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Shihpoo puppies make great companion animals for just about anyone, but a retired senior would most likely be an ideal match. They love to be doted on, pampered, and loved. They are pretty versatile and can thrive in almost any environment—family home, apartment, or tiny house. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality tenfold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. They are also loving and make great watchdogs. Shihpoo personalities are described as friendly and playful. They are the size of your average lap dog, and their moderate energy level means they'd probably enjoy napping in your lap for hours. While Shihpoos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shihpoos are not as barky as their Poodle parent but will alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark every few minutes until needs are met. The Shih Tzu tends to shed more than Poodles, so a Shihpoo will be either low to non-shedding depending on whether it inherited its coat from the Shih Tzu side or the Poodle side. For the most part, Shihpoos will require brushing on a weekly basis in order to ensure the coat remains free from knots and snags. In addition, the toenails of the Shihpoo will need to be filed and their ears kept clean and dry. Several times per year, the coat of the Shihpoo will need to be trimmed. Make sure Shihpoos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as Shihpoos are prone to overeat and rapidly gain weight. We breed F1b, F1, and Multi-generational Shihpoos puppies. Below you will find more information on each type of Shihpoo Browns Babies offers. F1b litters are primarily for those with severe allergies, who want to be sure that their Shihpoo puppy has a non-shedding poodle coat. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article. What coat colors are available? The coat color of a Shih Poo will vary. They can come in black, brown, white, cream, apricot, gold, red and brindle or a combination of all or some of those colors. Will I need to regularly groom my Shih Poo? Daily to a few times per week brushings along with regular scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks will keep your little ones coat soft and clean. Will a Shih Poo make for a good family pet? They also really enjoy the company and comfort of older people. With patience and consistency, they will be trained in no time. How much exercise will my Shih Poo need? Since they are smaller dogs, they will require less exercise. Daily walks between 30 minutes will be plenty to keep them fit and active. They also love to have indoor play, so make sure to keep lots of safe toys available to them. What is the life expectancy of a Shih Poo? The average life expectancy of a Shih Poo is between 14 and 17 years. What is the temperament of a Shih Poo? These spirited little pups are full of love and energy. They are companion dogs, so they thrive in the company of others, but prefer the company of older adults. Training them to control their barking is best when it is corrected at a very young age. Does the Shih Poo shed a lot? No, they have very minimal shedding. They make for great companions for those that suffer with allergies. What kind of coat does the Shih Poo have? The coat can vary depending on which parent they take after more. Their coat can be wavy and wiry like the poodle or soft and straight like the Shih Tzu. It may also be a healthy mix of both. Do they adjust well to their living environment? Yes, they adjust very well. They are just as happy and content in a small apartment as they are in a big home. They need to be around people, so it is best not to leave them for long periods of time. If they become too upset or anxious they can get destructive. Shih Poo Reviews.

A loving forever home with a secure fence and another dog in the home She wants to be your "All-American Girl! Carrie Underwood is so sweet and adorable. She is a bundle of tender kisses and has energy for days. She has been a great sister to the newest foster puppies that have come and gone, teaching them the art of playing with toys. Carrie's favorite thing to do is play chase with her K9 buddies. She runs fast and does figure 8's around the resident dogs, who don't even try to keep up with her. Her second favorite activity is napping with the resident Labs. She adores the older resident dogs and has learned great napping skills from them. She continues to work on her leash skills. Carrie has been quietly working on coming out of her shell and has undergone a transformation since arriving at her foster. She loves to curl up in the lap of her FM for naps and bedtime snuggles. She still has her moments of shyness around Foster Dad, but will now come voluntarily to the couch to sit beside him for attention. She's definitely gained lots of confidence. Carrie will need a home with another dog, preferably one who enjoys the same activity level. Carrie still has some shy moments but she is ready for her furever home, and she will steal the heart of anyone who wants to add a sweet yet energetic member to their family. Thank you to the following generous donors currently supporting Carrie's care: Amanda S. Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. 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Unfortunately, this happy event is sometimes marred by tragedy. Puppy deaths occur, and sometimes the dam is the apparent cause of these deaths. On rare occasions, mother dogs will even eat her puppies. Although it is easy to be angry at the mother dog or to be disturbed or disgusted by her actions, there are many reasons that she might harm or kill her puppies. Cannibalism When an animal eats another animal of the same species, it is called cannibalism. Cannibalism is rare in dogs, especially if the litter is birthed whelped in a home environment as opposed to a loud or crowded kennel. Puppy cannibalism can occur at birth or even after a few days of life. Female dogs of any breed or mix of breeds can cannibalize their puppies. Cannibalism may or may not be an inherited trait and it may or may not recur from one litter to the next. Lack of Recognition An inexperienced mother dog dam may not recognize her puppies as being her own offspring. In addition, dogs who have had cesarean sections may also fail to recognize their offspring because of the lack of hormones produced during a natural birth. Newborn puppies move erratically and make high-pitched sounds. These behaviors mimic the actions of prey animals, such as mice. Some dogs, especially terriers and terrier mixes, have a rodent-killing heritage. Although any dam can cannibalize her pups, these dogs may instinctively be compelled to eat their puppies if they fail to recognize them as their own. The infected teats may be red, swollen and hard or hot to the touch. Although very serious, mastitis can be easily treated. When puppies clamp down to suckle, the dam may feel enough pain to cause her to reject the puppies. On some occasions, the pain is sufficient to cause the dam to become aggressive to her puppies and to kill and cannibalize them. Stress or Fear If a mother is stressed or fearful for her litter, these negative emotions may trigger aggression. This aggression may be directed toward the puppies and result in cannibalism. Stillborn or Unhealthy Pups In nature, when one or more members of a litter are unhealthy or stillborn, they put the rest of the litter at risk. Most of the time, domestic dogs will simply reject unhealthy puppies, pushing them away from the nest. However, if instinct takes over and the puppies are young enough, the dam might kill and eat unhealthy puppies, as well. Why do male dogs eat puppies? The relationship of a mother to her puppies In general a bitch will know how to take care of her offspring innately without having to seek help from outside sources. This is a protective membrane in which the puppy leaves the uterus of their mother. It is broken by the mother ripping it with her teeth. They then lick the puppy to remove any secretions or fluid, bite off the cord which connects to their placenta and keeps them close to retain heat. They will then eat their placenta and any other afterbirth material. They perform all of the above actions instinctively, even if they are first time mothers. The same instinct means they know how to walk around their nest area without trampling on or harming their newborn puppies. Since this instinct is so keen, why then might they eat their own puppies? Is this a behavior which goes against their natural instincts? Why do dogs eat dead puppies? The idyllic version of a puppy's entrance to the world as described above is not always the case when a dog gives birth. Although it is not very prevalent, it is possible that a puppy will either be stillborn or not strong enough to live long after birth. They may have been injured on their way out via the birth canal or simply be underdeveloped during gestation. While it is not completely understood, it is possible the mother doesn't realise the puppy is their offspring. If the puppy has no heartbeat, they may consider it to be another part of the afterbirth. They eat it because they think it is waste material. If we see that a mother dog has eaten their puppy, it is likely because it has died. It is possible they are aware of this, but we can't know the exact motivation for the behavior. Another possible reason is that the puppy has signs of weakness or illness. While we may be inclined to do everything we can to help a weak or premature child, we are afforded the benefit of modern medicine. Dogs still have an instinct close to their wild cousins. Much of their behavior is due to survival. A sick puppy might make the rest of the litter sick and weaken the chances of the group's survival. The mother may eat the puppy they perceive as sick to save the rest of the group. One of the ways the mother may be able to tell if a puppy is sick is by registering their temperature. The mother may not eat them, but they might expel them from the nest. This can seem so cruel to us, but the behavior is instinctual. It is also possible the reason why a puppy is not well is because the mother bites them when trying to chew the cord or eat the afterbirth. This might be a simple accident or because the mother has a difficult time reaching the puppy. This is believed to occur more often with first time mothers. It is also possible the mother suffers a miscarriage before the puppy is taken to term. If this is the case, the mother may eat the fetus when it is eliminated. To know more about gestation of puppies, you can look at our week-by-week detailing of a dog's pregnancy. Why does a dog abandon her puppies? We have already seen that a mother dog may eat her young due to instinctual behavior. We might think of this as reprehensible behavior and the same might go for when they abandon their litter. At the beginning of their lives, the mother should only leave her litter for moments to feed or urinate. As the days pass, the mother will get up for longer periods of time. This gradual increase of separation time is designed to ensure the puppies learn how to fare for themselves. The puppies may cry in their mother's absence, especially if they are hungry or need something else. If the mother does not return for a significant amount of time and ignores her puppies' cries, only then can we consider this maternal abandonment. At this stage, we will need to intervene if the puppies are going to make it. At around 10 days of age, the puppies will begin the relatively slow process of opening their eyes. At around 15 days, they will start using their legs to move around and after 3 weeks of age, they will begin the weaning process to eat solids. As these advancements occur, they will begin to spend more time with their siblings and less with their mother. It is important to know what is normal advancement of a