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For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

They could even be described as bundles of joy. Unfortunately, there are some triggers and situations that can cause your Labradoodle to exhibit aggressive behavior, just like all other dogs. If the Labradoodle has undergone a traumatic experience or is being neglected, it is not unlikely that they would behave aggressively. If you train and care for your dog correctly, you will have a happy and definitely not aggressive little doggo in your household. It is all in your hands. Why is my Labradoodle Aggressive? Labradoodles are not normally aggressive, but If your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, then it is because of physical abuse, neglect, changes and new experiences, sickness, lack of physical exercise, possessiveness, and feeling of danger. If you suddenly notice your doodle being aggressive, you should not ignore it. You need to get to the root of the problem to be able to solve it. Like everything in life! Physical abuse Physical abuse is unwanted for all living creatures. Just like humans, if dogs are exposed to physical abuse, they are most likely to act out on it. This never works and almost always backfires. If your labradoodle shows signs of aggression when you touch them, you need to be careful as to not trigger them. Be careful of your posture, your tone, and the way you approach them. Be as gentle as possible. However, we are not saying to never discipline your dog, you can do that, just never with physical punishment. You can learn how to discipline your dog correctly here. Neglect Labradoodles are popular because of their loving nature. In return, they need love and care too. Neglect can mean lack of attention and lack of nutrition. Some dog-owners forget to feed their dogs, which can lead to a malnourished dog. It is self-explanatory that dogs need to be well fed to ensure they stay healthy and happy. If you deprive your dog of food, they will get very protective of it when they finally have access to food. This is called protective aggression. And it is something that you definitely want to avoid. A neglected dog will eventually have trouble trusting people and will consequently act aggressively when around them. If you adopted a dog from a shelter, you might notice their possessiveness over food. Sickness If your doodle has injuries or is sick, it is likely that they would be overprotective over themselves. If you try to touch your dog or play with them while they are injured, they may snap or even bite to stop you from causing them more pain than what they are already going through. Check for external injuries and treat them. New and scary experiences Change can be scary, especially for dogs. If there is a new member at home, your Labradoodle may be a bit skeptisch. If you are changing your home, this might be a scary environment for your dog and it is not unlikely that your Labradoodle lashes out. Try to make the change as smooth as possible and be gentle with your four-legged best friend. Lack of physical exercise Labradoodles are energetic and playful. If your dog is getting enough daily exercise where they get to expend their energy naturally, they are going to stay calm and quiet, but if they are not, this energy will have nowhere to go and will build up inside of them. A labradoodle with energy build-up can be quite destructive as they look for other ways to get all of this extra energy out. For instance, they can run around the house and ruin your furniture or cause valuable stuff at home to be broken. Most dogs will also start chewing. They will chew anything and everything they can fit in their mouth or fit their jaws around enough to chew on. They will chew your furniture, your clothes, your carpets, your plants, and even doors. If you notice that your dog is misbehaving at home, it is most probably a cry for help. Thus, if you do not address the problem and understand that your dog needs to get outside and move around, then you could easily be triggering them to be aggressive. As a rule of thumb, your Labradoodle needs approximately minutes of exercise daily. Danger Your doodle is your most loyal friend. If they notice anyone trying to hurt you or invade your house, for example, they will turn very protective and aggressive. This is known as protective aggression. If they notice that another dog or person is a threat to them, they will not hesitate to demonstrate aggressive behavior too. If your dog gets trapped, they will eventually be frustrated and aggressive. Possessiveness Labradoodles have a possessive attribute. They can be possessive over their toys, territory, food, and even you. If any other living being tries to take their belongings from them, they can quickly turn aggressive. The 3 Types of Dog Aggression There are many types of aggression in animals, but there are 3 main types of aggression seen in all dogs, no matter what their breed is. Even the friendliest dogs like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can show these kinds of aggression , and the first step to solving them is understanding which type of aggression are you dealing with. Here is a quick overview of each type of aggression in Labradoodles: Territorial aggression A territory can be anything that belongs to them like their food, toys, beds, home, and water. If there is another dog or person that tries to invade their territory or area, a Labradoodle can demonstrate aggression. This behavior can also occur in the park when other dogs try to approach the area that the dog has claimed. Possessive aggression Labradoodles have their favorite things. For example, a favorite chew toy, a favorite treat, or a favorite bed. They tend to get very possessive over the objects they like. If another human or pet tries to take that away from them or share it with them, they will not stand back and watch. Protective aggression Labradoodles are really friendly and loyal canines. If they feel a threat to their pack their family , they will lash out. Mother labradoodles can be highly protective over their newborn puppies as well, even with their family members. Signs of Labradoodles Aggression You need to watch your labradoodle closely to be sure to differentiate between their playful nature and signs of aggression. Growling Who thought that these adorable dogs can make frightening sounds such as growling? Unfortunately, if you hear your doodle growling, it is often a sign of aggression and can mean that they are about to bite. Putting their tail between their legs If a dog puts their tail between their legs it is often a sign that they are frightened. Like we discussed earlier, fear can quickly lead to aggression, as your doggo enters the protective mode. If your dog has been physically abused in the past, it is not unlikely that they will demonstrate this act. Pulling their lips back This is another sign that your dog is scared. They often close their mouths and pull their lips back when they are scared, which will require them to defend themselves, which can turn quite aggressive. Sometimes, they show their teeth too. Aggressive biting Aggressive biting is the clearest sign of all. Your doodle may bite you playfully during playtime. But if that playful biting turns into scars on your body or your dog biting another dog, then you need to do something. When you notice your Labradoodle stiff as a stick, with their head raised above and their weight centered or leaning a bit forwards, they are about to get really aggressive. Unwillingness to be touched Generally, labradoodles are quite affectionate and enjoy being touched. If your doodle suddenly does not like to be petted or touched, that might mean they are injured or sick and you are hurting them. Excessive barking We have talked about territorial boundaries with dogs. If your labradoodle has marked their territory, and another dog or human tries to enter their area, their territorial aggression instincts will quickly make themselves present in the form of non-stop barking. Here is how to raise and train your Labradoodles to not be aggressive: Socialization Socialization should not be underestimated. Raising a puppy can be hard, but it is essential to know how to raise them properly. When you get a puppy, make sure to start with their socialization process immediately. It is better to start socializing with your puppy before they are 12 months of age. They need to be comfortable around other animals and humans. They also need to be flexible enough to go to many places and hear different sounds. So, how does socialization work? You should take your puppy on calm walks around the place where you live, take them near dog-parks, go on walks with other well-behaved dogs, expose them to different sounds including the sounds of sirens , and make them meet new people. If you brought your dog home as an adult, ask if they have been socialized yet. If not, it is not too late. You can still train your dog. However, you might need the help of a professional. Physical Exercise Physical exercise is also essential. You need to understand that your Labradoodle has a lot of energy, they just love life. If you do not allow your dog to go for walks or have playdates, this energy will probably build-up. Constant love and care All dogs can turn aggressive and bitter if they do not find themselves loved and cared for. Make sure to be consistent with the love you give your Labradoodle, do not abandon them. This way, your labradoodle will not need to exhibit aggressive behavior to catch your attention. A Routine Change can be scary for dogs too. The need to know what to expect. Make sure you provide a stable home for them, a food schedule, and ideally a bath schedule too. I have a guide on how to create a bathing routine for your Labradoodle here , make sure to check it out. How to calm down an aggressive labradoodle Quickly Understand the situation If there is a repeated pattern where your dog gets aggressive, you need to first understand the situation. Remember, your dog can be aggressive because they are in pain. Once you have ruled out the possibility of your dog being injured or sick, try understanding what environment triggers their aggression. Take control of the situation When you show your dog that you are scared of them or their actions, you lose face. You need to be the leader at all times. If you do not practice dominance, your Labradoodle will eventually think of themselves as dominant. You need to train your dog to be obedient and calm down on cue. Use a long leash When going on walks, it might be a good idea to use a long, unrestricting leash. They will crowd your space to ask for attention. In this case, you need to stay calm and ignore them. If they resort to aggression everytime they want your attention, they will become quite aggressive all the time. Are Labradoodles naturally aggressive? No, Labradoodles are not naturally aggressive. In fact, they are quite loving, friendly, and loyal dogs. They are known for being great family pets. However, you need to consider the environment your Labradoodle was bred in. If the environment was unhealthy, they might show signs of aggression. For example, if they were subject to neglect or abuse, they might be using aggression as a way to protect themselves. In theory, Labradoodles were not bred to be aggressive, which is why they are not protection-dogs. Labradoodles owners are usually familiar with their gentle, energetic, and joyful nature. If your four-legged best friend is showing signs of aggression, you might want to start taking extra care of them. It is not too late. Remember, they only need your love and care. When to seek help from a professional? Although there are many ways to prevent and deal with aggressive dogs, you might eventually find yourself helpless. If you have tried everything we have suggested but still came out of it empty-handed, it is time to consult a professional. In all cases, aggressive behavior should not be ignored. Unprovoked aggression specifically needs to be treated fast. The younger your dog is, the easier it is to manage and reverse their aggressive behavior. If your Labradoodle is an adult, do not lose hope. It is still possible to consult a professional and make your doggo and you feel better. It will just take a little more time and effort. But, your adorable, distressed doodle is worth it. Related Questions Do Labradoodles have a good temperament? Yes, Labradoodles have a great temperament in general. They tend to be really loving, friendly, intelligent, and trainable. They usually love people and other animals too. They are great family companions. Can Labradoodles be mean? No, generally Labradoodles are not mean. They are also not aggressive. They are great family pets. However, if your labradoodle is acting aggressively it could be because they are injured or sick, not socialized, or have undergone a traumatic experience. Are Labradoodles stubborn? Labradoodles can pick up bad habits. Labradoodles can be a bit stubborn if they want to be. It is a trait that is inherited from both parents; poodles and labrador retrievers. Nevertheless, they can be trained easily so you could reverse this trait. Ultimately they want to please their loved ones. Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here — Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats! Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find. In general, Labradoodles have excellent temperaments. They are intelligent, lovable, cuddly, always ready to play, and good at companionship. All these attractive characteristics they possess can be traced to the parent — the Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. Poodles are highly smart, and Labrador Retrievers have gentle temperaments. This combined trait makes it perfect for families getting a dog for the first time due to its relatively gentle-friendly nature. Also, its different variables, including the qualities he acquires and his socialization, will add to his conduct as he grows. Therefore, a family needs to build and maintain a steady training approach. A properly trained Labradoodle often does well around other pets when introduced. They are highly observant because they were initially bred to be guide dogs. This dog can also be an excellent watchdog but does not do well as a guard dog because they are very social animals. Are Labradoodles Good Family Dogs? Labradoodles crave attention and enjoy the company of people, including adults and children. Labradoodles are affectionate, and they do well with other pets. These designer dogs are hybrids with perfect attributes. Aside from their looks and affection, they are smart, highly energetic, and may accidentally knock over a small child in their excitement to play. However, when properly socialized as puppies, they are usually quite good with kids. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep a close eye on the interaction between them and your small child. But with adults, Labradoodles can be a great match to play with till both tire each other out. Another exciting part about Labradoodles is that they come in a variety of colors. Nearly countless from cream, gold, bluff, chocolate, lavender, black, white, red, and many more. They also come in solid colors and patterns, including brindle, sable, and more. If you are the type that cares about color, Labradoodles offer many choices. Labradoodles range in size depending on the parents. Labradoodles are generally known to be calming and friendly dogs. However, if not properly raised or cared for as expected, a few things can make a Labradoodle aggressive, including disregard or misuse and less socialization. Dogs, in general, typically have specific reasons and foundations for their aggression. Although each case has its disparities, we can refer to reasons and encounters that make Labradoodle aggressive. Here are some of the causes of aggression in a Labradoodle: Physical Abuse: Physical abuse can make Labradoodles and other dogs, in general, be aggressive. It will make your dog respond to things in an exceptionally unusual way that you may find uncomfortable. Illness and Injury: When your playful and highly energetic Labradoodle unexpectedly becomes aggressive, it might be suffering from a medical condition that might result in unusual aggressive behavior. Some likely discomfort includes bone fractures, internal injuries, arthritis, and tumors. Therefore, if you notice this unusual behavior in your Labradoodle, take it to the veterinarian right away. Lack of feeding: A hungry dog is an angry dog as inadequate feeding or neglect will make them overly sensitive. A malnourished dog is not friendly. Always make sure you feed your dog well with healthy dog food. Frustration: Aggressive behavior exhibited by your Labradoodle may be an aftereffect of redirection of their dissatisfaction. Dogs may be frustrated for several reasons. Inability to get what they want may result in excessive barking and rough play. Pain: When dogs are in pain, they might become aggressive due to their self-safeguarding senses. Lack of physical exercise: Dogs with a great deal of pent up energy will frequently turn disastrous. Types of Aggression It is essential to understand the types of aggression your Labradoodle will likely showcase. As a pet owner, you need to understand that aggression can be shown due to actual or false threats. Your Labradoodle can become aggressive based on what he perceives as the reality, which may not necessarily be a real threat. Dogs in general exhibit three forms of aggression. They are:. Smells Socialization is great in many ways. Not only does it help your dog know about the world outside, but it is also a great way to train your companion. Try taking him on a lot of walks to nearby dog parks, down the street across your apartment, or near playgrounds. This way he will meet various people and objects and slowly learn to understand their behavior. It will also teach him about different animals, sounds, noises from vehicles, and human interaction. When you take your Labradoodle for a walk, make him sit, stay, and heel and help him through all these things. Go through these basic commands regularly until your Doodle has them completely memorized. This is also one of the best ways to establish leadership. He may have been abused or had other bad experiences. And these experiences can affect his current behavior. For example, some rescue dogs are terrified of people — sometimes a specific kind of person in particular. However, the good news is that by giving the dog a happy, safe, and loving home you can help a dog get over their problems. Reliable Schedule Schedules are also something that is underrated and over-looked by first-time dog owners. Having a reliable schedule will help your dog feel a lot more confident regarding his expectations for the day. Any dog that knows he is going to be properly fed later that day is much less likely to protect the food he gets. This can also be said about a dog that has a certain schedule each day, that allows them to get out and exercise. Routines are good for your Labradoodles mood and their look on life. Tons of Love and Playtime As said earlier, I really think that every Labradoodle puppy is a blank slate. The way your dog ends up when it is fully grown is typically a reflection of your qualities as a dog owner. Spending enough time with your dog in a loving and productive way pays back in colossal amounts in the many years to come. Aggressive behavior can usually often be changed How To Deal With An Aggressive Labradoodle Having to deal with an aggressive Labradoodle doodle may seem like an unachievable task as Labradoodles are normally so loving and well-mannered, but their mild-mannered personality will often make it easier. Socialization and training at an early age will make a huge difference. Having a puppy spend time with a well-behaved dog will help it pick up on that behavior. Do remember that Labradoodles are highly sensitive dogs. Labradoodles respond much better when using lots of praise and positive reinforcement training. It will probably take quite a bit longer, but with proper training and patience, the dog will eventually understand what the correct and incorrect behavior is. Labradoodles love praise and will respond to that. As long as you remember that it may take a little longer to properly socialize an older Labradoodle to not be aggressive, it is still highly possible, and the reward, in the end, will make the work and effort worth it all. Conclusion Labradoodles are caring, loyal and amazing dogs that make wonderful companions and family pets. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Causes of Labradoodle Aggression A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Dogs, in general, usually have particular reasons and causes for their aggression. Although each case has its differences, we can cite reasons and experiences that increase aggressive tendencies of dogs like the Labradoodle. Here are some of the causes of aggression in dogs: New and scary experiences: Every dog reacts differently to new and frightening experiences, and new experiences might make your dog more aggressive. Physical abuse: Physical abuse makes dogs skittish, shy, and aggressive. Pain: If a dog is in pain because of an injury or any pain, there is an increased tendency for them to become aggressive because of their self-preservation instincts. Illness: If your dog is ill, it could become uncomfortable, which can lead them to lash out aggressively. Lack of feeding: Not feeding your Labradoodle , or neglect in general, will make them trust people less. This lack of trust can make your dog more aggressive. Types of Aggression There are three main types of aggression that Labradoodles exhibit. They are: Territorial aggression Possessive aggression Protective aggression These three types of aggression are similar, and they are exhibited in the same behaviors that include: Biting Barking Snipping The type of aggressive behaviors your dog shows depend mainly on its reasons for being aggressive. Labradoodles rarely bite unless they suspect there is danger or a threat. They tend to go back to their playful and loving behavior as soon as the threat is removed. The three types of aggression are: This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. Territorial Aggression This type of aggression a dog exhibits when they believe there is a threat to their territory or area. To understand this better, read the example below: Imagine you see your labradoodle barking incessantly at nothing in your backyard until you go closer and see that a stranger and their dog are passing by. Your dog smelt the unfamiliar scents of both the stranger and their dog and perceived them as threats. Possessive Aggression A dog develops possessive aggression when they feel like a threat towards an object or area dear to them. It is usually displayed about things like food, toys, beds, and water. Read the example below for a better understanding of this type of aggression: For example, your dog sees another dog going towards the food you served them in their personalized food dish. Most times, your dog is just trying to get to the food first, not attack the other dog. A recently shaven Labradoodle rests on the floor in a holiday home. Protective Aggression Dogs exhibit this type of aggression when they sense a threat towards their pack. They are usually the humans and animals the dog lives with or sees every day or quite often. Labradoodles are pretty loyal , which means they tend to exhibit protective aggression. Read the example below to understand this type of aggression: Imagine you and your Labradoodle are playing or running together , and then a new neighbor knocks on your front door to say hi. Your labradoodle runs to the front door and starts barking at your new neighbor that was trying to be polite. They have positioned themselves between you and your neighbor in a sweet and loyal way of defending you. As soon as you and your neighbor finish exchanging pleasantries and they leave, your labradoodle becomes playful again, since the perceived threat has gone. Signs of Labradoodle Aggression How can you tell if your labradoodle is behaving aggressively instead of being a playful and loyal dog? What are the body language signs they exhibit? These are some of the signs that most Labradoodles exhibit, which precedes aggression: Snipping Biting , but with a higher intensity —going from playful nips to puncturing bites Stiff posture. Why Do Puppies Do This? All puppies go through a teething phase where they will chew, nip, gnaw and bite anything that comes within reach. It can also be a common issue when puppies interact with small children or other household pets. The best way to tell if your puppy is playing fairly is to watch his body language. Puppies that jump , pounce, leap and have an otherwise loose body are playing. A playful puppy will be wagging their tail loosely from side to side and will take turns being the dominant or the subservient of the game. This is healthy play. Children and Puppies Children often fall victim to rougher play and puppy biting because children tend to play more animatedly with puppies. They use their arms and legs, flail, shriek and run, and all of these behaviors can amp a puppy up and make them play rougher or bite harder. Again, this is normal puppy behavior that will ease over time with proper training and socialization. But, until then you can reduce it by teaching your children how to play with your Labradoodle in a calm way. Make sure that you have a safe and secure puppy zone where you can take the puppy to calm down if play gets too rough or excitable. This time away from younger children will be beneficial for your puppy, especially when it is getting a little too worked up. Wear tight clothing, and nothing that seems like it would be fun to bite at or tear. Try to ignore your puppy completely when they bite you. Reacting with a squeal or shout can encourage biting, and responding with aggression can lead to fearfulness in your Labradoodle. Using a puppy safe zone is a great way to remove yourself when things get too excitable. But, it is a phase that will pass. Real Aggression in Puppies All puppies have the potential to grow up to be aggressive. Labradoodle dogs are no exception. Chewing, teething, nipping and even biting can all be normal behaviors in young puppies. But, there are a few red flags of aggression that owners should watch out for, even at an early age. A Labradoodle that grows up without proper training and socialization is more likely to be an aggressive older dog, or an older dog that bites. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your puppy actively guards anything of value. The most common things puppies feel the need to guard include: Their food Bedding Their favorite family member A puppy who is resource guarding will often tense up when someone or something comes too close to what the puppy views as his. He will often growl and show his teeth and may even bark, lunge or snap in an effort to ward off the intruding person, object or animal. But, some Labradoodles may show an unusually high prey drive that will need to be monitored and carefully controlled. If your Labradoodle chases anything that moves and aggressively bites it once he catches it, your pup may have this problem. Labradoodle puppies going into home with other pets must be socialized well and introduced to the other animals slowly to ensure no fights. Stranger Danger Pay attention to how your puppy reacts when strangers enter your home or when he passes people he does not know on the street. Puppies may also exhibit stranger danger like behaviors towards members of the household. This could include certain genders or builds that make your puppy uncomfortable. Dog-Directed Aggression Dog-directed aggression is one of the more common forms of puppy aggression and should not be taken lightly. Watch your puppy for signs of dog-directed aggression. Do they tense up, launch, growl or bark at passing dogs on the street? Loose bodied puppies who are wagging their tails and jumping happily when passing other dogs are simply trying to say hello. Unwillingness to be Pet or Touched Most puppies want your attention and affection. It is not normal for puppies to have this reaction every time you interact with them. Especially if it is paired with a tense body, cowering, trying to hide from you, or other signs of fearful aggression. Obvious Signs of Fear Puppies who are very fearful or standoffish are more likely to grow up and develop anxiety and fear-based aggressive tendencies. Fear often comes from a negative experience with a child or person and can lead to lifelong issues for a dog. You can help combat these problematic behaviors by properly socializing your Labradoodle puppy during his youth to ensure he grows up happy, healthy and well-rounded. A well trained and properly socialized Labradoodle puppy is much more likely to grow up well-mannered. Work to get your whole family on board when it comes to training and socialization. Ensure your puppy is introduced to as many new sights, sounds, people, places and experiences as possible to help him become more adaptable. Some great places to socialize your puppy include: Schoolyards during busy pick up or drop off times Different types of transport, including buses and trains The beach Shopping centers or supermarkets only those that allow dogs Car parks Pubs or bars Sports matches Socialization should happen ideally before 12 weeks of age. When to Call a Behaviorist Signs of true puppy aggression cannot and should not be ignored. If you feel your puppy is exhibiting worrying behaviors, you should work on managing these behaviors right away. The younger you begin working with your puppy on combating aggression, the more likely you are to reduce and diminish these problems. Of course, some problematic or aggressive behaviors cannot be dealt with on your own. There could also be underlying issues with your puppy that require professional help. You also have the option of contacting a canine behaviorist who can further assist you in managing Labradoodle aggression during puppyhood. And remember, the quicker you work with your puppy to manage problematic behaviors and aggression, the better off you and your puppy will be. A behaviorist will be able to help you manage and prevent problems like resource guarding and other types of aggression. My Labradoodle Puppy is Aggressive! Have you had problems with an aggressive Labradoodle puppy before? Or are you just trying to get through that painful teething phase? Let us know your experiences with your own Labradoodle puppy in the comments below. References and Resources Dunbar, I. September 20, It has to be frustrating watching your loving Labradoodle go from a fun-loving dog to one with aggressive behavior. If you find yourself in this type of situation, you should know that you are not alone. For several reasons, Labradoodles and other dogs go through behavioral changes. Getting your Labradoodle the right training is the best way to eliminate bad behaviors. Labradoodle dogs , and other dogs, have the ability to become aggressive. This type of habit must be corrected as early as possible. This is because it can become frustrating for you, your family members, household guests, and even your dog. There are several causes of aggression in Labradoodles , and some of them may include: 1. Injury and Illness Your Labradoodle may be suffering from a medical condition that is causing their sudden aggressive behavior. If your loving and playful labradoodle pup suddenly develops aggressive behavior, it might be as a result of an illness or injury. Illness or injury causes pain. This results in a show of aggression in dogs. Some of the possible pain include arthritis, bone fracture, tumors, and internal injuries. If this is a sudden display of unexplained aggressiveness, consider taking your doodle to the Veterinarian to ensure his health is intact. Better safe than sorry. When your dog senses a dangerous or aggressive situation, it turns aggressive as a form of self-defense. This can occur if your dog is being attacked or in a trapped space with no way out. Possessiveness Your labradoodle puppy can also develop aggressive behavior due to its possessive attribute. In cases where your dog is possessive of a toy, its bed, playing in the yard, or any other object, keeping your dog away from these things may result in aggressive behavior. In other cases, your labradoodle could turn a bit aggressive if a stranger gets into your home. A labradoodle may also show your household guests some aggressive behavior and snap at them if they try to pet it, but this behavior depends on how sociable your dog is. Frustration Aggressive behavior in your labradoodle might be a result of redirection of their frustration. Dogs get frustrated for several reasons. This, in turn, results in her show of aggressive behavior. If you love your doodles, they should never be chained, no matter what. This will hinder your dog from running free, being himself, and creating a loving relationship and bond with you. Chaining might also cause barking and growling behaviors, and your dog may attack you once unchained to relieve built-up frustration. Learn how to train and care for your dog correctly to create the dog of your dreams. Marking Territory In a bid to mark out its territory, your labradoodle may become aggressive. This sort of aggression is mostly directed at other dogs and occasionally at humans. Pay close attention to the situations where your Labradoodle displays aggressive behaviors to determine what the trigger might have been. This is the best way to cure their aggression. Are Australian Labradoodle Aggressive? Labradoodles are generally friendly, devoted, and playful dogs. They are great family pets. A Labradoodle is not an aggressive dog breed. They were bred not to be aggressive , which is why they are not great for protection. Labradoodles are gentle, joyful, easy-going, energetic, and enjoy showing you their happiness through jumping and playing. If your labradoodle is currently aggressive, be patient with your dog and try your best to understand what might be wrong or find a Dog Trainer or Veterinarian who might be able to assist you. Several factors cause dogs to become aggressive. Some of these factors are; fear, injury, lack of socialization, proper training, care, and their environments. It may be better to choose a particular dog based on the environments they have been in instead of assuming that all dogs in a particular dog breed are aggressive. Dealing With Your Labradoodle Aggressive Behavior Dealing with the resulting aggression as soon as you notice it is best at the early stages. There are two main ways of stopping aggressive behavior in your labradoodle. While it is important to understand the situation causing the behavioral change, you must understand various ways to manage these behaviors. Some of the useful ways include; 1. Do not reward bad behaviors. Look for situations where your dog becomes aggressive and find out what triggers the behavior to help you determine the appropriate solution. Training Your Puppy Remember that your labradoodle wants you to be the leader, so lead. Try to show your Labradoodle from day one that you are the leader of the pack in the relationship. If you establish that relationship with your Labradoodle, they will listen to your commands more, wait for your instructions and follow your lead more easily. Training your doodle is useful in controlling their behavioral patterns. Labradoodles are attention-seeking dogs, so you should consider training them to have polite play behaviors. You can do this through positive reinforcements and rewarding treats when your Labrapoodle follows your direct instruction. Use Long Training Leash Even during playtime, put your labradoodle on a leash. This will give you the chance to pull your play buddy away if things become aggressive and rough. This allows you to control situations and display your power as being the leader. Social Behaviors and Social Opportunities Allow your labradoodle to interact socially with other dogs. Going to the dog park or taking a walk with your dog teaches it about social familiarities and environmental factors, such as people, moving vehicles, and sudden loud noises. Try to take things slowly with your labradoodle when training. Always provide positive reinforcements and rewarding your dog with treats when he follows and obeys your commands. Through all of this, you are trying to create a relationship with your dog that forces him to look to you for directions and not to react to everything on its own. Training Your Aggressive Labradoodle Puppy Here are some useful tips necessary for training your labradoodle puppy. These are useful tips for breaking the aggressive behavioral cycle. The first thing you need to do is get your puppy in a comfortable environment where it is comfortable to snuggle without triggering rough play. Include lessons on bite inhibitions. Puppies usually learn about bite inhibition in their earlier life from their parent. This will teach them how to know strong and playful bites. Train your dog to always listen to your command. This will help you get your labradoodle puppy to stop some activities. If your labradoodle is still under five months old and has started exhibiting aggressive behavior, try the management techniques. Are Labradoodles aggressive? February 20, The Labradoodle is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. Any breed of dog can become aggressive following mistreatment if they are not approached or handled with care, and most will protect themselves, their loved ones, and their home when necessary. However, Labradoodles are not aggressive dogs by nature. Table of Contents What is dog aggression? Dog aggression is considered any harmful behavior or threat of harmful behavior by a dog towards another dog or human. This commonly includes growling, snarling, barking, lunging, snapping, and biting. There are two types of dog aggression; provoked and unprovoked. Aggressive behavior following provocation would be classed as defensive. How to prevent aggression in dogs? The best way to prevent aggression in dogs is to treat them with compassion and socialize them from an early age. Socialization allows dogs to observe the behavior of others and learn social cues. Are Labradoodle puppies aggressive? No puppy should ever be aggressive unless they are frightened or have been mistreated in some way. However, teething and overexcited behaviors may appear to mimic aggression in puppies. All puppies bite when they are teething, and Labradoodles are no exception. It is a natural process that all infant mammals experience, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. In puppies, this starts at around 3 weeks old and ends at months of age. It can make their gums can feel very sore and achy, and biting is the only way to relieve the pain. Puppies may also nip you when they are excited. It is not malicious or aggressive but may hurt and upset owners, especially children. You can train your pup to stop biting you by yelping like a dog and end your interaction as soon as they bite. This will help them to understand that biting is undesirable and causes all the fun to stop. You should start doing it as early on in their life as possible, and if you remain consistent, they will get the message soon enough! You can also help your Doodle through their teething process by using teething gel, which numbs and soothes their aching gums and reduces the need to bite. Labradoodles are known for being sweet-natured, family-friendly dogs. This is a large part of what makes them so popular. How to approach an aggressive Labradoodle If you come across a Labradoodle that is behaving aggressively, you should calmly back away and leave them alone. Reach out to an in-person trainer for help. Say hello in a calm, friendly voice and reach out your hand to invite an interaction. Offer them a treat if you have one, and if they come to you, pet them gently and keep your hand where they can see it until they are comfortable with you. However: If you are unsure how a dog will respond to you, it is always best to not push any interaction. Can boredom make Labradoodles aggressive? Extreme boredom can make dogs turn to aggression out of frustration. It can also cause them to engage in destructive behaviors including self-mutilation, destroying their possessions and household furniture, excessive barking, and going to the toilet indoors. In extreme cases, it can also cause aggression, which can be directed at humans or other dogs. Labradoodles have the social nature of the Labrador and the intelligence of the Poodle, so they need a lot of love and affection, as well as physical and mental stimulation. They are a breed that requires a medium to high level of maintenance , exercise and training. Some first-time dog owners can be overwhelmed by the amount of care their Labradoodle needs! To prevent and treat extreme boredom, you should try to include your dog in your family life as much as possible and walk them twice a day, for around an hour each time. Try to vary the location and do different activities, such as running, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. Play some fun games like hide and seek and treasure hunt at home, and invest in some challenging toys like puzzles and treat dispensers. Teaching your Doodle new tricks, like the names of their toys, is also a great way to engage their brains. Can anxiety make Labradoodles aggressive? Severe anxiety can make dogs appear aggressive. It can cause our four-legged friends to feel on edge, causing them to growl or snap, but it is more so out of panic, rather than actual aggression. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual , dog anxiety is most commonly caused by fears, separation, and old age. Common fears amongst dogs include loud noises and water, and they are usually born out of bad past experiences or trauma. An anxious dog may engage in repetitive behaviors such as lip-licking, and long-term anxiety can cause stomach upsets and weight loss. Fear triggers can usually be treated with positive association training and or managed with anti-anxiety aids like supplements and thunder vests. It can cause distress, excessive whining, howling, and barking, as well as destructive behaviors towards themselves and the home. In extreme cases, it can also cause aggression. To combat and prevent separation anxiety, you should do a combination of separation training and positive association training with your Doodle. You can do this by leaving them alone for a small amount of time, and gradually building up the length of time that you spend apart. Never make a big deal when you say goodbye, but always make a fuss of them when you return. For example, do something you would normally do before leaving the house, such as grabbing your keys, and then, instead of leaving, remain in the house. Old age can also make dogs aggressive and confused , as they feel vulnerable and insecure, so they may growl or snap more easily at other dogs to warn them off. The easiest way to remedy this is to keep your dog on a lead around other dogs to keep them close to you and make them feel safe or take them to less busy locations for their daily walks. Let approaching owners know that your dog would rather not interact with unfamiliar dogs if they seem boisterous, and reassure your dog by rewarding them whenever they have a nice interaction. The tendency to be anxious or nervous can be hereditary to some extend. Because Labradoodles are not AKC-registered , breeders can produce puppies without any requirements of health or temperament testing. In some cases, this sadly results in the breeding of dogs that are naturally anxious — and they can pass this on to their offspring. Can illness make Labradoodles aggressive? These conditions include sight or hearing loss, canine cognitive dysfunction, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, psychomotor epilepsy, hyperkinesis, and neoplasia. Painful injuries and arthritis can also cause dogs to snap should somebody touch or go near the painful area, but this is done out of defensiveness. Feeling uncomfortable can also lead to heightened irritability. As all Doodles, Labradoodles require a high level of grooming. Matted hair and resulting skin infections can make them more likely to snap. Always make sure to brush your Labradoodle regularly and keep his coat clean and neat. What happens if my Labradoodle is aggressive? In most states in the US, owners are not liable for resulting injuries when a dog bites after provocation. However, when somebody, human or canine , is injured by a dog following unprovoked aggression, legal consequences are possible, including enforced euthanasia in extreme cases. So, if your Doodle displays unprovoked aggression, whether it is towards a person or another dog, you should look into anti-aggression training and consult a behaviorist if necessary. If your Doodle has hurt another dog, you should offer to pay for their vet bills and keep your dog on the lead on their walks in the future. How to treat aggression in Labradoodles As mentioned in the above sections, most of the time, canine aggression has specific triggers and causes. However, seemingly unprovoked aggression is still possible. Both of which are especially common in rescue dogs with histories of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Because aggression is a serious behavioral issue, you should always seek the advice of an experienced in-person trainer. The bottom line Thankfully, Labradoodles are not aggressive or dangerous dogs by nature. In fact, they are generally sweet-natured, friendly pets that get along well with children and other dogs. That said, every dog should be fully trained and socialized to ensure good behavior, and you should seek help from a professional if your Doodle displays unprovoked aggression. Unleash the real potential of your companion! 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The CKC offers a list of reputable Boxer breeders that breed high-quality dogs. There are many websites that are offering Boxer puppies from different breeders in Canada. When getting a Boxer puppy, it is advisable to avoid pet stores and puppy mills because these places do not guarantee healthy litters and well brought up Boxer puppies. The Best Boxer Breeders In Ontario A breeder is not just a person you will buy your dog from and forget about ever making contact with that person again. A breeder is so much more than that. When getting your new puppy, you will make contact with the desirable Boxer breeder through either a phone call or social networks. Most reputable breeders will be happy to answer your questions and help you with any concerns you may have during the process. Soon, you and your Boxer breeder will become a great team that will focus on raising a healthy Boxer puppy to becoming a healthy adult Boxer dog. Here are some of the best Boxer breeders in Ontario! These purebred dogs are mostly of European ancestry, meaning that they were bred with the high-quality European Boxer. This Boxer breeder is registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. Not only that, but these puppies can also be brought to dog shows as they make perfect candidates in the working dog group. The Boxer puppies from Tanoak Boxers have been examined and vaccinated by a veterinarian, and they come with a health certificate. All of the Boxer puppies are nurtured in a loving environment. The house is located meters into a vegetation-rich green environment. All can be arranged through contact with this Boxer breeder. Each of the Boxer puppies has its own crate with a blanket and a toy to keep them comfortable and engaged. When visiting this breeder, the Boxers will happily greet you with lots of barking, but once you sit down, they will calm down. This breeder will let you engage with each dog to make it easier for you to choose the perfect Boxer puppy. One more thing to mention is that these Boxer puppies have plenty of time to wander and play in the spacious, enclosed back yard during the day. Because so much love and care has been put into breeding these wonderful family companions, the Tanoak Boxer puppies are to be put in loving homes that will provide them with all the care and attention they need! Skin diseases 1. Respiratory System: One of the important things to mention about this dog breed is that the Boxer dog is a brachycephalic dog breed. It means that their skull has a different shape as compared to another dog. So just like all these dog breeds, Boxer dogs will snore a lot and the reason is their specific skull anatomy. Snoring is not considered a serious health condition. However, it is due to airflow obstruction which can result in some other serious respiratory diseases. Heart Conditions: Having a purebred Boxer puppy, there are likely chances that it will inherit health problems that are specific to its breed. Boxers are medium-sized dogs and are prone to different heart conditions. Heart disease is very common in Boxer puppies so much so that the disease got its name Boxer cardiomyopathy. This condition in Boxer dogs is also known as Arrhythmogenic Right 3. Breathing difficulties, heart murmurs, coughing, fainting and other symptoms can be seen in the early life of these dogs usually during the first year. However, not all Boxer dogs will inherit this condition. Canine hip dysplasia Depending upon the body type and size of the Boxer dog, there are chances that it may suffer from hip dysplasia. This disease is also an inherited trait but this condition can also be due to injuries. Another term used for describing hip dysplasia is dislocation of the hip joint. Usually, you will find this condition in medium to large-sized dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retriever, the Great Dane etc. This is a very painful health problem and the dog can feel difficulty in rising and moving and can suffer from depression, lethargy, loss of muscle mass and weakness in the hind legs. Why is it important to choose Reputable Boxer Breeder? Choosing the right Boxer breeder is very important as most things depend on this. You are already familiar that this breed is prone to different health problems. A reputable breeder will do predictive genetic testing and health tests to predict the health risk of Boxer dogs. Moreover, these breeders will happily offer you a health guarantee for Boxer puppies that usually comes with a health certificate. So to ensure that your new Boxer puppy is happy and healthy, always get it from the best Boxer breeder. When it comes to finding the perfect Boxer puppy in Ontario, price is often a major consideration. While there is no definitive answer when it comes to how much a Boxer puppy may cost, there are a few things that can help you budget for your new furry friend. However, depending on the specific breeder and bloodline of your puppy, the price could be higher or lower. In addition to the cost of the puppy itself, there are also a few other expenses to consider when bringing a Boxer into your home. These include things like shots, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. All of these costs can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget when deciding whether or not a Boxer is the right breed for you. When it comes to finding the perfect Boxer puppy in Ontario, price is certainly something to consider. If you know any great Boxer breeder who lives in Ontario, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Ontario? It really helps others who are looking for Boxer puppies in Ontario. Because you need to choose the best Boxer breeder that can give a health guarantee for the puppy. For your ease, we have researched the best boxer breeders in Ontario and have reviewed them thoroughly. These are all high reputable breeders who put their efforts, time and money into taking care of these dogs. If you want to get a new Boxer puppy, you can choose any of these breeders as they are all registered with CKC and follow high breed standards. You can share this post with someone if they are looking for reliable Boxer breeders in Ontario so they can consider one of these breeders. She is in urgent need of a home of her own and family that will care for her as she recovers from leg surgery or unfortunately we will need to delay her surgery. She was found stray in the Hamilton area and was transferred to us from animal services so we could find her a forever home. She is a sweet girl who is looking for a home of her own. One of her favourite things to do is play with a big ball or loud squeaky toy and engage her humans in play. Nina has an abnormal gait and can be stiff when she gets up. Our vets have recommended leg surgery. EHS will take care of her medical bills and be available for support through out her recovery. But in order to do the surgery we need a home where she can be kept calm and quiet and a family that is willing to take on her rehabilitation. The vets believe her quality of life and mobility will be greatly improved following surgery. She walks well on leash and has mastered some basic obedience skills and is willing to learn more. She will make a wonderful family dog. She will be spayed, micro-chipped and up to date on her core vaccinations prior to finalizing her adoption. If you have any questions about her, what her rehabilitation may entail or the adoption process please contact her adoption coordinator at: nda. But sometimes life situations dictate that a dog needs to be surrendered. The volunteers at Boxer Rescue Ontario know how difficult it is to make a decision to surrender your dog and we commit that we will take all available measures to facilitate a new loving home for your boxer where he will be happy, healthy and safe! A volunteer from our intake department will get back to you as soon as possible to go over the details. Rescue boxers make wonderful additions to a home, but they require work and commitment. Please read the requirements before completing an application form. Once you submit your application, our volunteers will review it and you may be contacted to set up a phone interview, provided you meet the criteria for the dog s you have applied for. The interview usually takes about 30 minutes and allows us to confirm the details of your application. It also gives us a better idea of what your family and home are like so that we can assess whether the boxer you applied for is a fit. If the boxer is not suitable for your home, and you have asked to keep your application on file, we are in a better position to find a match that would be right for your home. Please, due to the demands on our volunteers time, we are not able to contact all of our approved applicants and provide status updates. Matched with a dog — Successful applicants are matched with a dog. We typically have a large number of applicants interested, but our primary concern is finding the perfect fit for our foster dogs; we do not operate on first come first serve basis. Please be patient through this process. Home visit — After the phone interview and if your application is chosen for one of our dogs a volunteer will contact you to set up a home visit at a suitable time when all members of your household can be present. You will not be permitted to meet one of our foster dogs until the home visit has been successfully completed. This is the opportunity for your family including any dogs you have, to meet our rescue boxer. If all goes well you proceed with the adoption contract and an adoption fee and taking your rescue boxer home that day. Puppies at this age cannot have their vetting completed before adoption and the adopters of puppies are contractually obligated to complete their vetting i. We would happily accept any amount over and above these minimum fees in order to help other dogs in our care. After you adopt we will follow up with your during your initial adjustment period. Remember that we are always available to answer questions and provide help when possible. Please be patient with your newest family member. As big as an adjustment that your family is experiencing it is tenfold for your new boxer. Give them a chance to adopt to their new environment and to become the family member they want to be. Showing 1 - 15 of 15 resultsPage 1 - 15 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. I am looking to re-home him because my work circumstances have changed and I do.These little wonders will be ready for thier forever homes in 8 - .Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.Contact for more details. Best blood line. Crate and potty trained. Comes with initial stuff like crate, leash, collar, toys, Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.Months old African Bullmastiff pups 1 male 3 females Seriuos inquiries only pls Puppies need a loving home very friendly Please Contact Adorabull Pocket Puppies Toronto I have a gorgeous litter of pocket puppies ready for their new homes. There are 3 girls available. They will come fully vet checked with first and second shots, de worming and a clear bill of health.There are 3 girls and 2 boys available. Puppies will be ready to go home on August 11th. They will come fully vet checked.Mother is white boxer and father is a sealed brindle looks black. Puppies have unique markings, 4 white ones have black and brindle markings and there.One litter will be ready to go on September 8th with 8 weeks and half old. My other litter will be.Super friendly, great with kids, loves to cuddle. Vet checked, vaccinated, dewormed and ready to go. He is very playful and is 7 weeks old. Vaccinated and de-wormed fully. Pee pad trained. Showing 1 - 20 of 20 resultsPage 1 - 20 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. I am looking to re-home him because my work circumstances have changed and I do.These little wonders will be ready for thier forever homes in 8 - .Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.Contact for more details. Best blood line. Crate and potty trained. Comes with initial stuff like crate, leash, collar, toys, Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.There are 3 girls available. They will come fully vet checked with first and second shots, de worming and a clear bill of health.There are 3 girls and 2 boys available. Puppies will be ready to go home on August 11th. They will come fully vet checked.Mother is white boxer and father is a sealed brindle looks black. Puppies have unique markings, 4 white ones have black and brindle markings and there.One litter will be ready to go on September 8th with 8 weeks and half old. My other litter will be.Visit Website Below to Order Now! Shipping by seller Boxer puppy Nobleton Beautiful, social, female purebred boxer looking for forever home. Super friendly, great with kids, loves to cuddle. Vet checked, vaccinated, dewormed and ready to go. He is very playful and is 7 weeks old. Vaccinated and de-wormed fully. Pee pad trained.

