying on the floor. Second-generation puppies have two first-generation Goldendoodles as parents. Thus, puppies in the first and second generations are some of the most likely to be born with straight coats. Backcrossing causes the percentage to shift in favor of Poodles, so straight hair Goldendoodle puppies are less common in these cases. Once the puppy is born, you can examine its snout to determine if it is a straight hair Goldendoodle. Short, straight hair around the mouth indicates that it will have a straight coat. Basic Care The diet, exercise regime, and common health conditions of a straight hair Goldendoodle are identical to those of other Goldendoodles. Their grooming needs, however, will differ. Chocolate Goldendoodle taking a bath. Meat protein is easiest for this breed to digest. Animal fats are beneficial because they add flavor and provide energy. Essential fatty acids will keep Goldendoodle coats shiny and healthy. Nonetheless, they are a good source of prebiotics and fiber and provide energy. Vitamins and minerals are essential. Some basic ingredients may include these, but the concentration is often too low. Most dog food brands add vitamins and minerals to offset those lost while cooking the food. It is essential to consider the size of the Goldendoodle. Those with a toy or mini parent will likely require medium-sized dog food, even though most Goldendoodles are large dogs. Goldendoodles with standard-sized parents will typically need large-sized dog food. All Goldendoodles should have easy access to water. Exercise As we discussed, Goldendoodles are naturally high-energy dogs. They will need a significant amount of exercise each day. One long walk a day is the minimum exercise requirement for most Goldendoodles. Aside from walks, Goldendoodles often enjoy activities such as: Fetch Running with people or other dogs Hiking Hide-and-seek Grooming In many ways, grooming a straight hair Goldendoodle is simpler than grooming a curly hair Goldendoodle. Straight coats have fewer knots and less debris tangled within the fur. The most important aspect of grooming a straight hair Goldendoodle is brushing. Using a slicker or pin brush will catch loose hairs so that the Goldendoodle sheds less. If there are stubborn knots or mats, the owner should speak with a vet. Like most breeds, straight hair Goldendoodles only need baths when they begin to smell or after rolling in something dirty. Health Conditions Goldendoodles are prone to certain diseases that afflict Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Common conditions in Goldendoodles include: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and joint of the hip grind against each other instead of gliding smoothly. Cataracts Cataracts are an eye disease that can cause poor vision and blindness. Typically, older dogs are more prone to being diagnosed with the disease. Cancer Golden Retrievers are the most likely to get cancer, passing this tendency onto Goldendoodle offspring. Epilepsy Experiencing repetitive seizures with no apparent cause is characteristic of epilepsy. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This variation of the breed is typically less expensive because straight hair Goldendoodles are less popular than their curly hair counterparts. Adopting a straight hair Goldendoodle will be much less expensive. Rescues only charge a small adoption fee. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. FAQs Are you curious to learn more about straight hair Goldendoodles? Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the breed. Do the coats of Goldendoodle puppies change? Around six months of age, puppies will shed their coats. The only difference between the puppy and adult coat is texture, but the color and coat type can change. This shedding process may happen quickly, but it can span a few months. Do straight hair Goldendoodles shed? Straight hair Goldendoodles inherit a double coat from Golden Retrievers. Although they shed less than purebred Golden Retrievers, these Goldendoodles will still shed their coats twice a year. Because of this excess shedding, straight hair Goldendoodles are considered less hypoallergenic than most other Goldendoodles. The dander on their fur can cause allergic reactions when they shed. Regularly brushing a Goldendoodle will decrease the amount of shedding, but it will not eliminate shedding. Are straight hair Goldendoodles rare? Although they are not especially difficult to breed, straight hair Goldendoodles are relatively rare. Breeders tend to produce primarily curly and wavy hair Goldendoodles because they are more favorable for most dog owners. What is the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles live to be about 10 to 15 years old. Regular visits to the vet, a proper diet, and adequate exercise allow Goldendoodles to live longer. Thus, learning about the breed allows owners to promote the best and longest life. Final Thoughts Straight hair Goldendoodles are uniquely beautiful dogs. They maintain the same friendly, energetic, and social nature as Goldendoodles, but their straight coats align closely with Golden Retrievers. Still, they have the adorable scruffy face that distinguishes Goldendoodles. Although there is no definite way to know a puppy will have a straight coat, specific features and genetic testing can estimate the possibility. If a breeder believes that they have a straight coat Goldendoodle puppy, they will likely charge less for this puppy than for curly or wavy hair Goldendoodle puppies. Goldendoodles can lead long, healthy lives, so long as they are cared for properly. Grooming is essential because it protects these dogs from uncomfortable knots, mats, dirt build-up, and insects. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Additionally, dog owners prefer to get a hypoallergenic breed to have a pleasant disposition and not shed. Given this, Goldendoodle straight hair is one of the best dog breed characters. Well, we get where the excitement comes from, but before that, you may want to learn more amazing facts about them. So make sure you read until the end of this article to know more about Goldendoodle with straight hair. A gene in dogs known as the Cu locus, sometimes called the Curly Coat Gene, is responsible for determining whether or not a dog can have curly hair. The upshot of this is a curled coat because the Cu locus prohibits keratin from adhering to the structural components. If it has keratin in the genetic composition, then the Goldendoodle will have a straight-coat Goldendoodle or flat-coat Goldendoodle. The existence of this gene in a dog can be determined by using a DNA test. Goldendoodles of the second generation, commonly known as F2 Goldendoodles, also have a significantly increased likelihood of having straight hair than Goldendoodles of earlier generations. Most Goldendoodles are mated with a Poodle to produce a flat coat retriever poodle mix with reduced allergens and would shed less. Markings may grow more obvious or less noticeable, and the colour may also shift with time. It is difficult to predict what a mature Goldendoodle will look like accurately. On the other hand, maintaining consistent breeding procedures can assist in removing a certain amount of uncertainty. The coat should only be brushed once or twice weekly with a pin brush or slicker brush and given a quick rubdown with a grooming mitt. The size of the dog, as well as its coat, are typically what distinguishes a Mini Goldendoodle from a standard Goldendoodle. Due to the fact that mini Goldendoodles are smaller than ordinary Goldendoodles, it is necessary to groom them on a more frequent basis in order to preserve their coat in pristine condition. Due to their small size, Mini Goldendoodles require a significant amount of exercise on a daily basis; otherwise, they run the risk of developing a variety of health issues. Your Goldendoodle may look untidy and unappealing if its coat is shedding. Grooming your Goldendoodle correctly will result in a clean, healthy, and lustrous coat for your dog. Understanding how to groom your Goldendoodle to prevent knots in the hair is crucial. Large Goldendoodles with Flat-Hair Shed More The quantity of shedding a particular Goldendoodle does will typically be determined by the type of coat as well as the size of the dog itself. No matter how old they are, a huge Goldendoodle with flat hair is guaranteed to shed a significant amount of hair throughout the course of its lifetime. The majority of the time, dogs of this variety of Goldendoodle have a double coat that sheds. To give one example, Goldendoodles with curly coats shed significantly less than those with straight hair. There are some people claim that their Goldendoodle puppies lost significantly less hair when they were younger than other dogs their age. Nevertheless, stress levels that are not typical can cause spontaneous shedding. However, you should expect much shedding with a Goldendoodle straight hair. There are situations in which it is equally, if not more, problematic. With more shedding comes increased dander, dust, and general housekeeping. Hip Dysplasia Is A Common Issue With Goldendoodles When breeders of Goldendoodles approach the breed with understanding, the resulting dogs have a better chance of being relatively healthy. The majority will live between 10 and 15 years with proper care, assistance from medical professionals, and much love from their families. Hip dysplasia is the condition that manifests itself in this hybrid breed more frequently than any other. This is due to the fact that both poodles and retrievers have a history of being affected by the condition. In order to reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring, you should do a PennHIP or OFA examination on the potential parents before breeding them. Social Anxiety Is Common In Cross-breed Flat-Haired Goldendoodles Even when they are in a comfortable setting, Goldendoodles experience a high level of anxiety when they are left alone. If you leave them home alone every day while you are at work, it may lead to destructive behaviours on their part because of their anxiety or boredom. These dogs have a passion for chewing everything that is beyond their grasp. Therefore, it is possible that you will find vandalized furniture, shattered dishes, or shoes that have been torn when you return. This is just one example. On the other hand, they are commonly found in litters of F2 and F2B. Because the majority of people searching for a Goldendoodle puppy prefer the characteristic curly coat of a Doodle, flat-coated Doodles do not appear as frequently as their curly-coated counterparts. If you were to meet an adult Doodle with a flat coat, it is highly unlikely that you would recognize it as a Goldendoodle at all. Because of this, people frequently have the impression that these dogs are more uncommon than they actually are. The presence or absence of furnishings in a Goldendoodle determines whether or not the breed has a flat coat. These generations are also typically the most cost-effective options available. This can be becuase potential owners select puppies with curly coats since they are less likely to cause allergic reactions than those with straight hair. Goldendoodles can have either straight or curly hair, despite the fact that most breeders want to produce dogs with curlier coats for their offspring. The genetic makeup of a dog is, of course, the deciding factor in every aspect. The science of genetics provides the answer. Goldendoodles receive a copy of the KRT71 curl gene from both of their parents. This gene is also referred to as the Cu locus gene. Do Goldendoodles with Straight Hair Shed? Goldendoodles with straight hair acquire a double coat from their Golden Retriever ancestors. These Goldendoodles would still shed their coats twice a year, even though the amount of hair they lose is significantly less than that of purebred Golden Retrievers. You can learn more about why Goldendoodles shed. Which Generation Goldendoodle is Best? An F2b or multi-generation puppy is your best choice and your safest bet if you want the greatest shot of possessing a Goldendoodle with all of the characteristics and intellectual capacity that are preferred in a Goldendoodle, including that classic Goldendoodle look, an allergy-friendly coat that sheds very little or not at all, and the personality traits. Yes, there is a good likelihood that the coat of your Goldendoodle will change. Depending on the sort of adult coat that your puppy has