puppy blue german shepherd

Parent Breeds The parent breeds of the German shepherd pitbull mix include the German shepherd and the American pitbull terrier. As these breeds are both large dogs, the resulting mix is a large dog with unique physical and personality traits from both parent breeds. German Shepherd The German shepherd was originally selectively bred from shepherd dogs in 19th century Germany, where it was used as a herding dog. The breed was developed to be intelligent, strong, agile, and protective of flocks, all qualities that made it successful in its line of work. Horand von Grafath was recognized as the first German shepherd dog in .Today, the breed is still regarded as one of the best working dogs in the world because of its loyalty and eagerness to please. The German shepherd is used in police work, detection, service work, and search and rescue. German shepherd pitbull mixes often inherit the protective, hardworking temperament, strength, and wolf-like features of the German shepherd. The dogs were bred from terriers and bulldogs and used in blood sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. American pitbull terriers were later selectively bred in the United States to have the muscular builds, sizes, and affectionate temperaments seen today. With proper socialization, American pitbull terriers make loyal, well-behaved companions. Lifespan A German shepherd pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years if the dog follows a nutritious diet and exercises daily. Regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of health complications in German shepherd pitbull mixes. This mixed breed comes in shades of tan, white, gray, or black. Height and Weight German shepherd pitbull mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 18—26 inches, and a weight of 30—90 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Most German sheppits are lean, muscular, and slightly taller than their pitbull parents. Colors German shepherd pitbull mixes are typically tan, white, or black with bicolor markings. The coat color depends on the genes they inherit from their parents: German shepherd colors: Most common color combination is black and tan. Other colors include solid black, gray, red, and white. American pitbull terrier colors: Common colors are brown, black, and tan with various markings. Rare colors include solid white and brindle. German sheppits shed minimally to moderately throughout the year, depending on coat type. Double-coated dogs blow their coats twice a year. Personality and Temperament Photo by spcaofnorthernnevada German shepherd pitbull mixes are smart, affectionate, and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along well with kids, and their intelligence and athletic stature make them well-suited to agility classes and fieldwork. Socializing and training this mixed breed from a young age will help it grow into an outgoing, obedient, and even-tempered adult. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement from an early age to not bark excessively. Left alone, German sheppits often experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, like barking and scratching, to cope. While smart and not fussy over food, these dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Food Needs A German sheppit adult should be fed 2 to 3. Grooming Needs The German shepherd pitbull mix should be brushed weekly, or a few times per week if it has inherited a double coat, to distribute natural oils and keep its fur tangle-free. Bathe the dog once every few months and ensure its nails are well-trimmed. Exercise Needs An adult German shepherd pitbull mix requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, split into two separate walks, to remain physically fit. A two-month-old puppy needs 10 minutes of exercise per day, while a four-month-old puppy requires 20 minutes. German sheppits do best in homes with large, secure backyards where they can run freely. Certain states, cities, and territories have laws in place that restrict or ban pitbulls and pitbull mixes. Check local laws before exercising this mixed breed in new areas. Mental Needs German shepherd pitbull mixes need 60 minutes of mental stimulation per day to prevent aggression, boredom, and anxiety. Suitable mentally-stimulating activities include obedience training, scent work, herding, puzzle toys, agility classes, and interactive games like fetch. Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed with medication and surgery. Bloat : When the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and then twists, causing severe abdominal pain. Bloat is often fatal if not treated immediately. Hip dysplasia : Abnormal formation of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. Treatable with surgery and lifestyle changes. Degenerative myelopathy : Degeneration of the spinal cord that causes leg weakness, incontinence, and eventually paralysis. The condition is managed and treated with lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, exercise intolerance, and coat changes. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication. Cataracts : Cloudiness of the eye lens that causes vision issues. The German sheppit is particularly prone to food and skin allergies. Take these dogs to regular vet checkups to reduce their risks of health complications. Use positive reinforcement and be firm and consistent when training this mixed breed. Never use punishment-based training methods because these can cause anxiety in dogs and exacerbate their aggressive behaviors. These dogs need plenty of training and socialization throughout their lives to keep their dog aggression in check. German shepherd pitbull mixes are often available for adoption from rescue shelters. This price includes expenses such as food, treats, vet checkups, toys, and training. First-year costs are higher than subsequent years because of the costs of first-year puppy vaccinations and neutering or spaying, and initial supplies like bedding. The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles. German shepherd pitbull mixes are suitable for people that are active, have a large backyard, and can dedicate lots of time to socializing and training the dog. The best owners for these dogs are people that use positive reinforcement measures and stick to set boundaries. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. You can expect moderate shedding from this crossbreed. Be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner often. Most German Sheppits will come in a variety of colors like tan, black, white, fawn, and gray. Some have beautiful multi-colored coats like the GSD, while others inherit the brindle coats of their Pittie parents. Because of its moderate shedding, the German Pit is not the ideal dog for people who suffer from allergies to dander. Is a Shepherd-Pitbull mix dangerous? As we mentioned before, this breed is often negatively associated with being aggressive. A Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a loyal, intelligent, protective, and bold dog that likes spending time with his family. This canine has a calm and loving personality toward its owner, but it can be an attention-grabber, too. She loves nothing more than to run, play Frisbee, and roll around all day. Just make sure that your German Pitbull mix puppy is introduced correctly to small kids. Proper socialization and training are crucial because these dogs tend to chase down smaller animals. They may also have a dominant personality and may try to be the alpha to other dogs. Being raised with other pets will help this crossbreed co-exist with them. With early training and socialization, this naturally friendly and affectionate dog is an excellent choice for a family pet and the perfect companion for children. How much activity does this crossbreed need? A Pitbull German Shepherd hybrid has a strong and robust physique and he requires plenty of physical activity. You can take your dog on a one-hour jog or run in the morning and a minute walk in the evening to keep him in the excellent physical condition and as release excess energy. Without a proper exercise regimen, he may exhibit unruly and destructive behaviors like excessive barking, hole-digging, or chewing on slippers. Remember to keep it slow with a German Pit puppy because his legs are shorter. After that age, you can increase your speed as long as he can keep up. He can also have some playtime, like romping in the dog park. Or maybe play some fetch and let him catch a frisbee so his brain gets a workout, too. These crossbreeds require a high level of physical and mental activity to be in their best form. How to train Pitbull German Shepherd mix puppies The unfortunate truth is that this hybrid is not easy to train and is not suited for first-time dog owners. You need to be a firm and confident alpha , or he will try to control you. Be patient and try not to give in. Socializing him at an early age helps him interact better with other animals and encourages a better sense of adaptability in the dog. Socialization also fixes anxious and timid behavior and will help your pet get along with your family members. This breed may be intelligent, but he has a certain level of stubbornness when it comes to training. This hybrid tends to bark quite frequently, too, so you may want to include a routine that will help you control excessive barking. Try including crate training and leash training in your sessions. Starting it young is the best way to train a German Sheppit. The best age to start would be at seven weeks old. An adult dog can still receive training, although it will be more difficult. These are the most common health concerns to watch out for in your German Sheppit:. Conclusion 1. What does a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix look like? It is impossible to tell with certainty what the dog will look like when it is a mixed breed. What we do know is that this breed is more likely to have the face of the Pitbull, with a broad head and a short muzzle. As for coloring, this breed comes in a variety of colors: black, white, brown, tan, gray and fawn. Given that both the Pitbull and German Shepherd have strong physiques, it is not surprising that this mixed breed does too. Fully grown, these dogs are large , as mentioned in the first paragraph their average weight between lbs 29 — 38 kgs , so it is important that you have her under control. You can do this by properly training and socializing her. What characteristics can I expect? As with all crossbreeds, it is not easy to say precisely what temperament this dog will have, as it will always be a different combination. In my experience, however, they tend to have the following traits: High energy All dogs need regular exercise to stay fit, and this large breed usually needs a whole lot. I recommend at least a one-hour walk a day, providing you have an outdoor space where she can release excess energy for the rest of the day. By giving her the exercise she needs, you will avoid undesired behaviors such as slipper-chewing, hole-digging or nuisance barking. As long as she gets her exercise needs met, she will be happy to settle down and relax with you. Loyal and loving Pitbull German Shepherd mixes are very affectionate dogs when raised right. While they are good at entertaining themselves, they still love to be around you and make a good family dog. This dog can have a very protective nature. This is due to its German Shepherd relatives , who were bred to herd and guard livestock. To prevent this from the outset, you should socialize her with people as much as possible from an early age. Intelligence Both the Pitbull and the German Shepherd are incredibly intelligent breeds. It is no surprise, then, that this mix is no exception. These dogs learn quickly and respond incredibly well to training and commands. Just as you exercise her body, it is important to keep her mind stimulated, too. You should start training at the earliest possible stage. It is important to keep a close eye on this type of behavior because, if it gets out of control, it can turn into aggression. What are the common health problems? Providing that she has a healthy lifestyle, as we mentioned above this breed can live for up to 12 years. Every dog breed is susceptible to certain health difficulties, however, and it is good to be aware of these so that you can treat your dog accordingly. In the meantime, it is worth knowing that this breed can suffer from the following diseases: Skin irritation The Pitbull German Shepherd mix can be prone to skin irritation, which they inherit from the Pitbull side of its family. They tend to have more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites as well as to fleas and ticks. To prevent this reaction, make sure you use a high-quality tick and flea treatment. Diet also plays an important part in maintaining the health of the skin. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that can begin in dogs as they grow and results in an unstable or loose hip joint. While weight management is essential for any dog breed, it is highly important that this breed maintains a healthy weight to avoid stressing the hip joint. How much will I need to groom her? This mix has a coat that can range from short to medium in length. I recommend starting your grooming regime when she is a puppy so that she can get used to the routine. I do not advise over-bathing these dogs no more than once a month due to their tendency to skin irritation. It may also be worth buying a shampoo specifically designed for dogs with sensitive skin. German Pits are usually floppy-eared, which means they get less air circulation and are therefore more prone to earwax build-up and ear infections. I advise that you get her ears checked at least monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. So is the German Pit the right fit for me? After all the information you have read, it is now important to put this question to yourself. As you can see, these dogs have the potential to be lovely, loyal dogs that are ideal for a family. Yet they require a lot of attention, walking and training, so they need a dedicated, and preferably experienced, dog owner. Conclusion Here are the main points to consider before committing to owning one of these dogs: Are you an experienced dog owner? Are you dedicated to walking your dog at least an hour a day? Do you have a spacious house with a yard, or can you walk her twice daily? Are you able to provide a rigorous and dedicated training routine? If not, it might be time to reconsider getting a different breed of dog. Do you own a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I have worked with various large breeds all my life. The German Shepherd is my favorite. I recently brought home a mixed breed. .Our Puppy is high energy at 8 weeks old. Highly intelligent and very affectionate. I have a large family with lots of boys and 1 girl. So our family is definitely the right fit! In my opinion every family member should have an caring active role in raising the family dog. German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Video Temperament They have a calm nature and somewhat affectionate nature that can be enhanced with proper training. The German Pit is loyal to its family, enjoying spending time with them. Though they may not need your attention always, contented enough to spent some time on their own, leaving them alone for prolonged periods might make them destructive. Since they take on the genes of the German Shepherd and Pitbull, the Pit-German Shepherd mix may inherit their guarding instincts to a certain extent, being protective towards its family and exhibiting wariness towards strangers. It could even be territorial with other dogs and get into a chasing mode on encountering smaller pets. While allowing them to interact with children ensure there is proper parental supervision and the dog has been well socialized. Care Exercise It has a high exercise need, requiring two brisk walks a day, along with sufficient playtime. Keeping its excessive energy levels in mind it is not recommended to keep it in an apartment or enclosed space as it might get restless. Remember to leash it while taking it out. Grooming Though it does not need excessive grooming, brushing your Shepherd Pit with a brush having hard bristles on a weekly basis would be sufficient enough. It might resent grooming in the beginning, so you need to handle it gently and use positive reinforcements if needed, to help it get accustomed. Bathe it when it gets dirty and also check its ears and eyes once a week to keep any infections at bay. Brushing its teeth and trimming its nails are also essential. Health Problems Though healthy, the German Pit might inherit some of the conditions suffered by its parents like bloating, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism and heart problems. Training Training the German Shepherd mixed with Pitbull since its puppy days is mandatory, though an experienced master is preferred over a novice trainer. Socialization: Having the genes of German Shepherd and Pitbull, it might exhibit aggression and biting instinct, for which early socialization is a must. Teach it to differentiate between a threat and a pleasant situation so that your pet understands that a crying baby or playful kids playing in the yard is not bad. Feeding Feeding it cups good quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepherd Pit Bulls are prone to weight gain. They also have high energy levels. About three hours a day of activity is recommended. Agility training, hiking, walking, running, or playing around a yard will keep them happy. 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. One of the toughest jobs when caring for a German Shepherd Pit Bull is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Vets or groomers are good at performing this messy task. You should consult your veterinarian or professional pet nutritionist for advice on what to feed your German Shepherd Pit Bull and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your German Shepherd Pit Bull and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of German Shepherd Pit Bulls coats are brown, black, white, grey, tan, and fawn. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They usually have short thick coats, and this mixed breed is not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require at least three good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. German Shepherd Pit Bulls may be able to handle some extreme weather conditions for short periods of time. These dogs must live indoors with their families. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child. German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or American Pit Bull Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Temperament: It depends. A German Pit dog can be gentle, loving and protective of its family. It will like to be top dog and may challenge authority but with proper training it will learn who the master is. It gets bored easily. They cannot be left alone for long periods of time, or they can become noisy and naughty. Feelings and signals: Dogs communicate in many ways from playing to barking. Never approach a dog with its tail way down! How should you train a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? With patience! There are several types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization. Each is important to help this type of puppy learn to socialize and behave. This looks like a dangerous dog so it is important to train it to challenge perceptions and show people the best of this breed instead. How do you begin puppy training? It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer — Here are some tips to begin: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems. A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving. Early warning signs are — stiffness when getting up or walking, reluctance to get up when prompted and its usual walking style can change. It can occur early or later in life. The only way to check is to trace the health history of the birth parents. There is no cure but a Vet will help with medication to manage the pain. Skin problems Atopic dermatitis They can develop allergies causing skin conditions and itching — from grass, mold, pollen etc. Bloat Gastric Dilatation-volvulus Affects many deep-chested, larger dog breeds that like to eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. Early signs are: restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject excess air or food through ineffective retching. In each case it is important to seek medical help! Exercise: This will be a very active dog, with lots of energy and need lots of exercise. They like to play chase and fetch. A puppy needs hours of exercise every day and more when older otherwise it will get bored. It will love running around and adventures but not adapt to small spaces. Therefore not suited to apartment living. Remember: Puppies should not be exercised too much on hard ground as their paws are still delicate so a mix of hard and softer ground is recommended until they are at least 2 years of age. Leash training is strongly recommended for discipline, safety and control in the early years. Feeding: Feed as an active large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food. A Vet will advise the food type, exact amount, how often and if they need extra mineral and vitamins. Puppies should have their daily amount split into 3 daily feeds. Be careful not to over-feed them as weight gain can put pressure on their hips. Grooming: This dog has a short to medium length coat of hair that does shed but not too much so it only needs to be brushed times a week. A good brush is recommended. Bathing: This dog has short hair like the Pitbull so bathing is only recommended when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil; which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain shampoos have the double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Chewing helps, so use doggie chew toys, bare bones, soft tooth brushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be regularly checked for dirt build-up or infection. Anything unusual should be checked by a Vet. What is life like for a GSPM? Otherwise, with their high energy levels they may show their boredom through destroying or chewing things and barking. They can make a great family dog. Remember just how active this dog is before choosing one. How much does it cost? Always best to adopt rather than buy if you can. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. They are still prized working dogs on ranches or farms, but can fit well into active families with older kids. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies need lots of socialization, training and exercise. They require regular grooming despite their short coat, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. However, when you give them everything they need, this mix can be an amazing companion for experience dog owners and working dog trainers too. A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog. Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog primarily used for hunting. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests. This mix will be tall with a medium build and a coat that will range in length from short to long, depending on their parents. They will have a relatively long muzzle, dark eyes, a long tail and pointed ears. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is probably going to be a large dog. You can expect a German Shepherd-Pitbull hybrid to grow up to 17—24 inches tall at the shoulder. If a hybrid puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then they may mature to between 80 and 90 pounds. When they more closely resemble their Pitbull parent, then they may reach anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. Additionally, hybrids may look more like one parent than the other, or they may appear to be a lovely mix of both parents. Both breeds are commonly associated with territorial aggression and biting, both of humans and other dogs. Of course, with mixed breeds, you cannot say with much certainty how much the offspring of two purebred dogs will take after their parents. This goes for looks, health, and temperament. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies are no different. The Pitbull was first bred to fearlessly attack large animals and later to work, hunt and protect. This means that they are strong and agile enough to chase after such animals as cattle and hogs. Also, if needed, they can grasp and hold a moving animal with their powerful jaws. They can also be territorial. Furthermore, fewer Pitbulls in the study had attempted to bite their owner or a strange human than those who had attempted to or had attacked a strange dog in the past. Socialization As we mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization with other dogs and humans from an early age can help to prevent a puppy with German Shepherd lineage from developing aggressive behavior later in life. This is especially important if your dog has hypothyroidism in its genes. Additionally, both Pitbulls and German Shepherds are working breeds that are high energy. German Shepherd and Pitbull Health Your puppy has the potential to inherit the following conditions from one or both of their parents: Allergies — Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust cause itchy skin on the feet, belly, folds of skin, and ears. Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation — When the knee cap pops out of place while the dog is in motion. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis — Progressive nerve damage that results in weakness of the legs and sometimes blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — An inherited disorder in which deterioration of the retina leads to eventual blindness. Bladder stones —Pitbulls can inherit Hyperuricosuria. The urine is too acidic, which causes precipitation of solid masses called bladder stones or kidney stones depending on where they form. Lifespan The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is about 11 years. Similarly, the Pitbull typically lives between 11 and 13 years. This means that you can expect a German Shepherd Pitbull mix to live to be approximately 11 or 12 years of age. A Shepherd Pitt may mature to be a large dog with lots of energy. In addition to the energy outlet, exercise is also important for this hybrid due to the high probability of it developing hip dysplasia. As a family dog, this hybrid may not be ideal for homes with young children or other dogs. Make sure that you meet both parents. They should be relaxed and confident around strangers, if not overly friendly. Make sure the breeder also shows you evidence of clear health test certificates.

