jack russell x poodle puppies

Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. What should be in a Labrador puppy starter pack? Choosing the right kind of food for your Labrador Retriever puppy is important - they may have special dietary requirements such as grain free and hypoallergenic foods. Identification A must-have item are identification tags which should be firmly attached to your puppy's collar. Remember to include your current address and phone number. It's also a good idea to include a separate tag with your veterinarian's name and phone number. We strongly recommend NOT to include your pets name on the tags, as anyone who may try to take your pup will be able to call them by name and your dog may assume they are friendly. Most pet shops offer over-the-counter tag engraving. Dog Lead There are lots of leads to choose from; short, long, retractable, halty leads.There's really no one perfect lead and it's down to personal preference for you and your dog. We can however recommend that if you have a large or strong dog breed that you start off with a regular short lead, at least until your pup is well trained and can walk nicely on a lead. A shorter lead here makes controlling your pup easier and is better for everyone's safety. Perfect-Pets have a fantastic book available, filled with lots of help and advice on training your dog including lead training. Stain Removers and Deodorizers We can say for sure that at some point your puppy will make a big mess. Having good cleaning products ready to go is important to avoid any lasting stains or, more importantly, any lingering smells. If the area is not cleaned and deodorised properly, your pup will be able to smell it and will assume that this is the place to go to the bathroom. Remember that just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean that your dog can't - their sense of smell is much better than your own. Most stain removers do a good job, but we highly recommend the Simple Solution Extreme Stain Remover. Poor dental health can lead to a number of health problems, but they are so easy to avoid. You can get an actual Dog Toothbrush, but in our experience a lot of dogs won't sit and allow you to brush their teeth. You can get Toothbrush Chew Toys and fill with doggy toothpaste instead - this will clean their teeth and provide entertainment all in one. A lot of dog owners choose to have their pup professionally groomed, but if you want to bath them at home then you'll need a good shampoo. Puppies skin is sensitive, and even grown dogs can be prone to skin irritation from chemicals and substances present in a lot of grooming products. We recommend using a sensitive dog shampoo with no or only a mild scent, such as this Pro Pooch Sensitive Dog Shampoo. Dog Bed and Crate Your new puppy needs to feel safe and comfortable to have a good nights sleep, especially if you plan to have them sleep downstairs overnight. We suggest getting a puppy crate and draping blankets or towels over it to create a nice little den for them. Realistically, your pup will outgrow their first or even first few dog beds quickly, so we recommend finding one that is comfortable but inexpensive such as this basic dog bed. Once your puppy is all grown up, there are lots of great beds to choose from such as this highly rated ANWA Donut Dog Bed , or for dogs who prefer beds with sides ours does! Toys and Chews Puppies love to chew. They normally chew to entertain themselves, or because they're teething or even just because they're bored. Having dog toys and chews that your pup has easy access to is important to avoid any destructive behaviour towards furniture, flooring, clothes or pretty much anything within reach! Choosing toys and chews that are the right size, shape and texture for their growing teeth, mouth and jaws is important for healthy physical development. Strong chewers such as Labradors, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to name a few require tough chew toys - unless you want to buy new toys on a weekly or even daily basis. Recent posts. The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy?

Josie at 4 months If you are interested in getting on the reservation list, please send us an email answering these questions. Where do you live? Do you have plenty of space for a large breed dog? Will your dog be an inside pet or outside? Are you planning on breeding eventually or will always be a companion only? How much time, during the day, will you or your family have for a new puppy? Do you have any other pets? We have done this with every litter and right away the puppies choose to potty outside instead of where they sleep and play. I've had several people tell me that they installed a doggy door and their puppy didn't have any accidents at all and was completely trained to the door when they brought them home. I make no guarantees on your puppy being potty trained by 8 weeks when you take them home but I do guarantee that they had a great start of pottying in the yard for weeks prior to going home. We do not ship puppies because when you get your puppy, we want to be there to hand him to you and make sure that your new baby is safe and in good hands the entire time. We can travel up to 70 miles to meet you with your new puppy. Proverbs A righteous man regards the life of his animal.If you would like to speak to us before placing a deposit you can call or text us at Email us at. She found her place there. Ruth went to college in Missouri where she studied two wildly different topics, Art and Business. She found success at her corporate job after school but noticed something was missing… the love and purpose that comes from taking care of animals and bringing people along with her on that journey. As a new breeder, Ruth completed extensive research and decided hybrids were where she wanted to focus her energy; specifically crossing Bernese Mountain Dogs with another breed. It is here where her value for uniqueness and art come together. Her goal is to breed genetically and physically healthy dogs and pair the right puppy to the right family. This will allow the puppy to have the best chance at a long life and the family to have a healthy companion. Connecting a puppy to healthy parents allows the owner to take initiative to train, love and socialize the puppy into their perfect companion dog. They are the grandparents to many Bernedoodles of the Ozarks puppies and help with northern transportation! View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Springfield Missouri and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

For the complete list please see our Breeder Listings page. The price of the pup will depend on the breeder from which you are buying it from as well as its bloodline and color. Even though the price is usually more expensive, you can be sure that this type of registration comes with benefits as well as recommendations from other breeders and owners who have dealt with them before. A great place to start looking for reputable breeders in your area is on the internet via Google or Facebook where you can see what kind of dogs they have produced in the past and what clients have said about their services. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Minnesota Responsible Boxer breeders should be able to provide you with many things such as health records, registration forms and even a written sales contract. Responsible breeders will also require an application from anyone who wishes to purchase a pup from them so they can choose whether or not you have what it takes to provide a great home. This is done in order to avoid impulse buying and possible backyard breeding which has been known to happen more often than most people realize. A good breeder should be clean, organized and have a large number of healthy pups roaming around the place freely which is a clear sign that they are loved and cared for properly. There should also be a range of sizes from tiny to extra-large since this breed comes with many different personalities as well as body types. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to meet and play with the puppies which is important because it gives you the opportunity to see their personalities as well as what they are like around other dogs, people and kids. Be sure not to pick up any pups unless given permission by the breeder because this shows them that you care about their space and boundaries. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Minnesota You can normally tell a great breeder by the kind of people he or she hangs around with. Any responsible breeder would also have no problem giving you references from other clients so be sure to ask them for these without sounding too pushy and keep track of anyone that they mention. The cost of your puppy is not what should be important here but rather the kind of person you are getting it from since a good breeder will always put your needs before their own when it comes to selling a pup. Since pups spend practically every second with their mothers before being taken home, past customers can easily give an honest answer on how well raised and socialized they are with other animals as well as people so pay attention. Ask for Photos of Their Parents Many breeders claim that their parents are great family dogs with no behavior issues whatsoever which is what makes them seem perfect for every owner. A good breeder should be more than happy to give you the name and number of their veterinarian so that you can set up a check-up for your pup before signing any contracts. Since pups spend most of their lives inside, they need constant supervision which can be hard with children unless planned properly. All good breeders will be more than happy to give advice or pass you on to someone who can teach you how to get started too. However, the problem usually lies in preventing any of these issues from occurring instead of dealing with them after the fact so just focus on finding a good breeder who will help prevent your pup from being put through unnecessary pain. If you notice anything unusual during potty training then make sure you report it straight away since it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs professional help as soon as possible. Training Your Boxer Puppy to Accept Your Commands Some breeds are very good at picking up commands while others can take longer so be sure to check if your Minnesota puppy has any difficulties. 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. Let's talk about our sweet boy Henry.Let's keep this momentum going!!! If you don't know Henry's story, Let's talk about him. He's a 4yo male boxer who was hit by a car in Ohio and left for dead. The shelter picked him up, and he waited alone for five long days for his family to come get him. They never came. A complete stranger saw the shelter's story about Henry online and wanted to help. This good Samaritan, despite knowing they couldn't keep Henry long-term, picked him up from the shelter and took him home and began to arrange medical care, while at the same time starting a search for others who could help find Henry a forever home. That's where MNBR comes in. One of our members saw Henry's story and connected us, and we stepped in to help secure a foster and ongoing medical attention for this good boy. Henry's original prognosis was that his injuries were catastrophic. He would need to have one of his legs amputated, plus additional surgeries to address what appeared to be major spine damage as well as damage to two of his other legs and hips. The situation seemed dire. But as it turns out, our boy Henry is a fighter!!! Despite his situation, he was in good spirits and started to show improvements in his legs, so the team decided to move forward with finding a treatment path for him. An MRI and assessment revealed that Henry's injuries, while extensive, were operable, and the orthopedic surgeon believed that they could save all Henry's limbs! Since then, Henry has had several therapies, including new water therapy, and he is healing! Henry is a sweet boy who is the definition of a champ! Henry arrived in Minnesota finally in January, since then he has been being seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary medical clinic. But we are not getting too excited his care is not over quite yet. And he will also need follow up appointments from the surgery he just endured, bandage changes, etc. Donations are tax deductible. Click HERE to donate now. Highlighted Dogs. Boxer puppies for sale Clearwater, Minnesota Boxer puppies for sale Clearwater, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Clearwater Minnesota? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Clearwater MN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Clearwater for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area. Wiki Clearwater Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

