hunting golden retriever puppies

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

Loves to chase his tail and pesky flies, he is a soft-at-heart pup who has a Big character. A change in our circumstances unfortunately means we are unable to keep him although we would most dearly love to. A loving home for him is needed. He's had a health check from the vet and comes from healthy and well-tempered parents. Absolutely loves his food so will be able to train fully. He understands pointing to indicate a direction for him. House trained, microchipped and wormed. He is good at being protective over guarding the household and is not in the slightest territorial over food or toys. He will allow you to take a bone or food off him with ease. He loves to play ball more than anything, and loves walks, long grass, new scents, chewing on moon bones and chicken. This lovely pup needs a sizeable garden and ideally, someone who is used to similar breeds and has time to train him fully. He has great potential. He would be ideal for flyball. He can jump up - he is only a puppy so can be trained - and will certainly grow up into a big, handsome dog. He has excellent parentage. He is a stunning boy and whenever we go out always attracts compliments. A good choice if you're looking for a good-natured furry friend that will be your loyal companion and protector for years to come, He is very loveable characterful boy with a great personality and a goofy soul who just wants to play. Replies to msgs after 7pm .This is Denver who is actually a Scottie. His collar had become embedded in his neck, his body so infected that it stunk and pus excluded from all orifices. He was a stud dog from a puppy farm. He was lucky as he was handed over to a rescue - most aren't they are either shot or hit over the head. Daisy was 4. She lived her life as a tool to make money from. She never knew a home, a special family or a fireside. She had litter after litter, but when her weight dropped, her breathing was laboured, she could have no more pups, she was given to a rescue to home. It was decided immediately that she must see the vet. She sat in the waiting room for her turn to come and was cuddled, probably for the first time in her short life. She went into the vets' room, he listened to her heart, it was laboured, her belly swollen with fluid, all too far gone for help. She sat not able to stand any longer, the decision was made, she gave her paw while being cuddled. The vet nurse found the vein and the vet injected the yellow fluid to send her to sleep forever. Her living hell was over, we can only hope that a better place awaits her. For those people who paid hundreds of pounds for her puppies, they will probably have inherited the same heart condition from their mother and will live very short lives!! This one proved useless for breeding so was dispensed with. She would only crawl on her belly to start with, but now waggy and confident and so gentle. Rotty bitch gone past her sell by date so she was thrown out on the street by the breeder - thin, little coat and eyes that wept with pus. She has now had a successful eye operation that was done to restore her vision and stop the constant infection where her eyelashes grew in and rubbed relentlessly on her eyes. Her hair has grown back, and her loving nature is coming though. Worn out useless boxer unable to raise a litter as no desire to keep on living. This Labrador is just 18 months old though he looks .Poor dog didn't make the grade as a stud dog. He is blind in one eye because the breeders left an ulcer in his eye untreated which burst. He is with kind people who are trying to help him forget the last 18 mths but he is still very traumatised. Time may be a great healer but it won't give him his eyesight back. Some of the saddest dogs are the x puppy farm stud dogs. They have never known the kindness of a home or been for a walk, they do not even have the pleasure of the company of other dogs but live a life of isolation -scared of almost everything. This mastiff has had a rotten life and he will not be easy to rehome as he is so large. Breeding bitches, worn out bodies, no muscle tone and many with large mammary tumours. Living in dirty cells with up to 20 others, no human company or kindness, no playtime or long walks. Many have never seen the light of day. Puppies past their cute stage so dealers won't buy them - what will be their fate?!!!! If you buy a puppy from a dealer or a puppy farm, you may be making a very expensive mistake not to mention encouraging these people to breed more sick, unhealthy puppies. Think of the suffering of these poor helpless dogs. Ahh - the cute little puppy that was advertised for sale in the paper. The implications of not buying from a reputable breeder This is Minnie one of the hundreds of german shepherd puppies for sale in the UK who is just 10 months old and since just a few months old has suffered from severe hip dysplasia which has caused her pain, discomfort and disability. Although a little sweetheart, Minnie is not a great example of the German Shepherd breed being very small and underweight as well as having health problems. She has recently undergone surgery to correct problems with her left hip and at some point in the future, she may require total hip replacement on the right side. Puppies for sale! Think very carefully before deciding to buy that puppy. Why not consider taking a rescue dog instead, most rescues in the UK are full and desperate for kind loving homes. Hundreds of dogs are destroyed every week by the dog pounds because enough homes cannot be found for the increasing number of unwanted and unloved dogs. Much kinder for dogs than encouraging or lining the pockets of those who breed dogs for money with no thought to what they are breeding and little regard to the pain and suffering caused as a result of their greed. If there is no demand, the puppy farmers and irresponsible breeders will be put out of business. If you decide that you would prefer to buy a puppy please note that we are not prepared to recommend breeders but we would give the following advice. The kennel Club will give you a list of breeders on request. However this will not be an indication that these are reputable breeders, it will just be a list of breeders that register puppies with the KC. You should at least be able to see the mother of the puppies. Please note that the conditions in these puppy farms are horrendous with dogs kept in appalling conditions, some never seeing the light of day. Please do not encourage this trade. Parents of the puppies should be hip scored. Reputable breeders will breed with consideration not only for looks but also for good health but most importantly good temperament. When you get your puppy, remember that the German Shepherd is a working breed and will require training and socialisation. It will pay dividends later if you find a good training class for your new puppy. Insure your puppy, veterinary treatment is very expensive. German Shepherd Dog Breeders Think very carefully - the horrors of puppy farming!! We have some lovely older german shepherds looking for homes. Please don't be put off taking an older dog, they are more settled need less exercise and will be loyal companions. Many GSD's now live to 14 years. Please help us by making a donation so that we can help re home more unwanted German Shepherd Dogs. We also accept Paypal payments - just click on the Paypal button below. Please help support the rescue Please help us by making a donation so that we can help re home more unwanted German Shepherd Dogs. Thank you. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since.

Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America's most popular dog breeds for a very long time. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs; females are a little smaller, lbs and inches tall. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat, and the dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings, and some are born solid white. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for: smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood. The Bullenbeisser descended from Mastiffs was crossed with the Old English bulldog to eventually produce the modern breed. Bullenbeissers were generally used as catch dogs for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer. With their strong jaws, they would catch and hold prey until their hunter masters came. The first Boxers were developed to be a smaller, faster dog for similar purposes. Unfortunately, like their bulldog ancestors, Boxer dogs were sometimes used for bull-baiting, and, after the practice was outlawed, for dog fighting. Many are still working dogs, for the military and as police dogs. But most have taken an equally important place as the popular companion dog we know and love today. Boxers are, for the most part, versatile dogs. But be wary of leaving your Boxer dog unattended with access to local pets in your neighborhood. A strong fence without escape routes is a good idea. And although Boxers do well in hot weather, white ones might need some sunscreen. Yes, dog sunscreen is a thing. A bored boxer will chew, lick, and dig to excess, so a kennel or crate may be necessary when you need to be away for longer than they like. In the perfect world, a boxer owner would work part-time, or from home, so that they could spend maximum time caring for and bonding with their pet. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago IL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago IL? One of the reasons for this is that individual Chicago Boxer breeders will choose their price based on their reputation for producing quality pups. The coat and eye color of each pup also makes a difference, as does their pedigree. Am I limited to choosing pups from Boxer breeders in Chicago? Many of the partners in our network are skilled at helping to organize transportation for your new pup. How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Chicago? Our extremely high standards mean that we will only work with the best businesses and companies who produce the best Boxer puppies for sale Chicago. These pups are incredibly well looked after. All of these have to sign our Breeder Pledge which covers all aspects of canine care. How is Uptown Puppies different? When you start searching online for Chicago Boxers for sale, it can be hard to tell the difference between an honest business and a scam. Rather than pay attention to the marketing budget of low-quality breeders, we focus on the quality of each business. What is a puppy mill, exactly? Puppy mills prioritise profit to the detriment of animal welfare. Puppies and mother dogs are kept in awful conditions and have little to no quality of life. While these pups may seem like a bargain, the truth is they can often suffer from debilitating health and behavioral issues. More often than not, this leads to expensive veterinary bills. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Chicago now? To start your search simply scroll through our listings of available pups and connect with the breeders or businesses with puppies that catch your eye. What country is the Boxer from? The Boxer breed hails from 19th Century Germany, where they were prized as both hunting and guarding dogs. Their blend of intelligence, bravery, and loyalty also made them the perfect dog for military and police work. What can I expect from a Boxer? Boxers are affectionate and loving with their families, but can easily switch into protector and defender mode if they feel their families are being threatened. Their active natures make them perfect for energetic families. How big are Boxers? A Chicago Boxer for sale will mature to be a sizable dog. Once mature, a male Boxer Chicago can stand up to 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds. Females will be slightly smaller, at .Their enthusiastic and bouncy nature also means you need to provide them with plenty of space! Are Boxers ebay to train? Training sessions with a Boxer for sale Chicago are guaranteed to be a lot of fun! Boxers love to please their owners so make enthusiastic and willing training partners.