Are Goldendoodles AKC? It also allows them to participate in AKC events. This will allow you or breeders to have the information necessary to make responsible breeding decisions. In addition to knowing the background of your dog, the AKC Canine Partner program has additional benefits. What is a Purebred Dog? The AKC recognized breeds of purebred dogs. Owners of these dogs have documented pedigree and have often already registered their pets with kennel clubs. The organization specifies that the purebred breeds they acknowledge are modern dog breeds. They make this distinction because many dogs on the list, such as Golden Retrievers , were crossbred centuries ago. As dogs like Golden Retrievers grew more mainstream and popular, they became considered purebreds. This means that organizations such as the AKC might eventually categorize Goldendoodles as purebreds in time. Because people hold purebred dogs to such high standards, they are more expensive than mixed-breed dogs. When you adopt a purebred dog , you will pay for a DNA test and get written documentation that your dog is indeed purebred. A study from the Institute of Canine Biology showed that genetic disorders were just as common in mixed-breed dogs as in purebreds. As you know, a Goldendoodle is categorized as a mixed-breed dog. If you adopt a Goldendoodle from a shelter or rescue , you might have trouble discerning its background. Some rescues will have information about the dog if the owners contacted them to purposely rehome their dog. If someone brought the dog to the shelter with no information about its owners, you might want to do a DNA test to determine how to register your Goldendoodle. This Black Goldendoodle puppy is having a rest! What is the AKC? It offers resources to help purebred dog owners with the care and breeding of their pets. It is a nonprofit, though you must pay to register your dog through the organization. The AKC website has valuable resources on how to find reputable breeders, how to care for your purebred dog, and allows registration of accepted breeds. They do their own DNA testing and keep detailed records to ensure breeders are compliant with their standards. Because of this, people like to continue registering their purebreds with the organization to have access to the information. Some dog owners think AKC registration is a deterrent because of the legacy aspect of the organization. Apparently the AKC will register any puppy whose parents have been registered without actually checking the health and status of the involved dogs. And even then, AKC registered dogs can still have health problems, either related to the breed or not. There are a lot of steps to take to register your dog with the organization. The best foods for a dog to gain weight? Registering your dog with any organization is worth the investment because you can get discounts on vet care and pet insurance , among other perks. It is the first and only breed club focused on Goldendoodles. All of the information, tips, and advice that comes from the organization is Goldendoodle-centric. Coat Color does not matter to them — the heritage of the doodle dog is all they care for. Like AKC, you have to meet certain requirements. This means your dog must come from GANA-registered parents. You can find a list of reputable, registered breeders on their site. Every parent dog is registered which means any purebred Poodle and Golden Retriever will be up to scratch. If you already bought a Goldendoodle and it does not have GANA-registered parents, you can register your dog with the Goldendoodle Registry. At the very least find a local Doodle puppy club so you can familiarise yourself with the quirks of owning a mixed breed dog. If you are yet to buy or adopt your Goldendoodle, these clubs can offer advice on how to find a reputable goldendoodle breeder who is ethical and not running a two-bit puppy mill. The dog breeding business is full of interesting types and doodle breeders are no exception. Luckily the community bands together to promote ethics and ensuring every single puppy in every single Goldendoodle litter is homed and cared for. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Goldendoodles I. The predictability of a breed comes from selection for traits that are desirable and away from traits that are undesirable. When a breed standard or type is set, the animals within that breed have less heterozygosity than do animals in a random population. The Goldendoodle is nothing more than an expensive mongrel. Because the genetic makeup is diverse from the Poodle genes and the Golden Retriever genes, the resultant first generation F1 offspring is a complete genetic gamble. The dog may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament. Indeed Goldendoodles do shed. Their coat may be wiry or silky and may mat. Body shape varies with parentage but tends to be lanky and narrow. Behavior varies with the dog and within a litter with some puppies poodle-like in attitude and others somewhat like the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever Club of America is opposed to cross-breeding of dogs and is particularly opposed to the deliberate crossing of Golden Retrievers with any other breed. These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs. The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer. Smith DVM, Ph. LRC, Inc. We breed these dogs with every caution and 2 years of research and have had wonderful results. In my opinion your bias and negative comments are uncalled for, perhaps you should purchase one and find out for yourself before you make such bold statements. We are dedicated to the preservation of the Golden Retriever breed as defined by our standard, which is published on our Website. You state that you have two years of research behind your breeding program. The history of the Golden Retriever is carefully preserved and documented. You do not delineate what you mean by research. What we do in the way of research is fund many bona-fide grants designed to help identify and eliminate canine hereditary disease — diseases that are, by the way, passed on to your Golden-doodles. Are you aware of these diseases? In addition we request that all our members do the basic genetic testing for hips, eyes, hearts and elbows. We request that additional information be given to those who purchase Golden Retrievers about the overall health and longevity of the breed. We expect every breeder to support genetic research not only in doing the four major clearances but also by contributing to a DNA databank available to researchers. The Golden Retriever Club of America is responsible for collecting DNA on over of our current dogs along with a detailed health profile. There is no such pool of available information on cross bred animals. You mention wonderful results. That is a rather broad statement. Golden Retrievers excel in multiple venues — field, obedience, conformation, agility, companionship, service, detection, comfort and search and rescue. We have a long history of stable temperaments, trainability and bidability carefully preserved and monitored by conscientious breeders. These breeders have the full resources of our club, our foundation and our membership at their disposal. We have never seen a grant application for the health of the Golden-doodle. We have never seen a donation by any Doodle organization to the betterment of canine health, only undocumented claims that their dogs have no health problems. We have never seen anyone breeding doodles of any kind talk about the basic genetic testing for both the Golden and the Poodle. Instead we only hear of these dogs showing up in rescue because the promises of lack of shedding and allergies and stable temperament remain unfulfilled. The Golden Retriever Club of America also has an extensive rescue network and is among the first to arrive on the scene during natural disasters to provide shelter and assistance to the Golden. Where were the Doodle people during Hurricane Katrina? We do not condone actions such as the deliberate production of litters from two different AKC recognized breeds of dogs, which does not maintain the separate purpose and integrity of each breed. We speak for the Golden Retriever. We expect our breeders to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and fairness in dealing with other owners, breeders, purchasers of puppies and the general public. The Golden Retriever, as a purebred dog, comes from generations and generations of breeding dogs with a common gene pool and a characteristic appearance, temperament and function. If you are offended by our website, imagine how we feel about the proliferation of boutique dogs taking advantage of the public and misusing the careful and selectively bred Golden Retriever. More Information. Trails or discounts on pet insurance Certificates of recognition for the Goldendoodle Eligibility to compete in individual events, such as agility and obedience competitions Eligibility to receive titles One thing that must be noted when registering a Goldendoodle with the AKC is that they must be spayed or neutered to compete. The only exceptions made are for puppies, but they too must be spayed or neutered by the age their veterinarian recommends to compete. Some Goldendoodle owners have no wish to show their dog but are looking for an organization to participate in the community AKC events are a lot of fun! The internet can be a valuable resource for locating big and small Goldendoodle organizations to register in. Taking the time to investigate each group or organization will provide the owner with what they seek. This investigation can include correspondence with staff or volunteers to gain information and make an informed decision. The process should be fun and enjoyable for the Goldendoodle owner, just like their teddy bear doggie! What are the steps to registering a Goldendoodle? The registration process will vary from one organization to another. This registration can usually be done online or via mail, and the required information varies. Generally, they will ask for basic information of name, address, phone, and email. Next, they will want to know about the dog, background, name, date of birth, and gender. Other information can include micro-chipping number, physical color and markings, date acquired, and any additional information the individual organization may find important. Certain organizations and groups may be more formal or informal than others, finding the right place for the Goldendoodle and their owner should be a rewarding part of the process. Yes, there are many organizations with which to register a Goldendoodle. These organizations work hard to verify that the background of the Goldendoodle is true and correct. They trace and verify the background of original AKC breeds, vital for this dog breed. This tracking of the Goldendoodle pedigree is necessary to set the standard and protect this crossbreed in the hopes that one day they will be recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed of a dog instead of being placed in a group for mixed and hybrid dogs. One such organization is the Goldendoodle Association of North America. They have an application that can be filled out and is often given to new adopters when they take their cute and adorable Goldendoodle puppy home. What can I do to ensure that I can register my Goldendoodle with the organization of my choice? The best thing for new Goldendoodle owners is to keep all the information they receive from the breeder. These are the documents that show your Goldendoodle is a Goldendoodle. This information can make it easier for organizations to trace their background and verify their pedigree. Having a good relationship with a reputable breeder is also a good idea. This should start the moment a potential adopter decides to adopt a Goldendoodle puppy from a litter. Dog breeders can be very supportive of those who adopt their puppies. They can help pick the