These puppies have a one-year health guarantee against genetic defects and are given specific nutrition information to ensure that they remain healthy. All of their Frenchies are AKC-registered and have a good temperament to ensure your puppies will also take after them. It is safe to say that all of their puppies are socialized and have a good temperament to fit a family at home. Cardin French Bulldogs Cardin French Bulldogs have been breeding Frenchies since , and all of them are brought up around the rest of the animals and family. Each litter is produced yearly and bred on a twenty-acre property with horses, hens, dogs, and children, so the Frenchies are guaranteed to be socialized. Harleyville French Bulldogs The puppies bred by Harvey French Bulldogs are raised and socialized by a loving family in Minnesota, where they are handled daily. All of their puppies are raised with the intention of making them great companions for anyone looking for company. Previously, they raised Boxers but switched to Frenchies over eight years ago. Harleyville French Bulldogs are happy to answer any questions about their puppies and will always endeavor to respond within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. They have a thorough application process to obtain a puppy from them to ensure that their puppies go to the right forever home. They have a health guarantee in place and are microchipped to ensure that the puppies can be found if lost. Along with these elements, they offer breeder support and a puppy pack with a few more additions to ensure your puppy is comfortable in their new home. All their puppies are home raised and are exposed to children and households from a young age to ensure they are socialized. All of their puppies are examined and given shots by a licensed and certified veterinarian, who will also provide health checks to ensure they are completely healthy. They have been working with Frenchies since , and have also worked with show homes and have been breeding since then. They will conduct OFA health testing on their Frenchies to ensure they are as healthy as possible. Overall, their desire is to ensure that everyone has a Frenchie as a pet that is healthy, so that they can live a long life with you and your family. Their main goal is to breed their Frenchies with good health, temperament, and color. All of the puppies born to them are treated like part of the family and are socialized from a young age. Each litter has a waiting list, and all puppies have a health guarantee. However, this is also a great way to meet the adult Frenchies and understand their temperaments, especially to gauge what your pup is like when they reach maturity. All of their Frenchies are health tested and are checked for over conditions that may affect them, and they have access to four generations of pedigree. All of their dogs are socialized from a young age, and they encourage you to pick them up as they do not ship them. They will not breed a litter unless it is guaranteed that they have families waiting for them, so recommend that you put in a deposit to guarantee a puppy from the litter. SweetHeart Frenchies All Frenchies from SweetHeart Frenchies are bred for their health, size, and standard, and all have a good temperament. This contains health info, instructions on raising your puppy, AKC limited registration, their pedigree, a one-year health guarantee, the veterinary record, puppy food, toys, a leash, a collar, and lifetime support from them. They also ensure that all of their Frenchies are microchipped and dewormed and have all of their shots done. Sweetheart Frenchies will also ensure that they socialize the puppies so that they have the right environments, and they will interview prospective homes to find the right forever homes for their Frenchies. All of these puppies are health checked and are up to date with any vaccinations that they need. Other articles of interest:. Good French Bulldog breeders are expected to be responsible and help you with the process of selecting the right puppy for you. Harley French Bulldogs is a family business, and its main goal is to deliver high-quality AKC French Bulldogs that are healthy and happy before anything else. From the day they are born, puppies are raised indoors, where they start getting used to people, loud sounds, and the environment around them. This also includes socialization and fun daily activities that will make them the ideal companions for you. Their business started eleven years ago, but at that time they were raising Boxers, and then after three years they switched to breeding quality French Bulldogs. All their puppies come fully vaccinated and dewormed, with a microchip, a puppy pack, and a five-year genetic health guarantee. If you have any questions or struggles with your new pup, you can always count on support from the breeders. As you can see, this family enjoys every aspect of their job, and there is no doubt that you will be satisfied if you choose to buy one of their lovable Frenchies. Harleyville French Bulldogs Details. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We now live in Becker MN. I am a True Color Breeder. No fad color or designer mix breeds. I take great pride in being a Preservation Breeder and do not breed Designer color or Hair coat Frenchies. We breed occasionally for our own show dogs. Our goal is to produce dogs that are both healthy and pleasing to the eye, meeting and exceeding the AKC French Bulldog standards. Our home raised, Minnesota French Bulldog puppies are exposed to children and a lot of household commotion so they are well socialized before leaving to live with a new family. Our puppies are examined and vaccinated by a Licensed and Certified Veterinarian to verify their health prior to adoption to a new family. Those not chosen to be show dogs are available as companion dogs. We welcome inquires about pet and show prospect puppies. We can also offer referrals to reputable AKC breeders with French Bulldog puppies for sale in our area. Please feel free to browse through our website for a sneak peak at our French Bulldogs and French Bulldog puppies for sale. All of our AKC French Bulldogs are accustomed to family life and will be a loving member of your family. We strive to produce top quality MN French Bulldogs. Many questions can be answered on this site. Check out the buttons and links to find out if a French Bulldog is the right new family pet for you. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Minnesota? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Minnesota work? The price tags for each pup can be influenced by factors like breeder experience and location, along with coat color and pedigree. Our network is designed to help you find the perfect French Bulldog for sale in Minnesota for you, including one that fits your budget. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The typical French Bulldog Minnesota is a short dog with pointed ears and an adorable little face. They're descended from English Bulldogs, designed to be a little smaller and more portable than their ancestors. These days, Minnesota French Bulldogs for sale are hugely popular family pets due to their loyal and loving nature. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? One thing you might notice when browsing through Minnesota French Bulldog breeders is that these pups can be a little pricey. This is all down to their genetics. Due to the narrow hips of Frenchies, breeding them can be very difficult, leading to higher costs for breeders and higher prices on the pups as well. So if you want a healthy Minnesota French Bulldog puppy for sale, you'll need to pay a little extra when compared to other breeds. Do you only connect me with French Bulldog breeders nearby? Not at all! You can use Uptown to connect with breeders and businesses all over the US, and most of the featured breeders in the Uptown network are highly experienced in transporting puppies. They'll be able to arrange travel for your French Bulldog for sale Minnesota to any major airport in your area. How do you screen French Bulldog breeders? Uptown upholds the highest standards of animal welfare, breeding experience, facility cleanliness, and much more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with French Bulldogs? The internet is a great tool for finding French Bulldog puppies for sale in Minnesota. Unfortunately, it's an equally useful tool for scammers, bad breeders, and puppy mills to sell sick dogs too! At Uptown, we aim to eliminate the risk of buying an unhealthy pup from a bad seller, putting you in touch with only the very best breeders. What is a puppy mill like? An honest breeding facility is a wonderful place for French Bulldog puppies in Minnesota, but a puppy mill is the exact opposite! At mills, dogs are forced to produce litter after litter of unhealthy puppies, many of which develop severe health issues that can cost thousands of dollars to fix. A lot of puppy mill dogs also die sooner than usual due to their mistreatment. Are there any French Bulldog litters available right now? These pups are super popular, so there are always plenty of new and upcoming litters to check out. We'll help to put you in touch with leading breeders and businesses and make your search for the perfect pup a simple and stress-free experience from start to finish. Are French Bulldogs suitable for apartments? A lot of apartment owners are opting for a Minnesota French Bulldog for sale these days, as these little, stubby dogs are just right for small home life. They don't have high energy levels or exercise requirements, so they can get on just fine in a little place, as long as they get plenty of cuddles, walks, and mental stimulation. Are French Bulldogs low-shedding? If you're looking for a low-shedding dog, French Bulldogs for sale in Minnesota aren't exactly the best choice, but they're not as bad as some other breeds. They're classed as moderate shedders and actually don't shed much for large parts of the year, but each spring and winter, they'll go through a couple of weeks of heavy shedding. You can minimize this by grooming them regularly.

