silver pug puppy

Know the Breed Pugs are the most charming dog breeds out there. The average pug has full adorable eyes and is marked by its black masks. Pugs are average shredders and they shred throughout the year. Although you can address this with regular grooming and through finding out the most effective shampoo for your pug, you need to be ready to deal with the shredding. Pugs are susceptible to respiratory problems and tend to be easily overweight when not monitored. One factor that contributes to the severity of these health issues is if the pugs are mixed breeds. Be sure that the pug puppy you are getting is pure-breed to avoid major complications in the future. In pugs for sale postings, always look for confirmation that you are getting a pure breed. Search for Reputable Pug Breeders Talking to reputable pug breeders will solve the majority of any possible problems that may arise from getting pug puppies. A reputable breeder will make sure you will get the pug puppy in a healthy state. These are the types of breeders you would want to get pugs for sale. A good sign of a reputable pug breeder is their interest in getting to know you and your commitment to raising healthy adult dogs. A good breeder will ask as many questions as necessary to know that you are serious in your endeavor to raise pugs. Another sign of a really good breeder is the type of breed they choose to raise. Great breeders raise only a single breed of dogs. This allows them to focus on one breed and be experts in raising healthy puppies for those who want to buy. As much as you can, look for local breeders in the Houston area. Talking to breeders in the Houston area makes it easy for you to visit their stores or their shelters. This also allows you to physically see the pug puppy and its parents. Visiting their shops and shelters allows you to be certain that you are not getting a pug puppy from puppy mills. Look for a Pug Dog Club Another great step to do is to connect with a local pug dog club. Try searching for Houston pugs on the internet or social media sites. These local clubs are a good source of reputable pug breeders and they might be able to point you to any breeder who might have pugs for sale in Houston. Their super adorable faces may scream of being the perfect puppy but you should not be hasty in making decisions. If you can, take a vet with you when you visit your prospect pug puppy. The vet will be your guide in making sure you are getting healthy and fit pug puppies. Check the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and body of the pug you are getting. Look for any signs of infection, injury, and even cuts. Look for the healthiest pugs for sale and make sure you have the health records to back it up. Final Tip Once you have a list of the websites, Houston pugs groups, and local Houston stores you can visit or connect with, make sure you have prepared a list of questions you will ask them about the pugs for sale posts. These questions relate to the health of the puppy, the reputation of the breeder, and other related questions that you need to know before taking the pug puppy home. This your safest health guarantee for the puppies. Websites with Pugs for Sale Since the world is continuously moving into the virtual space, we have listed some of the most reputable websites you can check for puppies for sale. Some dog breeders offer other breeds that are family-raised like the Boston Terrier, some sell dogs that are strictly AKC registered, while some would only make sure the pups go to a loving home. These are websites that consistently post updates about baby pugs for sale in Houston TX. Oodle Oodle is a website where you can search for pug puppies for sale postings on different pug breeds and reputable breeders in the Houston area. If you are looking to bug a pug, this will be a great website to start your research with. With this website, you will have a source for multiple options on where to get pugs for sale and get a good idea of the price range of the dogs for sale in Houston. McDonald Lucky Charm Puppies McDonald Lucky Charm Puppies is an online pet store that is known for making the general well-being of the puppies being sold their primary concern. This site sells healthy pugs and consistently posts about pug puppies for sale. The people behind it take the time to make sure the pets get a new home that is loving and responsible. Lucky Charm Kennel screens every interested buyer and requires each to send an application. You can get a pug from them only if they deem you eligible. Once they have responded to your application, only then can you move forward with the process of getting the pug. Their website features photos of the different pugs for sale and provides detailed information on the breeders. If you are looking to adopt pugs, PupCity has an adoption plan for anyone who wants to open their home to pugs that are in distress. This is an online store that is genuinely concerned about the welfare of the dogs and makes sure the pet and the buyer get the best meaningful experience every time dogs are sold or adopted. Check their website and social media pages for listings on pug puppies for sale. PugHearts Pug Hearts is a website that features puppies that were rescued. It is a group committed to giving care and shelter to pug puppies until a family shows up that is willing to bring them home. PugHears is a non-profit charity in the Houston TX area that takes care of hundreds of adorable pups each year. The pugs released are in their optimal health condition and have received great care from professionals. If you have a heart for taking care of rescued pugs, they are a great site to look into. Brave Pugs Brave Pugs have received praises for their transparency in posting the pugs they are selling. They include all the important details about the pug and include things like the habits, temperament, and behavior of each of the pugs they are selling. They are a great resource in Houston Texas. They also post a lot of photos of the pugs for sale. Even before meeting the pug personally, you already have a good idea of how to approach the pug and how to take good care of it. The most amazing feature of this site is its ability to show you real-time photos of the pug shelters closest to you. Doggies do their work and make sure the featured pups are from reputable breeders who will never release a dog that is not healthy. The website features not only pure breed pugs but also mixed breed pugs like the pug-beagle mix. Select the closest pug breeder to your location so that you can easily get started with your search for a pug puppy. These are great websites that are connected to numerous legitimate breeders. Go to their Facebook page and other social media pages and see their interaction with their local followers in Houston Texas. You will have a better idea of what kind of companies they are and how they interact with their customers. Conclusion Now that you have gone through this guide, you are now equipped with a good base knowledge on how to get pugs for sale in Houston TX. Make sure to apply all the things you have learned in this guide. Here are some of the other topics we have created to help you search pugs for sale by location. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Puppy mills are an unfortunate reality in the dog world today. Many people buy puppies from stores that are not good. These stores have dogs that live in bad conditions. There are lots of great places to get your next puppy, but there are also lots of puppy mills out there too. When you encounter these things it almost always means you have found an ethical, healthy, and responsible breeder. The main one is that they do not allow their dogs to be bought over the internet. Pug puppies are a great addition to any family, but finding a reputable pug breeder can be challenging. Never buy a puppy from an unregulated source, such as an ad in the classifieds, a pet store, or another mass-market setting. Like any other domestic animal, pug breed are susceptible to a host of diseases and health problems. Many breeders will screen their buyers in order to make sure that they are able to provide a healthy home for a pug puppy. Reputable breeders will also guarantee their puppies against hereditary defects. If you do purchase your pug from an unregulated source, you may face problems that market-bought dogs rarely experience. In light of this fact, we strongly suggest that you look for a reputable breeder instead. The AKC is the authority on all things dog-related in the United States, and they have an extensive list of pug clubs all across the country. These pug breed clubs often have available puppies for sale and will be able to provide you with all the information you need on buying a pug. Asking around your community is also a great way to find reputable pug dog breeders. Of course, try to avoid those who advertise in ways that may be questionable such as online advertisements , as those pug breeders may not be the best option. But, for those who care enough about the well-being of their dogs to join a pug club and show their dogs in events, you can trust that they are reputable and provide a decent quality of life for their pugs. It is possible to find American Kennel Club registered pugs for sale from a private individual as well. These types of pugs may or may not have papers, but they will be listed for a much lower price than those from a Pug Dog Club. It is important to check the history and quality of life of any pug you consider purchasing from an individual seller, as these dogs are often bred in unsanitary conditions or are placed with families who do not have the time to raise them. How much does a Pug breeder puppy in Houston cost? Pugs are a popular breed of dog and can be found in many pet stores. Finding a good breeder is important in choosing your new puppy. Conclusion With a little research and the right tools, you can find pug breeders in Houston to help you create your perfect family member. The process of finding a reputable breeders is as easy as using our website. We have all the details on what breeds are available near you, their temperament, care requirements, and more! Getting an animal from one who has established themselves in the field will ensure that they come with excellent health guarantees and experience raising animals because we know how important those things are for pet owners like yourself. Investing in quality pugs early means having fewer worries down the road about vet bills or other issues associated with not doing enough research upfront. We also want you to be aware of pug rescues or shelters near you, as pugs can be abandoned or mistreated and they need good homes. These information are found in our blogs. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Then, take a look at our Lucky Charms! But first, Shhh!! Our puppies think they are people! We are the McDonald family. We have been raising dogs and puppies for thirty years. All of our mums and pops are regular family members in our home. We spoil the puppies like they are our grandchildren. Parents of our puppies were hand selected for their personalities and to meet breed standards from the U. We carefully tend to the health, environmental, and nutritional needs of all of our dogs, and they come with a health guarantee. Pups are kept up-to-date on all shots and worming treatments. We also offer micro-chip implanting, at time of sale, for the safety of your pup. Our puppies are raised right in our home in a clean, safe, and loving environment. As they grow, we nurture and play with them, so they feel confident and secure when you take them to their new home. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to make an appointment to meet us and visit our pups. Prices vary on each of our puppies according to breed, show and breeding potential, and availability. In these cases, please text or email us for updates to stay informed of upcoming litters. Accepting PayPal and or cash for payments. PUG Stud service is available. Wallace is a sweet 2 year old boy who was surrendered to a local shelter. He loves to play, cuddle and wrestle with his foster brothers. His puppy energy and sweetness are boundless. He is also heartworm positive and will need to complete treatment for that as well before he is available for adoption. Adopt Testimonials We had an amazing experience with Pughearts! The process was thorough which I appreciated. The volunteers and organization are extremely passionate about their rescue dogs and their well being. We are so grateful for our fur babies and for Pughearts! We live out of state and Pug Hearts went above and beyond to come and inspect our home. Every step of the way all the volunteers I worked with were kind and quick to answer all my many questions through the adoption process. When I flew to Houston to meet the pug we were hoping to adopt, my flight was significantly delayed and our pug's foster mom took the next day off just so I could come meet with her! Our pug came to us in great health, fully checked by the Pug Hearts vet team, with detailed vet records for her continued care. We continue to stay in touch with the volunteers and our Pug's foster mom sending updates and sharing stories, Not only did we add the sweetest pug girl to our family, we feel like we came away with new friends! We will always adopt from Pug Hearts from now on and highly recommend them for your family too! Everyone we spoke with and worked with was very nice and answered all of our questions quickly. Ann was awesome about coming to do the home visit for us since we live in a remote location in Colorado. Karen was awesome about giving us all the information we needed and making sure our pup was all set to travel back from Houston. We would recommend Pug Hearts for anyone looking to help find a pug a forever home! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this rescue! Our pug had been found wandering the streets , was underweight and had severe behavioral issues. His foster mother worked with him for 4 months to get him ready to come home with us. Not only did we get a new family member but I made a great friend as well. They take in pugs of any age with any medical problem and provide them with not only the medical care they need but the love they deserve. No pug is left behind. They are extremely thorough in the application process and truly care about the well-being of every single animal that they help. The organization has a wonderful group of volunteers, donors, and Fosters. The intake coordinator and the Director are absolutely wonderful to communicate with. They are very knowledgeable and caring. I have adopted three pugs from them and anytime I have questions or concerns they are quick to reply with a solution. Hands-down the best rescue in the entire world!!