puppy's life and what is abandonment. Why does my dog bite her puppies? Removing the sacs in which the puppies are born can lead to accidental biting. This may cause some damage, but not necessarily. It will depend how hard they bite down. However, we can observe that the mother starts to bite or even bark at her puppies. It can seem needlessly aggressive, but we need to ensure we are properly reading the situation. This behavior usually presents at the time the puppies are starting to walk and eat on their own. The mother might bark at or bite the puppy if they try to suckle from their breast. This is because the mother is trying to teach the puppies to fend for themselves. How to prevent a dog from eating her puppies? Since dogs eating their young is an instinctive behavior, it isn't really something we can intervene in. Puppies need to be with their mother and we should not take them away preemptively as we worsen their chances of survival. If a dog starts to eat their puppy, then it will often be too late to do anything about it. What we can do is try to prepare as positive an environment as possible for the birth. We can try to influence the factors which will result in healthy puppies and a happy state of mind of the mother. In turn we can hopefully reduce the chances of complications during and after birth. This means providing an adequate diet during pregnancy and taking them for veterinary followups when needed. In no case should we feed them supplements without express permission from the veterinarian. This can lead to miscarriages. It is also advisable to ensure there is no added stress for the dog and that they have a comfortable environment. If we see that all of the puppies are alive, but the mother has rejected one or any of them, we should take the puppy to the vet immediately to see if there is anything wrong. Once they have confirmed their health status, the you can think about how to feed an abandoned puppy. Male dogs generally do not eat their young or kill them, at least not consciously. It is true there are examples of animals in other species, such as lions or gorillas, who kill younger members of a group. This is believed to be done for one of two reasons; so they don't have to allot them valuable resources or to stop weaning and let the female go back into heat more quickly. In the case of female dogs, their heat cycle will return approximately 6 months after birth regardless. Male dogs don't have much reason to kill offspring. However, you should still not have a male dog hanging round a female after they have given birth. Their presence alone can stress out the mother and puppies. This stress can lead to the mother to make bad decisions, including eating their young. Eventually it is a good idea for the puppies to socialize with other dogs , even if this is the father. Whether or not it is a good idea for the father to spend time with the puppies depends on the temperament of the individual dog. This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. There are a few theories as to why this occurs. Do Dogs Eat Their Babies? In some cases, in fact, she might be trying to be a good mom—just in a misguided way. Is It an Inherited Trait? Instead, most of the factors seem to be external. This is especially common in dogs who deliver via Cesarean section. C-sections prevent their bodies from releasing the natural hormones that cause them to recognize their young, and it also prevents them from experiencing the act of birth. Dogs who are bred during their first heat are especially vulnerable to committing cannibalism. This is a big problem in puppy mills because the owners care only about maximizing the number of offspring that each female can have. Of course, sometimes accidents can happen, even without something as nefarious as a puppy mill involved. Doing so can save the lives of countless puppies in more ways than one. For nursing dogs, this can include killing their puppies. One of the biggest sources of stress for a new canine mother is a busy birthing area. If there are people constantly coming and going or other animals harassing her, a mother may flip out and start eating puppies. You should do everything you can to give a new mom a quiet, secluded nursery. Set aside a room in your house or barn, and make it as comfy as possible for her. Of all the reasons that a mom might eat her pups, stress is one of the easiest to avoid, so do your best to avoid it. Sometimes, she devours more than just the afterbirth, though. The vast majority of the time, any puppy that gets eaten will have been stillborn. She may also eat the body along with the placenta. The good news is that as long as she only eats the stillborn pups, the mother should still be trustworthy around the rest of her newborns. Some are weak, scrawny, or otherwise unhealthy. In the wild, these dogs would have virtually no chance of surviving. Instead of letting the pup wither and die, the mom may just put the runt out of its misery. Also, if the dog is clearly sick or deformed, the mother may not let it nurse. This makes nursing excruciating. She may also reject and abandon her puppies. One Big Myth and Other Things to Keep in Mind One myth about newborn dogs is that the mother will reject her young if the scent of a human gets on them. In fact, it may be essential for you to handle the puppies, especially if any are sick, injured, or not feeding. You may need to keep them alive until the mother can resume caring for them again. You may carry a highly contagious virus like parvo on your clothing or shoes, which can then infect the pups. Also, you may notice the mother growling or snapping at her puppies. Canine cannibalism is an unfortunate thing, but it does happen. See also:. By Chris Anyone who has witnessed the bringing of new life into the world knows that the miracle of birth is a powerful thing. Mamas of all species have powerful instincts. Dogs are no different from humans in this regard. Female dogs instinctively know how to birth and care for their young. When a new litter is born, maternal instincts tell the mother how to sever the umbilical cord, remove the birthing sac, clean the pups and start feeding them—all on her own! Why do dogs eat their puppies? Unfortunately, instinct can also lead a mama dog to do things that we, as humans, find unthinkable. If you are the proud owner of an expecting female dog, you may be curious to know why this happens and what you can do to prevent it. In the days before dogs were lying around on our couches eating Scooby snacks and getting scritches, this instinct was critical to the survival of the species. In the wild, these actions deter predators and give her the freedom to move and defend herself and her litter. If the mother senses that a pup threatens the litter, her instinct will be to remove the threat. She should not be punished for doing so. She is not a monster. She is simply following a deeply ingrained instinct. Mother dog feeds her puppies with breast milk. Reasons Dogs Eat Their Puppies Instinct is the main thing that drives a dog to eat their puppies, but there are other reasons too. Some may eat their puppies by accident, some may eat stillborn puppies, and some may be responding to stress or a medical condition. Many things can cause newborn puppies to get sick and die. Respiratory infections, heart conditions, or improper nutrition in the womb are all things that can cause a puppy to be born sick. A mother dog can quickly sense if a puppy is sick. When she does, she will have to decide whether it is worth expanding her energy and milk on a puppy that may not survive. Often, the mother will put the pup out of its misery rather than waste precious nutrients. A sick puppy is also a threat to the litter. Infections and diseases can spread quickly and kill all the puppies. Rather than allow this, a mother dog will remove the threat to spare the rest of the litter. If you are able, remove the sick puppy from the litter and seek medical attention for it. You may be able to re-introduce the puppy to the litter later. An extremely tiny Dachshund puppy She Made a Mistake A mother dog may accidentally kill her puppies, especially if it is her first birth. When the mother removes the birthing sac and severs the umbilical cord, she runs the risk of injuring or even killing the puppy as she does it. Once a puppy is dead, the mother may decide to eat the body. This is a way for her to regain the precious nutrients and strength she lost during the birth. Those nutrients will ultimately pass to the rest of the litter through her milk. It is usually best not to intervene with your dog while she is birthing. Her instinct will tell her what to do. However, If you notice she is having difficulty, and you are afraid she might hurt a puppy, it is okay to step in and give her a hand. A small Boston Terrier puppy looks down sadly. This is more likely to happen if the puppies were delivered by C-Section. Vaginal birth conveys hormones to the puppies that strengthen their immune systems and mark them to the mother. Often, if a dog does not recognize the puppies right away, she will recognize them given time. In this case, it is crucial to prevent her from killing or eating the pups, as her maternal instinct may kick in in a few days. Try hand-feeding the pups and slowly reintroducing them to the mother little by little. A dog growls to someone coming near him. It does not just affect dogs—human mamas can also get mastitis. In dogs, the condition can be fatal for puppies. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that causes the nipples to become inflamed and sensitive. Young pups do not know that their mama is in excruciating pain. They just know where the milk is. As the pups attempt to feed, the mother may lash out and potentially injure or even kill the puppies. She may also abandon them or drive them out of the den. Abandonment can be just as deadly as an attack. If you notice your dog is having trouble nursing her pups or seems to be in pain or lashing out, take her to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet can treat Mastitis and make nursing much more comfortable for your dog. Dog breast feeding her puppy. She Is Stressed A newborn is stressful! A litter of six or more newborns is six times as stressful! A mother dog has just gone through the harrowing ordeal of birth. She is probably tired, hungry, scared, and has to deal with a litter of wailing pups. If she accidentally injures or kills a pup in a moment like this, her predatory instinct could kick in and drive her to eat the puppy. She needs nutrients, after all. To alleviate the stress for your mama dog, ensure she has plenty of easily available food and water. Do not bother her too much or try to interfere with the litter unless she seems to need help. Remove the father if he is still around—a mama dog can get stressed when a male is near the litter. Mother dog feeding her puppies. Conclusion It is a grim and unpleasant subject to discuss, but the truth is that mother dogs do eat their babies. It does not happen often, but when it does, it can be traumatizing for a new breeder or owner. The most important thing to remember is that your dog is only following her instinct. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent this. Provide your dog with a safe, comfortable place to birth her pups. Give her plenty of food, water, and privacy from other animals. Stay nearby to help her if needed. If you notice that the mother is struggling or that something appears to be going wrong, step in and remove the puppy. Then, consult with your veterinarian on how to move forward. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Absolutely Yes, only if the mother biting them occasionally, as it is a big part of their job involves teaching the puppies about bite inhibition. As well as in that situation, she will reject their puppies if she gets too stressed. If she did that, it would be most helpful to bottle feed those puppies until they can consume regular solid food. Grown Puppies If the puppies are about 7 to 9 weeks old or got big enough to play and still their mother is trying to bite them, which makes the puppies yelp, it could be a territorial issue. The mother will eat just one if a pup is dying or dies to keep the area clean and the remaining puppies safe from any infection. And this instinct of eating puppies is common in both domesticated and stray dogs. Unfortunately, nature at work is often neither cute nor cuddly, and a mother eating her puppies is a prime example. Well, there are some other reasons as well that makes the mother dog eat their own puppies, which includes: Congenital Anomaly Well, Congenital Anomaly is another big reason for the mother dog to eat their puppies. So basically, the mothers will take over and put the puppy out of its misery, saving it from dying a horrible death over a long time of suffering. Mother dogs know very quickly which one of her pups is too weak to survive; she will eat the weak one or ignore it. It is a hang-over from times when dogs lived in the wild, where only the fittest survived. Lack of Recognition The lack of Recognition is often seen in domestic dogs, where the mother dog may not recognize her puppies as her own offspring. These dogs may instinctively be compelled to eat their puppies if they fail to recognize them as their own. These are not all reasons but listed are the most common reasons for this unfortunate behavior. Mother has had several puppies grow inside her, each consuming an extensive amount of energy to develop, and she may have given birth, but her body still needs to feed them through milk. Pregnancy is tough on mammals, especially on those who produce litter! On the other hand, a dead pup would also attract predators that would probably be harmful to the remaining puppies. Hence in the wild dogs, eating dead pups is also a great way to save the other remaining puppy from predators rather than burying the dead. However, in domestic dogs, eating the dead puppy is just an instinct, nothing else. And keep a close eye on the dog to make sure she only eats a dead one, as sometimes mothers want to eat all pups right from birth, which is not okay at all. Plus, give her vitamin C because it helps reduce the levels of stress hormones. Stress hormones are also the reason that makes dogs eat their puppies. So make sure you keep giving her that mineral diet until the pups are 3-weeks, then you can begin to taper off. This way, you can effortlessly act fast to save the puppies if the mother GSD attempts to eat them. So, in that case, you need to take over as a surrogate mother to raise the puppies. However, when the adult teeth come in, it is normal for the male dog to smack the pups to show who the boss is, which the mother also does. Sometimes, male dogs do kill their puppies because of the unstable temperament, which is also pretty rare in domesticated dogs than stray ones. On the other hand, some dog owners think that male dogs can kill off the puppies to breed again, which is totally untrue! Where the male partner kills his youngs for the sole purpose of being able to breed again and not waste time waiting for the young to grow. Related Posts. When female dogs give birth to a litter of pups, it's usually a wonderful experience. Mothers are quite keen to the needs of their pups and will exhibit maternal behavior from the very beginning. It's a beautiful thing to witness! Unfortunately, not all pregnancies go as planned. Unexpected events can lead to the death of some puppies. Mothers can also abandon their newborn babies without any warning. In rare cases, females can even kill and eat their young. While it's a grim topic, it's important to understand why this happens. As humans, cannibalistic behavior is simply unfathomable. However, it's not as farfetched in the canine world. Dogs do not follow to same social and moral constructs that we do. Truth is, there are many reasons why dogs may eat their puppies. Understanding the Birthing Process It can be tempting to intervene whenever your precious female dog is giving birth. It's a big moment and most owners want nothing more than to help ease those puppies into the world. However, intervention is not recommended in most cases. You see, female dogs will usually take care of their young instinctively. From the moment they give birth, mothers know what to do and will act in the interest of the litter. This is even true to first-time mothers that have never been around a pregnant dog. After birth, mothers will free their young from the sac, lick them clean, and bite off the umbilical cord. Within the first several weeks, your dog will spend all of her time feeding and watching over her puppies. She'll leave them alone for a while to go outside and eat. This typically happens when they are sleeping. Over time, she'll gradually increase the amount of time she spends away from her babies. This is to help train the pups to fend for themselves. If all goes according to plan, those puppies will wean off their moms and get to a point where you can intervene and start raising them. Common Causes for Cannabilism If a female dog eats her puppies, it usually occurs immediately after birth or a few days later. As we mentioned earlier, there are several reasons why mothers will do this. It's not exclusive to one breed. It's theorized that this behavior may be inherited, but there's no conclusive evidence to support that just yet. Understanding why dogs sometimes eat their puppies can help you learn more about what's going on with the litter and give you a better idea if you should intervene or not. Accidental Cannabilism Remember how we mentioned that mothers will free their pups from the birthing sac? Well, sometimes things don't go as smoothly as we would hope. After mothers clean off their pups and bite of the umbilical cord, they will eat the placenta. It's a way for them to recover some of those nutrients they lost and regain their strength. In care cases, mothers will accidentally eat stillborn puppies. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for puppies to die in the womb. Usually, mothers will simply remove stillborns and bury them away from the den. However, it's believed that some mothers can't recognize the hormones of those dead puppies. Thus, they don't even realize that there's a dead pup in the litter. They may mistake the stillborn as another part of the afterbirth and consume it alongside the placenta. Unhealthy Puppies There's still a chance that newborn puppies can get sick and die. Respiratory problems, infections, and a wide range of health complications can prevent a pup from growing up. You can usually spot issues quickly after birth. When puppies aren't spending time with the rest of the litter or aren't able to gather up the strength to eat, there's a good chance they won't make it for much longer. Mothers can spot those signs just like you can. When other puppies are relying on the mother to survive, she will have to make a tough choice. She can either spend her time and energy trying to nurse that puppy back to health, or she will take them out of their misery. In most instances, mothers will do the latter. Killing and eating the puppy removes that health risk for the rest of the litter. It's a mercy killing that ends the pup's suffering and ensures the survival of the rest of the group. Stress Giving birth is a stressful time for mothers of any species. Your dog is tired, scared, and having to deal with an entire litter of wailing puppies. Sometimes, stress can lead to bad decisions for female dogs. Mothers can bark, growl, and even bite those precious pups. Predatory instincts kick in, which can lead to cannibalism in rare cases. There's not much that you can do to alleviate stress other than providing your female dog with plenty of love, food, and attention. It's best to keep the male dog separate, as this has been known to increase stress levels for both mothers and puppies. Just make sure that you're not creating more stress. If you try to intervene and separate her from her puppies, you run the risk of making her angry. She could lash out at you, so exercise caution. Mastitis Mastitis is a very serious condition that affects canine mothers. It's an infection of the breast tissue after birth. The teats can become red and swollen. They also get very sensitive, creating a very troublesome situation for the mother and her litter. Puppies need to be able to feed off of their mother's milk after birth. While pups can be fed by humans through bottles and formula , it's always better for them to eat what their mother is providing. Not only does it have more nutritional content, but it's an important bonding activity. If your female dog has Mastitis, feeding can be an incredibly painful experience. The moment that the puppies latch on, she will experience significant pain. Mothers are prone to lashing out at the puppies because of that pain. Some will even reject puppies or abandon the entire litter. In extreme cases, mothers will kill and eat puppies. Mastitis is a serious issue. But, it's also treatable. It's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to address Mastitis and ensure that those puppies are getting the nutrients they need. Hormonal Issues One of the saddest reasons why some female dogs resort to cannibalism is because they simply don't recognize the puppies as their own. During birth, canines produce many different hormones. Some of them are responsible for identifying the pups , which creates that automatic maternal bond. But what happens if those hormones aren't released? This is pretty common if the dog gave birth by unconventional means. Cesarean sections may become necessary if the pregnancy is risky. A cesarean section is when veterinarians remove the puppies from the womb using surgery. Because the puppies aren't born through the birthing canal, those hormones aren't always released. When the mother finally wakes up and is surrounded by a litter of screaming puppies she doesn't know, things can go awry pretty quickly. Dogs are natural hunters with a high prey drive. Think about those rodents and squirrels that your dog chases. They're not that much different in size to newborn puppies. What's interesting about those hormonal issues is that most mothers will get them later on. They may be released several days or weeks after the cesarean section. That's why it's important to follow your vet's orders after birth. Most will separate the mother from the pup to avoid any accidental killings or cannibalistic behavior until she gets those important hormones. Bred Too Young The final reason why a dog may eat her pups is that she just wasn't ready to be a mother. Ask any professional dog breeder and they will tell you that female dogs should not get pregnant during their first heat cycle. This is because those dogs are still relatively young. They're barely any older than a puppy and are not prepared to deal with those maternal responsibilities. It's very common for dogs that get pregnant early to be unfit mothers. They'll lash out at the puppies and exhibit behaviors that aren't normal for mothers. Usually, unprepared young mothers will just abandon the litter completely. However, cannibalism can happen, too. Conclusion Cannibalism is a harsh reality of the animal kingdom. While we often view our dogs as loving creatures that could do no harm, it's important to remember that their instincts are still there. It's rare for mothers to eat their babies, but it can still happen. The best thing you can do to prevent this behavior is to keep a watchful eye. Pay close attention to the health of the puppies and their overall development. Also, monitor the mother's behavior and interactions. If you witness any red flags, such as aggression, you can separate the pup and consult with your vet on how to move forward.