inherited, this transformation could be either dramatic or quite subtle. It all depends on the adult coat. Around the age of four to eight months, they will finally do rid of their fluffy puppy coat, and around this time, their adult coat, which is more rigid and dense, will begin to grow in. Conclusion There you have it! A Goldendoodle with straight hair is a good and beautifully looking breed that requires less upkeep and can be a good companion to have by your side. Their lack of curly hair is a result of their absence of the curly coat gene or the Cu locus. It is because of this genetic condition that Goldendoodles produce that smooth flat coat. It is also due to this that a number of pros and cons arise in keeping them. That is why make sure you weigh all the considerations and take note of the 15 facts mentioned above before having one as a pet. Related Posts. The short answer is yes. It is most likely though still very rare for F1 and F2 Goldendoodles to have straight coats. How Does a Goldendoodle get Straight Hair? A Goldendoodle with straight hair? There is a specific gene in dogs that controls curl called Cu locus, also known as the curly coat gene. The absence of this gene in your Goldendoodle will cause a straight coat. If you want a straight-coated or curly-coated Goldendoodle specifically, how are you going to tell which is which? The first thing to know about this is that the coat will not change or, if it does, change very minimally from puppyhood to adulthood. So, if a puppy has a straight coat, it will have a straight coat for life. Another way to tell whether or not a Goldendoodle puppy will have a straight coat is by whether or not it has furnishings. Furnishings are things like eyebrows, mustaches, or beards that are characteristic of wavy or curly hair. Similarly, if the hair around its mouth or nose is curly, wavy, or straight, this is how their coat will be for their life. No specific generation of Goldendoodle will have a straight coat, but there are generations in which one is more likely to find a Goldendoodle with a straight coat. The more Poodle genes in a Goldendoodle, the more likely it is to have curly hair. Similarly, the more Golden Retriever genes in a Goldendoodle, the more likely it is to have straight hair. This is uncommon, however, because people who want a Goldendoodle tend to want a curly-haired Goldendoodle, so Goldendoodles are not bred with Golden Retrievers very often. In F2 and F3 Goldendoodles, the parentage is another great way to tell whether or not a Goldendoodle will have a straight coat- if its parents do, that raises the chances of its puppies having straight coats. First, flat-coated Goldendoodles shed more than curly or wavy-haired Goldendoodles. Unfortunately, straight-coated Goldendoodles are less hypoallergenic, and may still cause allergies in people that are allergic to dogs, so those who are allergic should steer clear of flat-coated Goldendoodles. Lookswise, those who pick a flat-coated Goldendoodle lose the classic Goldendoodle look. Though this label sounds bad, it can bring lots of benefits. First, a straight-coated Goldendoodle will admirably resemble a Golden Retriever, which is said to be one of the cutest dogs out there. This is because dogs with flat coats are less prone to getting tangles and mats in their coat than curly or wavy-haired dogs. This will also lend to it being less expensive. The Mini Goldendoodle Smooth coat is more apartment-friendly and safer for young kids. The Mini Goldendoodle straight coat is also easier to groom and clean. These pups are active, fun-loving, and intelligent. They have a gentle guard instinct and love to please their owners. Is Straight Hair Goldendoodle a great family dog? The Flat Coat Goldendoodle craves human companionship and loves spending time with her family. Because of their great temperament, these pups are perfect for families of all sizes. Is Straight Hair Goldendoodle good around small children? The Straight Coat Goldendoodle is ideal for children of all ages. These pups are gentle and patient with children, making them perfect family dogs. Straight Hair Goldendoodle grooming and cleaning Grooming a Flat Coat Goldendoodle is much easier than her curly-haired counterparts. Brushing her coat twice a week will remove loose hair and keep it clean. Straight Hair Goldendoodle haircut The Straight Coat Goldendoodle has lovely locks you can keep as long or as short as you like. How to straighten Goldendoodle hair A curly Goldendoodle can have the smooth, long-hair look of the Flat Coat Goldendoodle. This diet should supply her with the nutrients she needs to keep a healthy weight and good skin and coat condition. The Good and the Gas! Straight Hair Goldendoodle exercise requirement The Straight Coat Goldendoodle is an energetic breed that will need plenty of activity to keep her occupied. She loves playing fetch, chasing the ball , and running around the yard with her family or canine friends. At the very least, you should take your Goldendoodle for a long walk every day. However, she can be stubborn when it comes to housebreaking. Straight Hair Goldendoodle common health issues The Straight Coat Goldendoodle enjoys a healthy life free from congenital issues. Nevertheless, here are five health issues you should be aware of. In some cases, it can be fatal. Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an issue with the hip joints in young Doodles. These pups have a high risk of developing a laxity in their hips, which causes them a lot of discomfort and pain. Bloat: This is a fatal issue that affects large breeds. The stomach twists and blocks the blood flow to vital organs. Without medical treatment, bloating can be quite dangerous within hours. This discoloration makes it difficult for her to see and can lead to blindness. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This is a heart condition that causes poor blood circulation in the heart. It can be harmful if left untreated. However, their recent popularity has convinced more breeders to sell straight-coated Goldendoodles. Check with any reputable Goldendoodle breeder to see if they have any Smooth Coat Goldendoodles available. It is possible that some Goldendoodle puppies with straight hair change their coat texture when they get older and often get wavy or curly fur. How to tell what coat your Goldendoodle will have? You have a Straight Coat Goldendoodle puppy if you see short straight hair. Can Double Doodles have straight hair? For a Double Doodle, straight hair is a possibility, albeit a rarity. To get a Flat-coated Doodle, she would have to inherit the coat type from her non-Poodle parents. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodle rare? Yes, Straight Hair Goldendoodles are pretty rare. Can F1b Goldendoodles have Straight Hair? In a Goldendoodle, straight hair occurs when the Golden Retriever genes dominate. Is the Straight Hair Goldendoodle right for me? The Goldendoodle is an ideal all-around pet that comes in multiple sizes. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

View All Articles in Labradoodle Breeders Location Depending on your geographical location, you can expect to pay more money in certain areas. Naturally, the Labradoodle price is usually tied to the overall cost of living in that area. Of course, you might be tempted to adopt a puppy from a different state. Any of those can add a few hundred dollars to your total Labradoodle price. Breeder Stock Another factor that influences the Labradoodle cost is breeding stock. Breeding different generations of Labradoodles requires a certain set of parent dogs. For example, F1 or first-generation Labradoodles are often less expensive than F1b or F1bb Labradoodles. See Also: Click the image Demand Needless to say, the high demand can also hike up the price of Labradoodles, especially in more populated areas like major cities. The best reputable breeders have waiting lists that filled 6 months in advance, sometimes even up to a year or two. This in turn means that breeders will charge higher rates to keep up with the demand while not overbreeding the mama dogs. Size, Color, and Coat Type Another thing you should keep in mind is that certain sizes, colors, and coat types can cost you some extra money. For instance, some breeders charge more for Mini Labradoodles compared to Standard Labradoodles. Usually, the most hypoallergenic Labradoodles are found in F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb generations, which also require more genetic testing to achieve. See Also: Click the image Breeder Reputation Lastly, reputable breeders also charge premium rates for their Labradoodle puppies. Ethical, reputable breeders put a lot of time, money, and effort into breeding and raising healthy and well-rounded pups. All of this reflects in the Labradoodle price. Professional breeders have learned all about health and genetic testing. See Also: Click the image In addition to that, reputable breeders know the importance of early socialization , training, and other enrichment methods. Ethical breeders also follow breeding guidelines set by established organizations we mentioned above. Many of them are also affiliated with the organizations and continuously keep educating themselves on the best breeding practices. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting a puppy from a professional, ethical breeder? Of course, there are many backyard breeders who have the best intentions in mind and only want to share the joy of this adorable crossbreed. However, oftentimes, these breeders might not conduct all the necessary health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Nor can they provide proper health guarantees for their puppies. Additionally, many backyard breeders do not choose new homes for the puppies as carefully as professional breeders. When a litter is born, they just sell all the puppies on a first come first serve basis. How much are Labradoodles when adopting from a backyard breeder? Puppy Mills Finally, we have the worst of the bunch — puppy mills. Unfortunately, these breeders only work for their own financial gain. More often than not, they neglect the wellbeing of their breeding dogs and puppies. Beware of pet stores, as well, as they often source their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills usually overbreed their mama dogs and keep them on tight schedules to produce more and more puppies. Meanwhile, the dogs and puppies are kept in unsafe and unclean environments, often in small cages and kennels. Moreover, these pups often come with serious health conditions. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting from a puppy mill? Above all, we urge you to avoid these breeders at all costs. As a general rule of thumb, larger, Standard Labradoodles require more calories per day compared to smaller, Mini and Medium Labradoodles. All of them are tried, tested, and recommended by Doodle owners. Training Training and early socialization both play a key role in raising well-rounded Labradoodles. Vet Visits One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is taking your pup to regular vet visits and wellness checks. And to be prepared for those unexpected vet visits, we recommend you choose a trustworthy pet insurance company. During the first year, you should make sure that your puppy is up to date with all of its vaccinations and preventative care for worms, fleas, ticks , and heartworm. Grooming You might already know that Labradoodles are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming and coat care. Time Investment Like any other pet, Labradoodles require a lot of time and effort from your part. Other Costs In addition to all the Labradoodle costs we mentioned above, there are other everyday items that your dog will need. These include food and water bowls, dog beds, dog crate, a collar and a leash, toys and chew toys, and poop bags. So, you know with absolute certainty that the Labradoodle is the right pup for you. But how can you find quality Labradoodle breeders? As fellow Doodle owners, we know how difficult it can be to find ethical, reputable breeders in your area. Why Are Labradoodles Expensive? Ethical Labradoodle breeders charge higher prices for their pups, as they carefully screen the breeding dogs through extensive health and genetic testing. In addition to that, they provide their clients with genetic health guarantees and implement various forms of enrichment methods when rearing the puppies. How Much Does A Labradoodle Cost: Final Thoughts Adopting a dog is not just a huge emotional commitment, but also requires you to think whether or not your finances allow you to take care of another living being. Hopefully, this article has managed to answer all of your questions about the Labradoodle cost of adoption and the ongoing costs throughout their lifetime. Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation. A close up face image of Labradoodle puppy Max The price depends on many factors and can vary from breeder to breeder. While this might seem like a hefty price to pay for a puppy, the low prices that you find on social media or other ads are usually from puppy mills that try to over-breed these beloved animals in inappropriate and unethical ways. Low-quality living conditions notwithstanding, puppies from such places have a high probability of suffering from ailments and issues caused by genetic mutations occurring from rapid breeding. Labradoodle costs around the world In Australia the average prices for non-shedding Labradoodles ranged from AUD. There were some niche breeders that charged much more. Depending on how unique the coat color is, the price will vary. Parti-colored Labradoodles like Tuxedo Labradoodle or Phantom Labradoodle cost significantly more than a solid-colored cream, black, or gold Labradoodle. Sometimes, depending on your location, you may have to shell out extra dollars if you specifically want a multi-colored Labradoodle. Coat texture is another influencing factor. Shiny, sleek coats are more attractive and an indication of a superior bloodline. Hence, they are going to cost more. Curly and wavy-haired Labradoodles will be more expensive than straight-haired ones as they are almost non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Blue-eyed Labradoodles can be even more expensive, owing to their rarity and beauty. Labradoodle Size As they are crossbred, there are no specific breeding standards for Labradoodles. Most breeders classify Labradoodle puppy sizes as standard, medium, and miniature. Toy, teacup, miniature, and maxi are some other terms used to describe the size of Labradoodle dogs. The smaller the puppy size, the higher its price. This is because of the increased demand for smaller-sized dogs. Some breeders have their own standards and classifications when it comes to dog size and weight. While some breeders consider pound dogs as petite, others see them as miniature. Micro and petit are other terms that are used, both interchangeably and independently by different breeders. Usually, petit dogs fall in the pounds range, and micro dogs under 10 pounds. Age Typically, most people prefer buying a young puppy rather than a full-grown dog. Hence, prices are higher for puppies than dogs. For instance, a 6-month-old puppy is going to cost less than a 6-week-old one. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Generation Type Another determining factor is the percentage of each parent breed in the Labradoodle puppy. F1B generations have a purebred Poodle and an F1 generation Labradoodle as their parents. While this is a rarer generation, they are cheaper as their chances of being hypoallergenic is lesser than that of others. Generally, F1B Labradoodles are the most expensive generation as they have the highest chance of being hypoallergenic. Location and Demand The Labradoodle breed is one of the most popular crossbreed dogs, a close second to the Goldendoodles. This has significantly increased their value and demand. Dog breeders of bigger cities will have a large client pool and higher earnings. They usually have a hard time keeping up with the demands and hence have to increase their price. Breeders from rural areas have comparatively lower demand and charge less for their puppies. Nevertheless, the demand for low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs is high everywhere, regardless of the size and popularity of a place. While it might be cheaper to buy your Labradoodle puppy from a rural breeder, you might still have to beat your budget to travel the extra distance or to have the puppy transferred to you. Although the low prices advertised at puppy mills might be tempting, getting a Labradoodle puppy from a reputed breeder is always a better option. Besides being spayed, neutered, and vaccinated, puppies from reputed breeders will also be appropriately socialized. This will make it easier for them to adapt to their new home. Most reputable breeders establish their prices based on their experience, investment, knowledge, credentials, and reputation with previous customers. Some breeders even incorporate training from a young age, and some puppies are potty trained at just eight weeks old. Reputed breeders also have health certificates and genetic records of both parent dogs in place. These certificates are proof that your Labradoodle is in the best of health and hygiene. Other Costs Associated With Labradoodles The preliminary cost of a Labradoodle will be substantially less than the total expenses involved throughout its life. Additionally, you might have to spend more on training foods and treats. Grooming The grooming needs of Labradoodles may vary depending on the type and length of their coat. Although Labradoodles are almost hypoallergenic, they need regular brushing and bathing. Medical Costs Most crossbreed dogs are usually less prone to ailments and diseases. Their larger gene pool also reduces their risk of inheriting diseases. One of the most common health issues with Labradoodle is hip dysplasia. And the surgical procedure to fix this is expensive, which is especially necessary for older Labradoodles. Besides this, there are other health care costs like vaccinations and regular veterinarian check-ups Ohio State Veterinary School source. It safeguards you against any unforeseen situations that may arise in the future with regard to its health. Training and Boarding Costs Although Labradoodles are very intelligent and highly trainable, it is advisable to enroll them in a professional training program to ensure their all-round development. It also helps address their excessive barking and jumping, which is common in Labradoodles. Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that can turn destructive when left alone for a long time. So whenever you go on trips, you will have to leave them at a doggie care center. Can Labradoodles smile? Ideally, you should purchase an adjustable crate whose length you can adjust as and when your puppy grows. Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs who need toys to maintain their mental stimulation and to keep them from getting destructive due to boredom. You might also have to make a one-time investment on a good quality bed as they often tend to chew and scratch at it. Labradoodle Adoption Price While you may want to get your Labradoodle puppy from a shelter, the chances are slim as Labradoodles are highly sought-after breeds that are usually kept in tight breeding groups. This is usually done to cover the cost of medical and maintenance care. Adopting a puppy from a rescue shelter is a noble idea, but you must also prepare to deal with any possible future problems with their health and temperament, as rescue dogs usually have health and behavior problems. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish rain coat Avoiding Disreputable Breeders The pet business has now emerged as one of the biggest industries worldwide. Unfortunately, this has also birthed unethical puppy mills, backyard breeders, and online pet stores, who have little to no knowledge about raising and nurturing puppies. Often, unsuspecting pet lovers trying to save some money fall prey to these tricks and end up with an unhealthy puppy with health and temperamental issues. This leads to them spending a lot of money on the treatment and maintenance of these puppies down the road. So, is there a way to distinguish between good and bad breeders and avoid paying exorbitant prices by accidentally supporting these puppy mills? Start by doing plenty of research on the breeder and consciously avoid backyard breeders, pet stores, and online stores. Additionally, look out for these red flags: Unusually low-priced puppies. The breeder refuses to show the living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Adult dogs are kept in harsh conditions and small cages. Puppies seem reserved, edgy, and nervous around people. The breeder has no health certificates of puppies and its parent dogs. Breeder refuses to provide any paperwork. Here are some standards and conventions practiced by trustworthy breeders: They breed puppies indoors and will take equal care of the parent dogs. They offer ample space and freedom to their puppies and dogs to run, play, sleep, and do everything they desire. They periodically clean and groom the dogs. They promote a healthy bonding of puppies with their mother and littermates. They try to gauge if you are capable of raising a particular dog breed. They offer tips and tricks on puppy care and maintenance. They have health and vaccination certificates from a licensed veterinarian. They offer proper legal protection like providing a guarantee for puppy replacement after around 1. Going through previous testimonials and customer reviews is another way of determining the credibility of a breeder. Find out how long the breeder has been in the business. Have a proper conversation with them and get all your puppy-related questions answered before you decide to get your puppy from them. With their love and affection, these bundles of joy can not only turn your bad days into wonderful ones, their high intelligence and alert minds also make them great guard dogs. Before purchasing a Labradoodle puppy, make sure to research the breeder and never get puppies from breeders who cannot provide health certificates for the puppies and their parents. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. While this is not actually required, it is highly suggested since it covers vet bills and emergency treatments for injuries. Most of these are optional except for emergency treatments. Owners who need service dogs should be prepared to spend more on special training classes. Dog Walking: Getting a Labradoodle means you get an active dog. For times when you cannot take your dog for a walk or play with them, you can hire a dog walker instead. Medical Emergencies: Expenses for medical emergencies are preferably avoided but are to be prepared for anyway. Accessories and Clothes: If you enjoy dressing up your Labradoodle, you would also want to buy different clothes and accessories for them. There are a lot of places that sell these, so you can either save or splurge. Again, these expenses can arise at specific points in time and can be optional. They also depend on you and how you want to spend on your Labradoodle. You can actually look for this popular breed from breeders or rescue shelters. Given that Labradoodles are well-loved and highly coveted, the chances of you finding this breed are pretty high. Here are some reputable breeders where you can find Labradoodle puppies for sale: Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles — This reputable breeder was from Connecticut and is now based on a acre family farm in West Wisconsin. They specialize in standard-sized Labradoodles that are guaranteed to be in good health. They offer a two-year health guarantee against hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other genetic conditions. You can visit their website to check for available pups. Interested buyers are assured that their puppies undergo proper health testing and screenings, as well as microchipping and vaccinations. Their pups are also socialized early and are subject to a weekly training program. They specialize in breeding mini and medium-sized Labradoodles. You can find more breeders in our article on the 10 best Labradoodle breeders that are based in different states. While browsing, be sure to read our puppy buying guide so you can safely buy your Labradoodle online. An alternative to shopping for a Labradoodle is to adopt one from shelters, rescues, or adoption sites. They have been trusted and have been working hard for Labradoodles since .You can visit their website to learn more about their adoption process and see the available Labradoodles looking for their forever homes. Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc. They are dedicated to protecting Labradoodles and educating owners and dog enthusiasts. Labs and More — This rescue organization based in San Diego, California, has rescued more than 12, dogs since .They rescue large dogs and mixed breeds, including Labradoodles. You can visit their website, where they have a guide before adopting for those interested. Head over to our 10 best Labradoodle rescues article to find even more options and increase your chances of finding a Labradoodle. You can also visit your local shelter to look for Labradoodles up for adoption. Money-Saving Tips for Labradoodle Owners Knowing that taking care of Labradoodles costs a significant amount, any Labradoodle owner would want to save a few bucks in any way they can. To help, we came up with some cost-effective ways to care for your pooch. Here are some ways to cut down on expenses for your Labradoodle: Groom your Labradoodle at home. While professional groomers can save you time and provide proper grooming thanks to their training and skills, there is no doubt that they can charge quite a bit. Learning how to do basic grooming yourself, especially since this hybrid has a low shedding coat, can surely save you some money. Grooming sessions at home can also serve as quality time with your canine companion. Make dog food yourself. Store-bought dog food and treats are convenient, but the cost adds up. You can try making dog food at home, instead. Not only does this allow you to control what exactly you are feeding your pet, but it can also be cheaper. Buy good-quality items. Getting items that are of good quality and durable can be more expensive at the time of purchase but will actually save you money in the long run. Take your Labradoodle for regular vet visits. Emergency treatments and procedures often cost more than regular vet visits and can help you avoid an unhealthy puppy. Knowing what items to invest in and what to avoid can significantly reduce the cost of owning a Labradoodle. A little creativity and strategizing will go a long way. The expenses for this designer breed are far from cheap. However, you should know that this is nothing out of the ordinary since many popular crossbreed dogs also have similar costs. If you are one of the many people interested in Labradoodles, I hope this guide has helped you decide whether owning one is worth all the investment. We would love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below! Owners of Labradoodles are also welcome to share their tips and experiences on the different Labradoodle costs. 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. Our New Puppy Checklist gives you an easy way to keep track of items you already have and ones you still need to pick up. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! Everything that goes into making a good breeder adds value and factors into the price you pay. We recommend working with a quality breeder when getting a Labradoodle. We explain ways to identify reputable breeders and questions to ask in this article. Caring for the Puppies This goes beyond simply making sure the puppy has food and water. What kind of food are the puppies being fed? A good breeder will be able and willing to tell you this it also helps you prepare for bringing your puppy home. Puppies are like human babies — they are prone to getting sick early on. Smell the puppies! The puppies smelled clean and freshly bathed. Are the puppies receiving the proper vaccinations when they should be? Puppies have a schedule of preventive vaccination and immunizations they should be getting in the first year of their life. What about once you take the puppy home? Socialization and Stimulation Dr. This is so true! And it starts early on. From birth, the puppy should handled and all of their body parts touched paws, mouth, tail, stomach, ears, arms, and legs. This includes laying them on their back. Once a few weeks old, they should be getting exposed to people in a controlled environment our breeder has three kids, which are great puppy socializers. They should be exposed to different surfaces, noises, and encouraged to explore their surroundings, while not startling them too much or endangering them. Giving them this foundation makes training your puppy easier down the road and also makes them a much more adaptable pup. Be sure to head over to this article for valuable tips on continuing socialization after you bring your puppy home. Responsible Breeding Practices A quality breeder puts the overall well-being of their puppies far beyond the money they make from breeding. Get ready to fill out some paperwork! This goes back to their commitment to the overall well-being of the dogs they home. Visit this page to find a Labradoodle breeder near you. Quality Of The Breeding Stock Determining the quality of the breeder is pretty easy, while understanding the quality and genetics of the breeding stock takes a bit more research. Breeding Stock Genetics This part is expensive but is critical to the breeding process for Labradoodles, because certain health conditions often appear within the breed. If a breeder starts with a sire father and dam mother with poor genetics or disease and health problems, what effect will this have on their litter? This part is usually overlooked or neglected by non-reputable breeders because it involves costly genetic testing and screening done by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals source. Our breeder offered an month replacement guarantee, which was really great see below. We checked the social media accounts of different breeders we were considering to see what others were saying. Talk to the breeder in advance. See how knowledgeable they are about the breed. Come with some good questions that you know the answers to, and compare their responses. Ask the breeder what all goes into the cost of their Labradoodles. Ask them what they do with the puppies regarding socialization. Related Questions: Should I visit breeders before making my decision to purchase a Labradoodle? We highly recommend that you schedule a visit to see any and all breeders you are considering getting a Labradoodle from. Will the breeder require a deposit for the puppy? They may also ask you to pay another portion of the total cost once the puppy is born, to help with costs of caring for them. Why are Labradoodles such a popular breed? Labradoodles are popular and highly regarded for many reasons, including their great personalities , family and allergy-friendly nature, and their low-to-no shed coats. After all, they do become part of the family, right? Grab your copy today! Related Posts:. However, some pups exchange hands for even more, if they have something which makes them especially desirable examples of what that might be coming up! You may also see Labradoodle puppies advertised for far less. This should be a red flag. A good breeder spends a great deal of money to produce a healthy litter. The costs of breeding a healthy litter include: Health screening for the parents. Travel and accommodation to meet a suitable stud dog. Veterinary costs for mom and her litter. Extra food. Whelping supplies, such as a whelping box, heat mats, and bedding. Time off work to look after mom, and start socializing her puppies. Backyard breeders, puppy mills, and online sellers may offer puppies at bargain prices, but only by cutting their own costs first. So their puppies are more likely to leave home with inherited health problems that require expensive treatment later. Or with behavioral problems like separation anxiety or stranger-directed aggression, which are difficult or impossible to overcome. Lots of people are overwhelmed by the upfront cost of a well bred puppy. Adopting a dog from a shelter is one way to find a dog for less, but without supporting unethical breeding practices. And some regions even have dedicated rescue organizations which specialize in rehoming Labradoodles and other Poodle crosses. This is a much less expensive route and adoption fees often cover things like initial vaccinations and microchipping. Such as whether they carry any late-onset inherited diseases, or are reactive to certain triggers. What Factors Determine Labradoodle Cost? There are a number of factors which may make people willing to pay more for a Labradoodle. Breeder Good breeders are rarely in it for the money. Even if they sell their puppies for a more money than they spent on them, the profit divided by the number of hours they spent caring the dam and her litter works out in cents! All breeders have their own personal philosophy on pricing pups. They might have a reputation and a waiting list which means they can charge more than the competition. They might also charge highly to deter people from buying their puppies on impulse. Provided you ask politely, a reputable breeder will be happy to explain how they arrived at the cost of their puppies. But a breeder who refuses to discuss how they set their price at all may be attempting to cover up the fact that their puppies have been very poorly raised and are not worth the asking price. Breeding Stock Breeders who invest in meticulous health screening of their sire and dam may pass the cost of that onto their buyers, and they have every right to do so. Puppies from thoroughly health tested parents cost more upfront, but they are likely to cost less in lifetime veterinary fees. Labradoodle puppies from parents with show or field titles may also be advertised at higher prices. The puppies of Labradoodles that have been backcrossed with a purebred Poodle will have a greater chance of inheriting the Poodle coat. Other factors There are other things which might affect Labradoodle costs too. For example, in cities and urban areas, miniature Labradoodles might command higher prices than standard Labradoodles. Some factors have nothing to do with the dog at all. For example, many reputable breeders avoid producing litters around Christmas time to avoid buyers passing them on as gifts to other people, or buying them on impulse without really thinking it through. Low quality breeders on the other hand, tend to push their prices up at this time of year. The Cost of Owning a Labradoodle in the First Year Whether you go a shelter or a breeder, adoption fees and purchase price are only the beginning of what it costs to own a Labradoodle. The first year will typically be the most expensive because this is when most major expenses occur. Such as Having the dog spay or neutered. Training classes. Accessories like a crate, bedding, toys, collar and leash. Labradoodles have a high frequency of joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which may require expensive monthly prescriptions to manage. Bringing a puppy into your life comes with the responsibility to keep him healthy and happy. From food to medical costs, from toys to grooming, there a number of regular expenses that come with owning a dog. Food is such an essential part of ensuring your dog is healthy and there is a wide range of commercial dog foods available. You can spend tens, or hundred of dollars per month! Always choose a good quality food that lists animal protein as the first ingredient and avoid brands that include meat by-products, fillers, and artificial ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions. This article on feeding a Labradoodle puppy can guide you. Feeding your dog a healthy diet and ensuring an active dog like the Labradoodle gets enough exercise will go a long way to reducing medical costs. However, any dog can develop health issues that require treatment that can run into thousands of dollars. Health problems that the Labradoodle can be susceptible to include: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Due to the nature of our program and careful attention to the development of each puppy, they are usually reserved before they are born. For your convinience, we accept the following means of payment: cash at the time of your puppy pickup Venmo and Zelle you can use our phone number or email address texasdoodles gmail. Therefore, if, for whatever reason you do not receive a puppy from the litter you made a reservation for, or you are unable to take the puppy home at the time of puppy pickup, your deposit will transfer to the next litter of your choice. It is your responsibility to let us know which litter you are interested in and you would like your name to be added to. The adoption price of your Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle includes the following: 1. Microchip 2. De-worming and Age-Appropriate Vaccinations 3. Important Puppy Care Information .A Lifetime of Support pertaining to questions you might have regarding your Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle .Puppy Gift bag: Snuggle Puppy Toy with the scent of their litter mates and parents.