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. And thanks to their excellent temperaments, they also make perfect therapy and service dogs. Of course, we cannot forget that thanks to their Poodle heritage, these pups are well-known for being allergy-friendly dogs with their low-shedding coats. The perfect four-legged companion, we must say! For this reason, ethical breeders always conduct extensive health and genetic testing to rule out any hereditary illnesses that can be carried onto the offspring. Health warranties should always come in written form, and they typically cover the first one or two years from adoption. After all, breeders can claim whatever they want on their websites. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Arizona, Dulcito Doodles only breeds their litters from fully health tested and cleared parents. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Dulcito Doodles is very much committed to raising healthy, well-rounded, and confident puppies. They follow the Badass Breeders protocols, implement the Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , introduce them to grooming and socialization , and start the puppies on litter box training as early as 3 weeks old. In addition to that, they feed their pups a high-quality raw food diet to provide them the best start in their care. Our Prices and Health Guarantee We are small family based hobby Bernedoodle breeders located in North Phoenix, AZ and we specialize in raising and training gorgeous and healthy high quality Bernedoodles in various sizes and colors. Our puppy parents are health tested and are loving sweet dogs with great temperaments. We try to use holistic natural approach with our family and pups as much as possible. Our special puppy training curriculum starts on day 1 from birth and continues till pups leave us. Many of our pups are working with children and adults with various physical and mental disabilities including Autism and past traumas. We have pups who became mobility and seizure alert service dogs. We teach our fur babies to trust, submit and love people and to adjust easier to many different environments. We use special set of exercises and training techniques from Puppy Culture, BAB by Jeanette Forrey, Super Dog Bio sensory program and set of our own proven exercises that proved themselves amazingly well for our pups for many years and helped us better prepare our fur babies for service and therapy work. We provide our fur babies with a great solid foundation to build on. Our pups start potty training at 3 weeks old and later at 5 weeks old they start using doggy door and at 8 weeks old they are usually keeping their puppy room accident free. Pups will go home potty trained to use doggy door and potty box and will also know a few simple commands appropriate for their age. They will be dewormed and have their wellness exam and first vaccines done by our Vet. Our pups get to spend time inside and outside, learn variety of different surfaces to walk on and play on, learn about different smells and textures, get exposed to a variety of sounds and movements during our desensitization exercises. Reach out to us please and see if we have just the right fur baby for you. Many blessings to you. Katerina Share this:. Website: Arizona Goldendoodles More About Bernedoodle Puppies In Arizona Before you are all set to get a small Bernedoodle for your family, you must know about its behavior and other general details about adaptability. Here is an overview that will help you to make an informed decision. Temperament And Behaviour Bernedoodles are often quoted as a breed that comprises traits from the best of both worlds. They do not shed much, which is an element from their poodle background, while they are active and moderately energetic, which comes from their Bernese Mountain Dog side. They are very compassionate towards the people they are around, and as a result, they make great family dogs. They are also very good with children and enjoy hours of cuddling and playing. They are smart and are incredibly comfortable interacting with other dogs and humans. The most important and respectable trait about them is the level of loyalty they uphold. A Bernedoodle is very dedicated and will instantly provide you with a lot of warmth if it feels that something is wrong. You must train your Bernedoodle to stay on its own while you are at work. Bernedoodles are prone to experience separation anxiety, and therefore incorporating this element in their routine during their formative years holds a lot of importance. Health Bernedoodles are incredibly healthy dogs because of their genetic arrangement. They are immune to many common disorders because of their biochemistry, and therefore you can be relaxed about their general welfare. However, even after eliminating all the possible causes of the ailment, it is not possible to predict how an offspring will turn out in reality. The best possible thing to do is to feed the parents with proper meals on time and by taking care of their medication if any. It would be best if you fed your puppy religiously in the beginning so that it does not contract any health disorder. Proper exercise and lots of love will also ensure their happiness. Breeders vs Shops It is a very general question that emerges in the minds of people who wish to get themselves a pet. Buying a puppy from a store might be very convenient, but it devoids you with the small details about your furry friend. Shops deal with a lot of animals, and therefore they are not invested in a particular animal or a breed. A breeder, on the other hand, will be equally invested and will provide you with all the essential details and things to keep in mind. Right Advice A breeder will always want the best for the puppy. They will help you in selecting the right puppy that will be suited to your lifestyle and expectations. Money becomes secondary for breeders because their primary objective is to provide the best possible life to their puppies. Correct Details Most shop owners tend to conceal some details that might hinder their sales. On the other hand, breeders are entirely transparent about the details of their puppy. They tend to provide all the right information because they have seen the puppy grow and are well versed with the way it functions. They will help you out by providing details from the situations that they have encountered in reality. A shop owner might not be able to help you in such cases because of their generic understanding. Conclusion Having a Bernedoodle will be a worthy addition to your life because of its happy-go-lucky attitude. They will never let you have a moment of sadness with their happy faces and wiggling tails. You can contact the above-mentioned breeders according to your preferences and expectations. It is imperative to be firmly determined before getting a dog because it requires commitment and attention. If you think that you have all the needed motivation and resources, step out and get all set for incessant sessions of cuddling and late-night walks. Woof Woof! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Flagstaff Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Scroll down to read about this amazing breed that we have fallen in love with. We love Bernedoodles! Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards Temperament: Friendly, gentle, smart, affectionate Bernedoodle Basics If you are looking for a fluffy dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. While the name may sound a little funny, these dogs make wonderful pets and they are especially great with children. Origin Hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years, so the first crossing of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. The breeder who claims to have been the first to intentionally breed Bernedoodles, however, is Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels. Rupke bred her first litter of two Bernedoodles in and has since developed a breeding program around this hybrid breed. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. These are recommended for those who want a Bernedoode with minimal shedding and are also better for those with more severe allergies to dander. Bernedoodles are playful and affectionate — they do well with children and they love to spend time with their families! This combination is called the F1 Bernedoodle, or a first-generation cross, and it is believed these puppies grow up to be much healthier than both of its parent breeds and will display the most desirable mix of traits. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. Discover more about our Bernedoodle puppies for sale below! The Bernedoodle is a strong, robust dog with a compact and powerful body. It has a bushy tail, long-hanging ears, a triangular muzzle and button eyes. Their coat comes in a variety of colors such as black, white, tan, brindle or a combination thereof. Even though these hybrid dogs have been around less than two decades, the breed is already very popular. Weight Because the Poodle comes in three different sizes, so does the Bernedoodle. A toy or a tiny Bernedoodle stands 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs 10 to 24 lbs. A mini Bernedoodle stands 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 lbs. A standard Bernedoodle stands 23 to 29 inches tall and weighs 70 to 90 lbs. Bernedoodle Temperament and Behavior If you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle, with the laid-back yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. The Bernedoodle is a responsive and loving breed. They are intelligent, social, and good with children. These traits make the Bernedoodle easier to train and a good family dog. Bernedoodles have a relaxed temperament but a moderate energy level. Since the Bernedoodle is a combination of two different breeds, the puppies will have a combination of personality traits from each parent breed depending on the amount of each breed involved in the cross. It can even depend on the individual pooch — litter mates that have the same parents might turn out to favor different lineages, some leaning more towards their Poodle or Bernese roots than others. From the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles can be a little wary around strangers so early socialization is important. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles. This also means that separation anxiety could end up being a problem for Bernedoodles in case they are not properly socialized. Bernedoodle Health For the most part, the Bernedoodle is a healthy breed. In fact, the creators behind this designer breed claim that elimination of health issues typical for the purebred dogs is what drove them to crossbreed dogs in the first place. However, in no scenario is it possible for someone to predict how healthy any dog will be throughout their lifetime: the best you can hope for is that a proper diet, plenty of exercise and regular visits to the vet will help keep your pooch healthy and happy. Life Expectancy The Bernedoodle is still considered a new breed still being perfected so there is not enough information about their lifespan. While there is no way to say with certainty how long Bernedoodles live, breeders estimate that the average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years. Of course, there are bound to be slight variations due to the difference in sizes, so a tiny Bernedoodle might live to be 17 years old, while the standard sized are closer to the shorter end of the range. Exercise Requirements The activity level of Bernedoodles varies depending on breeding, but they are typically a moderately active breed. They do love their outdoor adventures and will be more than happy to join you on a hike or your morning jog, but they do not need intensive exercise to stay healthy and happy. With that being said, the Bernedoodle can be a good choice for apartment dwellers provided they have enough space and are willing to take their pet on long walks and to the dog park. This means that Bernedoodles adapt to various lifestyles, including different activity levels. You could be letting them roam about in a securely fenced backyard and maybe play with another canine companion, arrange a visit to the dog park for a game of fetch or simply have a daily walk around the block. The smaller varieties — toy and mini Bernedoodles — tend to be more active than the larger varieties. In any case, a good daily walk should be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements of a Bernedoodle. A good idea is to offer puzzle toys and interactive toys, too. These will keep your pet entertained and offer a challenge for their smart minds. Bernedoodle Coat Bernedoodles come in any combination of white, black, and brown. It is also possible for Bernedoodles to be tricolor or sable — black, white and brown. This color combination is also the most difficult to achieve, and as such, the most desirable. Recently, some breeders have presented a merle Bernedoodle which displays a marbled white and gray pattern on a black coat. Puppies with this coat are very rare and usually the most expensive. Just as Bernedoodles come in different colors according to breeding, they also have different types of coats. Most Bernedoodles have long, wavy coats that shed minimally. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are less common and tend to shed more than wavy or curly-coated Bernedoodles. The goal with crossbreeding these two popular breeds was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes. Bernedoodle Grooming The amount of shedding depends on the type of coat your dog has inherited from either parent. Those with a straighter type are prone to shed more, whereas if its coat is curly it will tend to shed less. Brushing somewhat regularly will help to prevent matting. Bernedoodle Training If bred well, the Bernedoodle should be an easily trainable dog because it inherits intelligence, eagerness to please, and a calm demeanor from its parents. As with other breeds, it is good to train and socialize your dog while still a puppy to avoid destructive and nuisance behavior later in life. During the puppy stage Bernedoodles can be a little headstrong, but this tends to lessen as the dog matures and receives training. It will make both of your lives so much easier in the long run. See store for details on a particular puppy. Dog Registry of America, Inc. International Designer Canine Registry.

Why you should get a Doberman German Shepherd Mix 1. What does a German Shepherd and Doberman mix look like? Half Doberman and half German Shepherd, Doberman Shepherds are muscular, compact dogs , with long muzzles and dark eyes that hint at their smart nature. The ears of the German Shepherd Doberman mix are typically upright, like those on the Doberman Pinscher. These puppies have a soft but short coat that may come in black, tan, or black and tan colors. How big will a German Shepherd and Doberman mix get? Doberman-German Shepherd puppies grow up to be large dogs , reaching up to 22 to 26 inches 55 to 66 cm in height and weighing 90 to pounds 40 to 45 kilograms in adulthood. What are the characteristics of a German Shepherd and Doberman Mix? Doberman Shepherd dogs come from pure breeds that are similar in temperament. This crossbreed is also known for its affectionate nature and its loyalty to its owners. This dog needs plenty of space, and it thrives in homes with huge backyards where it can run around. The German Shepherd Doberman mix will also be more comfortable in warmer climates. This crossbreed may have inherited this trait from the Doberman Pinscher, which has a low tolerance for cold weather because of its low body fat and short coat. What makes the Doberman Shepherd an excellent guard dog? The Doberman German Shepherd mix is the cross of two of the most well-known guard dogs in the world. Its sheer size and strong muscles give the German Shepherd-Doberman dog a considerable advantage when it comes to subduing attackers or intruders, whether people or other smaller animals. Another thing that makes the German Shepherd Doberman mix a reliable guard dog is its bone-breaking bite. This Doberman Shepherd has a high bite force due to its size , plus its parent breeds have some of the highest-rated bite forces among dogs today. Doberman Shepherds are also highly observant and alert. These dogs use a loud, attention-grabbing bark to let you know of potentially dangerous situations and unusual activity on your property. Properly training your Doberman Shepherd ensures that you can keep its aggression under control while making the most of its guarding skills. The best way to train a Doberman German Shepherd Mix is to use positive reinforcement. These hybrids are generally easy to train because of their intelligence and willingness to learn. Make sure to train and socialize your German Shepherd Doberman mix at an early age. This way, your dog can safely interact with other people and animals as it grows. Leave your German Shepherd Doberman mix in this area for increasing periods and pet it when you come back. How do I keep my Doberman Shepherd as healthy as possible? A healthy German Shepherd Doberman mix has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Follow these tips to ensure that your dog has a long, happy life: Give your Doberman German Shepherd Mix at least 90 minutes of exercise and activity per day. Take your dog on long walks around your neighborhood or visit the dog park at least thrice a week. Your Doberman Shepherd will also love playing mentally challenging games. A daily diet of 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food, divided into at least two meals, ensures that your Doberman Shepherd maintains a healthy weight. With a proper diet, your Doberman and German Shepherd crossbreed can avoid obesity, which is a common problem in large dogs. This way, your German Shepherd Doberman mix can get the energy it needs for its daily activities and keep its muscles and bones strong. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a low to moderate-shedding dog, but you still need to brush its coat every couple of days. Are there any health issues to watch out for in the Doberman German Shepherd Mix? Doberman Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they can still inherit various health problems from their parent breeds. Doberman Pinschers, for instance, are prone to cardiomyopathy and Wobbler syndrome due to cervical vertebral instability. On the other hand, its German Shepherd parentage gives the German Shepherd Doberman mix a predisposition to conditions such hip dysplasia , megaesophagus, and degenerative myelopathy. Breed clubs and rescue organizations for the parent breeds may also help with your search for German Shepherd and Doberman mix puppies. Here are some breeders and rescues you can get in touch with:. What Is A Doberman Shepherd? As such, we can expect this hybrid to be an energetic, intelligent, and devoted dog that does best with experienced dog owners who are willing and able to commit time and attention to this beautiful mix. Though the Doberman German Shepherd mix is rising in popularity, he is a relatively new crossbreed in the canine kingdom. For this reason, there are many factors to this dog that are considered unpredictable and quite a bit that we are still learning about him. Keep reading to learn more! Though popular, crossbreed dogs are somewhat controversial. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is stunning to look at. He also has the potential to have a phenomenal temperament and disposition when raised by the right owner. However, Doberman German Shepherd mix dogs are also work-oriented breeds that come from two different purebred parents. As with all crossbreed dogs, this means that the Doberman German Shepherd mix could be unpredictable when it comes to traits like health, appearance, and even temperament. And this is where the crossbreed controversy comes into play. What Is A Crossbreed? Sometimes referred to as a hybrid, designer dog, or mixed breed, a crossbreed dog is the offspring of two different purebred parent breeds. Mutts, on the other hand, are often born without the help of human manipulation and tend to have a variety of different canine DNA in their genetics. Originally, crossbreeding was done by breeders working to create dogs with combined breed traits for the purpose of work. In fact, it is believed that the majority of purebred dogs we are familiar with today are the result of careful crossbreeding over centuries. And though crossbreeding has been an ongoing practice since nearly the beginning of the human and dog relationship, the practice of selling newer generation crossbreed dogs to the general public has only become popular over the last two decades. Designer dogs are incredibly trendy these days, with many selling for as much if not more than their purebred counterparts. However, crossbreed dogs may have the upper hand when it comes to health. Crossbreed dogs could have the benefit of hybrid vigor , a term used that means hybrid dogs may be less susceptible to inheriting the genetic health issues of their parent breeds thanks to their widened gene pool. The breed developed somewhat of a bad rep due to their use by Nazis during World War ll. However, when properly raised, Doberman Pinscher dogs are known to be incredibly intelligent, affectionate, devoted, and trainable. They can do well in families when well trained and socialized, and they make wonderful guardians and protectors of people and other pets. However, some Doberman Pinschers have been known to bond more closely with one person in the family, and they are high-energy dogs that are not ideal for the more laid-back dog owner. For this reason, we recommend anyone investing in a Doberman Pinscher or a Doberman Pinscher mix to consider their lifestyle and ability to commit to this type of dog. But what about the German Shepherd? German Shepherds are highly intelligent, work-oriented, and trainable. They become very bonded with their owners and are best suited for experienced dog owners with an understanding of working breeds. When properly raised, trained, and socialized, German Shepherds make great family companions. They do well in active households and with owners who have flexible schedules. Like all dogs, without the proper care, exercise, socialization, and training, the German Shepherd can develop serious behavioral issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and fear-based aggression. The Doberman German Shepherd Pinscher mix is an intelligent and work-oriented hybrid. Coming from two work-oriented parent breeds, you might think that the Doberman German Shepherd mix is a serious-minded dog with no time for play. While this hybrid does enjoy having a job to do, he is also more goofy and fun-loving than you might think! The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a playful, energetic companion that can get along well with children and he is a dog that will enjoy having other canine playmates in the home. However, he will need to be socialized at an early age to help reduce any potential behavioral issues. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also highly energetic. He will enjoy having owners who are able to get active with him, and he will especially enjoy having a backyard where he can run and play freely. In fact, if left alone for too long the Doberman German Shepherd mix could be prone to developing anxiety and depression. This is a very family-oriented dog, and there is a chance he will bond more closely with a specific family member. Also, because he is so clever, it will be important to keep your Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd Mix properly mentally stimulated as well as physically stimulated. But we will talk more about this further down. This mixed breed requires training and socialization from an early age. Training a Doberman German Shepherd mix may seem like it should be a breeze, but these dogs can be stubborn from time to time. Training should begin as early as possible, ideally during puppyhood, and it should be done using positive reinforcement training that utilizes treats, praise, and patience. Avoid aversive training tactics like punishments, scolding, or fear. Repetitive five-minute increments of training should suffice, mixed with playtime and breaks in between. Blue Buffalo Bits Buy on Amazon If you are looking for quality training treats to use when it comes to holding your Doberman German Shepherd Mix dogs attention, we recommend the above training treats by Blue Buffalo. Not only is Blue Buffalo a brand we trust, but these treats have all the qualities that make them ideal for training. They are small, round, smelly, and chewy, which makes them quite irresistible to your dog. We also like that they are made with quality ingredients that you can feel good about offering your dog during training sessions. Socializing your dog is the act of introducing your Doberman German Shepherd mix to as many new experiences as possible. This should include new people, places, sights, sounds, and environments. Avoid forcing your Doberman German Shepherd mix into a new situation that is clearly frightening or stressful for him. Instead, allow your dog to explore the world at his own pace. You can use high-quality training treats and gentle praise to help encourage him. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, the Doberman Shepherd could become anxious, depressed, and destructive. The quick answer to the above question is YES, the Doberman German Shepherd mix is going to require plenty of routine exercise and mental stimulation. Remember, this is a crossbreed that is the offspring of two working breeds, and as such he can be prone to developing serious behavioral issues if not kept physically and mentally fit. These issues could include barking, marking, chewing, scratching, and even depression, anxiety, and aggression. When it comes to exercising your Doberman German Shepherd mix, this is a high-energy dog that is going to need at least an hour or more of dedicated exercise each and every day. When you are exercising your Doberman German Shepherd Mix, be sure to walk him on a proper leash and harness. Like many high-energy dog breeds, your German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher mix may be inclined to pull on leash. Instead, use proper walking equipment that not only helps to reduce and redirect pulling but also teaches your dog proper walking manners without harming him. The harness works by clipping in the front, which means that when your dog does pull he will be redirected back to you. Mental stimulation can help curb unwanted behaviors, reduce potential destructive behaviors, and ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-rounded. Many people find that their Doberman German Shepherd Mix dog is a great help around the house! In fact, if you work diligently enough with your Doberman Shepherd mix, you could be able to teach him how to help sort the laundry, bring in the mail, or take out the trash. The Doberman German Shepherd mix will also enjoy routine training sessions and learning new queues, and he will appreciate puzzle toys to help keep him busy and engaged when you are away. KONGS are great because they provide your dog with long-lasting chew time, especially when they are filled with treats, KONG filler, peanut butter, or even other, smaller chews. The Doberman German Shepherd Mix has a short, smooth coat that sheds year-round. You can help combat allergies, dander, debris, and shed hair by ensuring you keep up with routine grooming practices. The Doberman German Shepherd Mix should be brushed at least once a week using a grooming comb to help remove loose hair and debris. History of the German Shepherd Doberman mix Like most other designer or hybrid dog breeds, the German Shepherd Doberman mix breed probably evolved sometime during the s. But despite not knowing a lot about their origin, the best way to determine how this crossbred will turn out is to look into the history, characteristics, and skills of both its purebred parents. In , a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who the breed now takes its name from, looked to create a breed that could accompany him on his work, being a loyal guard dog and a good companion. He mixed several breeds, including the Rottweiler , Weimaraner , and German Pinscher, to create the first Doberman. Their use in war is evidenced at the war dogs cemetery on the island of Guam, where many Doberman Pinscher graves can be found. These slim and sleek dogs stand 24 to 28 inches 61 to 71 cm tall and weigh 60 to 80 pounds 27 to 36 kg. Their defining characteristics include their black, red, or blue coat, and their upright, triangular-shaped ears are often docked. However, this practice is outdated and illegal in some places. During the end of the late s, Stephanitz bred a variety of local shepherd dogs to develop a dog that could be used effectively in military and police work. His first German Shepherd was officially registered under the term German Sheepdog. The goal of the organization was to develop a good herding and all-purpose working dog. When World War I broke out, these dogs were used as war sentries. This name was only changed to the German Shepherd in .The German Shepherd is a large dog that stands between 22 and 26 inches 56 to 71 cm tall and weighs 75 to 95 pounds 34 to 43 kg. This breed of dog features a double coat of medium length which is typically straight and features black and cream, tan, or red patterns. This powerful and energetic dog features a muscular body and thick and sturdy thighs. Their body structure is rectangular, and their hips are slightly sloped. They are said by some to have a wolf-like appearance due to their upright ears and long muzzle. A Doberman German Shepherd mix dog sneaking on a park German Shepherd Doberman mixes have a commanding, unmistakable appearance. This breed is characterized by their muscular and agile bodies combined with their large ears that stand on their own. Their faces feature a long muzzle, black nose, and brown or black eyes. How big does a Doberman Shepherd get? Given the size of its parents, the Doberman Shepherd mix will be a large dog with an average weight of 90 to pounds 41 to 50 kg and a height of 22 to26 inches 56 to 66 cm. Typically, females are slightly smaller and slimmer than males, standing roughly 2 inches shorter and weighing about 10 pounds 5 kg lighter. Even Doberman Shepherd puppies are quite large, weighing between 25 and 30 pounds 12 to 16 kg at three months old. Puppies start to reach maturity at around 8 to 10 months old and are considered fully grown at 24 to 30 months, with the females reaching full size quicker than the males. Their size can make them difficult to handle, and this should be kept in mind when purchasing a puppy from this hybrid. Does the Doberman-German Shepherd mix shed? Combining the GSD with the Doberman Pinscher created this intelligent and independent hybrid born to be an alpha. They have an affectionate side and would show how loving and loyal they are to their human family. Early socialization and training should be consistent and continuous to ensure that your fido is a well-behaved canine. With that said, this designer dog is not recommended for families with very young children, while first-time dog owners may struggle to provide for the needs of the German Shepherd Doberman mix. All that time spent together makes this mixed breed prone to separation anxiety. That alone can lead to behavioral issues such as barking and digging. The rest is covered in exercising, feeding, and grooming. Give your Doberman-Shepherd cross enough exercise With a lot of energy, at least 90 minutes of exercise a day will be sufficient for this doggo. Canines who are bred to work need to be raised with a job or feel like they have a mission to do. Besides that, weekly cleaning of the ears with a damp cloth is necessary to prevent ear infections from developing. If you feel like this is a lot of work, bring your fur baby to a professional groomer. What to feed your Doberman Shepherd? As a large breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix will require 4 to 5 cups of dog food divided into two meals daily. Having trouble choosing between dry kibbles, canned food, and raw? Each type of diet or dog food offers different benefits like dental health, more palatable, and fresh ingredients. Then, you have to consider if he has any food sensitivities, so you know if you should get him a recipe with grains or without grains. Is the German Shepherd Doberman healthy? Bred as working dogs, Doberman and German Shepherd mixes are tough and resilient with few health issues. Major concerns include elbow and hip dysplasia , which are common in German Shepherds, and cardiomyopathy and CVI or Wobblers Syndrome. Other minor health problems that can affect the Doberman Shepherd include gastric torsion, which often occurs in large dogs, as well as osteosarcoma, cataracts, and dermatitis. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, German Shepherd Dobermans have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Where to buy a German Shepherd Doberman mix? Visit their site if you want to avoid problems, like health issues, with your puppy later on. Currently, no specific kennels are breeding this hybrid, but you can check out these rescues for each purebred parent and see if they have an available GSD-Doberman mix. If not, check out the other German Shepherd mixes or Doberman mixes they have. Similar German Shepherd mixes include:. Other Canine Clubs Adoptapet. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a Doberman German Shepherd mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Doberman parent dog, its short hair does not result in excessive shedding. The Doberman German Shepherd does not like bathing in water, so the dog should be trained to tolerate bath time during puppyhood. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and made of a coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It is made of aloe and oatmeal and helps in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat for the dog. The dog shampoo also has a pine scent and is a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the Doberman German Shepherd mix also needs its nails trimmed using specialized nail clippers for dogs. The occasional cleaning of the ears and brushing of the teeth should be done as well. Regular exercises and occasional visits to the vet is recommended to prevent the following health problems: Cardiomyopathy. This umbrella term covers both Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or Enlarged Heart, is a disease that affects internal organs and results in lung and heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or Heart Disease, is a rare case of blood distribution problems by the heart in dogs. The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include abnormal breathing patterns, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, blueish skin discoloration, and loss of awareness. Wobbler Syndrome. Scientifically named as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, wobble syndrome is a predisposed condition in large dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher. It is described by a bone malformation in the cervical spine which is located on the neck of the dog, resulting in wobbly walking and neck pain. Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Megaesophagus is generally characterized by the enlargement of the esophagus in dogs. It is a congenital or inborn, disease that causes problems in traveling food from the mouth to the stomach. Some signs and symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bad breath. Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is described as the slow degeneration of the spinal cord in the dog. It may eventually result in paralysis as well. Warning signs include a steady weakness of hind limbs, stumbling, inability to stand, muscle atrophy, poor hygiene, stress, and depression. Separation Anxiety. Part of viewing a health issue should not only remain within the physical aspect. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also prone to mental disorders like separation anxiety. This occurs when its owner spends less time with the dog despite its deep attachment and loyalty with the person. The Doberman German Shepherd mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were explicitly pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Doberman Shepherds Food Requirements As a big and energetic breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix may eat plenty of food and become obese if the dog is not supplemented with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. It needs to consume substantial amounts of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats and is fed twice a day depending on the activities that the dog did during the day. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. Your hairy companion deserves the best, so choose the highest-quality dry dog food in the market you can find. Whelps need the energy to be active, and lots of vitamins and minerals too. Food that rounds off everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different necessities, so take a look at the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay strong and show off proudly. You can also find useful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will adore. German Dobermans Exercise Requirements This is an active and energetic dog with parent dogs that were bred for working. The Doberman German Shepherd mix requires a substantial amount of exercise to channel and release its stored energy. Intellectual activities are also sufficient sources of mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Racing. A team of four dogs is set on the course that fetches a tennis ball through an obstacle course and returns the ball to its handler. The first team to complete the task with all their dogs wins. Like the Doberman and the German Shepherd, the Doberman German Shepherd mix can significantly benefit from this activity. Since most dogs live in urban settings, herding allows the dog an opportunity to utilize its herding instincts that were long unused. Military Training. Sending the dog to the military is an advantage for the dog to act on command and the owner to gain leadership points. On the softer side, the dog may be used as a service dog for war veterans or soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are renowned guarding dogs and, and its offspring are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards suspicions and threats. The dog should learn how to safely interact with different people and animals, especially with children. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Socialization. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a dog with a bold disposition. The dog needs to be exposed with children and other animals and dogs as a puppy to help expand its sense of protectiveness and guarding instincts towards others. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and become more mature to regulate its aggressive tendency. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Knowing how to address this reaction of the dog on its guarding instincts is vital before it grows older. But the Doberman German Shepherd mix is also a loyal and affectionate dog once it grows up. It may even feel emotional when its owner deprives the dog of reciprocation or companionship. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house. The dog needs a backyard space to deplete its energy levels throughout the day. It is not an ideal dog for people living in an apartment since the dog may always feel insecure and wary of strangers that walk the hallways every day. It may even act more aggressively to different people who you interact with and affect your social life as well. If your family lives in colder states and have fewer opportunities to bring out the dog, then it is not a suitable dog for you. Altogether, the Doberman German Shepherd mix makes a fearsome but loving family dog. The important thing to remember is that it is a dog that will protect the family with its life no matter how dangerous the situation could escalate References:. They can also be stubborn at times, so these dogs are not ideal for novice owners. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. That said, they are exceedingly loyal and highly intelligent and make one of the most loyal family protectors around. They are also versatile and make a great exercise companion too, giving you a dog that can do it all! They can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, though, as they are strong-willed and need a strong, confident leader in training. Continue learning from this Doberman Shepherd care guide to know what type of diet, exercise and attention they need to grow into happy and healthy dogs. They are stubborn and strong-willed at times but make up for this with their love and affection toward their owners. With the right training and socialization, their more negative traits can be largely mitigated. They become extremely bonded to their human family, so while they are bold and brave on the outside, they are actually highly sensitive and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. If you are away from home frequently, this is unfortunately not the breed for you. These dogs are just as energetic and athletic as their parent breeds, if not more so, and they can be a challenge to properly exercise. It is essential to give these dogs the right amount of exercise, though, as without it, they can swiftly become bored, destructive, and even aggressive. Proper training is arguably even more important, and these dogs need a strong, confidant leader; otherwise, they will take the position themselves! They are generally gentle and affectionate with kids but can easily knock them over and hurt them mistakenly while playing. For families with older kids, though, they are wonderful family dogs, as they are loyal as they come and formidable protectors. Doberman Shepherds generally get along great with other dogs and are usually fine with cats too. Dry food is great, so long as it is free from filler ingredients and has animal protein in the top three ingredients — ideally, the first-listed one. They should not be free-fed because they are notoriously poor at self-regulating and can quickly get obese. Also, as with any dog, make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. That said, they do have a stubborn streak that can be a challenge for novice owners. Early socialization is essential with Doberman Shepherds and will make training far easier because they will be far less distracted by other dogs and humans when you take them out for walks. While these dogs are intimidating and powerful animals, they are fairly sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training methods, and this may even cause aggressive behavior. Gentle, reward-based methods are best and will build a wonderful relationship of trust and bonding with your pooch. Other than that, you may need to trim their nails occasionally to prevent injuries, and keep their teeth brushed and clean to avoid dental disease. That said, they may still be susceptible to the genetic issues of their parent breeds and can be prone to issues that affect most other dog breeds too. These dogs love to eat and are not good at self-regulating their food intake. This can swiftly lead to obesity if they are overfed, but their daily meals should also be split into two to three smaller meals to prevent them from eating too fast. Large dogs that eat their food too quickly are prone to gastric torsion, a condition resulting from swallowing too much air with food. This condition is unfortunately fatal in most cases. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Ella the Doberman Shepherd mix at about 2 years old—"Ella is a very calm dog. She likes to eat and play with her owner. When our old dog passed away, we wanted a friend for our Vizmaraner. She has been great with learning and listening to orders, though has been a bit of a challenge at times. She always wants to have a job and something to do. She loves playing with her 'brother' Blitzen, and she adores our daughter. She also puts up with the cats , but doesn't seem to care much one way or the other. She is spayed , but otherwise unaltered. She has her full tail and her ears have been left alone. Cairo was DNA tested to validate his breed s. So from the results it is safe to say both of his parents were purebreds. NO other breeds were detected. He was a rescue dog, but based on his appearance he does not appear to be an accident. When I got him from the rescue he was 76 lbs. He has many traits and features that point to the Doberman breed coloring, coat and feet and others that lend themselves to the German Shepherd tail, ears and intelligence. He weighs a little north of lbs.!!! He is a very gentle but protective dog with an amazingly loving personality. He loves his big old chin scratched!!!! This guy is so tall he can lick the counters without having to get up on his hind legs and can look over a 6-foot fence easily.

Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. ID tag, a collar, and leash Even though it is not possible for your bulldog puppy to venture outside until they have taken all the necessary vaccinations, it is important for you to make them familiar with a soft collar and leash for when you can take them outside. There are lots of options on the market for you to choose from and you will certainly get one matching the requirements of your furry friend. Just make sure when finding a leash and collar that they are bulldog friendly. Apart from this, you also need an identification tag for the puppy which will display the name plus the contact address of the pooch in the event that it becomes lost. There are great GPS-tracking ids and collars out there in the market these days. Chew stop We all know that pups bite quite a bit. Especially when they are teething, and they might damage furniture and clothing within your residence in no time at all. Fortunately, an anti-chew spray that comes with an unpleasant smell will prevent the mischievous animal from messing with your items. Combs, brushes, and nail clippers Brushing on a regular basis will allow your pet to remain neat and clean and prevents the buildup of hair that has shed. Toothbrush and toothpaste The dental condition of the pooch will play an essential role in keeping them in sound health. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush plus toothpaste for maintaining the oral health of your bulldog and make sure to brush his teeth at least once every day. Treatment for ticks, fleas, and worms Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms can lead to serious health issues to the puppies in the long run. Make use of an effective treatment for these harmful parasites to keep your furry pet free from ailments. Dog bed While bulldog puppies are growing, they tend to sleep for many hours. Make sure to find a comfy bed for the dog to ensure a peaceful sleep. There are many types of dog beds out there, and you will not have a tough time to find one for your adorable bulldog. We in fact have an entire post dedicated to them which can be found here. Crate or kennel A top-quality kennel or crate will be imperative depending on where the pup is going to sleep. Toys When the pup enters your house for the first time, it is natural for him to feel nervous and a little scared of his new surroundings. It is your duty to make him feel safe and at ease while stepping into your abode for the first time. Since it is the natural tendency of the pups to explore the surroundings using their mouth, this might involve lots of undesirable chewing on your items and belongings. Soft chew toys will allow the naughty animals to divert their minds preventing munching on your clothing, electric cords, and shoes. Appropriate play toys are a must if you always want to keep your bulldog in top mental health. Food and water bowls Your new bulldog pup will need to drink plenty of water during the day and he will consume his favorite snacks too. For this, you will need at least two bowls, once for water and one for food. Treats A lot of training teats will be necessary for the bulldog pup given that the initial few weeks are going to involve lots of lessons. You can reward your pooch with these treats when he or she listens to your commands and for good behavior. Vet-approved dog food Vets will recommend providing your pet with food items that will supply them with all the essential minerals and vitamins that they need for their development into a healthy adult canine. They will come in handy when you start toilet training too. There are great biodegradable options out there. Walking harness A well-designed lead and harness will allow the bulldog to run in a smooth and effortless manner. Care services that need to be lined up Owning a bulldog puppy is one of the most joyous experiences on earth. However, it is not an easy job to parent a new puppy. Below, we have provided a guide which will help you to care of your new family member in the best possible way. Find a good vet The first and foremost thing you need to do is to find an experienced vet for your bulldog. If you brought the pup from any shelter, feel free to ask for their advice too. Local dog groomers and walkers can also help you a great deal in this matter. Make the most of the initial visit to the vet Ask your vet for food recommendations, how frequently you should feed, and what portion size to offer your dog. Watch out for any early sign of illness During the initial few months, bulldog pups can suffer from illnesses that can creep up suddenly if not detected early. Below, are some symptoms that if you notice, you should contact your vet right away. This article contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase an item. The main focus of a puppy supply list is always on safety. After all, when we bring our bulldog puppy home, we want to make sure that he is happy and safe and that starts with making sure we have all the essentials in place before he gets home. Once your done puppy proofing, you can grab the essentials that will keep him safe. Collar With a young puppy, I always recommend a flat collar. They are great to place his identification on and he can learn to walk on the leash. As he gets older, he can learn how to walk with a harness , which is great for most bulldog breeds. One thing I always recommend is to keep him collarless while he is alone in the house. Collars can get caught on things easily and severely injure your bulldog puppy. What I would recommend when picking the leash is that it feels comfortable in your hand and that you choose a leash that is about 6 feet in length. For training, also grab a foot lead. This should only be used for teaching come and long-distance stay, not for walking. Never use a retractable leash as they have been linked to a large number of injuries to both dogs and people and it is very difficult to control your pet on one. Identification Tag The final item in the list when it comes to collars and accessories is an identification tag. Choose one that can be personalized with all of your information. Another option is to choose a GPS tracker identification tag. That way, if your bulldog puppy escapes the yard, you can track his path on your phone. Crate Whether you will be training your bulldog puppy to lounge on the sofa while you are at work or not, you should crate train him. Crate training has a lot of benefits when it comes to house training and it keeps him safe during the day. When you are choosing a crate, you want to take a few things into consideration: Your Dog: Think about the size of your bulldog puppy and how big he will be as an adult. Choose a crate with dividers for the adult size. This is the best way to save money as your crate will grow with your puppy instead of having to purchase a new one every few months. Material: There are three types of crates, for the most part. One is a soft sided kennel made from fabric. I do not recommend these crates since they can be chewed very easily, and most bulldogs are chewers. The second is a plastic crate. These are usually used for travel as they are hard topped. First, they can be very difficult to clean if there is an accident. Second, some dogs find the plastic crates too closed and may panic. Three, I have had bulldogs chew through plastic crates within 20 minutes. Finally, metal crates with bars is the best crate for bulldogs. They may chew the plastic bottom, but that is easy to replace, and your bulldog puppy can look out, which can help him stay calm. Size: Finally, you want to consider size a bit more and look for a crate where a full-grown bulldog can stand, sit and lay down easily. They are all well made but make sure you check user reviews, so you know that your dog will be safe while you are away. Baby Gates I always recommend baby gates for several reasons. First, you can keep your bulldog puppy in a small area when they are young. As they grow more confident with their new home, you can expand it slowly by opening up the gates. Second, they are excellent for safety. You can place him in a bathroom or kitchen with a baby gate in the doorway. Your puppy will be able to see out while on a time out, which will help him feel safe. Surveillance This is not a must have but with web and security cameras out there, it can be nice to have a surveillance system, so you can check in on your bulldog puppy throughout the day. There are many pet cams that also allow you to talk to your puppy or toss them a treat. Have some fun with it and pick one up so that you can bond with your bulldog puppy whether you are home or not. Feeding supplies can be as extravagant or basic as you want. Food and Water Bowls First is the food and water bowls. With a feeding bowl, it really is up to preference. Studies have indicated that raised dishes are better to prevent bloat , however, other studies have said that raised bowls can increase the risk. With bowls, have them grow with your bulldog puppy. You want him to be able to stand comfortably and access the bowl. If he is reaching and choking on the edges, then the bowl is too large for him and you should choose a new one. Also, when you choose a bowl, use stainless steel as they are durable and very easy to keep clean. One thing with bowls that I would recommend is to choose a puzzle feeder if you find your bulldog puppy is a fast eater. This will help keep him from bloating himself Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Food Mat I recommend this simply because bulldogs have jowls, also known as flews. And boy can these flews really hold in food and water. The food mat will keep the house a bit cleaner after your bulldog puppy takes a drink or chews on his dinner. Dog Treats and Training Treats I separate dog treats and training treats for two reasons. One: dog treats are offered as a treat or a reward. They can be given to break boredom or simply to give him something to eat. Two: training treats are only brought out when your bulldog puppy is working. This means that he will be eager to listen…well…as much as a bulldog puppy will listen when you bring the training treat out. Dog treats can be anything from bone cookies to chicken feet. Training treats should be soft, easy to break into smaller pieces and should smell really good for your bulldog. Fun, Must Have, Toys for Your Bulldog Puppy When we are busy buying things for our bulldog puppies, it is important to not forget the toys for your puppies. Obviously, you will continue to purchase toys as your bulldog puppy grows but I recommend you have 3 to 5 toys waiting for your bulldog puppy when he first arrives home. There are a few different areas that you need to look at for toys, including: Chew Toys Chew toys are durable toys that your bulldog puppy can chew while he is bored. Remember that bulldogs tend to be hard chewers, which means that he will chew through them quickly and you really need to purchase some tough toys. In addition, you will find that your bulldog puppy will chew more while he is chewing so always update his chew toys as he grows. In addition, keep track of their condition. If they start to crack or break apart, throw them away to prevent any choking hazards. Some of the best chew toys for young bulldog puppies are: Nylabone Small Puppy Teethe and Tug Toy : Perfect for teething puppies, this toy soothes painful gums and is great for a game or two with your bulldog puppy. Pelay Toy Ball: Durable, strong and a puzzle ball, this chew toy can have treats thrown in to reward your chewing puppy when he chews the right things. Goughnuts MAXX 50 Ring: This toy is definitely made for hard chewers and your bulldog puppy will love chewing on it for hours. I always buy these for my pups and they love them. They present a problem and your puppy will need to solve it before he can be rewarded with a toy, treat or other reward. It is a soft puzzle toy, so they can be destroyed easily if used for a chew toy. West Paw Tux Stuffable Tough Treat Toy: Easy to clean, durable and it floats, this puzzle treat toy will stand up to hard chewers and will reward your bulldog puppy when he gets the treats out of it. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball: This is another durable puzzle ball that is great for chewing and figuring out. You place treats in the ball and your bulldog puppy will have to push, rotate and work out how to get the treat from it. Soft Toys With soft toys, I would limit the number of them and make sure they are stuffed toys made for pets. Many bulldog puppies are hard chewers and they can rip apart soft toys quickly. Uncovering the Reasons Behind Your Pet's Unusual Behavior When you give soft toys, make sure you monitor your bulldog puppy while he is using it, so you can take it away as soon as he breaks it open. Although you may think that it is better to not use soft toys, they can be quite soothing for gums while your bulldog puppy is teething, which is why I recommend keeping a few on hand. Some of the better soft toys for bulldog puppies are: ZippyPaws — Loopy Hedgehog: Looking more like a baby toy than a dog toy, it is a popular toy for most puppies. It feels great on teething gums and has crinkling sounds that can excite your bulldog puppy. Tuffy Mega Boomerang: This is a soft toy that is made with strong fabric. No Stuffing Dog Toys: These dog toys are perfect for your new chewer. While you need to be careful of the squeaker coming loose, they have no stuffing that your bulldog puppy could eat. Fetching Toys Finally, I recommend that you get a few fetching for your bulldog puppy. Instead, only pull these toys out as a reward for him and for those play periods. Some great fetching toys are: KONG Puppy Flyer: A small frisbee, this is a great toy to get a young puppy playing fetch…or chase if he decides not to bring it back. West Paw Tizzi: This toy is great as it is durable and dishwasher safe for cleaning. And it bounces around when you chuck it, so your bulldog puppy will be extra excited playing with it. After all, grooming is very important and will keep your bulldog puppy nice and healthy. Grooming is integral for several reasons, including: Bonding: Grooming your bulldog puppy allows you to bond with him. He learns to accept being touched and that your touch is positive. This builds trust and it can be quite relaxing sitting and simply grooming your puppy. When you are grooming, your bulldog puppy is having his paws, mouth, face, ears and tail being touched. He will become socialized to this handling and will be better off for it. Health: Grooming keeps your bulldog puppy healthy, but it also gives you a chance to check him over and catch health problems quickly. When grooming, always look for unusual bumps, skin rashes or lumps. Feb 7, You are getting or already own an English Bulldog, so what are the things you should have on hand to keep your bulldog looking fabulous? Here is a list of some of our favorite items, and some things you should have on hand in case you need them. Healthy Treats. Giving your bulldog great dog food can be backfired if you give bad treats. No pupperonis or Bacon snacks! Find treats that are natural, preferably grain free. Fresh and Frozen Vegetables and Fruits. Give these as an alternative to store bought treats. Frozen Green Beans are my personal favorite, almost no calories and no sugar, just vitamins! Give them a spoon of yogurt on their food as an extra treat. Yogurt aids in healthy digestion. Note that if your bulldog is overweight, you may not want to do this with every meal. Canned Pumpkin. Canned Pumpkin is considered a 'super food'. This is NOT pumpkin pie mix, but all natural pumpkin. Keep this on hand if your bulldog is not moving the bowels correctly, it is full of fiber and will help get the pooping process going. You can even freeze it into ice cubes to give as a snack every other day. Do not over use canned pumpkin, or it will give your bully the runs! Salmon Oil or Coconut Oil. Add salmon oil or Coconut Oil to their meal at least once a day to keep their skin healthy and shiny! Adding a supplement such as NuVet Plus to their diet can help build the immune system and keep them healthy! Get a shampoo that will help aid the moisturizing of the skin, and help keep the coat soft and shiney. Oatmeal based is great if there is not a bunch of added perfumes and dyes. I personally use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, and if you have a bully with allergies you can get a prescribed anti-fungal shampoo from your vet. The shampoo you use could make all the difference in the world when it comes to bulldog itchiness. Snout Soother, Aquaphor, or coconut oil. As your bulldog ages, so does their nose. In dryer climates, the nose can become crusty looking. In my experience, vaseline does not help. Snout soother is all natural and keeps bully noses moist, and you can also put it on dry paw pads as well. Baby Shampoo. Wash the top of the head and ears with baby shampoo. Just in case it gets into the eyes, it will not sting them. Cotton Balls. Put a cotton ball into each ear during bathing by stuffing it in so that the entire ear opening is covered. This will keep water from going into the bulldog ear canal, which is deep. If water gets into the ear canal, your bulldog will get an ear infection. Good Ear Cleaner. If your bully has nice healthy ears, you should clean them once a week, and especially after a bath. I recommend using vet prescribed ear cleaner, like Malacetic Otic, it has good cleaners and drying agents in it. Squeeze some into the ears and massage the ears to really get them clean. Wipe out excess moisture when finished and after bully gives you a shake of their head! Get a good pair of nail trimmers. Keeping bulldog nails trimmed is extremely important. The more often you trim the nails the better. If you let their nails grow long, the quick grows with them. Then when you try to trim them back, you will cut the quick. This is very painful for your bulldog! I use trimmers to cut off any access nail, then use a dremmel to file them down as close to the quick as possible. I love my dremmel and will never cut nails again without it! Bar Soap. Yep, keep a bar of soap handy, just in case you cut the quick during nail trimming time. Push the cut nail into the soap to clog the bleeder. It is kind of like putting a cork on a bottle. If you don't have soap handy, you can use flour or cornstarch. Acne pads like stridex but just the generic brand or Witch Hazel. This will help kill bacteria and dry out moist areas like wrinkles and creases. Diaper Rash Ointment. You can apply diaper rash ointment like Desitin in wrinkles to keep them from getting moist. Make sure the wrinkled area is completely dry prior to application, and keep away from the eyes. Do not allow them to lick it either. Every Vet will probably say they are qualified to care for your bulldog. This is not always the case! Find a vet who has many bulldog patients. Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water to ward off yeast. Epsom Salt. Soak your bully's paws in Epsom Salt if they develop interdigital cysts. Hydrogen Peroxide: Use Hydrogen Peroxide if your bulldog has a fresh open wound. You can also mix Peroxide with Cornstarch to make a paste that can be used on stubborn tear stains. Neosphorin or other anti-bacterial ointment. Keep this on hand to treat wounds that are scabbed over. Gold Bond Powder. Use a pointed tip plastic bottle such as a ketchup bottle or hair dye bottle to get the powder in the desired areas. Use Gold Bond on moist wrinkles and tail pockets, or especially if they get any diaper rash. Dental care: Don't forget those toofies! Dental brush and paste, or you can also get the finger cleaners. Chew toys also promote dental health, we do NOT recommend 'Greenies' or other dental chews due to the ingredients. Get 25mg benedryl tablets and keep them with your bully at all times. If your bulldog gets hives or an allergic reaction to something, this could save their life! The dosage is 1mg per pound, so a 50lb bulldog would get two 25mg pills. Panalog Ointment from your vet. Most vets will prescribe panalog to you to keep on hand. Other names for this are Animax or Entoderm ointment. If you bulldog gets yeast, bacteria of fungus in the nose rope, tail pocket or any other deep wrinkles, putting a bit of panalog in there will get rid of the nasty bacteria and the smell that stems from it. Depending on how bad the area is, will depend on how long you should use it for, and how long it takes to go away. Lemon Juice. If your bulldog becomes overheated or overexcited, their airway can become blocked. Squirt some lemon juice into the side of their mouth, or under the tongue. DO NOT put it down their throat, or they could aspirate it!!!! Take lemon juice with you to the park, on walks, or anywhere they can get overly excited. You just got an English Bulldog, so you must show them off! They will draw more attention than your average dog, so don't forget to deck them out in plenty of fabulous items! If you love to dress your bully, make sure they have a fabulous wardrobe with stuff that FITS bulldogs! Toys, toys and toys! Bulldogs love their toys, and love to chew! Make sure you get toys that are tough and can hold up to your bulldog. Remove smaller toys from their puppy box as they grow. Empty Water Bottles. These make a fabulous play toy, but never leave unattended! This is a must for every bulldog owner, so you can supply our members with plenty of photos and videos of your bully! A Gas Mask and Earplugs could also come in handy. They are also a great way to feed aggressive eaters since they can only get a few bites of kibble at a time. As your puppy masters them, move on to harder puzzles. Avoid rawhide products and anything with parts that could break off. Here are a few of our favorites: Natural Antlers Whole or split is fine. They are expensive, but they will last forever. Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies; wash their towels, blankets, bedding, etc. Avoid Tide at all costs, it is the worst for bulldogs and allergies. Plus, we think Persil cleans better anyways. Persil Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Baby Gates To keep your bulldog from getting into other rooms unsupervised, place baby gates around your home. You can use them to keep your dog away from stairs or dangerous places like basements or laundry rooms. We use these pressure-fitted gates, there is nothing to install, and they are easy to move around to different areas of the home. We then follow up with the FURminator. Regular use of these two brushes together dramatically reduces the shedding. A little goes a long way. Not only does it clean well, but it also soothes and relieves itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Perfect for Bulldogs! It is an anti-itch cream and, if used daily, will prevent or remove tear stains. Use weekly to keep nails nice and short, this will also help prevent interdigital cysts. We find that the cordless is easier to maneuver and works better for us, but if you already have a corded one, that will work just fine. Be sure to use a grinding wheel attachment made for nails.

It should be reassuring to know that your German Shepherd dog likely is not groaning because they are in any pain or discomfort…. The most common reasons that a German Shepherd will groan are emotional reasons. Groaning can happen for all of the following emotional reasons: 1. Your German Shepherd is happy Because the German Shepherd is such a vocal dog breed, you can expect your dog to vocalize in all kinds of situations. Where another dog might simply relax while being petted, your GSD is as likely to groan or moan as a sign of pleasure. Unfortunately, you may not have any way of knowing this is why your dog is groaning when you first bring your puppy home. Your German Shepherd is relaxed German Shepherds as a breed are the hardest working dogs on the planet. They are bred to be that way. And when they want to let you know they are relaxed and enjoying just lounging about, you might well hear a loud groan or several coming from your dog. Your German Shepherd is enjoying something Just like you may be tempted to smack your lips or grin from ear to ear when you are enjoying something, your German Shepherd may be prone to groaning when something is really good. Arousing game of fetch, a lovely pat on the neck, a thorough brushing, a tasty treat — these enjoyable experiences may prompt your pup to issue a groan of enjoyment. Your German Shepherd is being territorial German Shepherds are bred to be guard dogs. They have every trait they need to be intensely protective. But sometimes this trait can backfire when the food arrives or when another dog tries to play with a favorite toy. Your German Shepherd is asking for your attention German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, which is one of many reasons these dogs are so popular for military, police, service, therapy, and search and rescue work. They learn very quickly! Your dog may be bored or simply want some attention. Your German Shepherd is anxious or afraid A German Shepherd that feels anxious or afraid may act out in any number of ways, including by groaning. The best way to figure out if this is why your dog is groaning is to look for other situational triggers. Some things to look for may include a thunderstorm that is brewing, holiday fireworks going off, a strange person or dog in the vicinity, or something else that might be frightening your dog. Physical and Health Reasons Why a German Shepherd Might Groan Even though German Shepherd dogs are as likely to groan for emotional reasons as for any physical reasons, it is important to remember that groaning may indicate a health issue as well. How can you know whether your dog is uncomfortable, in pain, and needs veterinary assistance? If you have done everything you can think of to eliminate the reasons why your GSD is groaning and you are still not sure what is causing it, this may indicate the reason for the groaning is physical discomfort or a health issue. The most common physical and health reasons why your German Shepherd might be groaning include these: 1. Watch to see if the groaning sound seems to happen only when your dog does certain things, like trying to lay down on one side or putting weight on a certain paw. Your German Shepherd is bloated and gassy Bloat, or gastric dilation and volvulus GDV , is a serious and potentially fatal condition that some larger breed dogs can develop. It can be genetic and requires immediate emergency care. With bloat, the stomach twists, and the air gets trapped inside. It is very painful and can be fatal quickly. Your German Shepherd has ascites Another similar condition is called ascites, which is fluid buildup inside the abdominal area that is abnormal. As Care Animal Hospital explains, ascites can occur for several reasons, including failure of the liver, intestinal disease, tumors, kidney malfunction, or heart failure. You should always rush your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect ascites. But in dogs, panosteitis is a very real health condition that causes pain as the bones grow quickly during puppyhood. Panosteitis is much more common in large and giant breed dogs because the growth from puppyhood to adulthood is so rapid and extreme. It is important to limit physical exercise until your GSD has gone through the majority of its growth spurt to avoid damaging the bones and joints. Your German Shepherd has joint issues As German Shepherd dogs grow older, they can develop canine osteoarthritis. The canine version of osteoarthritis is very much like the people version and can come with the same health symptoms, including stiffness, swelling, and pain. Your German Shepherd has hip or elbow dysplasia Another genetic health issue that is known to be more prevalent with German Shepherd dogs is called dysplasia. Dysplasia can affect either the elbow or the hip joints. Dysplasia of the hip or elbow can be extremely painful and debilitating and sometimes crippling. The only real way to correct it is with surgery on the affected joint. For first-time German Shepherd dog owners, you may not be sure that what you are hearing from your dog is a groan, a moan, a whine, a whimper, or something else entirely. To further complication side identification, German Shepherds are also known to howl. German Shepherds are amazing companions and loyal protectors. They also know how to get what they want by talking to you in their own unique language. This article will dive into exactly what those noises mean and why they are so talkative. Do German Shepherds Talk? But they do communicate by expressing themselves vocally. They will bark, groan, growl, moan, whimper and wine for various reasons. Some GSDs are much more vocal than others but all of them at some point will express how they feel using their own language. They will also express their wants and desires through body language. How Do German Shepherds Speak? German Shepherds will speak using body language and sounds to let you know their current state. We will be focusing on the noises they make in this article. What do they mean and why do they make all of those different sounds? Most dogs have the ability to be vocal by the time they are 1 month old. What starts out as little whimpers and moans, eventually turns into barks and growls. Here is a list of the different noises they make and what each one means. Barking: Barking is one of the top ways that GSDs communicate with us. But there are several different frequencies and ranges of pitch that can mean different things. We are all familiar with the continuous rapid barking that usually means they are alerting you that something or someone is there. But when the barking gets slower and the pitch lowers, the dog may be preparing to defend their territory. Short barks can mean a few different things such as a greeting or they are ready to play. If the short bark is high pitched it can mean they are surprise or startled. If the bark gets louder and louder, it can mean that they are having a lot of fun. Fun Fact: While a Golden Retriever named Charlie holds the record for the loudest bark in history at .Growling: The growl of a GSD can be very intimidating and for good reason. They will use a soft growl to warn any possible threats to stay away. Sometimes they will combine a growl with a bark which could mean they need help or they are threatening another animal or person. If the growl is higher pitched it means they are scared but will still defend themselves. A rolling growl that transitions from medium to a higher pitch suggests that they are extremely frightened and that they will defend their well-being or simply run away from the threat. Howling: Howling goes back to their ancestry. Since dogs descended from wolves, they naturally inherited the instinct to howl. German Shepherds will be automatically triggered to join other dogs howling at night. Besides their natural inclination, dogs will howl for a variety of other reasons. They will howl when they are just plain lonely and seeking companionship. This is especially the case if they have been isolated for too long with no one around. They may also howl to mark their territory. They may also partake in what is known as baying. This is when they use a combination of barking and howling to alert hunters during tracking. Moaning or Groaning: Moaning or groaning could mean a few different things. It could simply mean that they are excited and seeking some attention. It could also mean that they are experiencing some type of pain. Screaming: In the rare case that they are screaming with a high-pitched yelp that continues for long intervals, you probably want to contact the vet immediately for assistance. This usually means that they are in severe pain most likely from an injury. The only other occasion that this might present itself is if they are calling out to their pack-mates. A lot of times they will sigh when settling down for a cozy little nap with their head on their front paws. If their eyes are partially closed, it probably means that they are happy and content. Maybe Frisky the cat got a little too close. Last but not least, it may mean that they are fed up with asking you to come outside and play. At this point they have given up and accepted your rejection. It probably means that either hurt or scared. It could also be a sign that they are experiencing separation anxiety usually due to their owner being away for long hours. Finally, they could simply be bored, craving attention or hungry. This usually means that they are fearful and submitting to the current situation. If it is a single yelp, they are probably hurt or scared or experiencing a quick sharp pain. If they continue to yelp several times, they are most likely in severe pain or discomfort. They may need to go the the veterinarian for emergency care immediately. Remember body language also plays a big part in their communication. Sometimes their vocal sounds combined with certain movements can mean different things. For example, their ear positions can tell you a lot about their mood or emotions. Some GSDs are a lot more vocal than others and will definitely let you know when a stranger is nearby. Others are quieter and more reserved when it comes to speaking their mind. Either way, one of the best ways to control their bark is by teaching them when to speak and when not to speak. This should be taught early on if given the opportunity. To do this, you will repetitively reward them with instant praise or a treat when they bark on your command. These commands are very useful for guard dog purposes. You can encourage your German Shepherd to let you know by barking that a stranger is approaching the house. Show him that you are investigating who is there. Once the person is deemed safe, give your dog the quiet command and reward them for their effort. Just make sure that this stranger alert bark mainly stays in the house. German Shepherd dogs can be very vocal but they can also be quite quiet. It all depends on their history and upbringing. For example, if a dog is abused early on in their life, they may be much more vocal than a dog who was raised in a calm and peaceful household environment. Reasons they might be vocal: Hunger or thirst could definitely lead to some different sounds. A potty break could be the reason for a high-pitched harp. They may simply be seeking attention or want a nice belly rub. A passing siren may spark their vocal prowess. They may want to revisit a familiar place driving down the road. They could be feeling scared or threatened. An injury or pain can lead to some heartbreaking sounds. On occasion, some GSDs will attempt to communicate with their owner. Some even say that they feel like their German Shepherd is having a conversation with them. German Shepherds can definitely chat it up. But when it comes to talking, Huskies take the cake. There are countless videos on YouTube of Siberian Huskies expressing themselves vocally. Some of them even sound like they are mimicking the words that their owners are saying. Huskies seem to have a knack for speaking their minds. Pay attention the next time your furry friend is barking, grunting, groaning, moaning, whimpering, whining, muttering, squealing, harping, howling, wheezing, sighing, belching, snorting, grumbling, or sneezing. They just might be trying to tell you something! Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you own a German Shepherd? How does your GSD speak to you? Are there any specific noises it uses to communicate with you? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal experience! Share this:. Usually — yes! Table of Contents Why are German Shepherds vocal? Many Shepherd dog breeds are known to be vocal because of their working background, and German Shepherds are no exception. They were originally bred to guard and herd livestock, both of which can require vocalization. What age do they start barking? German Shepherd puppies usually start making little whiny sounds at around 2 weeks old. This can progress to barking at around weeks of age. Their bark will start to sound more grown-up when they enter puberty at around months old. What sounds do German Shepherds make? Dogs make a lot of different noises, but they can all be categorized into barking, growling, whining, howling, sighing, and grunting or groaning — and they all have different meanings. Why do Sheps bark and growl? However, that is not necessarily the case. Of course, growling and barking can also signal aggression, but you should be able to tell whether or not a dog is on guard by looking at their body language. An aggressive German Shepherd will have a stiff, rigid body, a wide, fixed gaze, and possibly raised hackles. They may also wag their tail very slowly and show their teeth. Why do German Shepherds whine? All dogs whine; you may have seen a dog whining when reuniting with their owner after a long day or when they get separated. This is because whining usually indicates either excitement or anxiety. That said, it can also indicate that a dog is sad, scared, frustrated, in pain, or wants attention, depending on the context of their whining. Why do they howl? Not all dogs howl like wolves, but some love a good howl! They do it to announce their presence, get attention, and make contact with other dogs. Dogs also sometimes howl in response to high-pitched sounds like ambulance sirens, phones ringing, and certain musical instruments. Why does my Shep sigh? This is because, like humans, dogs sigh to convey both contentment and disappointment. Why does my German Shepherd grunt and groan? Like people, dogs mostly grunt and groan to communicate that they are annoyed or in pain. Different dogs have different personalities, and even if your dog is a typically excitable or noisy breed, they could just be naturally shy or reserved. Alternatively, if your German Shepherd is a rescue dog, it could be related to something in their past. How to make a German Shepherd bark To teach your German Shepherd to bark on command , you need to find something that naturally triggers a bark. Then, reward them. They will quickly make the association and learn the command. Then, ask a friend to come over and make sure your dog sees them coming. When they see the friend, say your command and reward them when they bark. Keep doing this until your Shep understands the association between barking and people entering your property. Should I train my German Shepherd to stop barking? What is excessive vocalization a sign of? Excessive vocalization can just mean that your dog likes to talk too much and needs a little extra training. Other signs of anxiety include pacing, panting, drooling, shaking, stomach upsets, and destructive behaviors. Common causes of anxiety include separation , under-stimulation, a big life change, illness, trauma, phobias, and illness or death in the family. Aggression is also seen more often in German Shepherds than in some other popular breeds. Aggression can result in excessive vocalization towards other dogs on walks and in the home when they pass by, as well as aggressive body language and fighting. How to stop excessive barking in German Shepherds If your German Shepherd barks too much during play, you can train them to quieten down by stopping the game whenever they start barking. This way, they learn that the fun stops when they start barking. Making sure your dog gets sufficient exercise, lots of social interaction, and plenty of mental stimulation with fun games and challenging toys will massively relieve their anxiety. Introduce positive associations with alone time with solo-play toys like treat dispensers. Anxiety with no obvious triggers that are to do with life changes can be relieved with lots of TLC and a stable daily routine. They use natural ingredients like CBD and lavender to effectively reduce anxiety in dogs. Start at home by inviting close friends, family, and their dogs over so that your dog can learn the rules in a safe environment. You should also try to interact with as many friendly dogs and people as possible on walks, especially for the first few years of their lives. Practice recall by calling your dog randomly throughout the day and rewarding them heavily for coming to you. This should increase their impulse to come when called and overtake the need to investigate other dogs or bark at passersby. In fact, any kind of obedience training is great for stomping out aggression, because it means your dog is more likely to listen to you should you need to get them away from another dog. You can reduce dog aggression by reinforcing that socializing is good. If there are any family dogs that your German Shepherd gets along with, arrange supervised playdates in a safe, controlled environment and reward your Shep for their positive interactions. When approaching an unknown dog on a walk, do not tense up. Your Shep will sense your anxiety and assume the dog is a threat, which could encourage their aggression. Instead, keep calm and keep moving. Take a toy to distract them if necessary, and then reward them with a treat every time they manage to walk past another dog without reacting aggressively. Instead, pull them away as gently as you can, move them on, use a firm tone of voice, and clear commands. It may be trauma-related. Try to avoid other dogs as much as possible and make as much space as you can between you and them when you need to pass by each other. Why has my German Shepherd stopped barking? If your German Shepherd is ordinarily noisy but has suddenly quietened down, they may have strained their vocal cords. Other reasons for dogs to stop barking as much include grief, recovering from surgery, and not feeling well. Dogs can lose their voices as they get older. Elderly dogs often have high-pitched or hoarse voices that are patchy or barely there. Certain illnesses can also cause changes in voice, including physical trauma to the throat from an injury or foreign body, bronchitis, laryngitis, laryngeal paralysis, infections, thyroid issues, autoimmune disorders, muscular disorders, and cancer. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. The breeder will also inform you of additional vaccinations you will need to schedule with your veterinarian as your puppy grows. Traveling Home With Your New Puppy On the day you pick up your new German Shepherd puppy from our facility, bring a small crate for the puppy to travel home in. We sell Puppy Packs at our facility which include a dog crate and can have one ready for you if you wish to purchase one. Otherwise, if you plan to hold your puppy in your lap on your drive home, bring a few small towels to place on your lap for the puppy. We highly recommend that you DO NOT stop at rest stops, dog parks, or parks to let your puppy go potty. Your puppy will not have received all of its parvovirus shots yet, so exposing your puppy to areas where other dogs have been increases the risk of your puppy contracting parvo. Instead we recommend that you find places that have concrete or hard surfaces like a paved parking lot. In the summertime, be conscious of the surface your puppy is walking on. At Home Care For Your New Puppy The first 24 to 36 hours in your new home is an acclimation period for your puppy to get settled in your home. It is common for your German Shepherd puppy to have diarrhea or loose stool the first week it is in your new home. It is acclimating to a new world and a different schedule. Be very mindful about what kind of dog treats and toys you supply the puppy to chew on. These are all edible things that can cause loose stool and diarrhea. These are also additional calories that puppies will eat before they eat a meal. During their acclimation to your new homes, we recommend you keep treats and cookies to a minimum. These are too rich and too hard on their systems. Wait at least 24 hours before giving your puppy a bath. You are more than welcome to keep in touch with us during this time and ask questions via email or text. The breeder will review the amount of food and schedule with you when you pick up your puppy. If your puppy has a weak appetite during the acclimation period you can add boiled boneless chicken and cooked white rice to its meals. Or you can add canned food to its meal to entice its appetite. Discard any uneaten food after each meal. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water during the day. If you are house breaking your puppy, remove access to water at least 4 hours prior to bed time. Diarrhea in very young puppies during their first weeks in their new environment is not uncommon. Here's why: Stress and Adaptation: The transition from their birthplace to a new home is a significant change for a young puppy. The stress of leaving their mother and littermates, coupled with adapting to a new diet and environment, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Dietary Changes: Puppies might experience a sudden switch in their diet when they move to their new home. This shift in nutrition, even if well-intentioned, can disrupt their delicate digestive systems and result in diarrhea. Microbial Adjustment: The puppy's gut is in the process of developing a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Stress and changes in diet can temporarily affect this delicate balance, leading to digestive disturbances like diarrhea. This adjustment period is natural as the puppy's gut adapts to new microorganisms in their surroundings. While occasional mild diarrhea can be expected, it's important to monitor your puppy's condition. Why young puppies get diarrhea and how to treat it Introducing Your Puppy To Other Pets Gradual Introduction: Begin with neutral territory, not in the home of the adult dog, where both dogs can meet on leashes. Increase the time and frequency of their interactions slowly and under supervision. Supervised Interaction: After bringing the puppy home, closely supervise their interactions. Start with separate spaces and controlled play sessions, intervening if tensions arise. Ensure each dog has a safe space to retreat to. Patience and Adaptation: Understand that dogs have unique personalities. Be patient as they adjust to each other. Gradually extend their time together while monitoring their behavior and providing guidance as needed. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog watch even more videos on how to care for your german shepherd puppy with a learning center subscription. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:.

Living on the 17th floor, or having a mobility issue that prevents you from taking your puppy outside consistently for bathroom breaks, is. Doggy litter boxes and grassy pads are both popular and appropriate indoor potty material for dogs. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Other options exist, too. Litter Box Litter boxes work well for puppies, offering clearly defined toilet areas, and their raised sides helping prevent urine or stool from getting on your floor. Litter boxes come in many sizes, so you can find something perfect for your young pooch. Numerous litters exist to choose from, most offering some degree of odor control. You can use cat litter, but dog litters are more suitable; they typically have larger bits to minimize tracking and better handle a dog's greater daily urinary volume. Litter boxes are generally easy to clean. Be proactive with cleanup, though. Sanitize the box at least once per week. Your puppy may be hesitant to climb into a pile of litter, though, which may lead to accidents, or she may decide to eat the litter or fling it all over the room. Grass Pads Grass pad potties may be a good option if your puppy goes to the bathroom outside sometimes, or if she'll be doing so in the future, according to The Housebreaking Bible. These are trays containing a layer of replaceable real sod or removable fake turf. Since they resemble the grass she relieves herself on outdoors, it helps reinforce the appropriate potty surface. Like litter boxes, grass pads provide a well-defined toilet area, but they don't offer as much protection against misses or spillover. You could place a grass pad, instead of litter, in a litter box, though. Washable turf surfaces are generally manageable to clean, but many are clunky to remove from the pan without spilling waste. Grass pads can become quite smelly if you don't tend to them regularly, too. Some puppies might find digging up real sod pads more fun than peeing or pooping on them. Other Options So-called pee pads or potty pads are another option to consider along with litter boxes and grass pads. These are absorbent and usually lined to protect your floors. But they're not without flaws. The underside lining makes them slide across surfaces, and they're easily shredded. They offer a clearly defined target but lack raised edges to prevent misses and spillover. Pee pads are readily available at pet stores at a wide range of prices; some of the more expensive ones have nifty features, such as a scent designed to attract your puppy to them for taking care of business. Then there's the old classic -- piles of newspaper. This is a cheap option, but it can be messy if your puppy plays with the paper, misses it when going, or you don't clean up before saturation occurs. Your Puppy Isn't Using the Litter or Grass Pad Whether you choose a litter box, grass pad or an alternative, you'll need to train your puppy to use it by leading her to the spot when she has to go, positively reinforcing use, and employing gentle correction when she goes in the wrong place. Obviously, it's no good if your puppy doesn't use her potty. Watch to see if she seems afraid of climbing into litter or otherwise hesitant about what you've provided. If so, try a different option. However, she may just not be fully potty trained yet; it typically takes at least one week for puppies to get the hang of it, but many take longer, and accidents are perfectly normal beyond that time. Be patient and don't punish. If your puppy continues to have problems using the potty, consult your vet. She may be drinking too much, suffering from an anxiety disorder or suffering from a health problem, such as urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney or liver dysfunction, intestinal parasites, hormonal imbalance or something else. Last Updated: Apr 25, Housebreaking puppy—the favorite part of every new pet parent. No, not really. There are different methods and tools for housebreaking dogs , but today we'll focus on the comparison between grass litter boxes and housebreaking training pads. When it comes to training your dog not to use the bathroom wherever he or she wants, there are tons of pet products available on the market that can help your puppy familiarize with the new bathroom routine while also causing you as little stress as possible. Housebreaking helpers have become the industry standard among many dog parents, and most of them do help with training a dog to proper potty routines. For example, are grass litter boxes for dogs better than potty training pads? Let's talk about the pros and cons of each. Puppy training pads are absorbent potty pads that hold in the liquid and generally have a quick-drying surface. While your dog is being trained in new bathroom routines, you can teach him or her to use these potty pads so that your floors would stay relatively clean and dry. Most puppy training pads can even be used with elderly dogs having trouble controlling their bathroom habits. Dog grass litter boxes, on the other hand, are boxes filled with artificial turf that mimics the outside. Most pet parents have seen these used with cats because they're not as popular with dog owners, but the fashion trends are changing. Grass litter boxes for dogs are becoming a common housebreaking assistant for many new dog owners. Now What? At Top Dog Tips , we strongly believe in using the best dog supplies to assist with any dog training endeavors because these products exist for a reason. They prevent your floors from becoming soaking wet by absorbing the urine. Dog training pads often have odor neutralizers, so there is no smell associated with them. But, for all the good reviews, such housebreaking puppy pads have some downsides. Also, another unpleasant possibility is that your dog makes an association between any square piece of cloth on the floor and using the bathroom. That means anything—rugs, yoga mats, towels—becomes fair game for your dog. The final verdict: Puppy potty training pads are good for housebreaking as long as that housebreaking is consistent, thorough, and continual; neither of you should use the pads as a crutch because that can seriously backfire. The grass in the doggy litter box is replaceable either with turf, sod, or even real grass. This clarification is handy during puppy house training , where you want everything to be as simple as possible. If your dog has learned to go to the bathroom outside but now needs to be trained for inside, a grass litter box is an easy tool to use. It resembles a place like the one where your dog used to his business, just with a small difference—the area is smaller. When using dog grass litter boxes, you can train your puppy to go both indoors and outdoors. Also, cleaning the grass litter boxes is a bit more rigorous than cleaning training pads, and if not cleaned properly, they can begin to give off a foul odor. The extra effort for cleaning is something to consider. You also won't be able to place them in your dog's soft crate. But if you love to shop online, there are a few great options for grass litter boxes on Amazon. Puppy training pads are great for someone with a lot of time to devote to housebreaking i. Grass litter boxes for dogs are great for dog parents who work long hours and might not be able to get home in time every day to take out their pets. Other chores like helping with dog shedding by grooming your pet, cleaning their teeth, and taking dogs to a vet can all be done on the weekend, not so cleaning out the litter boxes. Also, if your dog has already been trained to go to the bathroom outside, grass litter box training will be simple as long as you have the time at least minutes to clean the doggy litter box properly each day. I hope this helped. Have you tried housebreaking your dog using either training pads or grass litter boxes? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Want To Share This… Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here. Puppy Litter Box vs. If you live in a high rise apartment or if you work too far from home to walk your dog at lunch, a litter box or a grass pad might be what you need! Even a shallow litter box has a raised edge that distinguishes it from the rest of the floor. Several different styles of litter exist, so even if your dog does not like the feel of one under her paws, she still may be able to adjust to another. In addition, plastic litter pans are easy to clean and most litters are disposed of easily. Litter Box Cons Some dogs do not like the feeling of the litter on their feet, particularly some of those litters that are ground coarsely. Conversely, some terrier breeds love to dig in their litter boxes, so much so that the litter gets spread hither and yon on a daily basis. Other dogs, especially puppies, might decide to try eating the litter as a tasty treat. Finally, litter should be changed frequently, as it may retain odors if left too long. These odors might get into your rugs, drapes or furniture upholstery, and require special treatment to remove. Grass Pads Pros Natural grass and artificial turf pads are fairly cost effective. After the initial purchase, the primary cost associated with grass and artificial turf is enzyme replacement. If your dog previously has been a country dog, she may prefer the feel of the grass under her feet to the feeling of the litter. Grass Pads Cons Artificial turf may be difficult to clean. If not cleaned well, then it can retain odors. Natural grass pads also may entice some breeds to dig. Emptying the reservoirs of urine that collects under the pads may turn out to be a two-person job, especially with grass pads for medium and large-sized dogs. More Articles. But what about dog litter? But thanks to the advent of dog litter—and dog litter boxes—canines can take advantage of this convenience, too. What Is Dog Litter? While most cat litters are made from clay, dog litters typically are made from paper, like Secondnature dog litter , or wood. Dog litter and a dog litter box can be used as an alternative to dog pee pads, according to Mauger. Although dog pee pads, also called dog potty pads , work well for some homes, the texture can be confusing for dogs, unlike a dog litter pan filled with dog litter. Why Use Dog Litter? Convenience is a big reason for using dog litter. By leaving out a dog litter pan filled with dog litter, you can relax knowing your dog has a place to relieve himself if the urge strikes. Bloom recommends teaching a dog to use a litter box the same way you would in normal housetraining ; but instead of taking him outdoors, take the dog to the box during potty times. Make sure you choose a litter box that is large enough for your pup. As with all housetraining, Bloom adds, the keys to litter box training a dog is making sure he gets taken to the right place often and, when he relieves himself in the right area, giving him plenty of praise and treats. Litter box training a dog may be more appropriate for smaller dogs than larger breeds, according to Bloom. Finally, if you have a dog who likes to hike his leg up to pee, a litter box may not be tall enough to contain the stream. Slightly larger than most comparable training pads Margin around pad stays dry, making it easy to pick up Fully absorbs scent Sold in multiple sizes and quantities Optional adhesive tabs on all four corners to keep pad in place What We Don't Like Adhesive tabs may get stuck to wood floors at times, but we found it easy to wipe clean Both sides of pad are white, which makes it harder to know that the absorbent side is faceup in low-light settings We have no reservations about recommending Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads. They are incredibly absorbent and hold multiple cups of liquid without spilling a drop. They are also durable and didn't tear or get weighed down we went used a combination of liquid and solid materials to test their strength. Plus, all four corners of each pad have an optional adhesive tab. The sticker-like area helps keep the pad in place, which is great if you have a dog that likes to paw at the pad before doing their business. At times we found a slight bit of the adhesive tab would rip off the pad and remain on the wood flooring, but it is easily removed. Bulldogology Premium Puppy Training Pads combine several layers of material designed to absorb liquids and pull them into the center of the pad, including an outer "attractant fabric" layer and another layer that keeps scents locked in. But it's the superabsorbent polymer SAP at the center of the pad that most effectively absorbs and retains liquids, transforming a powder into a gel that won't release liquid back onto your floor or hands. We assessed puppy pads using several tests and five different metrics, rating each for its effectiveness, durability, scent and how well it absorbs scents , how easy they are to clean up, and the product's overall value. In our evaluation, Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads received a perfect score in every category except overall value, since they are more expensive than several other training pads we recommend. During testing, we poured a combination of water and vinegar on the Bulldogology pad up to the maximum absorbency claimed by the manufacturer. After soaking, the training pad's margins remained dry, making it easy to pick up with your hands. Remarkably, even touching the wet portion of the pee pad still felt nearly dry. When lifting the soaked puppy pad off the ground, the Bulldogology pad didn't feel like it was about to rip or was at risk of falling apart. There was no dripping, and the floor was dry. Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads also come in a range of options, including different sizes, materials, and quantities. The standard pee pads are sold in , , and count packages. There are also XL pads that are 24 x 35 inches that are available in packages of 40, 60, , and .Bulldogology also makes it easy to subscribe, so a steady supply of pee pads will keep coming to your door. The company also has an activated carbon version of the Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads , with an additional charcoal layer designed to more fully absorb smells though we found the standard pads effective at scent absorption already. The Bulldogology pee pads also incorporate a feature we were unable to test under lab conditions: a pheromone attractant. Designed to draw the attention of a puppy while housebreaking, we were unable to test whether this is a useful feature or a gimmick. Other minor features were more obviously useful, including the adhesive tape at each corner, which kept the Bulldogology pads attached firmly to our test floor. You may find the adhesive corners very useful if your dog likes to spin in circles before they pee or if they are limping, to help prevent the pad from slipping. It should be noted that while the Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads were our overall favorite, many of our other recommendations performed as well or nearly as well. There are a number of viable puppy training pads on the market, so don't hesitate to try something else on this list if it's more convenient to purchase. January 22, by Jordan Seals There are a lot of factors to consider when housebreaking a puppy, and one of the biggest decisions is whether to use a grass pad or a pee pad. Some people swear by grass pads, while others prefer pee pads. So, which is better? There are pros and cons to both grass pads and pee pads. Grass pads are more natural and closer to what dogs would use in the wild. They also encourage dogs to go in one specific area, which can be helpful if you have a large yard. Pee pads, on the other hand, are more absorbent and easier to clean up. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual circumstances. If you live in an apartment or travel frequently, a pee pad may be a better option. As with dog grass pads, small pads of grass are all that is needed to potty train your dog. Many elderly or disabled dogs, as well as other animals, could benefit from this type of padding. Grass patches can also be beneficial to senior dogs or those with mobility issues. Grass pads are especially effective for puppies who are not yet fully vaccinated. Larger and medium-sized dogs may require two or more grass pads to make an area large enough for them to run around on. If your dog is prone to accidents due to difficulty getting out into the open, grass pads are a great option. They will make your potty training process easier and assist you in getting your dog accustomed to using a potty. If you have a disabled dog, grass pads can be an excellent solution for him or her. Some buildings may forbid pets from playing on the balcony. It is not appropriate for medium or large dogs to use grass pads for small breeds, but they can be used for large breeds as well. Cleaning a real dog grass pad is very similar to cleaning a synthetic one. You can remove any urine that may have accumulated on the blades of the grass by emptying the tray at the bottom of the grass pad every day and running water through it. If the grass is not completely clean or the smell remains, replace the artificial grass or purchase a new pad. The following steps will guide you through the process of training your puppy to use a grass pee pad. These guidelines apply to puppies who are potty trained for the first time, as well as older dogs who are already housebroken, regardless of whether they are potty trained or housebroken for the first time. No chemical cleaners should be used on grass, whether it is for cleaning or to improve its appearance. In a nutshell, yes, they can. Because potty pads are everywhere in the house, it can be difficult to distinguish them from other soft surfaces such as carpeting. If you do not want or require potty pads, place them in the same place in the house. When your dog sniffs the scent of his new bathroom, it will tell you that it is his new one. Many people believe that once you place a pee pad on the floor, the dog will magically pee on it every time. Why do dogs poop on artificial grass? Dogs, like humans, can pee and poop on grass, just like they can on natural grass. There is no need to cleanse your artificial grass urine. Rainwater drains into a body of water that is the same size as a tomato. Pee pads for dogs are not a one-time use item. With proper care, they can last for many months. When choosing a grass pee pad, look for one that is made of durable materials and has a waterproof backing. Avoid pads with a plastic backing, as these will degrade quickly and are more likely to leak. Image Source: pdsa. However, some experts believe that dogs may prefer grass to pee on because it feels more natural and allows them to better mark their territory. What happens if dogs pee on grass? That is a valid question to ask. Artificial green grass pee pads could be nearly identical to the real grass pee pads for dogs because the materials used in them resemble those used in the real pads. Artificial grass will hold its value if you do not keep a difficult dog by your side. Because a dog can do anything, it makes perfect sense to buy an artificial grass potty pad. A leak on artificial grass like pee pads for dogs, unlike natural grass, will not kill or discolor the area because it requires mild water and is thus maintained on a regular basis by the owner. Dogs and cats, in particular, must find it difficult to stop chewing or licking the surface of artificial grass. Because the answers can be very diverse, you know what you want to get. If your dog is suitable for the artificial grass, he or she may need to be examined by the veterinarian. If you have synthetic turf, you should always maintain it on a regular basis to avoid unpleasant odors. If not, you should take care of your lawn by mowing it on a regular basis and clearing away weeds. If your lawn does not tolerate pet urine, you can try adding a little nitrogen to the soil to help it grow faster. It has nothing to do with their physical appearance. What surface can they do business on? Pea gravel is one of the most popular materials for dog potty areas. As long as it is properly drained, easy to clean, and does not emit any odors similar to artificial grass, it will be a good choice for lawns. It can be used in any outdoor space, provided there is an accessible place to hose the water. Why do puppies go potty on some surfaces and not others? When puppies are potty trained on paper and then required to go potty in the yard on grass, dirt, or gravel, this can be a problem. If you keep your dog active and entertained, he or she will not engage in behaviors like urinating on things. A dog litter box is also more sanitary because it contains the urine and feces. Pee pads are less expensive up front, but you will have to keep buying new ones as your dog uses them. Pee pads are also less sanitary because they do not contain the urine and feces. Dogs can use the toilet continuously if they want to. It is especially useful for owners who do not want to take their dog out to urinate on a regular basis. Using potty pads will help your puppy learn how to use the toilet. Consistency is required for the training technique to work. In general, it takes months for a puppy to become completely house trained. Some puppies are not ready to be adopted until they are a year old. How long does one use a puppy collar? At the age of 12 months, a child may play for up to twelve hours. Smaller dogs can sometimes leave a pad out all day or even every day if they only leave one ounce or two at a time. Puppy pads with a subtle scent attract dogs and persuade them to use them. When To Stop Using Puppy Pads Puppy pads should not be used on a regular basis because each dog has its own bladder and potty schedule. Change the pad after two or three uses to avoid the area smelling terrible, and to avoid the puppy accidentally stepping into its own waste while cleaning. Puppy Pads Vs Fake Grass Puppy pads are great for house training your puppy, but they can be expensive. Dog Grass Pads are products designed specifically for use in indoor bathrooms, which are among the reasons not to purchase them. I find it extremely frustrating that dogs are forced to use indoor bathrooms. When training a dog, it is best to start potty training outside for the average dog. Many dog owners believe that they can simply place some pads on the ground and let their dogs run around freely. There will always be issues with dog pee pads. It is common practice for housebroken dogs to go five or six hours without a potty break or longer. Purchasing indoor fake grass will not help these issues. The practice of leaving a dog at home for 12 hours or more several days a week, on average, is generally frowned upon by the animal. Some dogs will eat their own feces while they are away, and their owners will not even know they are doing so. It may be possible for some senior dogs to sleep all day if a pee pad is provided. Dogs should not be given fake grass pads, and they do not need to use a litter box. The cat will cover up when it comes to its own. If there is something to cover, it will not be covered by the dogs. The Pros And Cons Of Pee Pads A large number of pet owners believe that using pee pads on their pets is a good way to teach them how to use a potty outside. Furthermore, they are said to be extremely versatile, as you can use them part-time or full-time depending on the needs of your puppy. Positive reinforcement, such as giving your dog treats when it runs on the pad, is the most common method of training. Best Grass Patch For Dogs Assuming you would like tips on creating the best grass patch for dogs in your yard: The best grass patch for dogs is one that is well-drained, has full sun, and is made of a tough grass that can withstand wear and tear. You also want to make sure the area is large enough for your dog to run and play in. One of the first things you will have to teach your dog is potty training, which can be difficult. It can be advantageous to provide dog grass pads to the household if they are properly fitted, as they are hygienic, practical, and easy to use. The SynTurfmats Grass Pad is equipped with a three-layer drainage and holding system. Your dog will be extremely pleased when he or she discovers real grass underneath his or her paws. Some dog owners prefer to install artificial grass around their properties. It is not a good idea to reapply a patch every day. A Fresh Patch should last anywhere between two and three weeks, depending on how frequently your pet uses it. There are several options for creating an indoor potty area for your dog. The old standby is just several sheets of newspaper laid out on the floor, or you can use absorbent potty pads also known as puppy pads or pee pee pads from the pet store. You can also use a dog litter box or a tray lined with artificial turf. The pros and cons of each are discussed in the article Indoor Potty Options. When teaching indoor potty training, you need to be very consistent and clear with your puppy to prevent confusion about what area of the house is his bathroom. When training your dog to use an indoor potty area, you must supervise him as outlined in Commandment 7 , and you may want to use Umbilical Cord Training in the early phases of your training. Although not impossible, training him to use a new indoor area — and to stop going in the original area he was trained to use — is tricky, so avoid having to change the location of his papers, litter box, or training pads if at all possible. Since your puppy will be relieving himself in the house, also consider the ick factor when choosing a location. However, they later realize that cooking and eating right next to dog poo and pee is less than pleasant. Getting Started There are two basic methods for teaching indoor potty training. Read the brief descriptions below and pick the method you think will suit you and your dog.