Recommended Videos How long can you walk a bulldog? Just like people, no two dogs are the same. Some bulldogs will be resistant to more than mild exercise, while others will be ready to roam for miles with plenty of water and chances to cool down, of course. Many bulldogs will do best with two or more shorter sessions of walking or play instead of one longer one, especially since this brachycephalic breed can overheat and experience medical crises when overworked. Cristina Valas, DVM , explains that their unusually long soft palate and short airway create the perfect storm for breathing difficulties, especially when a dog is warm. This is just one more reason to get into the habit of carrying water on your walks and maybe even stopping for a break every now and again. Image used with permission by copyright holder How much should you walk a bulldog? When it comes to walking frequency, you may want to let your dog take the lead. Remember that not every trip outside has to be a full-on walk, either. If you have a secured yard you can let your fur baby out to potty and wander at their own pace, or you can put them on a leash for a short wander down the block — whatever helps them do their business. As for exercise, playtime and indoor activities can be awesome ways to tire out your pup between walks. Do bulldogs not like walks? Even though your bulldog will be content relaxing the hours away, notes The American Kennel Club , they both enjoy and need a bit of exercise every day. This is a lot safer for your buddy and their unique anatomy, but it also gives them the chance to take in the sights and smells of the neighborhood while out and about. Everybody wins! Tips for walking a bulldog First things first. Know the signs of heatstroke in brachycephalic dogs so that you can keep your best buddy safe. Stay in tune with your dog during exercise, and watch for the most obvious symptoms, as listed by Dr. Valas: hyperventilation, excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, and bright red mucous membranes. Pink is the color you want to see! To help your buddy stay comfortable while walking, Cedar Lane Bulldogs recommends going out in the mornings or evenings instead of the warmer parts of the day. You should also bring water with you, and be prepared to stop for a break when needed. After all, this is their exercise time — not yours! As fun as bulldog walking can be, try to keep an open mind; there are so many other ways you can exercise your pup. With a little time and patience, though, you and your bulldog will find the exercise routine that works best for you. Editors' Recommendations. Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. English Bulldogs thrive in temperate climates and are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. In hot weather, they are likely to have trouble breathing and overheat, while in cold weather they can chill easily. Dress your dog for walks outside in cold temperatures e. Overheating is a common problem with English Bulldogs, who should be monitored carefully during exercise. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy, labored breathing and panting; a swollen airway; a buildup of white foam in the throat due to heavy breathing ; vomiting; and a general look of distress. Heat exhaustion can cause death for this breed, so act fast and do the following: Remove your dog from the heat — bring them to a shady area or preferably inside, and turn on a fan. Keep your dog calm by reassuring them with a soft, soothing voice. Cool your dog down however possible — pour cool water on their extremities head, paws, tail ; rub ice around their head or under their tail or armpits; or place them in a cool bath do not use cold water — you risk hypothermia if your dog gets too cold. Take your dog's temperature rectally. A dog's normal temperature is about .Once you have reduced their temperature, take the dog to the vet. English Bulldogs are more susceptible to weak joints and injuries than other breeds due to their heavy weight and short limbs. They also have a high threshold for pain, which means that they may continue to run and play after suffering an injury, further damaging their joints or muscles. If you see your dog limping or exhibiting any other signs of injury, bring them inside to rest immediately or bring them to a vet if the injury seems severe. If your English Bulldog starts to look distressed or exhausted while exercising, stop immediately and have them rest. The breed is known for having irregular energy levels so sudden fatigue is not uncommon. Be sure to give your dog plenty of water and keep them calm during a bout of tiredness. As a breed, English Bulldogs have a comprised anatomy and are more susceptible to a long list of health ailments including dermatitis, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and degenerative spine disease than other breeds. Schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian and ask for specific advice on diet and exercise to keep your dog at a healthy weight. Your vet can also help you monitor your pet's joint and muscle health, and diagnose conditions like arthritis. Luckily, a few steps can help you train your English Bulldog to walk on a leash. How can you train an English Bulldog to walk on a leash? Get the correct equipment needed for leash training Begin preparing for leash training Start by practicing inside Begin short and simple outside practice Prevent and handle pulling behavior Repeat short and simple outside practice Begin longer outside walks at different locations Are you ready to get out walking with your English Bulldog? That hard-headed stubbornness can often make owners worry that it will be tough to train English Bulldogs to walk on a leash. Once you know the best steps to follow, you can begin teaching them to your furry friend — and soon enough, begin enjoying walks together. During the process of training them to use a lease, you can this guide to know how much exercise they need. You may have to replace an item or two as they wear out or as your English Bulldog outgrows them — however, training your English Bulldog to walk on a leash is easy on just about any budget. Collars vs. Harnesses Your furry friend is going to need a harness for the leash to be attached to. English Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a more flattened skull and short nose. These characteristics lead to respiratory problems and make it much harder for English Bulldogs to breathe. When English Bulldogs have a collar placed around the windpipe, that can make breathing even harder Additionally, English Bulldogs have many neck folds. While you may think those neck folds provide some extra traction and make it hard for collars to come on and off, the opposite is true. There are several reasons we recommend harnesses. Bulldogs World recommends investing in a good quality nylon harness for your English Bulldog, like this adjustable Rabbitgoo Dog Harness on Amazon. Nylon harnesses are typically adjustable and will allow for some growth of your English Bulldog. Bulldogs World recommends purchasing a 4 to a 6-foot leash for English Bulldogs. Bonus points for dog lovers with the Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash: for every leash sold, the company donates a leash to a dog rescue center! It even comes with an aluminum carabiner clip in place of a traditional leash clip for extra strength. If it can hold climbers on a cliff face, it can help you keep control of your English Bulldog without you having to it will snap off or wear out quickly. Treats are very important during the entire leash training process. They allow you to reward your pup for good behaviors, which encourages those behaviors to continue. They can be found and purchased on Amazon. Making sure you and your English Bulldog are prepared before leash training will help make the process a walk in the park literally. Start Preparations Early On When it comes to the preparation process, start early! Why so early? When it comes to preparing these headstrong pups for leash training, the sooner the better. Get Them Comfortable with Leash Training Equipment You should have purchased the necessary equipment before embarking on the leash training adventure with your English Bulldog. To do this, first practice putting the collar or harness on and practice taking the collar off. Repeat this process several times. This action will get your furry friend used to the contact that the collar or harness will have with his body. Next, let your English Bulldog wear his collar or leash for a few hours at a time. Allow him to get more used to it and more comfortable with its presence. Repeat this action a few times a day for several days or longer until you feel your English Bulldog seems comfortable with and used to the collar or harness. Further, on some of these occasions, pick up the leash and follow your English Bulldog around. Again, repeat this process several times for several days. Why are we now discussing teaching commands? As it turns out, teaching commands early in the leash training process greatly aids your English Bulldog in learning to walk on a leash. Rewards help encourage good behavior. Getting used to the leash and all it entails will be tough for your English Bulldog at first — practicing indoors before moving on to the great outdoors will help make the transition much easier. Choose a Room with Minimal Distractions To practice walking your English Bulldog on a leash indoors, first choose a room with minimal distractions. That way, your furry friend can focus on the task at hand rather than everything else in the environment. The American Kennel Club recommends suiting up your English Bulldog in his collar or harness, attaching the leash, and then practicing walking a few steps in the room at a time. Take it slow and stay patient — he will likely get confused at first. If your English Bulldog is doing well with walking every few steps, try going a few more steps at a time or going a longer distance. Continue practicing walking on a leash indoors with your English Bulldog for several days or longer, until you feel your English Bulldog is ready to graduate to the next step: walking outside. Choose an Area with Minimal Distractions Again, try to start in an area with minimal distractions. For example, you may want to begin by taking a walk around your back yard or along the street in your neighborhood. Begin Your Outside Walk When practicing walking on a leash outside, it may be easiest to go at a time after your English Bulldog has had a play section, or when he is somewhat tired. To begin your walk, hold the leash in your right hand, with your English Bulldog positioned on your left side. As you begin to walk, encourage him to follow the toy. After a few feet of walking, stop, let your English Bulldog play with his toy, give him some praise, and deliver a treat. Continue to repeat this process. To reiterate: Position your English Bulldog on the left side of you. Hold the leash in your right hand. Encourage your English Bulldog to follow the toy as you both begin to walk. After a few feet, stop. Let your English Bulldog play with his toy. Give a lot of praise and a few treats. Again, around the yard or a bit down the block and back will suffice. English Bulldogs may begin to pull on the leash if they become distracted by everything around them. Preventing Pulling To prevent pulling, make sure never to move forward unless the leash is slack between you and your English Bulldog. If he continues to walk while the leash is slack, offer praise and treats to continue to encourage the behavior. Dealing with Pulling So, what should you do when your English Bulldog pulls on the leash while walking? While your feet stay planted, wait for your English Bulldog to return to you before continuing the walk. Turn around and begin walking in the opposite direction until your English Bulldog resumes the correct walking position with no pulling. Continue to repeat the process as needed. Additionally, always try to keep your English Bulldog focused on you. Make sure that he has the most of his attention on you, even if other things are going on in the environment. To do so, always make eye contact with your English Bulldog whenever issuing a command or speaking to him. When you say his name, make sure he looks back at you and makes eye contact. At this time, you can walk longer distances — around the block, down to the store, further through the neighborhood- and see how your English Bulldog does. You may have to adjust the distances on your walks accordingly. Walking your English Bulldog in different and unfamiliar locations will allow him to not only further practice his walking skills but will also allow him to become more social and comfortable. Just as you may experience pulling from your English Bulldog while walking, you may experience some other minor troubles, like lunging or barking. Handling Barking While on Walks While on walks with your English Bulldog, you may notice he has a habit of barking at things, like other dogs, other people, or just foreign noises and sights in general. Further, try to redirect his attention before he begins to bark by offering him a treat. Handling Lunging While on Walks Lunging while on walks is a definite issue with herding breeds, but it can also be an issue with English Bulldogs. Just like if your English Bulldog excessively barks on walks, try to redirect his attention with a treat before something comes along he could potentially lunge at. The best way to circumvent that issue is to try and stop it before it happens. Final Thoughts When you think of English Bulldogs, you may think of their stubborn nature.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders list by regions page. The price for a German Shepherd puppy will vary depending on the breeder. When buying a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to remember that this is not a cheap dog breed. They are an investment, but they are also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, a German Shepherd can be an excellent addition to your family. The AKC is a national organization that registers purebred dogs and maintains a directory of reputable breeders. The NDBA is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible dog breeding practices. They maintain a directory of member breeders who meet their stringent criteria. This makes it easy to find a breeder near you who has puppies available for sale. When you contact a breeder, be sure to ask about their breeding practices. Make sure the parents have been cleared for any hereditary or congenital health conditions. You should also ask to see documentation for all vaccinations and dewormings that the puppy has received thus far. If you are serious about buying a puppy from this breeder, they should be willing to invite you into their home so that you can meet the parents of the puppy. This will give you an opportunity to see how big the parents are and how healthy they look. By meeting both the mother and father of a German Shepherd puppy, you will have peace of mind knowing that these dogs were responsibly raised by breeders who care about their breeding practices. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with contact information for previous buyers. These references can be very helpful in making your decision. Ask the reference owners how much they have enjoyed owning their German Shepherd, whether the dog has been easy to train, and if there have been any health or behavior problems. Taking the time to find a responsible German shepherd breeder in Idaho is well worth it. Not only will you end up with a healthy and well-socialized puppy, but you will also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are supporting responsible breeding practices. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy from an Idaho breeder, you should ask the breeder if they have a good veterinarian they use. Good breeders will have a list of veterinarians they work with and will be happy to provide you with contact information. When you bring your new puppy home, it is important to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has not been exposed to any diseases. Finding a responsible German shepherd breeder in Idaho can take some effort, but it is well worth it in the end. Not only will you have a healthy and well-socialized dog, but you will also know that you are supporting responsible breeding practices. If you are not careful, you may end up buying a puppy from one of these breeders. So, how can you tell if a breeder is unethical? Here are some signs to look out for: The breeder does not health test their dogs for hereditary conditions. The breeder does not screen their puppies for genetic defects. The puppies are sold at a very young age. The breeding stock is kept in poor conditions. The breeder is not willing to provide references or contact information for previous buyers. The puppies are not well socialized. Before you buy your puppy, take some time to ask the breeder if they know of any hereditary conditions that run in the parents bloodline. A good breeder will be able to tell you whether or not their dogs are tested for these conditions. Be sure to take notice of how your potential German shepherd breeder responds when asked this question. If they cannot provide a list of health tests done on their breeding stock, it may be because they do not actually screen their dogs for hereditary problems before breeding them. Just like you would not want to be separated from your mother at birth, dogs do not either. If the breeder tells you that they sell their German Shepherd puppies when they are very young, it is a warning sign. If a breeder tries to sell you a puppy earlier than 8 weeks old, just walk away. Not only does this practice leave the dogs developmentally stunted, but it also increases the chance of serious health problems later in life. If the breeder you are talking to is reluctant to do this, it may be because they have something to hide. Take the time to call some of the references and ask them about their experience with the breeder. Were they happy with the quality of the puppies? Was the breeder willing to help with any problems that arose after purchase? If the breeder cannot provide any references, or if all of their references are family members or friends, it is best to move on. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy. An ethical and responsible German shepherd breeder will always be happy to provide references from past customers. This may include moving, allergies, or behavioral problems. If the breeder you are talking to will not agree to this policy, it is best to move on. They may be more interested in making a sale than in the welfare of their puppies. A good German shepherd breeder will always have the best interests of their puppies at heart. If you cannot find one that meets all of your other criteria, it is probably best to look elsewhere. All reputable breeders will take their puppies back if the buyer is unable to keep them for any reason. How to Prepare Your Home for You German Shepherd Puppy When you bring your adorable German Shepherd puppy home for the first time, it is important to make sure that your house is ready for them. Some things you will want to do include: Putting away any small objects or items that the puppy could choke on Closing off any spaces that the puppy could get stuck in, such as under a desk or in between furniture Buying a crate and puppy pads for the puppy to use when they cannot be supervised It is also important to start obedience training as soon as possible. A well-trained German Shepherd is much easier to live with than one who is allowed to run wild. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you get a new German Shepherd puppy is to start potty training them as soon as possible. Socializing Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important aspects of raising your new German Shepherd puppy is socializing them with other people and animals. If they do not get enough socialization, they may become shy or aggressive. Some ways you can socialize your puppy include: Taking them to the park and introducing them to other dogs Introducing them to new people of all ages Taking them on car rides to different neighborhoods Visiting the pet store Meeting friends and family members who have pets Make sure to socialize your puppy as much as possible during their first few months of life. It will help ensure that they grow up into well-adjusted adults. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We are located in the foothills of Boise, Idaho, and our breeding partner who will be whelping litters for us is located in Hood River, Oregon. In our program, we focus on producing beautiful and healthy dogs who are structurally sound and have excellent temperaments. Our breeding stock consists of the bloodlines of precious old working foundation lines from the countries of Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our dogs are descendants of the most influential and highly sought after bloodlines. Additionally, our dogs are titled and excel in venues such as Personal Protection, Dock Diving and Obedience. Our puppies come with a 2-Year Health Guarantee. And in this case, raise them. We expect stock coat sables with moderate to high drives, great off switches, super temperaments and high trainability. Puppies will be raised in a family home environment with Early Neurological Stimulation and will be started on crate training and potty training. Professional Training is available and recommended. If you would like to be put on our waiting list for one of our German Shepherd puppies, please email valorprotectiondogs gmail. We will ask you to complete an application, and we will conduct a phone interview prior to approving you for one of our puppies. Working German Shepherds are not for everyone. We ask that you please do your research in advance. Our goal is to ensure that each of our puppies is placed in loving homes where they will be well cared-for and utilized to their utmost abilities. About Us Based near Hailey, Idaho, North 40 German Shepherds selectively breeds long coat German shepherds that exemplify the loyalty, protectiveness, obedience, beauty, and intelligence this great breed is famous for. Our mission is to foster shepherds best suited for families, service, and therapy. We breed only one litter at a time in our home, with the puppies being raised from birth with constant human contact and love to best prepare them for a life of companionship. Contact us with any questions or to get added to our waiting list for upcoming litters. I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive. If you would like to be on our waiting list, please contact us and follow our Facebook page to be notified. Calico Junction, the breeder of our dam, Bella, and Evans Shepherds, the breeder of the sire of the May litter, Iconic, have litters available more often. Their websites are below. All our pups from this litter have been sold Ready to pick up July 11, .Four beautiful, healthy pups.Dam is in the video but the other GSD is not the sire, just one of our other non-breeding dogs who is great at helping the puppies socialize with other dogs. An amazing dog who will likely produce the same sort of high-quality offspring.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! They are known for their friendly and gentle personalities. Proper training and socialization are crucial during this stage of development. Golden Retrievers require regular exercise and a balanced diet for healthy growth. Spaying or neutering can impact their growth, and the timing is essential. This is an exciting stage where they display a charming mix of puppy playfulness and the beginnings of mature behavior. Personality Golden Retrievers are renowned for their affectionate and friendly nature. At 6 months old, your furry friend will showcase their endearing personality, which includes loyalty, intelligence, and an eagerness to please. They are excellent family pets and get along well with children and other animals. Behavior Golden Retrievers are generally not aggressive dogs. However, at 6 months, they might display occasional bursts of excitement, especially during playtime. This is typical puppy behavior, and with proper training, they will learn appropriate manners. Energy Level At this age, Golden Retrievers are brimming with energy. They will enjoy playtime, walks, and engaging in activities that keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Regular exercise is crucial to keep them happy and healthy. Trainability Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and eager to learn. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them ideal candidates for obedience training. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training will yield great results. On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh between pounds, while females weigh around pounds at 6 months. Male Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart Remember that these weights are general guidelines and individual dogs may vary. Female Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart As with the male Golden Retrievers, these weights are general guidelines and individual dogs may have some variation. On average, adult male Golden Retrievers stand between inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Adult females are slightly smaller, standing about .To learn more about choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever, click here. Coat differences: British Golden Retrievers often have a cream-colored, wavy coat, while American and Canadian Golden Retrievers commonly display a rich golden coat with varying textures, from straight to slightly wavy. Canadian Golden Retrievers: Recognized for their endurance and adaptability, Canadian Golden Retrievers often excel in outdoor activities like hunting and agility. American Golden Retrievers: These dogs have a lighter coat color, more feathering, and are highly energetic and outgoing. Neutering or spaying a Golden Retriever can affect their growth, and the timing of the procedure is crucial. Many veterinarians recommend waiting until your Golden Retriever is fully grown and has reached physical maturity before spaying or neutering, which is usually around 1 year old. Choose a high-quality dog food that is specially formulated for puppies to support their growth and development. For a list of recommended dog foods for Golden Retrievers, check out our blog here. How much water should a 6-month-old Golden Retriever drink? Provide your Golden Retriever with a fresh supply of clean water throughout the day, especially after exercise and play. At 6 months, Golden Retrievers need about hours of sleep per day. Puppies may require even more sleep to support their growth and development. If you notice significant changes in sleep duration or behavior, consult with your veterinarian. Regular exercise helps channel their energy and reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems. Engage in interactive play, walks, and activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Strategies for Addressing Puppy Biting Behavior Puppies can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Positive reinforcement training: Reward good behavior with treats or praise to encourage non-biting interactions. Socialization: Expose the puppy to different people and animals to help them learn appropriate play and bite inhibition. Time-outs: When the puppy becomes too bitey, temporarily remove attention to discourage the behavior. Consistency and patience: Stay consistent with training and be patient, as addressing biting behavior takes time and persistence. Golden Retriever puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. Remember that young puppies have a lot of energy and may be more rambunctious than adult dogs. They are, however, eager to please and learn new things. Adult dogs may be more set in their ways but can still benefit from training. Conclusion At 6 months old, your Golden Retriever is embarking on a critical phase of development. Understanding their unique needs and providing proper care and training will lay the foundation for a happy and healthy adulthood. Golden Retrievers are not fully grown at 6 months. They are still considered puppies and will continue to grow for several more months. How far should I walk my 6-month-old Golden Retriever? A 6-month-old Golden Retriever can handle walks of around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on their energy level and fitness. How do I keep my Golden Retriever happy? Keeping your Golden Retriever happy involves providing regular exercise, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, and lots of love and attention. Why is my 6-month-old Golden Retriever always hungry? Golden Retrievers are known for their hearty appetites, especially during growth stages. Ensure you are feeding them a well-balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. Why do Golden Retrievers eat leaves? Eating leaves might be a sign of boredom or curiosity. Ensure your Golden Retriever is getting enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors. Is it better to underfeed or overfeed a dog? Neither is ideal. Feeding your dog the appropriate amount of high-quality food is essential for their health and well-being. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding may result in malnutrition. Consult with your veterinarian for the right feeding plan for your Golden Retriever. 