We can connect with our laptops or smartphones and buy things online instantly from the comfort of our own homes. First, the vast majority of adverts selling puppies online are fake. In most cases, the dogs never existed, and buyers are duped out of hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many of the puppies for sale on Craigslist have come from puppy mills. These places are run purely for profit and will cut corners to boost their income. They keep their dogs in basic accommodation usually kennels , which are often filthy. The puppies are often weak and sickly, and many die pretty early on. There have also been hundreds of cases where people have bought purebred pups, but these turn out to be mutts. The answer is clear: Avoid Craigslist when buying animals! If you find a reputable local breeder, they will welcome you to the site to visit with them and meet the parent dogs. Some may allow you to see the pups, but access is sometimes restricted to stop them from getting sick. Check out the breeder thoroughly, and be sure to ask questions. A good breeder will tell you to do this anyway, as they have nothing to hide and will be only too pleased to connect you with happy customers who will provide testimonials. Even so, these beautiful animals can be found in shelters across America, along with thousands of other dogs. Instead of buying from a breeder, why not consider giving one of these dogs a forever home? If you think you could provide a loving home to a dog in need, take a look at the following site: 1. They are simply two devoted dog-lovers who spend much of their time helping homeless dogs. All puppies can be a challenge. Like other dogs, the GSD will go through teething. It will need potty training and obedience training. They are very social animals that need company, especially human company. Without this, they become frustrated and sometimes aggressive. German Shepherds shed a lot! Your GSD pup can come in one of 11 standard colors , not just the classic black and tan you often see. GSDs have a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years, and they have a few health concerns to watch out for, including arthritis and hip dysplasia. All good breeders test for the main health problems, which is another reason to use them. In conclusion, the German Shepherd is a wonderful animal that deserves a home that can match its energy and intelligence. Related articles:. German Shepherds for sale in Ohio Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Ohio with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Ohio. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Ohio There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Ohio, from Cleveland to Cincinnati, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in OH! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in OH We like to think we've made a lot of people in Ohio happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. The day we picked him was wonderful.We are taking him to OH to live, we will receive training here before we leave and in OH via the internet. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a healthy, beautiful addition to their family. My location in Ohio wasn't a problem at all, and the courier was happy to deliver direct to our house - and we couldn't wait to meet and rehome our new pup! As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. She's a beautiful 6 year old 40lb GS mix. She's potty trained. She's a love bug, and happiest by your side day and night. She'll take all the pets and tummy rubs you deliver. She hasn't met a stranger, but will alert you with a bark when someone's at the door. This fantastic little lady would benefit from a consistent loving home. The adoption fee covers a portion of these services, and makes it possible for us to continue rescuing animals. An application does not obligate you to adopt. Please understand that due to the volume of applications some animals receive, we are unable to contact all applicants. If your application is considered a good fit for the animal you are interested in, or even a different pet, a volunteer will give you a call as soon as possible. We are a foster based rescue and do not have a shelter location where animals can be seen during the week. Not all animals attend every adoption event, please check our Facebook page for animal event times and locations before you make a trip to meet a specific animal.

Breeds The link has been copied! Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for a good reason. They make wonderful family pets due to their friendly personalities, endless loyalty, and high intelligence. However, before bringing one into your home, it is essential to consider the costs associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In this article, we'll explore the question, "How much does a Golden Retriever cost? The overall price of a Golden Retriever can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the dog's age, lineage, and location. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that buying a puppy is just the beginning of the expenses associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In addition to the initial price, routine vet visits and vaccinations are necessary to keep your Golden Retriever healthy and prevent illnesses. These costs can add up quickly, especially in the first year of your dog's life when they require more frequent check-ups and vaccines. Your dog will typically require annual check-ups and routine vaccinations throughout their life. You can also choose to microchip your pet for additional security measures. Another ongoing expense associated with owning a Golden Retriever is grooming. While Golden Retrievers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and occasional baths. So, you will need to set aside adequate funds for this care. A Golden Retriever puppy cost can vary. The overall price will depend on whether you choose to purchase from a breeder or adopt from a rescue organization. However, it is essential to note that some breeders will charge more for puppies that have exceptional bloodlines or rare coat colors. If you choose to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy from a rescue organization, the adoption fee is usually much lower than the purchase price from a breeder. It is important to note that adoption fees will usually cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and shelter for the puppy while in the rescue organization's care. Often if you choose to adopt from a rescue or dog shelter, the pet will come into your family already spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. Color One of the most significant factors is the color of the puppy. Golden Retrievers typically come in shades of gold, but some may have a slightly darker or lighter coat, which can create variations in their price. For instance, puppies with lighter-colored coats may be more expensive than those with darker coats. Bloodline Puppies with a pedigree from a well-known champion bloodline are often more expensive than those without a proven lineage. This cost difference is because they are likely to have a superior appearance, temperament, and overall health characteristics. Often dogs from such lineage come with documentation and official paperwork to verify their background. A quality breeder who has invested time and resources in breeding and raising quality Golden Retrievers may charge a higher price for their puppies. This reason is that they are more likely to provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Estimated Size Finally, the estimated size of the puppy can impact the cost. Typically, male Golden Retrievers are larger than females, and puppies from larger litters may be smaller than those from smaller litters. Owing to that, puppies from a smaller litter may be more expensive as they tend to be in higher demand. Overall, it is essential to consider all of these factors when looking to purchase a Golden Retriever to ensure that you get the best value for your money. As we've discussed, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Golden Retriever can quickly add up. However, investing in a GPS-tracking dog collar is one way to protect your investment in your furry friend. A GPS-tracking dog collar can help make sure that your Golden Retriever doesn't wander too far from home or get lost. This feature is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of traffic or wildlife, where your dog could be at risk of injury or getting into dangerous situations. A GPS tracking dog collar can help you quickly locate your dog if they do manage to escape, allowing you to bring them home safely and quickly. No doubt a GPS-tracking dog collar is an additional expense, but it can provide peace of mind and protection for your furry friend, making it a worthwhile investment for any Golden Retriever owner. It can give you the confidence to let your dog explore and play freely while still being able to keep an eye on their location and well-being. Incorporating the Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar into your Golden Retriever's routine can help ensure their safety and security while enjoying all the joys of owning this beloved breed. The collar has a long battery life and is water-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The collar also offers activity tracking, which can help you monitor your dog's exercise habits and ensure they are getting enough physical activity to stay healthy. Golden Retriever Breed Guide The Golden Retriever is a popular breed known for being friendly and having an affectionate personality. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. They are typically very patient with children and get along well with other animals, making them an ideal companion for families with kids or other pets. Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large breed in terms of size and weight. Males typically weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand in inches between 23 to .Alternatively, females weigh between 55 pounds to 65 pounds and stand in inches between .Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 14 years. Golden Retrievers are an active breed. They frequently require multiple sessions of daily exercise to stay in peak shape. They enjoy many types of outdoor activities, including swimming, fetch, and hiking. These dogs make great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, they can also adopt a more laid-back lifestyle if they don't receive regular exercise. The lifetime care costs of a Golden Retriever will often depend on factors such as their health, age, and lifestyle. Budgeting for these costs and planning accordingly to ensure that your furry friend receives the care they need throughout their lifetime is essential. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Golden Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog can be significantly less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder, and it also helps to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. Another way to save money is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may have already gone through the training process, which can save on the cost of obedience classes and training supplies. They may also be less demanding in terms of exercise and may already be house-trained, which can save on cleaning and flooring expenses. When buying a Golden Retriever puppy, it's crucial to find a breeder who will always prioritize the health and life quality of their dogs. A breeder should be able to provide you with health guarantees, documentation of the puppy's lineage, and proof of vaccinations and other necessary medical treatments. Moreover, it's also a good idea to visit the breeder's facility and meet the puppy's parents, if possible, to get a sense of the breeding environment and the temperament of the puppies. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option when buying a Golden Retriever, doing so can lead to additional expenses down the line if the puppy develops health problems that require expensive medical treatment. A reputable breeder may have higher upfront costs but is more likely to produce healthy puppies with fewer genetic health issues. This initial extra cost can ultimately save you money and heartache in the long run. By taking the time to research breeders and consider all options carefully, you can save on the initial cost of owning a Golden Retriever while still providing a loving home for a furry companion. Conclusion: The Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever In conclusion, owning a Golden Retriever can be a fulfilling experience, but it is crucial to consider the upfront and ongoing costs that are commonly associated with owning one. By understanding the factors that impact the price tag of a Golden Retriever and exploring ways to reduce those costs, you can ensure that you are providing the best care for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Lastly, you will want to consider how to protect your newest family member and the investment that comes with them. The Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar is a cutting-edge style of technology that offers dog owners an extra layer of protection for their furry friends. The collar uses GPS technology to track your dog's location in real time and sends alerts to your phone if your dog leaves a designated safe zone. This feature can be beneficial in the event that your Golden Retriever ever goes missing or wanders off, giving you the ability to quickly and easily locate them. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Coat Trim Cost of Veterinary Expenses You can expect to pay for the vet each year so that your dog can remain up to date with their shots. An annual visit can also make sure your dog is healthy, but you may want to take your dog in more often if they get sick or have other problems. You can get pet insurance to help cover the cost of these vet expenses. A good breeder will provide you with not only a healthy, well-socialized puppy but also support and guidance as you navigate life with your new furry friend. But with so many breeders out there, how do you know who to choose? Look for a breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club AKC or other reputable organizations and who has experience breeding golden retrievers. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the breed and will provide you with references from past clients. A good breeder will provide support and guidance as you adjust to life with your new pet. They should be available to answer questions, offer training advice, and help you navigate any challenges that arise. Look for a Breeder with Experience Experience matters when it comes to breeding golden retrievers. A breeder with years of experience will have a wealth of knowledge about the breed and will be able to provide you with valuable insights and advice. They will know how to breed for good temperament, health, and other important traits that make golden retrievers such beloved family pets. This includes information about any genetic diseases or health issues that may be present in the bloodline. By choosing a breeder who prioritizes health and genetics, you can help ensure that your new puppy is healthy and happy. Some breeders may insist that you participate in these events if you want to purchase a puppy from them, but this is not a requirement. Choose a breeder who respects your lifestyle and preferences and who is primarily concerned with finding a good home for their puppies. The right Golden Retriever breeder depends on you as a person, but any good breeder should be able to answer any questions. You may come across the perfect puppy online, but do not commit to any dog until you can visit in person. The dog may be totally different than in their photo. In some cases, you may find that the dog does not exist. Some scammers can take photos of other dogs and collect payment for the dog. But the scammer will disappear before the buyer realizes the dog is not theirs. To avoid these puppy sales scams, always visit the dog in person before you sign a contract or make a payment. Make sure the dog looks like the pictures and that they have the temperament that you want. If you are working with a breeder, be sure to check their credentials and ask for references. You can speak to other dog owners who have gone through the breeder. Finally, do not rush into getting a dog. Conclusion While Golden Retrievers can be moderately expensive to keep over the ten to twelve years that they generally live, there are many ways that people can reduce the cost of keeping them. One of the best ways to save money while raising a Golden Retriever is to get quality pet insurance. As long as their owners are prepared to offer them financial security in the form of good food, a few well-loved toys, and some regular veterinary care, Goldens repay the devotion a hundredfold in terms of loyalty and affection for their families. Check out our list of Golden Retriever Rescue Organizations , they are listed by state. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.

Labradoodles: Top dog or a 'Frankenstein' breed? Updated: Jan. Published: Jan. By Maria Amante mamante mlive. But as the crossbreed that started as an assistance dog has become more popular in the U. Wally Conron, a former breeder for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, bred a litter of the puppies about 24 years ago when he was trying to create a guide dog for a blind woman whose husband had allergies, he told The Guardian newspaper in a interview. The result was a smart, non-allergenic animal that was eager to please and worked well for his client. And while West Michigan labradoodle owners say selecting a reputable breeder is key for any puppy purchase, they also have found a lot to celebrate in a dog that was created as a helpmate for humans. Even some labradoodles that come from healthy parents have wheat allergies, Ward said. The price of puppies can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the breeder. They also are good for those with allergies, she said. More than half of her clients prefer labradoodles because of mild or severe dog allergies, Ward said. The McClure family, of East Grand Rapids, bought their dog from Ward after their standard poodle died over a year ago. But another poodle would have reminded them too much of their old dog. Instead, the McClures picked a labradoodle and named her Zoe after some friends gave the breed positive reviews. Zoe is playful and energetic at 10 months old, Jane McClure said. The dog gets along well with the family, they said, including Maddie, 13, and Emily, 17, and a small terrier mix named Bella. Deb Davis, marketing communications manager for Paws With a Cause, said clients with severe dog allergies often receive blond poodles. Clients with a mild to moderate allergy receive a labradoodle on occasion. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Footer Navigation. Dogs and Puppies, Poodle. These Doberman Pinschers are available for adoption close to Monroe, Michigan. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Saginaw who need a home. Welcome to our Michigan Miniature Puppies page. Dogs and Puppies, Golden Retriever. Adopt a Sloughi near you Sloughi in cities near Greenville, Michigan Other pups in Greenville, Michigan Search for a Sloughi puppy or dog near you Browse Sloughi puppies and dogs in nearby cities Browse related breeds in Greenville, Michigan Sloughi shelters and rescues in Greenville, Michigan Learn more about adopting a Sloughi puppy or dog. We don't like them and we're pretty sure you don't either. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Looking for a Doberman Pinscher puppy or dog in Monroe, Michigan? Look at pictures of puppies in Kalamazoo who need a home. Find Puppies and Breeders in MI and helpful information. Irish Wolfhound Puppies for Sale. We can even deliver your puppy right to you door if you aren't able to drive to our location. Puppies for Sale from Michigan Breeders. Most adoption fees are reasonable, but remember the expense of caring for these wonderful animals. Find Maltese puppies for saleNear Michigan. Call Karen Show more ». Search Puppies and Dogs For Sale. Temperance, Michigan. If you are looking for puppies and dogs for sale or adoption in areas other than Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing or Michigan please use the search box! Microchips are a safety net and enable any lost puppy to be traced back to the owner. Puppies For Sale in Michigan .Browse search results for small dog mix Pets and Animals for sale in Michigan. Hi there! Dogs in Kalamazoo Michigan. Small puppies, large puppies, all sorts of puppies… we have a premier selection of cheap puppies for sale, of various breeds. Give us a call or send us a message and we'll arrange the best option for you and your new puppy. Puppies for Sale in Saginaw Michigan. Puppies and Dogs near you in Michigan. Find Maltese puppies for sale. Purebred and designer puppies raised in central Michigan. We microchip all our puppies and have since the day we began in .Check Out Our Adoption Specials! Puppies for Sale near Michigan Your search returned the following puppies for sale. Michigan Dogs and Puppies Classifieds Hoobly. Our family has been raising puppies since and we love what we do! Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for Sale. Find dogs and puppies for adoption at Michigan Humane. For smaller living spaces like you'll find in some Michigan cities like Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids, our small-breed puppies are the perfect fit and will be just the companion you are looking for! Need help with financing? Available in most states and cities 90 Days interest Free! Border Terrier Puppies for Sale. Home; Puppies; Find a Puppy; Share this page. Puppies for Sale in Kalamazoo Michigan. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Michigan, MI. Check out our puppies for sale in Michigan! We love raising puppies and every puppy that is adopted gets a starter kit sent with it. Breeders who register their litters must. We raise all our puppies as a family which acclimates our puppies to living with children and adults alike. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .We have puppies for sale in Michigan! Check out the breeds we currently offer. Maltese, Michigan » Gibson Township. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Puppies for Sale in Troy, Michigan. These puppies are ready and well trained, lovely ,come with papers and accessories. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Super sweet personality, love to be held and to play with other pets. Born February 11, first shots and worming. While he may be a bit shy at first, Rameaux is a playful pup who loves to run and play tag. Basset Hound Puppies for Sale. We're a family that raises small breed puppies for sale here in MI. Why buy a Doberman Pinscher puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Doberman Pinscher puppies who need a home. Basically she is full husky and acts like one. Puppies and Dogs For Sale Classifieds. Mixed, Michigan » Lansing Charter Township. Once in the stores they have a veterinarian visit every week until they find a home. Playful and does well with other small dogs. Available Puppies in Michigan Browse all of our available puppies in Michigan or choose a specific puppy breed! Three precious little cavapoos, born are looking for their forever homes. Adorable Teddy Bear puppies Melanieperez.Browse these Border Terrier rescues and shelters below. We raise all our own puppies right here on our family farm in central Michigan and would love to work with you one-on-one to find the perfect puppy. Mixed Puppies For Sale in Michigan .All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Doberman Pinscher Location Age Any. Hi we have AKC miniature poodle puppies ready for their forever homes, we have one male left available. The tiny Maltese is famed for its loyalty and ability to grow a luxurious white coat. Small Breed Puppies for Sale. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Dogs for Sale in Marquette, MI. Dogs in Muskegon Michigan. Puppies For Sale in Michigan. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Find your puppy for sale in Michigan. We implant and register the microchip for you in the lifetime LostMyPet system with all the fees are included in our price. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Northern Michigan, Michigan. I have one boy and two girls purebred french bulldog puppies for sale. Pet Classifieds MI Michigan. Doberman Pinscher Puppies for Sale. He is a chocolate and white, male Pom. Our puppies are given a physical by licensed veterinarians to screen for health issues prior to accepting them from the breeder. Access a community of more than 11, shelter and. If you are unable to find your puppy in our. Parents are on site and health checked. Doberman Pinscher puppies and dogs in Monroe, Michigan. Free Puppy Listings. Soft Redish Curls, non shedding. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Michigan who need a home. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. However, free dogs and puppies are a rarity as shelters usually charge a small adoption fee to cover their expenses. American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Also, be sure to check the Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that dog breeder. Michigan Dogs and Puppies Classifieds Hoobly. Pug puppies for sale in Michigan. Look at pictures of puppies in Ann Arbor who need a home. When choosing a Doberman puppy, be sure to visit the litter and meet the parents. He is a male dog neuter vaccines potty trained dachshund breed about years old lbs. Dogs for Sale Near Marquette, Michigan. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Michigan, MI. Advertise your dogs and puppies for free! If you are. Paw Paw free puppies; Detroit free puppies; Hopkins free puppies; Shelby Township free puppies; Jackson free puppies; Brockway free puppies; Mikado free puppies;. Search Puppies and Dogs For Sale. Dogs in Muskegon Michigan. Stunning English Bulldog puppies for sale, Ready to go now. Dogs and Puppies, Golden Retriever. Puppies for Sale in Kalamazoo Michigan. Post A Free Listing. Golden retriever puppies. No puppies are available. If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near Michigan in these listings. Her Mom is a sweet natured, very laid ba more. The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is America's most popular dog breed. You are not looking for puppies for adoption, but would like to give away puppies yourself? Here at Petclassifieds. Michigan Pug Classifieds Hoobly. Why buy a Chihuahua puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Chihuahua puppies in Michigan who need a home. Paw Paw free puppies; Detroit free puppies; Hopkins free puppies; Shelby Township free puppies; Brockway free puppies; Mikado free puppies; Coldwater free puppies;. All Breeds. Puppies and Dogs near you in Michigan. Beagle puppies for sale in Michigan from trusted breeders. Great family dogs or hunting companions. Dogs in Marquette Michigan. MI Find Beagle puppies for sale Near Michigan With big floppy ears and an adorable face, the beagle is one of the most popular breeds in America. We are looking for a new home for Ralphie. He is definitely a shepherding dog. Puppies for Sale in Michigan. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Michigan. Sort Dogs by: Ads 1 - 8 of , Reach many interested people who want to give your puppies a good home. Look at pictures of puppies in Saginaw who need a home. We have both Mother and Father. MarketPlace is where you can find anything you need! Simply choose a category for your search, enter just a keyword or a detailed description, and click "Search". Oreo is almost 7 weeks old and slowly being weaned. The puppies are currently 8 weeks old. Look at pictures of puppies in Kalamazoo who need a home. Pet Classifieds MI Michigan. Free Puppy Listings — list or get puppies for free. AKC German Shepherd puppy for sale, all black. Hello guys, we have super adorable Dachshund litters for sale. Simply choose a category for your search, enter just a keyword or a detailed description, and click. Detroit Free Press Domestic Pets. Super sweet personality, love to be held and to play with other pets. Puppies for Sale in Saginaw Michigan. If you are looking to adopt a puppy or buy a dog, but haven't settled on a breed take a look here! Page 2. We have many dogs up for adoption as well! Browse through this page to find many dogs and puppies looking for loving homes, all of which are free! A place to list any pup needing a home They may come from a shelter, rescue or person Another avenue to. We are proud to announce our stunning litter of Blue French bulldog Puppies are not to be missed and if your looking for quality pups then look no further 9 Years. Pug puppies for sale in Michigan Current vaccines and worming written health guarantee. They are ready for their new homes now! We hate puppy scammers as much as you do so we created a system that keeps them out. Dogs and Puppies, German Shepherd. Glory is such a precious little girl, she came in as starvation dog, 4 yrs old , 28 lbs, just the sweetest little » Read more ». Puppies for Sale in Michigan - AdoptaPet. Simply choose a category for your search, enter just a keyword or a. Chihuahua Puppies for Sale in Michigan. Puppies and Dogs For Sale. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location Size Color. Expected October Contact. This will give you a good idea of what your pup will be like when they grow up. Puppies for Sale from Michigan Breeders. All the breeders and businesses on our network passed our strict screening process and are bound by a legal agreement to uphold high breeding standards. See our selection of beautiful puppy breeds. Michigan 2 If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near Michigan in these listings. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Puppies and Dogs For Sale Classifieds. Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for Sale. However, free dogs and puppies are a rarity as shelters usually charge a small. These puppies are being sold as purebred puppies. Puppies for Sale in Ann Arbor Michigan. Dogs that are Free to a Good Home. Most adoption fees are reasonable, but remember the expense of caring for these wonderful animals. Temperance, Michigan. She can eat on her own now and loves to fight with your hands We can deliver locally within miles of zip code .Harley is a very sweet and gentle dog. Michigan Golden Retriever Classifieds Hoobly. Find the perfect puppy for sale in Michigan at Next Day Pets. He is sweet, attentive and protective. Socialized with dogs and children of all sizes. Flint, MI .Free Dog for Good Home. Two Bulldog puppies one male one female. Michigan If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near Michigan in these listings. Bella is well kept very playful have lots if energy and but very calm Really needs a family that has time for » Read more ». Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog. Small Puppies for Sale in Michigan. Dogs for Sale in Grand Rapids. Three precious little cavapoos, born are looking for their forever homes. Hi there! Find Puppies and Breeders in MI and helpful information. We have puppies for sale in Michigan! Check out the breeds we currently offer. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .Once in the stores they have a veterinarian visit every week until they find a home. Small puppies, large puppies, all sorts of puppies… we have a premier selection of cheap puppies for sale, of various breeds. Adorable Teddy Bear puppies Melanieperez.We microchip all our puppies and have since the day we began in .Pet Classifieds MI Michigan. Breeders who register their litters must. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Check out our puppies for sale in Michigan! We love raising puppies and every puppy that is adopted gets a starter kit sent with it. Puppies For Sale in Michigan. We raise all our puppies as a family which acclimates our puppies to living with children and adults alike. Dogs and Puppies, Golden Retriever. The tiny Maltese is famed for its loyalty and ability to grow a luxurious white coat. Dogs and Puppies, Poodle. Purebred and designer puppies raised in central Michigan. Search Puppies and Dogs For Sale. Doberman Pinscher Location Age Any. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! These Doberman Pinschers are available for adoption close to Monroe, Michigan. If you are unable to find your puppy in our. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Northern Michigan, Michigan. Most adoption fees are reasonable, but remember the expense of caring for these wonderful animals. We don't like them and we're pretty sure you don't either. We raise all our own puppies right here on our family farm in central Michigan and would love to work with you one-on-one to find the perfect puppy. Playful and does well with other small dogs. Our puppies are given a physical by licensed veterinarians to screen for health issues prior to accepting them from the breeder. Why buy a Doberman Pinscher puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Doberman Pinscher puppies who need a home. Maltese puppies for sale in Michigan from trusted breeders. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Kalamazoo who need a home. Browse search results for small dog mix Pets and Animals for sale in Michigan. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Call Karen Show more ». Welcome to our Michigan Miniature Puppies page. The Maltese can serve as a lapdog but it loves to play with humans of all ages. Parents are on site and health checked. Browse these Border Terrier rescues and shelters below. Temperance, Michigan. While he may be a bit shy at first, Rameaux is a playful pup who loves to run and play tag. Find Maltese puppies for sale. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Michigan, MI. Born February 11, first shots and worming. Find Maltese puppies for saleNear Michigan. Irish Wolfhound Puppies for Sale. We're a family that raises small breed puppies for sale here in MI. If you are looking for puppies and dogs for sale or adoption in areas other than Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing or Michigan please use the search box! Adopt a Sloughi near you Sloughi in cities near Greenville, Michigan Other pups in Greenville, Michigan Search for a Sloughi puppy or dog near you Browse Sloughi puppies and dogs in nearby cities Browse related breeds in Greenville, Michigan Sloughi shelters and rescues in Greenville, Michigan Learn more about adopting a Sloughi puppy or dog. Microchips are a safety net and enable any lost puppy to be traced back to the owner. Available Puppies in Michigan Browse all of our available puppies in Michigan or choose a specific puppy breed! Black Apricot and Red puppies. Access a community of more than 11, shelter and. Look at pictures of puppies in Saginaw who need a home. At AKC Marketplace, we connect you with only AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, as well as supply you with the tools you need to bring home the perfect puppy for you! Doberman Pinscher puppies and dogs in Monroe, Michigan. Super sweet personality, love to be held and to play with other pets. Available Puppies In Michigan. Puppies for Sale near Michigan Your search returned the following puppies for sale. Maltese, Michigan » Gibson Township. Looking for a Doberman Pinscher puppy or dog in Monroe, Michigan? Puppies for Sale in Saginaw Michigan. Mixed, Michigan » Lansing Charter Township. He is a chocolate and white, male Pom. Home; Puppies; Find a Puppy; Share this page. Border Terrier Puppies for Sale. Find dogs and puppies for adoption at Michigan Humane. Mixed Puppies For Sale in Michigan .These puppies are ready and well trained, lovely ,come with papers and accessories. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Hi we have AKC miniature poodle puppies ready for their forever homes, we have one male left available. Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for Sale. Basically she is full husky and acts like one. We can even deliver your puppy right to you door if you aren't able to drive to our location. Small Breed Puppies for Sale. For smaller living spaces like you'll find in some Michigan cities like Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids, our small-breed puppies are the perfect fit and will be just the companion you are looking for! Need help with financing? Available in most states and cities 90 Days interest Free! We implant and register the microchip for you in the lifetime LostMyPet system with all the fees are included in our price. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Check Out Our Adoption Specials! Locations Locations are exceptionally important to the success of a photo session. Do you have to choose one of our favorite locations? Absolutely not - they are suggestions. Prairie Wolf Park in Caledonia — Remains of an apple orchard at the front of the park, paved and unpaved trails — not too many people especially when we do sessions in the early morning and evening. Johnson Park Hager Park in Jenison — great place to photograph after the fall leaves are gone and before the green of spring comes out. Lots of green from pines and arborvitae toward the front of the park. Hager Park Downtown west side of Grand River — Blue Bridge down through Ah-Nab-Awen Park evening sessions only — great place for evening sessions if you want more color than a park and a little more of an urban feel to your photographs. Downtown GR west side of the Grand River Downtown east side of Grand River — Blue Bridge — central area around Monroe, Pearl and Ottawa weekend morning sessions only — great place for morning sessions, if you want your photos to have an urban feel. There is a small travel fee for this location. We usually require a morning session, as there are less people and dogs in parks in the morning than the evening. We photograph a lot of reactive dogs and have had much success at Johnson Park first thing in the morning - during a lot of these session we never even saw another person or dog. It is also possible to do a reactive dog in his own yard, if photographing at a park is just totally not possible. When do sessions take place? We are limited to how many session we do a week, or we get too far behind on editing files. So, if there is a particular date you need for your session - it is best to book the session as soon as possible. We avoid late morning to late afternoon sessions because the light is more contrasty at this time and less flattering for dogs and people alike. The exact session times depend on the season — how long or short the days are. You will receive an approximate time when you book and a firm time a few days before your session. He will never cooperate for a session. If your pups are anything like ours, they know basic obedience commands, but somehow always seem to forget when it comes to having their photo taken. It's all good - we get it. A dog is going to do what a dog is going to do - despite their training. We've photographed blind and deaf pups, hyper pups, pups that won't sit or stand still, exceptionally shy pups, pups with severe anxiety, pups with no training at all - you name it and we bet we've photographed your pup's personality type. We are known for our patience and always spend some time before the session getting your pup comfortable around us and our camera gear and the noises our cameras make - we only use positive reinforcement techniques. Do you photograph animals other than dogs? In the past, we've photographed cats, horses, goats, Patagonian cavies, a few ball pythons, a couple bearded dragons, two emus and one duck. Is it possible to have a session in my yard? We cannot stress enough how important locations are - especially locations that afford open shade, if you session date falls on a sunny day. Locations that are free of visual distractions buildings, play equipment, etc. Can you have a session in your yard? Yes, of course - if that is what you want. We do have favorite locations see above depending on the season and we are happy to suggest a location. The vast majority of the dogs you see on our website were photographed with leashes on - even on the majority of the action shots. All leashes will be removed from purchased images, during post-processing, at no additional charge. So, just like magic.RAW file with owner running next to dog. Adjusted, cropped final image with leash and owner removed. How quickly can an End of Life session be scheduled? We will do our utmost to fit your pet into our schedule as soon as possible. Quite often we can shift our schedule around to fit your pup in within 24 hours or sooner. What do I bring to my session? Will you travel beyond the Grand Rapids area for a session? We are happy to travel outside of our home area in and around the Grand Rapids metro area if our schedule allows, but locations beyond 20 miles from our home base in Grand Rapids will incur a travel fee. Contact for details. What if it rains?