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. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Final Thoughts A 3 month old German Shepherd is still fluffy and cute, but it has changed a lot in comparison to its early days. It has become pretty tall, about one foot in height, with long paws and an extreme desire to chew something. Put away all your shoes, socks, or clothes because they may suffer badly from its teeth. Instead, buy entertaining chew toys and collect all your patience. You need to take proper care of your pup and keep its immense energy under control. So, you need to know how to train your German Shepherd for a happy and healthy future. This guide will help you learn more and let your ideal doggy live a long life full of positive experiences and adventures. If you have a boy, its height will be about inches cm. Girls are a bit lower at this age — they are about inches cm tall. You can also notice the increase in weight. The 3 month old German Shepherd weight can differ depending on several factors. Males can weigh pounds kg , while females weigh pounds kg. However, they can be even smaller if they belong to a working line. The gender difference becomes apparent at this age. The weight can also depend on the diet you feed your pup. The changes in appearance also include the teething stage. At this time, your pup has all its milk teeth, so adult teeth growth starts. It will last for a few months until all the puppy teeth will be replaced. You will notice one more dramatic change. It concerns the coat. Its fluffy and fuzzy nature will disappear because the adult fur starts growing. You will see a racing stripe on the back to show that the puppy coat has started to be replaced. Your pup still has floppy ears that can stand straight from time to time. Though, you need to understand that during this period, the ears will not stand up steadily because teething needs a lot of calcium, and the ear cartilage cannot harden properly. You will see a lot of improvements and a steadier ear position in a month or so. Remember not to pat your little one on the ears or head, or you may damage the cartilage. It will last until your puppy is 6 months old and is characterized by immense energy, curiosity, and getting into trouble here and there. That is why socialization and training are so important in this period. German Shepherd puppies at this age are very energetic. Though they look more grown-up than ever, their puppy nature always gets them into trouble, so you need to remain as patient as you can to train your little one the proper behavior. Your pup may jump at people and bite them. Praise it with a treat if it can abstain from doing that. Since your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy is full of energy, it needs a lot of exercise. Keep it busy all the time, but not make it do something heavy for a long time because it may have severe negative consequences on its health. Take it for walks as often as you can. A minute walk is enough. The distance your pup can walk is up to 6 miles 9. Moreover, your doggy needs a lot of other exercises. It can be a combination of playing fetch, running, and aerobic activities. You can make it play with a rubber toy or do some strength training. Once again, one-time sessions should not be very long. If you cannot take your pup outside for a walk because it is very cold, play with it inside. It can be playing with a puzzle toy or hiding something in the house and asking your dog to find it. If you have a car, you can take your puppy on a ride to provide it with more experience. Overexercising can lead to problems with joints, so you need to be very careful. The sleeping schedule of your puppy also changes a little at this age. It is approximately hours per day. It can also wake you up at night and require playing or going potty. It is normal at this age. The fastest sleep for it is before dawn. If you hesitate about how much your German Shepherd should sleep now, or whether it needs some sleep during the daytime, you can consult your vet. Health and Care Your 12 week old German Shepherd grows fast, and it looks healthy. However, you need to be aware of possible health issues at this age to be careful about. The first thing you have to keep in mind is weighing and measuring your doggy regularly. At this point, you should also provide it with the second set of vaccinations. It includes parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and distemper. Keep to a healthy and nutritious diet. If you have any doubts about the possibility of hereditary health conditions, get a DNA test. It is especially important if you want to prevent degenerative myelopathy. Even if your pup is healthy and merry, you need to take care of it regularly. Healthy diets, frequent walks, and enough exercise are all indisputable components of good puppy care. Remember to groom and brush your doggy just twice per week. Changing the coat to an adult one will lead to excessive shedding. Try to help your pet get rid of the fur that is not needed anymore. You can even develop a specific schedule for grooming or make an appointment with a professional if you are not sure how to do it properly. That can be a regular playdate with your dog-loving friends and their pets. Or you can help your pup meet new friends when you are walking with it in the park. Potty walks are an essential part of care. A 3 month old GSD can hold its bladder for an hour or so. That is why you need to keep an eye on it and let it eliminate whenever it is needed without unnecessary inside accidents. Your little one needs only healthy nutrition to grow strong and intelligent. Be attentive about treats. Obesity can cause other health problems with the heart, kidneys, and joints. Develop a feeding schedule and try to stick to it. If the puppy leaves some food in the bowl, take it away. Never leave the leftovers in the bowl, or your puppy will come back to them later, and it will be impossible to establish a feeding schedule. That will lead to potty accidents and digestion issues. The diet has to be rich in protein, but be sure that it does not contain too much fat. The food should also contain phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins. You can use vitamin supplements meant for German Shepherd puppies, but never opt for those that are for humans or adult dogs. The schedule is very important for your pet. If you establish it at three feeding times per day, try to keep to it. Distribute the amount of food evenly throughout all meals. Never feed your doggy immediately before going to bed. Provide it with enough water. Fresh water is essential for puppies, so the bowl full has to be around all the time. You do not need to take it away. It starts understanding what is going on around it. So, it needs proper training at this age. It should also learn how to interact with other animals and people. Obedience training is essential at this time. Your puppy may not master all of them at once because its attention span is rather short, so be patient enough to repeat them again and again. Only after you see that your pet is confident about these commands, you may continue with more complicated ones. Never punish or beat your puppy if something does not go well. Positive reinforcement is always your priority. Never forget to praise your little dog and give it treats if it has done something well. Your doggy should also know how to deal with other dogs. If you have a friend with a dog, invite them to your place or pay a visit to them with your pup. Your doggy will feel more confident if it knows how to build trust and socialize with other living beings. Training is very important during this period. So, if you have not started doing it yet, begin your training sessions immediately. Your doggy should see a leader of the pack in you, so be as persistent and confident as possible. If you have some difficulties, it is better to seek the help of an expert. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time training your pup. It may not be so easy at first, but it is certain to be rewarding. The height of your puppy changes very quickly because its intensive growth continues. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd weight? There may be an apparent increase in weight at this age. It depends on several factors, such as hereditary options, type of line, feeding schedule, etc. On average, boys weigh pounds .Puppies from the working line can weigh less. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd eat? Your pup should eat 2 cups of dry kibble or homemade food per day. How much does a 3 month old German Shepherd sleep? You will notice some changes in the sleep schedule of your pup. It needs less sleep, but the overall sleeping time is about hours per day, including day naps. The puppy can still wake you up at night for playing or potty. Though, this will happen more rarely. How far can a 3 month old German Shepherd walk? How much exercise should a 3 month old GSD get? The puppy needs a lot of exercise at this age. At least 30 minutes per session can help it grow smart, alert, and strong. Walking and running for about 15 minutes can be a part of this exercise. However, you can include playing games into the sessions. Final Thoughts The first thing you need to remember when you have decided that a German Shepherd is a good breed for you is to be ready for taking a huge responsibility. Be patient and positive. Never punish, shout at it, or beat it. However, you have to be consistent and demanding to let your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy feel that you are its leader, and it should follow and trust you. German Shepherds, if properly trained, socialized, and cared for, are great family dogs. That is why you need to keep the advice from this article in mind and always contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. A daily German Shepherd exercise routine is a must for your high-energy breed! A daily exercise routine not only keeps them fit and healthy but also helps them develop better behavior. And you know how important it is to have a well-mannered dog! This guide has everything you need to start and keep your dog on the right track for a healthy life. So be sure to follow the right guide and advice for your German Shepherd. This information is for German Shepherds over one year of age who are healthy and without any known diseases or medical conditions. If you own an adult German Shepherd, his exercise tolerance will be almost limitless! This breed suits very active families and prefers lots of exercise daily source. They can become bored easily without a suitable daily routine. Exercises for German Shepherds The best exercises for German Shepherds move their bodies in a variety of ways while letting them explore their environment. They love to run, jump, sprint, swim, chase ball toys, fetch, tug, and catch. Walk your German