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One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds! Gus He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy. Hinckley Parks It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids! But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats.Margo Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic! Maggie Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it. Arrowood Family What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera? Thor As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether. Louie Talk about lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur. Krembo Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose. And also have us craving some snacks. We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now. Henry Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals , and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock. Drake Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world. Was this page helpful? Black and white Golden Retriever pictures Golden Retrievers are incredibly popular dogs, and with very good reason. The breed is loving, loyal, kind and gentle. But they are also totally stunning. Pictures of Golden Retrievers are almost as head turning as the dogs themselves. Because Goldie pups are little packets of energy. Fortunately, when they do slow down for a moment, they manage to get themselves into some seriously cute positions. As an originally working bred dog, the Golden Retriever has a few natural instincts that appear in puppyhood. They just love to pick things up and carry them around. These inquisitive little cuties also love being outdoors. Older Puppy Pictures of Golden Retrievers Bred for co-operation with their human partners, Golden Retrievers are very much family oriented. Wherever you go, they want to come too. But they might have a bit of a sulk if you need to leave them at home for half an hour when you pop to the shops. To help socialize them to anywhere and everywhere they might need to go when they grow up! They will also need plenty of playtime. And as such, they need training and activities to keep those big brains busy! Tug games and fetch games are great fun for these intelligent retrievers. Although there is of course something insanely adorable about pupsters, the adults are equally amazing. Pictures of White Golden Retrievers Not only is it fun to look at the range of Golden Retriever colors you can find, it can also be helpful if you are trying to think up Golden Retriever Names. The very palest of Golden Retrievers can fairly be described as white. Did you know that most of the whitest Golden Retrievers are from what are referred to as show lines. Bred historically for the ring rather than the field, these Goldens are the exact same breed, but have a slightly different parentage. Their sleek coats look amazing in the snowy shade. And their coats can have no sign of color other than a little bit of a dark tone to their ears. As the shade moves more into cream than white, they are still very pale dogs. Like this chap with his favorite feline friend is demonstrating! As the white moves to cream, we get closer to that namesake shade… Pictures of Golden Retrievers Of course Golden Retrievers are each technically golden, but we all know that some are closer to that shade than others. Although the Golden shade of coat can be similar in some of these dogs, they can have quite different face shapes and body structure. The dark rings around their eyes and the color of there noses can vary too. The dog above has a very dark nose, whereas the one below has a much paler tone. What is however universally true is that Golden Retrievers love spending time outdoors. Visits to the dog park or romps in the woods will never be the same again with this fabulous pooch. Glistening Goldens of any age are gorgeous, but there is something wonderful about pictures of Golden Retrievers in their twilight years. Such as softer orthopedic beds or ramps to climb in and out of the car. This beautiful older Golden Retriever has that adorable white face lightening which comes with age. But perhaps even more stunning is the dark shade that Golden Retrievers can be. Where gold goes so deep, it is almost red. But pedigree Golden Retrievers can indeed be this deep shade. These gorgeous deep coats are the same texture as their whiter counterparts. They also need the same level of grooming, especially after a day playing around in the snow! Although we love showing off the beautiful range of colors in Golden Retriever pictures, we just wanted to leave you with something a bit arty. These black and white Golden retriever pictures can be quite solemn. Best Golden Retriever Pictures I hope you have loved looking at our gallery of the best Golden Retriever pictures as much as we have! These wonderful pups are truly brilliant pets, companions and friends. If you are thinking of bringing home a Golden Retriever, make sure you check out our complete breed guide here. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

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. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Tweet How big will my German Shepherd get? Along with hundreds of submissions from others lucky enough to be owned by a GSD. What the heck is FCI? Keep in mind that dog growth can be affected by genetics and environment, so take that into consideration when comparing your pup to the data in the German Shepherd growth chart. What is the normal size of a German Shepherd puppy? A German Shepherd dam will normally whelp give birth to between six and eight puppies. Puppy Growth Chart A healthy large breed puppy will normally double her birth weight during the first week. And moderates to an ultimate weight of around 70 times the puppy's birth weight. Check the puppy growth chart for an explanation of the different puppy development stages and puppy growth rate. German Shepherds normally reach physical maturity at months. Curiously, some Eastern European lines mature more slowly and do not reach full maturity until 36 months of age. Their growth rate slows noticeably at 6 months and continues minimally after .Puppy to adult in 40 seconds Here is a great time lapse video that shows GSD Dunder's growth from 8 weeks to 1 year. Standard, MO. If you have any doubt that your puppy is not changing according to the above German Shepherd growth chart, the best thing to do would be to contact your trusted vet. If you are providing adequate exercise and quality dog food , your German Shepherd's dog growth should be normal and she will have no trouble reaching her full potential. Not sure if you're feeding your GSD enough? Check out this breed specific dog food calculator to make sure. Is your GSD growing by the numbers? How is your pup progressing? Enter The Title of Your puppy growth story ex. Just type! Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Show off your puppy! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it. Note: Submissions without at least one picture, will likely not be published. Your Name. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. When your German Shepherd is the ideal weight, you can feel their ribs, although they are not easily seen, and they are not covered in a layer of fat. There should be a defined waistline when your dog is viewed from above and a noticeable tummy tuck when they are viewed from the side. Underweight German Shepherds While German Shepherds are growing, they will be thinner and look gangly until they fill out in adulthood. It is sometimes recommended to keep your growing German Shepherd marginally underweight but not unhealthily thin while their joints grow and strengthen. Purina defines two levels of underweight: thin and slightly underweight. Thin: Ribs, hips, and spine are easily felt, and there is no fat covering the sides and back. There is noticeable muscle loss around shoulders and thighs, an overly pronounced waistline from the top view, and an overly pronounced tummy tuck from the side view. Slightly underweight: Ribs can be easily felt, hips and spine may be slightly visible if your German Shepherd has shorter hair, but there is no fat covering. There is an obvious waistline from above and a marked tummy tuck from the side. If your German Shepherd is underweight or thin, speak to your veterinarian. It could be that they are just growing quickly, often becoming lightly underweight after a growth spurt and then putting weight on until the next growth spurt. You may just need to change their food or feed them larger and more frequent meals. However, their low weight may indicate parasites or another underlying medical condition. Elderly German Shepherds can struggle with being underweight. This is why senior dog foods typically have a higher calorie count. Overweight German Shepherds It is important to prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight while they are growing. Extra weight on developing joints and muscles can cause problems. German Shepherds can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is worsened by excess weight. Other excessive weight-related conditions include diabetes, pancreatitis, heart problems, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and arthritis. Related: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calorie intake. When your German Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you may need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. A helpful tip is to switch to low-calorie treats during this stage, especially considering training needs to intensify, and people often use treats for positive reinforcement incentives. And instead of switching to a calorie-restricted food or reducing the amount you feed your German Shepherd, speak to a veterinarian about switching from puppy food to adult food. Purina defines four levels of overweight: slightly overweight, markedly overweight, obese, and clinically obese. Slightly overweight: Ribs can be felt slightly, but there is an obvious layer of fat covering the ribcage and back. There is a slight waistline when viewed from the top, but it is not clear. There is a slight tummy tuck towards the hind legs when viewed from the side. Markedly overweight: Ribs are not easily felt, and there is an obvious layer of fat over the ribcage. There are fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. Obese: Ribs are difficult to feel because of the fatty layer covering them. There are significant fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. And the tummy bulges outward and sags slightly when viewed from the side. Clinically obese: Ribs cannot be felt under the fatty layer. There are significant fatty pads around the neck and legs, along the lower back, and at the base of the tail. The waistline is absent when viewed from above. The tummy significantly bulges and sags when viewed from the side. Miniature German Shepherds are much smaller and have completely different development requirements and problems. Final Thoughts The weight and growth charts provided in this article are designed to provide guidelines for the developmental milestones your puppy should be reaching in the first years of its life. Male German Shepherds are bigger and heavier than females, and from weeks old, these differences become apparent. Although males and females have different weight and height targets at each stage, they should hit the same percentages of their adult weight at the same age. If your puppy is slightly above or below the average weight or height at a given age, it does not mean that there is a problem. However, if your German Shepherd puppy starts to fall more and more behind, or if they miss other developmental milestones other than weight and height, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you will need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. Deficiencies in weight can compromise growth and the general condition of your German Shepherd, and excess weight can cause joint injury and other serious medical conditions. Keep all of these things in mind and be observant of your growing pup and how you approach feeding and training in accordance. By doing this, you will ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted German Shepherd for many years to come!

Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. This is their 1st litter together. When full grown they will be about pounds. All puppies are adopted and raised "free range" and housebroken. They have been trained at 4 weeks to come, sit and shake for a treat. We are a small doodle breeder and own all of the adults since they were puppies. We raise our puppies with un-conditional love and attention, producing the best tempermant, cognitive development, coordination and socialization skills. Many of our adopted puppies have been therapy certified as service dogs! Click Here to reserve your pick placement for our next litter of Multi-Generation Goldendoodle Puppies. Both F3- 3rd Gen parents are my furry children. Fancy has been with us since she was 8 weeks old. Sire of the litter Falkor is 2. In fact they start going potty on their piddle pads outside of the whelping box at 3 weeks!!! We do not have many litters often about once a year as we are a "family breeder" and own all 4 of the parents. Our puppies have free roam of the puppy proofed house and are very comfortable in all kinds of surroundings. Potty training starts on the piddle pads then outside in our very large fenced backyard. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale? We have answers. What is a Goldendoodle, exactly? Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed created by crossing Poodles with Golden Retrievers. The aim of the breed is to create the ultimate companion dog—one who shares all the best traits of its parent breeds and none of the negatives. Breeders have been pretty successful in that regard—Goldendoodles are exploding in popularity as the ultimate family pet. How much do Goldendoodles puppies for sale cost? Goldendoodle price varies from breeder to breeder, and depends on numerous factors like coat type and color, size, breeder experience, and more. Breeders in our network price their Goldendoodles fairly and competitively, and part of the MatchMaker process means matching you with pups within your budget. Do Goldendoodle breeders ship puppies out of state? How do you screen Goldendoodle breeders? We have strict guidelines to protect the health or your puppy and the integrity of our breeders—head on over to our Breeder Pledge for more information on what you can expect from your breeder. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? In a time when dishonest breeders are an epidemic, we just want to help fill your home with the pitter-patter of soft puppy footsteps. To put it simply, we love dogs as much as you do. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mill dogs are more likely to have behavior issues, to develop genetic diseases costing you thousands in extra vet bills , and to die far too soon. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale near me? Looking for Goldendoodles for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? Simply put, MatchMaker is how we ensure that our customers live happy, fulfilling lives with their dogs with minimal headaches. MatchMaker takes into account your ideal puppy based on things like size, breed, temperament and more—saving you time on your puppy search and making sure you and your dog are a match made in heaven. Breeder Locations.

If you are concerned that your dog falls into this category or are concerned about what this means for them, this is the post for you. Here you can learn everything you need to know about this issue. What is Overweight for a German Shepherd? According to the AKC, the average German Shepherd male is 24 — 26 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 90lbs. Female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh around 50 to 70lbs. If your dog is well over this weight, it may be considered overweight. There is one factor to take into consideration here. Some dogs may be smaller or larger than standard and their weight will need to be calculated accordingly. In general, most vets will say that a German Shepherd is overweight if they are 15 percent over their ideal weight. The first thing you should do is to look at your dog from above. With the traditional healthy German Shepherd physique, the chest should be wider than the waist. This means that after the chest, the waist should dip in. You can also crouch down to the same level as your dog. Look at their stomach. In a healthy German Shepherd, the chest juts out, with the stomach dipping inwards. If you notice a layer of fat, however, this is a sign that your pup is heavier than necessary. German Shepherds are an active breed and often run , jump, and play for a long time before tiring out. If you notice that your pup is beginning to pant after just a few minutes or is ready to lie down shortly after starting to play, this could be an indication that they are too heavy. One of the main reasons that your German Shepherd could be gaining weight is due to overfeeding. If you are giving your dog home-cooked meals, you may not be calculating how many calories it all adds up to. It is also possible that you are feeding your dog too many times a day. Overfeeding also occurs when your dog is given various high-calorie treats throughout the day. Feeding your pup table scraps can also cause them to gain weight. Do They Have a Poor Diet? As you may know, not all dog foods are equally good. There are plenty of poorly prepared commercial dog foods on the market. These contain fillers contain a high amount of carbohydrates. The quality of the food sources may also be quite poor. All this can add up to additional calories. Even if you are following the proper guidelines you may be accidentally giving your pup more carbohydrates than they need. This may cause them to become overweight with time. On average, these pups can need between one to two hours of exercise daily. This allows them to burn off any excess calories. This is more likely to happen if their diet is high in calories as well. There are some health conditions such as hypothyroidism. There could be a health issue if your dog has a healthy diet, is getting enough exercise, and still gains weight. You should also be concerned by rapid weight gain or if your pup begins to pack on the pounds out of the blue. Are They Getting Older? As your pup gets older, they become slower. They may also develop various physical handicaps that can limit their movement. This is a rare occurrence, but some dogs gain weight more readily than others. Such pups may need lower calorie food or more exercise to compensate for this issue. Your vet may be able to come up with the best feeding and exercise regimen for such a dog. There is something undeniably cute about a chubby German Shepherd. As such, you may be wondering if your pup even needs to lose weight. Although your dog may look adorable, excess weight can lead to a whole host of health issues if left untreated for too long. Carrying around too much weight can prevent them from engaging in fun activities , spending time with their family, and feeling comfortable. In short, this state can compromise their quality of life. There are several tactics you can try out to help your German Shepherd lose weight. It is best to get the advice of a vet first, however. Do some research on the best dog food brands. Your vet may be able to help with this search. Your focus should be on high-quality food sources for protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The protein content should be the highest, with fat content being lower, and carbs being the lowest of all. Some brands cater to German Shepherds specifically. These may provide you with an easy way to provide your pup with the proper nutrients while managing their weight at the same time. Once you have found the right dog food, you should calculate their daily caloric intake based on their age and activity level: An adult German Shepherd with an active lifestyle needs around calories each day. A working dog can need as much as calories per day. A less active and senior dog requires between and calories per day. You should bear in mind that each type of dog food has a particular calorie content per serving. Always follow the serving instructions provided by the individual manufacturer. Also, be aware that the serving suggestion is typically for the whole day. As such, you will need to divide that number by how many meals you feed your dog throughout the day. Make it a point to only give your dog this amount at every meal. Until your German Shepherd loses the appropriate amount of weight, avoid giving them treats. Even after reaching the appropriate weight goal, keep treats to a minimum. You should take a closer look at the treats you give your dog to determine how healthy they are. Keep an eye on how many calories they contain as well. Look for high-quality treats that contain almost only protein and very little fat. Steer clear of any additives, fillers, and other unhealthy ingredients. It is also an unnecessary source of calories. When exercising your overweight German Shepherd, it is important to start slow. Not only will your dog dislike the idea, but there may be a higher risk of injury if your pup is pushed too far. Instead, try by taking them out for a minute walk two or three times a day. Let your dog choose their pace — the important thing is that they are getting enough exercise. As your dog gets used to this physical activity and begins to lose weight, you can speed things up or make the walks longer. When you feel like your German Shepherd is ready, start playing Frisbee and fetch — you can find interesting ways to keep them active. This is a practice that should be continued even when your dog has reached their ideal weight to maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is old or has joint issues, you may want to consider exercising them in the water. As many dogs love water, this may be a more fun way for them to get in shape as well. If your German Shepherd is overweight, this is something that needs to be tackled immediately. Through diet and exercise, you should be able to get your dog back to a healthy shape fairly quickly, improving its quality of life in the long run. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. 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. According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd dog size standard is: Males: inches; pounds Females: inches; pounds So, how can you tell if your German shepherd is overweight? They weigh too much for their body size There are German shepherds that do weigh in higher than 90 pounds that are not overweight, they are simply oversized for the breed standard. But for the most part, your dog will fall into the standard set by the AKC. Loss of an abdominal tuck and waistline Your German shepherd should have a noticeable abdominal tuck. When looking down at their back, they should have an indentation at their waist. You should be able to feel the ribs without much pressure. Layer of fat over their ribs and possibly other places on their body Overweight dogs have lost their abdominal tuck and waist. The ribs are hidden under a layer of fat and are now hard to feel without pressure. There may be fat deposits above the tail and on the neck. These issues can be slight or extreme depending upon how overweight they are. This chart can help. Notice the abdominal tuck and note, column 5 is the ideal weight. Column 1 is very underweight. Column 9 is obese. Can no longer groom with ease German shepherds keep themselves well groomed. Your healthy German shepherd should be able to comfortably reach all their body parts and be able to keep them clean and groomed without much effort. They looks like a barrel German shepherds are athletic with graceful curves. If you notice your dog has lost their waistline, abdominal tuck, and is beginning to look like a barrel, they probably have put on a few extra pounds. If they begin to accumulate rolls anywhere on their body, they may have become obese. They begin to slow in their senior years but for most of their adulthood will require plenty of activity to keep them fit. If they begin to tire easily and also have other signs of being overweight, such as heavy breathing or struggling to keep up, they probably need to lose a few pounds. Lack of endurance could also be a signal they need to see the vet, who can also help guide you with a weight loss plan. If your dog is not as excited to do the things they love take a close look to check to see if they may have gained weight. So, what should you do if your dog looks a little pudgy? The first thing you should do is verify you are feeding the correct calories for their life stage and activity level. Determine how many calories your dog requires a day and feed accordingly, rather than the feeding chart on the food, which may not be accurate. Once you get the all clear, your vet can help guide you in a weight loss plan. If you do, they can develop serious medical conditions, including a life-threatening form of liver failure that can occur in less than 72 hours. There are some great weight loss foods on the market that can help your dog lose weight while continuing to get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and be able to continue to do light exercise. These foods also generally help fill them up so they stay happy on their diet. We hope this helps you keep your German shepherd fit and healthy. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. This will vary depending on their age, size, life stage, and activity levels. A good quality diet with high-quality protein, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates is required. Avoid highly processed treats as these may be very high in calories. Instead, consider using lean protein or fresh vegetables for snacks or training treats. If your German Shepherd is overweight and you need to reduce its calorie intake, then do so gradually. If you want your dog to start exercising more, you will need to increase their fitness gradually to help avoid illness or injury. Little and often is key! Try mixing up activities such as walking, swimming, running, playing games such as retrieving a toy, tug of war or hide and seek, agility and training. Why not try something new with your dog? Ensuring your dog has access to a well, balanced nutritionally complete diet to suit each life stage is important. Introducing regular exercise to a puppy is important. Try to keep exercise roughly similar each day to build up healthy habits. An adult German Shepherd can require hours of exercise per day — they are active dogs that require an active lifestyle. Changes to their diet and activity levels will be needed with each life stage to keep them on track. A body condition score above 3 out of 5 is considered overweight or obese for a German Shepherd. How can I help my German Shepherd lose weight? Slow and steady weight loss is key! A well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet is important to ensure that your German Shepherd gets all the nutrients they need. Consulting with a nutritionist or veterinarian can help you determine the calorie requirements for your dog. What is the ideal weight for a German Shepherd? Average weight for German Shepherds is 60 to 88 pounds for males and 49 to 75 pounds for females. What is considered overweight for a female German Shepherd? Again, it is difficult to assign a value for weight as every dog is different. Female dogs may be more prone to weight gain as they age and activity levels decrease, or with hormone changes such as after neutering. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Cutting back on treats. Take your dog for a walk before mealtime. If your dog is not eating after min, take the bowl away and allow her to skip the meal. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Let your dog eat in a quiet corner without distraction. Make mealtime fun, such as letting her play with a food dispenser or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick. You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor. But be careful GSD are can get bloat with an elevated eating position. Switch to a different kind of food, such as wet food if you normally feed your dog dry food. Why do dogs become overweight? On the other hand, being overweight can also lead their other health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, joint injuries or high blood pressure. So you also need to be aware of your dog is overweight. Although German Shepherds are active dogs, they still can become overweight for many reasons. The obvious ones are: Overeating: Too many calories, or the wrong type of calories Aging: As dogs age, they lose muscle mass over time, which leads to slower metabolism and weight gain. Osteoarthritis: This frequently causes hip pain. The more overweight your dog is, the greater the strain placed on their joints. Unfortunately, the pain caused by osteoarthritis makes it harder for your dog to exercise. Hip dysplasia: Your dog may experience pain when the hip is touched, which eventually deters them from moving around. Here are our top tips for how you can help your dog lose weight: Cut back on the snack or treats Choose high-quality dog foods Reduce processed carbs; replace them with healthy proteins and vegetables. They may have food recommendations for overweight dogs, and your vet can help ensure your dog is getting adequate nutrition. How do I know if my German Shepherd is healthy? Much like humans, preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best ways you can do to ensure your dog is in top shape. Health costs for a big dog like a German Shepherd are more expensive than their smaller dogs. Treatment for many conditions can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance or cost-sharing service is certainly a good investment to prevent you from breaking the bank, by covering the medical expenses in the worst-case scenario. Some plans are also available to cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, congenital conditions, and more. Conclusion Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. At the end of the day, keeping your GSD at a healthy weight will ensure a lifetime of health and joy for both of you. More on German Shepherd Health and Care. German Shepherds share the same weight. The male dogs weigh about 65 to 90 pounds, and the female dogs weigh about pounds. German shepherds are large and belong to the herding and working group. The German Shepherd either has a medium coat or a long coat. However, they have a double coat with a dense underlayer, soft under the skin , which keeps warm as they are primarily out as working dogs. German shepherds are most commonly a mix of black and tan colors but rarely seen in variations like all-black, black with red, sable, and even the rare white German Shepherd. German Shepherds have lighter-colored eyes, usually light blue, golden brown, or yellow. They have dome-shaped heads with long, square muzzles. Their ears are long and erect. They are also said to resemble their wolf ancestors. German Shepherd Temperament Germans Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds globally. They make great family pets with proper training, given their kind-hearted and protective nature. Male German Shepherds are more territorial than females. They are very cautious about their environment, making them the perfect guard dog. Best suited as police dogs, they carry out the instructions perfectly. Male German shepherds are more severe than females. The female German shepherds are more affectionate and good with human babies. Also, they are more independent than the male Blue German shepherds. One should always note that the male and female Blue Germans shepherds are wary of strangers. The barking levels of these dogs are frequently loud. For example, according to a study, the German shepherd was louder than a moving truck that emitted 86 decibels of sound. German shepherds shed throughout the year. Still, especially during the spring and fall, you can find a handful of hair. It is impossible to live without hair all around you with a German shepherd guardian at home. German Shepherds are naturally healthy dogs but are prone to obesity and are overweight. The common causes of obesity are lack of proper exercise, poor diet, too many treats, and health conditions like thyroid abnormality. Obesity also leads to health problems, puts more stress on hips, and sometimes leads to death. Therefore, it is always important to look out for any signs of being overweight and take the necessary steps to slim down your German Shepherd. Improper Diet: Lack of proper diet leads to obesity in German Shepherds. Depending on weight, age, and activity, they need about and caloric intake per day, on average. Therefore, it is recommendable to use the calorie calculator tool. Overfeeding: German Shepherds gain weight from feeding large meals. Lack of proper routine in feeding causes the dog to gain unnecessary weight. Feeding human food: Provide German Shepherds with high-quality protein-rich dog food. Feeding human food leads to obesity and other health problems. Also, omega-3 DHA fats from food like fish oil and vitamin E add to the good fat value for brain development. Lack of proper Exercise: German shepherds need exercises of 90 minutes per day. The training can vary, including walking, running, and playing. German Shepherds fall out of shape without an appropriate exercise routine and gain weight. Follow a proper exercise routine to avoid obesity. This leads to weight gain in German Shepherds. Again, being overweight leads to the following conditions: Lethargy Reluctance to work out Hair Loss Cushing Disease: Cushing Disease causes overproduction of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for controlling body weight. Any abnormality in the production of the hormone leads to weight gain. Genetics: The gene type they inherit is another major cause of obesity and weight gain in German Shepherds. It is highly recommended to watch their weight as they age. Signs to look out for Obesity One of the common signs is when you cannot feel the ribs. However, despite their thick double coat, you should be able to feel the ribs while running the hand over their middle. Another vital sign is panting. German Shepherd bodies are defined in a certain way with a deep rib cage inclined to the waist at the hips. Your dog is overweight when the hip is larger than the back hock joint. What is meant by Overweight in a German Shepherd? German Shepherds, being purebreds, are easily noticeable when they gain weight than usual. Tips for weight loss in Fat German Shepherd Healthy Diet: A healthy diet is a significant factor in a weight loss program. They should be fed high-quality dog food that includes proteins, omega-3, fiber, and carbohydrates.

See license below. He was my best friend, went everywhere with me, and my childhood friends all, to this day, remember him. When Casey passed away in , I spent considerable time looking for someone to fill that void. Jonny pictured at top as a puppy was my next love. The pictures of both Casey and Jondog hang in our shop to remind us why we do what we do. We ask for a nonrefundable down payment that will be applied to the full cost of your puppy. Once we have a deposit, we send you information specific to your chosen puppy. This includes information on your deposit, vaccination schedule, registration, and health check information. Our pups are also microchipped. We do not accept checks. Payment is taken through Paypal for your and our protection. Sales tax is calculated through the paypal system based on the amount of purchase and our zip code percentage of 8. Price of the pups vary based on breed and registration preference. Call us to discuss your specific preferences. Order of selection is done by order of deposits received at weeks of age. Also note the link to our Facebook page to your right. Thank you for your interest in our pups!! Manhattan, KS gotgamebirddogs outlook. Please protect yourself and ensure you are dealing with us. We do not take responsibility for the actions of scammers. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Manhattan like? A Golden Retriever is a beloved breed of energetic, affectionate, intelligent dogs that can make wonderful family pets and loyal companions. They have a reputation of being gentle, patient and tolerant, making them a perfect breed for families with children of all ages. With their distinctive golden coats, they are easily recognizable and make a great addition to any home. While they do require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, they are incredibly friendly and love to be around people. Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of years and can be easily trained and taught basic obedience skills. Will Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Manhattan cause me to have allergies? Whether or not Golden Retrievers will cause a person to have allergies is largely dependent on the individual. It is important to note that even if you have never experienced allergies to other animals, it is still possible to develop an allergy to a Golden Retriever. People have different sensitivities when it comes to their immune system, and if you are prone to allergies, it is likely that you will experience some sort of reaction when exposed to a Golden Retriever. Do Manhattan Golden Retriever puppies for sale have special dietary needs? Golden Retrievers do have special dietary needs that owners should be aware of. Their diets should include a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. While store-bought kibble is suitable for most Golden Retrievers, some may require dietary adjustments due to allergies or other health concerns. It's best to consult your veterinarian for advice on what foods are best for your pet. More active dogs may need higher-calorie diets, while those that are less active may do well with lower-calorie foods. Am I ready to adopt Golden Retriever puppies in Manhattan? To get ready for your new Golden Retriever, it's important to take a few necessary steps. Firstly, make sure the areas most frequented by your pup are puppy-proofed and free of items that could be accidentally chewed or eaten. Additionally, find an area in your home to designate for your Golden Retriever's crate, bed or nap spot. Make sure it is comfortable, ventilated and not in a room that is too hot or too cold. What sizes do Golden Retrievers for sale in Manhattan come in? Golden Retrievers typically come in three sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. The standard size stands up to 23 inches at the shoulder and typically weighs between 65 and 75 pounds. The medium-sized Golden Retriever is smaller than the standard size, usually weighing between 40 and 55 pounds and standing between 18 and 21 inches at the shoulder. As the smallest of the three sizes, the miniature Golden Retriever stands between 10 and 14 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 15 to 40 pounds. Are Golden Retriever puppies near Manhattan active dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers are considered an active breed of dog. They have an outgoing personality, boundless energy, and are always ready to be your companion on long walks, hikes outside, and even a run around the block. These happy-go-lucky dogs thrive on human contact, whether its patting, playing, or a simple smile. They also need plenty of mental stimulation, making interactive games like tug of war and fetch particularly suitable for their active minds as well as their bodies. Do Golden Retrievers in Manhattan make good family dogs? Golden Retrievers have beautiful, gentle dispositions that make them perfect family dogs. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please which makes them easy to train. Golden Retrievers form strong bonds with their humans and are known to be incredibly loyal. They generally get along well with other animals, so they can fit harmoniously into a multi-pet household. As an added bonus, they are extremely lovable and can provide hours of entertainment. A Golden Retriever is sure to make any family complete. Is training Manhattan Golden Retrievers for sale easy? Training a Golden Retriever can be relatively easy, depending on the individual dog and the owner's commitment. Like any intelligent breed, a Golden Retriever's success is largely contingent on their owner's devotion to consistent, repetitive training. If the owner is willing to give the pup the time and dedication necessary to reinforce commands and learn basic obedience, Golden Retrievers have the potential to be very obedient and loyal companions. Furthermore, their placid and endearing personalities often make them open to new instructions and eager to please.