The Poodle Terrier mix breed is a cross between a purebred Terrier and another purebred Poodle. With over 30 Terrier breeds alone, you have just as many mix options! The special Poodle Terrier mix dog breed is relatively new, as original crossbreeding started 30 years ago. While Poodle Terrier mix-breeds are intelligent and energetic, spending time with your pal is essential, as they love being around people. An adult Yorkie Poo mix with a distinguished face. The Family Dog Poodle Terrier mixes are great for the family, as well as for older people. These mixes generally thrive when surrounded by others. Typically, these dogs weigh between 20 to 30 pounds, and some of the tiniest pups average five pounds. While teacups are cute and popular, health issues are a concern due to their small size. It is also important to purchase through reputable breeders to ensure proper care. Neglection can severely impact their personality and future needs. In addition, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty website makes finding your Poodle mix easy. Their mission to help and save animals is quite clear, and they provide excellent resources for pet owners. Breaking Down the Cost The cost of purchasing your very own Poodle Terrier mix depends on many factors. Essentially, you are paying for quality in the end. However, the price lowers if you purchase from puppy mills, which is not the best option. Like any family adjustment, it costs money to raise your pup! Types of Breeds There are different derivatives of the Poodle Terrier mix. For every Terrier out there, a Poodle mix is possible. So, hello to double the fun and adorableness, and get the best of both! Some of the Poodle Terrier mix breeds include the following. As one of the smaller toy breeds, between five and 15 pounds, they tend to get along with other dogs. The Yorkiepoo is one of the most popular breeds in America due to its gentle, friendly nature. The Terri-Poo is great for allergy sufferers due to less shedding. Plus, they are spunky, intelligent, and incredibly empathetic. Terri-Poo also loves the water. You can expect nine to 14 pounds for this strong guy! Terri-Poo stretches its body. While some dogs of this breed favor Terriers and others lean more towards a Poodle , they usually weigh between 12 to 25 pounds. So, prepare for high energy, outdoor activity, love, and perhaps some training. Overall, the Jack-A-Poo is an excellent addition for families. Jack-A-Poo sleeps after playing. The breed loves being indoors, although they love running around. Although still on a smaller scale, the Bossi-Poo generally grows between 20 to 25 pounds. Scoodles make excellent watchdogs! However, anxiety is highly likely if they are left alone for long periods. You can estimate their growth to be between 9 and 20 pounds. The Scoodle is great for families, but they do not mix well with younger children. However, since good health relies on the pillars of health, these helpful tips are essential! So, feel confident as you prepare for your furry friend! A Westiepoo standing in the middle of the forest. Eating A perk of owning a small dog is saving on food! While they usually need less food than bigger dogs, intake depends on size, age, and activity level. Overeating and weight gain are possible, so watching what your Poodle mix eats is helpful. Giving your dog treats is excellent for training. However, additional snacking is one of the fastest ways your pup can gain. Overall, in moderation, high-quality food items are essential to a healthy diet. A Poodle Terrier mix in black and white portrait. Those triangle ears and deep eyes! Exercising Exercising is a great tool to optimize the health of your Poodle Terrier mix. Due to their size, the good news is they do not need a lot of movement per day. Between a half hour to an hour of exercise is ideal for your little Terrier mix. Take your furry pal to the park, fetch in your yard, get some toys, and spend quality time with your dog! All are great options for the Poodle Terrier mix, and they deserve extra care. Benefits include: Less anxiety. Just make sure that your breeder is reputable and honest about the puppy that you are getting. Also, please avoid getting puppies from puppy mills! Backyard breeders ignore the health standards in raising puppies and this creates long-term health damages. Dogs are very likely to become aggressive and hard to train because of bad living conditions. It has been shown that smaller dogs live more years compared to larger dogs. Since terriers live around 10 to 20 years, their offspring may considerably live long. Since both terriers and Poodles experience a longer life span, your Terrier Poodle mix inherits a longer life too. There are just a few requirements that are needed to be done to make sure your dog is well-maintained. Grooming Your Terrier Poodle mix only needs regular brushing which can be done a few times a week. This helps in making its luxurious coat healthy and to distribute its natural oils evenly. Baths are important too. Since most Terrier Poodle mixes have medium to long lengths of coats, taking them to a groomer will make their appearances look more regal and tidy. The fun part about owning long-coated dogs is that you can accessorize them with cute ribbons and hairclips! High-quality foods are more preferred to make them go lively throughout the day. You may also check out if your dog will benefit more when given a raw food diet. Also, be careful not to overfeed your dog! Being overweight will make it prone to hip dysplasia. A daily walk in the park is ideal. If your dog likes to splash around the water, that is good as well due to its Poodle ancestry. A game of fetch can excite them too. The type of exercise you provide all depends on what interests your dog the most. Just as long as your Terrier Poodle mix is exerting energy on a regular basis, then that works fine. In terms of training, Terrier Poodle mixes will not give you a hard time! You need to be firm and make them realize that you are in charge or else they will own you. Be consistent with them and be generous at praising their efforts. Lively dogs with adequate exercise respond better in challenging training. Puppy Prices and Cost of Raising Them The popularity of this dog increases from time to time, so the price will vary depending on the demand. If you get your puppy from a reputable breeder, then you will get exactly what you paid for. The price is lower when you are purchasing a Terrier Poodle mix from puppy mills or backyard breeders, which is not recommended that you do so. If you are willing to pay an amount like this, just go to your trusted breeder that makes sure the puppy is healthy and active. A quality dog will mean lower chances of future medical bills. You can either negotiate with reputable breeders, purchase through quality websites, or adopt one from shelters. Their prices are reasonable and you will be assured that you are going to get a quality dog. Greenfield Puppies — Puppies are being sold here by trusted breeders who comply with all state laws. They guarantee healthy, well-loved dogs. This can be the right place to look for your Terrier Poodle mix! There are shelters and rescues that you can check for Terrier Poodle mix puppies as well. These adoption shelters make sure that every dog is healthy and manageable: ASPCA — A nationwide database of dogs is found here, where you can choose which one to adopt and add to your family. Petfinder — You can search for available Terrier Poodle mixes through this online database for dogs. It shelters almost 11, animals waiting for a loving owner. Pet Smart Charities — Animal health and safety is the main priority of this organization. They make sure that the dog is in good condition before it is adopted. The most recommended choice is to adopt one from shelters. Thousands of dogs each year are longing for a family that can make them feel loved again. Who knows, among them is the perfect Terrier Poodle mix that you are looking for. The Terrier Poodle mix is an intelligent, energetic, and stylish dog that comes in different sizes, coats, and colors. They need proper and regular grooming to maintain their coats, which may be a bit costly but can be manageable if you have enough budget. They are very loyal dogs that will surely get along with you and your family. Getting this dog is like getting a terrier and a Poodle in one small package and it is a different yet exciting experience! They can be easily trained because of their intelligence and they are a pleasant sight to look at as well. Who would not want to see a cute and dignified dog wagging its tail, waiting behind the door when you come home from a long and tiring work? The fun part is that you have a lot of choices out of this type. You can get a Yorkipoo, Terripoo, or whatever Terrier Poodle mix you find the most suitable for you. These dogs are just simply one of the best pets there is! 