Shepherd daily for the right amount of time. Walks are easy on most German Shepherds and are essential for dogs who spend much of their day indoors. Walking a German Shepherd is the most popular form of exercise for fitness and health. Walk your German Shepherd at least twice for 90 minutes Preferably split into 2 sessions in the morning and evening time Avoid extreme cold and heat to keep both of you safe Vary the surface you walk on to avoid damage to their joints from repetitive motions. Try this no-pull harness to have more control on your walks. The harness has 2 points to clip, in the front and on the back, which puts you in greater control of a wild-walking German Shepherd. The comfortable padding on the harness also helps prevent sore spots on your dog, avoiding any skin issues or fur loss. Walking Exercise Routine Two walks of 45 minutes to one hour each for an adult, healthy German Shepherd are a good start for an exercise routine to meet their needs. Remember, they require gentler exercises to avoid bone and joint damage. Jogging and running to increase endurance. German Shepherds love to run off-leash. Many German Shepherds love to run for fun with their owners. Your breed is built to move long distances over grassy, rocky, hilly terrain, and this shows in their desire for running. Look for softer surfaces to include with your daily exercise routine. Vary your surfaces for maximum health benefits. Also, running and jogging at a set pace is very repetitive on joints. Once your dog is more conditioned you can increase both the time and distance they run with you. Check their paws daily after each run to look for any sores, abrasions, or cuts. Tug-of-war game for strength and power training. German Shepherds are powerful and athletic, and they love to play games with their owners. Include simple strength training exercises at home to increase muscle mass and overall power by playing tug with your German Shepherd daily. And playing tug-of-war goes a long way in helping your Shepherd develop fuller, stronger muscles and more energy and vitality. The knots allow you to grip the rope and maintain control better while the cotton rope provides a soft surface for your German Shepherd to grip. Worried playing tug might make your German Shepherd more aggressive? German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to include at least 10 to 15 minutes of tug before work. Ideally, aim for tug daily if your dog enjoys the exercise. A flirt pole increases endurance. A flirt pole helps exercise your German Shepherd in small spaces. The flirt pole is a gift to worn-out German Shepherd owners! It not only helps your dog improve their basic manners and impulse control, but it also gives them a workout. And in just a few minutes of play! Look for a pole with an enticing lure to excite and interest your dog. How to Use a Flirt Pole with Your German Shepherd Lure your dog to play by dragging the toy on the ground in a large arching half-circle pattern. They chase the lure while you move the toy in different ways to keep them moving. They catch the lure and tug. You give their release or drop command and start the exercise game again. Avoid playing this game by moving the lure in tight circles or making your dog jump high in the air for it. If your dog is slipping frequently, definitely find another surface to play on. It can become damaged if left alone with your GSD or if they are allowed to tug on it excessively. Only use large arches on the ground to avoid sharp turns, especially for puppies. Include doggy squats for healthy hips. Have you heard of doggie squats for exercise? Dog squats help build strength in the large leg muscles. They also can help an aging Shepherd maintain their strength to keep them more mobile and prevent hip issues later in life. And in younger Shepherds that help give your dog the power to take on physical challenges. Dog squats are like human squats. Then, have them stand. Use treats to entice them to keep repeating the action. After two weeks, increase the reps in healthy dogs not puppies or seniors. Have your dog start with 2 sets of 5 squats and add on more squats gradually from there. Use a variety of tasty treats to keep them interested and motivated. You can increase the number of sets and reps as your dog looks more comfortable with the exercise and builds up strength in their hips. Running uphill improves muscle power and cardio health. Gently sloping hills are perfect for an exercise routine for your athletic GSD. Having your dog run uphill gives a great, free strength training workout. As your dog pushes themselves uphill, they must engage their rear leg muscles intensely. This is a great all-over bodybuilding exercise, but especially for their back end. Instead, look for a moderate rolling hill and encourage your dog by calling them up and down to you. This is also a cardio workout for you, too! Repeat this hill run a few times. Then, give your dog rest and repeat. Hill Running with Your German Shepherd Begin by exploring hill running only 2 times a week with plenty of rest in between hill runs to recover. You can gradually increase their routine to 3 to 4 times a week with longer sprints to keep their hearts in tip-top shape. A balancing disc helps improve reflexes and coordination. This is a balancing discs but only wobbles slightly on the top to avoid major falls or tumbles. The goal of balance activity is to enhance body awareness, encourage stable weight shifts, and promote stability and motor function. In a nutshell, balance exercises help teach your dog the way their body moves and how to alter their movements to adjust more easily. This means that your dog is less prone to injuries since their bodies are agile. Balancing discs are a very popular piece of exercise equipment for dogs and fitness professionals. It works by having your dog stand on the disc and using its muscles to stay balanced and stable. These are great for strengthening all muscle groups as a complete body workout. The Instability Challenge On the FitPaws balance disc, there are three basic ways to create a challenge for your dog. Have your dog place one paw on the platform and offer them a treat. Next, ask for both front paws on the board to increase difficulty. Finally, move into harder positions such as all four paws on the disc, sitting on the disk, or even backing up onto the disk with only the back paws. Balancing is also a great way to bond with your dog since they need to trust your commands and the support you provide to them. Balance Disc Exercise Routine 3 to 4 times a week start with an easy pose for your dog on the disc. As they improve their balance, increase the time slowly as you ask them to hold other poses, for example, front paws on disk, back paws on disk, and stepping on and off slowly. Sprints build muscle and cardio fitness. If you want to save your shoulder, try a dog ball launcher with your German Shepherd. And your German Shepherd naturally excels at speed because of its herding history. While excessive and sharp turns on the ground can injure your dog due to the stress of stopping, you can still play a game of catch in moderation. Instead of seeing how far you can throw the ball and having your GSD slide into the ground, aim for shooting the ball in the air a short distance in front to allow your dog to catch the ball and avoid harsh slides. You can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet in the air without exhausting your arms! Short sprints are great for burning away energy that would otherwise become pent-up anxiety in your dog. Sprints also increase lung and heart health, challenge muscles and balance, improve coordination, and make your German Shepherd happy! Instead, 3 to 4 times a week with rests during your sprints so they can catch their breath, aim for them to catch the ball from the air. Looking for the pawfect playtime for your German Shepherd? Weave poles for speed and agility. Your herding dog loves to learn to pole weave! Did you know that the German Shepherd holds the record for completing the fastest weave pole source? Nature made your breed for pole weaving! Weave poles are easy to teach by luring your dog through with a treat. Like this durable, adjustable weave pole that is easy to set up and store away, or can be adjusted quickly for beginners to learn the exercise. Set up your weave poles in your yard. Begin at one end of the weave poles and slowly lure your GSD through the poles. Reinforce their efforts with tasty rewards regularly. Once your German Shepherd has the hand of it, start narrowing the poles gradually together. This gives your dog a harder challenge. Many Shepherds love the weave and will readily enjoy it when you increase the difficulty with more poles. But some dogs, especially puppies, need extra practice to learn the weaving exercise motion. Stick with it for a great way to exercise your German Shepherd in a small area! Start slowly as they gain confidence in their new agility. Increase the challenge by adding in more poles or shortening the distance between poles. Encourage your dog to repeat the weave once they come through the end by running with them to the start of the weave poles and giving your command to weave again. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to an activity routine for the best health benefits for your companion. This means: You keep their mind active and out of trouble using puzzle games for your German Shepherd. You allow them to have a balanced social life where they interact with other dogs and people positively. Without a complete fitness and health program, your dog is likely to experience problems. And the worst part of it all? Some owners forget about starting at the most obvious foundation and neglect to give their German Shepherds the right diet. These negative behaviors can cause issues for your family that disrupts your lives. Start with a solid foundation to keep your German Shepherd healthy to avoid the fallout of poor fitness. Behavior and Mental Problems. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Health German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs, accordingly, they are very active and require regular mental and physical stimulation. Without exercise, they are easily bored, and boredom can quickly turn into mischief. Like other working dogs, GSDs with too much-unexpended energy are more likely to destroy things, bark unnecessarily , and pester you for attention. Having a regular exercise routine for your German Shepherd will help prevent boredom. German Shepherds should get at least two sessions of exercise each day. For puppies, the general rule for the duration of each session is 5 minutes per month of age. This means that a 3-month-old pup should only be getting a maximum of two minute sessions of exercise per day while an 8-month-old should be getting a maximum of two minute daily exercise sessions. Please note that these are just general guidelines for the breed. As the pet owner, it would be up to you to observe and stick with what your dog can safely handle. Here are a few activities that can be incorporated into your German Shepherd exercise routine: Visiting the Dog Park Taking your German Shepherd to the dog park is an easy way to give your dog exercise. The dog park gives your GSD the opportunity not just to be around other dogs but also people that understand dogs and, therefore, know how to behave around them. The dog park is definitely a good place to let your pup learn to socialize and make new friends. Just be sure to supervise! There are schools that teach you how to train your own dog and there are others that train your dog directly and then pass on the commands to you. After taking an obedience class, make sure to practice the commands with your German Shepherd in different situations to stimulate both mental and physical discipline. Your German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog and one that is eager to please. Therefore, tricks training could be a rewarding activity for both you and your German Shepherd. Walking Walking is one of the most common ways to exercise your German Shepherd. The behavior exhibited during walks will set the foundation of every other activity you engage in. The first walks with your German Shepherd will probably be difficult. Your GSD may tend to pull and try to lead the way, but with training, walking will become an enjoyable activity that you and your German Shepherd will do on a daily basis. Running When your German Shepherd has been trained on how to walk properly, you can graduate to running as another form of exercise. German Shepherds are very energetic and can run long distances so running can be a good way to expel some of that Shepherd energy. Hiking Hiking is another enjoyable exercise option for you and your German Shepherd because it offers a change in scenery. If your GSD is like mine, it loves to sniff and explore new places. Hiking provides for a slightly more rigorous form of exercise while changing up the scenery from your daily walking routine. Be sure to bring enough water to both you and your dog to stay hydrated. If your GSD is like Allie, toss anything and your dog is likely to either catch it or chase after it. What can sometimes require training is getting your GSD to give the item back to you. Teaching your German Shepherd to play fetch can give both you and your dog endless hours of playtime together and exercise for your GSD. The benefit to fetch is that you can play fetch with your dog almost anywhere; on the beach, at the park, in your yard, or in the house. Remember to praise your dog for playing fetch with you. Rollerblading Rollerblading with your German Shepherd is a fun way of exercising for both you and your dog. Your German Shepherd can run alongside you as you skate, or if you are bolder, you could purchase a pulling harness and allow your GSD to pull you along. Start in a smaller controlled area to make sure you feel comfortable before moving onto the street or more public areas. Special pulling equipment should be used in order to engage in this activity safely. Also available are dog scooters you could use instead of a regular bike. Check out my full article on biking with your German Shepherd to learn more tips. Swimming Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for your German Shepherd because not only is it fun but it is also gentle on his hips and joints. Allie was a little hesitant when she had her first opportunity to swim. However, after she gradually gained confidence and eased into the water, she was hooked and did not want to get out of the water. Stand-up Paddleboarding Once you find that your German Shepherd loves being in the water, you can try some other water sports. Although stand-up paddleboarding will take some training if you live in a warmer climate this form of exercise could be a good one to teach your German Shepherd. Start by keeping the board in a place where your dog would be able to interact with it and be comfortable around it. After the initial curiosity has passed, place a treat on the board; the idea is for your GSD to get on the board to take the treat. Gradually train your GSD with different commands for on and off the board, and then wean your dog off of treats entirely. Once you think your duo is ready, practice first on the shoreline and then gradually move the board on the water. Just keep practicing and give your dog a lot of praise. Before engaging in any water sport, though, be sure to get your dog fitted for a personal floatation device PFD. Having a PFD is critical to making sure your dog is safe no matter what happens. Surfing Dog surfing is a fairly popular water sport. In fact, California hosts at least one competition each year and dogs are judged based on their confidence on the board, the size of the wave, and the length of their ride. Similar to stand-up paddleboard training, you can start training your dog at home and gradually move to the open water. You can teach him to surf along with you and later on, to surf alone. Eventually, you might even try windsurfing! Dock Diving If you find that your German Shepherd loves the water and, more specifically, jumping into the water, your GSD might be perfect for dock diving. Dock diving, also known as dock jumping, is a canine sport wherein dogs jump into a body of water and are judged based on distance from the dock. Whether or not you decide to compete, training for this would be a whole lot of fun and exercise for your dog. Agility Training Dog agility is a popular sport where dogs navigate and race through an obstacle course with the guidance of their handlers. Agility training is an incredibly fun and fulfilling activity as well as good exercise for you and your German Shepherd. Check your local area for training classes or try training on your own if you have access to an agility course or have the space to set one up. If your German Shepherd excels at agility training, you can choose to enter competitions. Whether for fun or for sport, agility training is great mental and physical stimulation for your German Shepherd. Fly Ball Fly ball is a relay race wherein dogs run through hurdles towards a spring-loaded device that releases a tennis ball. Then, they carry the ball back to their handlers on the other side, so the next team member can take his turn. There are typically four dogs in a team and the first team to have all members complete the course and cross the finish line wins the competition. While Fly ball is typically a competitive sport, many dog owners engage in this activity simply as a way to have fun with other dog owners, teach their dogs to socialize and play in a team. Treibball Treibball, also known as ball herding, is a competitive canine sport wherein dogs drive and gather large exercise balls into one specific area as they would if they were herding sheep. Schutzhund Schutzhund started as a way to determine optimal breeding lines and whether specific German Shepherds had the right traits to be suitable for work in various fields including search and rescue, odor detection, and protection. Currently, Schutzhund is comprised of three parts; tracking, obedience and protection. If you own a working line German Shepherd, Schutzhund is a fun sport to consider doing even if just for fun, and it has the added benefit of being a great form of exercise. Tracking games are good for your German Shepherd because it exercises his mind and body but also allows your GSD to practice his scenting ability. All you need to do is hide treats or toys for your dog to find. Gradually increase the difficulty to keep it challenging and make sure you give your dog lots of praise for every successful search. Hide and seek is similar to treat tracking, except you are the prize at the end of the search. Many dog owners express concerns about how tug of war can bring out aggression and a tendency to bite and clench. However, it is actually a great game to play with most dogs, and as long as your GSD can play by your rules it is a great form of exercise. Give your dog a job Since German Shepherds are working dogs another way to exercise your GSD is to give him or her a job. German Shepherds are known to be great police dogs, but they also excel at many other jobs. For example, Allie currently works in search and rescue on the weekends. The training and working helps to provide your dog with of exercise. Other examples of jobs are: therapy dogs, guide dogs, and narcotics detection. There are plenty of activities you can include in your German Shepherd exercise routine. As you engage in more activities with your GSD, your bond will become stronger. As the German Shepherd is such a fast growing breed compared to some other working breeds the opposite is actually more correct. The strain of over exercise on the skeletal make up of a youngster is often irreversible. The stretching of ligaments at too early an age, the strain on young growing joints, or the carrying of too much weight on the overall framework can and will do harm to the young puppy, and lead to problems in adulthood. Consider a young Shepherd in comparison to a 3 — 4 year old human child — certainly not ready to run a marathon even though the spirit may be willing! Should there be any chance that there is already some problem with wear on the joints of the hips and elbows, further advice would be sought as to appropriate exercise. Then, and only then, should you build the dog up to the desired level of fitness you require for whichever field you have chosen — be it show dog, trialing, agility or family companion with the adult animal — complete in growth. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best form of exercise for a youngster, for a young pup, upon tiring, can easily stop when they wish, and not keep on performing because they wish to please and keep up with you! Of course you will wish to lead train and socialise your puppy, but exercise on lead should be no more than that. Maximum time walking the dog at a fast trot of a puppy up to six months of age should be barely five minutes at one instance equivalent to a short stroll around your local block or park and then rest. Puppies need plenty of rest and sleep, just like a young toddler. Certainly they can play and romp in your back yard or in their kennel run, but they will stop when they feel tired, rest and then play again. Over six months — training on lead could extend to ten minutes if you wish, but again, moderation is the best guide, and if a puppy shows an inclination to tire, then stop! Moderation and common sense are the guidelines. Allow your puppy to grow steadily and slowly, and the fun of having a companion with which you can run your kilometres upon adulthood of the dog will not be impaired by the damage you may do,by doing too much, too soon.