We all want to see our French bulldogs fit and healthy. It would be disheartening to watch them suffer from parasites. Therefore, it is very important to protect the little bulldogs from these parasites by deworming them. Deworming is the key to health for our little French bulldogs. Intestinal parasites like hookworms, whipworms, roundworms and tapeworms, fleas and ticks can threaten the well-being of the French bulldogs. So, we must protect them and prevent the parasites from infecting them. Deworming should be done on a monthly or quarterly basis to protect the health of your frenchies. As the name suggests, deworming means to prevent your dog against diseases that parasites can cause in the body. These parasites can be contracted through feces, raw meat or infected soil. Some intestinal parasites can remain dormant for many years before infecting your French bulldog. There is also a possibility of the parasites being passed on from a pregnant or nursing mother to her puppies. For this reason, veterinarians advise dog owners to deworm puppies after they are born and the following months too. The four common intestinal parasites that infect French bulldogs are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Roundworm infection It is common for French bulldogs to be infected by roundworms at one time or the other. This infection can be caused by ingesting eggs or larvae from the infected environment or animal tissues. Disease caused by roundworm infection in young puppies can be severe. This infection can result in an inability to gain weight, a dull hair coat, and a potbelly. Roundworms can be passed on from pregnant or nursing mothers. The eggs develop into larvae that can go on to infect another dog. These eggs can also infect earthworms, rats, and mice and when they are consumed by French bulldogs, they grow into adult roundworms inside the dog. Once the Frenchie is infected, it can pass numerous worm eggs in its stool and they can survive for many months in the surrounding. These eggs cannot be killed by chlorine bleach; they can only be killed by an aqueous iodine solution. It is a good practice to clean up the Frenchie stools daily to prevent the eggs from spreading infections. Hookworm Infection Hookworms can infect French bulldogs by ingesting its larvae from the contaminated surroundings. The larvae can penetrate the skin of the Frenchie if they roll on the infected soil. Hookworm infection can cause anemia, diarrhea and even death in some cases. Cleaning up the Frenchie stools daily can help prevent this infection to some extent. Whipworm Infection French bulldogs can be infected by ingesting whipworm eggs from the affected surroundings. Whipworm infections can result in diarrhea, dehydration and even death. Whipworm eggs can survive in the environment for more than a year. Whipworm can be killed by milbemycin but it cannot be killed by other preventive medications. Whipworms are more difficult to kill when compared to roundworms and hookworms. Tapeworms Tapeworms can be ingested by consuming fleas and rodents that are already infected. Flea control measures can eliminate tapeworm infection, though it can be difficult to control French bulldogs when they hunt for fleas or rodents on their own. Contact your veterinary to get the best dewormer for your puppy. A French bulldog can acquire a heartworm disease if an infected mosquito bites it. The parasite can enter the dog through the tissue and then reach the bloodstream, from where it can affect the heart and lungs. This disease is transmitted through mosquitoes from one dog to another. It can be life-threatening, if not treated on time. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and being sluggish. Heart and lungs can be severely damaged without proper treatment. Heartworms can develop inside the infected dog for five to seven years. The worms can breed and die inside the body all these years. During this time, your dogs would be fighting the damage caused by the heartworms. Panoramis can kill the heartworms before they mature into adulthood. To prevent your Frenchie from getting infected from all these parasites, cleanliness is the key. So you can prevent the parasites from infecting the French bulldog. Start an annual worming routine for your Frenchie and follow up regularly. Young Frenchies who are two weeks old requires to be wormed every two to three weeks till they are twelve weeks old. Then, you must worm your Frenchie once a month until they attain six months of age. For that reason all of our puppies are dewormed with Veterinary provided dewormers at: 2 Weeks of Age 6 Weeks of Age and 8 Weeks of Age before leaving for their forever home. All of our pregnant females are also dewormed during their gestation so they can deliver healthy puppies free of Parasites. Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder. Stool that contains worms, blood, or mucus Coughing in the case of severe roundworm infection and, less commonly, lungworm infection Many of these symptoms can indicate other health problems like parvo in puppies with the exception of worms in poop , so you should always consult your veterinarian if you notice any red flags. Are puppy worms contagious to humans? Many worms commonly found in puppies are zoonotic, meaning they are transmissable between animals and people. If your puppy has worms and passed them onto you, it can cause diarrhea, intestinal pain, and secondary health problems in the respiratory, digestive, or cardiovascular systems. Certain people are at increased risk of infection by a contagious puppy than others, specifically: children, seniors, pregnant women, diabetics, cancer patients, and anyone with a compromised immune system. In addition to the worms people can get from puppies — including roundworm, tapeworm, and hookworm — there are other zoonotic puppy parasites you should be aware of like Lyme disease in dogs caused by ticks, as well as Giardiasis from giardia in dogs. The good news is that you can avoid sharing a zoonotic infection with your pet by following your vet's recommended deworming schedule, puppy vaccines, and parasite preventatives. When to deworm puppies Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until they are 8 weeks-old, then again at 6 months-old. At that point, you can switch to an adult deworming schedule for dogs, which typically consists of a worming treatment every 6 months. However, you should onsider using a preventative therapy to defend your pet from an infestation, as parasites have high rates of re-infection after entering the bloodstream. It's best to begin a worming treatment before eggs laid by transplacental parasites pass through the stool. Therefore, most vets recommend starting a puppy deworming schedule as early as 2 weeks-old. Deworming Schedule For Puppies A typical puppy deworming schedule is administered by a veterinarian at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, then again near the 6-month mark. How to deworm a puppy Deworming treatments are easy and effective to use. The typical treatment protocol is for a veterinarian to provide or supervise the puppy wormer administration for days and then repeat in weeks. The repeated dosing is used to kill the parasites that were still larvae or eggs during the first treatment but have since developed into adults. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian for a puppy wormer prescription; it is not recommended to buy over-the-counter wormers due to inefficient active ingredients and improper dosages. During your first vet visit , the veterinarian should examine your puppy's poop for the presence of worms and determine how much wormer to prescribe and on what schedule. How to administer puppy wormer There are many different ways to give your puppy a deworming treatment. Broad-spectrum formulas are available by prescription as well as over-the-counter, though they are not recommended. Dewormer can be administered as oral medication chewable dog treats, pills, liquid, pastes, and food additives or injectable shot administered by a licensed veterinarian. Can I deworm a puppy naturally at home? You need a vet's help in determining whether your puppy does indeed have worms and identifying what kind of parasite they are. Without this information, it is not possible to choose the correct medication to deworm your puppy at home. What happens after deworming a puppy? After deworming, you might notice dead worms in puppy poop. Sometimes, you might notice slight movement but the worms will go on to die. You should also expect your puppy to experience some diarrhea after treatment. Puppies with high worm burdens might become ill after deworming. This is because when all of the parasites die at once, the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Luckily, this usually resolves on its own and your puppy should feel fine in a couple of days. What are the side effects of puppy wormer? In general, anti-parasite drugs have a very high margin of safety, which means that they rarely cause problems. How long will my puppy poop worms after deworming? Puppies will typically poop worms for days after a deworming treatment. How long does it take for the dewormer to work? Typically, multiple rounds of dewormer are required in order to kill the eggs and larvae. The number of rounds and length of treatment differs depending on the parasites for instance, treatment for roundworm infection typically lasts 4 weeks , as well as the severity and size of the infection. Does dewormer prevent worms? No, deworming puppies only treats a current parasite infection. While intestinal worms are typically not fatal, they can be a big nuisance. If left untreated, they can result in coat issues, lack of appetite, poor nutrient uptake, poor growth, intestinal upsets, organ damage, loss of consciousness, and even death. For this reason, it is very important to treat your puppy regularly for worms. How much does it cost to deworm a puppy? If your puppy has heartworms, your veterinarian will need to do bloodwork, X-rays, and other tests to determine how serious the infection is. Pet insurance can cover expensive veterinary treatments your pet might require throughout its life, and some plans include deworming. Many companies also offer pet wellness plans to help offset preventive pet care expenses, including the cost of vaccines for dogs , annual wellness exams , and standard fecal tests. Pawlicy Advisor can recommend the best pet insurance plan for your puppy based on its unique information. The platform also helps you compare plans from top pet insurance companies side-by-side, so you can understand coverage details and enroll in your favorite solution within a matter of minutes. Click the button below to get started. Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Key Takeaways Because puppies can inherit intestinal worms from their mothers, deworming schedule should be started early between two and eight weeks old. Intestinal worms in puppies can cause diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, poor growth, organ damage, and even death. Many parasites your puppy might have, such as hookworms and roundworms, can also infect you and your family, which is why regular deworming is so important. If you have any questions or concerns about treating your puppy for worms, be sure to contact your vet and stay away from natural homemade remedies. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Worming Your French Bulldog Worming your dog on a regular basis is essential to protect them against internal parasites. The worming involves administering the medication in liquid or tablet form. Adult dogs need to be wormed a minimum of once per year, however once every six months is strongly preferred. Dogs showing any signs of infection should be wormed immediately and all breeding bitches are to be wormed prior to mating. Ascarids are particularly harmful to puppies because they can penetrate the gut wall and pass via the blood to the liver and then to the lungs. From there they can crawl up the trachea to be coughed up and swallowed ending up back in the gut. Infected puppies are at a much higher risk for developing hepatitis, pneumonia, fits and gut obstructions. Regular puppy worming treatment is vital. As puppies get older, the worms will travel to the muscles where they can form cysts. These worms can lie dormant until the dog becomes pregnant. They can then migrate to the lungs and this is why virtually every puppy is born with roundworms and must be wormed very regularly at a young age. Roundworms can infect humans, and in a low number of cases they can cause disease. Proper hygiene and common sense concerning children and puppies should control the transmission of worms to humans. Because these worms tickle the dogs anus, if you see your dog scooting, you may want to visually inspect the feces and treat it as soon as possible. Updated: Nov 28, Deworming is the key to health for our little French bulldogs. The most frequent are external parasites such as fleas, ticks,mosquitoes transmitting leishmaniosis that we all know as well as mosquitoes that can infect them, but there are many more within the group of internal parasites such as intestinal worms,tapeworm and a series of diseases directly related to this. You should not only deworm your french bulldog when you detect that it has fleas for example, is always more important to prevent than cure, and be rigorous in the possible measures with their deworming process. Deworming should be done on a monthly or quarterly basis to protect the health of your Frenchie. Internal deworming Intestinal parasites are worms. They live in your dog's body, growing to adulthood in the intestinal tract. In some cases, intestinal parasites can be passed from a pregnant or nursing mother to her puppies, which is why most veterinarians recommend worming puppies should be every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age. After six months all dogs need to be wormed every three months for effective protection. Good cleanliness as well as common sense is the greatest option to stop the dogs from getting parasites inside them. Keep feces picked up outdoors on your own lawn, and stop your canine from eating other dog's feces. Restrict your dog from drinking water in contaminated creeks, or perhaps water that is stagnant in small pools. Practice adequate flea control to maximum the likelihood of tapeworms, and also make sure your own dog has a hygienic, un-crowded environment to decrease the chances of developing coccidia. Four of the common types of intestinal parasites in dogs are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and Tapeworms. External deworming The external deworming usually conditioned by the change of season that causes a climate change and favors more or less parasites in the environment and the environment of your french bulldog such as fleas,ticks and mosquitoes that transmit diseases in many very serious cases. You should protect your frenchie with external antiparasitics on a monthly basis. They are just like the internals in pet stores,repellents of these parasites like collars,sprays and pipettes. Pipettes and sprays have a shorter duration than necklaces that last for more months, but sometimes combining them can be a good prevention. Your veterinarian or shop specialist will tell you what dose we should put the pipettes according to the size, weight and age of your dog.

More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs can help children grow stronger. Dogs are a mood booster. Historically, dogs have been great companions. Research has shown that it only takes a mere minutes with your pet to feel more relaxed and calm per Web, MD. Also, when children reach out and pet or hug their dog, they are giving of themselves and soon feel better. Why pay for tranquilizers? Besides, who wants to put children on drugs any way? Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Hence, the name of Anchorage. Later, in , the U. Several gold strikes in Alaska, one in and one in brought more development to the territory. The new residents wanted the name of Alaska City for their new community, but the government refused their name change. Anchorage incorporated on 23 November .Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base, along with the discovery of oil on the Kenai Peninsula in led to this explosion in population. The Port of Anchorage was finished in the early s. The distance from Anchorage to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Alaska state capital is miles. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! If you are looking for reliable Labrador breeders in Alaska, this article is for you! Rest assured that all breeders on this list are AKC-licensed. Its puppies come with paid registration, tests and veterinary care, health insurance, and guarantees on elbows, hips, and even a few genetic diseases. Moreover, the methods of caring for the puppies include deworming at 9 weeks old, raw feeding, positive reinforcement, and minimal medications. Labrador is microchipped when bringing home a puppy from this breeder. At the same time, your Labrador is sent home with a puppy collar, puppy leash, food starter Bag, Volhard personality test, and a blanket with the scents of the parent or littermates to make your puppy feel at ease. You may reach out to the breeder for more details. Their dogs are healthy and intelligent. The dogs make both great family pets and sporty hunting companions. In addition to breeding, they also offer stud services. Pamela Hodgson has been operating this kennel since .This breeder aims for a good disposition for their Labradors. It offers both puppies and older dogs the first vaccine and guarantees for eyes and hips. Most importantly, all dogs are checked by a veterinarian and removed claws and worms. Address: Carlisle St. Her healthy beautiful puppies are all vaccinated and dewormed. Furthermore, Joanne cares for the puppies like her own and ensures that each one goes home with a microchip. They have been in business since , raising and showing exceptional quality Labradors. These Labradors have fantastic swimming, hunting , and running skills. The breeders ensure puppies only go to the most beautiful and trustworthy families who are up to the challenge of bringing them up in a good environment. Similarly, this is why the breeders make sure not to sell the puppies to pet shops. L-N-R kennel is here to help. They strive to breed their yellow Labradors with a calm temperament, good looks, and hunting capabilities. The kennel is family-owned and run by Linda and Rick Volkman who have been in the business since .L-N-R breeders have earned a long list of satisfied customers in the past decades. Their dogs are dewormed and have guaranteed hips. Certainly, these ensure that you bring home a healthy companion.

Breeds The link has been copied! The Black Poodle is a widely sought after type of Poodle due to its elegant coat and charming personality. It is a coloration that can be present in various sizes of Poodles, including Standard, Miniature, Moyen , and Toy Poodles. Like all other colors of Poodle, black poodles are descended from water-retriever dogs. They have a long history of being both working dogs and companion dogs. There is a dispute about whether the Poodle originated in Germany or France. Either way, Poodles were originally working dogs bred to retrieve shot game and lost arrows. Poodles are a popular dog breed for several reasons. They are intelligent and friendly. They have a beautiful and striking appearance. Also, they have certain hypoallergenic qualities. Black Poodle Appearance and Genetics A black poodle can either have solid black fur over its entire body, or black along with another color. Black Poodles have black eyes, lips, noses, and toes. Entirely black Poodles are one of the most popular Poodle colorations due to their striking appearance. A genuine black Poodle does not have any white or silver tint in its fur. Poodles have both an outer and inner coat. The outer coat is the one that is easily visible. The inner coat is beneath the outer coat and is not so easy to see. All black Poodles have a black outer coat, but some have an inner coat that appears blue or gray. Having a blue or gray inner coat can make the black outer coat appear lighter. Standard Poodles are over 15 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 40 and 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are classified as being between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. The smallest size category is the Toy Poodle, which is under 10 inches tall and weighs only 4 to 6 pounds. Moyen Poodles fall between Miniature and Standard Poodles in their size and weight. Usually, Moyen Poodles are 15 to 19 inches and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. The Moyen Poodle is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, but with its growing popularity, it may be recognized soon. Fans of the Moyen Poodle praise their medium size. Their size makes them well suited to being lapdogs but also large enough to keep up with their owners during physical activities and outdoor adventures. You can learn more about the Moyen Poodle here. Regardless of what size category they fall into, all Poodles naturally have a muscular but slim form. Poodles also have long muzzles. Their fur is either corded or curled. Poodle fur is known to require high maintenance. What Causes Black Fur? The black fur color seen in black Poodles is caused by the same process that determines the coat colors of all dogs. These pigments are eumelanin and pheomelanin. To make it simple, if genes connected to eumelanin are dominant within a dog, that dog will have a black coat. The gene that leads to black fur is stronger than the gene for other coat colors. This means that it is easier to breed black Poodles even if they only have a small amount of eumelanin in their genetics. Black Poodle puppies can be born even if neither of the parents have black fur. This can happen if one of their ancestors further back had black fur. The genes that lead to black fur on Poodles do not have an effect on the Poodles' personality or health. Are Silver Poodles Born Black? Some silver or gray Poodles are born silver or gray. But some black Poodles do eventually turn silver or gray. There are two ways a black Poodle can end up turning silver or gray. The fur of true black Poodles does eventually start to turn gray, but this happens gradually when they transition from an adult to a senior dog. In this type of graying, the gray fur will not always spread to the entire body. Often, the graying will start around the muzzle and spread from there. In some cases, a Poodle can be born black and gray prematurely over the first two years of its life. It can be hard or even impossible to tell if a black Poodle puppy will remain truly black. Are Black Poodles Friendly? Black Poodles, when raised with proper training and socialization, are just as friendly as any other coloration of Poodle. Poodles are energetic dogs, so they need exercise every day. They are also intelligent, and thus need mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation. Though well-trained black Poodles are no different from other Poodles in their temperament, they unfortunately face a stigma due to their coat color. Several causes for black dog syndrome have been suggested. Often, large black dogs are portrayed as violent and intimidating in movies and television shows. Black dogs are also known to not photograph as well as lighter colored dogs. The only notable difference is that dirt and tangling can be harder to see on dark coats. Short haircuts are a popular choice for Poodles, since this makes their coils or curly fur easier to manage. Poodles need to be groomed daily. They also need to visit the groomer regularly, unless you feel comfortable trimming their coat at home. Poodles are naturally slim dogs. It is easy for them to become overweight if their diet is not properly monitored. It is important to talk to a vet about the best diet for your black Poodle. One thing that dog owners often forget is that treats used in training can add up in calories over time. Black Poodle Health The genes that cause a black coat in Poodles are not known to be connected to any health issues. As such, monitoring the health of a black Poodle is similar to monitoring the health of any other shade of Poodle. It is important to note that the likelihood of certain health conditions occurring can be affected by the size of the Poodle. Poodles can be affected by a wide variety of health ailments, but there are several that are especially common within the breed. These include: Dental problems All dogs are susceptible to dental problems, including tartar buildup and gingivitis. Heart problems The category of "heart problems" covers a wide array of issues that can affect all dogs. This includes heart murmurs and arrhythmias. Hip and elbow dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia refers to painful abnormalities in the hip and elbow bones. Patellar Luxation Patellar Luxation is an abnormality in the kneecap that can cause issues with mobility. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive Retinal Atrophy refers to a group of diseases that cause photoreceptor cells in the eyes to degenerate, resulting in reduced vision. Sebaceous Adenitis Sebaceous Adenitis is a condition that affects the sebaceous glands. These are the glands in the skin that keep skin and fur healthy. When these stop working properly, damage to the skin and fur will result. This is by no means a complete list of health issues that can affect Poodles. Regular checkups at the vet are a must for any dog. Other Poodle Colors Poodles are known for having a wide variety of coat colors. These various coat colors do not lead to any differences in temperament. Possibly the most popular shade of Poodle next to the black Poodle is the white Poodle. Many people feel that white fur makes Poodles appear more soft and cuddly. Brown Poodles come in a variety of shades, from dark brown to a more tan color. Red and apricot are rarer than most other colors of Poodle. Their fur has hues of copper or auburn within it. Apricot is usually considered to be the color most recently introduced to Poodle breeding, so it is more difficult to breed. Not all gray Poodles are senior dogs. Poodles can be born gray. Or, as discussed earlier, they can gray prematurely. Conclusion Even once you have decided to bring a Poodle into your life, you still have many options when it comes to the size and coloration of your new pup. No matter your living situation or personal preferences, between the Toy, Miniature, Moyen, and Standard Poodle, there is sure to be a size that will work for you. And with their multitude of coat colors, you can be certain to find a pup that fits your aesthetic tastes. Many regard the black Poodle as the most beautiful and elegant of all Poodle colorations, and it is easy to see why. Still, with their friendly and energetic personalities, any type of Poodle is sure to bring light into your life. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Black Poodles Overview With so many Poodle colors, many cannot choose a favorite. However, the stunning solid black and the snowy pure white are the 2 most common Poodle colors. When it comes to a black Poodle, let's take a look at how one may be confused when the puppy is a newborn and begin to look at the genes that are involved with this color dog. Poodles have 2 coats of hair, an outer coat the one that you will see and the inner coat the one which you will usually only see when grooming. A true black Poodle is a deep ink black. The dog's outer coat will have zero blue or silver tinting and not have any white or silver guard hairs Although a black can have graying due to aging .The face skin when shaved will be deep black, as well. A true black will not "clear" or "fade" as the dog turns from puppy to adult. Blacks will have black points and very dark brown eyes. Therefore, if you have or see a black Poodle newborn puppy, one must look at the points of the dog and the pup's pedigree to determine if a change will take place. This means a change of color in the coat of the dog. All blue Poodles are born black and then "clear" within 1 to 2 years. For this reason, many blue Poodles are registered as black. The outer coat of a blue is usually as dark as that of a black, but hairs at the root is a mix of colors. The amount of each color depends on the age of the dog. In middle-aged dogs, medium brown predominates. True blue Poodles will have blue skin pigmentation and most have dark brown eyes. A true black Poodle will have 3 certain enzymes that must all be present to produce black. The first is referred to as the dark eumelanin enzyme.Scarlett, 18 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Dorothy Poodles that do not have this, will have the Pheomelanin enzyme instead, which would create a light colored coat. So, to begin a Poodle may have the eumelanin enzyme and then in order to be a true black, there has to be two accessory enzymes that must be there as well, known as TRP1 and TRP2. Since dogs carry genes from both parents, a Poodle with 2 black color genes has the genotype of BB. If a Poodle has one black and one brown gene factor, the genotype is Bb; however black is dominant over brown and the coat would be black. That Poodle, however - if bred- will pass down the Bb gene, which could produce black or brown puppies, depending one which gene the other parent passes down. Do Black Poodles have Different Behavior? Have you heard of black dog syndrome? It applies to all sized dogs, however tends to be used more with medium to large sized dogs, therefore it would apply to the standard Poodle more than the toy. This is a theory that has not yet been fully proven - though informal studies have been done - that black colored dogs are passed over for adoption in favor of their lighter colored counterparts. Some say that this is most due to media TV shows and movies depicting black dogs to be more aggressive or non-friendly. While it appears that some shelters have reported that dark coated or black dogs take a bit longer to adopt out, this seems to only apply to mixed breeds. There are absolutely no temperament or behavioral differences between black Poodles and those of any other color. The coat color does not dictate a Poodle's personality, ability or socialize any other factors at all that would influence how the dog behaves. Caring for a Black Poodle Care elements are just about the same, there are only two minor differences: 1 Black coats will show light colored debris, just as lighter coats will show darker dirt and debris. For this reason, depending on what activities a black Poodle engages in and such things as the color fabric of carpeting in the house, etc. If a black Poodle is attracting light colored lint, a quick spritz of a finishing spray will help the hairs repel fine particles. Elements such as long term sun exposure may cause a gradual reddening or a fading. To keep the coat as deep and deliciously black as possible, you may want to use color enhancing shampoos that do not dye the hairs but do bring out natural color. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions!

Stages of Puppy Development Birth to 3 weeks The first 20 days of a pups life it is not capable of much learning. The mental capacity is about nil. The pup will react when it is in need of food, sleep, warmth and its mother. During the first 3 weeks it is VERY important to look after the dam as well. She will in turn, look after the puppies. Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. Newborn puppies sleep most of the day away. No matter what the breed, this is the time when the dormant senses wake up. From day 21 to 28 puppies are in need of their mom more than any other time as their brains and nervous systems begin to develop and they become aware of their surroundings. As mom jumps out of the box, they suddenly watch her wondering where she went. Pups may start climbing out of the whelping box at this age, so it is time to expand their home. At this stage we add a small potty area beside the whelp box. If a puppy were to loose his mom at this stage it would greatly affect his emotional wellbeing. Emotional growth is just blossoming as the puppy realizes it is alive. It is also at this age that characteristics can develop like shyness and fear. Any negative characteristics that develop at this stage in life are often permanent personality traits. The puppies sleep 20 or more hours a day. They will not go far, but they will begin to explore. At this time we expand their area to add a play and eating area in the daytime. This is the time to move them out to the kitchen and family room area, where life is happening in the home. This is not the age to be in the back bedroom, garage or barn. During this time, a puppy will learn to respond to voices, sounds and recognize different people. The puppies in their group will establish a 'pecking order', some will want to lead and some will want to follow. The dominant ones will eat first and the omega ones will wait. The dominant ones can become bullies and hog all the toys. This is an important stage to watch to learn the temperaments of each puppy and should be used for placing puppies into the proper homes. Some scientific studies prove that if there is a bully in a litter that is making others cower and be shy it can set in traits that are very hard to turn around, but it is also important to leave puppies in a social group long enough to be adventurous and for the puppy to acquire some social competitive skills. On the same note, a puppy should never be allowed to get too pushy. While shyer puppies have to learn to handle themselves in social groups, a dominant puppy needs to learn it is not acceptable to be a bully. Different breeds need to be separated at different ages. Often if the bully is adopted out first the remaining puppies will loose some of their shyness. Puppies at this age sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. By 7 weeks, a pup is considered emotionally developed and ready to learn, but the pup does not possess an adult brain yet. At 7 weeks old the breeder of the pups can start crate training for an hour or two a day with 2 pups in a crate. This helps with separation anxiety. By 8 weeks of age a puppy should be able to go in a crate alone for a nap, and it is almost ready for its new home. A puppy should never be taken away from it's mother before weeks of age. The mother dog teaches the puppies in the litter manners, respect, social skills, and proper etiquette, along with many other valuable lessons. When a puppy misses this stage it can cause the pup to have future behavior issues as most humans do not understand natural dog behavior enough to teach the pup these things. What a puppy learns now will be retained and become part of who the dog becomes and his personality. Most dams stop caring for their pups by 7 weeks, as they have teeth and she pushes them away. If a pup is left with the dam during this period it's emotional development can be altered, as it remains dependent on her. The same can happen if littermates are placed together. They rely on each other instead of the new owner and they often do not find adequate security in their mom or littermate. They need their new owner to take over the role and it is important that the humans understand natural dog behavior in order to fulfill the puppies instincts and needs. First shots should be done at 7. When a puppy stays with his litter after 8 to 9 weeks of age without adequate human contact it doesn't adjust as well to a human social life. The optimum time to take a new puppy is from 8 to 9 weeks of age. It is always best to have a pup do his learning from his new owner and in his new home. Puppies are often adopted out at 8, 9, 10 