With nearly two decades of experience, she specializes in working with dogs and their owners on behavior issues ranging from severe anxiety, reactivity, as well as aggression and fear-based problems. She works with all dogs at Hope2K9 so that they are fully trained before adoption, and provides lifelong support to dog owners after adoption. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. If you're looking to add a smart, adorable, and super friendly dog to your household, then a labrador is a great choice! These pups make amazing pets—but how can you be sure you're selecting the perfect puppy to add to your family? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We'll help you decide what you want in a dog, and then we'll explain how to adopt or buy from a breeder. To learn everything you need to know about how to select a lab, read on! All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Labs crave company and stimulation, so it is important for you to spend lots of time with your Lab and to invest time and energy in training your Lab. Be honest with yourself about how much time and energy you will be able to invest in your dog. Think about your how much time you spend away from home. If you are often not home due to work or other lifestyle factors, then a Lab may not be the ideal pet for you. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Determine whether you are willing and able to train a dog. Labs are easy to train and they enjoy the stimulation. Before you decide to get a dog, think realistically about how much time you will be able to devote to training your Lab. If you do not plan to train your dog due to time or energy constraints, then a dog may not be the best choice. Go to source Consider other lifestyle factors. Puppies are hard to train and they require lots of time as well. Before you decide to get a puppy, think about your lifestyle and the amount of time that you can devote to raising a puppy. For example, will you be willing to get woken up every couple of hours in the middle of the night if your puppy is crying? Will you be able to manage if your puppy chews up one of your favorite pairs of shoes? Are you willing to clean up urine and feces accidents during the housetraining process? If not, then consider adopting an adult dog. Training your Labrador from a young age creates a fantastic bond between the two of you and you will get to enjoy watching your pet grow and mature. Some of the positives of taking on an adult dog is that they are often already house broken and may even know some basic commands, such as sit and stay. Therefore, if you don't have the time or desire to housetrain a dog, then adopting an adult could be the best option for you. Also, some dogs may not have been well-socialized and may get spooked by certain things such as other dogs, strangers, etc. Consider whether you have the necessary training skills to correct these problems should you encounter them. Gender is not a big deal unless you already have a dog. If you own a dog already, then getting a dog of the opposite gender will provide the best chance of harmony between your pets. Female dogs often more easygoing, but Labs are such a relaxed breed that this doesn't really matter too much. Regardless of the gender of your dog, make sure that you spay or neuter the dog unless you intend to breed it. They have many roles in society, ranging from their origins as gun dogs retrieving game, to assistance dogs for the visually impaired. If you are looking for certain characteristics in a dog for working purposes, then be sure to source a purebred dog from a breeder who raises dogs with the characteristics you require. The most common Lab colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. All colors of Labradors are easy to train, but chocolate Labradors do have a reputation for being more disobedient than their yellow or black cousins. However, there is much debate among breeders and Lab owners about this reputation. Adopting a Lab from a shelter or rescue group is a great thing to do, as these dogs are often loving, loyal animals who through no fault of their own have ended up in a rescue. Most dog breeds have fans who work to ensure that special dog breeds, such as Labradors, have good homes. Check to see if there are any Labrador rescue groups in your area with dogs available for adoption. You may be able to get contact information for local rescue organizations from your local humane society, veterinarian's office, or pet shop. Keep in mind that dogs who end up in rescue programs are not there because they are bad. Owners may give up their dogs because of life circumstances such as a divorce, job loss, or physical condition. If you are nervous about adopting a dog, keep in mind that many adoption agencies offer or even require a trial period for qualified adopters. During the trial period, you will be able to take the dog home for a week to see if you are a good match for each other. Spend some time with him or her before you decide if this is the dog for you. Shelters often have special areas for prospective pet owners and their family members people and pets to get to know a potential new member. It is important to find a responsible breeder in order to get a healthy, well-socialized Lab. By seeking out a responsible breeder, you can also avoid supporting breeders who do not take good care of their dogs. You can find a responsible breeder by checking with your local American Kennel Club. If you decide to go through a breeder, make sure that you visit the breeder and see the pups with the mother. Never buy a puppy if you are not allowed to see the mother, no matter what the excuse. Do not encourage this immoral trade by purchasing their pups. It is a good idea to visit a few different local breeders before deciding who you want to buy your puppy from. Do not buy a puppy from the first breeder you visit. You may even want to expand your search outside of your own local area in order to find the best breeder and puppy for your needs. If a breeder does not allow you to visit and wants to meet up somewhere else, then this should be a red flag to stay away from this breeder. Never have a puppy shipped. Shipping puppies is very stressful on them and often results in a sick, frightened puppy when you pick them up from the airport. It is a good idea to get to know your potential puppy before you commit. If the breeder does not want you to meet the dog before you commit to buying it, then that should be a warning sign that something is wrong. Try some basic commands see how he responds. See if the puppy is curious and comes to investigate this is a good sign or if he cowers in a corner this is a sign of timidity. Watch how he interacts with the other puppies as well. He should seem playful and energetic. A puppy that has been raised by a responsible breeder will seem healthy, energetic, and well-fed. If the puppy seems lethargic, malnourished, or has other signs of illness like a runny nose, cough, or skin sores, then that will indicate that the puppy is in poor health. Do not purchase a puppy from this breeder. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, ask to see the papers for the mother and father of the puppy. Be aware that Labradors are prone to a number of hereditary diseases which are passed down along the generations. Responsible breeders will try to eliminate these diseases, which involves the breeder submitting their breeding stock to genetic tests and radiographs to work out if they are carriers or at risk of transmitting, certain conditions. Keep in mind that these tests cost the breeder money, so you will need to pay more for a puppy from screened parents. The payback is that the puppy is less likely to develop serious conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or eyesight problems. Ready for forever homes October 5th. Puppies will mature to weigh around 25 pounds full grown, they will come with shots and deworming up to date, star.Tails docked, dewclaws removed, 3 shots. Parents onsite. Dewclaws removed, tails docked. Call .Come with full AKC papers, first shots, wormed, and a health guarantee. Born July 25, .Available to go home now and in the beginning of August. Trained pups and young Adult Wheaten and Whoodles avai.Call or Text: 7 weeks old they come from a good home Parents on site 3 males 6 females Shots are scheduled next w.Ready to meet their new families! Health and DNA tested. Have begun: potty, crate, recall training. They need a loving home togo to. These puppies are 6 months old. These hypoallergenic and non shedding sweet pups are raised in our home with our 5 children. They will come with vet check record.Well-loved and hand-raised. Pups available from two litters born Decem.They are currently six weeks old and have received their first shots with deworming. The puppies are very.Will be puppy play yard trained and learning puppy pad training when.They will come with first shots, dewormed, a puppy package and health check by a v.Both parents are our family dogs and our beaut.Ready to go to their new homes on October 28th, Colors.We have 1 male and 2 females left in our F1B litter. Here at Home Grown Puppy we understand that bringing a n.Black, chocolate, and yellow. They are 4 weeks old and can go to their forever homes September 8th at 8 weeks old.

Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. 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. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Puppies When choosing a companion dog, it is normal for coat color to be a major consideration. But how about the German Shepherd coat? Do German Shepherd puppies change color? This article will discuss German Shepherd puppy coat coloring and how that coloring changes over time. Yes, German Shepherd puppies change color as they develop into adulthood. Even after they completely shed their puppy coat and grow their permanent adult coat, you can still expect to see some subtle changes in color. Instead, it sheds and changes continuously from birth to around 6 months. Once your German Shepherd turns 7 months old, the changes to their coat color will be more subtle. Nevertheless, it will continue to transform until they become adults at around 2 years old. Puppies are single-coated and their fur is generally soft and fluffy. Over time, they will shed that coat and develop a double-coat composed of dense fur and coarse outer hairs. Thick, downy fur helps puppies regulate their temperature within their first few months of life. However, their needs will change as they develop into adults. In the spring, German Shepherds blow their undercoats in preparation for the warm summer months. They will again shed heavily in the fall to develop a thicker and possibly darker winter coat. However, their appearance will still change—possibly multiple times—until well into adulthood, which starts at around 2 years old. However, you may still notice some subtle changes in thickness as the seasons turn. The color might also change slightly due to various factors like diet and sun exposure. However, experienced breeders can often tell whether a puppy will be long-coated before they turn a month old. It is also common for some unique markings to appear or disappear at this time. Nevertheless, the change in appearance might still be significant between 7 and 18 months old. Their shade could become darker or lighter, and their coat pattern can show some slight changes as well. Changes could still occur as a result of diet, environmental exposure, or health issues. No matter what color you prefer, your German Shepherd will benefit from proper nutrition and supplements for dog coat growth. She originally escaped from somewhere although the story is sketchy. She had surgery at the animal shelter and I adopted her as soon as she was ready. The first night I had her, I knew there was a problem. She escaped two wire crates initially and ruined them. She tore up the inside of my truck, ripped the seat covers and tore up several beds. I have never had a dog with so much anxiety before and I even had her on medication. At one point 8 mg of Xanax and she still escaped from everywhere! She would panic! I had to find something and get it fast to keep her safe! My friends down in Los Angeles recommended you! I purchased the crate immediately! When my crate arrived in January: I purchased the largest crate you made I think. It came assembled on an 18 wheel Semi Truck! This crate was sturdy! It was well built and it kept her in one place safe. But I did not expect her to absolutely love this crate. I had taken her with me everywhere from day one but she actually loved staying in your crate. She went to work with me every day, basketball games, baseball games, etc with me from the get go, but the crate made her feel secure and safe. She was very happy! During the summer I added additional fans in my truck and left all the windows down in my excursion so she would be comfortable. I parked in the shade at work and left the back of the truck open for her closed the top window but left the split gate open. She would be sound asleep when I would go check on her and sometimes I had to wake her up to take her for a walk. She is also going to be tracking and article detection. Thank you again for the great crate! I highly recommend Impact to everyone! I might be your biggest fan!! She loves your crate. This is my friend who helped me adopt Xena from the shelter! Thank you Impact!! And "now" after a year! Anyway, I owe it all to your crate! It allowed me to calm her and spend time with her while I was working! I spread praises to everyone! By studying the breed standards, we gain a basic understanding of German Shepherd structure and temperament. This guide is not a breed standard, but rather, it serves as a resource for those wanting to show and breed German Shepherds and can provide puppy buyers with the knowledge and confidence they need to quiz prospective breeders and identify quality puppies. The goal of a world-class German Shepherd breeder is to create and uphold a body type that is consistent—and produce healthy animals with stable temperaments—capable of performing a variety of functions. This guide shows breeders how to identify faults and virtues in their breeding dogs and through education, collaboration and commitment, we can help to ensure a healthier future for all German Shepherds. NOTE: There are a number of variations to the breed standard and while this guide is not affiliated with any specific club or organization, it is a culmination of basic breed standard information—presented in a easy-to-follow, visual format. When showing any German Shepherd, please study and understand fully the standard recognized by your show organization. The illustrations presented here are copyrighted and are not endorsed by, or affiliated with, any German Shepherd registry or club. They cannot be reproduced by any means—either electronic or mechanical—without permission in writing from the illustrator and GSDLiving. The German Shepherd Dog The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex. Height, Weight, Proportion The first step to identifying a quality German Shepherd is to understand fully the basic anatomical structures of the dog. Correct conformation is paramount to general appearance and overall performance. During conformation events, the wicket is first set to the maximum height as outlined in the breed standard. It is then placed at the highest point of the withers A. If the wicket does not touch the ground, your dog is oversize. The length is measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. Height is measured in a straight line from the withers, down the forelimbs and to the ground. German Shepherd Anatomy Understanding Angulation Angulation refers to the angle degree of slant between two or more bones surrounding a joint. The illustration below shows ideal front and rear angulation for German Shepherds, circa .In more recent years, rear angulation has changed significantly in many lines of show dogs—and even in some working lines. Additional information on this angulation transformation can be found under our Then and Now tab under the conformation menu. Anatomically, front angulation is usually dictated by the length of the upper arm humerus. A short upper arm results in decreased front angulation and restricted movement. The scapula and humerus should be approximately equal in length. The longer the lower leg, the greater the rear angulation and rear reach. Note: Your German Shepherd must be stacked correctly to accurately determine angulation. This means the hock on the extended rear leg must be positioned perpendicular to the ground and the forelegs must be positioned directly under the body in a straight line down from the withers. Place your thumb on the joint and follow the humerus bone down to the elbow joint B and note the angle of your hand. While keeping your thumb stationery, swing your hand up until you feel the protruding rib of the scapula bone. Conformation judges frequently use this method to evaluate shoulder angles. Anatomically, the highest point of the scapula should be positioned between thoracic vertebrae T2 and T3. Most steep shoulders are a result of a short upper arm and frequently cause a depression along the topline flat withers where the tip of the scapula withers would be positioned on a properly angulated dog. Rear angulation is discussed in great detail under our Then and Now tab in the main menu. Examples of present day German Shepherd body types with varying degrees of rear angulation. Spine, Middlepieces, Topline Spine: The spine of German Shepherds consists of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum where the pelvis attaches to the spinal column , and the coccygeal vertebrae of the tail. Middle Pieces: The middle pieces are the bones making up the back and loin and are what determine the length of body in a German Shepherd. This is in contrast to the dog that is too long in body and must exert too much energy while in motion. Topline: The topline runs from the base of the neck, through a high, long withers, into a straight back and towards the slightly sloping croup, without visible interruption. The back is moderately long, firm, strong and well-muscled. The loin is broad, short, strongly developed and well-muscled. The German Shepherd Head The head of a German Shepherd is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all not fine, and in proportion to the body. The expression keen, intelligent and composed. Seen from the front the forehead is only moderately arched, and the skull slopes into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and strong, and its topline is parallel to the topline of the skull. Nose is black. Noses that are not predominately black are faulty. Lips are firmly fitted. Jaws are strongly developed. The length of the forehead is measured from the occiput to the stop, while the length of the muzzle is measured from the stop to the tip of the nose. German Shepherd muzzles should be black and should be at a length equal to that of the forehead. The jaw should be strong and visible when the mouth is closed and the lips should be firm and not sag. On males, especially, muzzles should not appear narrow or snippy. Because they are the central component of expression, they should not distract from the overall impression of the head by being too light or protruding. The darker the eye color the better. They open toward the front and are carried erect when at attention. The ideal carriage being one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Ears should be of a size that compliments the overall outline of the head. The height of the ear should be equal to its width at the base. Any dog with cropped or hanging ears must be disqualified. To check for size, fold the ear down toward the eye A. The tip of the ear should not pass the upper eye rim. The height of the ear should be equal to its width at the base B. The ears should additionally be set high, and well apart, with the base of the ear placed just above the center of the eye D. Secondary Sex Characteristics Secondary sex characteristics are sex characteristics not related to reproduction. In German Shepherds and other breeds, these characteristics include size, musculature and head and expression. Head proportions—including the angle and length of the forehead and muzzle, and slope of the stop—are identical for both the dog and the bitch. When examining the head of a German Shepherd, the sex of the dog should be easily apparent. Body size, head and musculature on stud dogs should be quite different from that of bitches. Overly broad, masculine heads on bitches, or studs with more refined, weak or feminine attributes are penalized. Skull and Bite Alignment: Tooth alignment is affected by several genetic factors including jaw structure, lip structure, number of teeth, and retention of baby teeth. Tooth placement can, however, be caused by an injury or habits such as excessive chewing, repeated carrying or fetching of very hard objects. German Shepherds should have scissor bites. Scissors Bite: The upper incisors just overlap and touch the lower incisors. This arrangement prevents wear on the incisors and keeps the teeth aligned. Level Bite: The incisors meet edge to edge. This bite is acceptable, but not ideal. The canines nor the incisors line up squarely. Crowded Bite: When the teeth are overcrowded, sometimes overlapping. Crooked Teeth: Usually caused by crowding in a too-small or too-narrow jaw or the result of damage to the mouth. Missing teeth are an inherited trait resulting in a weakening of the jaw. The first premolars are the most commonly missed teeth, and though not as serious a fault as missing the second through fourth premolars, or missing multiple teeth, any German Shepherd missing first premolars should not be bred to another dog with this same fault. The pairing could result in progeny with weakened jaws and missing teeth. An overshot jaw or a level bite is undesirable. An undershot jaw is a disqualifying fault. Complete dentition is to be preferred. Any missing teeth other than first premolars is a serious fault. The bottom line of the chest should align with the elbows and the prosternum should stand out just ahead of the shoulder when viewed in profile. Commencing at the prosternum, the chest should be well filled and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and capacious, never shallow, with ample room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the prosternum showing ahead of the shoulder in profile. Ribs well sprung and long, neither barrel-shaped nor too flat, and carried down to a sternum which reaches to the elbows. Correct ribbing allows the elbows to move back freely when the dog is at a trot. Too round causes interference and throws the elbows out; too flat or short causes pinched elbows. Ribbing is carried well back so that the loin is relatively short. Abdomen firmly held and not paunchy. The bottom line is only moderately tucked up in the loin. Rib bones should be relatively flat and attach to the spine at the top and to the sternum at the bottom. They should be long and carried well back into the body, keeping the loin short and strong. Ribs and rib cages that are too round barrel shaped push the elbows out and away from the body while ribs that are too flat and short cause pinching in of the elbows. Well sprung ribs that are correctly positioned in the body, function to protect vital organs, yet are flexible enough to allow ample room for proper breathing. Forelimb Alignment Forelimb: The forelimbs of a German Shepherd should be positioned firmly and squarely under the body. When viewed from the front, you should see a straight line from the shoulder to the center of the foot. If an adjustment is needed, make the change by picking up the leg from just below the elbow. Most dogs are very sensitive about their feet and do not like having them manipulated. Working from the elbow is much for comfortable for you and your dog. You do not have to bend all the way to the ground and your dog does not have to have its feet touched. If working with a young dog or puppy, you can place your hand between the front legs at the chest and lift gently until its front feet are off the ground. Then slowly allow the feet to come down naturally to the ground. Turning the toes forward can additionally cause the elbows to turn out. To measure adequate width of chest and correct placement of the forelimbs, slide your hand positioned flat with palm up down the forechest and between the forelimbs. Your hand should fit loosely between the legs. If tight, your dog lacks width of chest, if there is extra space, the chest could be too broad. A chest that is too broad can push the legs of the dog too far away from its center of gravity and will result in a loss of energy while in motion. Forelimb Forelimb: The humerus, ulna, metacarpal and carpal bones provide the infrastructure of the forelimb and play an essential role in supporting your German Shepherd when in motion. The tendons and ligaments however, are what usually dictate correct conformation. The strength, firmness and angle of the pastern provides protection during impact and this cushioning is directly related to the condition and firmness of the ligaments surrounding the joints. Any weaknesses of the forelimbs can make your German Shepherd prone to injury and cause premature arthritic conditions. Feet: The feet of German Shepherds should be tight and well sprung. Toes that are elongated or splayed display weak ligamentation with decreased cushion and spring in the foot necessary for efficient, stress-free movement. Splayed, flat or hare feet are serious faults. Hindquarters Hindquarters: When talking about hindquarters on German Shepherds, we are referring to the pelvis, croup, upper and lower thigh, stifle, and hock. Forward motion begins from the rear as energy is pushed forward through the body. Pelvis: The pelvis is a complex structure that serves as a bridge for the transmission of energy between the rear legs and the spine. Croup: The croup includes the sacrum and the first few vertebrae of the tail. A correctly sloped pelvis is critical for efficient transmission. Upper and lower thigh: The lower thigh on German Shepherds should be only slightly longer than the upper thigh. The length of the lower thigh plays a large role in determining the degree of angulation in the rear. The longer the lower thigh bones, the greater the angulation. Stifle: The stifle or knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body and is where the femur, tibia and fibula join with the patella to form a powerful lever used for forward motion. Hock: The hock is where forward transmission begins and, because it is covered with a minimum amount of muscle, it is very susceptible to injury. It is crucial that this joint be straight and not bend either inward cow hocked or outward bandy legged. Sickle hocks are hocks that curve inward toward the body. A slight sickle is good, but a curve that causes the dog to walk with its hocks low to the ground like a kangaroo is considered faulty. When viewed in profile, the tail flows gently downward with a slight curved saber appearance. The tail set the point of the croup where the tail begins should be smooth and not bulge or dip. Tails that are set too high tend to form a bulge or tuck of hair at the base of the croup, while tails that are set too low will usually display a dip before transitioning in the tail. Very low tail sets might can also increase vulnerability to perianal fistula in some dogs. Nor should it be rolled up over the back past the base of the croup. Tails that extend above the back and curl forward past the base of the croup are considered a very serious fault. Body type dictates which style is most efficient for your dog. Suspended Trot — There is a period of suspension in which all four feet are off the ground. In a perfectly balanced dog, this effortless, rhythmic stride gives the illusion of slow motion and is spectacular when observed. Some experts believe the flying trot, though elegant and spectacular to watch, is not quite as efficient as the suspended trot. But it does allow the dog to cover more ground—at a faster speed. Flying Trot — There is no period of suspension. The hindfoot touches down before the forefoot even begins to be lifted. There is no period of suspension in a flying trot. The hindfoot touches down before the forefoot even begins to be lifted and also before the opposite forefoot makes contact with the ground. Additionally, the pasterns are usually flipped up in the follow through. With this type of extreme stride and speed, a large dog cannot generate enough power to lift and suspend its body. So which of these gaits is preferred? The dogs decide for us. Breeders cannot train a dog to suspend or fly. Stride is a result of body type, conformation and conditioning, and what breeders desire in our dogs. If you want a fast moving, flashy, show dog, the flying trot is what you strive to develop. If you want a solid, working-class dog with endurance and grace, then you breed for animals with suspended trots. Note that dogs falling in or exceeding the upper limits for height and weight for the breed might not be capable of performing either gaiting style and will have a greater tendency to amble or loaf while gaiting. There is a point in which the reach of a German Shepherd can be too extreme. Though flashy, some of these loosely ligamented dogs, with extreme reach, perform poorly at normal activities such as jumping, and some can have difficultly even standing or walking without appearing off balance. Notice also the tremendous pressure placed on the hocks due to their relative position to the ground. Pacing is when the legs on each side of the body move concurrently in the same direction. This action causes your dog to bounce and roll from side to side while in motion. Pacing is the easiest of the three gaits to perform. If your dog is pacing, it usually means you are not running fast enough for your German Shepherd to transition into a full trot or your dog is tired, overweight or conformationally deficient short coupled, under angulated, etc. You should avoid pacing while in the ring. Your dog will appear clumsy and the judge will be unable to properly evaluate its gait or transmission. Their bodies roll from side to side and their reach is greatly diminished. Dogs of very large stature must be in top condition and be tightly ligamented to successfully compete against smaller, more agile competitors. Shoulders that roll from side to side, and backs and abdomens that bounce while in motion, are typical of large, loosely ligamented dogs. As forward action begins, the forelegs move toward the midline of the body. This shift—or single tracking—increases balance and conserves energy. The forelegs should hold firm in a straight line from the shoulder joint to the toes. A German Shepherd that is wide coming wastes a lot of energy by carrying its feet too far away from its midline and this usually results in a choppy, side-to-side motion. Dogs that are close coming front feet cross over are not balanced and also loose valuable energy. Crabbing, or moving crabwise, is a term used to describe a condition where the front and rear of the dog move in two parallel tracks side by side instead of a single tract down the midline. This occurs when the front or rear overpowers the other. Energy is lost with any shift of energy in a direction other than the direction your dog is moving. Any joints that are not straight are highly susceptible to injury due to the tremendous force applied to these areas when in motion. As the rear leg is brought forward, a well conditioned, well muscled German Shepherd will show some shifting of the leg away from the midline at the knee. This is normal and is indicative of good muscling. However, you should not see any twisting or extreme pushing out of the knee. Poorly conditioned dogs, or individuals lacking muscle mass will move flat, holding both legs too close to the body. These dogs frequently show weakness of back, as well, and a shifting or rolling of the body will be observed both coming and going. A German Shepherd with good movement going will show great firmness of back, dense muscling and an even pressure applied to joints. Any deviations in structure can greatly increase energy loss and fatigue, and in the long term, could result in permanent damage to the affected joints. The illustrations below show how any curve at the hock creates added stress on the joint. Only a dog that is wide going retains a straight line on its driving leg, but looses energy because its legs are too far away from the midline of the body. In this section, we will show you where transmission begins and how it sets your dog in motion. Dogs that are loosely ligamented or poorly conditioned will also have faulty transmission. As your dog pushes off with its rear leg, energy travels from the hock, into the stifle and thighs, into the croup, loin and back, and ultimately into the shoulders and forelimbs. As you can imagine, if your dog has poor hocks, there is little chance for good transmission. Energy will be directed toward the midline of the body if cow hocked instead of up and into the thighs. The incidence of injury in cow hocked dogs is high because of the tremendous stress placed the hock and stifle joints. If your German Shepherd has a powerful rear assembly with great rear reach—but it is not equally balanced in front—its rear components will overpower its front. The hindfeet will likely strike the forefeet, causing your dog to move crabwise—or even result in a high, over exaggerated front reach. Every component of the body must be balanced to achieve fluid, effortless motion with the least misdirection or loss of energy. The pelvis receives all the energy generated by the rear and serves as a bridge to allow that energy to pass seamlessly into the loin and back. The amount of energy taken in by the pelvis is tremendous. Unlike the scapula shoulder , the pelvis is not connected to the spine with muscle, but is fused to the sacrum. A puppy that is born with a steep pelvis will have a steep pelvis as an adult. The angle does not change with maturity. Once energy passes through the pelvis, it moves into the spine toward the forehand. While in motion, the back should remain straight and firm. The forequarters of your German Shepherd generates only a fraction of the amount of energy that its hindquarters produce, but it is equally important because it serves as support for the front of the dog and controls braking and steering. The shoulders must be able to absorb the energy generated from the rear without interfering with it. Its front legs must be able to cover the same amount of ground as its corresponding rear legs. The shoulders of a German Shepherd must be correctly angulated, the upper arm should not be too short, and the withers should be high and well muscled. Any faults in gait or transmission are very serious in German Shepherds and should be penalized. Conformation faults have the greatest impact on transmission. If reach is restricted, transmission will also decrease. Flexors pull the joint closed and bring the limb close to the body. Extensors open the joint and straighten the limb out and away from the body. If your dog has a short upper arm, it will have short extensors. Short extensor muscles cannot contract enough to adequately extend the limb. The same theory applies to the hindquarters. The longer the lower thigh bone, the longer its associated muscles. Longer muscles can contract more and extend the leg further than short muscles. Illustrations A and C show well balanced dogs in motion. It is possible to maintain balance in a dog with an over extended reach C , but it is not typical, and these dogs can appear less stable while standing or walking. Photo B is an example of a moderately angulated, balanced dog. This dog will be able to stand or walk steadily—with ease and balance. Photo D shows a dog with tremendous rear strength that is completely over powering its front. Its short upper arm is also restricting reach. Dog D can sustain this type of gait for only a short period of time before exhausting. Below are examples of dogs with their weight evenly distributed over the length of their bodies and also dogs with increased angulation that shifts a greater percentage of their weight onto the stifle and hock joints. These more angulated dogs are susceptible to injury at these critical junctions. May 18, Reply As an Australian dog judge of three groups and currently learning to judge the German Shepherd Dog this site has been such a valuable learning tool. The illustrations are exceptional and as a visual learner these quality diagrams and explanations are equivalent to a gold mine. Sending sincere gratitude for your skills and sharing this with the world. So glad to hear you are finding this site helpful. Randy February 6, Reply This was a great read. My wife and I picked up our Shepherd when she was 6 weeks old. She is now 13 months old. By reading this I learned a lot more about her. Thank you Rangda January 18, Reply Thank you for this material — very informatiwe and detailed! Asia January 1, Reply I love this so much, I am planning on getting into showing and this is easy to understand. Is it possible to get this in physical form? For my own personal studies. Thank you so much for the feedback. The guide currently has an online version only, but feel free to review as desired. I am glad you find it informative and helpful. Education is the key to breeding healthier dogs regardless of the breed. Trinity July 12, Reply Thank you for this resource! I am hoping to adopt a GSD from a shelter soon and will be using this as a reference to help select a good sport prospect with stable structure. Marlon October 27, Reply Wow, this is very informative I will definitely use this as a reference. I learned a lot! Thank you so much for sharing! Leave a Reply.

Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. All growing puppies need proper nutrition. However, choosing the right diet for your puppy can be an overwhelming task. When you choose to feed your puppy home-prepared food, it takes a certain amount of commitment on your part. Make sure you have the time to prepare the food properly and on a regular basis. There's a lot you need to know before you can start feeding your dog an appropriate homemade diet. Like humans, dogs have specific caloric requirements and need certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Puppies have even more specific needs in order to grow at an appropriate rate and thrive. The food you feed your puppy must be complete and balanced. It must also be designed to support growth. One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make when they decide to feed home-prepared diets is not following the right recipes or, not following a recipe at all. Preparing the right puppy diet is about more than just feeding enough calories. It must also have the proper balance of protein, fat, and calories for a growing puppy. When you begin to develop a home-prepared diet, make sure your puppy gets everything it needs in its diet to keep it as healthy as possible and help it grow. The best way to do this is to consult with your veterinarian. You might even want to ask for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist. Working with a vet, you can design a diet that meets all of your puppy's nutritional needs. Your vet may have recipes for you to use or may guide you to a website like BalanceIT. These websites have recipes developed by veterinary nutritionists. They can help you choose a diet that is complete and balanced but also meets other needs. In many cases, you can choose your preferred ingredients or find formulas designed for puppies with specific needs like large breeds or health issues like allergies. How to Prepare Homemade Puppy Food In general, puppies need about twice as many calories per day than their adult counterparts. According to the Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science, a pound puppy that is expected to weigh 33 pounds at adulthood needs to eat about calories per day. In addition, puppies need more protein, fat, vitamins and minerals than adult dogs. Many owners who feed home-prepared diets set up a regular schedule , setting aside time weekly or monthly to prepare and portion the diet. The food can be prepared in bulk and portioned into containers one container per meal makes it extra-easy. You can keep meals frozen for several months or refrigerated for about 5 days. When the supply of pre-prepared meals runs low, it's time to make a new batch. If you like to feed a variety of foods, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals. Remember to increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows. Raw Diets for Puppies There's no doubt that home-cooked diets for puppies can be healthy when done correctly, but what about raw food? There is much controversy over raw food for dogs. The AVMA and other agencies warn of the risks of dangerous pathogens in raw pet food. Some other experts see the potential benefits of raw food for healthy adult dogs. However, puppies are a different story. Raw food may contain dangerous pathogens that can lead to illness in people and some dogs. Like children, young animals may not have the immune systems to fight off pathogens found in raw food. If you feel you can safely handle raw food and you are willing to assume the risks, talk to your veterinarian about transitioning to raw food when your puppy gets older. In the beginning, you might choose to offer a combination of cooked and raw foods to see how it works out. Raw diets should never be fed to dogs coming into contact with immunocompromised humans. In addition, raw diets are not recommended for dogs with immune system issues. As owners become more aware of what is in some mainstream commercial dog foods, home cooking becomes more and more appealing. There are many reasons to make the switch from commercial kibble or canned food to wholesome home cooked food and many benefits to doing so. A tasty and nourishing dish: Fresh cuts of beef with a mixture of spinach greens, lima beans, baby carrots, and peas, along with tri-color quinoa and scrambled eggs, blueberries, and a dash of cottage cheese. This is just one of the wonderful meals you can make for your Poodle. Home cooking can save you money. The extent money saving by making homemade food will vary depending on what sort of ingredients you opt for. Top-grade cuts of beef and certain types of fish like salmon along with fresh produce can end up being a little pricey. If you choose to make meals with turkey or chicken as the base or whitefish and opt for some frozen veggies, you can end up saving quite a bit. Meal prepping is encouraged. Some people simply love to be in the kitchen and meals certainly can be cooked fresh each day. You can cook in bulk and keep portions in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Most recipes are not cut in stone. There are lots of ways to adjust meals to please picker eaters or just to try out new flavors. One of the great things about home cooking for Poodle puppies or adult dogs is that many exceptional meals can be made with simple methods: steaming, boiling, frying, and baking and with the use of common kitchen tools like stirring spoons, mixing bowls, and cutting knives. Ingredients are ones you can pick up along with your own food. For most recipes, ingredients can be found in the same supermarket where you purchase your own food. Unless you are making specialty treats, there is no need to go to a specialty food store. Potentially dangerous synthetic preservatives. Many dog food companies choose to use chemical, not natural, preservatives which can have terrible health consequences. Harmful coloring dyes. This is a sad one since these serve zero purpose other than to make food look appealing to pet parents yet there are shocking issues linked to some artificial coloring agents. In animal testing, Red 3 was found to be a carcinogen. Yellow 5, which is has a warning label in Europe but not in the United States, is linked to behavioral issues including aggression and hyperactivity. And in regard to allergy issues, Yellow 6 and Blue 5 are top culprits. Artificial food enhancers. Monosodium glutamate MSG , a flavor enhancer, is yet another hidden ingredient in some dog foods since it does not always have to be listed on the label, by law. And did you know that this does not actually have a taste? It is linked to heart palpitations, anxiety, and numbness in the extremities and studies are being conducted in regard to suspected links to liver inflammation, fetal brain damage, and toxicity to the brain, kidney, and liver. Random animal ingredients. Some pet owners assume that this is a myth that dog food can contain road kill and other very questionable meat sources. This does include the carcasses of animals collected from roads, farm animals that die during transportation, dead zoo animals, and more. Cheap fillers. As a cost-saving method, many commercial brands add in fillers. These are inexpensive ingredients that simply add bulk but practically no nutrients. A very common one is corn and its by-products and this is not the sweet corn that you may enjoy at a barbeque; it is usually very low-quality corn used for cattle-feed. High gluten levels. Though lots of owners worry about their Poodles being allergic to grains, it is usually wheat, which has high levels of gluten, that is to blame. Another flavorful meal is this turkey-based delight. This has lean shredded turkey, diced carrots, zucchini slices, and spinach greens, over steamed quinoa and topped with blackberries and strawberries. The 7 Benefits of Home Cooking for a Poodle 1. No worries regarding hidden ingredients. You will know exactly what is going into each meal and snack. No need for preservatives. Since food will be cooked fresh and either refrigerated or frozen, there is no need for preservatives. The advantages of fresh cuts of meat and fish. Not only is fresh, unprocessed meat more nutritious in regard to protein levels, most dogs find it much more appetizing. Natural flavors. You can add in some truly tasty ingredients that offer bursts of wholesome flavor all thanks to Mother Nature. This includes crispy vegetables like sugar snap peas and green beans, antioxidant-packed fruits like blueberries and blackberries, and sauces with yogurt, pumpkin, or rich-broth bases. Complete control over level of grains. There are a wide range of options with home cooking including gluten-free, low gluten, or grain-free. Recipes can be adjusted with ingredients such as brown or white rice, quinoa technically a seed , and oatmeal. And baked snacks can be made with flour or alternatives such as coconut or tapioca flour. You can stick with just one or two meals that your Poodle likes best or you can offer up different protein bases for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can swap out raspberries for mango or lima beans for bell peppers. With home cooking, you are in charge and able offer a truly customized diet. This is a fun and informative, full-color, recipe PDF eBook cookbook. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Poodle gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Poodle gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Poodle, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Poodle is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.