Pugs will eat as much as you give them. Measure your pug's food and feed him small meals at scheduled times. As he ages, decrease how often he eats. He should eat four times a day. High-quality dry foods and wet foods are nutrient-dense, so your little guy will not need as much of it as he would lower-quality foods. You can find high-quality puppy foods in pet stores and at your veterinary clinic. Avoid semi-moist puppy foods because they contain high amounts of sugar. Adjust the amount so he is still getting his daily requirement. He may want more; but as long as he is at a healthy weight, don't start giving him extra food. Pugs gain weight easily. Obesity in pugs can lead to muscle and joint problems, diabetes and heart disease. It is doubtful that you will need to increase the amount of food per day even though your pug is growing. Your vet may suggest that you decrease the amount of food if your pug is starting to gain weight. Some owners prefer to continue the twice-a-day feedings because pugs have a smaller stomach than larger dogs. It's hard for them to digest a large amount in one feeding. It is now time to consider adult food. Introduce the new food slowly so he doesn't have difficulty digesting it. If you are concerned that your pug is not getting enough to eat, look at his shape. He should be broad at the shoulders and narrower beyond the shoulders, with a slight widening in the rump area. If his shape is square, he is getting too much food. More Articles. You may find yourself on the dog food isle trying to make sense of all the ingredients, types of foods and categories. And all you want to know is… How often and what should I feed my Pug? Every dog is different, every type of food has its specific quantities and it even varies between brands. Start simple and figure out all the details and methods. I have collected information about the different types, brands pros and cons of dog feeding to try and give an unbiased as much as I can look, so you can make a better-informed choice which will be right for you and your Pug. Remember, people care deeply about their dogs and will often get very emotional about the health and feeding they chose. Having been the owner of a pet store, I have learned that although I have my personal preferences and very good reasons for them, others may have different choices and they believe they are the right ones for them. There are a lot of issues to consider. How Many times a day should I feed My Pug? A mature Pug can easily live a healthy life with one meal which provides all his nutritional needs. In most cases, it is more convenient for both us and the pug to split this to two meals. If your Pug had a full meal in the morning, be sure he will nag you like crazy in the afternoon. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need, relative to their size, a larger quantity of food so it is better to break it up to three or even four meals a day. If you are around your Pug all day and prefer to give 4 meals a day to a mature dog, there is no harm in it, as long as the overall daily quantity stays the same. Free Buffet or Set meals? Pugs are notorious for becoming overweight and need to be limited to a set amount. If your Pug is not typical in that sense, you are welcome to put the full daily portion in the bowl and see how long it lasts. One more reason for set meals is monitoring. You want to know how much you Pug eats. If you want your Pug to lose weight, you need to know how much he is eating in order to cut down. On the flip side, if your Pug is not eating the usual amounts it may be an indication of a medical condition. What food do Pugs Eat? Pugs love food. They love treats, dry food, wet food, table scraps, raw meat, cooked meat, spicy meat and meat gone bad. In rural areas and farms, they may have also got more meaty scraps. Our Pugs who grew up with Emperors and Royalty were probably treated to high quality scraps. Today, dry bagged kibble or canned wet food are the standard for most homes, although there is a growing number of people and companies promoting more natural diets of either raw or cooked food for dogs. Every type of food claims to be the healthiest, more appropriate, tailored and nutritional. Kibble Kibble is the most common dog food available and has become the staple for the average dog. Pros of Kibble The makers of dry food claim it has the most balanced and scientifically based formulas to provide the best nutrition for a dog. They also tailor these formulas to dogs of different size, breed, age or other needs. Even the most discerning dog owners should be able a composition to satisfy them. The ingredient list is unclear and misleading. There are numerous food recalls yearly. There are websites dedicated just to keep up with the recalls. Teeth are going to need cleaning. Wet canned food Aside from the meatier texture and the higher water content, there is little difference between kibble and the canned, wet counterpart. The ingredients can be similar and so are the health benefits. Some dog owners report that wet food makes for softer stools when fed exclusively. Many dog owners will give a combination of wet and dry food. Home cooked As with human food there is a growing number of people fed up Pun intended with commercial and over engineered food. Raw food Also called the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods , the idea behind it is that the dogs digestive system has not evolved as their behavior, and much like wild dogs or wolves, they should eat the equivalent to small animals they would pray on in nature. Since dogs are also scavengers this diet will include some vegetables, berries etc. The pros As with the home-cooked diet, you have total control of ingredients and quality No preservatives, additives, fillers etc. You need to learn how to make, takes time Ingredients like bones and internal organs may not be available in your area. Can be pricy. Even More expensive if buying ready and frozen. Takes freezer space Raw Disclaimer I am a little bias towards raw food. I used to own a pet food store specializing in raw food for cats and dogs and I have been feeding my own Pugs raw food for over twelve years. Obviously, I am very happy with the raw diet and its outcomes as switching to dry food would have been easy and cheap. I believe it is the better choice for myself and my dogs. I believe I have presented the facts fairly objectively as far as the other feeding options go. There is no standard or way to measure what natural is and what the added value of it is other then the origin of it. Natural color could come from some secretion of an insect. Special Needs Puppies These little ones need the most nutritious and high-quality food you can find. If you want to find an economic way to feed your dog, please do it later in his life. Allergies Pugs are relatively sensitive to allergies. In some cases, this is due to an external source such as home detergents, but more often than not it has to do with their diet. There are a few brands that you can try with low, or no grain. If you are feeding your pug home cooked food or a raw diet, taking the carbs and grain out would be easy. Our Pugs were and are on a raw diet from day one and we never had any issues with allergies, except for one time. We started noticing that Preston had pinkish skin around his paws and around the nose fold. Since we owned a pet food store specializing in raw food, at the time convenient, I know we tried different types of meats, but nothing helped. It took us some time to realize the cause. We had our baby daughter at the time, and since she was very close and intimate with Preston, and he was eating raw, we made sure to wipe his mouth and feet with baby wipes after every meal. The baby wipes were the culprits. We switched them both to hypo-allergenic wipes and the skin went back to normal… Hip Dysplasia Pugs are ranked as one of the breeds with the highest chances of suffering from Hip Dysplasia. This can lead to trouble in walking and running and arthritis may follow as well. If your Pug is suffering from Hip Dysplasia to any extent you may want to either supplement their diet with Chondroitin and Glucosamine or to choose a brand that is made for joint support. Vets and nutrition. Having said that, if I needed nutritional advice, I would go to a nutritionist and not to my Doctor. The nutrition training vets get in many schools is provided by agents of the commercial food companies who are bias at best. Skipping meals Dogs will sometimes skip a meal. It is natural for them as food is not something that was always available on daily base. It is not typical for Pugs but it may happen. If it happens it will probably be a one meal deal. If your Pug misses a few meals in a row you may want to consult a vet. Treats and snacks I try and think of treats and snacks the same way I think of candy for my daughters. If the amount of treats your Pug is rivals the actual food, in quantity, you should reconsider or at least re calculate it. If you are using kibble both at meals and as treats for training, and your stubborn Pug ends up consuming a lot of treats, just take it off the next meal. The same goes for snacks. They should be a part of the total daily feeding and not extra. How long can a pug go without eating? An adult Pug can probably survive many days without food, but no Pug would stand for it. Unless your Pug has a medical condition, he will surely let you know he is hungry. Do make sure that your Pug is not deprived of fresh drinking water at all times. More so if the weather is hot and if he is on a dry food diet and has no other source of hydration. What if my Pug is overweight? Pugs love to eat and have a tendency to eat too much. A chubby Pug is very cute, but at some point, it becomes a health issue. Overweight Pugs may suffer from a wide range of conditions and or aggravate others. Conclusion Food is an important part of your Pugs life and will directly affect his health and well-being. Do make sure you know what your Pug is eating, the quality as well as the quantities. Actually, yes. This is an actual condition called Eye Displacement or Proptosis. It is not a common occurrence but with extreme trauma or circumstances it may happen. In most cases the condition is treatable. More on the condition here… Are Pugs Loving? Pugs have been bred as companion dogs for over two thousand years. Being with people is almost in their DNA. So yes, Pugs love to cuddle, snuggle and just be in contact or as close as they can to their human friends. More on Pug Love here. Best Dog Foods for Pugs Choosing the right dog food for a Pug is essential as this will ensure that it gets proper nutrition. However, this can be challenging and time-consuming, considering that there is a lot to choose from. Whether you choose to feed your Pug commercial, homemade food, or raw food, make sure that they are of good quality and recommended by a trusted veterinarian. Proper nutrition is one of the factors that affect their lifespan. Below is a list of the best dog food choices for your Pug: Dry Food: One of the best options for Pugs is dry dog food as it is widely available, cheap, and has a long shelf life. These are packed with all the nutrients essential for your Pug. Wet Food: Wet dog food is another good option for Pugs. Its flavor and texture make it more appealing to Pugs than dry food. Wet food contains fewer grains, making it healthier and easier to digest. However, wet canned food has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed immediately after opening. Wet foods are also more expensive than dry foods. Homemade Food: Your Pug may benefit from cooked food consisting of chicken, eggs, fish, rice, and vegetables. The process is time-consuming, but it is less expensive and more convenient in the long run, especially if you plan on giving them a grain-free diet. Raw Food: Raw food diet for most Pugs results in better digestion, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system in Pugs. Mixing any of the aforementioned food choices is also good. Hence, you may want to try dog food alternatives to fit your budget. With their sensitive little stomachs, some foods can be poisonous, cause allergic reactions, and can even be lethal. Below is a list of food that you should completely avoid feeding to your Pug: Alcohol: Any amount of alcohol is hazardous for Pugs. Pugs do not have the enzyme to metabolize alcohol. Ingestion can cause hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , breathing problems, and central nervous system CNS impairment. Avocado: Avocado contains persin , a fungicidal toxin that has been linked to the death of many animals, including Pugs. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart damage in large quantities. As a result, even small amounts of chocolate can cause poisoning. Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid , which causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure among Pugs. Unfortunately, even one whole grape can cause irreversible damage and death in small breeds like Pugs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts: While the exact reason why they are poisonous is unknown, it is best to avoid giving them to your Pugs entirely. In Pugs, macadamia and walnuts can cause diarrhea, weakness, breathing problems, and pancreatitis. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which damages the oxygen-carrying substances in red blood cells. Ingestion of these vegetables can eventually lead to hemolytic anemia. Xylitol: In Pugs, xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia, lethargy, collapse, and seizures. It is frequently found in gums, candies, syrups, and toothpaste. Pugs should avoid the foods listed above at all costs. Food with high sugar content: If your Pug consumes too much sugar, it is more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. Food with high sugar content can also give Pugs an upset stomach. Salty food: Just like sugar, too much salt can cause health problems in Pugs. If left unchecked, it has the potential to poison your Pug. Excessive salt consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure. Milk and dairy products: Because the majority of Pugs are lactose intolerant , dairy products can make them sick. They will have digestive problems because they are unable to break down lactose. This causes gastrointestinal blockage and death if left unattended. If you think your Pug has accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods, bring your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic for appropriate treatment. Transitioning to a new brand or type of food may be beneficial to their well-being and development. For most dogs, transitioning to new dog food can be difficult. Fortunately, Pugs are not born picky eaters, so changing their diet will be easier. The ideal transition for Pugs should be gradual changes spread over three weeks. Do this until they are comfortable with the new food. Below is a more detailed breakdown of how to transition your Pug to a new food: Days. Aug 25, Share An important part of taking good care of your Pug puppy is making sure that they are properly fed and that they get all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and if your Pug is like most, they seem to like anything that they are fed. Luckily, there are many commercial foods available on the market. There is also the raw doggy food diet that seems to keep getting more popular as time goes on. But what kind of dog food is right for your Pug? How much should you be feeding them? What will the dog not eat? Are there special considerations for a senior Pug? The answers to these questions and more can be found in our Pug feeding guide below. What you do decide to feed your pooch should be based on the quality of the food, no matter the type, and your personal feeding preferences. Here is what can be on the table for your Pug. Image credit: PxHere Commercial Dry Food Kibble Commonly referred to as kibble, commercial dry dog food is the most common and widely available option on the market. Manufacturers of this type of food work hard to balance the ingredients and create a completely balanced nutritional profile for dogs like your Pug. In fact, some brands, like Royal Canin, offer puppy and adult foods made just for Pugs. Whether you choose a dry dog food made just for Pugs or one made for dogs in general, it should include real meat or animal meal as one of the first ingredients on the list. The upside to commercial dry dog food is that it is affordable and easy to administer. It is also typically easy to store for the long term without worrying about it spoiling. The downside is that it tends to be dehydrating, so water should be available to your Pug throughout the day. Commercial Wet Food Commercially made wet dog food tends to be more nutrient-dense than dry food because it contains fresher ingredients and usually has fewer grains, if any at all. Most wet foods have real whole meat or seafood and broth as the first ingredients. Sometimes, veggies are thrown in for good measure, but many are meat-centric to meet the high protein needs of your growing Pug. Wet food is not as easy to store as dry food is, because it must be refrigerated after being opened. However, Pugs tend to enjoy the flavor and texture of wet food more than dry. Wet food is also a little more expensive than dry food, especially when trying to feed Pugs that are full-grown and in their prime. Raw Food A raw food diet is said to result in better digestion, a healthier coat and immune system , optimal dental health, and less susceptibility to allergies among other things. A raw food diet typically consists of quality meat, a source of calcium such as bones , animal organs, and a lower fat count than most commercial foods offer. Feeding your Pug a raw food diet will take commitment and a strong understanding of the nutrition that they need. This type of diet can be expensive and can require storage space in the fridge and freezer. It is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian to put together a complete meal plan to follow if you choose to go this route. It is a freeze-dried raw food supplement that is delicious and nutritious. The process requires about a day of cooking in the kitchen, but the time that you spend in your kitchen should yield enough food for your pooch to eat all week long. You will just have to store the leftovers in the fridge each day until the entire batch has been offered and consumed. Homemade dog food usually consists of whole meat like chicken, eggs, fish oil or flaxseed, brown or white rice, possibly vegetables like carrots and peas , and maybe even supplements of some kind. It depends on what kind of recipe you decide to follow. Any recipe that you consider feeding your dog should be approved by your veterinarian first. But you can quickly tell whether your pooch is being underfed or overfed by checking out their physique every day. If your dog is underfed for too long, you could notice signs like lethargy and an unwillingness to interact with family members. If your dog is overfed, they may succumb to problems like diabetes. If you find that your dog is getting underweight, start feeding them up to an extra cup of food each day. Reduce the amount by up to a cup if your dog is getting pudgy and out of shape. To help avoid under and overfeeding your dog, follow the feeding directions on the packaging of any commercial food you buy for them. If you decide to go the raw or homemade food route, your veterinarian can provide you with a feeding guide. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. Extra immune support is also typically present in puppy food. Once Pugs become adults, they are not as active as when they were pups, and they are not growing at exponential rates, if at all. Therefore, they need food with less protein than what puppies get. Pugs can typically switch to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12 months because much of their growth will be complete at this time. The tricky part is the actual process of switching your pooch from puppy to adult dog food. If not done slowly and intentionally, switching to a new food can cause digestion issues for your dog that could create messes around the house. Lethargy and nausea may follow. Finally, offer only adult food. There are many reasons why your Pug might seem like they do not have an appetite. The first thing to consider is whether you are overfeeding them. If your pooch does not want to eat their last meal of the day, they could simply be full and satisfied. However, other issues could lead to a pup not eating such as: Dental Problems. If your Pug has a toothache or some other kind of dental problem, they may not be comfortable eating. Check for red gums, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth. If something unusual is detected, consult your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Recent Vaccinations. Vaccines can cause side effects, including a lack of appetite. So, if your Pug does not seem to want to eat for a day or two after getting vaccinated, this is normal. Uncomfortable Surroundings. If your pooch goes on an adventure with you and is expected to eat their meal in a situation that is not familiar to them, they may pass on the meal altogether in favor of waiting until they get to what they feel is a safe space to eat. Even if your dog seems fine in every other way, a lack of wanting to eat could mean an illness of some kind is brewing. If you cannot find any other reason for a lack of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Adult Pugs will generally eat about a cup of dry commercial dog food each day or the equivalent, although certain differences might scale this amount up or down as time goes on. Here are the most important factors to consider. Active vs. Sedentary More active dogs will require more food than those that tend to be sedentary. If your pooch takes multiple walks every day, spends a great deal of time playing with kids throughout the day, or enjoys outdoor time with family members each afternoon, chances are that your dog will need a little more food than the average pooch. If your pooch takes only one short walk each day and spends most of their time lounging around the house, chances are that they should be fed as sedentary dogs. Spayed vs. Neutered Sometimes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered eat more than the average pooch. This is because they tend to be more active and excitable, which results in the need for more calories to support their energy needs. Pregnancy Pregnant Pugs need up to twice the amount of food that an adult dog would need. Instead of feeding your pregnant dog puppy or adult food, consider a food designed for all life stages that indicates its suitability for pregnancy. This type of food offers more protein and fat than adult food to support the extra growth they go through, but not as much as puppy food, which could make them overweight after the birth. What Foods Are Bad for Pugs? Image By: Momentmal, Pixabay There are a few foods that you should never feed your Pug to ensure their good health and to avoid serious problems like poisoning and even death. Here are a few food items that should be avoided at all costs: Alcohol. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. This feeding routine should be followed from 8 weeks to 6 months old. But how much food should that be exactly in each feeding session. How many cups of food should I feed my Pug puppy and adults? Before you check out this Pug feeding chart below, you may just want a quick reference to how many cups of food you need to feed a Pug. The common guidelines say you should feed a Pug puppy of 8 to 20 weeks different cup sizes depending on their weight and age. You can see the cup amounts in the chart here: Puppy feeding amounts This Pug puppy feeding chart explains just how many cups of food you should give them and the regularity. It will be 3 times a day, then twice a day as they get older. As your Pug ages, the number of cups of food you need to him or her will change, as will the regularity. Take a look at the guidance in the graphic below. Adult feeding amounts This is feeding chart for adult Pugs explaining how many cups and how often in the day the feeding times should be. The Pug feeding charts you see above have been scanned from the Royal Canin brand of dog food. This is a very trusted brand, and you will find it being sold in vets all over the world. It contains all the nutrients your Pug puppy will need and is great for starting out with and into adult ages. Almost every time, this happens by the age of 3 weeks; and puppies should not leave their mother until at least 8 weeks of age. They will be like eating machines at this age because they have so much energy to burn. You could also try to sit your Pug down on some scales, but good luck with trying to make them sit still. Instead you can weigh yourself if you have accurate scales, and then get someone to pass you your Pug puppy to see what the difference is. The age of your Pug You might find it hard to get your Pug used to commercial dry food at first. The commercial puppy food should be high enough in calories and nutrients to make up for what they used to get from their mother. In terms of adjusting for their ages, Pug puppies of 8 to 12 weeks old can have one and half cups of food each day, split into 3 servings. By the ages of 6 to 9 months, Pug puppies will be in a regular eating routine where they drop to two meals a day — and this is how it will stay as adults. The dangers of over-feeding Some Pug owners might decide to go to 4 meals a day, but still with the same amount of food. This is because tinier Pugs might find the half a cup 3 times daily, too much of a large meal. Overfeeding is something to keep a strict eye on. If you feed your Pug puppy too much, he could get gastric dilatation-volvulus see definition on ACVS. This is the medical term for a twisted gut and can actually be fatal. Feeding more senior Pugs As Pugs get older, they will start to get less active. With reduced levels of energy comes the need for a lower calorie intake. But only if they are reducing their exercise due to age. With an older Pug you might start to see them putting on weight. If you do see weight gain, start to pull back on the portion sizes. Sometimes your vet may even recommend you go to a higher frequency of daily meals albeit smaller portions , almost like they are puppies again. With senior dogs this can help with weaker stomachs. Overweight or underweight? The average Pug puppy will weigh between 2 and 4 pounds at 8 weeks. These are healthy weight ranges. If you do have a Pug puppy who is clearly underweight, start to add a little bit more food to each of the daily meals until they come back into the health weight range. With overweight Pugs you do the exact opposite but mix more exercise into their daily routines as well. Handy Hint: If your Pug is losing or gaining weight and how much food they eat makes no difference, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Health problems related to Pug feeding Not all dogs are the same, and all the guidance on this page is very generic towards how much you should feed a Pug. The bottom line is that your vet will be able to properly tell you how much your Pug should eat due to their age and weight. Raw food vs. I understand why people feed their dog raw food though; they say commercial food has too many additives plus preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and proteins. Consult with your vet for a professional opinion. Pugs that eat their food far too quickly You should also monitor how quickly your Pug is eating. Puppies are used to having to compete for food, and even when they are home alone with you, they will still have an instinct to wolf their food down. This can cause indigestion and vomiting, so there are a few things you can do to slow their intake down. Use a muffin tin evenly spread the portions throughout the tin. The best dry dog foods should have a high percentage of meats and fish in. Omega-3s are healthy fats, so those will also be a good sign if listed. All of the notes and guidance are based on my own personal experience of raising puppies, with exception to the feeding schedule which is from the Canin dog food brand. However, the Canin Pug feeding charts you see, are exactly how I have fed my puppies and adult dogs. Once your dog reaches adulthood, the best times to feed your Pug will be breakfast and dinner times. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Pug will stay at healthy as our dogs have! You might also like… If you have found this useful and are new to Pug ownership, you might find these other handy guides useful during the puppy phase:. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily. But the sad part of the story is that just like any other dog, pugs get obese very quickly. As they say, you become what you eat. Since the pug is a tiny dog, even one extra pound will affect its appearance. For this reason, it becomes important to keep a check on what your pug is eating. The present article talks about the feeding guidelines of this adorable dog: How much is too much? It is very important to feed your dog the correct amount of food to ensure that the pug is getting enough calories for proper growth. Any deviation from the right amount will led to health problems in a pug. Age, activity, metabolism and build of a dog are the major factors on which the amount of food which should be given to a dog depends. Also, the type of food you are giving to a dog is another important factor. If you are feeding home cooked food to one pug and commercial dog food to another dog with same age, build and activity level, it is not necessary that both of them will consume the same amount. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy pug should be given 1 ounce of food per one pound of body weight. For adult pugs, the amount is halved. What about calories? A pug puppy which is in his growth phase requires more calories than adult and senior pugs. On an average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight while an adult pug requires 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Senior pugs need fewer calories because of slow metabolism and less activity level. Free feeding is not recommended to the pug. The following table illustrates the right feeding regime and meal frequency for pugs: Age Amount of food given at one time No.

It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to be blown away by the blue hue beauty of the Blue German Shepherd, a rare and captivating canine breed that's bound to steal your heart! Imagine the iconic strength and intelligence of a traditional German Shepherd, but with a mesmerizing twist: a shimmering, silvery-blue coat that makes them stand out like a sapphire gem in a sea of pebbles. But wait, there's more to this extraordinary pup than meets the eye! These blue bombshells are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hardworking, just like their classic counterparts. So, if you're eager to learn more about this wondrous woofer, buckle up and join us on a fun and enthralling journey as we explore the magical world of Blue German Shepherds. Trust us, you'll be howling with excitement before you know it! This unique variation of the beloved German Shepherd breed boasts a distinctive silvery-blue coat, which is the result of a recessive gene. Their striking appearance still maintains the classic features of a standard German Shepherd, including their athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears. Though they share the same breed lineage, the Blue German Shepherd's fur color sets them apart from their traditional counterparts. However, it's important to note that their temperament, intelligence, and working abilities remain on par with those of their more commonly recognized relatives. In fact, these blue beauties are just as capable of excelling in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and service dog positions. Decoding the Genetics of the Blue German Shepherd's Coat To truly appreciate the Blue German Shepherd, one must delve into the fascinating world of canine coat color genetics. The blue hue in these dogs results from a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment, causing it to appear silvery-blue. Both parents must carry this recessive gene for their offspring to inherit the blue coat. In German Shepherds, two pigments determine the coat color: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. Various genes control the distribution and intensity of these pigments, which ultimately defines the final coat color. In the case of Blue German Shepherds, a dilution gene d impacts the eumelanin, creating their signature blue sheen. It's essential to note that although blue is a non-standard color for the breed, it doesn't negatively affect the dog's health, temperament, or abilities. Since the blue coat is a result of a recessive gene, it is much less common than the standard coat colors typically seen, such as the black and tan, sable, or solid black German Shepherd. The infrequency of blue coat inheritance means that breeders who specialize in this color variation often have fewer puppies available, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Despite their scarcity, it's important to remember that these striking dogs still require the same training, socialization, and care as any other German Shepherd. Their rarity should never be a reason to overlook their fundamental needs as intelligent, active, and loyal companions. Exploring Blue Color Variations While the Blue German Shepherd is already a rare and captivating variation, it's important to note that their blue hue can manifest in different shades and patterns. Some Blue German Shepherds may have a lighter, almost silver-blue coat, while others may exhibit a darker, steel-blue shade. This breathtaking array of blue tones is part of what makes this breed so enchanting. Additionally, the blue color may appear in various patterns, including blue and tan, solid blue, or even blue sable. Each of these patterns further highlights the uniqueness and diversity of the Blue German Shepherd, making them truly remarkable in the world of canine coat colors. The Blue German Shepherd Temperament A Blue German Shepherd's captivating coat color doesn't change the breed's inherent temperament, which is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. These dogs are known for their versatility in performing tasks, be it as police dogs, search and rescue workers, or service animals. However, it is essential to note that this coat color does not change the breed's inherent temperament, which is what makes them such a remarkable and sought-after dog. One of the most prominent characteristics of a Blue German Shepherd is their loyalty. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and will do anything to protect them. This trait makes them an ideal choice for families looking for a loyal and affectionate pet that will provide a sense of security. In addition to their loyalty, Blue German Shepherds are also highly intelligent. They are quick learners and respond well to training. This trait makes them a popular choice for police and military work, where their ability to learn and follow commands is essential. Another defining trait of this breed is their strong work ethic. Blue German Shepherds are known for their versatility in performing various tasks, such as search and rescue, service animals, and police work. They are incredibly diligent and take their work seriously, making them a dependable and valuable asset in any working environment. When it comes to raising a Blue German Shepherd, socialization and training from a young age are crucial. Proper socialization helps to ensure that your dog is comfortable in various situations and environments. This, combined with consistent training, will help your Blue German Shepherd develop into a well-rounded, confident, and friendly dog that is eager to please and protect its loved ones. Exercise and Training for Blue German Shepherds As with any German Shepherd, the blue variation requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. These dogs are highly active and need daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Activities such as hiking, fetch, and agility training, or a flirt pole can be excellent ways to engage your Blue German Shepherd and channel their energy. Training should begin early and be consistent, as these intelligent dogs thrive on structure and guidance. Positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and toys, are most effective for training a Blue German Shepherd. Keep in mind that this breed is known for its high intelligence, so challenging them with new commands or advanced training is an excellent way to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Remember, a well-exercised and well-trained Blue German Shepherd is a happy and content companion that will bond closely with their family, showcasing their loyalty and affection. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is essential to support their overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health issues. Blue German Shepherds are susceptible to the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can all help minimize the risk of these conditions and ensure your dog enjoys a long, happy life. Balanced Diet A balanced diet is essential to ensure your Blue German Shepherd gets all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is recommended to support their specific needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can be harmful to their health. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as some dogs may require a special diet due to health conditions or allergies. Weight Management Obesity is a common issue among dogs and can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Monitor your Blue German Shepherd's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity. Follow the recommended portion sizes on the dog food label, and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats. Regular Veterinary Check-ups Blue German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to detect any health issues early and get prompt treatment. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. These dogs have a double coat, which consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. Regular brushing, at least two to three times per week, is necessary to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. During shedding seasons , daily brushing may be needed to keep your home hair-free and your dog comfortable. In addition to brushing, routine grooming should include regular teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to prevent infections and maintain overall hygiene. By establishing a consistent grooming routine, you can keep your Blue German Shepherd looking and feeling their best. To groom a Blue German Shepherd, follow these simple steps: Brush their coat two to three times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Clean their teeth two to three times per week with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene. Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and joint problems. Clean their ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth and a dog ear cleaning solution to prevent infections. The Impact of Blue Color on Health The blue coat color in German Shepherds is a result of a recessive gene, and it does not inherently affect the dog's overall health. Blue German Shepherds are just as healthy and capable as their traditionally colored counterparts when it comes to their physical abilities and temperament. However, it's essential to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs over coat color. Reputable breeders will ensure that their breeding dogs undergo necessary health tests and screenings to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in their puppies. As long as you choose a responsible breeder, the blue color should not impact the health or well-being of your Blue German Shepherd. Interpreting the Significance of Blue in Various Dog Breeds The blue coat color is not exclusive to German Shepherds; several other dog breeds also exhibit this captivating hue. In most cases, the blue color results from the same genetic factors: a dilution of the black pigment eumelanin. Some dog breeds where blue coats can be seen include: Australian Cattle Dogs. They are very loyal to their trusted humans, but wary of strangers until they have been properly introduced. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, although they can be strong-willed at times which can make them a bit stubborn. However, stubbornness can be an issue if you do not display a no-nonsense approach to training. So keep it simple, firm, kind and consistent with all your pups. They really love praise so adding some tasty snacks will definitely help get you get more success during training sessions. German Shepherd's intelligence makes it easier to train them. Still, they need consistent training when they're young, so they understand their boundaries, especially with the protective behaviour because you don't want them to harm anyone or anything without your consent. Inconsistent training can lead them to think they're in charge. It's best to be firm right from the get-go so their dominant behaviour is kept under control. Another dimension to having a smart dog is that you'll need to keep them busy. If you don't, their intelligence will go towards bad things like digging holes in the yard, chewing through things like your favourite shoes or your favourite pair of boots. They're very curious dogs and will get into almost anything they think will be fun to chew on. Keeping them busy with training, walks, or playtime can help curb that behaviour because it gives their minds something else to focus on instead. Puppies, as you know all too well can be a little accident prone during house training so take your time and keep on top of it. They respond best to positive reinforcement rather than punishment so consider using some dog pee-pee pads indoors for the first few weeks just until they become more confident and reliable about house training outside. The Steel Blue Panda German Shepherd loves to explore so give them lots of new toys to interact with and things to use their intelligence. These pups also love a good tug-of-war, but be careful — they tend to win! They have an internal coat of fine hair with an external layer of more coarse hare. Each year in fall and spring they shed their undercoat so expect additional grooming seasons during these times of yeat. Additionally you will find their fur has an uncanny ability to get everywhere, under the sofa, behind the television and even in your shoes! You will also need to brush the back of your dog's legs, his stomach and his chest to avoid getting mats in their fur. You should take care that you do not brush over any tangles which you can feel and if they are too bad then cut them out with scissors rather than tugging on them with a brush. For their feet, only use a soft brush or a piece of cloth as it is easy to injure their foot pads. If you see your steel blue panda german shepherds eye's are clogged with dirt, then take a clean damp cloth and gently rub them clean. While cleaning your dog's teeth, make sure that you are gentle with their gums and mouth area as they are rather sensitive. If you have any problems brushing your pups' teeth then talk to your veterinarian as they will know what products you can use that will be safe for your dog. You should also check their nails as the Steel Blue Panda GSD tends to go through a lot of physical exercise and as such, they do grow very quickly which could result in overgrowth if not properly cut. If your pup seems uncomfortable or is limping then you should see a veterinarian as it could be due to overgrown nails. When grooming your dog, if you find that he starts itching and licking himself more than normal then his skin may be irritated. If this occurs, call your vet immediately because the irritation might be the sign of an allergy or parasite problem. This is due to the combination of their rareness, their beauty, and demand. Because of this high price tag it is advisable to contact your local German Shepherd rescue in order to find a Blue Steel Panda pup that needs a good home if possible. Blue steel panda shepherd breeders are not always reputable which means that you need to be cautious when buying your pup and do your research on them. Not all breeders are out for just the money and there are many that do in fact care about their dogs. A reputable German Shepherd breeder will be involved with the community and their breed, they will also be very active in the local German Shepherd club — so keep an eye out for them at any events and activities. They should ask you questions about your life and not just demand to know what type of home you have and whether you have children or not. A good German Shepherd breeder will take back any puppies they have bred, even if you are no longer interested in keeping them; this shows that the breeders genuinely care about their dogs and their new owners - so please keep this in mind when buying a pup from a breeder. A good breeder should be happy to have you as a potential customer and be available for advice even after the sale has been made. The worst case scenario is that the puppy you buy has health problems which its original owner did not inform you about; in this case, it can be difficult to legally do anything about it. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is common in large breeds, but can also suffer from seizures, eye problems such as cataracts and retina degeneration, blood-clotting diseases, bloat, and cancer. The most common health issue that GSDs suffer from are allergies which can range from being mildly irritating to life threatening. Some are just allergic to certain types of food or grasses but there are some that have multiple allergies at once. The best way to help your pup is to check in with your vet if your pup displays any allergic symptoms. If they don't get enough exercise, it can lead to weight gain and be detrimental to their health. They're very energetic dogs, so you can take them on walks as long as the weather permits because they love the outdoors. You can also take them out to play fetch or Frisbee since they are brilliant dogs. You can also try agility training if your dog's interested in that sort of thing. It might sound like a lot of work, but it will be good for them, so they stay happy and healthy. As with any breed, you should always ask the breeder about the health of their parents and grandparents to ensure that they do not suffer from any hereditary diseases. If you notice that your dog is behaving oddly then it may be a sign of health problems and you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. You should also be aware of all the symptoms and what could potentially cause them; this means keeping a journal of your dog's daily activities and taking note of the following: -If they are each time more tired than usual or breathing heavily -If there is a change in their stool or if they lose weight suddenly -If they are limping or avoiding certain movements -If their fur is dryer than usual, if it falls out easily, or if its full of dandruff Size. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Blue, as a color, occurs in just about every breed, and especially in the herding breeds. Blue is considered to be a dilution gene, actually named an "allele", that is found naturally. Both parents have to have this allele in their genes to be able to produce a blue puppy. The blue pup will be blue, or gun metal gray, where another pup would be black. In my German Shepherds, I've had blue "black and tans", blue sables, and blue blacks. Blue puppies are very attractive. .However, when adult, it can be very hard to tell the difference between a blue and another colored dog in the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois breed. The blue Dutch Shepherd is much more noticable. These dogs are as healthy and long lived as any of my dogs. The two photos immediately below show two German Shepherd littermates. Both are female. The blue puppy is a blue sable, while the other pup is a traditional black and tan. The Dutch Shepherd blue brindle coat coloring can be just as striking as the gold brindle. The UKC breed standard the Dutch Shepherd is not an AKC breed calls for coat colorings of "Brindle, on either brown or gray ground", so the blue which is really gray is acceptable in conformation showing. Gold brindle Dutch Shepherd and a blue brindle Dutch Shepherd Another coat comparision between gold and blue brindle with slightly older Dutch Shepherd pups This photo is of three month old Dutch Shepherd litter mates. Blues do indeed pop up in certain lines, and determining color in a Dutch Shepherd is like guessing what color eggs will be in your Easter Basket… it is near impossible - especially since their colors continue to develop even after 2 years of age. Notice the gun metal blue color on their lips, nose and muzzles. A mix of blue dogs with their tradionally colored counterparts. Lowell Road, St. Johns Michigan All rights reserved. Click here for detailed copyright notice. We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies. Cookie settings Accept Your Cookie Settings We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Cookie Categories Essential On These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy. Analytics Off These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are. Save settings. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address.