right dog for you from their Goldendoodle litter and provide tips for success in every area of a Goldendoodles life. Not all dog breeders are created equal. Verifying the breeder before adopting is of the utmost importance to protect the Goldendoodle breed and ensure that what you are getting is a Goldendoodle. Getting a breeder that follows best breeding practices and adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and care is the best way to help support responsible dog breeding and ownershipo. Can I still register my Goldendoodle if I got them from a rescue? This question can be hard to answer because rescue facilities, even those that specialize in certain dog breeds, can have a hard time knowing that the dog is a purebred animal. Their background and history are usually unidentifiable when they are taken into a rescue facility. When an animal is taken into a rescue facility, regardless of their background, they are taken in for various reasons. These reasons can include that they were lost , abandoned, abused, or neglected. This mistreatment can mean that locating paperwork and their breeder is not possible. It merely means that it is hard for those who manage these facilities to locate this information. They may not know how many owners the dog has had or where the dog has lived. Therefore breeding and background are irrelevant, taking a backseat to health and wellness. Despite this situation, a rescued Goldendoodle can still be registered for specific organizations and groups that are a bit more flowing in their guidelines. In Conclusion Registering a Goldendoodle helps support the breed as a whole in recognition. In our not-so-distant past, crossbred, mixed breed, and hybrid dogs were often not recognized no matter how perfect they were. Such qualities as character, skills, beauty, and uniqueness are equally and sometimes more important than heritage! Thankfully the Goldendoodle is a breed that is so adorable that no one will be able to refuse! Registering a Goldendoodle with AKC or other organizations can provide several benefits, including community support, discounts for veterinary care, subscriptions to magazines, trails or discounts on pet insurance, certificates of recognition for the Goldendoodle, eligibility to compete in individual events, and eligibility to receive titles. Goldendoodle owners can register their dog online or via mail, and the registration process may vary from one organization to another. Or, you may be wondering if you can adopt an AKC Goldendoodle. Spoiler alert: None of these three scenarios is the case. But they are a-dood-able! However, it is worth saying that there is plenty of confusion in Cyberspace about Goldendoodles. But I digress. The AKC is the largest not-for-profit registry of dog breeds in the U. Wondering why? AKC registration is only for dogs who come from a long history of purebred dogs. Purebred dogs include breeds like the Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever, just to name a few. Since the Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, the Goldendoodle is not a purebred dog. Breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds results in a crossbred dog. This is true for other Doodle dogs , too, such as Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles. A purebred dog is bred from parents of the same breed. Over may generations of breeding, there is no mixture of any other breed. This consistency of breeding brings conformation in size, shape, abilities, and temperament. Source: Deposit Photo Rather, because the parents are two different breeds, they are cross breeds or hybrids. For example, a Goldendoodle may have a purebred Poodle as one parent and a purebred Golden Retriever as the other parent, or some combination of these two specific breeds. I liken it to a box of assorted chocolates. The Golden Retriever was originally a crossbreed, a cross between the Retriever and the Water Spaniel. According to my research, crossing the Water Spaniel and the Retriever began around .I mention this because Goldendoodles are often described as mutts and designer dogs, too. Even then, a crossbreed may go through the process and not ever receive AKC status. If you come across claims like these, I suggest you question the source. Best case, the people making these claims are misinformed. Worst case, these types of claims are intentional and a way to scam unknowing future pet parents. Doodle Rescue Collective and iDog Rescue are two. Are there other ways your Goldendoodle can be part of the AKC? The primary benefit of joining the AKC Partners program is participation in AKC-sponsored sporting events such as agility, dock diving, and nose work competitions. Sound interesting? Learn more or enroll on the AKC Partners program page. For me, it does not. A registry database has been created to document lineage. Membership is limited to breeders that provide proof of health clearances achieved on all their breeding dogs and that have agreed to a Code of Ethics regarding their breeding practices and the care of their dogs. Without careful consideration and proper use of the records, the future of the Goldendoodle could be compromised. A Code of Ethics and Accredited Breeder Rules and Requirements have been created to assure that the common goal of the betterment of the breed is followed by all member breeders. Protecting the integrity of the Goldendoodle is in the best interest of all of us as we are the beneficiaries of this wonderful breed. Imagine the sweet, loyal temperament of a Golden Retriever; the intelligence and affection of a Standard Poodle; all combined into a package that personifies the best the dog world has to offer. The Goldendoodle is not only a wonderful companion dog, but is a versatile breed you will find filling many different roles including therapy and service. For all other questions: Email: admin goldendoodleassociation. Your membership helps to fund research and development regarding health, genetics, puppy development, and more. Member Application.

Available: Now Hey everyone! Chance was an owner surrender to the animal shelter and was in rough shape. Along with a really nasty skin condition, he was emaciated, had an upper respiratory infection, UTI, GI worms, and heart worms. It was clearly evident he had been neglected and abused. He got treated and well fed with a heaping side of love and care so he could be ready to meet his new family. Even though he had a rough patch, he still loves and want to be loved. He is a true velcro Boxer and want to be with you and cuddle. If he can't cuddle, he will be at your side, waiting for your attention and to look into your soul with those big, chocolate eyes. He wants to do whatever you do and be where you are. He is such a joy to be with. He had a good life before his previous owner, so he was already neutered and knew manners and commands. He is very smart and love treats, so I he picks new things up fast. He is house broken and know to stop something if mom says "uh-uh no" or "leave it" in her firm voice. He doesn'tt chew anything and doesn't counter surf. He only barks at delivery people. Chance can share his people, toys, and his bed, but please let him have his food to himself - he didn't always have food and worries. Chance knows the up and down commands, though he won't get on furniture unless you tell me it is okay each time. He also know sit, stay, come, and shake. Chance walk easy on a leash and loves his walks. He corrects easy with voice commands and gentle pressure on the leash. Sometimes, something fun to chase goes by and he wants to get it. He uses a harness and that helps him learn not to do that. He is already much better at it, except with cats and rabbits - those are too exciting. Some of his favorites include car rides, walks, being outdoors, toys, and cuddling. Part of his past was being crated all day, every day without bathroom breaks, enough food, or play time. So please let him play often, with lots of exercise. Also, Chance can not ever be crated at home, the vet or boarding except in emergencies and with medication. Crating triggers panic attacks for him specifically because of his past. The good thing is, he is such a good boy free roam, you don't need to crate him! Chance very much likes dogs and wants to play, but his foster Boxer brother is really old and can't play. He plays with his people and neighbor dogs. Chance does a good job, but can miss some doggie signals and will need help learning all of them for playtime. He acts like a big puppy, so he could knock down or step on little children with his zoomies. He does love all the rubs, pets, hugs, cuddles, ear smooshing, kisses, and scratches you can dish out. He also is happy to be lifted for a bath, car ride, or vet exam, though. We know some of the abuse in Chance's past was done by a man. He is scared of some men - not all men, but certain actions done by men trigger memories. He is not scared of the women and kids he has met. It took Chance a few days to trust him, but I love my foster dad now. He now trusts that his foster family will only let safe people in the house and will steer wide of men on walks doing any of those scary things like swinging a tool or carrying a load overhead. Chance now enjoys walks and visitors to his house. Interested in me? If so, fill out an application and mention Chance. If you are already approved, just email the adoption coordinator and ask to be added to my list. Please consider a donation to help with Chance's medical care. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? Things that will make a difference to the price are the experience and location of the Atlanta Boxer breeders, as well as the markings and coat color of individual pups, as well as their pedigree. Can I just choose puppies from Boxer breeders in Atlanta? Definitely not! You can easily arrange to pick your new bundle of fluff up at any major airport. How do you screen breeders of Boxer puppies in Atlanta? At Uptown Puppies we have a rigorous vetting process that we use to make sure we only work with the cream of the crop when it comes to businesses with Boxer puppies for sale Atlanta. Once accepted, every partner in our network also needs to sign our binding Breeder Pledge. Is Uptown Puppies different to other networks with Atlanta Boxers for sale? We definitely are! Rather than being led by marketing dollars, we concentrate solely on the reputation and experience of individual businesses. What is a puppy mill? Sadly, puppy mills place more importance on profit than animal welfare. Tragically, pups born in mills are far more likely to suffer from illnesses and behavioral issues than pups from reputable breeders. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Atlanta right now? Connect with the recommended businesses and companies within the Uptown network and prepare to be dazzled by the seriously cute puppies that are just waiting for their new homes! Where are Boxer dogs from originally? While the history of the Boxer can be traced back to B. C the breed we know and love today came into being in 19th Century Germany. These charismatic, intelligent, and fearless dogs soon became prized for their abilities as working dogs - which of course includes guarding. They have been a well-loved breed ever since. What will the average Boxer be like? Boxers love fooling around with their families although they can switch into guard dog mode in a moment if they feel you need protection. Are Boxers good family dogs? An Atlanta Boxer for sale will make a wonderful family dog. Their loyalty makes them a wonderful choice for watching over children and adults alike. This, combined with their fun-loving nature and high-energy personalities makes them the perfect choice for active families looking for an all-round companion for every adventure. Are Boxers easy to train? Training a Boxer for sale Atlanta can be a joy thanks to their eagerness to please combined with their intelligence.