Choosing a reputable breeder is important for a number of reasons. For one, responsible breeders take good care of their dogs and puppies, and they only breed healthy dogs with sound temperaments. Here are a few things to help you with that. With that being said, responsible breeders will also back their programs with one or two-year genetic health guarantees, usually covering any severe genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. This can help you weed out the bad apples and find a Goldendoodle breeder in Maryland that you can trust. We recommend you look for reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Or, you can check out user submitted Doodle breeder reviews here at Doodle Doods. Located in the neighboring state of West Virginia, Fox Creek Farm specializes in all sizes of the amazing Goldendoodle — from the smallest Petite and Mini Goldendoodles and up to the largest Standard Goldendoodle pups. Fox Creek Farm specializes in Multigenerational Goldendoodles, as their traits and characteristics are more predictable. This means that these pups are more often than not very low-shedding, making them ideal for people with allergies. What Makes This Breeder Unique? As a responsible Goldendoodle breeder, Fox Creek Farm follows and stays up to date on the most current ethical breeding practices. They introduce the puppies to potty training, crate training, basic manners, and socialize them with people of all ages and other pets. Waitlist: Yes. Rocks and Roses Doodles Rocks and Roses Goldendoodles With over 4 years of breeding history, Rocks and Roses have been able to earn a decent reputation as top breeders of the Goldendoodle. Rocks and Roses Doodles are located in Street, Maryland. They are a blue ribbon breeder of the miniature Goldendoodle under the Goldendoodle Association of North America. They are also a recommended breeder by Good Dog. Their Goldendoodle pups are raised in the family home where they are provided with enough space to run and play to their satisfaction. They get to sleep in a clean and temperature-regulated area and are provided with the right supplement and food to foster strong growth. Each Goldendoodle is exposed to basic puppy training and is also exposed to a wide variety of enrichment protocols like puppy culture and Early Neurological Stimulation. All their puppies are bred to high standards and stay with them until 10 weeks. They are multigen puppies so they come with hypoallergenic coats. In addition, the puppies all come from a healthy, impressive bloodline. To achieve this, careful, selective breeding must be done. This is why they spare no resources into researching the right sire and dam for their program. The dogs are tested for genetic health issues that are common to the Goldendoodle breed. They also have their hearts, patellas, hips, and eyes tested and certified by licensed professionals. Your Goldendoodle puppy should be exposed to basic potty and crate training. They also come with a 2 years health guarantee. They are health checked by a licensed vet and are each properly vaccinated and dewormed with records to show this. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Lansdowne-Baltimore Highlands Maryland and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! They were helpful from beginning to end and answered any questions we had. Parker is absolutely the best pup in the world. Angela F. Good communication was kept and our puppy is perfect. Coley D. December We are more and more in love with our Gracie Mae as each day goes by. She has been such a good girl from day one. She has slept in her crate from the first night with not so much as a whimper. She eats well and pees and poops on demand. She is so smart, loves to play and is very cuddly. The Dr said that Gracie is very healthy. Everyone there commented on how beautiful she is. She has been pure Joy for us. Thank you so much!! Lisette G. January Milo has been a tremendous blessing to our family and we love him fiercely! He is calm, sweet, eager to please and super quick to learn. Our experience with Copper Oaks was amazing. Becky was more than willing to answer any and all questions I had before purchasing Milo. Highly recommend!!! Adel R. He has brought our family such joy and is an amazing and fun loving little guy. He was super easy to train and is great with people and other dogs. Our experience with Copper Oaks was excellent: Duncan is our first dog, and we would definitely choose them again in the future. Daniel S. We love Copper Oaks mini Goldendoodles so much. We received a girl puppy from one of their fall litters and she is the best dog. Bea was spunky and loving right from the start. She bonded with us so quickly! She loves walks, meeting new furry friends and people, and playing fetch! Bea is super smart too and excelled in her puppy classes. She got a clean bill of health at all her puppy visits and the vets just love her. Everywhere we go people stop us to ask what kind of dog Bea is and where we got her from. I tell everyone she is from Copperoaks! From beginning to end Becky was informative and very helpful with the transition from her home to ours! She has continued to stay in contact and check on sweet Bea! I want to get Bea a sister soon! We love her so much! Amber G. April Wonderful breeder! They provided great information and resources and they truly care about the pups! Penny is the sweetest dog and is so smart! I already want to get my sweet Penny and sibling Aimee J. July Barkley is a wonderful addition to our family! He is energetic, smart, playful and cuddly! He picked up potty training quickly and loves to go camping and play on the beach! Big thanks to Copper Oaks and the amazing job they do! Our sweet Barkley is perfect! Krystle S. August Our little mini goldendoodle from Copper Oaks is the best little dog! She has been super easy to crate train, and is so sweet. You can tell these puppies are loved as family when you pick your pup up in person. I kind of want another one already!!!! Jada B. May Choosing Copper Oaks mini Goldendoodles for our puppy was the best decision. Stoli is such an amazing puppy - he loves people, playing fetch, he is super smart, fun, and all around great. Becky was amazingly patient and kind through the entire process. There is no doubt Becky and her entire family love the doodles, every one of them - the kind nurturing nature of the family continues to shine through via the follow ups since we brought our puppy home. To top it off, the puppy parents have a wonderful demeanor and are so kind and well behaved. Highly recommend Copper Oaks - we are thrilled to be a part of the family. Lisa R. March Payton is the sweetest little dog! Payton was one of Ivey's puppies and we picked him up from Copper Oaks at the end of September. Becky was so wonderful in responding to all of my questions. When we met Becky, her husband and their adorable children, I knew that Payton was coming from a loving place! Payton is now 4. He always wants to be around people and other dogs and is great with children too. He is kind, playful, smart and looks like a little teddy bear. He loves to play fetch, go on walks and go to day care with his dog friends. We can't thank Copper Oaks enough for helping us find the perfect addition to our family! Kate F. December Santa delivered a mini golden doodle this year! Becky was very helpful in answering all my questions regarding the purchase of a puppy and so many more questions about the breed. Willow and Tucker are super sweet puppy parents! I also loved that our puppy was surrounded by children. Dasher has been a playful and cuddly puppy! Our vet has been pleased with his puppy well checks: I have an allergy to dogs and Dasher has joined our family with no problem. I highly recommend Copper Oaks! Marianne N. February We got our sweet Teddy Bear a couple of days before Christmas, and we are so in love with him already! Amanda D. December My precious little mini golden doodle Savannah loves to go on rides in our pick up truck- she has her own little seat- the best one in the house! She is the smartest puppy we have ever had. She has learned so many tricks since bringing her home 3 months ago! She loves playing with the grandkids- played on the slip and slide- funny sight - loves Pwnn State football with her own little tee shirt, and loves going out and about meeting new people every day! We are hoping to be able to take her into nursing homes to meet the residents and cheer them up. We are so happy we found Copper Oaks mini Golden Doodles! Julie A. September We had a very good experience purchasing from Copper Oaks. Our puppy, Ginger, is a wonderful addition to our family. She is very smart and sweet. Her veterinarian commented on her confidence, how comfortable she was being handled, and the documentation we brought with us and said they were all signs of a good breeder. Tracey R. March Princess Hazel has adjusted very well into our family which is not a surprise because she came from a loving home to begin with. She is super sweet and doing fabulous in her obedience classes. I am so happy I was able to meet Becky and my husband and I were able to bring Hazel into this family. We would like to thank Becky and her family for raising such sweet dogs and being so loving and helpful. We cannot wait to see what Hazel has in store for us in the future. We will be sure to keep you updated. Elizabeth B. December Maple is turning 8 months and has been great from crate training to playing fetch. Would definitely recommend Copper Oaks. Some of her favorite things.Matt M. July We love our mini golden doodle, Bear! We highly recommend Copper Oaks! Sama G. March Our little Coco just had her half birthday and is now 6 months. We just love every moment we have with her; she brings so much joy into our lives. Copper Oaks is a great place to find a furry family member. Their whole family shows so much love to each and every puppy. This breeder is very knowledgeable and has lots of advice to share when it comes to the breed. When we are ready to add a little boy to our mix, we will definitely go through this breeder again! Helaine H. June Becky and her family provide so much love and attention to their pups.She is a responsible loving breeder who treats each litter like family. Our sweet boy Rowan is just perfect in everyway.If you've done your homework on Doodles and breeders.Jennifer M. We loved the experience with Copper Oaks from start to finish. Becky was always so warm and helpful. She always responded to my emails right away. I highly recommend purchasing your mini golden-doodle from Copper Oaks Mimi M. February Absolutely the best experience. Our puppy is perfect! Becky is so knowledgeable and great at answering our questions very quickly. Our pup flew across country and Becky made the transition very smooth. We were always informed. His personality is adorable. We can tell that he came from a warm loving environment. He is very social and paper trained. If you are considering a mini golden doodle copper oaks is a must to check out! Ramona B. He quickly adapted to our family and has been happy and cuddly since we brought him home. He is so smart and has even learned to ring a bell when he needs to go potty. Thank you Becky for making the transition so smooth for us. I highly recommend Copper Oaks!! Kimberly G.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to know how to fatten up a German Shepherd to make them gain weight in a healthy way? Are you worried that your German Shepherd is thin and underweight and want to know how to bulk up a German Shepherd for safe weight-gain? Is Your German Shepherd Underweight? Your dog should have a trim, athletic appearance. They are large breed dogs with fast metabolisms that are active and energetic in their daily lives. Fit German Shepherds may at first seem slightly underweight. They are lean, athletic dogs with a strong, firm figure and you should avoid learning how to make a German Shepherd fat. Instead, you want to bulk-up your German Shepherd to make them fit. But if you see their ribs protruding or their hip bones raised and easily felt when petting, this is a sign of being underweight. You should first check with your vet for possible medical issues. You want to know if they are gaining weight, losing weight, or remaining the same. This helps you to decide if your weight gain plan is working — or if you need to adjust your plan. If your dog continues losing weight or if you see a lack of progress, take your dog back to your veterinarian. You need to see this as a long term plan and not an overnight fix to get your German Shepherd fat and by fat, I mean bulk-up not obese or overweight. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. Adults and seniors should eat about 20 to 25 percent of their daily calories from protein and 25 to 50 percent from fats. The rest of the calories should come from carbohydrates. This is anywhere from 8 months to a year or longer. Change to Puppy or High-Performance Food If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog food to help them gain healthy weight. Both puppy and high-performance also known as a working breed food is higher in calories to support complex energy needs and sustained growth. Puppy foods generally have added nutrients to support puppy growth which can help your underweight German Shepherd gain weight and fatten up in a controlled manner — which is what you want. Mixing regular adult and puppy or high-performance food helps your GSD gain weight and fat in a regulated manner. For More Calories Feed Dry Kibble Dry kibble dog food generally has more calories if you want your dog to gain weight. Dry kibble is denser and contains more calories than wet food because the moisture has been removed from dry foods. Therefore, dry food has up to 4 times the number of calories as the same amount of wet food — dry kibble is a weight gaining powerhouse! If your dog is currently eating wet meals, then try mixing in some dry food with their wet food to help stimulate weight gain. Wet foods may taste better to your dog, so mixing in the dry foods with the wet still encourages your dog to eat in order to not lose more weight. Look for dry food with higher protein and fats to encourage weight gain in a healthy manner and go with one of the foods mentioned above for fat gain that is healthy. Begin by feeding your dog a bit more of their current food spread out over one more meal per day. Add a quarter to half a cup of extra food per meal. You can also take their regular feeding and the additional food and increase their feeding schedule to four times per day, splitting the food equally at each feeding. If your German Shepherd is picky about when they eat, then it may help to leave food out for them all the time. This is called free feeding. Dogs who can free feed tend to gain more weight than dogs fed on a schedule. Free feeding allows your dog the chance to eat a little whenever they are hungry or bored. This type of feeding may help them eat more overall. But only use free feeding with dry food, since wet foods spoil when left out for more than a couple hours. They may follow you around rather than eat when you offer their food bowl — this may be especially true of Shepherds since they tend to get fixated on their caretaker. But, just keeping your dog company while they eat may stimulate their appetite. Find a comfortable spot to sit and wait on your dog while they eat. Bring a book or do a quiet activity while they eat close to you. Simply sit with them and enjoy your time together while they eat. Keep the treats handy and offer them to help get extra calories into your dog. Adding these foods into their regular kibble may also entice them to eat more of their dry dog food, which can help an underweight puppy or adult. They also add extra calories which are healthy and nutritious. To get your dog more interested in their food, try sprinkling on a topping to their usual meals. You can even buy healthy toppers that are easy to add. Seniors, adults, and puppies all have various nutritional concerns. Most commercial and pre-made dog foods specify their intended age range on the packaging and state what groups the food is aimed at feeding. Underfeeding a German Shepherd puts your dog at a serious health risk. You need to make sure they get enough food for their age and energy needs. Puppies generally eat almost double the number of calories an adult dog needs, so be sure to check out this post on what amount to feed a German Shepherd puppy to keep them healthy. While a senior GSD may eat significantly fewer calories, if they are losing weight or underweight and a vet has been consulted, they may need extra feedings or food to help them gain the weight back. German Shepherds thrive on consistent physical activity. Walking and swimming are activities that build muscle and are lower impact and less intense on their joints and bones. They can be done every day to keep your dog active and help them to maintain their muscle mass. But these two exercises can be performed at a lower intensity so that even older dogs and puppies can enjoy their benefits make sure your puppy can swim first. Keeping muscle mass is important to prevent wasting and help maintain their health and mobility, as well as their athletic appearance. Try walking up hills to improve muscle growth or a gentle game of tug using a spring pole in which your dog can start and stop on their own. Some of the herbs used to increase human appetite are also safe for use in dogs. Dandelion is available in this for-1 multivitamin , along with other herbal supplements to make your GSD gain weight. B vitamins are natural appetite stimulants and are readily available over the counter and online. Visit Your Vet Regularly Always see your vet regularly. Regular vet appointments are especially important for your underweight German Shepherd. Your vet will use your notes to help make medical adjustments, as necessary, and to give you the right tips and advice. Helping Your German Shepherd Gain Weight Knowing how to fatten up a German Shepherd can help you and your dog achieve their ideal weight and maintain this healthy condition. There are many reasons why your dog or puppy may not be gaining weight. But there are also ways to help your dog at home to become healthier and have more energy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. It can be a minor issue or flat-out hazardous. So, we applaud you for trying to learn why you have a skinny German Shepherd. Excessive Exercise It could be likely that your skinny male German Shepherd is overly active and getting a lot of exercise. More work means more food, not just any food but those high in calories. Dental Issues We often let dental problems in our dogs go unnoticed. It can be a sore, abscess, ulcer, or even broken teeth and gum infections. It can cause weight loss over time or even spread to other areas in the body if not treated quickly. Health problems that affect their weight can range widely. Parasites and worms are common issues in many dogs, while more severe problems like cancer and heart disease also cause unusual weight loss. Look for other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness as they usually accompany weight loss when the dog suffers from a serious health issue. Your dog can get undesirable effects too. Not getting enough attention, training , exercise, or not socializing enough can lead to anxiety in your dog. Other causes include moving to a new home and bringing home a new pet. Think about what might be causing stress in your dog and consider how you can improve its overall living quality. Genetics Sometimes, the reason for a skinny German Shepherd can be as simple as its genetic factor. Most working German Shepherds are lean, so your dog will most probably be skinny because it is from this bloodline. Try to recollect how it looked when it was younger. Aging causes dental problems and appetite loss, which makes them skinny. However, it can also be because of deeper health problems brought about by aging, like cancer. Here are some effective options you can consider: Visit the Vet The foremost thing to do when your German Shepherd is suddenly losing weight is to see a vet. Consider Puppy Food Puppy food contains ingredients that help puppies grow rapidly and healthily. Try feeding puppy food to your older dog to let it gain weight. However, consult with the vet before implementing this step to ensure safety. Try Wet Food German Shepherds with dental problems will benefit tremendously from wet food. It is much easier to consume, making your pet want to eat more. Let Them Eat When They Want German Shepherd parents who cannot make time to give them multiple meals daily should consider leaving the food out for them to eat anytime. Leave dry food instead of wet food, as they will remain fresh for longer. Homemade Treats Might Help Making treats for your dog at home ensures a healthier diet. Cheese and peanut butter are great options. While buying them, make sure to look for those high in calories. Note: Steer clear of grapes and chocolates while preparing homemade treats for your GSD. It can also relieve you to know that your pooch is gaining weight, even if slowly. The Takeaway Whether you have a skinny female German Shepherd or a male one, seeing them lose weight can be disheartening. While some breeds are lean by nature, a variety of underlying health issues might be causing it. Take it to the vet to rule out all possibilities, or treat them ASAP. You can also help your dog gain back weight by following the above measures. 