Coarse coat texture Chronic skin and ear infections Hypothyroidism is treated with lifelong oral medication, and dogs with this condition often live normally with proper treatment. Patellar Luxation A luxating patella is when a kneecap slips out of place. Patellar luxation is a common condition in small dogs, including Miniature Poodles. If you see your Miniature Poodle holding a leg up, limping, or having problems walking, they may be experiencing patellar luxation. Veterinarians can treat this condition by moving the patellar ligament to the correct location through surgery. In minor cases, this condition can be managed with anti-inflammatory and pain medications, but it will result in arthritis. Veterinarians may also suggest weight loss or joint supplements. Eye Problems Miniature Poodles can develop a few different eye conditions as they age. This condition is not curable and will lead to blindness. Cataracts are a hereditary condition that affects Miniature Poodles. Cloudy eyes are a telltale sign of cataracts, and you might notice your dog bumping into things and having issues navigating their environment, especially at night. But unlike PRA, cataracts can be corrected with surgery before your dog loses sight. Their food must be appropriate for their current life stage puppy, adult, or senior. Your veterinarian can recommend specific brands and help you make sure your Mini Poodle is getting the nutrients they need. How To Feed a Miniature Poodle Miniature Poodle puppies need to eat three or four times every day, adhering to a consistent schedule. Once they reach their first birthday, you can reduce their meals to twice a day. The best way to know how much to feed your dog is to talk to your veterinarian. You can also turn to your dog food packaging for guidance, as it will give you an amount to feed your pup based on their ideal weight. But because Miniature Poodles can have problems with their hips and knees, your veterinarian might prescribe supplements to improve joint health. Like all dogs, Miniature Poodles need obedience training and socialization, but they are fast learners and eager to please their people. Because of this, Miniature Poodles can do well in many types of homes. Miniature Poodle Personality and Temperament Miniature Poodles usually get along well with other pets. They need lots of exercise and playtime to burn off energy and keep their sharp brain engaged. Miniature Poodles can become anxious in new situations, however, so early socialization and training is important for having a confident pup. Miniature Poodle Behavior Miniature Poodles like to keep their little legs moving. Miniature Poodles also love swimming. Make time for play, and stimulate their mind with interactive toys and puzzle games. Once they have the basics down, you can teach your Miniature Poodle more complex tricks. Fun Activities for Miniature Poodles. Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! That is one of the biggest myths in dogdom. First, ignore the silly show-ring clips. Poodles can be clipped to look like normal dogs. Look at the Miniature Poodle in the photo. That's my girl, Buffy. It takes me 30 minutes every six weeks to bathe her and run over her coat with a handheld clipper 5 blade , turning her into a shorthaired, normal-looking dog. Second, Miniature Poodles are miniature athletes. They excel in advanced obedience competition, where retrieving and jumping skills are required. They excel in agility obstacle course competition, where they dash over and under and through the obstacles with a strength and grace that is breathtaking to watch. The correct build is "square", which means their legs are long enough that their height is approximately equal to their length. Buffy has this build. These Miniature Poodles are both elegant and athletic, moving with a light, springy gait. Other Miniature Poodles are built lower to the ground, with short legs and a long back. These dogs have inherited a physical deformity called chondrodysplasia. It means they don't have the same elegance or agility as a properly square Miniature Poodle. Worse still, it means they're more susceptible to disk disease though square poodles can develop this disease, too. But whatever the build, a good Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. This is a "thinking" dog who pays rapt attention to you, learns quickly, and responds well to training. Indeed, Miniature Poodles NEED some sort of mental stimulation in order to be happy, even if it's just challenging games such as hide 'n seek, or fetching a variety of named toys. This intelligent breed should never be relegated to the backyard and ignored. Most Miniature Poodles make great watchdogs, which simply means they will bark when they hear someone at the door. Most individuals tend to be reserved though polite and non-aggressive with strangers. But there are also individuals — like my dog Buffy — "who never met a stranger. With other dogs and cats, Miniature Poodles are peaceful and accepting. Poodles also have the advantage of being the lightest-shedding, most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds. Hairless breeds have no hair at all to shed. So do Miniature Poodles sound like a dream dog? Well, no breed is perfect! Besides the frequent clipping, Poodles do need daily exercise and playtime, as they're typically lively dogs. And Poodles need a great deal of companionship throughout the day. This makes them a great choice for shut-ins or people who work from home. But if everyone is gone for many hours, a Poodle will be unhappy. They're dependent dogs, and if they get lonely, they may bark, or chew destructively. Poodles are also "pattern-oriented" dogs who prefer their routines to always be the same. They can get flustered and anxious if you change things too much. Poodles are soft-tempered, sensitive dogs, sometimes hypersensitive. If you touch them unexpectedly or startle them with a sudden loud sound, they tend to flinch. The most sensitive individuals are unhappy around small children. Similarly, Miniature Poodles can get emotionally upset if there's too much activity or conflict or roughhousing in your household. These gentle dogs prefer peace and harmony. You do have to watch your lines.But how a Poodle turns out also depends on socialization and training. When taken out to experience the world and treated like an intelligent and capable dog, a Miniature Poodle is likely to live up to those expectations. If you want a dog who.Is conveniently-sized — neither too small or too large Is graceful, yet also athletic Has a short curly coat that is virtually non-shedding the best coated breed for allergy sufferers Comes in a variety of colors Is lively and playful Is one of the brightest and most attentive of all breeds Is easy to train and housebreak Is usually polite with strangers and sociable with other animals A Miniature Poodle may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Clipping the curly coat every six weeks, without fail A careful search to avoid high-strung, neurotic lines Timidity when not socialized enough Emotional sensitivity to stress, tension, and loud voices Potential barking A Miniature Poodle may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Poodles have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. Avoiding neurotic temperaments. Whenever a breed is common, many people breed them just to make some money, without having enough knowledge of how to produce healthy, stable dogs. As a result, obedience instructors and behavioral consultants, like myself, see lots of Mini Poodles with neurotic behaviors, including hyperactivity, senseless barking, and hyperactivity. Obviously you want to avoid these dogs! A lot of people are attracted to Poodles because they're so light-shedding and hypoallergenic. But light shedding always comes with a trade-off. In the Poodle's case, it's the amount of clipping they require. To keep their curly coat short and free of mats, Miniature Poodles require clipping every 4 to 6 weeks. Without fail. Professional groomers will try to sculpture your poodle with a shaved face, a topknot on his head, and a pom pom on his tail. That's the frou-frou look that keeps so many people from choosing a poodle. Now, if you like that look, fine. But if you don't like it, take control of how the groomer clips your dog. Or learn how to do it yourself — it's really easy. See photos of my girl Buffy, at the top of the page, and just below. Short coat, whiskery face, short ears, nothing shaved, no topknot or pompoms. Many people are surprised to find out that she's a Poodle. Works for me! Emotional sensitivity. Be honest.Are people loud or emotional? Miniature Poodles are extremely sensitive to stress. They can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Miniature Poodles are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home. Providing enough socialization. Some Mini Poodles are quite friendly, but most are a little standoffish with strangers. To avoid timidity or suspiciousness, it's important to take your dog out into the world as a young puppy and indeed all through his life. Read more about socializing your Miniature Poodle. Poodles are very observant. Even Poodles who love everyone will bark when they see or hear something unusual. In fact, they're often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. You can only do that if you have the right relationship with your dog, where you are the leader and he is the follower. In other words, your Miniature Poodle must respect you. Fortunately this is very easy to do with Poodles. Read more about Miniature Poodle Training. Health problems. Miniature Poodles can live to 15 or 16 years old, but they're not always healthy during all those years. Chronic problems in Poodles include allergies, heart or bronchial diseases, joint disorders, and eye diseases. Read more about Miniature Poodle Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. There is quite a difference between the average sized Poodle and the Miniature Poodle, with a standard Poodle standing up to 24 inches in height and weighing a whopping 40 to 70 pounds! The Miniature Poodle is for the Poodle lovers who want all that Poodle personality packed in a smaller package. Miniature Poodles are also known for being highly intelligent, athletic, active and outgoing. They enjoy their family and other pets and get along well with children and strangers. However, they can have a high prey drive and require lots of time, training and consistency from a good owner who understands working dogs. Is the Miniature Poodle right for you? This is not the case with the Miniature Poodle. In fact, the Miniature Poodle is one of three official size varieties accepted by most major breed clubs in the United States. Other official size varieties of purebred Poodle include Toy and Standard. In comparison, the Miniature Poodle is the mid-sized Poodle of the three. He is a few pounds heavier than the Toy and several pounds smaller than the Standard. We should note here that, while popular, the teacup Poodle is not an official size variety of Poodle recognized by major breed clubs or associates. This attraction is what led to Poodles being bred down so they could be more suitable for companionship. So hats off to those fashion-forward ladies. Poodles are originally from Germany, but made their way to France where they became very popular. And while they were wildly popular in France in their early history, their true origin is actually Germany. Originally, Poodles were bred as water retrieving dogs. Their dense, curly coats were ideal for protecting them from the frigid waters of Germany and their agile, athletic bodies helped them navigate through the water. Better still, Poodles were found to be highly intelligent, eager to please and trainable. This is a trait that led them from water retrieving to many other types of work including street performing, circus performing, and even service dog work. Eventually, Poodles caught the eye of French nobles, who fell in love with their flamboyant yet purposeful pompon those cute puffs on their legs, tail and upper belly hairdos. As we mentioned above, this led to fanciers and breed enthusiasts eventually breeding the dog down so he could be better suited for companionship. Miniature Poodles Make Excellent Family Dogs Poodles are friendly and eager to please, so they get along well with most everyone. Though Poodles are often seen as prim and proper, the truth is they are incredibly hardy, playful and energetic. Miniature Poodles maintain all these endearing and attractive qualities, just in a smaller package. These little dogs make excellent family companions as they get along well with strangers, children and other pets. We also recommend that parents work with age appropriate children on how to recognize basic canine body language and how to recognize signs of stress or fear. Not only will this help you better communicate with your Miniature Poodle, it can also help reduce potential dog bites or behavioral issues down the road. Standard Poodles are great dogs, but they are also great BIG dogs that are best suited for homes with lots of space. One of the alluring traits of the Miniature Poodle is that they do well in apartments and smaller spaces. Their compact size also allows them to be better travel companions, especially to families that enjoy going on road trips! However, Miniature Poodles can be prone to destructive behaviors, especially if all of their needs are not met. This is especially important if you live in an apartment or share walls with neighbors. Miniature Poodles are very athletic and very smart, and without exercise and mental stimulation they can become depressed and stressed. Miniature Poodles are still Poodles, which means they are athletic, outgoing and energetic. Without routine exercise each and every day, your Mini Poodle could be prone to destructive behaviors like barking, marking, and chewing. Worse still, lack of exercise could lead to health and behavioral issues like stress, depression and aggression. Most experts recommend that the Miniature Poodle be walked at least once a day for 30 minutes to an hour depending on his age and overall activity level. Your Miniature Poodle will also enjoy free playtime at a dog part for smaller dogs, or in a backyard if you have one. Other ways to ensure your Mini Poodle is having his exercise needs met include taking him for hikes, going for swims, light jogs, and playing games of fetch or tug of war. One of the reasons Poodles in general are so popular is due to their hypoallergenic coat. These dogs have a unique, curly coat that produces very little dander or loose hair. While all dogs shed to an extent, the Poodle sheds very little, which is excellent for anyone who suffers from allergies. However, just because a Miniature Poodle is considered hypoallergenic does not mean he is easy to groom. The tightly bound curls in your Miniature Poodles coat can also lead to mats, tangles and a buildup of debris. Experts recommend you bathe your Miniature Poodle at least once every couple of weeks with a dog safe shampoo. He should also be brushed routinely, especially if his coat is longer. He may need to visit a professional groomer from time to time to get hair cuts, and he should have his ears routinely checked and cleaned to keep them free of debris, moisture or wax that could lead to ear infections. Miniature Poodles come in a long list of colors and color combinations, but some colors are more rare than others. Apricot is the rarest color of Poodle, followed closely by red and blue colors. But what makes these rare colors so rare? Even then, there is no guarantee that two apricot Poodle parents, for example, will have a litter with apricot colored puppies. Other Poodle colors include black, cream, fawn, silver, silver beige, brown, white, sable, black and white, brown, grey, silver, blue and red. If you want a specific Miniature Poodle coat color, and especially if you want a Miniature Poodle that is one of the more rare colors, you may need to fork over a little extra money and go through a breeder who specializes in these colored dogs. Smaller dogs like Miniature Poodles are notorious for being more difficult to house train. But why? In fact, experts and trainers have found that smaller dogs are just as capable as learning as large breed dogs, though potty training continues to be a difficult task. The reason is likely due to a few factors. First, smaller dogs have smaller bladders, so they cannot hold their urine as long as their large breed friends. They therefore require a more routine potty schedule to ensure they are given enough opportunities to relieve themselves. Another reason smaller dogs like the Miniature Poodle might be more difficult to house train is due to the size of their potties. Accidents can be difficult to find, and when a dog potties in a certain place he is likely to repeatedly go in this same place over and over again until the spot is effectively cleaned. To combat this, we recommend investing in a puppy playpen that keeps your Miniature Poodle in a certain area until you are confident he has been house trained. This will allow you to better pinpoint any accidents and clean them efficiently in the meantime. You might also consider investing in potty pads, which can help reduce accidents in the home by providing your smaller dog with a place to go if you are unable to frequently let him outside. BV Potty Pads. Your browser does not support the audio tag. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Note: Docking tails is illegal in most European countries. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can be high-strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , where the dog is led to believe it is alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous , and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Dogs may start to bark a lot without proper human to canine communication , rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. Height, Weight Height: 11 - 15 inches 28 - 38 cm Weight: 15 - 17 pounds 7 - 8 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Miniature Poodle must be over 10 inches and 15 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is less than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulder cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Miniature Poodle. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. It will be calm indoors if it receives enough exercise. It will do okay without a yard. Exercise Miniature Poodles need a daily walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. They are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving beginning, although they excel in any performance event you offer them, including agility, obedience, rally and conformation showing, and often one will leave one ring and go directly to another to compete again. Since they love water they are great dock diving dogs and love water retrieving. Life Expectancy. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are always near the top of the list of most popular breeds. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Wisconsin 1. They offer a significant level of training in both obedience and field through their training program for interested families. Plumtree breeds yellow, chocolate, and black labs, depending on the year. You may need to wait for quite a long time for a puppy to become available. They breed all three popular colors—chocolate, black, and yellow. A deposit is required before you can add your name to their waiting list. The dogs come with a health guarantee as well as instructions for vaccinations, feeding, and more. They breed both companion and hunting dogs. All puppies are up to date on vaccinations, socialized with other dogs, and come with AKC papers. They breed yellow, chocolate, black, red, and white Labradors. Their dogs are AKC registered and are of show dog quality. They also breed excellent hunting dogs for those looking for a hunting companion. Their puppies are yellow, black, or chocolate-colored, depending on the parents. They come with a health guarantee for 26 months. There is a long list of conditions protected by this guarantee which means you can purchase a puppy with confidence that is in good health. Their dogs are excellent for hunting, retrieving, service, obedience, agility, and companionship. They raise yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. All dogs have undergone a health screening and have pedigree and AKC papers. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us.