pug puppies for sale in mesa az

More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have been breeding and raising dual purpose Labradors by breeding Show Bench English style and American lines since .We strive to produce healthy, good-looking Labs which make loyal family pets or hunting companions. We strive to produce quality Labradors with great temperaments, training ability, and sound physical condition. It is our goal to enhance the Labrador retriever breed one litter at a time. We have a passion and dedication to the Labrador Retriever breed and strive to produce only the best puppies. Our girls and boys, who are all AKC registered, have been carefully selected for their health, temperament and beauty, and are the heart and soul of our business. We take great pride in the puppies we produce, and strive to make sure each one is happy and healthy. By the time our puppies are ready for their new homes, they will have had their dew claws removed, 4 series of wormings, vaccinations, and beginning socializations. Micro chipping is included in purchase price. Our Labs are part of our family. They are each given exercise and "play time" daily, which is imperative to Labrador health. The puppies are well socialized and are hand picked for companionship, retrieving or both, with close evaluation on a daily basis. Please remember, a pet of any kind is a lifelong commitment and must be discussed and agreed upon by all members of your household. Labrador Retrievers are an amazing breed of dog. They love your attention and will gladly return the favor. Labs are retrieving machines, be it fetching a ball with your children or retrieving fowl while you're hunting. We believe at Texas Pride Labradors, that the Labrador is the most versatile dog for families. They are content lying on the couch or being a running companion for daily work-outs. Labs are brilliant with children and never aggressive. Give the magnificent Labrador a place in your family and you will not be disappointed. Contact me if you have any questions and thanks for visiting my website. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Founded in by brothers John and Augustus Allen who came to buy and sell real estate here. When oil was discovered in the area exploded with growth both residentially and commercially. The Houston Shipping Channel opened in which further fostered growth in the area. NASA moved to Houstin in , bringing the space program here. In , the Astrodome opened, the first indoor domed sports stadium in the world. The distance from Houston to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Texas state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Actually, there are a variety of factors that influence dog prices, such as Houston Labrador Retriever breeder experience, pedigree, and even coat color. Luckily, there are so many breeders in our network that finding a dog is easy! Do American Labrador Retriever breeders Houston ship puppies out of state? Labrador breeders and businesses in the Uptown network have extensive experience shipping puppies around the United States, and your family can easily have your dog delivered to any major airport excluding Hawaii and Alaska. How do you screen Labrador Retriever Houston breeders? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places offering Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Houston? We built Uptown to bring together humane breeding operations with families looking for a fast, fun way to meet their dream puppy. What is a puppy mill? Why are some Labrador Retriever puppies in Houston so cheap? Puppy mills are inhumane, unethical breeders that mass produce puppies on an industrial scale. When you bring home a puppy mill dog, you can expect your new friend to get sick more often, have more severe behavioral problems, cost you thousands of dollars in extra vet bills.Are there any chocolate Labrador Retriever breeders Houston near me? With the Uptown network at your fingertips, your dream dog might be waiting just around the corner. What is the MatchMaker process? How do I know I can trust you?

Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. 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. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Now, I have to decide which Pug puppy to bring home. I'm so nervous that I'll choose the wrong dog. How can I possibly know I am choosing a Pug puppy that is the best one for me? They're all going to be so cute! Answer: Hi Ashley. We agree that all of the puppies are going to be adorable and cute! However, there are definitely some guidelines that you can follow when you are trying to pick out the perfect Pug pup. We are not sure if it matters to you if you have a male or female. There are not that many differences, despite what others may say. While potential health problems may not be visible, there are 3 things that everyone should do: Check the eyes, breathing and gait. The Eyes: The eyes are not only the window to the soul, they can also give you a clue about the health of the dog. Watering, squinting or a glazed film on the eyes is a sign of health issues. Breathing: Hold the puppy close to your ear and listen carefully. Do you hear rattling and rasping? This is a sign of a breathing problem. Does the puppy have to breath through his or her mouth? If the puppy is at rest, they should be able to breath fine with their mouth closed this can be a stenotic nare issue, which often needs to be corrected with a surgical procedure. Watch the puppy walk: While young pups under the age of 6 weeks may still be gaining their footing, take note of any limping or odd gait issues. If you do notice an odd gait, listen for any clicking noises coming from the hip area. This sort of issue may be caused by underdeveloped hip bones joint and socket , a health problem not uncommon with the Pug breed. Interaction and Activity Some people will tell you that you should pick the puppy that comes right over to you first. This is not the best advice. Puppies that are very bold like that may be harder to train. Their enthusiasm may be great fun for a while, but keeping up with and trying to train such a puppy may turn out to be stressful. When you are choosing a Pug puppy, it is usually best to choose one who is quiet and calm. However, you most certainly need to make sure that the pug is not too quite due to an illness or extreme shyness. You don't want to bring home an ill pup and choosing a dog that is overly shy may make for a pet that is afraid of everything and will be in need of extensive of socialization training. It is recommended to have a close look at several puppies that stay in the background. If a Pug puppy is laying listless without any energy at all, this is a warning sign that the dog may be unhealthy. A calm Pug that does respond to you when picked up is what you should be looking for. Listen to the breathing for any signs of labored breathing or rasps. If the breathing is clear, take a look at the eyes. They should be bright and clear without an excessive discharge. With 2 or 3 puppies now left for you to decide on, take a look at how each one responds to you and how they respond to each other. Wiggle a toy in front of a puppy or whistle to him or her and see if the pup shows natural curiosity. The one for you should come over to you to investigate. Allow the whole litter to play with a toy. Take notice of the ones that seem to be bossy and the ones that seem to play fair. Take note of the ones who cower in the corner if the others fight for the toys. You will want to choose a Pug puppy who falls somewhere in the middle. This will ensure you have one that has a calm, yet curious personality. Finally, when you have it narrowed down to 2, do not feel rushed. Take time to sit down with each and talk to them. Does the pup look at you when you talk? Does he or she keep their tail high or wag the tail to express happiness? At this point, you should get a good feeling about which puppy is the one that is meant for you. Please remember, that just because you have an appointment to pick up a dog does not mean that you must go home with one. If the litter seems ill, all of the dogs seem aggressive or you do not feel a bond with any of the puppies it is absolutely acceptable to relay this to the breeder. While you may be very disappointed at first, in the long run you will be happy that you waited. When you are holding the Pug puppy that is right for you, you will know it. And what a lucky guy or girl that will be! Ready to begin his or her new journey as part of your family! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Sometimes calm and dignified. Always sturdy and stable, good-humored and amiable. This is the Pug. Though peaceful with all the world people and other animals , the Pug will sound off with his rather odd-sounding bark when visitors arrive. Then he will welcome them inside with snorts, snuffles, and grunts. As is the case with most short-faced dogs, his large expressive eyes, wrinkled forehead, cocked head, innocent expression, and strange sounds bring out parental feelings in many people. Indeed, a Pug is very childlike and always wants to be with you. If not spoiled too much, he can be depended on to maintain his sweet, comical, charming personality. Though stubborn, Pugs seldom get into real mischief. Adults spend much of the day sleeping. Gassiness can be an embarrassing problem, and housebreaking can be a challenge, especially in the rain, which Pugs detest. The biggest concern with this breed is their many serious health problems. If you want a dog who.Is small, yet sturdy and blocky Has a short face with large expressive eyes Has a short coat Is usually polite with everyone, including other pets Doesn't need much exercise Seldom gets into real mischief A Pug may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, snoring, some slobbering Gassiness flatulence Slowness to housebreak Constant shedding — every day! Lots of potential health problems due to his deformed build — yes, it might look cute, but it is badly deformed A Pug may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Pugs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. More traits and characteristics of the Pug If I was considering a Pug, I would be most concerned about.Health problems. Unfortunately, breeders deliberately breed these good-natured dogs to be deformed. As such, they suffer more than their share of health problems — not only with their breathing, but also eye diseases, joint diseases, and a devastating fatal neurological disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis. Read more about Pug Health. Gassiness flatulence. All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. Pugs who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness. Constant shedding. It usually comes as a shock to new Pug owners just how much a Pug sheds. Most dog breeds have two shedding seasons per year where they shed the majority of their dead hairs. But Pugs are constant shedders who drop a moderate amount of hair all year. You need to be sure that you're okay with this! Pug "sounds". Pugs snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. Pugs can be slow to pick up the concept of housebreaking. Expect several months of consistent crate training. Read more about housebreaking your Pug. Though they seldom get into real trouble, most Pugs are at least mildly stubborn. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Food is a great motivator with this breed, but too many cookies equals a fat Pug. Also you don't want a dog who only obeys when you're waving a biscuit at him. Instead you should establish the right relationship between the two of you, where you are the leader and he is the follower. In other words, you must teach your Pug to respect you. Read more about Pug Training. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Should I buy a pug puppy at a pet store? Before you start: Before you start looking for pug breeders, there are a few things you should do to improve your experience. Understand breed standards — Not all pugs are created equal. Some are show quality and bred to match breed standards, while others may be off on a few aesthetic details. Have patience — The process of finding a pug breeder, waiting for a litter and bringing your puppy home can take months! How to find pug breeders Finding breeders to reach out to is step one. There are a number of ways of find reputable breeders: Reach out to friends — Have a friend or acquaintance with a pug? Reach out to them about their experience and breeder info. Slide into their DMs and ask about their breeder. Attend one to get the low down on litters. More on this below. Be prepared to do your research and ask lots of questions. Here are questions the breeder should be prepared to answer: What requirements do you have of people looking to take home one of your puppies? Breeders should be as interested in you as you are in them. They should ask about you, your family and your household. Can I meet the parents? Plus, seeing the parents will give you an idea of what their puppies will be like both in terms of temperament and looks. Have health tests been performed on the parents? This will ensure both parents are healthy and free of genetic diseases common to the pug breed. How long have you been breeding and what is your experience with this breed? Breeders should have a deep understanding of the breed and a history that includes either showing dogs or being part of a breed club. How do you socialize your puppies? Puppies should be well socialized in a home environment so they grow to be well-adjusted dogs. When will I be able to take the puppy home? Responsible breeders will not allow puppies to be taken home until they are at least ten weeks old. Puppies should be up-to-date on vaccinations and come with a health guarantee and contract for you to sign. Many breeders will also require you to agree to spay or neuter the dog, unless you plan to show them. A breeder should welcome back any dog that you can no longer care for. Can we speak to references and your vet? The breeder should be willing to provide references from others who have purchased their puppies, as well as the contact information for their veterinarian. Are you available as a resource after I take the puppy home? They should provide care instructions and be available as a resource. Reputable breeders are interested in you, your family and your household. Pug puppy scams Puppy scams are rampant all across the internet. In many cases, the puppy advertised never even existed. According to the Better Business Bureau, 3. You can learn ways to avoid puppy scams by checking for the following breeder red flags. Pug breeder red flags If you pay attention, you can avoid puppy scams and backyard breeders. If the pug breeder does any of the following things, run the other way. Absolutely not. Pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills, commercial dog breeding facilities that keeps dogs in cruel and unsafe conditions. Remember those sad dog commercials with the Sarah McLaughlin music? Those are puppy mills. There are an estimated 10, puppy mills in the United States. All they care about is money and churning out puppies. Dogs are kept in horrid conditions, receive no veterinary care, and are often sick and underfed. The majority of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. Click here to learn more about pug prices. Click here to learn more about pug stuff. Pin for later! From its puppy stage, many admire pugs the most. Its popularity in India is now at a growing stage ever since people found it in an ad from a mobile network giant called Vodafone. However, you must know some Pug Facts for sure. Are you fond of grooming your pug pet? Well, they just get shiny feathers that give you goosebumps when they walk in the evening with shiny sunlight. A pet requires frequent healthcare to give its feather a proper shine. When you do the trimming with care, give your pug a proper bath, and follow the important grooming tips, then your pet is going to be one of the best among others. Here are some amazing Pug Dog Facts for you: They were bred to be lap dogs Well, lap dogs live quite luxurious lifestyles and so do pug puppies. If you ever wonder how to keep them with yourself, you must know that they require a lot of attention because they belong to Chinese royalty. Yes, the origin of pugs was from the Chinese royal family. Their lifestyle with the emperor is quite attractive and filled with luxury. They are worth buying. They are meant to have wrinkles Well, you have known the trademark of a pug puppy for having wrinkles. The identity of keeping such wrinkles comes from the breeders. Yes, Chinese breeders do such breeding and make the wrinkle as a permanent one for their pug puppies. Pugs are quite popular for their wrinkles on facial regions, especially, at eyes, nose, and forehead. Breeders want to create a significant pattern for pugs so that the wrinkle can resemble the Chinese character for the prince. Are you searching for ideal deals on the Pug Puppies for Sale in Pune? Then contacting us can relieve you from all pain and hurdles for this breed. However, it is one of the popular ones. The House of Orange in the Netherlands had officially declared pugs as their official dog pet. The royal family keeps this title for a pug named Pompey. This pug saved the life of a Dutch prince once. The prince of Orange got a proper warning and saved himself from the assassin because of the long and ruthless barking of Pompey. It also scratched him to warm the price while he was on his deep slip. Also, Queen Victoria bred pugs to form the Kennel club in .Well, that makes it ancient. The primitive link of pugs with humans is not just from these days. Yes, history tells us the difference. History has linked the pugs with itself. Yes, many events were there in the past where the pugs were involved. But not in the case of Premium Pet House. He provides its details with the maintenance of authenticity and deals with the best pug puppies. If you ever wonder about the Pug Puppies for Sale in Kolhapur , then contact us. We will provide the best deals for you. Here, you will get all types of colors found among pugs. Well, breed standards have their respective variations. But AFC mentioned pugs as they came in three different colors such as black, apricot-fawn, and silver. However, the recent pug puppies have just gotten into something new. Fresh breeders, nowadays, give pug lovers some new and eye-catching varieties such as caramel, brindle, and black with a little tan. They were the symbol for a Secret Society Well, it all started after the Pope decided to prevent a group of Catholics from becoming Freemasons in .Then the entire society named themselves the Order of the Pug or Mopsorden. It all happened in .This is quite exciting to keep a pug after knowing their links with the past events. This is also one of the interesting Facts About Pugs. But we can give you the right deal on this historic dog breed. Hare, you will have better offers too on pug puppies. You can gain benefits from our Pug Puppies for Sale in Sangli. The price is affordable and with all paper details of parents. The pug was named Fortune. You can say them as the spotlight seeker for many motion pictures and television shows. Then you should know how the directors portrayed the pug in the movies. The same breed can be yours to buy. You can attend the deals of the Pug Puppies for Sale in Nashik. The Premium Pet House offers the best schemes for buying pugs from their local puppy store. Three or more pugs is called a grumble A grumble, they say, right! Yes, when you see a bunch of pugs gathering at the same moment, people call them a grumble. It started in Holland. It is one of the Fun Facts About Pugs. The pug life will change you Well, many dogs are there but no one is there like a pug. The breed gives you a funny vibe, an extreme level of royalty, and is very affectionate. Pugs are quite popular in different regions. Also, their demands in India are now on the rise. The love for a pug is not going to end at all. Its immense skills and loyalty will surprise you. Known as the Empire State, New York is located in the Northeastern United States and offers many dog-friendly experiences that you and your furry companion can enjoy together. Our main objective is to connect you with the best Pug breeders and puppies for sale in New York. Our website has a wide variety of reputable breeders that specialize in raising healthy puppies. Our breeders are committed to only raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and care to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide additional support and advice after the sale to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. New York has a fantastic dog community featuring numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events perfect for you and your four-legged friend. New York sits fifth among other states, with a population of over 2. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted Pug breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery. A dedicated flight nanny accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Empire State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your puppy search for the perfect Pug puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Pug Description The Pug is a small, stocky, square and thick set dog. They are keen, with a happy-go lucky attitude. These sturdy little puppies were bred for companionship so they are loyal, loving and affectionate with their family. Strong-minded and confident, Pugs can be willful if they sense that they are stronger-minded than the people around them. They need an owner who is calm yet firm and confident. Consistent training will ensure this smart breed does not bore and can reach his or her full, amazing potential. Discover more about our Pug puppies for sale below. History The Pug is one of the oldest breeds known today, believed to have originated before BC. Most researchers agree that the Pug originated in Asia and descended from the shorthaired Pekingese. Some speculate they are the result of a small Bulldog or a miniature form of the French Mastiff. Regardless, the breed rose to popularity during the Victorian era in the 19th century. Tibetan monasteries often kept Pugs as pets around this time. In Japan and Europe the breed not only became a pet of royalty, but the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland. Disposition The Pug is a devoted dog. They crave the love and attention of their owners and will be unhappy if that is not reciprocated. This is a puppy that is happiest when in your lap or showing off to their family. These little dogs tend to be rather sedentary, content to sit in your lap and chill. These playful, silly puppies light up the room, living it up and pleasing the crowd with their silly antics. Of course, temperament is affected by a number of factors including training and socialization, and a Pug puppy will do best with early socialization and puppy training. Taking your puppy to classes, inviting regular visitors, and taking them to busy parks and stores for walks will polish their social skills and create a well-rounded dog. The Pug is not a guard dog, hunter or retriever. They love to play but certainly have a mind of their own. Be sure to monitor their food intake as they can gain weight easily. Training All breeds benefit from early socialization and basic obedience training. The Pug can be stubborn, so it is important to assert yourself as the leader by being confident and strong-minded yourself. Pug puppies are wonderful pets for the family and their lively personalities make them great playmates. Get them used to it bit by bit as a puppy and be sure they have plenty of toys to keep them entertained while you are gone. If you devote yourself to a Pug, they are relatively low maintenance dogs. They do not require a lot of grooming nor do they need a lot of exercise. Just pay special attention to their wrinkles and breathing needs, and you will have a happy Pug! Exercise This breed is good for apartment life as they are relatively inactive indoors and do okay without a yard. They cannot tolerate hot or cold weather very well so it is best to keep them indoors at a comfortable temperature. Pug puppies are strong with short-legs and they will need to be taken on daily walks. When walking your Pug, make sure to make the dog heel beside or behind the person with the leash, as their instincts will tell them to lead the way. They also enjoy playing energetic games and will do well if you can give them regular exercise. Be careful to not overdo it with your Pug, or you will see them start to wheeze. Grooming The coat on a Pug is short, smooth and double coated. They are above average shedders. Regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is enough, though some bathe more frequently. Cleaning their ears is also a good idea. The most attention you will need to give your pug is their wrinkles. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after a cleaning, and wiped between baths. The rest is basic care, keep their teeth clean and brush that fur! See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Association.