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. Share 0 Shares Pretty much all Golden Retrievers are cute, but your 6-month-old pup will seem especially adorable to you because of their cute little awkward teenager bodies. But as adorable as they are, they can be frustrating as well. Your 6-month-old pup is right smack in the middle of these two developmental stages in what is known as canine adolescence. This means your pup is now a teenager. But right now it should be exciting to watch your pup in this stage because the world is their oyster. There are lots of new experiences to introduce them to. And when they test your patience, just remember that part of adolescence is pushing boundaries! Lola at 6-month-old Most 6-month-old Goldens weigh between lbs. During the month period, Goldens grow a lot in a short period of time. But now that your pup has reached 6 months old, their growth should start slowing down. Most female pups this age will eat around 3 cups of food per day, which should be spread out between three separate meals. However, male pups will need a higher caloric intake to account for their bigger body structures, and you should feed them more like 4 or 5 cups per day. You should feed your puppy quality dog food to help facilitate their growth. Your pup is probably learning about the wonders of human foods at this time, but you need to severely limit how much of these you feed them. Golden Retrievers are quite prone to obesity like many of us, they like food, too. Your pup can now enjoy exercise for an hour or two per day. They should even be able to accompany you on short jogs, which will excite those who chose a golden retriever pup to have an exercise companion. Because of their retriever nature, your 6-month-old Golden will also love any sort of game where they get to catch or chase something, as well. You still need to be careful about the intensity of the exercise your pup partakes in. If you want to learn more about the exercise needs of golden retrievers, check out our article about How Much Exercise Golden Retrievers Actually Need Puppies, Adults, Seniors How to Deal with Biting Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs that were designed to bring prey back to their masters without mauling it. This means that they use their mouths-a LOT. They typically just sort of put their mouths on you, instead. Puppies between 2 and 6 months old are prime candidates for obedience training. If you choose a group obedience class, your pup will have the added benefit of socializing with other people and dogs, which your Golden will love because of their friendly nature. Staying on top of obedience training can be difficult. There are already so many things that you have to cram into your busy schedule! This sort of bond is priceless. A teenaged Golden Retriever puppy can be just as moody as any human teenager. Pups that were once angelic and well-behaved transform into unpredictable, destructive fur balls. Golden Retrievers were bred to be athletic. And your teenaged Golden Retriever acts out because of it. Exercise is also important during this stage because your Golden will want to stress eat. If you can, find your pup a canine friend. This will go a long way towards mood improvement. You need to remember that mental stimulation is important for Golden Retrievers, as well. You can also go the extra mile to teach them new tricks or behaviors during feeding time, which will keep their brains working at the same time they get food- which will seem like a win-win situation for your pup. Conclusion What does a 6-month-old Golden Retriever look like? This new sassy, moody pup is going to try your nerves and push boundaries to find out just how much they can get away with. In case you missed the other articles in this series, you can catch up here:. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. But they can also be a handful! To help you understand and appreciate your 6-month old golden retriever, and to set them and you up for success, we brought Steffi Trott in to help. Adult goldens are friendly , intelligent , and energetic. They are wonderful companions who bond closely with their human families. Goldens are also extremely tolerant of children , and they make great playmates for adventurous youngsters. These irresistible balls of fluff love to play, chew , explore, get into trouble, and generally grab life by the horns. Six-month-old golden retrievers fall in the middle of the pack. Is your golden retriever puppy a perfectly behaved angel? Adult male goldens typically stand 23 to 24 inches tall, while adult female goldens typically weigh between 55 to 65 pounds. When golden retrievers are about 18 months old, they have generally grown to their full weight. When they reach that milestone, their body structure will also have filled out accordingly. On average, however, a six-month-old puppy will happily eat three cups of food daily. When a puppy reaches that six-month milestone, they should begin to eat two meals each day: a morning meal and an evening meal. Feeding him the proper type and amount of food will help him to get the required nutrients. Over time, he could easily become obese from consuming the extra calories. Both sets of dogs should get light to moderate exercise for an hour or two each day. Very young puppies should get their exercise from vigorous play sessions plus a short daily walk or two. On the other hand, a healthy six-month-old golden can likely handle longer walks and even a short jog on occasion. Take your golden for fun, energetic walks on wooded trails, grass, concrete, and other surfaces. Also, remember that puppies love to chase things, romp and roll on the ground, and play tug of war. Provide extra physical and mental stimulation by introducing puzzle games and fun new chew toys. Avoid high-energy agility classes or extended hikes over challenging terrain. Overly strenuous exercise can eventually lead to bouts of lameness and even improperly formed bones. Remember, variety and consistency are key to a positive outcome. Behaviors: Evolution and Expectations Newly minted golden retriever puppies are both charming and challenging. Consistent reinforcement of puppy obedience training will help you and your dog to come through this challenging period together. At this stage, these delightful little creatures really want to please their owners. Acquiring good basic obedience skills will provide a needed behavioral framework for your dog. And, having this behavioral structure in place will be quite valuable in his next stage of development. Group obedience classes also provide plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs of roughly the same age. And, consistent obedience work enables you to develop a sense of trust and a stronger bond with your dog. You want to establish the most important manners and behaviors for daily life in your dog now, including: Waiting in front of doorways Standing still while you reach for the collar and attach a leash Walking nicely next to you Being patient while you brush their coat Months: Fight Undesirable Behaviors with 2 Tactics Six-month-old golden retrievers are like distracted, moody teenagers. They frequently become focused on their surroundings, and often tend to ignore familiar commands. This previously outgoing puppy may also seem shy and reclusive on occasion. When your good-natured, cooperative puppy reaches that six-month mark, he could also become irritable and unpredictable. He might engage in destructive digging or chewing behavior , and may also launch into extended barking fits without warning. Simply put, this fidgety young golden retriever may be bored and restless. True to his breed standard, this energetic dog is ready to race through fields and marshes to retrieve fallen birds for his owner. And, regular workouts will help to prevent him from putting on unwanted pounds. This feisty young dog also needs some compatible playmates. Once he finds them, the best buddies will likely enjoy wrestling and racing around. Always make sure to balance physical exercise with mental challenges as well. Using food puzzles to feed your dog or teaching him a new trick with part of his dinner will keep his brain working. This can actually tire him out even more than purely physical exercise! If you want to learn more about her, you can check out her website SpiritDogTraining. Learn more. Nothing is more fulfilling than welcoming a golden retriever puppy to your home. For your new puppy to have a clean bill of health in the long-term, it is important to ensure that he hits all the growth milestones that are expected of this breed, especially in his formative years. But how can you tell whether or not your fur baby is on track? Unfortunately, the growth pattern of golden retrievers throughout different stages of puppyhood is so irregular that many dog parents often wonder if something is wrong with their puppies every time they notice minor physical changes. However, the good news is that while the growth pattern of each golden puppy is unique and different, they tend to go through similar growth stages and should be manifesting similar patterns. To help you make the most of your first moments with your Golden puppy, here are some of the necessary information and items that you need to know about your 6-month-old golden retriever. Generally, adult golden retrievers are intelligent, affectionate, and even-tempered. They are also playful, gentle with children, and get along with other pets and strangers. With an ever-smiling face, Goldens are known to make friends with nearly every person they meet. They are always eager to please owners, which probably explains why they respond perfectly to obedience training or why they make excellent service dogs. Golden retrievers are also exuberant and powerful dogs with lots of energy to spare. Your puppy will play with you, your children, other pets, and any new friend that he bumps into indiscriminately. This study by Duffy and Serpell also confirms that the behavior of a puppy by 6 months of age is a perfect indicator of their adult personality and temperament. Your puppy is highly likely to be more active and excitable than an adult golden retriever though, which makes early socialization very critical. A puppy that is exposed to different sights, sounds, people, and experiences will often grow up into a well-rounded dog. Like most dog breeds, golden retriever puppies are expected to hit varying weight goals as they age. So, how much should your 6 months old golden retriever puppy weigh? Well, if he is a girl, expect her to weigh between 29 and 72 lbs. Male Goldens tend to reach a higher overall weight, so expect your male puppy to weigh between 38 and 75 lbs. So, if your puppy is a working breed, expect his weight to be near the lower end of the mentioned weight ranges. Health: If your puppy is suffering from an underlying medical issue, his weight and natural growth may be compromised. Besides obesity, too much weight can leave your puppy with a host of health issues, including hip dysplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and osteochondrosis among others. At 6 months, your puppy may also manifest certain weird physical characteristics, including: Unusually long legs and tail Nose and ears may grow out Front legs may appear shorter than hind legs But all these growth irregularities are normal and will normalize soon. Being a high energy breed, your golden retriever puppy needs proper exercise to avoid health issues, hyperactivity, and behavioral issues. So, how much exercise should you expose your Golden puppy to at this age? Well, a good rule of thumb, according to U. This translates to 15 minutes of exercise for a 3-month old puppy and 30 minutes for a 6-month old puppy. We are talking about proper, structured exercise here—not just general play. Think of brisk walks on a leash, romping and rolling on the ground, gentle games of fetch, and tug of war. Introducing puzzle games and safe chew toys at this stage will also provide your puppy extra physical and mental stimulation. You should also be careful with your puppy over the next 6 months because it is the phase when he is most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. The short answer is: the distance he can cover in 30 minutes. Like exercise, the rule of thumb is about 5 minutes of walk for every month of age. If your puppy is used to an active lifestyle, for instance, he can handle well longer excursions. On the flip side, if he has never had an opportunity to exercise off-leash, he may not go far. The secret is to start off your puppy at a slower pace and increase the distance gradually. You can then increase it to 20 minutes walk at weeks. And by the time he is 6 months, he will comfortably do minutes walks albeit with plenty of breaks to keep him from tiring out. Other tips courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association that you can leverage to make the most out of your walks with your Golden Retriever puppy include: Ensure that you walk in a fenced area or areas that are far from motorists. If you are going to use a leash, allow your puppy to set the pace. If he tires out or gets bored and lies down, give him some time to rest. Avoid going too far from your home that you may need to push the puppy to keep him moving when he tires out. Start your puppy off with short walks, giving him plenty of opportunities to sniff around. As aforementioned, consider walking with your puppy on softer grounds. Long hikes over rough terrains are still potentially dangerous to your 6-month-old puppy. Increase the distances of your walks gradually Avoid taking your puppy for a walk during the coldest or hottest part of the day. If you are still confused, consult your vet. You could also talk with a local breeder or other golden retriever owners about their experiences with Golden puppies at 6 months of age. Most importantly, monitor your puppy for signs of fatigue as it could be a symptom of a more serious health problem as opposed to longer excursions. Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve shot waterfowl ducks, geese, upland game birds , in their mouth by softly carrying them back to the owners. Accordingly, it is in their genes to use their mouths a little more compared to other breeds. If your puppy has a chewing or mouthing problem at this stage of his life, therefore, you should understand that it is something in his genes. Additionally, your puppy may be starting to understand and define his role within the pack at this age. As a result, he may start manifesting territorial behaviors. The good news is that they have soft mouths remember that they had to gently carry the retrieved birds to their owners , so when they bite you, it is usually soft and less painful—nothing more than simply putting their mouths on you. Besides, the adult teeth of most golden retriever puppies come in around 4 months old, so their mouthing tendencies will slow down by the time they are 6 months old. It could be still prevalent in some puppies though. Consider getting your 6-month-old golden retriever plenty of plush and chew toys so that he stops using your hands as chew toys. Related Posts:.