or 11 weeks. Older puppies can do just fine if the breeder has spent a lot of time socializing them away from their littermates. Ideally 9 weeks seems to be the perfect age for most breeds to go to new homes. What the dog learns from 8 to 12 weeks will be with him forever. At this time the puppy must be introduced to other people and go for walks on the pavement street avoiding dirt or grass until it has had its 2nd shots. If the first shots are done at 8 weeks and second are done at 12 weeks it is a good idea to enroll in puppy kindergarten that starts right at 12 weeks. At this age on up to several months old, puppies will sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, give or take depending on the puppies energy level and the activity around them. Sleeping more during rapid growth sprurts. The sleep is broken up between night time sleep and naps during the day. It is common for a puppy to play hard, running around with bounds of energy, then suddenly crashing into a deep sleep. It is important to keep in mind that all puppies by this time have formed a general personality. Some are natural born leaders, some are middle of the road and could go either way and some are very submissive and really prefer not to lead anything. All puppies have an instinct to have a leader who can provide structure, because in their minds without it the pack cannot survive. Therefore even the most naturally born submissive dog may feel the need to take over as an alpha should they feel everyone else around them is too weak to care for the pack. These dogs are often very stressed out about their role because they really do not want it, but feel the need to lead just the same. After all, to them it's a matter of life or death. One of the biggest questions new owners call about is that the pup is an angel for the first couple weeks and then it starts to nip in an attempt to control things around it. This happens when a puppy does not see the humans as natural born leaders to which it can respect and it attempts to get the pack in order. If this happens it does not necessarily mean you got a bad puppy, but often means you are not being a good canine owner. Owners must be calm but firm and follow through. Set the rules of the home and stick to them. Teach basic obedience and how to heel on a leash. Do not let the puppy bolt out the door. Stay calm and confident and remember that dogs can feel your emotions. If you have emotional problems your dog knows and will see you as a weak being. Always remember to a dog anger is a weakness, so take a deep breath and control yourself. Should the puppy feel it is stronger minded than the humans it will not want to be at the bottom. Puppy owners should be prepared that the pup may attempt to establish itself as the dominant one in the family. This is where you need to understand a dog's natural instincts and learn their language so you can read them. It may see whether it can physically strike out at his owner like some teens and could nip or growl. Should this happen be prepared to stop the behavior immediately. It is kind of like kids wanting dessert before dinner or to stay up later. You just have to say NO. Each dog is different, just as kids are, therefore you need to figure out what works for you and your situation. If it is being aggressive one method is to pin it on its back and hold him there with a firm NO. If a pup is allowed to get away with bad behavior it will lose respect for the owner and learn that rebelling gets him his own way. The key is for the humans to be calm, confident and firm all at the same time. If you find yourself yelling or angry you as the human are out of control and need to learn how to portray yourself as someone your dog can look up to and respect. Dogs do not listen to unstable humans and anything but calm, confident and firm, to them is unstable. There should be zero tolerance for aggressiveness. Heaps of love and understanding will not stop bad behavior. A pup must be shown fast and firmly that you are the one in charge. If you have a good breeder who understands the dog even returning him for a few days can help as the breeder gets the dog back under control and you assess your own behavior and understanding of this animal you are trying to live with. Sending a dog away to be trained without training yourself never works, as the way your dog is acting often has more to do with the humans it is living with. This goes for any dog of any age. Learn how to groom your dog. Teach it to lie still for grooming and nail trimming. If you are having trouble call the breeder or a behaviorist for help. It is best to have earned a dog's respect and trust in regards to grooming by 16 weeks of age. A pups natural instinct will be to periodically try to test the order in the pack. Especially if there are children. If the owner is submissive, quiet and week, thus making the dog feel the need to lead the home, its respect for its owner will weaken and the owner will become inferior in the dogs eyes. In these cases the owner is destined to be owned by the dog and you will surely see behavior problems emerge. A puppy should have a good start on crate training when it leaves a breeder's home. Help your puppy feel secure by giving it its own bed and crate in a place where it can be alone when it needs some quiet time. It should be crated for one or two naps per day, especially when making and eating dinner and crated at night. It should not ever have the run of the house till after 6 months of age or housebreaking and training can become very difficult. A puppy should start formal obedience by 6 months of age, preferably sooner. Remember when you choose to adopt a dog you are choosing to take an animal into your home. The animal is not a human baby and humans are not born with canine instincts. Take some time to learn about the canine and be prepared to change your way of life to accommodate the new member of the family. Are you sure? It can be difficult for an owner to be certain, so it can be wise to take the dam and pups to the vet within about six hours. The vet can also check for cleft palates and inform you of options available see article on cleft palates —these pups are worth saving , but if you are pretty sure and experienced enough to know the pups are all out, it is best to leave the dam at home, as every time you take her out, and to the vet, you risk bringing home a virus. Normally after whelping she will stop shivering and panting, clean her pups and herself and settle down to feed her pups…. If all seems normal, I just call my vet and let him know what has happened. Take the dam out to relieve herself, and give her some fluids. Chicken broth or Mamalac are good. I give chicken broth, chicken and rice for first meal. Freshen her up with a sponge bath and put nice clean bedding down for her and her new family. If you are using a heating pad it is extremely important that it is enclosed securely in padding so a pup cannot get caught down there under the bedding…. Some new moms try to bury their pups. My whelping box has a wooden bottom, and the heating pad goes UNDER the box, under the plywood floor; this makes a nice radiant heated whelping box floor. If it is black call your vet. Discharge lasts for about a week, slowly turning clearer. If it continues, or develops a foul odor, call the vet. Some dams spot blood for a week or two. If the dam is a new mother, and unsure, make her nurse as the nursing will trigger the release of hormones into her bloodstream, which will help encourage her mothering instincts meaning the more the dam nurses, the more loving she becomes Full supervision is recommended until she has accepted the fact that she is a loving mom. For some breeds, like the giant and clumsy breeds, pups cannot go with the dams for a week or two, but must go in an incubator and be put with the dam every two to four hours. Check your breed. I personally sleep next to my dam and puppies for a few nights, to ensure she does not roll on a puppy, or a puppy does not get out of the bunch and get chilled, etc…. They are VERY susceptible to cold. Make sure there are NO drafts. I leave a baby monitor on, and if a puppy is crying more than usual, I go to see why. Sometimes a puppy will latch on so tightly to the dam that he gets dragged out of the box, sometimes he is lost in the blankets. I make large pillow-like cases from sheets to contain the blankets, so that the puppies cannot get lost in the folds. Your whelping box should have guardrails to help protect the puppies that crawl behind the dam from suffocation and squishing. They need and get constant care from the dam; they cannot even relieve themselves without her stimulation…. She will keep the whelping box very clean for the first couple weeks up to three weeks. Then it is your job.It is wise to weigh the pups twice daily for the first week, and once a day after that. My goal is for pups to start gaining right away, and not have that drop. Feed the dam three times daily three times normal amount of food or more. Check her milk glands twice daily for mastitis swollen, hard teats. If you notice an excess of milk, she will become uncomfortable and restless. This can be relieved by squeezing the teat; draining some milk will reduce the pressure. If you fail to relieve pressure, call your vet. Milk fever is serious, and talked about on the whelping page, as it can come before puppies, but is normally more common when milk is being produced. Some dams need extra calcium. Eyes should open on day 8 to 13 never attempt to open the eyes. Ears should open on day 13 to .Change the bedding in the box several times per day, but do not change the paper often keep it smelling like a toilet and keep the bed smelling like a fresh bed… The puppies will be paper trained by 3 weeks…. By 4 weeks, you will need to expand their home again to include a play area. At three weeks, their teeth are developing. Some large breeds are ready to try soft food and toys. They can lap water and Mamalac. Slowly add soaked puppy kibble. For smaller breeds of dogs, they do not need food till 4 or 5 weeks old. Also, all litters are different. A litter of eight puppies will need food sooner than a litter of three puppies, even if just to give the dam a break. If the Dam is feeding the pups, there is no crying and they are content, then do not rush weaning. Now the Fun Begins.The puppies have arrived. They have been weighed and identified; they have nursed and are now sleeping quietly except for the normal twitching. Now what? Your job is not over yet, in fact, it's really just beginning. Nutrition and Feeding The mother will be ready for some food and water. Bring the dishes to the whelping box, as she will not want to leave the newborn puppies. Do not leave the dishes on the floor in the whelping box, as the puppies could crawl into them. Hang the dishes from the side of the whelping box or offer her food and water at least every hours to start. She should be taken outside on a frequent and regular basis to relieve herself. Within days, the mother's appetite will dramatically increase to times her pre-pregnancy intake. She will need a near constant supply of a high quality puppy food do NOT use large breed puppy formulas, which are generally lower in protein, fat, and minerals and water to maintain her weight and health while feeding the puppies. She should not look gaunt or thin if her weight is maintained. Ideally, she should weigh the same at the time of weaning, as she did when she was bred. A healthy puppy is firm, plump, and vigorous. Puppies should nurse every 2 hours or so. If they nurse until their stomachs appear round and they sleep quietly, they are eating enough. If they are crying and moving a lot, they are not eating enough. They may be swallowing air, which makes the stomach appear larger. As they become weaker, they will lay still and not cry. Their weight should double in the first days. Before, during, and after nursing, the mother will lick the stomach and perineal