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. These dogs are born from Poodles with other purebreds like pugs, Labradors, or Cocker Spaniels. Since the s, doodle dogs have increased in their popularity—and it's not a wonder why. These breeds are often low- to non-shedding, and are consider to be a safe bet for most people with allergies. Their personalities make them ideal companions for many people, too. For example, Bernedoodle dogs tend to be more stubborn but they have lower energy than a Goldendoodle. Another thing that people should look at is the generation of the doodle. Generation refers to how far removed from a purebred pairing—like a purebred Poodle and a purebred Labrador as parents. Which ones are your favorite? This has become one of the most sought-after "Doodle breeds" due to their winning combination of good looks, smart wits, and hypoallergenic coats. They also make reputable therapy pets. If you admire these gentle giant dogs for their goofy, placid personalities, then one of these pups might be for you. This tends to be a good choice for those with allergies because the poodle coat is often inherited rather than the Labrador coat—however, you can find a variety of colors depending on the parent. These dogs are intelligent, friendly, and moderately active. Friendly and caring, they usually manage to stay happy with other pets and family members. And while these dogs are sweet, they may require some training to rein in their playful personalities. They also go by the name of Wheatendoodle, the Wheatenpoo, the Sweatendoodle, and the Sweatenpoo. These are energetic dogs, but despite their high energy, they don't tend to bark much. They are a rare breed mix and may be difficult to find. This small, fluffy, high energy breed is an adorable addition to the family—especially if you are looking for a dog that's rambunctious and loves to play with the kids. The is likely to be a shaggy yet stately looking dog, with an obvious athleticism derived from its strong hunting poodle origins. Compact, feisty, and fun in spirit, what these dogs lack in size, they make up for in their personality. They are on their best behavior in the company of their owners, as they tend to bark or dig when left alone at home. Incredibly smart, energetic, and loyal, these pups have a work-hard, play-hard mindset that best suits someone with an active lifestyle. These are big, lovable dogs that are incredibly smart and equally stubborn. But while training them takes additional patience, the reward of their loyalty and devotion is well worth it. These dogs are charming, funny, and smart, and their alert nature—thanks to that double dose of working-breed attentiveness—makes them excellent watchdogs. These dogs are friendly and affectionate little comedians with a sweet temperament and a zest for life. It's also believed to be the oldest of the designer dog breeds in America, dating back to the s. It's also commonly known as the Havadoodle or Havanoodle—their intelligent and playful personalities make them a total joy for the whole family. And if you want a calm, sweet dog with lots of love to give, then this mix fits the bill. But calm doesn't mean small. They can grow to be as big as pounds. Because of their eager-to-please personalities, they tend to be protective of their families. This dog may have the curly coat of a Poodle or the long, straight coat of a Shih Tzu, but he always has a cute, alert expression and a sturdy body. When it comes to big breeds, this mix wins the prize—weighing anywhere between 70 to pounds. These dogs are fun-loving, affectionate family companions that need lots of room to run around and plenty of food to meet their nutritional needs. Petite and curly-coated, this is a delightful mix that is likable in personality, if not a little feisty at times. They tend to be vocal if alerted to something, and so they make good little watchdogs. Was this page helpful? Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also a good idea to promote good dental health. You can ask your vet to show you how to do any of these tasks. Terripoos are energetic, but due to their small size, this is pretty easy to manage. They can get some exercise indoors, too, especially if the weather is disagreeable—their size makes this easier than with a larger dog. They should have at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. They benefit emotionally from that one-on-one bonding with you, too, which will keep them happy and healthy. Depressed Terripoos who do not get enough exercise or interaction are prone to weight gain and other problems, like diabetes. Terripoo Feeding An ideal Terripoo diet should be formulated for a small breed with high energy. Dividing the food into two or three meals during the day, as opposed to unlimited access, will help your dog not to overeat. Terripoo Coat Color And Grooming Terripoos can inherit coats from either the Australian Terrier or the Poodle parent, meaning it may be thick, coarse, and shaggy or curly and short, respectively. Colors include red, cream, white, brown, tan, and blue. Even the noses can vary between black and brown. Grooming is fairly low-maintenance, only necessitating brushing a couple of times a week. Professional grooming every so often may help the dog look their best, too. In general, Terripoos are pretty middle-of-the-road with tolerance to heat and cold, but there are a few differences. Poodles do not have an undercoat, which means they tolerate heat more easily and cold less easily. Many small dogs do well with coats or sweaters when it is extra cold or snowy in the winter, so that may be helpful for your Terripoo, too. However, the natural playfulness and mischievousness of the Terripoo makes it a great childhood playmate or adult companion. Terripoos also have the capability of getting along well with other animals, but, again, supervision is a good idea, due to the Terrier ancestry. Early introduction is also a good idea, so your Terripoo can learn the other animal is part of the household. Terriers were bred to hunt these small creatures. As with all dogs, Terripoos will do best if they have early socialization and training. This will emphasize the loving, loyal traits of your dog, and it can minimize the hunting ancestry. Terripoo Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Terripoos because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Australian Terrier or Poodle breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. It is a small-sized Doodle breed. This designer breed is also referred to as a Borderpoo or Border Terrier Poo. Here, farmers and shepherds developed swift and agile terriers to pursue and dispatch the clever sheep thief: the hill fox. He also was named after hunting with Border Foxhounds. In early paintings, you can spot the Border bringing up the rear of the hunting party; his sturdy legs got him there just in time for the action! In addition, as a working Terrier, he has a naturally hard, wiry outer coat and a dense, short undercoat [4] btcoa. The physical and mental qualities of the Border result from generations of breeding and enable the Border to do his job with the least amount of injury to himself and with the greatest efficiency possible [5] borderterriercanada. What makes the Border Terrier different from other terriers? Four main traits set the Border apart: its hide, temperament, length, and legs. It allows him to work his way in and out of narrow openings underground and protects him from scratches and, no doubt, fox bites! Moreover, the breed standard confirms that you should be able to grab a fistful of pelt anywhere along the back. Border Terriers have a strong prey drive. The length of the Border also sets him apart. His long body allows him to maneuver underground through narrow and twisted holes. Prominent ribs, bulky shoulders, or too short of legs are considered handicaps. Moreover, the Border Terrier is friendlier toward other dogs. This is because they were expected to run peacefully with foxhounds. Breeders purposefully made him less dog-aggressive than other Terriers who hunted primarily independently. Lastly, the head is the most visible difference. This was because hunters initially bred Poodles to retrieve waterfowl. Even though Poodles remain excellent hunters, today, they have become popular as companion dogs worldwide. They are brilliant and easy to train, which makes them great pets for people who want a dog that can learn tricks and perform well in obedience competitions. Plus, they are known for being hypoallergenic, which is a huge plus for people who are allergic to dogs but still want to own one. But the biggest reason for their popularity is their unique appearance. Interesting fact: The Poodle cut was meant for function, not fashion! Less hair made the Poodle a more efficient swimmer but more vulnerable to the cold. To find a happy compromise, Poodle owners left puffs of hair on the head, upper torso, and ankles for warmth [7] akc. Appearance The Border Terrier-Poodle mix has a fluffy, round face, otter-like eyes, and a slightly prolonged nose. The body has modest proportions, yet a somewhat longer body and legs.

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. 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. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.