The Bulloxer is a Boxer American Bulldog mix. Breeders most likely bred the Bulloxer to have an intelligent, intimidating guard dog. Both parents come from unfortunate dogfighting pasts in 19th century Europe. The Confident American Bulldog parent Meet the white American Bulldog puppy The American Bulldog is a descendant of its English Bulldog breed , which had an unfortunate past of being bred and used for fighting and bull-baiting until these deplorable sports were banned in the s. After, breeders began turning the tables and breeding these dogs as compassionate family dogs rather than fighters. The American Bulldog dates its lineage back to 17th century America. They were probably first introduced to the United States in the s as working dogs with their immigrant owners. Females weigh pounds 27 to 36 kg , and males weigh pounds 34 — 45 kg. They stand strong at inches 50 — 64 cm , females on the shorter end of this spectrum. Their muscular stature lends to their self-confidence, as well as strength and endurance, as they were once farm-working dogs. The AKC recognizes them as a Working dog breed. The Boxer we know today most likely originated from German Bullenbeisser dogs in the s. In medieval times, these dogs hunted large game like bison and bear. Boxers have been successfully used as military dogs, therapy dogs, herding, and guard dogs. The Boxer is a fearless, protective companion who moves with both power and grace. A full-grown Boxer can weigh as much as pounds kg , with females typically weighing 15 pounds less than the male counterpart. They stand at .Their short coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Their life expectancy is years. What does a Bulldog Boxer mix look like? The breed typically has short, floppy ears and a broad, jowly nose. They rock a thick chest and square head that adds to their intimidating look. Their tails are medium-length but often docked. A short muzzle with a slight underbite inherited from their Boxer parent is really the cherry on top if you ask me— it brings out their goofy, gentle side in their overall appearance. How big do these dogs get? These dogs are large, weighing in at pounds kg and stand tall at inches cm. While these are large dogs, they are adaptable to apartment living as long as they have access to a park or yard nearby and receive the proper amount of exercise. Coat and color of this crossbreed These dogs typically have short, dense coats— good news for owners on the hunt for a breed with low maintenance grooming needs. Their coats will come in colors such as white, light brown, brindle, or fawn. Since Boxers tend to have white markings along their chest and face, the Bulloxer may inherit this stylish appearance. Pros and Cons of the Boxer Bulldog personality The Gentle Guard Dog: The Pros They have an intimidating look and make excellent guard dogs as they are incredibly protective of their owners. Clicker training is an excellent choice for this breed. For a better idea of how entertaining these dogs are, check out this video of Kimble, an American Bulldog Mix with musical talent: Bulloxer or Bulldozer? They may become destructive if bored— talk about a rebellious streak! The crossbreed is susceptible to separation anxiety, which may be the cause of these behaviors. Bulldog Boxers need more than an owner; they need a boss. A Bulloxer may have more energy than it can handle. They can get super rowdy, jumping and running around. These dogs may not get along with other larger dogs, so if you have others in your household or plan on having multiple dogs in your house, this breed may not be for you. Regular teeth cleaning is essential. Ideally, this should be done every day. But begin with brushing as often as possible— some dogs hate this! Clean them out once a week with a cotton ball and dog-specific ear solution to avoid wax buildup, which can cause infection. They could easily break which can not only be quite painful but also cause infection. Playful Exercise Needs Bulloxers are energetic dogs who need minutes of active play a day to maintain their strong, athletic builds. I want to note that large-chested dogs are prone to a serious and deadly condition called bloat, usually brought on from too-quickly eating large amounts of food or too much exercise right after eating. The Food-loving Dog Diet A full grown Boxer Bulldog mix needs about cups of dry food a day, split between meals. These dogs are prone to joint issues, to make sure to pick a dog food rich with vitamins and both chondroitin and glucosamine. These dogs are prone to obesity, so stick to a strict feeding schedule and keep snacks to a minimum, with a healthy balance of food and exercise. Boxers have specific needs, so it may be best to feed a Boxer-specific diet. Are they healthy dogs? Boxers are prone to major health risks like cancer prevalent also in Bulldogs and Epilepsy. Bulldogs have their own impressive list of health risks. Bulldogs are susceptible to allergies and various skin issues, like eczema. There are plenty of loyal, healthy dogs deserving of good homes. Breeder options if you must If you absolutely must buy from a breeder, I recommend doing a great deal of research beforehand and asking the right questions— many breeders are just disguised puppy mills. Some questions to ask a potential breeder are: What are your adoption application procedures and requirements? Where do you get your dogs? What are your health screening procedures? Who is your working veterinarian? What are your follow-up procedures and requirements after adoption? What kind of follow-up resources will you offer me? How many times will you or have you bred mom and dad from this litter? And Bulloxer litter sizes are typically adorable little puppies. This is mainly due to the array of health issues from its Bulldog parent. They can weigh pounds and stand at about inches. The breed is so rare that there is little information about them, but their lifespan is years. Boxer Victorian Bulldog mix — The victorian Bulldog was specifically bred to have a healthier Bulldog breed, which turned out to be a huge success. Comment below! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Is the Boxer Bulldog mix the best pet for your family? What is a Boxer Bulldog? But, as dog fighting ceased over the years, the American Bulldog and the Boxer developed into calm and affectionate family pets. The Boxer Bulldog mix has none of the aggression its parent breeds used to have. Bulldog Boxer crosses make excellent watch dogs as they are naturally alert, swift, and protective of their masters. This American Bulldog Boxer breed is a high-energy, curious dog that needs to always have something to do. Otherwise, they will get destructive when bored. Bulldog Boxer mixes are intelligent and athletic, and they love to play and be around their human family. What does a Boxer Bulldog mix look like? The Bulldog Boxer mix is a large dog , with a muscular body, a wide chest, and a medium-sized tail. As we mentioned above a full grown Bulloxer weighs around 70 to 90 pounds 31 to 40 kg and is about 22 to 27 inches 56 to 69 cm in height. American Bulldog crossbreeds tend to share the same stocky body. Check out the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix , for instance. Many Boxer Bulldog mixes have the signature Boxer look we all love, with a square-shaped jaw, a short muzzle, and short floppy ears. How difficult is it to take care of a Bulloxer? Caring for this crossbreed is easy. Checking and cleaning its ears once a week will also keep ear infections at bay. How do I train a Boxer Bulldog mix? Early socialization and obedience training are necessary for Boxer Bulldog puppies to grow up as happy and well-behaved dogs. Socialization prevents them from becoming overprotective and aggressive towards other people and pets. Here are a few things you need to remember when training these pups: They are intelligent and eager to please their owners. Clicker training works best for this breed. How long do Boxer Bulldogs live? Like we mentioned on the fist paragraph as well, the average Boxer Bulldog mix lifespan is 10 to 15 years. An adult Bulldog Boxer needs 3 to 4 cups of good-quality dry dog food, divided into three evenly spaced meals daily. This pooch need to be active as they can be overweight. Bulloxers need 30 to 45 minutes a day of play to maintain a good weight and maintain their muscular build. Their short muzzles and short hair make Boxer Bulldog mixes uncomfortable in cold weather, and they may also suffer from skin diseases and joint problems. How much is a Boxer Bulldog mix? Given the price of Boxer Bulldog puppies, it is important to find a good breeder should you intend to buy your own pup. If finding Boxer Bulldog breeders proves to be challenge, you may check these breeders of American Bulldogs and Boxers:. These loving dogs with a charming disposition might get destructive when separated from their family for a prolonged period. Because of their inherent alertness and courageous nature, the Boxer-American Bulldog mix is always aware of their surroundings. They can be suspicious of strangers and become aggressive to unfamiliar people only when they are perceived as threats. These dogs attain maturity slowly and may behave like boisterous puppies for some years. They are usually patient with children as well as small dogs and puppies. However, they may have trouble getting along with large adult dogs. Care Exercise Being very playful and exuberant, the Bulloxer is always active indoors. To satisfy its need for exercise and keep its muscles toned, take your pet for long walks, play fetch, or get it involved in agility, flyball, and other dog sports. Grooming As it is a light shedder, its coat does not require much grooming. Weekly brushing using a rubber grooming-mitt or bristle brush will help keep its hair under control. Bathe your Bulloxer only when needed. Trimming its nails once a month and daily brushing its teeth are some of the other grooming needs. Health Problems Although the Bulloxer is generally a healthy and physically active breed, some dogs may get affected by a few health issues. These include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bloating, intestinal problems, heart conditions, and cancer. Training Clicker training: Since the Bulloxers might be headstrong by nature, using harsh methods to make them obey to commands could induce behavioral problems. They tend to respond better to clicker training, which is a simple method of training based on positive reinforcement techniques. Follow a click-treat-click-treat pattern so that your dog can associate the noise of the clicker with a reward. Make sure that the clicker is held out of sight. House training: Establish a regular schedule so that your Bulloxer puppy learns when to play, to eat, and to potty. Since a pup can control its bladder hours, you should take it frequently to a specific spot outside, where it can eliminate. Feeding An adult Bulloxer needs cups of dry dog food a day. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Valley Bulldog Highlights The Valley Bulldog is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Boxer or English Bulldog parents. The main colors of Valley Bulldogs are; red, tan, brindle, white, and fawn. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. Valley Bulldogs love kids and are great playmates for active older children. They may be too rambunctious for toddlers, however, and can accidentally knock them down in play. Always supervise play time. Valley Bulldog History The Valley Bulldog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Boxer and English Bulldogs in the mid s, in Nova Scotia, Canada. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems and create an active, friendly companion dog. They continued to create Valley Bulldogs as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Valley Bulldog breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Valley Bulldog rescues, or check with breed-specific Boxer and English Bulldog rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. That said, as a mix between Boxer and English Bulldog parents, you can expect Valley Bulldogs to be on the medium to large side. Most weigh in at 50 to pounds and range in height from twelve to 25 inches at the shoulder. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Socialization helps ensure that your Valley Bulldog puppy grows up to be a well-rounded, outgoing, friendly dog and stays that way. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking your dog to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Also, you should make sure your dog is clean between the folds of their skin to keep them from getting infections. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Valley Bulls are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Valley Bulldog Feeding An ideal Valley Bulldog diet should be formulated for an active, medium-sized breed. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Valley Bulldogs are ; red, tan, brindle, white, and fawn. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and English Bulldog. Valley Bulldog Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Valley Bulldogs because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or English Bulldog breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Its chest is broad and thick, and the head is in a square form. This hybrid has a short muzzle with a slight underbite. It can come in different colors or a combination of colors. These dogs are very energetic, playful, and loving but may also be stubborn at times. It is very loyal to and protective of its owner and will do anything to protect them from harm. You will have to show it a lot of love and affection for you to get the same from it. Although they are generally very friendly with others, you will have to train them consistently and socialize them early. If not properly socialized, they may become aggressive to those they think are threats. They enjoy playing around with their owners so it would be best to bring them out to do exercises from time to time. It needs to spend its energy on physical activities, or else they can become destructive at home. Never let them get bored or leave them all alone in your house because you might have to clean up a lot of destroyed objects when you get back. They are also prone to suffer from separation anxiety. Bulloxers are quick learners, but when your Bulloxer becomes stubborn, you will have to establish your dominance on it to make it listen to your commands. It is very strong-willed, so you have to be very confident when you are dealing with it in training. One thing you have to know about is that this hybrid often produces sounds and smell from multiple orifices on their body. Bulldog Combined with Boxer Puppies for Sale If you are sure that a Bulldog Boxer Mix is the right dog for you, then you have to find a reliable and reputable breeder. Nowadays, it is tough to find a breeder that you can fully trust. It is highly essential to get your puppy from a legitimate breeder since the way they were treated and raised to that point may have a significant impact on its personality, behavior, and as well as its health. There are thousands of breeders all over the globe, but only a few thousands of these are trustworthy. In selecting a dog breeder, you have to assess and analyze a lot of factors. You should visit their facility and see the space in which the dogs are kept in and check out what kind of food they are feeding the dogs. Try to assess the care and attention the breeders put into both the parent dogs and the puppies. You make sure that the breeders are knowledgeable about the hybrid, Boxer combined with Bulldog. There is no strict schedule that you have to follow. You only need to bathe your Bulldog Boxer when they are dirty. It is also not good to shower them often since it will affect the natural oils they have on their skin. Make sure to wipe its ears from time to time. Bulldog Combined with Boxer Health Problems Overall, a Bulloxer is quite a healthy crossbreed for its size and is not likely to suffer from many health issues. However, they are prone to obesity, which is why you have to regulate their food intake. A few Boxer Bulldog dogs have been known to develop different kinds of cancer, but it is rare for this to happen. Although they are not inclined to contracting many diseases, it is still essential to bring your pet to the vet frequently to have a general check-up. Here is a list of common canine ailments that they may suffer from throughout their lives: Hip Dysplasia — This is a common occurrence in dogs of this size. Because they are heavy, their joints have a tougher job in supporting their bodies. This condition will bring your pet a lot of pain, which is why you can opt for your Bulloxer to get surgery to correct it. Bloat — The cause of this disease is unknown. As soon as your Bulloxer exhibits symptoms such as shortness of breath, bring him to the vet immediately. Epilepsy — This term is used to describe multiple episodes of seizures. The most common cause of seizure in a dog is idiopathic epilepsy, which is usually a genetical predisposition, but there is no exact cause known. Your pet may not feel pain during an epileptic episode but will feel confused and may panic. Try to observe your dog, and if it has more than one seizure per month, then you have to get treatment from a veterinarian. Boxer Bulldog Mix Food Requirements The Boxer Bulldog is a larger than average dog, and it will require three to four cups of dry dog food daily. Try to avoid feeding your pet one big meal and instead divide the amount of dog food into two separate meals because Bulloxers are prone to bloating. Make sure that you give it dog food of high quality and one that contains all the nutrients it will need in a day. Remember to check all the ingredients in the dog food before purchasing them. Choose the product that has nutritional additives such as vitamins and minerals to keep your pet healthy. Since this crossbreed is likely to suffer from joint issues and pain, try to find food that has chondroitin and glucosamine. Do not buy products that contain unknown meat-meals or byproducts and those that contain various unnecessary additives like dyes. These dyes usually trigger food allergies of the dogs. It also contains different kinds of healthy fruits and vegetables such as pear, spinach, green, carrots, and blueberries. Nulo Adult Salmon and Peas This dog food has deboned salmon, turkey meal, and chicken meal as its protein source. This product leaves out any ingredient that may trigger allergies. It also does not have any grains, corn, wheat gluten, soy, artificial additives, colors, or flavors. It provides a balanced diet for all dogs. Also, it does not contain any soy or fillers, such as grain and gluten. You would not have to worry about your dog missing any nutrition because this dog food has all the nutritious ingredients that a Bulldog Boxer needs. Bulldog Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements Because this hybrid is very playful and enthusiastic, they will become very energetic inside the house, which is why you need to allow it to spend its energy outside through physical activities such as walking, jogging, or running. It loves stimulating its brain, so try to have them go through obstacles set up in your backyard from time to time. Your Bulloxer will need at least minutes of exercise per day. Be careful not to overwork and exhaust your pet because it might have breathing problems. You can utilize different types of toys and kinds of activities. Tennis balls are one of the toys that Bulloxers enjoy playing with the most. They love running around and fetching these balls, but after a couple of times of throwing, your arm will get very worn out. This device allows you to play with your pet companion for an extended period without wearing out your muscles. Boxer combined with Bulldog dogs have no problems with playing by themselves. Although they want you to participate in their playtime, they are still happy getting preoccupied with a toy. This toy is perfect for when you are suddenly too busy to play with your furry friend physically. It is a very sturdy ball and also glows in the dark, which makes it very attractive to your Bulloxer. This product is shaped like a football and is perfect for a game of fetch. It has deep ridges, which make it easy for dogs to pick up and carry. Your pet may play with this toy in the pool since it floats in water. Also, it comes in bright colors, thus, increasing its visibility. Boxer Combined with Bulldog Training Your Boxer Bulldog Mix dog is generally quick to train since it is smart and a fast learner, but they may, at times, be stubborn. Bulloxers have an independent trait, so they will do whatever they want to do if they feel like you are less confident. When you are dealing with this hybrid, you have to establish your dominance throughout the training session. There are two essential pieces of training that you have to do with your Boxer Bulldog, namely: Clicker Training. It utilizes positive reinforcement techniques. Researchers have proven that this method works exceptionally well for Bulloxers. Because Bulldog Boxer dogs are sometimes headstrong, harsh training techniques will not work and would bring about bad behavior. You should follow a click-treat-click-treat pattern so that your dog will understand that the sound of the clicker is associated with getting a reward. Do not let the pet see your clicker. House training. You have to establish a schedule for your pet to play, eat, and to go potty. This training is essential to maintain peace inside the home. Boxer Crossed with Bulldog and Families Bulloxers are excellent family dogs because they are very affectionate and very protective of their owners. They have a high sense of awareness of their surroundings and can be aggressive when they perceive something as a threat. This piece of information is vital to those who are looking for guard dogs. They are playful and enthusiastic, which is why they will also get along with children. Usually, these dogs are very patient with kids, but you might not want to leave them alone with very small offsprings. If you ever decide on getting a Boxer Bulldog mix as your furry companion, expect to feel more warmth and happiness in your household and your life. American Bullboxer Description The Bulloxer is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Boxer and the American Bulldog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any of the breeds in the hybrid. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She loves to camp, hike, swim and sleep! At 6 months old he was about 65 lbs. Great personality and very smart. Too smart if you ask me. His father is a registered American Bulldog who weighs about lbs. I think he can do it! I know he makes me laugh. His dad is a lb. American Bulldog and his mom is a lb. He loves to play catch and he runs faster than any other dog at the dog park. He is very loving and has a sweet demeanor but definitely has a lot of energy and is a bit hard-headed. He is a wonderful addition to our family. He's still the fastest dog I've ever seen, and has grown to have the best personality. He watches television with us and plays with everyone friendly to him any chance he can get. All he wants out of life is the thrill of playing in the shallow waters and cuddles. All small breeds.Japanese Chin, Cockapoo and a teacup Shih Tzu. And I have 2 small kids. She is around 55 pounds or more in this picture. We just love Roxy. She is a sweetheart. She currently weighs 65 pounds. If all Bulloxers are like Roxy I don't think I would get any other type of dog again. She is so loving and kind to all of us. Life Span Did You Know? Although a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of characteristics from one or both of their parent breeds, a Valley Bulldog tends to be playful, energetic, loyal, and loving. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. A Valley Bulldog is a playful, energetic dog with a cheerful, upbeat personality. They love to play and love even more to spend time with their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. But, they are large exuberant dogs, so they can accidentally knock over young children in their excitement. This can make them a better fit for families with older children, but they can do well with younger children as long as playtime is supervised. They can have a high prey drive. As such, they will need extra socialization and training when it comes to other smaller pets in the household. They tend to be initially wary of strangers, but also tend to warm up quickly once introduced. The Valley Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments and larger homes as long as they get enough exercise, they are a brachycephalic dog breed. This makes them more sensitive to heat and also to the cold. Valley Bulldogs also thrive on attention from their families and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed-breed dog, a Valley Bulldog can sometimes inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. But, this is not a guarantee as they still have a chance of inheriting conditions common to one of both of them. For the Valley Bulldog, potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia and eye problems. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask to see results or clearances from any health tests that have been done. These dogs are also prone to weight gain, having allergies, sensitive skin, and a sensitive digestive system. As a brachycephalic dog breed, they are also at a higher risk for respiratory issues. The Valley Bulldog is also one of the dog breeds at-risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become dangerous quickly if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Although the Valley Bulldog tends to pick up on things and can be easy to train, they can also be stubborn and they do require firm consistent training. This can be a challenge at times for a first-time dog owner, but puppy training classes can help. Not only do these classes help reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Valley Bulldog coat tends to be short and smooth. They will shed a little year-round. Wrinkles can trap dirt and moisture, which can irritate the skin. Regularly checking wrinkles and wiping them clean can help prevent skin irritation and keep your dog comfortable. This keeps them from growing too long and causing issues with movement or getting snagged on things. Additionally, practicing good dental care for dogs , like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although Valley Bulldogs can range from a moderate to high activity level, they often end up being high-energy dogs. They require daily walks plus plenty of playtime and other activities to be happy and healthy. But, as a snub-nosed dog brachycephalic , they can overheat easily, so you need to keep an eye on them, especially in hotter temperatures. There are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs ; you just need to watch for signs of overheating or overexertion and give them a break. A fully-grown Valley Bulldog tends to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Valley Bulldogs generally live for years on average. The Valley Bulldog is also sometimes called a Bullboxer. Currently, we do not have any Valley Bulldog puppies available, but we can alert you when new Valley Bulldog puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

With rigourous health testied parents and a dedicated focus on eliminating brachycephalic obstructed airways BOAS , our puppies receive superior care and are raised on an advanced curriculum akin to service dog training. Our dedicated family-run breeding business connects loving families with happy and healthy puppies. We prioritize exceptional temperaments, impeccable health, and great structure in our breeding program. At Empire Ranch Frenchies, we take extra steps to ensure the well-being of our puppies and their parents. We actively work to eliminate brachycephalic obstructed airways BOAS by carefully selecting dogs with open nares and no elongated soft palates. Our goal is to improve the breed and provide French Bulldogs that can breathe comfortably and live fulfilling lives. Genetic health testing is essential to us. Our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive DNA testing for genetic diseases, surpassing kennel club recommendations. This testing guarantees the health of our puppies and ensures you receive a genetically proven French Bulldog. Additionally, we use OFA certified studs, providing rigorous health evaluations. To give our puppies the best start, we employ superior puppy raising through early neurological stimulation, exposure, and scent introduction curriculums for optimum health, intelligence and socialization. Our program also includes imprinting puppies with a strong recall and litter box training as early as four weeks old. We offer a variety of colors and patterns including, husky-like blue eyes. When you reserve our puppies, you receive a written health guarantee, complete vaccination records, microchip identification, health insurance, and discounts on recommended puppy training, food, and vitamins. Explore our website and follow our social media pages to learn more about our breeding program. At Empire Ranch Frenchies, we're dedicated to bringing joy and companionship into your life with our exceptional French Bulldog puppies. Me and my family are in love. I have made the right decision coming to you. I love what you stand for as a person and what you do in your program with raising frenchies and breeding them. No parasites and the vet complimented his nose! She also use to own a Frenchie so she is familiar and loves the breed. I was on the search for the perfect pup and I found one with these folks right here! I now have my best friend in our forever home. Family raised in home, no Kennels! Litter Box trained puppies- makes potty training a breeze Health, Health, Health! Bettering the breeds health is of utmost importance. The ENS program easily fit into our established puppy-rearing process and supports our Values. What we do and why our pups are so exceptional is not solely contributed to genetics, but also directly credited to the Bio-Sensory Program conducted on each of our puppies. The U. Military developed a program in the 's called the Bio Sensory Program to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes. Many puppies bred for field, security, and guide work are introduced to the ENS Program as part of their development. The basic premise of the program is that early neurological stimulation exercises could affect the performance of the dog in later life. The Army's research revealed that early stimulation of the puppy from the 3rd day through the 16th day influence rapid neurological growth and development. Five benefits have been observed in dogs that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises: Improved Cardiovascular Performance, We are located in the sunny palm tree filled West Palm Beach Florida. Our mission here is simple; to bring you the healthiest, best looking, most exclusive pedigrees to every French Bulldog lover here in South Florida and around the world. Over our generations we have specially focused on breeding non standard French Bulldogs of color with Standard no color AKC champion lines structure. Our French Bulldogs If you follow us on social media you already know how our French Bulldogs are like our children and in most cases we like them more because they actually listen!! Their temperament and companionship is truly like no other breed. The Tatos Frenchies Guarentee We have been breeding French Bulldogs for over a decade now and over that time we have breed the very best and only kept the very best to be apart of our program. Over time this has translated into you our customers getting the best structure, heath and temperament the French Bulldog Breed has to offer. As all of you know the French Bulldog care and breeding process is very expensive but we also know what its takes for families to purchase one of our puppies. It is Florida State Law that all puppies receive a full health check up, first round of shots and a Florida State Health Certificate specific to each puppy placed. We like to extend this further buy giving you our own contractual guarantee, and with it among other things it allows you to visit your own vet for a check up and if there are any issue what so ever we guarantee you a full refund or a trade for another puppy no questions asked with in the first week. We have never experienced a return especially since the puppies health is checked by a vet the week prior the puppy goes home but we like to give our customers this security with such a big purchase. Customer Service We offer 24 hour support for the life span of the French Bulldogs that are adopted from us. Our phone lines are always open to you to discuss health tips or what ever French Bulldog related question you may have. If you are out of state and would like to drive you are more then welcome to do also. For over 4 years we have worked closely with a pet flight nanny service that flies with your puppy in lap and hand delivers your baby to you at your closest airport for roughly dollars. In all these years they have never failed us once. Deposit and Payment Options We require a dollar deposit to reserve your puppy. The remaining balance is to be paid via Zelle or wire transfer prior to pick-up or cash at pick-up. As of we provide financing options, text us for details! Producing Top Quality French Bulldogs Welcome to snubnub frenchies First and foremost, thank you for choosing to visit us here at SnubNub Frenchies on your journey to finding a quality French Bulldog puppy. We are located in the beautiful sunshine state of Florida in Ocala. We plan to continue breeding quality french bulldogs for many years to come. Therefore, we are able to continue building strong lines in our breeding program. In addition to our productions here at home, we have also imported some amazing French Bulldogs of great quality and structure from foreign countries including Hungary, China, Croatia, Kazakhstan, United Kingdom, Ukraine and Serbia. However, that is not an option so therefore, our promise is to give you a piece of us…our heart and our passion in what we do to BETTER the French Bulldog breed. Paula Johnson June 5, .She is very knowledgeable and passionate about the breed. Elyssa always takes time to return calls and texts and keeps you posted through the whole process, from the pregnancy to the birth and the follow ups after you take your puppy home. Elyssa is a pleasure to work with. Now for this puppy!! She is Gorgeous and has a wonderful temperament. She loves all people and dogs. If you are looking for a good quality French Bulldog breeder look no further!! Snubnub Frenchies is the way to go!! This is my second baby from Snubdub frenchies. Absolutely love these people and would recommend to anyone. Elyssa has been there for all questions I have had. Her love and support for these babies is genuine, even after they leave. Glad to be part of the Snubdub family! Carolyn Trayer May 14, .I can not express enough how wonderful and caring this family is with their frenchies! Extremely knowledgeable and so dedicated to the breed! Extremely clean! After we took our little boy home every day reaches out to make sure he's happy. She is not just an amazing breeder she has become a sweet friend Sara Carpenter May 8, .What an amazing experience we have had with snubhub frenchies! We recently moved to a new area and being new breeders we were very concerned about where we would find good reproduction services and lucky for us we did. I reached out to Elyssa on instagram and she got back to me right away. We had a female go into heat and we went there for progesterone test and got way more than just numbers, she took the time to explain how to recognize signs for when they are ready, we than went back to do the breeding and it was such a professional experience. She made us feel like family right away and you can tell she loves this breed and is extremely knowledgeable and will help answer any questions you have. Fast forward a week and another one of our females goes into heat and back we were. In just a few text messages and talking while there for breeding a few times I have learned so much about whelping as well. We feel extremely lucky to have met her and are excited to continue our relationship with snubhub Frenchies. Thank you so much! Tera Riedl May 8, .I highly recommend SnubNub frenchies. They are incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to breeding only the best! Elyssa is incredibly talented. I took my dogs to a top veterinary in Tampa for progesterone testing and artificial insemination and they would only get pregnant every third time. Since I have gone to Elyssa my dams have gotten pregnant every time we try. She is absolutely amazing at what she does! Lisa Juliano Excellent place to purchase a Frenchie. Shasta Wagner April 24, .I have done business with Elyssa many times over the years and she is always professional, kind, and willing to accommodate. I have watched her yard grow and change over the years and I can honestly say she has some of the best dogs out there! She loves her dogs and it shows! DBC April 20, .SnubNub is IT!! I am so glad I found them. Great personality, temperament and health! What more could you ask for!? Elyssa is an amazing breeder. Her dogs are very well taken care of, structurally correct and meet the breed standards. She puts so much time in making sure she is producing quality puppies and that those puppies are loved! I have 2 frenchies from her and they are perfect. Highly recommend!!! Natasha Medina April 19, .Elyssa at Snubnubs is honest and transparent. Super easy to work with and professional. She has a passion for her dogs and kennel and that makes such a big difference in this line of business. Her dogs and puppies are top of the line in structure and quality and exactly what French Bulldogs should look like. Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 66 reviews All of our reviews can be found on our SnubNub Frenchies Google Business Page We have made true on our promise with plenty of our puppy families in the past and you can read how much they appreciated it here on our.

German Shepherds will usually take to being a guard dog naturally. It's important to train them to be obedient. Learn how here. Many dogs are natural watch dogs; their bark is sufficient to alert their owner to something unusual, and the alarm they set up is a deterrent. In addition, dogs who will fight if their owner is genuinely attacked do not have to be made aggressive to do so. Training a dog specifically to be a guard dog is hazardous and potentially creates a liability for you. Misguided attempts to make a dog aggressive through abuse will only backfire because the dog will not be loyal to someone who treats them harshly, and if the dog wrongly bites someone you will be at fault. Never train dogs who are basically fearful or out of control. Such dogs may not respond appropriately in non-threatening situations. A German shepherd dog should not be selected to receive training as a guard dog unless the dog is basically friendly, stable and clear-headed, and has been well-socialized. Dogs should acquire a clear understanding of what is normal and what is not, so that they are not fearful and they know when there is a genuine threat. To socialize puppies, take them places with you, and allow them to meet and interact with as many other people and animals as possible, always taking care to keep your puppy safe from negative experiences. Dogs of any breed are prone to be shy and fearful in strange or new environments if they haven't been well socialized, and this can create a dog who bites from fear or who runs when confronted with anything unusual. STEP 2 Enroll your German shepherd dog puppy in an obedience class as soon as possible, and train your dog thoroughly in basic obedience. It is essential that your German shepherd dog is obedient at all times, but if you want to undertake guard dog training, the need for control becomes imperative. Even though the purpose behind the training is serious, dogs should enjoy obedience work and look on it as fun. Positive reinforcement, the practice of rewarding dogs when they perform correctly rather than punishing them for mistakes, serves multiple purposes by teaching dogs obedience, bonding them with their owners and letting them have fun. It also fulfills their need to work. Begin by teaching your dog to "Speak" on command, and give a treat and much praise for barking. This training eventually gives you control over the dog's bark. Have your dog sit while barking. German shepherd dogs are intelligent and will normally learn quickly. You can develop this trait by making a show of going to see why the dog is barking, offering praise, then giving the "Quiet" or "Enough" command. React positively when your German shepherd dog alerts you to unfamiliar people or objects at home, but do not allow this behavior to develop away from home. Your dog should be unconcerned about neutral or friendly strangers you meet when you are out walking. When your German shepherd dog barks, the intruder should look at the dog and then flee while you hold and praise your dog. Do not allow your pet to chase the fleeing stranger. Praise your dog highly for letting you know someone was in your territory, and stop the barking as soon as the person flees. This strengthens the dog's confidence. STEP 6 Walk your German shepherd dog on a leash around the perimeter of your property regularly to identify your territorial boundaries. Do not allow your dog to bark at people who are outside your property. Do not allow your dog to chase people under any circumstances. These dogs are tested for sound temperament and must learn to perform at a high level in tracking and obedience as well as protection work. Find a reputable club that is a member of a national or international schutzhund organization. Before joining, spend some time learning about their organization, talking to members, and watching training sessions to determine whether you have the commitment needed to seriously engage in this demanding dog sport. The most important aspect of guard dog training is control, which asserts your role as leader and normally comes from time you spend with your dog in enjoyable activities, including obedience training. A dog who is out of control and tries to be dominant can cause serious injuries and is far more of a liability than an asset. Never try to train your dog to bite or attack people. Doing so may be illegal in some states, and you place yourself at risk because you will be liable for injuries that result from an attack. Because German Shepherd puppy care is just as important as drive development. After the nervous system is set in 21 days there are several weeks where the puppies become slightly independent of their mother. If a puppy is separated from the rest of the litter for up to 24 hours it can have long-lasting effects such as insecurity, reactivity, and separation anxiety. When the shepherd pup is 7 weeks he can begin positive reinforcement and even gentle use of a training collar. The Starmark training collar is an excellent choice. This is also the time the pup can go to his new pet parent. Most people have at least heard of the fear imprint stage of 8 weeks or critical period. But thinking generally, the more sensitive puppy bonding age overall ends at 12 weeks. So if you were looking for signs your dog imprinted on you, just make sure you spent meaningful time with him at this early age. When you think of