We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about French Bulldog puppies for sale near Jefferson City? French Bulldogs have a unique look all their own with their signature round heads, bat-like ears, and expressive eyes. Beyond their appearance, these dogs are also known to be quite intelligent, loyal, and courageous. They require special care such as conscientious grooming and exercise, but they are also easy to train. While they may appear to be quite mellow and laid back, French Bulldogs are known to be quite energetic and enjoy active play. On top of that, they have an entertaining and comical personality and make a great companion for adults and families alike. Are French Bulldog puppies for sale in Jefferson City hypoallergenic? French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic; however, they do not shed as much as other breeds of dogs, which makes them an attractive breed for allergy sufferers. While Frenchies do not produce many of the proteins that trigger canine allergies, they still need some grooming maintenance. Regular brushing, nail trimming and teeth cleaning can help reduce shedding and keep allergens at bay. Additionally, weekly baths with a non-soap shampoo designed for dogs can reduce potential allergens on their coats. French bulldogs are a unique breed of dogs that require special nutrition. Depending on your pup's age, activity level, and any health conditions, there's no one-size-fits-all answer as to what you should feed them. Generally, a premium, high-quality kibble, either dry, canned, or a combination of both is recommended. Be sure it is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of French Bulldogs. Look for ingredients that are natural and are meant to meet their specific nutrient needs. Before you bring your new French Bulldog home, it is important to ensure your home is fully prepared. Start by puppy-proofing the space. Move things that can easily be chewed or swallowed out of reach. Add sturdy furniture that cannot be destroyed in the event your dog tries to chew it. Make sure your home is dog-friendly and safe for your pet. Secure any wires, sockets, or appliances that could be damaged. Have a place ready for your pet to rest and a place to store food and treats. What sizes do French Bulldogs for sale in Jefferson City come in? French Bulldogs come in a variety of sizes. They typically range from 11 to 15 inches at the withers, and they typically weigh between 18 and 28 pounds. The exact size will depend on how your French Bulldog is bred, and there are some breeders that specialize in mini French Bulldogs, which will generally be smaller than the average size. When considering a French Bulldog for purchase, it is important to consider what size you are looking for, and to ensure that the breeder is honest and reliable. In fact, French Bulldogs actually make great running companions. They are an active breed and love to stay active, so running can be a great way for them to get some exercise. It's important to keep in mind that French Bulldogs are not long-distance runners, so it's best to keep your runs short and to monitor their breathing and general level of fatigue. Additionally, be sure to bring water with you; the shorter snout makes them prone to overheating, so it's important to make sure they stay hydrated. Are French Bulldogs in Jefferson City good with kids? French Bulldogs can make wonderful family companions that are gentle and affectionate with children. They have a great temperament, are intelligent, and can be easily trained to understand and obey basic commands. They can provide companionship and loyalty for families with children and are known for their cuddly and snuggly nature. French Bulldogs tend to be fairly patient and tolerant of roughhousing, but it's important to always supervise them around small children. Training your French Bulldog can be a rewarding experience and establishing expectations from the onset can help ensure a lifelong and positive relationship. When introducing your French Bulldog to new behaviors, positive reinforcement is the key. Use treats or other incentives to reward your pup for completing desired actions and begin training sessions with simple commands such as "sit" or "lay down" and gradually progress to more complicated tasks like walking on a leash or fetch. Start with short training sessions of only a few minutes and gradually build up the duration over time. Welcome to the Missouri state page on TrustedPuppies. Located in the heart of the Midwest, Missouri is known for its beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, and a wide variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional MO French Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our Missouri breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the diverse dog-friendly scene in Missouri, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. Enjoy outdoor fun with your pup at popular dog parks such as Tower Grove Park in St. Louis or Cosmo Park in Columbia. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Missouri Rhineland Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of French Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable French Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Missouri. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your French Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect French Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Our goal over the past 27 years is to breed high quality puppies, with a focus healthy dogs with correct conformation and sound temperaments. That can only be done through proper breeding and knowing the history of the pedigrees and genetics of the dogs that you breed. You can find and buy cheaper puppies, but you take a huge chance on the temperament, health and the genetics of that dog. Here at our kennel, we strive to provide the average family with a world class German Shepherd from West German show lines and European working lines at a affordable price. We are not a commercial kennel or a puppy mill. We breed our females to selected males with the intention of breeding the best puppies possible. We provide AKC papers, pedigrees, health record with vaccinations and deworming, microchipped, and a lifetime of breeder support. Deposits are non-refundable. We reserve the right to keep the puppies of our choice from any litter. Thank you and God bless, Jim Godwin. Protection you can Hug Come and let us help you pick a beloved new family member that will provide unconditional love and protection for you and your family. Our dogs make great family pets, they are easily trained, and have a natural protective nature. Our past dogs have produced dogs that have served as mostly family pets, But some have been Therapy dogs, comfort dogs, K-9's and Schutzhund sport dogs. We are also placing our puppies with the Mississippi department of Corrections to be trained as working K-9's. Take some time and check out our website for lots of information on what we have to offer. And if you have time, we would love for you and your family to visit our kennel, just call and set up an appointment. Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to set up an appointment to visit. For the complete list please see our list page. As with any breed, you should always expect to pay much more for a registered purebred puppy. Prices for German Shepherd puppies vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on whether the puppy is show quality or not. If you are interested in owning a German shepherd, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder in Mississippi. With so many to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Ask your friends and family for referrals. Visit local dog shows and meet with breeders in person. Be prepared to ask lots of questions about the puppies, the parents, and the breeding process. Make sure that the breeder is willing to provide you with references from previous buyers. If a breeder balks at any of your requests, consider looking for another breeder. German Shepherds are a very popular breed and there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one. Be patient, do your research, and you will be sure to find the perfect puppy. Visit Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder in Person If you are in the market for a German shepherd puppy, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, if at all possible, try to visit your Mississippi German Shepherd breeder in person to get a better idea of what sort of puppies they breed. This is beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. Breeders who are proud of their puppies will be more than happy to show them off. By visiting the breeder, you can see the environment in which the puppies are raised and get a first-hand look at the parents. This will help you to determine if the breeder is responsible and breeding healthy dogs. It is also important to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. If the breeder seems hesitant or unwilling to answer your questions, it is best to move on. When looking for a German shepherd breeder, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a responsible person. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Mississippi One of the best ways to determine if a German shepherd breeder is responsible is to ask for references. Good breeders will be happy to provide you with references from previous buyers. If the breeder does not have any references, or if the references are all from family members or friends, it may be best to move on. A good breeder will be more than happy to provide you with references from previous buyers who are not related to them. It is also important to ask for health clearances from the parents of the puppies. Health clearances prove that the parents have been tested for genetic disorders and are free of any diseases. If the breeder does not have any health clearances, it is best to move on. Reputable German shepherd breeders in Mississippi can be tough to find, but it is worth the effort. By following these tips, you are sure to find the perfect puppy for your family. Happy hunting! Ask Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers When you are looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Mississippi, one of the best ways to determine if they are bred responsibly is to ask them if you can meet some of their past customers. Reputable breeders will be more than happy to provide references from previous buyers. Meeting past customers will give you a better idea of what sort of person the breeder is. In addition, it will give you a chance to see the environment in which they have been raised and ask questions about their health and personalities. A good breeder should be more than happy to meet with past customers. If the breeder does not seem willing to let you meet previous buyers, it may be wise to walk away. A responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will work hard to make sure that every puppy finds a good home and will be more than willing to provide references from previous buyers who are not related to them. A good Mississippi German Shepherd breeder should have a good veterinarian that they use. This veterinarian should be familiar with the breed and should be able to provide health clearances for the parents of the puppies. If the breeder does not have a good veterinarian, it is best to walk away. A responsible breeder will work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free of any genetic disorders. It is also important to ask the breeder how often they have their dogs bred. Good breeders will only breed their dogs when there is a demand for puppies. They will also only breed their dogs when they are in good health and have been cleared by their veterinarian. If you are looking for a responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. An unethical Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to sell you a puppy without providing you with any information about the dogs or the puppies. They may even tell you that there are no records of the parents. It is also important to avoid breeders who are not willing to provide references from previous customers. Unethical breeders tend not to have many repeat customers because they do not take care of their dogs and neglect them when they are pregnant and after they give birth. Be sure to ask lots of questions before choosing a breeder. A good breeder should be able to provide you with all kinds of information about the puppies, the parents, and themselves. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or seems shady, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of reputable breeders in Mississippi who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Many unethical breeders will try to hide this information from you. These breeders are usually trying to sell their puppies as quickly as possible and do not have much concern for the well-being of the puppies or their new families. There are no perfect dogs, but there are a lot of great breeders out there who will work hard to provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. However, a reputable breeder should be more than happy to provide you with a health record for your puppy. This health record should have all of the information on the vaccines that were given and any medical treatments that have been performed. They will also be able to inform you about what genetic disorders are common with the breed so you can watch out for them. Be sure to have a safe place for the puppy to sleep. This can be a kennel or a crate, but it should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in. You will need to have a place for the puppy to eat and drink. This can be a bowl or an automatic feeder and waterer. You will need to have a place for the puppy to potty. This can be an outdoor potty area or a pee pad. You will to have some toys for the puppy to play with. You will need to have a vet lined up who can provide care for your new puppy. If you can provide your German Shepherd with all of these things, they will be happy and healthy. However, if you are unable to provide these things, it is best to find an alternative pet. This process can take some time, but it is definitely worth it in the end. The best way to potty train your puppy is to take them outside frequently. When they go potty outside, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. Another thing that you can do is to put newspaper or pee pads in an area where the puppy can go potty indoors. When they go potty on the newspaper or pee pad, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to stay consistent with both of these methods so that the puppy will learn where they are supposed to go potty. If you are consistent with potty training, your German Shepherd puppy will be potty trained in no time. However, if you do not stay consistent, the puppy will likely start to potty inside the house. The best way to train your German Shepherd is to start when they are young. One of the most important commands that you can teach your dog is how to sit. Once your dog has mastered sitting on command, you can move onto the next step. The next step is to teach your German Shepherd puppy how to stay. When you come back, give them praise and another treat. Once they understand the concept of staying, you can start teaching them how to come when called. This process will take some time because you cannot reward them with treats every single time that they come when called; otherwise, they may get sick of coming when called after while. Eventually, your German Shepherd will learn how to stay and come when called whenever they are given the command. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. If all goes as planned, there will be three planned breedings for the spring and summer months. He had an amazing temperament, was extremely athletic and black sable in color. Sarge was a proven stud known for producing his likeness and passing on his hereditary characteristics to his offspring four of which remain at Weizen German Shepherd. He has a great temperament, weighs 95 pounds and is solid black in color with massive bone structure. He is a proven stud and produces puppies with dark pigmentation and great temperaments. He has been obedience trained and had bite work training at Weizen German Shepherds. He has an excellent pedigree, great temperament and is very dark sable in color. She is black sable in color and weighs approximately 74 pounds. She is high drive, easily trainable and very protective. She is black sable in color and weighs 88 pounds. Ketura is intelligent, has a great temperament and is obedience trained. She is DM free by parentage. Dark is black sable in color, weighs 95 pounds and has an outstanding pedigree. Dark has a wonderful temperament and was obedience trained at Weizen German Shepherds. She was born and raised at Weizen German Shepherds. She is black sable in color, weighs pounds and is a natural protection dog. She is very intelligent, obedience trained and has an excellent pedigree. She is intelligent, very bold, high drive and black sable in color. She is a Sarge and Seattle daughter. She is high drive, powerful and very black sable in color. She is a fireball of energy and smart. She is eight months old and dark sable in color. Wulfe is the son of Ketura and Zor. He is two months old and will be use as a future stud pending OFA scores. He is black sable and has a wonderful temperament. All puppies are imprinted from birth using the U. Military Bio Sensor techniques and exposed to different situations on a daily basis until they go to their new homes. Lynne Wheat is a Bred with H. Please Note: Weizen German Shepherds reserves the right to have first choice puppy from any of their litters.

I've photographed many families along with their beloved dog, often a Golden. I've had numerous Golden Retrievers in my training classes over the years, whether they be reds, English Cremes or the beautiful blonde that we so typically think of when we think of a Golden Retriever. Goldens hail from Scotland originally and are known as a hard-working breed, often employed as service animals and therapy dogs. They're also known for their voracious appetites, young-at-heart personalities and their penchant for carrying things in their mouths particularly when excited. Goldens are intelligent, athletic dogs, and are exceptional competitors in dog sports like obedience, agility, dock diving and more. Golden Retrievers gorgeous coats and perennially smiling face make them a dream to photograph, especially during their little butterball puppy stage. When Moana's that's "mow-ah-nah" dog mom contacted me for cute little puppy pics, of course I said "Yes" right after I squealed with delight and we quickly secured a session on the calendar before she got any bigger! The sun was shining, the flowers were in bloom and Moana romped and played and we caught it all. At the viewing and ordering appointment, Brenda had a hard time narrowing down her favorites because Moana's just that cute, but we eventually got there. She decided on ordering two plush blankets one for her and one for Moana's bed along with a digital negative package which is presented in a handmade reclaimed barn wood box with a metal print on the cover and a 5x7 print of each image inside along with a USB drive with all the high resolution digital image files. Doggy Daddy: Tucker I was recently contacted by the Creed family to take their family portraits and they requested that I take a few pet portraits of their very special family member, Tucker. It was only later when Moana's mom shared her Christmas mini session photo of Moana with them see below , that the Creeds asked if those were taken by Penny Whistle Photography. Brenda contacted me afterward to say "You just photographed Moana's daddy". Small world indeed and now I know where Moana gets her good looks! Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2, photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. Tracy offers special services to local Dallas - Fort Worth dog and cat breeders, creating unique images for their websites, social media and marketing purposes. Contact her to find out more about this offering. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds! Gus He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy. Hinckley Parks It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids! But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats.Margo Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic! Maggie Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it. Arrowood Family What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera? Thor As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether. Louie Talk about lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur. Krembo Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose. And also have us craving some snacks. We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now. Henry Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals , and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock. Drake Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world. Was this page helpful? Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Obesity can affect all dog breeds , however food-loving Labradors tend to put on weight very easily. The PDSA suggest: 1. Make meal times more exciting and last longer by feeding in snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, or by encouraging foraging — if they have dry food. Use healthy treats for training — chicken, turkey, or even carrots are tasty treats that aren't high in calories. Alternatively, set aside some of their daily food allowance to use as treats instead so you can be sure you aren't overfeeding them. Ensure they get enough exercise. You can do this at home — by weighing them, and by looking at their body condition. Take a good look and feel of your pet's body. If they are an ideal, healthy weight, you should be able to: See their waist, from the side and above Feel your pet's ribs when running your hands over their side Feel the spine and hipbones but they shouldn't be sticking out Feel your pet's tummy go in, not bulge out Touch the base of your pet's tail, and there shouldn't be a build-up of fat "If you think your pet is over or underweight based on your assessments at home, the next step is to contact your vet — they'll be able to give your pet a health check, as well as providing advice and support to help them get to the ideal weight," says Shauna. For more information, visit pdsa. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Eating too much is the main reason why dogs gain weight. It may be tempting to simply reduce the quantity of what you already feed your Lab. Therefore, you should purchase a prescription weight loss food through your vet. Prescription weight loss foods tend to contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals than OTC foods, decreasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Some weight loss foods are not very calorie-dense, meaning you can continue feeding about the same volume of food to your Lab without increasing its caloric intake. Labrador retrievers are known to eat enormous amounts of food. No matter how much you feed a Lab, it will always want more. If you have children, do not feed them when your Lab is around. Also, supervise your children if they feed your Lab; they may feed it too much and not realize it. Although your Lab now needs to eat fewer calories, you do not have to cut treats completely out of its diet. Instead, you can feed the occasional healthy treat, such as apple slices, unbuttered popcorn, and bits of bananas. They are usually high in sugar and fat. Keep a consistent meal time and feed the same amount at each meal time. Your vet may recommend trying a new weight loss food. I have a 4 month old puppy called Charlie. He is lovely. Seems very healthy and bright and approaches everything in life with great enthusiasm. I have had a black Labrador before, many, many years ago, when I was a kid — and my mum did all the work and worrying. That Labrador was from a big farm in North Yorkshire and I guess he was from "working lines". I feed Charlie on Royal Canin kibble which is what the breeder used and he gets loads and loads of treats — at puppy class clicker training, for walking without pulling, for peeing and pooing outside. Should it be about the same weight chicken for kibble? At 4 months, Charlie is the same weight 17kg now as the girl puppy that the breeder kept for herself. The breeder says that based on his mum and dad, she would guess Charlie will end up weighing, when he is grown, about 35kg. The vet says he is not too fat and is fine, and the vet nurse says the same. Is there anything else I can do to check that he is not overweight? Many thanks for reading what is probably too much information, and thank you in advance for any comments you are kind enough to give. JulieT I have tried to attach a picture… the one on the sofa shows the "puppy fat" along his back and his big tummy. Helping your dog to lose weight. Is My Labrador Fat? The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side. Does his belly slope upwards towards his groin, or is it a level line from his front legs to his back, or even worse is it sagging down between his legs? Your Labrador should have an upward sloping line from the base of his chest, towards his back legs. Now look at the dog from above. You should be able to! Your dog should not be the same width all the way down his body. Look at your dog from the side again. Can you see any ribs? Run you hands along his rib cages firmly. Can you feel his ribs? If you can see ribs when he is standing still he is too thin. If you cannot feel his ribs at all with your hands he is too fat! As we have seen above, the best way to tell if you have a fat Labrador is by looking and feeling. The trouble with providing you with a number is that it can give a false impression. Depending upon whether your Lab is field or bench bred, short or tall, chunky or slight, male or female, will all make a big difference to their ideal weight for the individual. The average adult Labrador will weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 lbs! Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian. They will be happy to let you know how much your individual Labrador should weigh. Why Is My Labrador Fat? So how did your slim little puppy end up as a fat adult Labrador? There are three common assumptions that people make when considering how their dogs came to be overweight. Does the dog need more exercise? Has he got some kind of medical problem? Or am I just feeding him too much at mealtimes or giving too many snacks? In general if your dog is overweight the real reason is simply that he has eaten too much. Or rather, been allowed to eat too much. Does my dog need more exercise? He may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Medical causes of canine obesity Although most dogs who are overweight have simply had a few too many bites to eat, there are some medical causes for obesity which do crop up from time to time. Canine medical conditions that can affect your Labs weight include hypothyroidism, insulinoma and hyperadrenocorticism. If a medical condition is the reason then the weight gain will normally be sudden and unexpected. If you are concerned by sudden weight gain in your Lab when you have not been giving him more food, then a checkup at the vets is definitely in order. You may also find that your dog puts on weight after having been neutered. If this is the case you will need to adjust your feeding habits accordingly. However, for most dogs weight gain is a simple result of over feeding. My Labrador is always hungry People are often concerned because they worry that their dog is still hungry after eating his dinner. Here is an important truth: Most Labradors are always hungry. You cannot win this battle. These are greedy dogs and your Labrador will always want more food than you give him. No matter how much that may be. If your Labrador is overweight he really needs to eat less and he will get used to his new regime quite quickly. Are Fat Labs Less Healthy? If you have looked at your Labrador and decided he is overweight, you might be wondered whether that actually matters. Is it really worth the effort of ignoring those puppy dog eyes and whines for extra food? Slim dogs are healthier Being overweight predisposes you to an awful lot of unpleasant health problems. This is true regardless of whether you are a human or a dog. Carrying extra pounds can also make existing problems your dog may have worse. For example joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia can be exacerbated by having more weight to lug around. As well as joints and bones suffering from obesity related issues, increased body fat can also make your dog more likely to have problems with their organs including those needed for breathing and digestion. Just a bit of extra fat can have a host of unwanted consequences. Being a fat Lab puppy can potentially make your dog more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life. Slim dogs live longer Not only will a slim dog have a better level of fitness and a lower likelihood of becoming unwell, they will in all probability live longer too. Those Labs on the large food ration had a median lifespan of over 11 years old. Those on the smaller food ration lived to be over 13 years old. When you look at the difference which can be made in these terms, by helping your Lab to stay slim you could be giving him an incredible two more years with you! If he gets a lot of household scraps these may have to go too. If you use food as rewards in dog training, this should be deducted from his daily food allowance. It could also help to find healthier alternatives to your usual training treats. Bear in mind that if your dog is unwell, old or very young , it is sensible to consult your vet before tampering with his diet. It is also a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand if your dog is very overweight and has a lot to lose. Take a photo of him from above and from the side before you start. At the end of the three to four days, check the dog over as described above and ask yourself if he is still fat. If you think he has improved a little but needs to slim down a bit further, keep going for another three to four days then review the situation. Compare the photo you took a week ago and you should see some improvement. You may need to increase his food slightly in order to maintain his new slim figure and ensure he does not get thin. If the dog is not losing weight after a couple of weeks on two-thirds of his previous food allowance, you may need to cut his food down even further. So, if your labrador is on the skinnier side, you might need to make some adjustments. Your labrador being so skinny can be due to many factors, including illness, lack of nutrition, or just the type of lab. While some labs are thin and lean, others appear broad and stocky. English labs tend to be like the latter, while American labs are usually the former. The rest of this article will discuss the various reasons why your labrador is skinny and how to solve those issues if possible. Not all labs are alike, and genetics can play a big part in the overall size of your pet. However, being too skinny can cause your dog many health problems — or could even be a sign of a severe illness. Here are the various reasons why your lab is skinny. Genetics Genetics plays a significant role in the size of your dog. The English labrador is typically broader and has stockier chests and necks. American labrador. The American labrador is usually slimmer with more of an agile build. Of course, not every dog is the same. Some English labs might be taller or skinnier than American labs depending on their environment and genetic background. Image Source: irishtimes. Without insulin, the brain becomes sugar-deprived, causing the dog to stay hungry. However, they often lose weight due to improper use of nutrients in their diet. Most of the time, you can manage diabetes with regular insulin shots. It can cause many changes in the body that lead to weight loss, including a decreased appetite, changes in metabolism, and chemotherapy. Various reasons can cause both types of anorexia, including nervous system disorders, cancer, systemic disease, or psychological problems. Lack of Nutrition Ensuring that your lab receives all of the proper nutrients for its growth and development is essential to its weight. Missing vital nutrients can cause your dog to be skinnier than it should, and this can put your pup in a calorie deficit. While most dry or canned dog food contains all the nutrients your dog needs, there could be a nutrient your dog needs more of. What Should Your Labrador Eat? Large breed and small breed dogs require different foods. As labs are a large breed, they must get all the vitamins and nutrients through large-breed food. Your labrador should eat large-breed dog food containing essential nutrients specific to large breeds. Large-breed dog food contains nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health, which is vital for large breeds. The average weight for a labrador differs depending on the age and gender of the lab. While every dog grows differently, they should reach an average weight by adulthood, usually around a year. Your Labrador should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds .As a puppy labrador grows, its weight will increase gradually. By a year old, your lab should be fully grown. If you have a labrador younger than a year that looks skinny, you might not be feeding it enough. However, there are growth charts that show how much a labrador should weigh at each stage of its life. Veterinarian Kate Boatright on Pawlicity provides an excellent chart to go by: Age.

Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in South Carolina? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in South Carolina. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for South Carolina Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in South Carolina? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle South Carolina? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies South Carolina for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies South Carolina? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. Champion bloodline breeder. Breeder Website: website Let Us Help You Find Your Poodle Puppy Buying the wrong puppy will cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary bills and incalculable emotional stress. But it could be time-consuming to find breeders of healthy, well-behaved Poodle puppies from good lines. However, we can save you time and from the trouble of finding a reputable Poodle breeder. Leverage our experience and expertise for your peace of mind. She will discuss with you what to expect when expecting a Poodle and prep you for Poodle parenthood. To get started, email your name and zip code to FindMeAPuppy bestpoodle. However, when looking for a puppy from a breeder, we recommend that you do your due diligence. Do not just jump into buying a puppy from a breeder. Take your time to research the breeder. Note that in addition to the price you pay for a poodle puppy, owning a poodle comes with the cost of taking care of a poodle. And owning a poodle can be expensive because poodles require frequent grooming because of the nature of their coats. Learn about how much it costs to own and keep a poodle here. We wish you the best of luck as you are about to embark on the beautiful journey of owning a Poodle! Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets.