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of those breeders have a proven track record and are committed to the highest standards of ethical breeding and health testing. Carefully screening the parent dogs helps the breeders to choose the healthiest pups for breeding purposes. You can also reach out to your friends, family members, or neighbors who have recently adopted a Labradoodle in your state and ask about their experiences with different breeders. They raise their pups in their home and socialize each puppy with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups eat high quality human-grade food and receive lots of love and care every single day. What Makes This Breeder Unique? ADEL is a recommended breeder by Goldendoodles. They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the healthiest puppies. Although they currently have no information about vaccines and dewormings on their website, feel free to reach out to them via email or phone to learn more. We are a small home based breeder of a wonderful family oriented and very versatile breed of dog called the "Australian Labradoodle". Our breeding dogs are considered part of the family and puppies are raised in our home with lots of socialization, love and affection. We only have two breeding dogs that live in our home and all of our other breeding dogs live in wonderful guardian homes. We specialize in breeding medium size and small standard size Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles and only breed a couple litters a year. Our medium size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. Our small standard size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. We offer a variety of colors red caramel, chocolate, cream, chocolate and white parti as well as caramel and white parti. Arizona Labradoodles is thoroughly "Committed to Responsible Breeding. Let us share with you what makes us Responsible Breeders. Our Dames and Sires to our litters are all health tested to the highest possible standards. Each of our dogs are genetic tested for all 22 recessive diseases found in the Australian Labradoodle. We feel the financial investment in health testing our breeding dogs is critical for betterment of the breed. Our high standards of health testing gives us great comfort knowing we are offering our families puppies that come from generations of health tested dogs. This has been done to protect the buyer and support parentage identification. We only work with Australian Labradoodle breeders that are also "Committed to Responsible Breeding" and the preservation of the Australian Labradoodle breed. We place our whelping box next to our bed to ensure a safe delivery of puppies and to monitor mom. During your puppies first weeks of life they are carefully cared for by us and never left alone. Each puppy is raised inside our home and are properly socialized with a variety of people, different noises, they are bathed, blow dried, nail trimmed, held and loved by us every day until they are ready to go to their new home. Each of our puppies is exposed to early neurological stimulation exercises known as the "Super Dog" Program. Studies have proven positive benefits for improved cardio performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Each puppy receives a full health evaluation and given age appropriate vaccinations by a licensed Veterinarian. We stand behind our 2 year health guarantee and lifetime guarantee against recessive diseases. When you adopt your puppy we want you to feel comfortable knowing we have done everything we can to offer you a good start with a healthy happy puppy. Our health guarantee protects you and your precious furry family member against life threatening diseases, joint dysplasia, and 22 recessive diseases. We are here for you for the life of your Arizona Labradoodle. If you have any questions, concerns, or need any guidance we will try and help you in any way we can. Our adoptive families have been carefully chosen to be a part of the "Arizona Labradoodles Family" for a reason. We look forward to keeping in touch with you. We often get the question "What is a Australian Labradoodle? Fabulous fleece coats that are allergy friendly Non shedding There are a variety of sizes and coat colors Can adapt to any type of lifestyle Highly Intelligent. Australian Labradoodles Although both breeds come under the category of Labradoodles, there is a huge difference between their origins, and hence, some of their characteristics also tend to differ. Due to this, they tend to have slightly thin or odd coats. Therefore, many people tend to prefer multi-generations Labradoodles that have a suitable coat of fur. Now that you can differentiate between an American Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle, read on to know why you should get a Labradoodle as your pet and forever companion. Reasons To Get Labradoodle Puppies In Arizona Apart from their aesthetic features and different types of coats, Labradoodles make a great pet, especially if you live with your family and have children or elder stay with you. Labradoodles are calm yet protective and, therefore, make would a perfect addition to your family. The following are some of the reasons explaining why you should have Labradoodle puppies in Arizona AZ as your pet. Long Life The average life span of a Labradoodle is 10 to 14 years, and they are available in a variety of colors ranging from brown and chocolate to yellow and cream. Moreover, they are also available in different sizes. The minimal shedding also eliminates the need to groom them continuously. Service And Guard Dogs Labradoodles have some of the best qualities of a Poodle and a Labrador as they are patient, loyal, intelligent, and protective. These traits make them a great therapy dog or a support group for people suffering from comorbidities. Moreover, their friendly nature allows them to get along with people of all age groups as well as other animals like cats and dogs. However, in similarity to various cross-breed dogs, Labradoodles are prone to genetic diseases that affect their knees, legs, and eyesight. Moreover, Labradoodle puppies are easy to train as they are quite active and obedient. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but their sweet temperament towards people makes them a highly desirable dog breed in Arizona. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Always conduct your research to determine how much a pup costs to purchase, feed, house, and maintain including veterinary exams. After selecting a breeder, you apply their kennel. However, not all breeders will have available puppies at the time of your application. Every breeder will manage their waitlist differently. Once pups are born, some will allocate them on a first-come, first-served basis. Others will link the appropriate family with the proper puppy. Thus, it is common for breeders to have a month waitlist, mainly if they breed infrequently or if their pups are highly popular. Dogs are faithful buddies. Nevertheless, these cuddly companions demand much care, food, and maintenance. Therefore planning for everything your pup needs at home will help guarantee that your new pet lives long and gives you the company you desire. Be Consistent My first tip is that you must be super consistent when teaching your puppy. When I got my puppy, my OH had an annoying habit of allowing little Raffles to bite him, saying it was just because the puppy was teething. Raffles has a habit of dashing off to play with other dogs when we go to the park, and the best way to train him to recall reliably is to promise him a treat when he comes straight back to me. Teach Basic Commands Decide on a few basic commands that you want your puppy to understand and be obedient to, and focus on training him to perform those early on. We taught Raffles to sit, lie down, get down, leave it, stay, and come when called. Those basics are extremely helpful in many daily activities. For example, when getting a lively, curious puppy ready to go on a road trip to the park, it can be challenging to persuade him to have his harness, collar, and lead put on. So, with treats in hand, I instruct my puppy to sit down and remain sitting while I put on his collar and harness. When he tries to grab the harness in his mouth, I tell him to leave it. The penny will eventually drop! Dog breeding is both an art and a science. Breeders use genetics and temperament, among other things, to select which puppies will be the next champion. However, you must always be alert to choose the best breeder. For instance, if the breeder is unskilled, there may be a chance of genetic flaws or health issues. Besides, you risk infectious illnesses if a breeder sells Labradoodles before receiving veterinary treatment or vaccinations. You must exercise caution while evaluating puppy mills to get an experienced and qualified breeder. Get Your Labradoodle Labradoodles are among the most devoted and protective dog breeds you will ever encounter. Did you enjoy knowing where to find the best Labradoodle breeders in Arizona? Besides, they will guide you on the best ways to care for your new furry friend. Make sure you follow the tips on this topic, as they will help you get a responsible, legitimate, and highly-qualified breeder for healthy Labradoodle puppies in Arizona. If this article was helpful to you, leave a comment and share it with your friends! Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. They are intelligent and friendly. The physical characteristics of this hybrid will vary depending on the genes inherited from its parents. They can have different coat types including: wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece with colors ranging from red, black, cream, chocolate, gold, and brindle. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic breed, the Labradoodle may be a good fit for people with allergies. Discover more about our Labradoodle puppies for sale below! Overall, they make excellent companions. Due to their easygoing nature they usually do well with other pets and are generally good with children. As a result, they require exercise every day and can be prone to restlessness or loneliness if left along for too long. Their activity level and larger size means they are a good fit for a house with a yard. They are great walking companions and actually love the water and can be exceptional, natural swimmers. Due to their Poodle genetics, incorporate educational games to stimulate their intelligence as well as their bodies. Training Training a Labradoodle is easier than many other breeds, because they are eager to please and intelligent which makes them attentive while learning. They respond best to positive reinforcement due to their friendliness and intuition. Praise for good behavior in the form of treats and affirmation will work best when training. As with every other breed, train and socialize your Labradoodle when it is a puppy and exercise it regularly in order to avoid negative behaviors. Generally though, brush them about twice a week to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. However, it should only need to be bathed as needed. They also tend to be less prone to odor than other breeds. For optimal health, brush their teeth about three times per week to avoid bacteria and tartar buildup. It is also good to trim their nails about twice per month. However, the Labradoodle did not truly come to be known until when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The cross breeding was a success and resulted in a dog that had a disposition appropriate for guide dog work with a low-shedding coat. See store for details on a particular puppy. International Designer Canine Registry.

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. 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. 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. 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:. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. 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.

Because the breed is known to be gentle, patient, affectionate, and playful, it is known to be good with children and other pets. These dogs are smart and eager to please, making them generally easy to train. They are typically happy and easy-going with a love for playing and spending time outdoors. They are very social pups. They love spending time with their people and will want to be included in your activities as a full-fledged family member. They love to play and meet new people, and they do best when they are not left alone very long. This breed often displays herding behavior because of its Sheepdog genetics, but early training can help you manage it. Happy, affectionate, outgoing, and active, the Mini Sheepadoodle can be an ideal family pet or therapy dog. They will generally look like a lot of other popular Doodle breeds, but their striking coats set them apart from the rest. Most have a luxurious, wavy coat that can make them seem bigger than they really are, though some end up with loose curls. The black and white color combination is the most common by far, but they can also be found in: Solid black. The mix will vary from pup to pup depending on which of their parents they take after. Sheepadoodles enjoyed a massive boost in popularity when Meryl Davis and her partner Fedor Andreev, both figure skaters, showed off their pet Sheepadoodle, Bilbo Tootie-Rose Baggins on social media. They inherit the best of both parents, making for a remarkable pooch! More about the Poodle Poodles were extremely popular as pets in the past, especially for upper-class ladies. This was due to the small Poodle size which meant that carrying them around was incredibly easy. Interestingly, they were first bred in Germany to help hunt waterfowl. Their popularity has led many dog breeders to conduct experimental crossbreeding, and one of those successful breeding programs was with the Old English Sheepdog a. Poodle More about the Old English Sheepdog Just like the name suggests, Old English Sheepdogs became popular in the s with farmers who used them to herd sheep and to help control other animals on the farm. For centuries training was for rather heavy tasks around the farm. Sheepadoodles have a fascinating history, as