German shepherds protecting their owners either in class or in videos, consider who is making the decisions, The dog or his owner? A dog protecting his owner can have mixed emotions. And he would perceive it that way because he depends completely on the owner. But in general, he should know his place as a dog. However, look at the body language when you give your dog affection. Generally, the ears should be back and the tail doing somewhat of a lower wag. Another example would be not allowing your dog to bring you a toy. In this case, the dog is initiating interaction. Apart from bones, chew, or small dog toys, interactive toys like tug of war dog ropes should be put away and presented by the owner for play. After the exercise, the tug toy should be put up. Other things you should initiate are outdoor access, where the dog sleeps when it is time to eat, and what direction he goes on the leash. German Shepherd Puppy Obedience Training If you are planning as little training as possible to protect your family, at least consider a strong recall and technical leash handling. That said, here I listed the following obedience commands for reliable German Shepherd defense training. Understand How to teach a dog to Come without treats. You should begin with some food reward but then move up to a prong collar for dogs. Herm Sprenger size 3. And they can already begin with that same size at a few months old. Eventually, you will need your dog off-leash training. Your dog will jump the gun but to be able to turn around instantly and come back to you is important. Learn How to teach a dog to heel. And not because your Shepherd needs to look pretty on a field. But because your shepherd needs to have a point of reference. He needs to stay behind your left ankle so he knows where you are, not next to you as in competitive sports. A couple more benefits to having your dog parallel with you — He will naturally be in more of a defense mode being closer to you, and facing the same direction as he will be able to see the threat. Know-How to teach a dog to sit. This will help the dog be stationary. An example scenario for this would be a very protective shepherd sitting 6 feet behind you. Another scenario would be if your dog likes to bite, put him into a sit to build self-control then release him for the bite. The bite itself is the biggest reward for many protection dogs that enjoy it. The last tip I will give for this command is to have your dog sit from the bite itself. Many dogs do not have a good release command but would sit and let go of someone or a bite suit. Understand How to teach a dog to leave it. It is a great way for a dog to disengage with something while not having to call him back to you. For example, maybe your dog hypothetically went for the wrong guy when there was a guy closer to you he should have gone for. Learn How to teach your dog to drop it. Your dog should not be confused between disengaging with something leave it and letting go of something he already has possession of out. As I mentioned earlier, start his commands gently as early as 7 weeks, and take your time! Do not rush this, lest you sacrifice performance. Is your dog already older? How to train a 2-year-old German shepherd for obedience is the same movement. Meaning that you would have the same range of motions to position your dog for compliance. To be on the safe side with an adult male, make sure you are solid on canine leadership. Knowing how to show your dog you are the pack leader is essential for obedience. How can you command his physical body if you do not have his mind? You are helping develop what is. I will give you a couple of exercises to do. For the first one, get a tug toy with a handle on the end of it. Then connect a Leash to it. From there, move backward in an engaged manner with your dog. You are essentially saying chase me. And your puppy must always come in for the bite. Do not jam the tug toy in his mouth. You have most likely seen this mistake before. However, if the pup attempts to rebite regrip let him. You are working toward the full mouth bite. Once his mouth is on the dog tug, give it to him but continue to hold the leash handle, never giving him full possession. When he moves back, minimize your tension to allow his muscles to contract. When he moves forward, move your arm away from you or toward you so the leash tension stays. That continuous tension maintains the challenge. Once he tries hard to pull to the ground, shake, or move back forcefully, let your leash go limp. This will give him a win and encourage the behavior. This will not teach your dog to be the boss of you, by the way. That would be you allowing him to take the tug toy with him at the end, which you should avoid by putting the jute, nylon, or leather tug up. Another tip about leash tension; if your dog is into the exercise but not pulling very hard, increase your lead tension. Ideally, in a few seconds, you would have pulled the tug away unless he pulled harder, thus earning a win. Usually, you would pull in an upward motion for this. For the 2nd exercise, The owner would not move back with the dog as in the first exercise. Usually if he swings it around, teasing the dog it will create an excited dog. From there he can swing it in front of the dog and get him to bite. The idea is to draw out the bite. Ideally you would not want the tug going at the dog directly. Puppies can also start bite sleeves very early but I do not recommend the owner wear the sleeve. And the same concepts apply. The dog gets wins. The dog flirt pole Is another dog toy to develop your dogs drive. Simply have your puppy or adult GSD Chase it and give it to him as a reward by going limp. Your dog will most likely take his mouth off of it, try to shred it and put his paw on it. This is when you can take it back and begin another chase, leading him back and forth or in circles. When to Introduce the 1st Agitator Some German Shepherd working line puppies Will defend owners or at least themselves at 12 weeks of age. I have personally worked with puppies like this from various breeds that have fiery temperaments, even younger than that. Although for most dogs this is not normal. Different levels of agitation should be introduced to your puppy at various periods of his development. And the bite gets better. That said, the amount of stress you put on a dog should be measured by their level of maturity. Every dog is a little different. And the more insecure the dog is genetically, the longer you should wait to do GDS protection training. Ideally, you might consider waiting until 6 months to a year to bring in a agitator that challenges your dog and you. This is where you will truly find out if your German Shepherd will protect you. Not to defend himself or your house or his back yard or to bite because of prey drive. German Shepherd protection is very powerful. Think about it. If someone was threatening you audibly in public you may have plenty of options to run away. But if someone grabbed your toddler you might try to hurt them, quickly and without hesitation. Consider beginning this exercise in a narrow pathway where the dog cannot ignore the situation. A very narrow alley or even a hallway in a building. Have the dog on a leash and harness or at least a very wide flat collar. Leather Collar is best. The dog can either be tied to something, in the control of a family member or a very good friend. The owner would be acting out as The victim of an attack. The person hitting the owner can use a Styrofoam cylindrical object like a flotation device or even a wiffleball bat. But the attack should look real. The owner should lay on the ground and be completely helpless, squirming and arms flailing. The instant the dog growls or barks at the attacker they should immediately disappear. After the dog is predictable, replicate the scenario and add more pressure to the dog. For example, A little closer to the attack or the dog has to bark more aggressively to make the bad guy go away. Also, after the dog predictably barks for the first time, add a verbal command. Again, the motivation is natural so most dogs will already bark. You do not need to teach When the dog gets close enough he should have a dog muzzle for biting purposes. A good rule of thumbs, if the GSD is making contact, he would bite. To Train your German shepherd to protect to his full potential, get a trainer with a dog bite suit. This will help him break past some of the taboos of putting his mouth on human skin without the muzzle on. Dogs definitely know when the suit is on and off and some make a game out of it. Just a final thought. Do you see the difference from what I described here vs next to his owner while protecting? German Shepherd protection training cost Can quickly turn into the thousands. But if you have your dog under control first personal protection does not have to be expensive at all. German Shepherd Guard Dogs I will differentiate German Shepherd guard dog training from personal protection for the convenience of categorization. Obviously there is some crossover where another expert could disagree. German guard dogs already have it in the breed. And a guard dog is just that. He is not protecting you while holding down the fort. Does your dog already bark at people when they come over? Does he scan your yard? A simple exercise would involve a person acting suspicious at your door. You can also stage it where the person steps into the home or into the yard. But the dog should be on a leash and harness. Otherwise if your dog was off leash he may not pursue the guy. Once the dog begins to bark, the guy should run away. So if personal protection is instinct regarding the owner, and to guard is to be like a junkyard dog, an attack dog would go for anyone on the street also called green dogs. And of course a given dog can meet all that criteria. How to train your German shepherd to attack is called training a dog in defense. This is because he is not actually protecting you or the house. He is defending himself! So you are literally learning How to make your German shepherd aggressive. This comes with a huge responsibility. You should have your dog fully trained in a couple commands first and muzzle trained first. Begin by having your dog on a harness or a wide collar and leash. You would be the one holding the other end of the leash. Have a planned stranger approach him from around 30 feet away. They should walk slowly toward him. Their shoulders should be squared with the dog and staring at him as if they were going to pick a fight. The strange person would refuse to look to the right or left. Once the dog growls or barks the person should run away out of sight. While the dog is snarling you should praise him. Once the guy disappears, give your dog affection. After the guy returns and you add a verbal command, observe. Does your dog bark immediately? Once he starts to get better put more pressure on him. Eventually were the guy would get closer and the dog would need a muzzle. You can work on the physiology of his bite with a suit. Although I would not be the one to wear the suit with my own dog. Otherwise the dog will think he cannot make the threat go away. He will end up with a dog that gives up. So yes, only do few minute sessions for this at the beginning. In that case your dog would already have went for the bite. German shepherd police training German Shepherd police dogs have very high prey drive. There is no fear involved when chasing and are experiencing a predatory state of mind. These lines of shepherds often come out fairly dominant as well. They begin as a Working line German Shepherd puppy. And that is their job they continue doing. To give you a brief idea of dog selection within police and military dogs, look at the this excerpt from the Second World War. During World War II 40, dogs were recruited, 18, were distributed and out of those About where we turn because of temperament or some other physical problem. Ultimately, about 10, were trained for the military Waller, .To simply sum things up, a personal protection dog is taken up with his owner. His master is his world. Obedience All Schutzhund training starts with obedience training for a reason. The reason is that the goal is not to train a dog to attack. It is to train a dog to stay calm under extreme provocation so the dog can see clearly how best to protect their charges, or even if protection is required. The German Shepherd will learn both passive restraint barking and herding and active restraint biting and holding. Most importantly, the dog learns to mind the trainer even if the command that is given means the dog has to retreat from an attack situation. Tracking In Schutzhund training, your German Shepherd will learn a very comprehensive type of tracking that starts with scent nose work and continues with the use of training aids that simulate footprints and different types of terrain. A full competitive tracking course includes all of the elements from easiest to hardest. Short and long trails, straight and divergent trails, articles items to scavenge or identify, close quarters and distance from handler tracking and all types of terrain from wet to dry and grass to soil. Tracking in a variety of conditions teaches your dog to stay focused, manage their stress, and stay the course no matter what obstacles come before them. Protection The protection training portion of Schutzhund training and competition evaluates a German Shepherd on the three basic drives that all GSDs have: defensive drive, prey drive, and social drive. The social drive is perhaps the most important because this is the drive that bonds your dog to you. You have to know that your German Shepherd understands who they are protecting and also who must be obeyed no matter what. This is your number one protection against canine aggression. The prey drive is a deeply instinctive drive that is born of an innate urge to chase, to hunt, to bite, to eat. The prey drive is what can quickly get out of hand if a German Shepherd is not properly trained in the art of protection. The defensive drive is more of a learned drive that is based on the ancient fight-or-flight survival instinct. A dog that is defensive will have all kinds of methods at their disposal, from growling or barking to running towards or running away. Rather, their ultimate goal is to see the threat in active retreat. If barking can accomplish that, then attack will not be needed. As Schutzhund Training explains, dogs in Schutzhund training learn to use all kinds of different grips, holds, and bites to protect their charges from an aggressor. By the time the training program has been completed, the dog should be able to demonstrate mastery both at close quarters with their handler and an attacker, and at a great distance from each. There are many different training programs available today that are designed to teach dogs of any breed how to serve as personal protection and guard dogs to people. As Mountain Canine College highlights, regardless of the training program, the dog must first be evaluated to see if they are a good fit. Some dogs may be less well suited for one versus the other. As we mentioned here earlier, Schutzhund training was specifically designed in Germany for training German Shepherd dogs to serve in protective K-9 roles. In either case, the basic method always starts with obedience training. Now you can see why it is so important to take training your German Shepherd to attack so seriously. You are training an incredibly strong and powerful dog with deep instincts that must be directed appropriately for your safety and the safety of others. Watch a German Shepherd Being Trained To Attack In this impressive YouTube video clip , you can watch a professional protection dog training team putting a month-old German Shepherd dog through his paces. The dog shows incredible drive, obedience, agility, and power. The most important thing to note when watching the video is that the German Shepherd does not display aggression. Aggression is not the same as the instinct to protect, guard, or even attack. Aggression in dogs is typically a symptom of insecurity or fearfulness rather than confidence and clarity. These are just a few of the reasons why German shepherds are the second-most-popular pet dog in America, according to the American Kennel Club. However, to become as skilled as these working pups are, proper German shepherd training is essential. But what exactly does that mean? This, however, is not necessarily the case. Although a guard dog is trained to watch for danger and alert their owners, they are not necessarily trained as an attack dog — they may be only a watchdog. Either way, the goal of the guard dog is to keep their family and property safe, either by barking or by physical action. This article will focus on training your German shepherd to guard by barking, not attacking. Training any dog to do physical protection work should be managed by professionals who have firsthand experience handling and training protection dogs. Effective training, whether it be guarding or basic obedience, will include some kind of reward for your pup, whether it be a treat, toy, or some love. Master obedience training and socialization Before you can get to the nitty-gritty of guarding, you and your dog need to master the basics of obedience. A group class will help your dog practice obedience while gaining experience around other people and pets. If your German shepherd is meant to guard a person, she should first establish a bond with that person — she may become naturally protective. This will definitely take some time and practice, but consistency is key when getting your buddy to understand when to bark and when not to. At this step, adding a few more commands to your repertoire may be helpful for both of you. Practice and reward desired behaviors Perhaps the most important step of the process is practicing and rewarding the guarding behaviors you want to see. Instead, many pup parents stage a trespassing situation in which they have a stranger approach their home, self, or dog — and then reward them, of course! Training your German shepherd to be a guard dog is time-consuming and requires some hard work, but its benefits last for life. Could you ask for more in a loving, protective companion? Editors' Recommendations. A security guard may only be on shift for 12 hours with the ability to stay prime for only 8 of those hours. A German Shepherd is vigilant even when their owners are resting. The first goal of a trained dog is to provide a deterrent. This obstacle alone will combat a large percentage of burglaries and home invasions. Our Practical Protection Program was created to aggressively engage these criminals and take the fight to them if necessary. Kraftwerk K9 is on the leading edge of obedience and protection dog training. Building on its long-standing schutzhund foundation, we are now going a step further by providing specialized practical application dog training. Our team of experienced trainers has responded to the increase of home violence by developing realistic training for families, executives, and high profile individuals. With the economy in turmoil it has become more prevalent to protect assets and family members. We are committed to providing protection by supplying highly skilled working dogs with revolutionary advanced training techniques. A common concern for many people today is burglary. The intruder will most likely disregard the opportunity to survey the home and immediately approach the door. Burglaries are crimes of opportunity met with no resistance. The burglar will knock on the door as if he is a neighbor or solicitor. If the homeowner comes to the door the intruder will conjure a reason for the visit. If the home is vacant the suspect will walk around to the rear and break in. Once inside the burglar typically has ample time to search the home and take valuables that can range anywhere from electronics and appliances to vehicles and personal information. Since the year , burglaries have increased dramatically becoming common occurrences across the United States. Home invasion robberies are significantly dissimilar from burglaries. Typically suspects target affluent families and neighborhoods. Home invasions are essentially robberies that occur while a family is home. The suspects will most likely survey the home and the victims to determine the assets of a household. The intruder enters the home with the full intention of initiating violence and panic. Criminals are becoming increasingly bold and desperate with little regard for consequence. At home and abroad these types of crimes have also been increasing since .While this is not immediately alarming on the surface, one should consider the definition of Robbery and consider the statistics. This statistic indicates that , of the robberies were home invasions. Other home invasions that were not tallied under robbery include: home invasion rapes, home invasion assaults and home invasion homicides. Kraftwerkk9 is dedicated to offering superior dogs to combat these would-be assailants. A security guard may only be on shift for 12 hours with the ability to stay prime for 8 of those hours. There are several training facilities around the United States that devalue the importance of Schutzhund training. Schutzhund was developed to put stress on the dog and the handler. Dogs that are SchH titled have been temperament and nerve tested by a licensed judge third party. This is the foundation of our practical protection candidates. Our team of experts use schutzhund trained dogs and prepare them to be family companions as well as protection specialists. Practical protection dogs do not need an unconcealed stimulation to engage an intruder i. The dog training shown above is very specialized and should not be attempted by non-professionals. Everything we wanted!! They truly breed the best German Shepherds.