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. The genes inherited from the parents and other ancestors in their lineage will significantly influence their growth and development. If your German Shepherd comes from bloodlines consisting mainly of smaller dogs, they will likely end up on the smaller side themselves. Reputable breeders focus on breeding dogs that meet the breed standard, which for male German Shepherds is inches tall and pounds. Females are inches and pounds. However, backyard breeders or puppy mills may not pay as much attention to size, producing German Shepherds outside of the standard. So if you obtained your dog from disreputable sources, this could explain the smaller stature. Examining the Parents One of the best ways to estimate the size your German Shepherd will reach is to look at the parents. If both the sire and dam are on the smaller side, chances are your puppy will be too. This will give you a good idea of what to expect as your dog matures. While environmental factors can influence size too, genetics lay the foundation. Some of the most common issues that may stunt growth include: Panosteitis Panosteitis is a condition that causes painful inflammation in the long bones of large breed puppies during growth spurts. It usually develops between months of age. The pain causes affected puppies to become reluctant to exercise and play. Without proper activity levels, muscle and bone development can suffer. Puppies with chronic panosteitis often end up undersized as adults. Treatment involves pain management and anti-inflammatory medications. Hypothyroidism An underactive thyroid gland prevents adequate production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism and growth. Without enough thyroid hormones, a German Shepherd puppy may demonstrate stunted development. Blood testing can diagnose hypothyroidism. Once treated with supplemental thyroid medication, normal growth can resume. But if left untreated for a long period, the dog may remain undersized. Orthopedic Problems Issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans OCD can impede proper limb development. The pain and joint changes make exercise difficult. Lack of exercise can allow muscles to atrophy and bones to stop reaching their growth potential. Corrective surgery and medications to control orthopedic diseases may help get development back on track. But any damage already done may prevent the dog from reaching full size. Congenital Defects Birth defects impacting the skeleton or vital organs can interfere with growth in some cases. One example is a liver shunt, where blood bypasses the liver. Liver shunts disrupt nutrient absorption and metabolism, often resulting in stunted growth. Surgical correction may allow more normal development. But if the dog is older at the time of diagnosis, they may remain small for their breed. Parasites Could be Robbing Nutrients Intestinal parasites like worms can infest puppies and drain vital nutrients. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are common parasites found in dogs that prevent adequate absorption of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Severe infestations can even be life-threatening without proper deworming treatments. All puppies should be dewormed starting at 2 weeks old, then regularly throughout the first year. Adult dogs require periodic fecal testing and deworming to keep parasites under control. Keeping your German Shepherd free of parasites ensures they can properly digest and absorb their food to support healthy development. Puppies who miss out on deworming are at risk for remaining undersized. Feeding an inappropriate diet with deficient calories or nutrients during crucial developmental stages can result in a smaller dog. Not Enough Calories German Shepherds need more calories per pound of body weight when young to fuel their rapid growth. Pregnant and nursing dams also require increased calories and nutrition. If the mother was fed poorly, growth could be impacted even before birth. Switch to a high-quality puppy formula after weaning to ensure adequate calories for your German Shepherd puppy. Follow feeding guidelines based on their current weight and activity level. Missing Key Nutrients German Shepherd puppies need proper amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in their diet. Diets deficient in certain nutrients will not properly support full growth and development. For example, inadequate calcium and phosphorus levels can impair bone growth. Lack of protein may result in muscle loss and slow weight gain. Omega fatty acids like DHA are essential for brain, eye, and nervous system maturation. Choose a premium commercial puppy food formulated for large breed growth. Alternatively, work with a veterinary nutritionist to develop a custom balanced homemade diet. Avoid cheap diets with nutrient fillers. Transitioning Foods Too Quickly When switching your German Shepherd puppy to a new diet, allow at least days to transition gradually. Abrupt changes can disrupt digestion, limiting calorie absorption required for growth. Mix a little new food with the previous food, slowly adjusting the ratios over a week. This gives their gastrointestinal system time to adapt to different ingredients and nutrients in the new food. Proper diet transitions help ensure your puppy maintains proper growth and development on their new food. Drastic switches could result in nutritional imbalance. Activity Levels Impact Growth Potential German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy and need adequate exercise and activity. Without enough exercise, their muscle and bone development can suffer, resulting in a smaller than expected adult size. Not Enough Exercise Regular activity and play encourages bone lengthening and muscle growth. When puppies get insufficient exercise, bones and muscles do not receive the stimulatory signals to reach their genetic potential. German Shepherd puppies need at least minutes of activity per day. This might include leash walking, playing fetch, or running around a yard under supervision. Keep sessions short but frequent for young puppies. Overexercising On the other hand, exercising a German Shepherd puppy too aggressively can also impair growth. Their bones and joints are still developing, so excessive jogging, jumping, or similar activities can damage their body. If they seem reluctant to exercise or limp afterward, the sessions are too extreme. Stick to moderate, controlled activities that encourage extension and motion without overstressing the limbs. With the right balance of activity tailored to their age, your German Shepherd will develop strong muscles and bones to match their genetic size potential. Other Environmental Factors Aside from the key reasons covered above, other environmental factors may contribute to a smaller than expected German Shepherd. If the mother rejects the litter or cannot produce enough milk, growth may be impacted even before weaning. Signs of poor maternal care include low birth weights, failure to gain weight, and increased health problems in the litter. Taking over supplemental feedings and care of affected puppies can help get nutrition back on track. The physical recovery combined with emotional impacts may limit their ability to reach full genetic size potential. General Health or Illness Any illness that causes poor appetite, maldigestion, or malabsorption of food can potentially slow growth. Examples include parasites, infections, liver or kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Once the underlying condition is treated, normal development may resume. But extended illnesses during crucial growth periods could still result in a smaller than expected adult size. While a smaller than expected German Shepherd may simply have genetics for a petite size, rule out any medical reasons for their limited growth. Schedule a veterinary exam to check for parasites, orthopedic disease, thyroid problems, and other conditions. Discuss their current diet and activity levels with the vet as well to ensure their nutritional and exercise needs are being met. With any identified issues properly addressed, your German Shepherd should continue to develop normally toward a healthy adult body condition. As long as they appear proportional, fit, and in good body condition, a petite German Shepherd can still live a long, full life. Focus on health rather than specific size measurements. Not all German Shepherds will meet breed height and weight standards. With the right care and nutrition, you can ensure your small-statured German Shepherd reaches their own ideal weight and figure. A responsible dog owner knows that good health comes in all sizes! The best way to estimate adult size is to look at the parents. German Shepherds generally fall within a few inches of height and 10 pounds of weight compared to their sire and dam. Growth charts also provide reasonable projections. What is a standard-sized German Shepherd? The American Kennel Club breed standard states male German Shepherds should stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Females should be inches tall and pounds. But size can vary naturally. Is my German Shepherd underweight? You should be able to feel but not see the ribs in a healthy weight dog. Severely underweight dogs will have ribs, spine, and hip bones visibly protruding. Follow healthy feeding and exercise guidelines tailored to their age from your vet. Forcing overfeeding or supplementation can actually harm bone and joint development. At what age is a German Shepherd full grown? German Shepherds reach their full adult height between months old but can continue filling out muscle and thickness up to years old. Make sure to transition to an adult food at around a year to meet changing nutritional needs. The Takeaway If your German Shepherd is smaller than expected, take a look at their genetic history, health, diet, and activity to identify any factors that could be limiting their growth. With the right care and barring any medical issues, most German Shepherds will reach a healthy size in line with their genes. Focus on good health and nutrition rather than specific measurements. Related posts:. Other Causes Senior Dogs Older dogs tend to have smaller appetites and a general lack of interest in eating. This is often caused by underlying health problems, so the best course of action would be to consult with a veterinarian. This usually happens when a dog is used to being fed table scraps or treats and it loses interest in plain dog food. Check For Any Medical Conditions Should you verify that your German Shepherd is indeed unhealthily skinny, your first course of action should be to take the dog to a veterinarian. Again, you would have to feed your German Shepherd at least 1, calories to 2, calories daily depending on its activity level. Do note however, that the calories per cup may vary depending on the brand of dog food, and thus you would have to adjust the calculations based on the actual numbers provided on the packaging. Aside from the amount, be sure to also consider the quality of the food. While feeding your German Shepherd a high amount of low-quality dog food will prevent it from being skinny, it will eventually lead to other issues such as skin disorders and lethargy. Your vet will be able to recommend a diet plan to help get your dog back into healthy shape. To do that, you have to make your dog understand that there are no other food options. Meaning, you only set out food for a limited amount of time, and whether or not the food was eaten, you take it away after the time has passed. What this does is make it clear to your dog that there are no other options. In The Case Of Senior Dogs Opposite to the case of picky eaters, you may want to add more appetizing options for senior dogs. Old dogs tend to lose interest in dry food so your best option would be to add chicken broth or canned food to make meals more appealing. In some cases, you may also have to make your old dog home-cooked meals just so your dog would find mealtimes more enjoyable. If all else fails, you can get your dog medication and appetite stimulants to help it eat. You can do this in a variety of ways such as by providing your German Shepherd with enough physical and mental stimulation, providing a calm and relaxing environment free of loud noises, or by identifying and removing the stressor. To summarize. Your German Shepherd may be skinny due to following reasons: Poor diet and nutrition Stress Age The usual culprit though would be the first two. And so, if your German Shepherd is unnecessarily skinny, your best course of action would be to take it to the vet. Final Thoughts I wish that this article has helped you understand how to handle and help your skinny German Shepherd. I also hope that it serves as a guide to help you get your dog back into healthy shape. That said, if your German Shepherd ever does have issues, be it being underweight or any other medical condition, do consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. Why your German Shepherd is skinny It is likely that each of the different reasons will come with some clues. Below, I will show you why it might be skinny and what would make each of the reasons more likely. Genes The reason why your German Shepherd is skinny could be that it is in its genes. This would be more likely if it was relatively skinny as a puppy and if you have been feeding it the right amount according to a vet. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause of it being skinny could be that it has not been getting the right diet. It could be that it is eating the right foods but it is not getting enough calories for its activity levels. German Shepherds require to calories per day but active ones require to source. On the other hand, it could be the case that it has been eating the wrong foods. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Exercise It could be the case that it is getting too much exercise. However, this is unlikely since German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs and it was not unusual for them to spend entire days working alongside their owners. If your German Shepherd is very active then it would be more likely that it is not getting enough calories. It would help to discuss this with your vet the next time you see them. Illness If your German Shepherd has become skinny suddenly then it might be the case that it has gotten an illness. This would be more likely if it has been showing signs of being ill such as vomiting, being fatigued or a change in its behavior. If it does seem to be ill or it has become skinny suddenly and you have not changed anything in its lifestyle then it would be important to take it to a vet. Anxiety It might be the case that anxiety is causing it to be anxious. This would be more likely if it was not always skinny and it became more skinny since something happened that could be causing it to be anxious. Things that might have caused it to become anxious could include someone mistreating it, moving homes, another pet dying or an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny When trying to figure out what has been causing it to be skinny it would help to consider if it has always been skinny or if it has suddenly become skinny. If it has become skinny suddenly then it would be more likely that it is due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would be important to take it to a vet. If it has always been skinny then it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your German Shepherd to be less skinny The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop being skinny will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd is skinny, it has become skinny suddenly or it has been acting unusually then it would be the best option to take it to a vet. Make sure that it is getting the right diet As mentioned above it could be the case that its diet is the issue. Generally, a German Shepherd should be getting to calories per day unless it is very active in which case it should get up to .You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your German Shepherd it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a German Shepherd should be getting an hour of exercise per day. If it is getting around an hour of exercise per day then it would be adequate to feed it a regular amount. Whereas, if it is spending most of the day doing exercise then it would be necessary to feed it more. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Your veterinarian can check for worms with a stool sample. Certain types of worms such as roundworms can be fatal in puppies if left untreated, so it is crucial that you take your puppy for regular checkups. Has your Puppy Been Traveling Regularly? If you feel that your GSD puppy is too skinny, consider if you have been taking it along for car rides on a consistent basis. Many puppies experience motion sickness. This does not necessarily mean that they will vomit or have an upset stomach only. Some puppies will do neither, and instead, decrease their eating to the point of losing weight. If this is the case, limit the amount of time your puppy spends traveling in a car. This will allow your puppy to have you as a reference point and a distraction. Provide a small puppy bed on the seat. Make sure that the temperature in the car is neither too hot or cold. Pay attention to how you drive. Often times we take our driving for granted without considering the comfort of our passengers. Puppies can be especially sensitive during car rides, so be sure to take turns gently, and do not brake or accelerate suddenly. A change in the environment is a common cause of a longer-term loss of appetite and weight loss in puppies. A change in environment for your puppy does not just mean that it has moved from one physical location to another. They learn and function well with routine. This can sometimes result in a long term lack of appetite and weight loss. You may likely find that if one or more of the above changes are addressed, that your puppy will resume a normal eating schedule and quickly bounce back from being underweight. Your GSD puppy needs adequate nutrients in its diet for growth and to maintain a healthy weight. GSDs are considered medium to large-sized dogs, and they need to be fed the appropriate breed-formulated dog food, especially as puppies. If you are not feeding it the right formulation for its breed size, this can result in undernourishment and a skinny puppy.

Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet. Home Delivery Select a variant to view product availability Royal Canin knows what makes your German Shepherd puppy magnificent is in the details. These highly intelligent and playful puppies have big nutritional needs as they develop into faithful watchdogs. They can benefit from the right large breed growth formula to provide immune system support and bone and joint health—as well as support digestive health—all of which is important for the breed during puppyhood. Royal Canin German Shepherd dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you call them a German Shepherd or an Alsatian, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated to your puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers maintain digestive health since this breed has a tendency to have poor stool quality. And glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy bones and joints as your puppy grows to be a big dog. Once your German Shepherd puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years.