do their parents! But why this combination? As mentioned above, first generation Sheepadoodles inherit the intelligence and active nature of sheepdogs, and the low shedding and friendly nature of the Poodle. They can be very gentle and also tend to be quiet around little ones, which is an excellent trait, especially if your baby needs a nap! The perfect pooch indeed! Thankfully not. Even though they are large, you can make it work. If you live in an apartment, you might be pushing it, but if you commit to some serious exercise every day your new furry friend will be just fine! Standard Sheepadoodles are usually medium to large. As mentioned above the standard-sized Sheepadoodle grows to about 60 to 80 pounds 18 to 30 Kg and a maximum of 16 to 22 inches 40 to 55 cm in height. Sometimes, if the Sheepdog parent is huge, then the Sheepadoodle pup can grow quite a bit larger than other pups. One example is Zammy the therapy dog, which you can watch in this video: Also thrown into the mix are Mini Sheepadoodles that are a mix of Mini Poodles and Standard Sheepdogs. They measure under 20 inches 51 cm in height and weigh between 24 to 44 pounds 11 to 20 kg. Miniature Sheepadoodles are also sometimes called a Micro Sheepadoodle. Mini Sheepadoodles are in demand far and wide due to their utterly adorable good looks and charismatic charm. Mini Sheepadoodle 5 Hey Good Looking! Sheepadoodles have sturdy and solid builds, with square or rounded faces and elongation at the snout. The skull has a broad look and appears dome shaped. They also have signature gorgeous low hanging ears, and their eyes are small and set between medium length hair. Coats can be anywhere between straight and curly. Their different colors also make them a hit with potential owners. Sheepadoodles are born black, white or both. Their colors are separated in well-defined spots that can appear randomly on any part of the body. This makes for some adorable looking puppies, some of whom almost look like Panda bears, which make them even more endearing than they already are. Some Sheepadoodles come in white and red, but these usually cost more. There are also Sheepadoodles that are entirely brown or grey, but these are relatively rare. The parents normally determine the color of the pups. As mentioned in the first paragraph the Sheepadoodles have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. How healthy are they? In general, the Sheepadoodle is a robust dog since it comes from two different purebred dogs. However, they may inherit some tendencies from their parents genetically. However, not all Sheepadoodles are hypoallergenic as it depends on the genes they inherit from their parents. They tend to have a short and curly coat like their Poodle parent and as we said before shed very minimally. Trimming the hairs around their ears is also another thing you can do if you want to help prevent ear infections. Watch how training takes place in this video: They can also be taught to be watchdogs as they can recognize strangers and be trained to bark at them. Training is pretty simple and easy to carry out. Sheepadoodles should have a diet that consists of high-quality kibbles. Once in a blue moon, some wet food is a great idea but take it easy on this one as it may lead to your Sheepadoodle becoming overweight. However, being a designer dog, they are allowed into the following organizations:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Call 11 Things to Know About Sheepadoodles All images on this page are Sheepadoodles from Grace Wood Farm Cute, fluffy, playful, loving, intelligent, fun - could the Sheepadoodle be the perfect dog? This breed is capturing the hearts of dog lovers more and more each day. Who could resist all this cuteness? It's like having your cuddly living stuffed animal to snuggle and love! Want to know more about this adorable doggie? Here are 11 things you should know about Sheepadoodles before buying one. What is a Sheepadoodle? Sheepadoodles are a hybrid cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. Drawing the best from both breeds creates a fantastic combination. By nature, Poodles have minimal possible shedding, making them unlikely to trigger allergies and great indoor pets. Fully grown Sheepadoodle from our farm Poodles are among the most highly intelligent dog breeds, known for being easy to train. They have a playful nature and are one of the friendliest dogs around. They are affectionate, loyal, sociable, and enjoy games. They are low-aggression and get along well with children and other animals. But as anyone who's owned one of these breeds knows, these sweet doggies shed A LOT! Often, their fur would end up in every crack and crevice of a home, making it nearly impossible to keep up with cleaning. Additionally, these dogs trigger allergies in humans, and if a family member suffers from a dog allergy, these breeds were not an option. Was there a breed that was a lovable, down-to-earth family pet that also was low shedding and triggered pet allergies? The answer came from the "designer dog," a hybrid between a purebred Poodle and another family-friendly breed such as the Old English Sheepdog. They are the most famous "shaggy dog," known for their vast, fluffy coats. They have a low-key and mellow temperament and are natural people-pleasers who desire to make their people feel loved and happy. They love children and other animals and always watch everything going on. They aren't yappy or prone to bark senselessly but will bark at unknown noises or strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Their playfulness, kindness, and sweet nature have people in love. Sheepadoodles are bred to bring the best traits out of both breeds by selecting dams mamas and sires daddies with the best qualities from each breed. They inherit intelligence and easy trainability from both sides. They are often graced to inherit the kindness and mellow temperament from the OES. They also are bred to carry the minimal shedding and low allergy-triggering coat from the Poodle. Sheepadoodles are friendly, loving, kind, and love to play. A breed that everyone is falling in love with! Torrun, one of our OES mamas 2. How big do Sheepadoodles get? Sheepadoodle from our farm An average standard Sheepadoodle will be lbs but can be as small as 45lbs and as large as lbs. Here at Grace Wood Farm, we have also introduced smaller sizes of Sheepadoodles to fit the lifestyles of all our pup parents. These smaller sizes are sometimes more desirable for older folks who feel they don't want to handle a big doggie, those living in apartments without the space, or those who don't just don't want a giant fur baby. Small Standard moyen Sheepadoodles will be in a weight range of lbs, with an average of around lbs. Small Standard moyen Sheepadoodles are a little larger than minis but won't have the chance of getting big like some standard Sheepadoodles. They are an excellent option for those who don't want a small dog and also don't want a huge dog. Moyen is the French word for "medium," a Small Standard moyen Sheepadoodle is a tremendous medium-sized dog option. Mini Sheepadoodles will be in a range of lbs. Mirco Sheepadoodles are a cross between a mini Poodle and a mini Sheepadoodle, with a weight range potential of lbs, depending on the parents. How much do Sheepadoodles shed? Sheepadoodle from our farm Sheepadoodles are minimally shedding dogs. But as Sheepadoodles are bred to inherit the minimal shedding from the Poodle, the Sheepadoodle will likely be as low shedding as possible. This minimal shedding also makes them a low allergy-triggering dog. Many people who suffer from pet dander allergies will find that their allergies aren't triggered around a Sheepadoodle. Some with extreme allergies may still be activated, and those allergic to dog drool may also experience allergies. But an average, non-extreme dog allergy can be avoided with a Sheepadoodle. We also breed F1b Sheepadoodles, which will have the highest level of common allergy-triggering traits to meet the needs of our doggie loves who suffer from allergies. Our Sheepadoodles love kids! When the proper Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents are selected to breed for the ideal temperament as we do here at Grace Wood Farm , the result is a fantastic personality in the Sheepadoodle offspring. Sheepadoodles often have a relaxed and calm demeanor. In addition, they are friendly with children and other animals, making them fantastic family pets. They are obedient, easy to train, and love to please their family, making them an excellent addition. They are highly social dogs and will always love to be around their people. We do not recommend they be left alone without socialization for extended periods, as this breed needs to be around people and loves. If you work long hours and there is no one home for many extended hours per day, five days a week, the Sheepadoodle is not the right fit. This highly social breed could develop anxiety and depression and lead to destructive behavior if spending most of their time alone. Sheepadoodles are often very cuddly and will love to snuggle or crawl up in your lap. You will love your new snuggle buddy because they have such soft and fluffy fur! Our Sheepadoodles love snuggles! Snow from Grace Wood Farm Big, fluffy lap dogs 5. What are the colors and patterns of the Sheepadoodle's coat? The variety of coat patterns of our Sheepadoodles in the same litter Sheepadoodles are almost always born with a combination of black and white colors. As they get older, the black often can fade to various shades of gray, a trait often inherited from the OES. It is also possible for some black spots to fade or "clear" to white over time and disappear entirely! Some Sheepadoodles' adult coats can vary significantly from how they look as puppies, while others keep the same puppy colors and patterns into adulthood. Some Sheepadoodles can be almost entirely black or white, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. Coat patterns can include black markings like a tuxedo, abstract spots, polka dots, patch eyes, parti faces, masks, and many unique markings. There's always a wide range of variety in each Sheepadoodle litter! It is also possible to have Sheepadoodles in shades or with cream, brown, and red touches, although this is less common. Some can have a coat similar to the straight, fluffy hair of the OES, while others can have kinkier hair like a Poodle. On average, a Sheepadoodle bred for optimum coat will have thick, wavy hair, giving them that stuffed animal cuteness that is hard to resist. F1b Sheepadoodles are more likely to have kinky or curly hair than F1's. An average Sheepadoodle fluffy coat wave 6. What does the Sheepadoodle's coat maintenance look like? Since Sheepadoodles are mostly non-shedding dogs, you will save time by not having to clean up massive amounts of dog hair around the house. The trade-off for this luxury is that the Sheepadoodle coat will require more maintenance than some other dog breeds. Sheepadoodles must be brushed at least once a week to prevent and remove any matting in their fur. To keep an optimum coat, brush times a week or even daily if your dog looks their best. We recommend combining a de-matting brush and a regular hair brush to work through their entire coat. Sheepadoodles must also be routinely groomed to keep their hair trimmed, neat, free from matting, ears clean, and nails trimmed. You can either learn to do this yourself or, as most people do, take them to the groomer. Their ears also can get built up with dirt, moisture, and earwax, so they must be regularly cleaned to prevent problems and discomfort to the doggie. If you aren't ready to spend the time and money to groom them, this might not be the right breed for you. By nature, Sheepadoodles love to play with kids and other animals. Children often love these doggies because they look like big, fluffy stuffed animals. Don't be surprised if your kids find a new best friend in these sweet pups! Because Old English Sheepdogs are bred to herd sheep, they can be a breed that can nip at children. Some Sheepadoodles can pick up this tendency. This is most common while they are still a puppy under age 2 and is a trait that can be removed through proper training and reinforcement. Parents with young children should understand this propensity so they and their children can know what the puppy is doing and respond in a way to discourage the behavior. To better understand what a "nip" is, know they aren't biting hard or being aggressive or mean. Often it is just a herding tendency, and most often would happen when a child is running away from a group. The dog will gently nip at the child's clothes or hips like a herding dog would do to encourage a sheep to return to the fold. Because Sheepadoodles have such a strong desire to please their people and receive positive affirmation, they should quickly learn that this behavior is discouraged if they do have this tendency. With training, they should quit the behavior out of their desire to make you happy. One of the beauties of the Sheepadoodle's calm demeanor is that they get along excellently with children and are very gentle. They often will take a child's rougher play with little to no reaction and enjoy the attention they get. They also love playing games with kids and will enjoy burning off energy by running around and playing with their little humans. Sheepadoodles also love to play with other dogs and, with proper socialization, enjoy going out in public and visiting doggie parks. They also appreciate having doggie siblings and will get along great with any dogs you already have. Most dogs do best when you have two or more in a home. By nature, they are pack animals, and having a doggie sibling will help them not feel lonely or bored and often will keep them out of troublesome behavior. How long will Sheepadoodles live? Sheepadoodles have a years lifespan, meaning they will be a loving family member for years to come. How healthy are Sheepadoodles? An additional benefit to properly bred Sheepadoodles is that the likelihood of health issues more prone to the Poodle or Old English Sheepdog can be reduced through crossbreeding, often called "hybrid vigor. Crossing two healthy, purebred dogs from different breeds increases the likelihood that any negative recessive health issues will be eliminated. This doesn't mean they are impervious to health problems; with advanced age, any dog can develop health issues. Regular vet visits combed with proper diet and exercise will help a Sheepadoodle have a maximized healthy life. How active are Sheepadoodles? Sheepadoodles are an active and playful breed. They require daily exercise, play, and activity to be happy and healthy dogs. A minimum of 30 minutes per