We'll notify you here with news about Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOn Meet Hulk, the puppy who was born bright green The white German Shepherd puppy was born green and has since turned yellow. January 16, , AM Hulk was born with a bright green-turned yellow tint due to the fur's exposure to meconium. But I still had to look it up again to make sure," Stamey said. Junaluska Animal Hospital veterinarian technician Suzanne Cianciulli told WLOS that some puppies can come out with a green tint from meconium, an infant mammal's earliest stool. Hulk was born with a bright green-turned yellow tint due to the fur's exposure to meconium. The veterinarian told Stamey that the mother "licks it away until I bathe it and then, I guess after a couple of weeks, it will finally like fade out. It was lime green. He was super mad. So, yeah, he became Hulk," Stamey said of the name after the Marvel comic book character. We call him Mr. Green sometimes. Even though they would love to keep their puppies, Stamey told WLOS that their family plans to find loving families to adopt the dogs once they're old enough. She called Hulk "a good luck charm -- he's pretty special. Owners are amazed when their white German shepherd gives birth to a lime-green puppy By The German Shepherd Dog Community January 30th, Who would have thought that a dog could have a green puppy? Her white German shepherd, Gypsy, was due to have a litter of puppies. Imagine her surprise when the fourth pup of the litter of eight came out green. Regardless of the shocking find, the delivery went fine. And when all was said and done, it was determined that all of the puppies were in good shape, even the odd green one, which the family named Hulk. She was relieved to that it find that it was quite common. This is the fluid that nourishes the puppies in the womb. The pigment is the same one that causes a bruise to turn green and jaundice in human babies. Hulk was the one that eventually stuck since the puppy seemed super mad when he came into the world. He is also called Mr. Green by Stamley and her family. While the other eight puppies were the normal golden color, one of the pups was a dark shade of green. After she was brought into the shelter it was discovered that she was pregnant. As the pups were being born, one of them came out with a green coloration to her coat. The puppy, named Clover by her foster mom, Kristy Anderson, was normal in all other aspects. Anderson feels that Clover is a sign of good luck. As for Hulk, Stamley and her family plan to adopt the puppies out once they are old enough. They also thought of giving the puppy a different name since he was no longer green, but yellow in coloration. One name, in particular, was floated around. Here is a video with more on this unique puppy.

For more information, go to www. Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description Throw the perfect pug birthday theme party with this all-in-one dinnerware set that includes paper plates, light blue plastic silverware, cups, and dinner napkins. The decorative tableware set features cute pug puppies wearing party hats that will instantly elevate your dining and dessert tables while creating a cohesive theme throughout your event. Do not Microwave. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: .This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. They are perfect for birthday parties and baby showers. These statement Dalmatian puppy napkins will make your party table look delightful. They're perfect for a party for dog lovers, or a birthday celebration for your furry friend.The cute design is guaranteed to.Their droopy ears, and sweet faces, will definitely delight your guests. As well as drinks, they are perfect to.Kids and adults who love puppies will simply adore this garland featuring furry friends with embellished tails and pompom hats, bones and honeycomb balls. Drape it on.They're perfect to create a canine centerpiece for a dog lover's party. It's ideal for kids who love kittens, or why not throw a party.Your beautifully decorated treats will look fantastic as a party centerpiece, or placed on.These little plates are ideal for tasty treats for humans or felines, should you wish to throw your cat.These little napkins are ideal as table decorations — whether you're throwing a kid's birthday party or a party.These cute cups are ideal for tasty drinks and as party decorations — whether you're throwing a kid's birthday.Made using naturally renewable bamboo in a soft pink hue, it can be used again and again for endless celebrations. Made using naturally renewable bamboo in a soft cream hue, it can be used again and again for endless celebrations. Our beautifully crafted wooden sets of knives, forks, and spoons will hit the spot! Made from pale birch wood with pretty.Made from pale birch wood with stylish blue handles. A really easy, low-effort way.They are molded into an.This big set includes colors to suit every party theme, and they're the perfect.Each pack contains sixteen dipped candles in eight beautiful shades of coral, peach, pink, dusty pink, blue, pale.They are twisted for a statement look too. The shiny pink color is perfect for a princess party, baby shower or a romantic.The candles feature different color combinations, which will complement any party theme you choose.This party set is ideal for kids who love furry felines. It includes a gorgeous garland, an easy, instant way to add cuteness to your.The beautiful pastel colors will also look amazing on any special celebratory cake. They are super tall to give a statement effect. They're perfect for birthdays or whenever you want.Some things never lose their appeal, no matter how many birthdays pass you by, so why not add a little extra touch of luxury.The suitcase is beautifully crafted from stitched, laminated card with.This set is perfect for a dog lover's birthday party. It features a gorgeous garland with embellished tails, pompom hats, bones and honeycomb balls.

Shih poos are a cross between a shih tzu and a toy poodle. While some shih tzu breeders breed a poodle to a shih tzu to create first-generation shih poos, it's also common practice to breed shih poos to one another to create multigenerational dogs. As cross-breeds, shih poos are not an officially recognized breed, and there is no breed standard regarding appearance or temperament. Even shih poo puppies born to the same litter may take after one parent more than the other and appear vastly different in coat texture and coloring, says PetGuide. Shih poos fall in the small to tiny range, typically standing between eight and 18 inches at the withers and weighing anywhere from eight to 18 pounds. Their coat may be long, straight and silky like that of the shih tzu, shorter and curly like that of a poodle or it may fall somewhere in between. Despite the appearance, the shih poo's coat barely sheds, making these dogs a good fit for someone with mild pet allergies. Coloring can take after either parent breed. While poodles have solid coats that are typically black, white, gray, brown or apricot, shih tzu coats may be solid or come in various color patterns and combinations. Shoodle coats may mimic the coloring pattern of either parent. Personality: Often, mixed-breed dogs develop a temperament that balances the qualities of their parent breeds. Shih tzus tend to be highly affectionate and extremely charming, but possess a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Poodles, on the other hand, while equally charming with playful and comedic personalities, are highly intelligent dogs who are more eager to please and easier to train. Shih poos, as a result, are often playful, affectionate and quick-witted little charmers, although they may inherit their shih tzu parent's willfulness. Because of this, they often need a firm but patient guide in training, and might not be the best choice for first-time dog parents. What shih poos may lack in trainability, they more than make up for in love and affection. They love to play with toys and get along wonderfully with older children, although due to their small size and hair that's easy to grab and pull, they should be closely supervised around small children. While friendly and great at getting along well with other pets, especially if introduced as puppies, older shih poos might not love having other dogs around. They often do well as only dogs. Even so, these fluffy pups love being close to their people and don't tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. If work or school takes you away from home for long hours, you may need to consider doggie daycare to keep your shih poo happy. Living With: Shih poos are generally versatile dogs that can do well in small apartments as well as larger homes. They need up to 30 minutes a day of play and exercise, which can be satisfied with two or three short walks each day or minute sessions of vigorous playtime twice daily. The rest of the time, they'll be content to curl up in your lap or to cuddle up next to you on the sofa. Shih poos are highly social and love to be around people, so expect them to stick close as you move around the house. While shih poos tend to be long-lived, with some living 17 years or more, they can be predisposed to the same health problems as their parent breeds. These include allergies, patellar luxation , vision problems and endocrine disorders such as Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Shih poos that inherit the shorter snout of the shih tzu may also be prone to respiratory issues, reverse sneezing and snoring. Extra care should be taken to prevent overheating and heat stroke, says Dogtime. And like many small breeds, these dogs may be prone to dental problems and will benefit from regular dental cleanings and daily tooth brushing. Regardless of the length or texture of your shih poo's coat, it will be thick, fast-growing and prone to matting. Daily brushing and monthly visits to the groomer are recommended to keep the coat under control. Limit baths to a few times a month to prevent the skin from drying out. When bathing, be sure to prevent water from getting in the ear canals to prevent ear infections from developing. Shoodles have healthy appetites and will overeat if given the chance, which will lead to unhealthy weight gain. It's best to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule rather than allowing them to graze on kibble throughout the day. Feed your pup a high-quality food dog formulated for small breeds , and keep treats to a minimum. History: Not much is known about the backstory of the shih poo. Unlike other boutique breeds, no breeders have come forward to take credit for introducing the shih poo. Most likely this cross-breed came about unintentionally, with breeders in the U. As a cross-breed, shih poos are not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, although they are recognized by various designer breed registration clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry. Related Pet Care Articles. Although purebred dogs are carefully bred over generations according to the breed standard the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed , hybrid dogs like the shih tzu—poodle mix have no official standard. This means that characteristics like height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament are less predictable than they are in purebred dogs. Different breeders may have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect shih tzu—poodle mix. Additionally, shih tzu—poodle mixes are not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. Shih Tzu—Poodle Mix Care The low-shedding coats of both shih tzu and poodles require of upkeep, and the grooming requirements for shih tzu—poodle mixes are similar. Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat untangled and to prevent mats from forming. Like poodles and shih tzu, shih tzu—poodle mixes require regular haircuts from a professional groomer. Also trim the nails every two weeks and check the ears once a week, cleaning them with a pet safe ear cleaner if they appear dirty. Excessive dirt or redness in the ears means a veterinary visit is in order. Shih tzu—poodle mixes are smart, but how trainable they are depends whether they inherited more the eager-to-please personality of the Poodle or the more stubborn nature of the shih tzu. Regardless, positive-reinforcement methods like clicker training using tasty treat rewards gets great results from any dog. Despite being indoor dogs, shih tzu—poodle mixes still need some exercise. Aim for two walks a day or one walk and one play session in a safely enclosed space like your fenced yard. More energetic shih tzu—poodle mixes with trainable personalities might also like training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. Each breed has certain inherited health disorders in their family background, and those health issues can be passed on to the puppies in a litter. Breeding shih tzu to poodles means the puppies could potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Shih tzu are prone to hip dysplasia , patellar luxation slipped kneecap , and various eye problems including cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and eyelid abnormalities. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred shih tzu and poodles and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Responsible breeders should also test their adult shih tzu—poodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the odds that the puppies will inherit genetic issues. Responsible breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies that protects the puppy buyer in case the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Many shih tzu—poodles will overeat if you keep the bowl filled, so instead serve measured meals twice a day. Ask to your veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your shih tzu—poodle mix, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult shih tzu—poodle. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Because of their small size they are the perfect lapdog and are known as a designer breed. Poodle crosses are one of the most popular form of hybrid dog breeds. The Shih Poo was bred to be a hypoallergenic lapdog, making it perfect for those with allergies. Although they are very popular, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official breed yet. You should always remember to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, or you can adopt at your local shelter. A Shih Tzu was originally Chinese Royalty and were pampered by Emperors and spent their days as lap warmers. They are known for being very loyal to their owners but are also outgoing and stubborn dogs. Although they are a sociable breed, they love to be at home too. The Poodle came from Germany and was originally a popular dog among artists. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as an official breed in , and now recognize it as the 7th most popular dog breed. So, when we cross a Shih Tzu with a Poodle, we get a Shih Poo, which combines the characteristics from both parents into this fun, cuddly little dog. While it is not always possible to know the exact characteristics of your Shih Poo because they are a hybrid, there are some general traits that are more common in this small breed. Take a look below to learn more about them. Characteristics As we mentioned above, because the Shih Poo is a relatively new breed, it can be difficult to predict exactly what they are going to look like. We can take a look at their parents and guess many of the statistics and traits though. Appearance Because both of their parents are small, it is easy to guess that the Shih Poo is going to be small. On average, a Shih Poo weighs in at 8 to 18 pounds and ranges in height from 8 to 18 inches. However, as Poodle and Shih Tzu sizes can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih Poo will also vary. Although small in size, they have a sturdy body. Coat Shih Poo coats can vary and it can be long and silky or short and curly. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. Their fur is hypoallergenic, which is what makes them such a popular hybrid. The Shih Poo inherits this hypoallergenic fur from their Poodle parent, as the Shih Tzu has a non-hypoallergenic coat. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle and all variations and color combinations. It is not uncommon for puppies of the same litter to be born with different colored coats. A Shih Poo is normally friendly and playful and, with moderate energy levels, would be very happy napping in your lap for a few hours. They can be quite vocal dogs, although not as vocal as their Poodle parent. Shih Poos are most likely to bark if they are frustrated at something, so it is important to train them from an early age to ensure they do not exhibit unwanted behaviors later on in life. A Shih Poo can make a great family dog when given supportive and positive training and lots of attention , but they are also adaptable and may be suited to the quiet life too. This means they can be a great pup for single individuals who are retired and want a cuddly companion dog to curl up with! They do well in different living environments, including big houses, small houses and apartments. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Shih Poo is relatively long. They can normally live for anywhere between 10 to 18 years, although on average it is 13 years. Known Health Issues Again, because the Shih Tzu Poodle mix is a crossbreed, and a new crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what health conditions they may face. However, we can guess based on their parents. Luckily, if they inherit the longer muzzle from their Poodle parent, they may not have any issues with breathing problems that Shih Tzus inherit. Shih Poos are also known for having dental issues, which we go into more detail about below. Of course, these are all possible health problems but not for definite. Daily Life Now you know all about the characteristics and temperament of a Shih Poo dog, it is time to take a look at what everyday life with one is like. Food And Diet As with any dog, you should always make sure to feed your Shih Poo a healthy and balanced diet. Shih Poos are known to love food, so you should never allow them to free-feed otherwise you may end up with a very overweight dog! An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be a dog food formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. You should change their diet as they grow from a puppy into an adult and then again as they go into their senior years. If you need help with the type of food you should be feeding your Shih Poo, you can always ask your vet. They should exercise every day, with it recommended that you should take your Shih Poo on one or two 15 minute walks every day. They will also regularly need to go outside to go to the bathroom, because of their small body and small bladder. Family Compatibility Shih Poos make great family dogs because they love attention. They are friendly and playful, although they need regular grooming and exercise. Because they are an adaptable dog, they can thrive in many different situations, whether you live in a big house or a small apartment. They also love to cuddle up with you and are the perfect lapdog, which may make them perfect for a retired individual who wants a furry companion! It is worth mentioning that Shih Poos are very delicate dogs and may not do well in environments with small children, unless the children have been taught to be gentle with the dogs. Children have a tendency to be rough with animals, and this could end up harming your Shih Poo, so a family with older children might be a better fit. Your Shih Poo will get on with other dogs in the home if they are socialized properly. They do not really like to be left alone and can benefit from having a furry playmate in the home, especially in their later years. Training Many Shih Poo owners have reported that their pooch is energetic and playful, which means they are not difficult to train. They are intelligent dogs that respond well to consistent and positive reinforcement training methods, with verbal praise and treats as rewards. Punishment based training is never a good idea and will not help your Shih Poo to understand. Depending on which parent your Shih Poo takes after more, they may be more inclined to learn tricks. If they take after their Poodle parent, they will likely have a very high IQ and will want to learn. However, a Shih Tzu is much less inclined to impress you! You should start training your Shih Poo as soon as you get them. Housetraining can be a challenge with a Shih Poo puppy, but a little vigilance goes a long way and staying on top of their training will make them much happier. You will need to be patient with them while they are potty training and remember not to express anger at your Shih Poo puppy. Socializing Socializing your Poodle mix puppy is also important from a young age. This is especially important if you have young children in the house or other pets. You should always remember to do this slowly so you do not overwhelm them. Grooming Unfortunately, Shih Poos do require quite a bit of grooming. Neither of their parent breeds have very easy coats to maintain, although a Shih Poo does have a hypoallergenic coat and is very low-shedding. The Shih Poo may have long and silky or short and curly fur, depending on which parent they take after more, but it is likely to be a mix of somewhere in the middle. They need to be brushed daily and trimmed monthly to keep their fur in the best shape and mat and tangle-free. Regular bathing is not really required because they are a very clean dog, although they may need a bath from time to time. A bath can also help to ward off any skin issues they may have inherited. Professional Grooming Many Shih Poo owners take their dogs to the groomers for a hair cut. The type of cut they get will depend on the type of fur they have, but if they have curly fur then you might choose a puppy clip or lamb clip. You will also need to trim their nails occasionally and check their ears for any sign of infection. It is especially important to make sure their ears are dry after bathing, otherwise they may end up with an infection. Both the Shih Tzu and the Poodle breeds are prone to tear stains, so you can expect your Shih Poo to also suffer from tear stains. Gently wiping around the eyes once a day can help this problem. We mentioned above that Shih Poos can have a lot of dental issues. You will need to make sure you are cleaning their teeth daily to ensure this does not become a big problem. You can do this with chewable dental sticks if needed. You vet can help you to establish a routine. A Shih Poo is a very adaptable dog that can thrive in many different situations. They like attention and to be doted on, so if you live in a family where many different people can give them lots of attention, they will love living with you! Equally, they are happy living in individual homes with one carer. Are Shih Poos aggressive? Shih Poos are not known for being aggressive. They are energetic and playful and love attention, although they also love curling up on your lap for a cuddle. Summary Shih Poos are an adorable little mixed breed of dog that is the result of breeding a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. Because they are a hybrid, you cannot always be sure what traits and characteristics this designer dog breed is going to take from each parent, but your Shih Poo will be energetic, playing and loving. While they like to exercise and be outside, they also love to curl up with you on the couch and are a true lapdog. Their adaptability makes them perfect for both families and individual people, and they can thrive in a big house or a small apartment. Is a Shih Poo puppy the right companion for you? Search Dog Breeds. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article.