area to stimulate urination and defecation. She will continue to do this for weeks. Weigh the puppy daily for the first 2 weeks, then weigh at least weekly. A food scale typically works well for weighing the puppies. Failure to gain weight is often the first sign of illness in puppies. At about 3 weeks of age, the puppies will begin to imitate the mother's eating and drinking. A secure shallow water dish should now be available at least part of the day. Prepare the puppy mush by placing 2 cups of high quality dry puppy food in a blender with .This should be blended until the consistency of human infant cereal. This feeds puppies of a medium-sized breed. The puppies should receive meals a day of this to start. Once the puppies have checked it out, walked in it, and have eaten some, the mother can be allowed to finish it and clean the puppies off. Each week, increase the amount of food, decrease the amount of the milk replacer and water that is added and the time of blending, so by 7 weeks of age, the puppies are eating dry food. Once they are on dry food, it may be left in with the puppies when the mother is out of the box or the meal times can continue. As the puppies eat more solid food, the mother may be let away from the puppies for an ever longer period of time. If the weaning is not rushed, she will naturally start decreasing milk production, as the puppies increase their intake of solid food. As the puppies begin eating the puppy mush at 4 weeks of age, start changing the mother's diet back to adult food to also help her decrease milk production. Keep increasing the adult food and decreasing the puppy food until by the 7th week postpartum she is eating only adult food. Hopefully she has been fed well during pregnancy and lactation so she weighs the same at weaning as she did before pregnancy. Want to learn how to save on your dog's veterinary care? Click here Sanitation and Housebreaking During and after whelping, the mother should be allowed to go outside to urinate and defecate. Take her out on a leash bring a flashlight if it is dark , and watch her closely, as she could have another puppy. The whelping box needs to be changed at least once a day at this stage, and times a day as the puppies begin eating solids and the mother is not cleaning up after them. A large heavy paper may be laid on the bottom, several layers of newspaper over that, and a tightly stretched blanket over the newspaper. The blanket should be large enough to fit under all 4 sides of the box. If the box was made so the sides set into the floor, the sides are picked up, the blanket stretched, and the sides set down to hold the blanket in place. Puppies can become lost under blankets or under wrinkles in blankets. When cleaning, check the consistency and color of the puppy stool. It should be brown and formed, but not overly firm. Any deviations and the veterinarian should be contacted. To facilitate housebreaking, the puppies should be given definite feeding, playing, sleeping, and elimination areas. Once the puppies are mobile, they will use one area for elimination. Cover this area with a layer of newspapers with cedar or pine shavings on top. The new owners then place a small amount of cedar or pine shavings in the preferred location of their yard to aid in housebreaking. Keep the elimination area clean and dry. Puppies head toward the heat source to nurse so do not have the heat source warmer than the mother. Hanging a household thermometer on the inside of the whelping box will help you know the temperature in the box. Puppies typically lay side by side or on top of each other to share warmth. If the puppies are scattered throughout the whelping box and away from the heat lamp, the temperature is too warm. If they are all piled on top of each other, it may be too cold. Puppies need the extra heat, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature until several weeks old. Health of the Mother Each mammary gland and nipple should be checked at least once a day for redness, hardness, discharge, or streaking color. If mastitis develops, the veterinarian should be notified immediately. If caught early, milking out the affected gland and applying hot compresses will help prevent a spread of the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary. If she gets multiple glands with mastitis, the puppies will need to be bottle fed. The puppies' nails should be trimmed weekly starting within days of birth. This will help prevent some of the scratches on the mother's mammary glands. The deciduous teeth start coming in around day .Check the mammary glands of the mother daily for bite marks. The mother will have a bloody discharge from her vulva which may be quite heavy for several days. It should decrease in amount and become darker and be almost gone within weeks. The mother's hair may have become very thick and luxurious during the pregnancy. Around the time of weaning, the mother starts to shed. This extreme loss of hair coat is natural and it should be back to normal in about another months. This shedding is more extreme than a normal shed cycle and some mothers become quite bald. This is often called 'blowing a coat. Click here Puppy Healthcare Puppies who are not thriving should be examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian to check for birth defects. Some defects, such as a cleft palate are not compatible with life. These puppies should be humanely euthanized. Dewclaws are removed and tails docked at days of age. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for these procedures to be done. Check your breed's standard, as some breeds need to have dewclaws left intact in order to show. Tail length changes, so again, the current breed standard should be consulted. When the puppies are at the clinic and having these procedures done, the mother should be taken for a walk around the block until the puppies are done. She should not be close enough to the clinic to hear the puppies crying. Once they are put back with the mother, the puppies normally nurse and then sleep. Vaccinations are started at weeks of age. Some breeders give a parvo virus vaccine at 5 weeks of age, if the puppies are at a high-risk. Ask your veterinarian if your puppies should be vaccinated early for parvo virus. They recommend puppy deworming for roundworms and hookworms start at 2 weeks of age and be repeated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Thereafter, use a heart worm preventive medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms. Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies obtain the deworming history of their new pup and contact their veterinarian to determine if additional deworming is needed. The mother should be dewormed at the same time as the puppies. A health check done by a veterinarian at weeks of age before the puppies head for new homes should include checks for heart murmurs, hernias, cryptorchidism, demodectic mange, other parasites, eye disorders, etc. Normal puppy development The umbilical cord normally falls off within days of birth. Infections of the umbilicus are rare in clean, well-managed kennels. Puppies normally twitch and jerk while sleeping. This helps with the development of their nerves and muscles. The puppies crawl well by days, walk at 16 days, and have a normal gait at 21 days. They need to be on footing that offers traction. By 4 weeks of age, the puppies follow each other and carry toys in their mouths. They will play-fight with each other and learn how to inhibit their bites. If a puppy bites a littermate too hard, the littermate will yelp and stop playing with him. If the puppy is allowed to bite humans, he will not learn to inhibit his bite. It may be cute as a 7-week old, but it will not be as a 7-year old. Puppies are born without teeth. The deciduous baby teeth start to erupt at weeks of age. All of the deciduous teeth are usually present by 8 weeks of age. The puppies' eyes will open around days of age. The retina matures around 21 days of age. Puppies should see clearly by 4 weeks of age. Do not pry open the lids for any reason, as the immature eye is not yet ready to handle light. If the eyes appear swollen before they open, take the puppy to a veterinarian immediately as an eye infection may be present that needs to be treated to prevent loss of vision. Some puppies will take a day to open the eyes while others will take days. The eyes will have a bluish color to them at first and then change to their adult color over time. If the eyes appear white or solid blue, take the puppy to the veterinarian right away. The ears open at days of age. They should hear clearly by 4 weeks of age. Deafness may not be noticeable while the puppies are together and first noticed when the puppy is in her new home. Interactions Between the Mother and Puppies By the time the puppies are weeks old, the mother should have an area near the whelping box, but separate from the puppies to allow her time to rest. At about this time, the puppies will start trying to leave the box to explore. They should be well supervised and have safe toys available. The box at this point should be big enough to be divided between eating, sleeping, playing, and eliminating rooms. At this stage, a crate with the door removed and lined with sheepskin or a dog bed can be given to the puppies for sleeping quarters and to familiarize them with crates. Puppy Socialization Early socialization of the puppies will help them become confident and develop fewer behavior problems. The puppies should be exposed to everything possible from metal food dishes dropping, to vacuums, garage doors opening and closing, thunderstorms, sirens, garbage trucks going past, cats, and other pets, etc. Do not try to keep the area quiet during the day. The puppies need to get used to normal household noises. Children should be allowed to play outside the whelping box supervised so they do not enter the box or drop toys in , as children behave differently than adults. Everything the puppy is exposed to now, will help her become a well-socialized, unafraid adult. The puppies should be handled several times a day. They can be picked up, their teeth looked at, ears checked, toes played with nails will need a weekly trimming , and have anything that may be done as an adult started slowly now. Play helps to develop the puppy's mind, as he needs to find solutions to problems he encounters. If the puppies are not in new homes by 10 weeks of age, they should be separated from each other for a large part of the day and given one-on-one time with humans. They can have play times during the day, but they should eat, sleep, and be handled separately. Being in a kennel group situation beyond weeks of age decreases trainability. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more! For heating the pups in the whelping box particle board construction with adjustable entrance and pig rails , we have a lectro-kennel pad in part of it. There is a window into the rest of the shop from the room; for mama dogs' sake, I wish we had a window to the outside.But it's not a kennel setup, so it's not perfect. The pups stay in this room for weeks.When they are big enough to move outside, they spend the nights in a chain-link fenced kennel about 8 x 13 feet on gravel. If they have to be kenneled while we're home, then we can open that up to an adjacent kennel the same size. Puppy pen- I wouldn't use hogwire. We've had pups almost hang themselves in the stuff really young pups can hang up in diamond chain link too ; albeit I think the hogwire type fence we used had smaller increments than regular hogwire. Anyways, we supervised them closely when they were in this pen. Size-wise I think the largest you can provide, the better, as long as it's safe. We've used 10x10 too but it just seemed too small especially when they were weeks old. The cement blocks should work fine. Our puppy pens are on the grass and then we just move it around the yard when the grass seems to be getting too worn out.