day should be given to your Sheepadoodle to exercise through walks, playing, fetch, etc. When responsibly bred for temperament, they should not be a hyperactive breed prone to exasperate their owners. The Sheepadoodle is the perfect activity level for most active families to fit your lifestyle. Do you have kids? Your children and a Sheepadoodle will love actively playing together and wearing each other out. As a parent, you can enjoy them all sleeping soundly at night after an excellent vigorous playtime. Sheepadoodles also, by nature, should enjoy water and swimming, although some dogs' personality leads them to dislike water. Sheepadoodles will play hard, but they also love to crash hard. Don't be surprised for a Sheepadoodle to curl up for a nice hard nap around the house or in your lap! How easy are Sheepadoodles to train? When bred adequately from the ideal parents, Sheepadoodles are naturally very intelligent and long to please their people. They are quick learners, and with the proper training and positive reinforcement, they will pick up housebreaking and commands. We highly recommend that every puppy go through doggie obedience classes, and often you, as the owner, are the ones that will learn the most from the lessons! Understanding best practices with dog training will set you and your Sheepadoodle up for the best scenario to have a happy and positive human-to-doggie relationship. Sheepadoodles can also be trained to bark at unknown strangers or unusual sounds, making them excellent watchdogs. Yet their gentle demeanor as a breed will help them with positive reinforcement to learn to still interact well with new people and animals. Sheepadoodles can quickly learn commands and love positive reinforcement as they crave their people's approval. We've had dogs from our previous Sheepadoodle litters be trained by their new owners to participate in dog competitions, completing various tricks, obstacle courses, and complicated commands. Check out this video of Snow, one of the Sheepadoodles from our farm, in a competition: Sheepadoodles are so bright; this mom trained her pup to talk to her through a soundboard! If you've never seen this video, be prepared to be surprised, we've never seen anything like it! Put all this together, and you can see why we believe that Sheepadoodles are the best dogs around! The real question to ask yourself now is: why don't I have a Sheepadoodle yet? Interested in getting a Sheepadoodle? Call us today at or click here to get in line for one of our upcoming Sheepadoodle litters! Sheepadoodle Highlights Sheepadoodles are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Old English Sheepdog or Poodle parents. The main colors of Sheepadoodles are a mix of black and white, but they can also be solid black and, in some cases, gray. Sheepadoodles tend to be a great choice for allergy sufferers since this mix is considered a low to non-shedder. They will need to be groomed roughly every eight weeks and must be brushed two to three times a week. Sheepadoodles will need daily walks and games of fetch for exercise. These smart pups will also need to play mentally stimulating games to prevent them from being destructive due to boredom. Their ability to emotionally connect with their owners has made the Sheepadoodle a popular therapy and emotional support dog. However, their need to be around their owners so much makes it difficult to leave them home alone for long periods of time, and they may require a dog walker or doggy daycare. Sheepadoodles are affectionate and even-tempered with children and are just as happy being around kids as they are being around adults. Sheepadoodles get along well with other animals if introduced gradually, calmly, and at an early age. They are naturally intelligent and very social animals and will enjoy the company of other pets in their household. Even though the Sheepadoodle got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the right mixed breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Sheepadoodle rescues, or check with breed specific Poodle or Old English Sheepdog rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Sheepadoodle Size As the Sheepadoodle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That being said, the Old English Sheepdog parent can be mixed with a standard, miniature, or toy poodle parent, which will affect their size. Seeing as the most common Sheepadoodle pup is one with a Standard Poodle parent, you can expect the dog to be on the larger side. Most Sheepadoodles weigh in at 60 to 80 pounds and range in height from 16 to 22 inches at the shoulder. That said, the other varieties like the toy and mini Sheepadoodles, will be smaller in size. They will enjoy snuggling with you on the couch just as much as they would enjoy going outside for a brisk walk. Some Sheepadoodles will have acquired their herding drive from their Old English Sheepdog parent and will need to burn off energy with plenty of playtime outdoors. They are rather athletic and love to swim, play fetch, and please their owners by learning new tricks. Sheepadoodle puppies are often a bit boisterous and will require training at an early age. Both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs are known to be very intelligent breeds, making the Sheepadoodle easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and treats as rewards. These obedient dogs will also love to be taught a variety of tricks, especially because they need to be mentally stimulated. Their ability to emotionally connect with their owners has made the Sheepadoodle not only a very loyal companion, but they have become a popular therapy and emotional support dog. They adore children and adults alike, and will quickly become a wonderful addition to any family. However, their need to be around their owners so much makes it difficult to leave your Sheepadoodle home alone for long periods of time, and they may require a dog walker or doggy daycare. Sheepadoodle Health The Sheepadoodle may be a mixed breed, but they are still predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog face. While most are generally healthy, many can inherit conditions that both parent breeds have, which is why it is very important to maintain good care and attend regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Sheepadoodles suffer from include: Bloat. They've become more popular in recent years because of their super-friendly personalities, low-shedding coats , and teddy bear-like appearance. Because the sheepadoodle is not a pure breed, there are no hard and fast rules about the dog's size, coloring, and appearance. However, the most common coat you'll find is a black-and-white patchwork pattern. The size of a sheepadoodle varies depending on whether the Old English sheepdog was crossed with a standard poodle , miniature poodle , or toy poodle. Appearance The sheepadoodle can tend toward one parent or the other in appearance—some will have more of the square face of an Old English sheepdog and others will have a more poodle-like domed head. But nearly all sheepadoodles share the patchwork of black and white markings that sometimes give them the appearance of a panda. These black and white markings can sometimes fade into gray similar to an Old English sheepdog's coloring as the sheepadoodle ages. On rare occasions, a sheepadoodle will be red and white. Sheepadoodles bred from mini poodles and toy poodles will be smaller. As with most poodle mixes affectionately termed "doodles" , the coat of a sheepadoodle can tend more to be straight or more curly—and it's generally hard to tell until the puppy gets a little older. Sheepadoodles are often compared to Bernedoodles , which are a mix between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog. Bernedoodles have a similar giant teddy bear vibe: big fluffy paws; shaggy faces; and furry, floppy ears. However, Bernedoodles come in a greater variety of colors and share more of the Bernese mountain dog's personality traits. Temperament The sheepadoodle owes a lot of her easygoing temperament to the Old English sheepdog, a good-natured, shaggy breed that was developed to help bring cattle and sheep to market. Because of this cross breeding, there can be a pretty wide variety of personality traits depending on the individual dog. They're exceptionally playful and sweet, and they enjoy the company of other dogs. While they might alert you to a passing stranger with a bark , they're typically a little more mellow than breeds developed specifically for guarding the home. While Old English sheepdogs can at times be independent-minded, poodles are typically very eager to please their parents by sitting on cue and learning tricks. Sheepadoodles also inherit a great deal of intelligence from their poodle forebears and have a working dog's herding instincts from the Old English sheepdog side. Living Needs Unless you opt for a mini or a toy mix, sheepadoodles are typically large dogs that will do best in a house with a fenced yard. If you live in an apartment , you should be ready to provide your sheepadoodle with regular exercise. She recommendss finding ways to integrate your dog into your regular activity: bringing them on your runs , neighborhood walks , and hikes through the woods. With their thick coats, sheepadoodles are excellent dogs for cold-weather climates. In warmer climates, Choczynski Johnson says, their owners can trim their fur a bit shorter and make sure they can relax in cool indoor spaces with plenty of water. However, given the sheepadoodles' herding background, they occasionally have a tendency to try rounding up small animals and children, so keep an eye on them at dog parks that allow small dogs and large dogs to mingle. Care While no dog are fully hypoallergenic , the combination of the Old English sheepdog and the poodle results in a very low-shedding coat, even in the first generation. Because of this, sheepadoodles can be a good fit for people who are allergic to dogs. For sheepadoodle grooming, you'll want to keep her coat in great condition, brush her frequently during the week , and have her bathed and trimmed every 8—12 weeks. You'll want to clean her ears regularly of wax and debris and trim her nails , as you would for any dog. Because they become so attached to their families, some sheepadoodles can develop separation anxiety if they're left alone for too long. Bloom suggests using positive reinforcement training from the moment your sheepadoodle puppy gets home. You can gradually increase from second increments until the puppy starts to realize it's not a big deal. If you have to leave your dog at home alone for long hours, look into options like doggy day care or a dedicated walker. As with all breeds that go from tiny puppy to large dog, it's important to start sheepadoodle training with the adult dog in mind: Don't allow or encourage your puppy to do anything you wouldn't want a pound sheepadoodle doing a year from now. Health One potential advantage to a mixed breed dog is hybrid vigor, the idea of relatively lower occurrence of genetic diseases cropping up in offspring from two vastly different genetic lines. Some scientists, however, dispute that hybrid dogs are inherently healthier than their purebred brethren. Whether you're looking for a sheepadoodle or purebred pup, consider a breeder with an excellent track record who does health screening for both parents. That being said, sheepadoodles by all accounts are relatively healthy dogs that live from 12—15 years. As with all large dogs, it's important to know the symptoms of bloat , a condition in which a dog's stomach fills with gas and expands or twists to cut off blood flow to organs. This also helps your puppy learn how to have some independent time and get mental stimulation while eating. History The origins are the sheepadoodle are murky at best: While humans have been cross-breeding dogs as long as there have been breeds, the popularity of sheepadoodles as a special hybrid of their own really only took off in the past decade or so. Some articles indicate that the "doodle" naming convention started in , which is possibly when the mixing of poodles to create a line of low-shedding dogs started to take off. The sheepadoodle's ancestors, however, have long historical roots. Old English sheepdogs were developed in the west of England as drovers, or dogs that helped livestock move along the dusty roads to market. Their tails were docked to indicate that they were working dogs this also kept their tails away from wayward hooves , giving this breed the nickname "bobtail. The curly coat that protected them from chilly water and their superb intelligence made them excellent retrievers. Fun Facts One thing is undeniable: People really, really love their sheepadoodles. Popular sheepadoodle ambassadors on social media include Otis , a big fluffy boy with a small sidekick named Sully; Zammy , a giant floof who also volunteers as a children's hospital therapy dog; and Millie , a mini sheepadoodle who lives in New York and loves to smile for the camera. Bunny the "talking" sheepadoodle is a TikTok star, known for her funny button-speech conversations. The mixed breed took another leap in popularity when Olympic figure skaters Meryl Davis and Fedor Andreev announced that they had adopted a mini sheepadoodle named Bilbo. Was this page helpful? Black, white, brown, gray, merle Suitable for: Active families, singles, apartments, houses with yards Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, hard-working, sociable, loyal This designer breed is curious, energetic, playful, and loyal. Their sociable personality makes them perfect family pets. They can also get along well in a farm setting. This mixed breed has not been in existence for long, but their parent breeds have. The Old English Sheepdog was developed in the 18th century, and the Poodle was developed in the 15th century. Here is everything that you need to know about the offspring of these two breeds, the Sheepadoodle. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Sheepadoodle Puppies A post shared by Doodles Vibes doodlesvibes Sheepadoodle puppies are adorable but they grow quickly. There is not much time to learn about this breed once you bring them home because of their quick growth. These dogs are great at hunting, agility , and farm work. They also get along well in family environments. Their energy can become troublesome if these dogs are not exercised daily, though. These good-natured dogs are extremely sociable and friendly. They bond deeply with their human companions and act as protectors whenever necessary. Their easygoing personalities make them easily adaptable to a variety of different circumstances and situations. They are natural herders, which may be evident when they are around children or other animals. Although loyal and sociable, Sheepadoodles can be extremely independent and somewhat stubborn. Therefore, obedience training and a regular exercise schedule are important. The bigger the secured yard that they have to spend time in during the day, the happier that they seem to be. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They may try to herd younger kids, so supervision is usually a good idea until the kids are old and big enough to maintain control of the dog. They are protective of all family members, even the kids, but not aggressively so. These dogs can get along with other dogs if socialization is made a priority while they are puppies. They should be introduced to other dogs early on in life and have an opportunity to explore places like dog parks, where they can learn to properly interact with other animals. Their prey could result in chasing when it comes to being around smaller animals, like cats and squirrels. Here is everything that you need to know about feeding, exercising, training, and grooming your pet Sheepadoodle. They can eat up to 4 cups of commercial dry food each day, depending on how much exercise they get. If unlimited food is available, they can easily eat more than what they require for good health. They should be fed two or three regulated meals each day. These dogs require high-protein nutrition to properly fuel their bodies. Look for food that includes chicken or beef as the first ingredient, and avoid food that includes excessive fillers and artificial ingredients. Fresh berries and veggies such as carrots can be offered occasionally as snacks. Clean water should be available 24 hours a day, both inside and outdoors. Walks of at least an hour each day should be a priority whenever the weather permits. Time spent in a secured yard to play, run, and explore every day is also recommended. When the weather does not allow for outdoor exercise, indoor activities such as hide-and-seek, chase, and time playing with puzzle toys should be offered. Otherwise, nothing should ever take the place of long walks to expel energy. Training should take place in a quiet environment where there will be no distractions. Treats and clickers can help ensure that each training session is successful. After basic obedience commands are learned, training can be practiced in social settings regularly to ensure that the obedience is maintained. The Sheepadoodle can also successfully learn how to hunt waterfowl, herd farm animals, and complete agility courses. The younger the dog is when training begins, the more successful that training is bound to be. Their coats should be brushed daily to get rid of debris that is picked up outside and to keep the fur from tangling up. Some Sheepadoodles require trimming once a month or so to keep the fur from growing over the eyes or getting too long to effectively brush. A de-shedding comb can be used during the spring and summer months to keep shedding to a minimum. Sheepadoodles should get enough outdoor exercise to keep their nails naturally trimmed. Their teeth can be brushed regularly to ensure healthy gums and clean breath. Alternatively, dental chews can be offered. Regular visits to the veterinarian, proper exercise, and a healthy diet can help stave off these problems as your pooch ages. Minor Conditions. Life Span Did You Know? A Sheepadoodle can be an F1 or an F1b. F1 Sheepadoodles are a first generation, which means their parents are an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. They are often confused, at least in name, with Shepadoodles, but they are not the same dog. Shepadoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a German Shepherd. Sheepadoodles are beautiful dogs inside and out. They tend to be extremely friendly and absolutely love their families. Because they are mixed with a Poodle, there is a chance that their coat will be low-shedding. Their kind disposition and energetic personality make them a good fit for families. Although they are not purebred dogs, and therefore are not recognized by the AKC, they are recognized by other dog registries and clubs. In addition to making a great family pet, Sheepadoodles also make great therapy dogs. A well-socialized Sheepadoodle is an intelligent and active dog who tends to be naturally friendly, calm, and sociable. They tend to get along well with other dogs, pets, and children. Sheepadoodles tend to be expressive and intuitive. They seem to innately know how to be gentle and quiet with younger children. They are a combination of a companion and working dog that loves their family and is devoted to them. This dog breed is moderately adaptable. Due to their exercise needs, they tend to be a better fit for homes with large yards. They can adapt to apartment living, as long as they get plenty of serious exercise every day. They tend to do best in moderate and cooler climates, but can adapt to other types. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, have a lot of energy, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Because the Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed, they can inherit none of the health issues of their parent breeds or can inherit the health issues from one or both of them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, a Sheepadoodle is also at risk for bloat like their parents. Bloat in dogs can quickly become dangerous, especially if gastric torsion occurs ie: the stomach flips. The Sheepadoodle is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please their owners. This tends to make them obedient, fast learners who are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although they are alert and natural watchdogs, well-socialized Sheepadoodles tend to be quiet and will have to be trained to bark at strangers. Because they seek the approval of their owners, they tend to be sensitive. Harsh scolding or tones can hurt your bond with them and could cause them to be withdrawn or unresponsive to training. They respond best to positive ongoing training methods that are consistent. The low-shedding coat is one of the reasons why there are so many Poodle mixes. Sheepadoodle coats can vary from straight to curly and coat colors can be any combination of those common in Poodles. This means you can have a Sheepadoodle that is black, brown, gray, white, or a mix of colors. They only need to be bathed as needed, so having it done while at the groomer is usually a good fit. Floppy ears are more likely to trap dirt, debris, and moisture, which makes them more prone to ear infections. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. It is also one of the most preventable. By implementing good dental care for dogs early on, you can decrease the tartar buildup that causes gum disease and tooth decay. A Sheepadoodle is a high-energy dog breed. They need plenty of exercise and structured exercise routines to be happy and healthy. Their high energy and intelligence mean they need a lot of daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Giving them a job to do can help satisfy their working dog tendencies. They also tend to love water, so going swimming with your dog can be a good activity. Because they are also sociable, taking a trip to the dog park could be another great way to get rid of excess energy. Just make sure you keep activities low impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damaging developing joints. Fully-grown Sheepadoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Generally, Sheepadoodles 20 inches or shorter are considered Mini Sheepadoodles. Sheepadoodles generally live for years on average. Sheepadoodles are also sometimes called Sheepdoodles, Sheepdogpoos, Sheepposs, and Sheep-a-poos. Featured Sheepadoodle Article. These dogs offer perks like non shedding fur, a loving and playful temperament, and a teddy bear face! Sheepadoodle Temperament Your average Sheepadoodle is very bright — with a high emotional IQ as well. After all, they are half Poodle — an intelligent breed! These dogs are known to be very playful. Their eagerness to play, socialize, with a love of children. They enjoy a bit of rough housing, making them a great family dog! These dogs are very affectionate, and love to be around and please their owners. F1 means his dad was purebred Standard Poodle, and his mom was purebred Sheepdog. Our situation: we have 4 kids, ages 4 through .We live on a half acre, with a good sized fenced in backyard. I work from home. Zion stopped growing around 75lbs — making him a giant sheepadoodle. Do not underestimate how much brute strength he has! The standard Sheepadoodle dog is between lbs, depending on the size of the parents. The dogs also can be bred in medium and toy size. Think carefully before committing to the giant Sheepadoodle- a smaller sized dog is easier to handle and might be best for you! Look carefully for a business that treats the dogs they breed as family pets. These breeders will take proper steps to hand over healthy, happy Sheepadoodle puppies to you! We spent almost an hour on FaceTime when it came time to pick out our pup from an East Coast breeder, finding out specific temperaments of our pup. I mean!! Can you handle that cuteness?? Training Sheepadoodle Puppies We quickly realized this was like having a toddler again! Two Toddlers: We crate trained him right away highly recommend for your own sanity! We kept his puppy crate in our walk-in pantry, with a blanket over it to make him feel cozy. I like this puppy crate because you can divide it in the middle, so a puppy still feels cozy and safe! The bottom is a tray that slides out. We could clean accidents easily without a mess. The crate helped set order, gave Zion somewhere safe to go, and made house training easier. Sheepadoodle puppies are particularly easy to house train. Buy the crate we used for Zion as a pup: Have you ever seen a crate big enough for a full size 75lb dog? This is our current XL crate that we bought after Zion outgrew his puppy crate around 10 months old. It is huge! As a home decor blogger this crate was cramping my style! Crate Training Schedule Keep a blanket over the crate at all times. His first few weeks his schedule was: In his crate around pm, we left him there all night Took him out at 6am to potty in the yard Breakfast and lots of playtime. Sheepadoodles puppies nip more than other breeds because they are herding dogs. These dogs have a natural instinct to nip to keep their sheep in line! For the first few months, Zion would follow around our 5 year old Leo and nip his clothes and hands all day. This was frustrating for us! Thankfully, Zion no longer nips, but it was work to break the habit and took almost the full first year. Serious redirecting by constantly giving him his favorite bully sticks to chew instead every time he wants to nip you. To a herding dog, the desire to herd animals is also the desire to herd any humans in the house, too. Luckily, sheepadoodles live to please and you can train them to control this urge! Learning the basic commands like sit and stay is a breeze with a sheepadoodle. This is the first step to controlling their instinct to herd. Direct the dog to stop and sit when they want to herd. Stop the herding before it begins is the most helpful. Sternly intervene when you see the dog wanting to herd each time. Once the dog understands herding is disapproved by his owner, you can make sure not running after kids and others becomes a habit. Do Sheepadoodles Shed? No, Sheepadoodle dogs are not supposed to shed. I was NOT pleased. Zion goes every 6 weeks to the groomer for a bath and cut, and every 3 weeks he goes in for just a bath. Regular baths and trims keeps their teddy bear look. Sometimes we bathe him ourselves. I LOVE and swear by this whitening shampoo to keep the white in his coat super bright white instead of off white or dingy. I just started buying the bigger jar here to save money on it, since we use it regularly. After a recommendation from my brother in law, we bought this high quality pin brush off Amazon — night and day from the cheap pet store plastic brushes! If you read the reviews you will know why. For his mats specifically, we like this slicker brush. You can go back and forth on the mats quickly and it untangles them without Zion even noticing. The pet store brushes were getting stuck in the actual mat and pull. Between those two brushes, you will never have to buy your dog another brush again! Splurge on the good brushes once, than buy a lifetime of cheapies from the pet store. For his teeth, our vet suggested giving him Greenies every few days to help with tartar control and his breath. It takes him a few minutes to chew them and he enjoys the taste. This guy needs serious speed and playtime. If the kids are outside playing, he wants to be there. He is all about that frisbee life! Any sort of high energy, running fast and playing keep away with the ball — Sheepadoodles live for that. This toy is indestructible and flies like a Frisbee! A good game of tug-a-wore followed by some fetch with the Chuck It Toy is favorite activity. It comes with little bags that are attached to the scooper, so the poop is collected directly into the bag. We recently started attaching old grocery bags to the scooper; they work just as well. We are his people and he just wants to be in the same room as us. That is usually his priority! We taught our kids how to be respectful. But the truth is, Zion really just wants to play with the kids at allllll times. This playfulness is a trait of Sheepadoodles and why we were so attracted to the dogs to begin with! Zion has attached himself to our oldest child more than anyone. He sleeps with him and he likes to come pick up the kids from school in the afternoons- mostly so he can sit in his lap all the way home. His love for him is heartwarming stuff! Pros and Cons Of Owning a Sheepadoodle Pros Extremely social He loves to interact and be near us Smart Easy to train, so quick to be housebroken Emotionally smart High emotional IQ so he picks up on our feelings — would make a popular therapy dog Hypoallergenic, no shedding Great temperament Playful, loving, gentle, confident, and obedient! No obnoxious barking, whining or anxiety. Your Sheepadoodle will be sad, lonely and destructive left alone. They need to be around people! Expensive grooming and regular upkeep to keep the fur from matting Herding The dog will have to be trained out of this instinctual behavior Nipping Another instinctual behavior to deal with Some chewing issues — not a lot Our Sheepadoodle has been trained to leave our home alone, but he did go to town on my rug as a pup. We have his favorite bully sticks out for him. These have been his favorite chews since day 1 and they last a little while, which is nice.