Socialization training Obedience training All of these factors are crucial for your Golden Retriever in almost all cases. Golden Retrievers need daily physical activity Make no mistake — Golden Retrievers are active dogs with high energy levels. Ideally, you would want to keep them in a large backyard where they can run freely and exercise on their own. So what do we do? In fact, the typical dog will need at least 2 hours of exercise per day. We got you covered. When hunters shoot down a duck, these dogs are off to the races to retrieve the shot game. Swimming — This is especially great if somehow your apartment allows dogs in the community pool make sure to check. They also have all the physical qualities of an efficient swimmer. Plus, they tend to love being in water. But be careful — these dogs need proper training. Also, bring water! These are just a few examples of great physical activity games you can do with your Golden Retriever. However, feel free to test things out and be creative. Dogs will enjoy different things. If the dog is stuck in a confined space without proper and sufficient exercise, the dog will likely become destructive over time. Couch ripped open, trash can flipped over and things scattered everywhere. Mental stimulation for your dog is essential Perhaps just as important and maybe more as physical activity is mental stimulation. But what exactly is it and why does a Golden Retriever living in an apartment need mental stimulation? The smarter your dog, the more of this they will need. And trust me — Golden Retrievers are incredibly smart dogs. Would Einstein be happy watching mindless TV all day? You can spend all two hours a day playing catch with your Golden Retriever, but they may still be anxious and restless in the home. And some owners report that 15 minutes of mental exercises can tire their Golden Retrievers more than 30 minutes of physical exercise. Here are some great mental exercises for Golden Retrievers: Dog puzzles Letting your Golden Retriever smell the plants and scenery at a park scent games Hide and seek with your Golden Retriever Obedience training not just learning new tricks but also performing old ones! Consider giving them at least 30 minutes per day. But if you have the time, more is often better. Crate training is even more important in apartments Yes, crate training is recommended for all dogs. So what is crate training? This type of training will teach your dog to control his or her bladder or bowel while living indoors. How does crate training work? This is highly recommended when the dog is just a puppy. Plus, the crate must be spacious enough. Instead, it should be spacious enough for the crate to feel like a safe space for the dog. That said, we recommend a few crates for Golden Retrievers. But our top pick is the Midwest Homes iCrate. Without doubt, this is the best dog crate. It has all the features that make it easy-to-use, convenient and reliable. I actually use this crate with both of our dogs Corgi and Aussie and they both love it. Socialization training as a puppy Socializing training means letting your Golden meet all different types of people and dogs in their puppy years. This is so that they become less frightened or anxious of real-world stimuli as an adult. But why is socialization training so important for a Golden Retriever living in an apartment? Well, in an apartment complex, the dog is likely to encounter all types of people and dogs. In the end, socialization training just keeps your Golden Retriever on his or her best behavior. Socializing a golden retriever is as easy as it gets. That said, we would suggest you start letting them play and interact with others around 7 to 8 weeks of age. In addition, a socialized Golden will be better at perceiving whether something is a real threat or a friendly encounter. Again, this is crucial in a crowded building like an apartment complex. And yes, obedience training is a great mental exercise for these dogs. However, I want to dive into obedience a little more and discuss why its so important to be mentioned twice. Your Golden Retriever will constantly be presented with all types of stimuli and reacting to it. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Want to know if you can have a golden retriever while living in an apartment? Golden retriever puppies need to pee often. And by often, I mean as frequently as every hour. Can you handle taking your pup outside every hour? Step 2: Take them to the same spot Dogs like to go potty where they smell their previous business, so taking them to the same spot every time will help them know where to go. Warning: this need can backfire on you when they have an accident, so see step 5 for how to manage it. Step 5: Handle accidents correctly Like I said in step 2, dogs like to go where they smell their previous business. For more in depth information about potty training, read this blog post about how to potty train your golden retriever , and download the free potty training cheat sheet. You might not have an option, but at least do lots of research and careful consideration before choosing this route. When our golden retriever, Oliver, was a puppy, we lived in a small apartment. He had TONS of energy and it was a little tough, but we made it work. Tip 2: Train your golden Training , like puzzle toys, makes your dog think, which is tiring and satisfying for them. Tip 6: Take your golden to doggy daycare One of my good friends has an energetic dog and lives in a tiny apartment in Boston. Tip 7: Teach your dog to love chew toys Chew toys are an excellent way for dogs to blow off some steam and entertain themselves. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! If you live in a big house, this can mean lots of sweeping and vacuuming … But not if you live in a small apartment! Golden retrievers are on the bigger side usually between pounds. This makes it a little harder for them to live in an apartment than, say, a five lb. Will a golden retriever destroy an apartment? If a golden retriever is anxious or not physically and mentally satisfied, they may become destructive. Are golden retrievers allowed in apartments? Some apartments may have rules about whether or not dogs are allowed. They may have size limits or only allow certain breeds, so check with the office to make sure a golden retriever is allowed. Are golden retrievers too loud for apartments? They also have frequent zoomies, which may be a little unpleasant for the neighbors downstairs. Is it unhealthy for golden retrievers to live in an apartment? Can golden retrievers adapt to living in an apartment? Golden retrievers who grew up in a house can adapt to living in an apartment as long as their energy needs are met. Can rescue golden retrievers live in an apartment? Some golden retriever rescues require a house with a fenced-in yard, so keep that in mind if you want to rescue a golden retriever. Are some golden retrievers better for apartment living than others? Not all golden retrievers are created equal. Some goldens, like field bred golden retrievers , typically have more energy than those bred for the show ring. Have any questions about raising a godlen retriever in apartment? Have you had golden retrievers in an apartment? Let me know down in the comments! Related articles:. Another size issue is how big or small your apartment is. Golden Retrievers require lots of activity. While they are highly adaptable, they need a lot more space than you would imagine to thrive and be comfortable. Noise The bad news is that Golden Retrievers do bark. The good news is they are not constant barkers. However, apartments might offer the Golden Retriever ample reasons to bark. There are just many people congested in an apartment complex, which means many more distractions. Neighbors, other dogs, and children could all be reasons for a Golden Retriever to bark. Consider as well that there is a lot of foot traffic all around the apartment. This can get your Golden excited, and they may bark or get agitated in the process. Your Golden might struggle with being quiet if there are many people walking by its apartment door. Goldens, like any dog, can also be prone to barking if bored. Also, consider the noise if you have a large dog running around on floors. What will neighbors below hear? Do you work shifts or part-time, or is someone home most of the time? What tools will you have in place to ensure your Golden physical, mental, and socialization needs are met, as well as adequate bathroom breaks. Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent and highly active dogs, which means they need adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs need socialization with other people and dogs as well. Balancing physical, mental, and social needs ensure your Golden Retriever is healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Also, keep in mind that Golden Retrievers are highly social dogs and bond closely with their owners or family. They prefer to be where their people are. Therefore, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long durations. A whining and howling dog could pose issues with neighbors. Never mind the duress it puts on the dog. The welfare of the dog, and respect for your neighbors, need to be first and second on the list when considering a dog for apartment living. Make sure your schedule allows for meeting the physical, mental and social needs of your Golden Retriever. Activity Level Golden Retrievers are highly active dogs. And so apartment owners need to ask how they will exercise their Golden Retriever. Apartments are limited in space and do not offer the convenience of a home, where playing fetch or tug in the backyard is more easily doable, and an owner does not have to worry about disturbing neighbors underfoot. A bored, under-exercised, and under-stimulated Golden Retriever is not only an unhealthy dog but much more prone to undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing. Making sure your Golden Retriever has adequate exercise and mental stimulation is a must. Yes, physical exercise is required for all Golden Retrievers, regardless of where it lives. Still, it can be a bit more challenging with apartment living due to a lack of space, the floor you live on, and no easily accessible outdoor area, i. Property Damage Golden Retrievers shed a lot. If you are a renter, this could require a lot of extra cleaning for you to get the deposit back. So, proper grooming is a must. And that means brushing weekly during regular sheds and daily during the semi-annual big sheds when Goldens blow their coats. Understanding the maintenance requirements of a Golden Retriever and any potential issues is essential. I wrote an article on the maintenance requirements for Golden Retrievers and what to expect from shedding, health issues, exercise needs, and much more. Chewing helps relieve anxiety and boredom. That could be your slippers, a TV remote, or it might be the corner of a wall or some cupboards — this could affect your damage deposit if your renting. Bailey liked to chew anything and everything as a puppy. Baseboards were one of his prime targets. Will someone come in to take the dog outside, or will you use other tools such as pee pads? What about your damage deposit if carpets or floors get stained or if odors have permeated rugs or wood. Bathroom Breaks Using pee pads is not ideal. It teaches the dog to go inside the house. If outside is not an option, consider a potting container with some sod or fake grass instead of a pee pad. Dogs naturally prefer going on a grassy area. So, a one-month-old puppy can hold its bladder for hours, a two-month-old , and so forth. However, bladder hold time should never exceed 4 hours, meaning even an adult dog should be allowed to go every 4 hours. Consider getting an apartment as close to the ground floor as possible. The higher your apartment is, the more tedious the bathroom issue becomes. Golden Retrievers are amazing dogs but make no mistake; they require a lot of work. All dogs need your attention and companionship, although how much varies with breed. Golden Retrievers are a breed that falls on the higher end of the scale for attention and thrives with constant companionship. You can help your Golden Retriever adjust to apartment living by ensuring all its basic needs are met. Consider enlisting help from dog walkers or sitters, neighbors, friends, or family, or use a doggie daycare. Golden Retrievers can be very much like children in many ways. They require meals, bathroom breaks, playtime, toys, snacks, exercise, and taught things like obedience and manners. It can be even more difficult if you work all day and live in an apartment. But, it can be done with adequate planning and preparation. Gotta, a Golden puppy? I have you covered. Now, suppose you have the flexibility to be home throughout the day or work from home. In that case, having a Golden Retriever in an apartment is not as big of an issue. Dog Sitter A dog sitter is essentially in-home babysitting for your dog. Most will do it at their home and have multiple dogs, but some will offer to come to your home privately at a higher cost. Some dog walkers will also provide dog sitting as an added service. The doggie daycare will have multiple dogs and large areas for playing. Bailey is enjoying a day at doggie daycare. His favorite time of the week. Dog Walker Dog walkers can be a great option depending on your budget. They provide potty relief for the pup, exercise, and much-needed socialization if the service includes walking with more than one dog. Friends, Family, or Neighbors Friends, family, or neighbors can be a great resource if you have a good relationship and trust them. Like friends and family, make sure your neighbor is onboard with your training methods. Friends, family, or neighbors should also have a personable temperament, like dogs, and have some basic experience handling them. Teach Your Golden Retriever To Be Alone With neighbors so close by and such high foot traffic in the hallways, separation anxiety for your Golden Retriever is a genuine concern. Consider that your dog will hear people in the hallway walking, talking, and so forth. It must be dealt with proactively. Golden Retriever will experience separation anxiety to varying degrees. When teaching a Golden Retriever puppy or adult to be alone, an excellent way to begin is to place a high-value chew toy in the crate or confined area with your puppy. Then leave the room for 30 seconds to a minute or less and return. Next, reward your puppy and give him praise. Gradually increase the time you are away and your distance. Start slowly. Maybe in a room for a minute, then two, and so forth. After a while, leave the apartment but keep the first few times short. For example, the first time can be about a minute or two before returning. Then five, seven, ten minutes, and so forth, before you return. The goal is to teach your Golden Retriever that when you leave that you will return. When leaving, always be as low-key as possible. Leave the hugs and kisses for when you come home. Final Thoughts Apartment life can work if you are willing to put the time and effort into balancing the needs of your Golden Retriever with those of your neighbors. Determining what limitations or issues exist beforehand and implementing a plan to deal with those is critical. The great news is that if you consider all the issues discussed and plan accordingly, then a Golden Retriever can live in an apartment in relative comfort and with minimal problems. As urban living becomes increasingly popular, many prospective dog owners find themselves wondering whether certain breeds can comfortably thrive in an apartment setting. One popular breed that often comes to mind is the Golden Retriever. So, can Golden Retrievers live in an apartment? The short answer is yes, Golden Retrievers can live in an apartment as long as their specific needs are met. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Golden Retrievers, assess their suitability for apartment living, and provide tips for keeping a Golden Retriever happy and healthy in an apartment environment. Golden Retriever Breed Characteristics Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. They are a medium to large breed, with males typically weighing between pounds and females between pounds. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers have a high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Things to Consider for Golden Retriever Apartment Living While Golden Retrievers are larger and more energetic than some other breeds, it is possible for them to live in an apartment, provided that their specific needs are met. Here are some factors to consider when determining whether a Golden Retriever is suitable for your apartment lifestyle. Exercise and Physical Activity Golden Retrievers require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and burn off excess energy. Apartment dwellers should ensure they can commit to providing their dog with at least one hour of physical activity each day. This can include walks, trips to a nearby dog park, or play sessions in a securely fenced area. Mental Stimulation In addition to physical exercise, Golden Retrievers also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and promote overall well-being. Apartment residents can provide mental enrichment through training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games. Make sure your living space offers ample room for your dog to move around and play, as well as designated areas for sleeping, eating, and playing. Noise Levels Golden Retrievers are generally not known to be excessive barkers, but it is essential to consider the noise level in your apartment building. Ensure that your dog is well-socialized and trained to minimize barking and other noise-related issues that may disturb neighbors. Socialization Golden Retrievers are sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with their human family and other pets. If you work long hours or are frequently away from home, consider arranging for a dog walker, pet sitter, or doggy daycare to ensure your dog receives adequate social interaction during the day. Consider investing in space-saving pet furniture, such as foldable crates or multi-functional pieces that can serve as both storage and sleeping areas. Install a sturdy barrier or screen to prevent your dog from accidentally falling or jumping off the balcony. Inform them about your Golden Retriever and work together to address any concerns or issues that may arise. Regular baths and professional grooming appointments can also help keep shedding under control and maintain a clean living environment. Take your dog outside at consistent times throughout the day and reward them for eliminating outdoors. You may also consider using an indoor system, such as a grass patch or pee pads, for emergencies or inclement weather. This can help minimize noise disturbances and create a more harmonious living situation in your apartment building. Additionally, make sure to block off any small, confined spaces where your dog could potentially become trapped. Offer a variety of toys, such as chew toys, squeaky toys, and treat-dispensing toys, to provide mental and physical stimulation. This can include dog walking, playdates, or pet sitting services. A strong support network will ensure that your dog receives consistent care and socialization, even when your schedule is busy. Conclusion While Golden Retrievers are larger and more energetic than some other breeds, they can successfully adapt to apartment living with proper care, exercise, and mental stimulation. By considering the factors discussed in this article and implementing the provided tips, you can create a comfortable, happy home for your Golden Retriever in an apartment setting. Give us a call at or make an appointment online. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. The assumption is that big dogs require extra space due to their size. The good news is that Golden Retrievers can thrive in apartments if the right amount of consideration is given to their needs. Food and water, a soft place to sleep, and the family members around them are all that Goldens need to be comfortable and happy inside their homes. Golden Retrievers are good for apartment living if they are given the proper amount of care. Your dream of owning one of these affectionate, sweet dogs can still be a reality, regardless of the size of your living space. Due to their intelligence and loving dispositions, today, they are used as service or therapy dogs. They are also beloved family companions. Releasing this energy is important, however. When Goldens are in apartments for long periods without any way to exercise or receive any mental stimulation, they can become bored and start displaying unwelcome behaviors. Goldens need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise twice a day in order to remain calm and content at home. Even if they live in large houses, these dogs need exercise that only running and playing can provide. Most Golden Retrievers must be exercised outside of the home, no matter how big it is. Your apartment may not have the space for this, but there is plenty outside. Going on walks, visiting dog parks or dog beaches, and playing games of fetch in fenced-in areas will allow your dog to get the physical activity that they need. It may be unsafe to be outdoors for long periods due to it being too hot or too cold. Your pup still needs to go on walks outdoors in any weather for potty breaks. Go for rides in the car. Play games in the house like hide and seek or fetch, even if it means simply throwing the ball across the room for your dog to catch. Keep them entertained and engaged until the weather clears and you can go outside to exercise again. Dog daycares provide indoor areas for dogs to play with other dogs, swim, or just relax in the presence of people and other animals. Daycares give your dog mental and physical stimulation. They may come home exhausted from their day. This means you get to relax too. Another option is to consider a dog walker. This person will come to your home every day at a certain time and take your dog on a full walk. If your Golden Retriever is going to be alone in your apartment for long periods, keep their mind busy. Puzzles, treat balls, and frozen Kongs work great to keep your Golden happy and give them something to do until you return. With puzzles , your dog must figure out how to get at the hidden treats by moving certain parts and unlocking the rewards. Treat balls keep your dog entertained and moving as they roll these around to release the goods. A Kong can be filled with low-fat plain yogurt or peanut butter and then frozen, providing your dog with a treat that lasts for hours and keeps them busy. Image Credit: Photology, Shutterstock Training All dogs should be trained at least to some degree, but a Golden Retriever is a large dog and needs manners in order for the relationship between you and your dog to be pleasant. This is especially true if your living space is on the smaller side. They enjoy following commands and pleasing their owners. Shedding Your Golden Retriever is going to shed. Be prepared for this in your apartment. Regular daily brushing can help keep this under control, but there will simply always be dog hair in your home. The smaller the space, the quicker the hair will accumulate. Furniture covers, vacuuming, and lint rolling may be part of your new routine. If you live in a smaller space, you might find yourself cleaning more often than normal. Consider if you are willing to accept this before bringing this dog home. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock Regular Vet Visits In an apartment building setting, your dog is likely to come into contact with people, other animals, and countless germs as they enter and exit the building. Regular vet checkups are important for all pets. Many illnesses can spread between dogs through respiratory droplets. The same is true if your dog visits daycare facilities. However, the dogs at these facilities are required to be fully vaccinated and healthy before attending. The health of the other dogs in your building is unknown. People who come and go may also drop trash, food, and other items that your dog might pick up in their mouth as you are walking them through the hallways or entering an elevator. Be on the lookout for these things as you walk your dog throughout the building, and make sure to have your dog seen by a vet at least once every year. Always feed your dog the recommended amount of food for their weight and give them treats sparingly. If you are using things like puzzles and treat balls, factor those calories into their recommended daily allowance. Image Credit: chendongshan, Shutterstock Watch Out for Balconies If you live in an apartment that has an open outdoor balcony, always use caution when allowing your dog to join you out there. If you open the balcony doors for fresh air without going outside, make sure the screen door is closed. Never leave your Golden outside on the balcony alone. If they are, fill the spaces with mesh netting or plastic garden fencing. These dogs can do well in any living space as long as their needs are met. With proper training and socialization, you can have a well-mannered dog that adapts well to your home. If you provide them with the exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation that they need, they will be happy to live with you in any setting. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog for good reason. They are gentle, affectionate, easily trained breed, and their sweet, smiling faces and easy-going temperaments are hard to resist. Chances are you already know that Golden Retrievers are excellent companions, great with children, and are friendly and outgoing, but what if you happen to live in an apartment? Is your dream of owning a Golden Retriever even possible? Yes, as long as they are given adequate exercise, are properly trained, are provided with frequent mental stimulation, and are groomed routinely, Golden Retrievers can adapt quite well to apartment living. Some breeds are famous for being really good apartment dogs. So, what about larger dogs like Golden Retrievers? Can they be happy living in an apartment? Can it really work? Keep reading to learn how. Understand the Breed Expecting a healthy Golden Retriever to behave like an English Bulldog, for example, content to lounge around for most of his waking hours, will only set you up for disappointment. You need to be realistic in your expectations when bringing home a Golden Retriever. Active Golden Retrievers were purposely bred to be active, energetic, intelligent dogs with a strong desire to work alongside their owners in the field for hours at a time. Out-of-control energy levels? They may bark to alert you when someone approaches your door, but they are more likely to try to make friends with an intruder than to actively guard your possessions. Love People Goldens are famously friendly and loving. These sweet-natured dogs love to be around people, especially their family, and thrive when given plenty of attention and affection. Some barking is to be expected. Golden Retrievers live life with such exuberance and care-free attitudes that they might bark with delight at anything that brings them joy or excitement. Spotting through the window a squirrel leaping from limb to limb may elicit a bark or two as might someone ringing the doorbell or children outside screeching with enthusiasm while they play. Situations that confuse or frighten them may also cause a few barks. Dogs at Heart Expect your Golden Retriever to act like a Golden Retriever, not a dainty, little lapdog or a cat, and be prepared to make a few adjustments or compromises to your lifestyle along the way. Exercise Ensuring your Golden Retriever receives enough daily exercise is key to happily cohabiting in an apartment setting. Goldens are rather energetic and need a proper outlet for their energy, or bad behavior may result. Two exercise sessions lasting 20 — 30 minutes each will usually be enough daily exercise for the average Golden. Try jogging, hiking, or teach your dog to trot beside you while you ride your bicycle. Dog parks also give your pup the rare opportunity to run free, so be sure to bring along a tennis ball or Frisbee to play fetch with your retrieving pal. Tip: On rainy days, run up and down an indoor or covered staircase several times with your Golden for a challenging physical workout for both of you. Training Because space is often limited in apartments, training your Golden Retriever is critical. Good doggy manners will go a long way towards an enjoyable relationship. It almost goes without saying that the sooner your Golden Retriever is completely housebroken, the better. This training is admittedly harder to accomplish for those living in apartments, but with some extra effort, it certainly is possible. Some owners choose to allow their dog to use doggy pee pads during the night if the need arises to avoid having to take their dog outside in their pajamas. Mental Stimulation Bored dogs often get into trouble, and Golden Retrievers are no exception. These intelligent dogs need mentally engaging activities to keep their mind busy and prevent destructive behaviors associated with boredom. Car rides, visiting pet-friendly stores, playing games like hide-and-seek, socializing at the dog park, and figuring out a tricky puzzle toy are all great ways to encourage your dog to use his mind. The secret to controlling the mess is to brush, brush, brush. The more loose fur you remove with the brush, the less will accumulate in your home. At least every other day, brush your Golden thoroughly with a high-quality slicker brush , and then go over the coat with a well-constructed deshedding tool. Safety Precautions Balconies and windows that are within reach of your Golden Retriever can be dangerous. Never leave your dog unattended on a balcony or porch, and consider installing window safety guards , especially if your apartment is not ground level and you often open the windows to enjoy some fresh air. A perfect solution may be to hire a reputable dog walker to come by to exercise and interact with your dog. Check with Rover , Wag! Another idea is to solicit the help of a neighbor during the day. Apartment dwellers really have the advantage here as there are so many people nearby. Ask a fellow dog lover if he or she would take your Golden for a quick walk once or twice during the day in exchange for free babysitting on the weekends. Related Posts:.