Pets Age : 2 Year 11 Month 13 Day Old Advert Description :We give our puppies the best possible start in life and we are looking for the forever homes. A dog is a lifetime commitment and a lot of thought should go in to it before making the decision. NEVER buy a new dog or puppy without being able to visit it at its home. If someone wants to meet you and makes excuses why you cant go to their home, just walk away and report it to us. D Read our detailed Information guide about dogs for potential new dog owners. Puppies should not leave their mother until at the very least, 8 weeks old. Read our Airedale Terrier breed information profile to research and find out more about this breed. Ask to see the pedigree papers and ensure the breeder's name is on the certificate. Recently some advertisers are advertising their pets as Pedigrees, but when people have gone to buy the pet, the seller has made excuses and said they will post on the pedigree papers. Be wary of outlets offering more than one or two breeds When visiting the seller note the surroundings and never go alone Visit the puppy more than once The breeder should want to know about you too Ask to see the puppies mother - be very suspicious if you can't Puppies bred commercially, indiscriminately and carelessly are likely to… Develop disease. Mini Whoodles are considered a designer mixed breed. They often take on any combination of characteristics common to the dog breeds in the cross. Their coat, for example, will often be soft and silky, but can be either wavy, curly, or corded. They also tend to come in a variety of colors. Miniature Whoodles are fun-loving, smart, and playful. They enjoy playing with children and spending time with people. If possible, you should bring your dog to work with you, so they will stay socially stimulated throughout the day. Mini Whoodles are best-suited for a family setting, but can thrive with individuals or couples. Then, it will be more likely that they will have someone to snuggle or play with. They like to play more complex games and to be challenged. This will also reduce their interest in your new shoes or the pizza on the dining room table. By exercising them regularly and keeping their mind stimulated, you will have a happy and healthy Miniature Whoodle puppy. This dog breed needs to have food formulated for small dogs, and it can either be dry or wet. Whichever your pooch prefers will be fine. Try not to feed them too much junk food to avoid weight gain. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy as time progresses. Offering your dog a nourishing diet and staying up-to-date on vet checks will help keep them happy and safe throughout their life. The Mini Whoodle is fairly easy to train and loves to be challenged. Make sure to play plenty of games with them while training to keep them interested. Though they respond well to training, and learn quickly, you will need to remain stern and steadfast. If not, they will begin to question you and forget their training. You should always have some sort of socialization during training as well. Otherwise, your Miniature Whoodle may become shy and fearful over time. Because of the Poodle presence in this mixed breed, Miniature Whoodles tend to have a low-shedding coat, but will require some grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Professional grooming should be done when needed throughout the year to help keep your Mini Whoodle comfortable throughout the seasons, particularly if your hybrid puppy ends up with a longer coat. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from getting too long. Good doggie dental care , like using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day, can help prevent dental disease. Mini Whoodles are semi-active dogs. They need daily walks and trips to the dog park at least once a week. Every other walk, you should play a game of fetch to help them balance their energy levels. You will also want to take them swimming or hiking at least once a month. This will help your Miniature Whoodle maintain stamina and muscle tone. The Mini Whoodle usually stands between 11 and 14 inches tall and weighs 8 to 20 pounds. Miniature Whoodles generally live 12 to 15 years. Featured Mini Whoodle Article. While all dogs have unique personalities, a Whoodle is a great pick. Whoodles are playful, active, and friendly dogs, also known as Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, Sweatenpoo, and Sweatendoodle. This way, you can determine if your family and home environment is a good fit for a Whoodle to thrive in. So, whether you love Whoodles or are a first-time dog parent, this expert guide will help you learn everything you need to know when buying a Whoodle. This super cute canine will be a perfect addition to your family because of its friendly and smart nature. However, you have to remember that a Whoodle can also be extremely active and headstrong at times. With that disclaimer out of the way, let us learn about Whoodle and what you can expect. History of Whoodles The Whoodle breed appeared around the mids, making it a relatively newer addition to the canine kingdom. The idea was to create a dog breed with the soft coat of a Wheaten Terrier and the natural intelligence of a Poodle. On the other hand, the Wheaten Terrier has been bred since the s in Ireland, with its primary purpose being that of a herding dog. This breed craves company and wants to be in a social environment to interact with people. This canine is a confident breed and has strong leadership qualities. Training a Whoodle requires a lot of patience as they can come across acting as if they know better. A Whoodle does not like being yelled at, so you should train them with encouragement and kindness. This is key to establishing a healthy friendship with your canine. Size of Standard and Mini Whoodles Despite being a small breed, you can find Whoodles in a variety of sizes. If the Poodle parent is bigger, then you get a bigger Whoodle as well. Therefore, you will find the various types of Whoodle, which include: The standard Whoodle — standing at approximately 21 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 55 pounds The mini Whoodle — is about 18 inches tall and weighs around 35 to 40 pounds Other breeds include Toy Whoodle, Teddy Bear Whoodle, etc. An average height of both male and female Whoodle can reach up to 21 inches tall, whereas the weight may range between 20 and 60 pounds. Health of Whoodles Although healthy in general, Whoodles may suffer from some health conditions during their life. The breed inherits some of the health issues from both parent breeds. This condition causes the dog to experience seizure episodes manifesting as loss of consciousness and convulsions. However, if your dog is epileptic, you can diagnose it between the age of 1 and 5. That said, there are medications that can control the seizures and give your dog a good quality of life. You just have to remember that, like any other breed, you must take really good care of your Whoodle and take them for veterinary checkups regularly. Care Required Speaking of health and preventing illnesses in your Whoodle, you must be proactive in taking care of your canine. Keeping up with the general grooming and regular checkups with a local vet will ensure that your dog stays in good health. This practice will also help detect any signs or symptoms of a health issue in an early stage. Registering your Whoodle with a local veterinary care service will allow a vet to develop a healthcare plan to ensure that your canine member of the family always stays in good health. You must take your Whoodle out for regular walks as the breed is quite energetic and needs a considerable amount of exercise to burn that energy off. You must try to aim for a minimum one-mile walk on a daily basis. The more you can fit in, the better, but 1 hour is the bare minimum. A Whoodle is a naturally playful breed, so you can help them stay active with indoor playtime. Another aspect of care required for Whoodle is regular grooming. This is important because both parent breeds, soft-coated wheaten terrier and poodle, are high maintenance dogs. Another thing to keep in check is regular nail trimming. It would be a wise investment to buy appropriate grooming accessories to carry out the basic grooming tasks at home. If you have any health or care concerns about your Whoodle, it is best to consult your vet. Feeding A Whoodle will eat normal dog food. However, you must formulate a diet suitable for a medium-sized dog breed. If you are a first-time breeder or a seasoned dog parent buying a Whoodle for the first time, it would be best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. An expert veterinarian facility will be able to recommend the right portion of food you must feed your Whoodle every day. Therefore, you will find the coat to be silky on the touch. Speaking of the color of the coat, you can find a Whoodle with black, brown, cream, red, and silver-grey coats. Rarely, but you may also come across a Whoodle with a spotted coat. While whoodles have a medium-length coat, their silky fur requires that you brush them daily. Do you or a family member suffer from allergies? Ideal Climate Ideally, a Whoodle would prefer to live in colder weather. If you live in a hotter climate, you must take precautionary steps when taking your Whoodle for a walk. This will reduce any risks of heat exhaustion. Whoodle with other Pets Whoodle is a social breed and usually lives in harmony with other pets. Nevertheless, you must train your Whoodle to undergo appropriate socializing training from a young age to create a habit of socializing with other pets. Whoodle with Children A Whoodle is an active and playful canine and makes a good companion for your young ones. However, it would be best if you taught your children how to interact with a Whoodle responsibly. This is important because Whoodle is a headstrong breed and will not like provocation or being mishandled. You must always supervise play sessions between a Whoodle and your kids, especially during the initial months of buying a Whoodle. Pros Buying a Whoodle ensures a clean household as the breed barely sheds. This makes grooming a walk in the park. Child-friendliness is a big positive if you have young ones at home If you own an apartment, then Whoodle is a perfect breed due to its size Cons Very high energy levels; therefore need at least a mile walk every day As this is an intelligent breed, you will have to make extra efforts when training because Whoodle will act as if the dog knows better than you do. Whoodle loves socializing and does not like being left alone. Leaving the dog alone for too long may cause separation anxiety and lead to further damage. A Whoodle is a high-maintenance breed and requires a lot of attention and time. You may need to splash the cash to get the right dog food, buy toys, and book emergency vet appointments. So before you decide to buy a Whoodle, ask yourself if your wallet is ready to own one. Regular vet visits are a part of it. Take your Whoodle for regular checkups at the registered veterinary center. Ideally, a trip to the vet once a year will do the trick. Know the temperament Whoodles have a strong sense of self-assured leadership and can be an ideal breed to use as a service or working dog. However, if you are a new dog owner, you will have to be patient during the training process. Learn about any known health issues in parents, any specific groom requirements or needs, etc. Always consult the breeder and your vet about the dietary plan and frequency of health checkups. Conclusion A dog needs love, care, patience, and kindness; therefore, buying your Whoodle from a well-reputed authentic breeder is always a wise decision. Avoid mass producer breeders at all costs. If you are looking to buy an authentic Whoodle, we at Feather and Fleece are white-glove Whoodle breeders. All the breeds at the Feather and Fleece are registered, health tested, and come with authentic paperwork. Other on-site facilities that you can visit include: A veterinary care facility Training facility Grooming facility There are five different walking paths, and Feather and Fleece also train the puppies, so you can take a trained pup home and enjoy being a parent to a Whoodle right away. The average wait time to get a Whoodle at Feather and Fleece is approximately 3 to 6 months. The Whoodles are a hypoallergenic, lovable, and good-smelling breed. You can visit the large farm facility yourself and choose a Whoodle in a color that you like. The on-site training facility help with crate training, pup socializing skills, and much more. So, are you ready to bring a Whoodle home? If yes, you can take a virtual tour of the Feather and Fleece farms or contact us by visiting our website. Already made up your mind about adopting a puppy? Then start your application today! Miniature Whoodles can weigh up to 20 pounds and they usually measure up to 14 inches tall. Do mini whoodles shed? Whoodles don't shed a lot, at least not as much as other breeds. Do whoodles need grooming? Yes, whoodles will require occasional trimming to ensure that their body remains in good condition. Feathers and Fleece Farm. Be extra cautious with online transactions! We encourage you to read these guidelines before buying or adopting a dog. Have you done your research? Carry out the research so you have the necessary knowledge of the pet you are getting. Since owning a dog is a big commitment, you should research about the breed fully to make sure it fits your current lifestyle and budget. Have you seen the puppy? Take time to visit the advertiser's home to confirm if they are genuine. Do not settle for online communications and photos. UK Pets does not verify the authenticity of all advertisers. The advertiser should allow you to personally see the puppies with the puppies' mother. If they keep on giving you excuses why you could not visit their home or the address stated in the advert is not the accurate and permanent location of the pet, consider this a red flag. Avoid online payment Never pay anything online through money transfer companies especially if you have not personally visited the advertiser and seen the puppy, this includes deposit and delivery cost for the puppy. There is also no means to recover your money if issues arise. Before closing a deal, you must have signed a well-defined contract. Responsible Advertiser The advertiser should only release the puppies when they are 8 weeks old or older. They should be responsible enough to know that separating the puppy from the mother earlier results in medical and behavioural issues. It is important to consider these facts to help you decide whether you are ready for long-term pet ownership.