His breeding program focuses on improving the health and well-being of the breed by selecting breedable parents with the best traits to produce healthy, multi-generational Labradoodle puppies. He also begins crate training each puppy at five weeks. In addition to getting microchipped, socialized, vaccinated, and dewormed, each puppy goes home with ALAA registration and a two-year health guarantee. Limited Litter Availability Ethical breeders usually limit the number of litters their breedable Labradoodle mothers produce each year to ensure that each puppy gets equal attention as their littermates. This protocol lets the mothers get months of rest before producing their next litter or retiring. Limited litter production also applies to breeders who specialize in breeding other designers Doodles. Health Prioritization Reputable breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in PA should get their dogs tested for several hereditary health issues to avoid producing litters with potentially unhealthy puppies. Although Labradoodles are a generally hardy dog breed, they can become susceptible to eye, hip, elbow, knee, and cardiac diseases. Experience with the Breed The best Labradoodle breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience working with the breed they can relay to first-time owners with countless questions. The time it takes to bring your puppy home after filling out an application can vary depending on where you look. I was very lucky in that my breeder had a litter of puppies available at the time I was looking for one. In fact, I spotted an advert for puppies on Facebook, and I was able to go and view them right away. At the time, the pups were only four weeks old, so I did have to wait for four weeks until they were old enough to leave their mother and had received their first vaccinations. That time gave me a chance to buy everything I needed for the new arrival and to puppy-proof as best I could my home and garden. Your life will suddenly get a whole lot busier once your furbaby lands! We made a list of ethical breeders from nearby states, which you can try:. We use our own Snowy River Training Program to help our puppies develop into confident and well-behaved companions. We offer a wide range of Labradoodle colors and sizes to choose from, including mini and medium. We are committed to providing the best possible homes for our Labradoodles and will work with you to ensure a smooth adoption process. Bashful Life is better with a Labradoodle by your side! Come and meet Bashful! He is a sweet loving, cuddly boy. Already crate trained and loves to go for walks. Also, loves the water! Come and meet Doc. He loves adventure and would love a home with an active family. Already Crate Trained! Frequently Asked Questions Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. With decades of experience, we have been breeding the finest Labradoodles and providing families with loving, healthy, and well-socialized puppies. What is the breeding process at Snowy River Doodles? Our breeding program focuses on producing puppies with excellent temperaments, sound health, and beautiful coats. We carefully select our breeding dogs from top-quality lines, ensuring the highest standards in health and temperament. Our puppy has begun potty training and crate training. What does that mean? We use a litter box placed in their pen starting at three weeks of age and gradually make the pen larger as they begin to recognize the potty area. This trains the puppies to potty in one area. When you go home, that area will be outside. At six weeks, they begin spending time outside. At this time, they also start eating at least one meal a day in a crate by themselves and they spend some time in a crate for a few hours during the day. We put an old towel and chew toy in the crate with them. Do you ship? No, we no longer ship puppies. We feel that there are enough labradoodle breeders across the country to find one locally and there is no need to put a puppy through this stressful process. I am willing to meet owners at the Philadelphia or Harrisburg Airport if you wish to fly in and take your puppy back home with you under your seat. Please inquire if you are interested in this. There are additional fees and requirements. Our Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive early socialization and basic training. We introduce them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences to ensure they are well-adjusted and prepared for life with their new families. Can I visit Snowy River Doodles to meet the puppies and their parents? At Snowy River, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies. Only families with deposits will be able to visit once puppies are 6 weeks old. And meet the parents at that time. His parents are Tally and Huey. Tina was very responsive throughout the adoption process and you can tell she really cares about her dogs and where the puppies go. Eli has a huge personality and is such a sweetheart. Training was pretty easy as he is super smart. He adapted well when we added our daughter in and is very patient with her. We love our Eli so much and he has added so much to our little family. Thank you Tina for the best companion and snuggle buddy. He is smart, funny and still, at 6 years old, very mischievous! He is the second doodle I got from Snowy River Labradoodles. Sadly his brother, Baxter has crossed the rainbow bridge. They have the most wonderful temperament and are just so much fun. Tina does a wonderful job working with the puppies and is such a pleasure to deal with. There has never been and never will be another dog like her! She smiles at us, she stands up and hugs us when we get home, she brings pure happiness to everyone she meets! She is a little more timid when going out in public so pet therapy is not in her future career. She is still the sweetest! She comes around and gives everyone in our family love, not missing anyone. When you arrive home, she always goes and grabs her babies to show you. She knows so many tricks and was so easy to teach! Our year-old daughter taught her sit, roll over, shake, jump through a hula hoop, tell a secret, weave between your legs, high five and even how to push a button to ask for a treat. She likes to put on dog shows for our company! We really did our research before purchasing our first doodle and man did we choose right when we came to you! We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Pennsylvania? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Pennsylvania. Our pups are perfect for anyone who loves dogs but hates the thought of allergies or piles of hair all over the house. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Uptown Puppies are bred to be even more adorable, soft and cuddly than your average Labradoodle. Friendliest Dispositions Australian Labradoodles are world-famous for their friendliness and patience. Extremely Intelligent Because of their elite heritage—boasting genes from the obedient and eager Labrador Retriever and the hyper-smart Poodle—Australian Labradoodles are a cinch to train. When you take home an Uptown Puppy, you join that family—which is why we provide the best food, supplements and training aids to help you raise the happiest Doodle possible. Perfect Family Pet Aussie Labradoodles are very adaptable, and feel right at home in a variety of living conditions. And with puppies in four different sizes, choosing your dream dog has never been more fun! Our network allows people all over the country to meet the happy, healthy dog of their dreams—including Pennsylvania. We want each and every litter to be just as healthy and happy as the last!

Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:.

It is suitable for the teeth It is good for the liver. It provides adequate nutrition. It is rich in PUFAs. It is enriched with colostrum. It has a high fibre content. It contains glucosamine for maintaining bone health. It has omega fatty acids. It is easy on the gut. It is uniquely formulated for puppies. It is suitable for weight-watching. It is enriched with DHA. It is suitable for digestion. It helps muscle growth Best overall product: There are many dog food options for German Shepherds available in the market, and each of them has a unique formula and offers exciting benefits. It gives your dog a complete and balanced meal with the right amounts of protein, fats and fibre. It takes care of adequate muscle and bone growth, is easy to digest, and is good for their teeth. Best value for money: For just Rs. It is also great for their coat and keeps it shiny and soft. It promotes muscle development and is easily digestible. It has the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals. How To find the right fog food? We must give our pets proper nutrition with their food. A good diet is the best way to ensure a healthy dog. Dog foods for german shepherds must include the right quantity of proteins, fats and fibres. They should be a balanced meal to ensure good muscle growth, good gut health and a shiny coat. You must also ensure that the dog food provides adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to make up a sound immune system. Since most dog foods come with flavour options, you can choose the ones your dog likes best and make their meals enjoyable. You may be interested in Product. Though all types of vegetables are not healthy for your German shepherd, so here we will share a proper chart of vegetables that are best for your German shepherd. People technically know this as a fruit, but this is a vegetable item, so we listed it here. It consists of potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin K, A, and C. Overall, squash help to develop a high immune system that can prevent certain diseases such as diarrhea. It is mainly useful for German shepherd muscles, skin, and eyes. If you serve raw butternut squash, it will be difficult for your German shepherd to digest the squash. Besides, this butternut squash has a good taste with a nutty and sweet flavor. So we must suggest you not add salt, fats, or sugar when you cook this for your German shepherd. You can serve this butternut squash to your German shepherd by making a roast or soup. You may know that Vitamin A is essential for the eyes, skin, and coat. First, introduce small quantities of bell pepper to your German shepherd before adding this to your German shepherd vegetables item. When serving this bell pepper to your German shepherd, you have to dispel the seed from this and cook this. Cooked bell pepper also enhances their digestibility. For spicier varieties, we suggest no to give other pepper except bell peppers. This Chinese cabbage consists of phosphorous, fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamin C, K, A. So, you can keep this vegetable item in your German shepherd diet chart. Your German shepherd can only eat its leaves because the German shepherd cannot digest other parts of it. You can cut its leaves into small pieces to feed your German shepherd. Carrots Carrot Carrot contains a high fiber source with low calories. It has copper, potassium, manganese, iron, vitamin A, B9, C, and K, pantothenic acid. Moreover, if your German shepherd is pregnant, carrots can take first place on your German shepherd diet list. It can also produce red types of blood cells and sustain oxygen in the body. Carrots also prevent cancer. Anyone can make a balanced diet for their German shepherd with this carrot. Again, some German shepherd likes to eat raw carrots. You can also serve steam carrots to your German shepherd. Overall, carrots can be the best food for a German shepherd. Eggplant Eggplant Vegetables for German shepherdsare useful for their bones and for improving their immune system against some diseases. Eggplant is one of them. Eggplant can prevent kidney disease of your German shepherd. The eggplant is also known as brinjals or aubergines, containing vitamin K and B, potassium, and fiber. Raw eggplant can cause trouble to their digesting process, so it is better to serve cooked eggplant to your German shepherd. Moreover, you can provide it to your German shepherd as baked, roasted, and grilled. You can also consult your veterinarian before eggplant inclusive in the German shepherd food chart. Beetroots Beetroot Beetroots has vitamin C, iron, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Its ironworks prevent anemia in the German shepherd body. It also contains minerals that help to boost the German shepherd nervous system and immune system. Beetroots can develop the healthy renal function and bones of your German shepherd. You can give these raw beetroots to your German shepherd. But many German shepherds have allergies to beetroot. So before you serve this to your German shepherd, confirm that your shepherd has such an allergy or not. Green Beans Green Beans Green beans are the only vegetable item you can serve as canned, steamed, and raw to your German shepherd. It is safe for your shepherd, consisting of vitamins A, B6, C, high fiber, calcium, iron, and low calories. If you want to reduce the weight of your German shepherd, then Green beans are the best choice for you. But do not take green beans diet for your German shepherd without direction from the veterinarian. We say yes, you can keep this tomato item in your German shepherd vegetables list. But do not give them green tomatoes. You can be fed only red and ripe tomatoes to your German shepherd. Avoid serving leaves or steam part of tomatoes because steam and leaves contain solanine. Solanine is harmful to any animal. Pumpkin Pumpkin Pumpkin is a safe vegetable for your German shepherd. Pumpkin contains high nutrients with Vitamin A, C, E, lutein, calcium, fiber, and iron. People who want their German shepherd to lose weight can put pumpkin items in their balanced diet. Pumpkin also helps to cure diarrhea. You can serve this pumpkin with your regular German shepherd homemade food. Cucumber Cucumber Though cucumber is known as a fruit, some people treat cucumber as a vegetable, so we listed it here. In the summer, cucumber is the best food for a German shepherd. Cucumber is one of the loaded watery vegetables which can keep your German shepherd hydrated. Lots of Vitamin C, K, and B1, magnesium, calcium, potassium exist in the cucumber. You can serve cucumber to your German shepherd with its skin, or you can cut the raw cucumber into small pieces and serve your German shepherd. We suggest you not feed excess cucumber to your German shepherd. Sweet Potato Sweet Potato Feeding sweet potatoes to your German shepherd helps to improve their digestive system and transporting oxygen. Sweet potatoes have high nutrition with iron, vitamin A, C, E, B6, calcium, thiamine, copper, and potassium. It can increase the immune system too. You can serve cooked and only skin removed potatoes to your German shepherd. You can also provide boiled or mashed potatoes to them. If your German shepherd has a diabetic problem, you have to avoid giving it to them or feed them less amount of it. Celery Celery Celery is another vegetable for your German shepherd, which keeps them healthy. Celery consists of fiber, potassium, manganese, folate, and lots of vitamins C, A, and K. Even veterinarian also recommend celery for dogs. Broccoli Broccoli You can serve both raw and cooked broccoli to your German shepherd. Broccoli is indeed a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Although, overeaten broccoli creates gastric irritation in your German shepherd stomach. So, cut it into small pieces in a minimal amount is the best way to serve your German shepherd. Corn Corn While you are having a busy day, you can give your German shepherd corn a quick boost of energy. Corn contains more amounts of protein, antioxidants, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and fiber. Existing carbohydrates develop the motility and gut health of your German shepherd. You can add a little amount of corn to your German shepherd-balanced diet. A minimal amount of popcorn or canned corn can be served to your German shepherd. Radish Radish Radish is the ultimate vegetable for your German shepherd, improving the digestive system and immunity system. It contains vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. This vegetable can be served raw to your German shepherd. Overeaten radish causes diarrhea and gas. In a regular eating habit, German shepherd used to eat human foods. But every human food may have toxic for a German shepherd. Excess eating human foods are also risky for your German shepherd. We provide here some non-toxic food that can be feed to the German shepherd; these are- Peanut. German Shepherds, like all other domestic dogs, fall into the taxonomical order of Carnivora. Despite this, they are actually considered to be omnivores. Four main physiological facts exist that support this idea. German Shepherds have blunt molars. These are capable of grinding up fibrous plants. German Shepherds can digest carbohydrates. German Shepherds are capable of using plant-based essential nutrients and vitamins. German Shepherds have smaller intestines compared to those of other known omnivores. Dogs can digest and absorb nutrients such as carbohydrates in cereals, fruit, and legumes due to the concept of epigenetics. This is how the environment can cause changes to how the body works. Significantly, they have amylase genes which means they can actually digest plant starch. German Shepherds can survive on a vegan diet, but there is a difference between surviving and thriving. So, can German Shepherds be healthy eating only plant-based foods? Very little research exists on the benefits and dangers of a vegan diet for dogs. This is because the topic is relatively new. A lack of evidence proving that a meatless diet is bad for dogs is not the same as having evidence demonstrating its benefits. Although, the opposite is also true. Based on currently available information, i. There are even quite a few veterinarians who feed their dogs plant-based diets. A quick Google search will undoubtedly find you plenty of options, and The American College of Veterinary Nutrition has an online directory of board-certified veterinary nutritionists. What to Consider Before Changing Your German Shepherd to a Vegan Diet Understand the Responsibility If you are looking to change your German Shepherd onto a vegan diet, we assume it is because you are a vegan yourself and have strong personal ethics, or your dog is suffering from a food allergy. You will undoubtedly have done your research and spoke to a nutritionist or other qualified professional about the safest way to cut out the animal products from your diet before you made the change. You will need to do the same and more for your German Shepherd. It will take a lot of time and effort, in the beginning especially, because you may have to try many options and combinations before you find one that works. It is also very likely to increase the cost of feeding because specialized dog food is almost always more expensive. Do you want to know the best veggies for German Shepherds? They can provide you with the most recent academic research findings and their own professional input and experience. A qualified person will also need to assess your German Shepherd to see if a vegan diet is appropriate for them. All dogs are different. What works for one might be a poor choice for another. Your chosen professional nutritionist will also be the person who can carefully design and monitor the effects of the plant-based diet on your German Shepherd. Remember, at this stage, plant-based dog diets are more like an experiment. Introducing your dog to a new diet may cause a problem, so you need to do this slowly and carefully. German Shepherds are also prone to bloating. But bloat in a German Shepherd is not the same as bloat in a human. In dogs, bloating is a medical emergency known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus GDV , in which the stomach can twist and even rupture. Additionally, there is an interruption of the blood supply to various other organs. GDV quickly leads to toxic shock, and death readily follows if immediate treatment is not received. Some causes or risk factors for GDV in German Shepherds include eating too much at once, eating foods high in soybean meal, cannot be digested easily, or expanding in the stomach. Such foods are common in a plant-based diet. It can make the change a frustrating and painful experience for both you and your dog. Furthermore, they may only consent to eat one or two mouthfuls per meal. Unless you can somehow pack all their essential nutrients into those two mouthfuls you get nutrient-rich non-vegan foods that make this possible , this can become a health problem. These include but are not limited to alliums garlic, onion, shallots, etc. This means you cannot split your own vegan meals with your German Shepherd. Hidden Dangers! There are certain life stages or situations where German Shepherds should not be eating vegan. Puppies or those you plan to breed should not be fed a plant-based diet. Do you prefer to watch a video? It is packed with nutrients, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and fiber. It is also low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Dogs can benefit from this antioxidant-rich vegetable as it protects against illness and defends the immune system. However, only feed your dog a tiny portion and provide it slowly to avoid choking and possible digestive blockages. You can give it raw. Asparagus German Shepherds can eat asparagus. It is a healthy option for your dog because of its vitamin K, A, B1, B2, C, and E, folate, iron, copper, fiber, manganese, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants that help flush out toxins from the bloodstream. Sometimes asparagus can make urine smell unpleasant, so consider this if your German Shepherd is not yet fully house-trained! Also, it is advised to feed cooked asparagus as the stalks can be pretty tough to chew for some dogs. I try not to overcook my asparagus as it can lose a lot of nutrients. Beets Beets beetroot are full of iron, fiber, and vitamins. However, as they are pretty acidic, giving your dog a tiny amount is best. Bell Peppers All color of bell peppers contains essential vitamins and minerals for your dog, although the red variety is best as it contains the highest amount of vitamins and antioxidants. They are also very low in calories and can be given in moderation as a healthy treat. You must remove the seeds and stems to avoid indigestion. You can feed bell peppers raw. However, your dog will find the skin tough to chew, so it would be better to steam or mash the pepper to make it easier to digest. Do NOT give your dog red chili peppers; the spicy taste will make your dog sick, and they will not thank you! Broccoli Broccoli is a vegetable that is also okay to eat in minimal quantities. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, broccoli florets contain a chemical that can cause significant gas in some dogs, so you must experiment first, as it could be unpleasant for everyone in the house! You will also need to take care when feeding your dog the stalks as they could cause an obstruction, so make sure you cut them into small pieces. Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that are great for dogs. In addition, they contain vitamin K, which helps the blood clot properly, builds bones, and protects the heart. I hate Brussels sprouts, so my German Shepherd has never tried them! Cabbage German Shepherds can eat cabbage including red, savoy, and bok choy. It is safe for dogs and full of nutrients, especially vitamins C and K, and fiber. Carrot Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack. They are high in potassium, fiber, and beta-carotene, producing vitamin A, which is good for healthy bones, eyes, and the immune system. Frozen or raw carrots are ideal for your puppy if they are teething. My German Shepherd loves to crunch on a raw piece of carrot as a treat, and it also helps to clean her teeth. Carrots are one of the best vegetables you can give your dog. Cauliflower German Shepherds can eat cauliflower, and it is known for its nutritional qualities. It may also reduce inflammation and cancer. Cauliflower does, however, contain a chemical that will give your dog the dreaded gas! Celery German Shepherds can eat celery. Celery contains vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and manganese, and it is an excellent source of fiber. These excellent nutrients are needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. In addition, celery is good for your dog to crunch on and might even freshen up their doggy breath! Corn German Shepherds can eat corn. It can provide your dog with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. However, it is a starchy vegetable high in carbohydrates, so feed it sparingly. Corn is not the best choice of vegetable for nutrition, as I describe better alternatives in this article. You should only feed your dog small amounts to avoid weight gain or possible dental issues. On the other hand, if your dog is with you on a long walk and needs a quick energy boost, corn is an ideal alternative treat to take with you. Canned corn usually high in sodium and popcorn containing butter or salt should also not be given. Eggplant German Shepherds can eat eggplant aubergine. It also contains B vitamins, vitamin K, and potassium and can protect your dog from chronic diseases. It also contains a small amount of toxic solanine in high concentrations. Cook the eggplant before giving it to your dog, as the raw flavor is not very nice and difficult to digest. It can be grilled, roasted, or baked; always feed it in small bite-sized pieces. Green Beans German Shepherds can eat green beans, and they are highly nutritious. Green beans are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are also low in calories. If you feed them raw, remember to cut them up first to prevent choking and help with digestion. Most dogs seem to like green beans. I wish I could say the same when I tried to feed them to my kids at mealtimes! Due to its high water content, the nutritional value of lettuce is low, but it does contain beta-carotene and fiber. It could be a practical choice of snack or treat if your dog is overweight due to its very low-calorie content. You must ensure lettuce is washed thoroughly before feeding it to your GSD. Other healthy and more nutritious choices include spinach, green beans, and asparagus. Parsnips Parsnips are a safe vegetable to give to your GSD, and they contain plenty of vitamins C and B6, folic acid, and potassium. Parsnips also have antioxidants that help fight cancer. You can feed them raw as long as they are chopped up into small digestible pieces, or they can be cooked, which is even better for your dog. As parsnips are starchy along with other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets and high in sugar, ensure you only feed in moderation. Peas Peas are safe for German Shepherds and contain several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, and many B vitamins. Peas also contain fiber, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium and are good for the eyes, skin, and heart. They are great for boosting energy levels as they are starchy carbohydrates. They are high in fiber, so they can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid the canned variety as they may contain a lot of sodium and additives. Potato Cooked Potatoes are starchy vegetables and are okay to feed your dog ; however, they must be cooked and the skin removed. Do not give your GSD raw potato or if the potato is green on the outside as they contain a compound called solanine which is toxic to them. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine, thus making them less dangerous. Potatoes contain vitamin C, B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are great nutrients for your dog. As they are high in carbohydrates which provides energy , you should only feed a minimal amount, especially if your dog already has issues with obesity or diabetes. If this is the case, it would be best to avoid them altogether. Potatoes should be baked, boiled, or mashed, with nothing added like salt or butter. French fries or potato chips are a definite no, as these are unhealthy for you, me, and your dog! Sweet potatoes are a healthier choice as they are much more nutritious. Pumpkin German Shepherds can eat pumpkins. Pumpkin is full of fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants to help to promote overall cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is one of the best vegetables recommended for digestion and overall health properties. Both raw and cooked pumpkin is fine for your German Shepherd; however, it is better cooked as your dog can digest it easier. Both rutabaga swede and turnip contain calcium, potassium, vitamins A, C, and folate and are also low in calories. They are highly nutritious, well known for their antioxidant qualities, and are good overall disease-fighting vegetables. If you feed it raw to your German Shepherd, cut it into small pieces and thoroughly wash it first to eliminate any traces of bacteria or pesticides. Spinach German Shepherds can eat spinach, which has nutritional properties that can benefit your GSD. It is high in iron and provides fiber, vitamins, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. Spinach is also known as a cancer fighter. Sweet Potato German Shepherds can eat sweet potatoes. They are perfect for their digestive system as they contain an excellent source of fiber. Sweet potato is also rich in an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which provides various benefits. This veggie helps lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers and is good for your GSDs immune system. However, as sweet potatoes are mainly starchy carbohydrates, if your dog is diabetic, overweight, or inactive, they are probably best avoided unless you give him a minimal amount. Sweet potatoes must be cooked and the skin removed before feeding your dog. You can bake, mash, or puree them. They are also a healthier choice than cooked white potatoes. Squash Squash butternut is safe for your dog. It is technically a fruit, but we will discuss it here as it is used as a vegetable. It belongs to the same family as pumpkin, and so if your dog enjoys the taste of pumpkin, then they will like the naturally sweet taste of squash too! It is highly nutritious and contains vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Squash is good for overall general health, including eyes, skin, bones, and immune function, and can fight certain diseases. It is relatively low in sugar and calories, and the fleshy part is easy for German Shepherds to digest as long as it is cooked. Avoid giving the skin as it is too hard for your dog to digest. It is better cooked, either boiled or roasted and fed in bite-sized treats. Zucchini Zucchini courgette is safe for your GSD and contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially vitamin C and potassium. It is low in fat and cholesterol and, therefore, a good choice for overweight dogs instead of feeding a high-calorie treat. In the summer, a small portion of frozen zucchini is excellent for your German Shepherd. Can German Shepherds Eat Vegetables? We only need to look at the history of the domesticated dog when deciding if German Shepherds can eat vegetables. German Shepherds can eat vegetables as dogs have adapted to a starch-rich diet over hundreds of years of domestication, and their digestive system can process vegetables. Vegetables can provide an additional nutrient source for your dog, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can also be given as a supplement in their diet. As vegetables are low in calories and fat, they make a good choice if your dog needs to lose weight. They are also cholesterol-free and contain less sugar than fruits. All treats should be fed in moderation ; a few small pieces a day will be fine. Pro Tip! The amount of daily calories that your dog needs depends on his size, age, and level of activity. Ideally, they should be cooked first, as dogs may find most of them hard to digest. I like to steam mine because veggies taste better cooked this way. Do not add salt or seasoning to the cooking process, as too much of this is bad for your dog. Some vegetables like carrots, celery, lettuce, and green beans can be given RAW. This helps rinse away any dirt, bacteria, and any remaining pesticides. Many dogs will try to swallow raw bites of a vegetable whole, which can cause choking or digestive issues, so make sure you feed them in small pieces. While fresh vegetables are the best option, frozen vegetables offer convenience and have the same healthy nutrients as fresh ones. You can also freeze vegetables by following the below steps: Wash them in cold water first. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanch them by placing them in a pan of boiling water for a couple of minutes. This helps to remove any bacteria and helps to retain vitamins and minerals. Remove from the boiling water and place in cold water until chilled. Place in freezer bags and freeze. Be wary of canned vegetables, as many brands are high in salt, which can cause your dog to become dehydrated or, in extreme cases, cause salt poisoning. Canned vegetables may also contain unnecessary additives. If you want more information on the best fruits for German Shepherds , check out my complete guide. The below vegetables are toxic to dogs and must not be fed to your German Shepherd: Garlic German Shepherds can not eat garlic as it is toxic and damages the red blood cells, leading to anemia. While garlic can be okay in tiny amounts, large amounts can be poisonous, even though your pet must eat a lot to get very sick. Your dog may display symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and breathing problems. Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives German Shepherds can not eat onions, shallots, leeks, and chives as they are poisonous to most pets. These foods can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and breathing problems. Rhubarb Leaves Although the stalks of the rhubarb plant are safe for your German Shepherd in small quantities and can be good if your dog has constipation , the leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to dogs. This can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors. You must be careful if you grow rhubarb at home and ensure your dog is never unsupervised. Cooked potato with the skin removed is okay to eat as the cooking reduces the amount of solanine. Mushrooms Wild German Shepherds can not eat mushrooms wild as they can be toxic. There are thousands of wild mushroom species, and while only a few are poisonous, this could be very serious if your dog eats one. Toxic mushroom ingestion can cause severe stomach upset, seizures, liver failure, and death. Feeding German Shepherds vegetables can provide several benefits to their overall health and well-being. These vitamins help to support the immune system, promote healthy skin and coat, and even help to improve vision. How often can German Shepherds eat vegetables? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the age and size of your German Shepherd and the type of vegetables you are feeding them. Generally speaking, German Shepherds can eat vegetables daily, but ensuring that the vegetables you provide are appropriate for their age and size is essential. What are the best vegetables for German Shepherds? The best vegetables for German Shepherds are those high in fiber and low in fat. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, green beans, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash are all excellent sources of fiber and low in fat. Final Thoughts You now know what vegetables you can safely feed your German Shepherd and which ones to avoid! We all love to reward our dogs with treats and experiment with new ones, and vegetables make a great option. Related Posts You May Like:. Liz: What fruits and vegetables should you feed German Shepherd? I am planning to get a German Shepherd soon, and this is part of my research. I would like to have him on a vegetarian diet. Dogs are carnivores. Unless there is an actual MEDICAL reason such as your dog being allergic to all sources of meat-based protein there is no reason to feed your dog species inappropriate food. Stick to a quality meat-based grain-free diet. If you want a vegetarian pet get a rabbit or something. Absolutely, you can feed your pet a vegetarian diet. But the most important thing you will need to remember since your pet won't be getting any meat is to feed high-quality protein with the meals, just as you do. The amino acids in meat are essential nutrients, and if you're not feeding meat, your pet will get all the necessary amino acids from tofu, grains, and beans. As you learn more about feeding a raw diet, you'll likely bump into many people who are totally against feeding grains. Feeding grains is a personal choice and does work well for many. It is suggested that the protein be rotated because each and every protein source you choose has a different amino acid chain and concentration. It is also highly recommended to seek out organic grains and beans. Oils are also an essential ingredient in a vegetarian diet, so make sure these get alternated as well, once a week! Putting together a proper and nutritionally complete vegetarian diet for your pet can be quite as complex as the traditional raw diet. You must do your research before plunging in! The foods come complete with organic grains, vegetables, herbs, and some required supplements. All you need to do is add your protein source and essential oils…and you have a nutritionally complete meal for your dog or cat. The food is also an excellent choice for pet owners who want to feed a traditional raw diet with meat or who want the convenience of a home-cooked meal for their pets. Answer by Launi Nope. Dogs are NOT vegetarians. No way. Ain't gonna work. Answer by dalksnis My she-GSD adores apples, likes some raw and boiled potatoes, likes milk, and especially kefir as a change for her meat diet. Is that unnatural? Chicken is usually the primary meat, lamb is good, too. They need veggies, but, not just veggies. Keep researching and you will find this out. I have an 11 yr. Good luck with your new family member! Answer by J D You can feed dogs some vegetables and fruits, but the bottom line is, dogs are instinctively meat-eaters. Most dry dog foods will compose of some form of meat and say rice or corn. When you walk down the dog food aisle at the supermarket what do you find? Canned foods that are either beef, lamb, or chicken. I feel that you may run into a problem if you try and force a dog to be a vegan. Even we humans need some form of meat protein for our survival. I do not believe that vegans are entirely the healthiest people out there. DO NOT feed your dog grapes. They are very bad for canines. Read More:. As a German Shepherd owner, you may wonder if this special breed can thrive on a vegan diet, given their known health-related conditions. As an omnivore, your German Shepherd can be vegan. As vegan food for dogs is, by definition, meat-free, it is natural that you may be dubious as to whether this diet would satisfy all the nutritional needs of your German Shepherd. We hope to answer all lingering doubts you may have as to whether German Shepherds can be vegan in this article to enable you to make an informed decision whether to go that route or not. The diet should start from the puppy stage to ensure that they grow into healthy, energetic dogs. Protein is a key requirement for muscle development and strength, and a balance of essential fatty acids and vitamins is particularly important in keeping your German Shepherd in good condition. Choosing to substitute meat and all products of animal origin for vegetables is a bold one and could jeopardize their health if their diet is not delivered judiciously. While, in nature, the likes of wolves and jackals kill for meat, domesticated dogs are different. They are omnivores as opposed to wolves, which are strictly carnivores. Compared with wolves in the wild, the genetic evolution of dogs has favored their ability to generate more starch-digesting enzymes. This points to their ability to digest non-meat products easily. The order Carnivora, into which dogs fall, includes many other omnivores like pandas, bears, and raccoons, all of whom can digest starch. Therefore, you may assume that German Shepherds could well be suited to a vegan diet. German Shepherds have many potential health problems that could be exacerbated by eating the wrong food, make sure you carefully consider these before putting them on a vegan diet. Source While there are many instances where dogs on a vegan diet have lived for 20 years or longer, the average lifespan of German Shepherds is 11 years. This is generally shorter than many other breeds due to their susceptibility to hip dysplasia. This normally leads to a weakening of the dog and results in a general decline in health. By giving your German Shepherd an inappropriate vegan diet, you could inadvertently be helping your dog to an early grave. Be aware that there are hazards related to a vegan diet for this breed. The main dangers include: Insufficient protein in the diet. Shortage of amino acids, particularly taurine and L-carnitine. The possibility of mineral and vitamin deficiencies. While the list could be longer, these are the most pertinent diet-related issues you need to consider. Male German Shepherds are known to develop silica stones, which are linked to the consumption of silicates. It causes inflammation of the bowels and makes the proper digestion of food difficult. Perianal fistulas are sores on the anus under the tail, possibly aggravated by the low tail carriage. Pancreatitis This is also common to German Shepherds. Malfunction of the pancreas causes a reduction in the enzymes required for the dog to digest its food. The pancreas also produces insulin and helps regulate the absorption of glucose. Hip Dysplasia And Joint Problems Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is hereditary and common to German Shepherds, even from the puppy stage onwards. Regulation of diet is important to prevent your dog from getting overweight and putting pressure on its back legs. Osteoarthritis is often prevalent in mature German Shepherds and is linked to an injury or normal body attrition in these energetic, large dogs. Coat Maintenance Being double-coated, German Shepherd owners know that coat maintenance is a full-time job. Regular brushing and a proper diet are the two most important contributing factors to a shiny, healthy coat. Essential fatty acids such as Omega oils and Vitamins A, C, and E are all required to ensure no hair loss and maintenance of a glossy coat. While you may be inclined to prepare a vegan meal for your dog that you think is appropriate or nutritious, experts would advise you against doing so. The inclusion of many foods that humans like to eat and can easily digest can be harmful to a German Shepherd. These include the likes of nuts, grapes or raisins, chocolate, onions, bread dough, and salty or spicy foods. The ideal vegan offering for your German Shepherd must be balanced and approved by health experts. Organizations such as AAFCO set standards and approve and accredit pet foods, so a vegan formulation should carry an appropriate stamp of approval. Source A balanced diet for dogs requires a range of 22 amino acids, and while they can only produce 12 themselves, their diet must provide the rest. As meat products are considered the ideal food to provide amino acids, vegan food should contain added artificial amino and fatty acids. As L-carnitine is an amino acid produced by dogs from eating meat, a supplement is recommended for German Shepherds, who need a strong muscle structure to support their weight and help negate the effects of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis. Vitamin B is an extremely important supplement as it is key to assisting many body functions of your dog, including the digestive processes. Final Thoughts Like all other dogs, German Shepherds can live on a vegan diet that has been certified and approved. Still, since their normal diet consists of high levels of protein, you will need to stay vigilant to avoid dietary imbalances. It is recommended that you consult your vet first to ensure that the vegan food you choose is exactly right for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Artichoke Artichokes belong to the Asteraceae family of vegetables. They provide your German Shepherd with antioxidants, fiber, folic acid, magnesium, niacin vitamin B3 , potassium, and vitamin C. They also have a low fat and sodium content. They can also assist in settling irritable bowels. You can feed them to your German Shepherd raw, thereby ensuring they get the maximum amount of nutrients from the artichokes but dice them up into bite-size pieces before giving them to your dog. Only give your German Shepherd small quantities of artichokes. Asparagus Asparagus belongs to the Asparagaceae family of vegetables. Asparagus contains large amounts of folic acid, potassium, thiamin, and vitamins A and B6, which are all very good for your German Shepherd. Asparagus is also high in fiber, although this can make them difficult to chew and digest when eaten raw. In some cases, the raw asparagus stalks may be so difficult to chew that your German Shepherd tries to swallow them whole and may choke. Because you have to cook asparagus for your German Shepherd to be able to eat it, you can lose some of the nutrients, and it may be more beneficial to give them other vegetables that they can eat raw. Only feed your German Shepherd the tender stalk and tip of young asparagus. The asparagus fern is toxic to dogs, as are the small, red berries produced by flowering asparagus plants. If your German Shepherd ingests the inedible parts or variation of the asparagus plant, it will cause nausea, vomiting, and intestinal pain. Beets Beets, or beetroots as they are known in some parts of the world, belong to the Amaranthaceae family of vegetables. Beets contain iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. Furthermore, the iron content can be useful if your German Shepherd suffers from anemia. Beets are high in fiber and can aid in digestion, although too much will cause diarrhea. Individual dogs can be allergic to beets, so make sure you introduce them slowly. Beets and beet greens contain calcium oxalate, which can be harmful to German Shepherds who suffer from kidney disease or are prone to developing bladder stones. Beets are acidic and starchy, so feed them to your German Shepherd in moderation. Bell Peppers Bell peppers belong to the Solanaceae family of vegetables. They come in three main colors: red, yellow, and green. Of these, the red bell peppers contain the most vitamins and antioxidants. If you add them, introduce them slowly and only ever feed them to your German Shepherd in small quantities. Remove the seeds and cook the bell peppers to increase their digestibility. Other peppers can be harmful to your German Shepherd, particularly the spicier varieties. Bok Choy Bok choy belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables and is also known as Chinese cabbage. It contains antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and K. Bok choy can assist in promoting healthy immune, digestive, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems in your German Shepherd. Puppies can have trouble digesting bok choy as their digestive systems are still developing. As with all high-fiber foods, too much can lead cause diarrhea. Only feed the green parts of the leaves to your German Shepherd, and make sure you cut the leaves up small to prevent choking. Broccoli Broccoli belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. They are low-fat, high-fiber vegetables and also contain vitamin C. You can give your German Shepherd raw or cooked broccoli, but only in very small amounts. The individual broccoli florets contain chemicals called isothiocyanates. These can be toxic to your German Shepherd in high doses, causing gastric irritation mostly manifesting as abdominal pain and flatulence. Additionally, the uncooked stalks of broccoli are choking hazards for German Shepherds, so make sure you cut it up into small pieces. Brussel Sprouts Brussel sprouts belong to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. Brussel sprouts are full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health including clotting and bone strength in German Shepherds. They are also anti-inflammatory and protect against free radicals. However, like broccoli, Brussel sprouts contain isothiocyanates, and large quantities will cause gastric irritation, including bloating, abdominal pain, and excessive flatulence. Brussel sprouts should be steamed or boiled before they are fed to your German Shepherd. They are too difficult to eat raw. Butternut Squash Butternut squash belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is technically a fruit, although they are used as vegetables. These squashes are great for your German Shepherd. They are low-calory, high-fiber vegetables containing beta carotene and vitamin A, vitamins C and K, and potassium. If your dog has an upset stomach, butternut squash is a good food to feed them. You should remove the seeds and tough rind of the butternut squash and cook the fleshy part without fats or seasoning, so your German Shepherd can easily digest it. Cabbage Cabbage belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. It is full of vitamins C and K, which boost the immune system and help combat diseases in your German Shepherd. The high-fiber content of cabbages also aids in digestion, but too much can cause diarrhea. Cabbage has also been known to improve skin health. You should only give your German Shepherd cooked cabbage; raw cabbage is too difficult for them to digest. Cabbage should also only be fed to German Shepherds in small quantities. They contain the same chemical found in broccoli and Brussel sprouts, which causes gastric irritation when consumed at high doses. Carrots Carrots belong to the Umbelliferae family of vegetables. They contain folate, manganese, pantothenic acid, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Carrots have a low calory count, but they are a good fiber source. Only give your German Shepherd small quantities of carrots. Folate is involved in producing red blood cells and is very beneficial if your German Shepherd is pregnant. Manganese, which is not found in meat, is used for energy production and maintenance of bone and joint health. Pantothenic acid is involved in supporting the metabolism. You can steam the carrots no seasoning to make them easier to eat and more digestible, but raw carrots are not bad for your German Shepherd. In fact, the crunchiness of raw carrots can be enjoyable for your German Shepherd and can also assist in their dental hygiene. Cauliflower Cauliflower belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. It is a healthy source of calcium, fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins K and C. Cauliflower is also anti-inflammatory and may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. You should cook cauliflower before giving it to your German Shepherd, and only give it in small quantities to prevent your dog from getting gas; this will be unpleasant for you and your German Shepherd. Celery Celery belongs to the Umbelliferae family of vegetables. Celery is a low-fat, low-cholesterol vegetable. It is a great source of fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Celery supports the digestive, immune, and renal systems of a German Shepherd and can benefit a pregnant female. The low-calory nature of celery makes it an ideal treat for German Shepherds who are on a weight-loss diet, and it can be used as a breath-freshener for your dog as well. You can give your German Shepherd raw celery, but you should cut it into small pieces to prevent choking. Corn Corn belongs to the Poaceae family of vegetables. Corn is a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and even protein. Corn is actually a common source of grains in dog foods. German Shepherds that are on a weight-loss diet should not be given corn. German Shepherds who have a grain intolerance or are prone to bloating should also not be given corn. You can serve your German Shepherd cooked corn off the cob. While the corn is fine in small quantities, the cob cannot be digested by German Shepherds, and it can also pose a risk of choking. Canned corn is not a good option. Cucumber Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are technically fruits. However, we have included them in this list because few people know them to be fruits, and they are used as vegetables. Cucumbers contain biotin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and lots of vitamins B1, C, and K. Their high water content means they are also very hydrating, and if you feed some to your German Shepherd straight from the refrigerator, cucumbers become a cooling, summer snack. You can feed cucumbers to your German Shepherd raw and with the skin and seeds. Eggplant Eggplants, also called aubergines or brinjals, belong to the Solanaceae family of vegetables. These vegetables are high in fiber and contain potassium and vitamins B and K. Eggplants can be inflammatory and should not be given to German Shepherds suffering from arthritis or kidney disease. Solanaceae is also known as the nightshade family of vegetables and should be treated carefully. They contain a chemical called solanine, which is toxic in high doses. Never feed your German Shepherd eggplant leaves as these contain higher levels of solanine. If you introduce them, start slowly and watch for signs of an allergy: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eggplant should be served cooked grilled, roasted, or baked as the raw plant is difficult to digest and does not taste very nice. Fennel Fennel belongs to the Umbelliferae family of vegetables. Additionally, it can help with dog-breath, indigestion, and flatulence. You should only feed fennel to your German Shepherd in small quantities. It can be fed raw. Green Beans Green beans belong to the Fabaceae family of vegetables. Green beans are one of the most common vegetables given to dogs. They contain calcium, iron, protein, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K. They can rather be thought of as healthy alternatives to dog treats. Green beans can be given to your German Shepherd raw, although they should be chopped up small to avoid choking. Steamed green beans are good as well, as long as they are cooked without fats or seasoning. You can even give your German Shepherd canned green beans, but you need to avoid the ones that contain salt. Lettuce Lettuce belongs to the Asteraceae family of vegetables. It is not dangerous for your German Shepherd, but it also not beneficial. It can be used as a source of low-calory fiber or treats. Cut up the leaves into smaller pieces to make digestion easier. And make sure you wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or harmful chemicals that may have been used on the growing lettuce. Okra Okra belongs to the Malvaceae family of vegetables. Okra is considered a cancer prevention food, not guaranteeing prevention, but supporting it. Another significant benefit of okra is its regulation of blood sugar levels. This means that you can use okra in the treatment of German Shepherds with diabetes under the guidance of a veterinarian. You should not feed your German Shepherd okra on a daily basis, and you should only feed small amounts at a time. Too much okra can upset the digestive tract. You can serve it raw or cooked no seasonings and not fried. Parsnips Parsnips belong to the Umbelliferae family of vegetables. Their positive effects on the renal system make them a good addition to the diet of German Shepherds who suffer from kidney disease. Parsnips can be served raw or cooked. If you give your German Shepherd raw parsnips, chop them up into small pieces, or shred them onto their food. But feed parsnips to your German Shepherd in moderation as they have a higher sugar content; you may also want to leave them out if your German Shepherd struggles with excess weight. Peas Peas belong to the Fabaceae family of vegetables, and they come in many varieties. They are good sources of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. They are packed with vitamins A, B, and K and contain minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. The antioxidants contained in peas promote healthy eyes, skin, and hearts in German Shepherds. Peas contain substances called purines, which produce uric acid. Raw or frozen peas are good; you should avoid canned peas because of the preservatives and sodium content. If you can eat the pea pod, then your German Shepherd probably can as well; the risk is that they can choke on the pods. Potatoes Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae family of vegetables the nightshade family. Potatoes contain vitamins like B6 and C and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium that are beneficial to your German Shepherd, but there are better sources of these in other vegetables. The main reason you would feed your German Shepherd potatoes specifically would be because of their high carbohydrate content. Because they belong to the nightshade family and contain the toxic compound solanine, you have to be very careful when feeding potatoes to your German Shepherd. Potatoes promote weight gain and should not be fed to overweight German Shepherds. The starchiness can also promote bloating in sensitive dogs. Never feed your god raw potatoes or green potatoes. Cook them without the skin and with no added fats or seasonings. Cooking potatoes reduces the solanine levels. Pumpkin Pumpkin belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is technically a fruit. Pumpkins are great vegetables to feed your German Shepherd. They are a source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin A. They promote cardiac and intestinal health. Like butternut squash, pumpkin can help to treat diarrhea, constipation, and other gastric complaints in your German Shepherd. Raw or cooked is fine to feed to your German Shepherd, although raw pumpkin will be harder to digest and should be cut into small pieces. The seeds are completely safe for German Shepherds and even contain their own nutrients that will benefit your canine friend. Radicchio Radicchio belongs to the Asteraceae family of vegetables. It is a low-fat source of folate and vitamin K, supporting the circulatory system and benefitting pregnant dogs. These vegetables are good for your German Shepherd in small quantities it can cause gas and diarrhea if given in large quantities , and you can serve it raw or cooked boiled, steamed, or roasted. As with other vegetables, never add any fats, sugars, or seasoning to radicchio you are cooking for your German Shepherd. Radish Radishes belong to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. They can be given to your German Shepherd raw, and like carrots, their crunch provides enjoyment and assists in dental hygiene. Only give in small quantities; radishes have a strong taste, and their high-fiber nature can cause excess gas and diarrhea. You might find that your German Shepherd has no interest in this mustard-tasting vegetable. As with humans, not every dog will find the taste enjoyable. Rutabaga Rutabaga belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. Rutabagas are a hybrid of turnips and cabbage, and they are good sources of calcium, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C. They are beneficial in fighting diseases and contain important antioxidants. You can cut rutabagas up into small pieces to feed raw to your German Shepherd, but this can be difficult to digest, so it is better to cook them. Spinach Spinach belongs to the Amaranthaceae family of vegetables. This leafy green contains antioxidants, beta-carotene involved in the production of vitamin A , fiber, iron, and vitamins A, B, C, and K. Spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid. This chemical inhibits calcium absorption and can lead to kidney disease. Your German Shepherd will probably have to ingest a large quantity of spinach for its kidneys to be damaged, but you need to be careful. Consult a veterinarian before feeding spinach to your German Shepherd and avoid feeding it to them if they have existing problems with their kidneys. You must cut the spinach up before feeding it to your German Shepherd. You can feed it raw, although it is harder for your dog to digest in this state. You should rather try steaming it; boiling it will remove all the nutrients. Never cook it with fats or seasoning. You should only feed your German Shepherd infrequent and small amounts of spinach. Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes belong to the Convolvulaceae family of vegetables. Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, beta carotene, calcium, copper, folate, iron, potassium, thiamine, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. They are also a good source of carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are great for boosting the immune system, digestion, and overall health of your German Shepherd. They are also a healthier alternative to regular potatoes. If your dog suffers from obesity, diabetes, or pancreatitis, you may want to avoid this vegetable as the starchiness of sweet potatoes is a source of sugar. You will need to remove the skin of sweet potatoes and cook them baked or mashed before feeding them to your German Shepherd. Raw sweet potato is difficult for German Shepherds to eat and can cause intestinal blockages. Turnips Turnips belong to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. They are good sources of calcium, folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C. As with rutabagas, turnips are beneficial in fighting diseases and contain important antioxidants. They also stimulate proper kidney function and can be used in the treatment of kidney disease under the guidance of a veterinarian. Turnips can suppress thyroid function, so if your German Shepherd has problems with their thyroid, avoid giving them turnips. You can cut turnips up into small pieces to feed raw to your German Shepherd, but this can be difficult to digest, so it is better to cook them. Zucchini Zucchini belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, and so it is technically a fruit. Some veterinarians consider it one of the best vegetables you can feed your dogs. Zucchini is a good supporter of the eyes, muscles, bones, and immune system. It makes an excellent low-calory alternative treat for your German Shepherd. However, whole zucchinis can be a choking hazard, and too much can cause diarrhea. You can feed your German Shepherd raw zucchini, but first, chop it up into small pieces. If your German Shepherd is older and has difficulty chewing, you can steam it to make it softer. Do not feed your German Shepherd zucchini that has been cooked with fats and seasoning. They are called alliums because they make up the Alliaceae family of vegetables. Alliums contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Symptoms of allium poisoning include lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite, pale gums, fainting, red-colored urine, vomiting, elevated heart rate, and excessive panting. You will need to seek immediate veterinary help for your German Shepherd if they are suffering from allium poisoning. All parts of allium plants and all forms raw, powdered, cooked, etc. Avocado Avocados are technically fruits, but as they are used as vegetables, we will discuss their potential toxic effects. Avocados contain a chemical called persin. Persin is mainly found in the leaves, skin, and pit of the avocado, but there is still a small amount in the fleshy part. Persin toxicity is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the myocardium. Although the exact dosage is not known, persin can be fatal to German Shepherds. Avocados have a high fat content and can cause weight gain, intestinal problems, and pancreatitis. The pits are also definite choking hazards. Chili Peppers And Jalapenos Chili peppers and jalapenos belong to the Solanaceae nightshade family of vegetables. Unlike other members of this family of vegetables, careful introduction and moderation will not make chili peppers and jalapenos an option for your German Shepherd. This is because of the capsaicin. Capsaicin gives these vegetables their spiciness, and while pleasant to some people, spicy foods are not good for dogs. Ingestion of chili peppers and jalapenos by your German Shepherd can cause pain, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Kale Kale belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. Even though other vegetables in this family, such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower, are safe for German Shepherds to eat in small quantities , you should avoid feeding them kale. Not only does it contain the intestinal irritant isothiocyanate, but kale also contains calcium oxalate, which can damage kidneys and promote the growth of bladder stones. Rhubarb leaves Rhubarb belongs to the Polygonaceae family of vegetables. Technically the rhubarb stalks are fine for your German Shepherd to eat in small quantities if they are chopped up, but the leaves are toxic. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which causes drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, and tremors. Tomatoes Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family of vegetables. Completely ripe, red tomatoes are not toxic to German Shepherds in small amounts, but green tomatoes and any other part of the tomato plant is toxic. The toxicity is due to the presence of solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, tremors, seizures, and cardiac effects. Bear this toxicity in mind if you are growing tomatoes in your garden. Watercress Watercress belongs to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. Excessive consumption by German Shepherds can cause thyroid and kidney damage. Even in smaller quantities, watercress can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Watercress grows in the wild, so make sure you know what it looks like before taking your German Shepherd on a country walk. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are omnivores, so their balanced diet includes vegetables. Whether you are looking to provide your dog with balanced, home-cooked meals, or you simply want to give them a healthy snack, it is important to know which vegetables are safe for your German Shepherd and which vegetables are dangerous. However, you also need to bear in mind that the quantity, part of the vegetable, and how it is cooked also determine how good it is for your German Shepherd. Some German Shepherds may have allergies that make certain vegetables toxic to them. Watch to make sure that your German Shepherd is not reacting. It is worth noting that, even though German Shepherds can eat a wide range of vegetables, they cannot be vegetarian, even if you are. If you do not want to feed your German Shepherd meat, speak to your veterinarian about a high-quality kibble containing all the nutrients they require.