3 month old golden retriever puppy

Lifespan Sociability If you have come across a Labraheeler puppy, you know how adorable they can be. This designer hybrid breed comes from one Labrador Retriever parent and one Australian Cattle Dog parent. Together, these two purebreds create a puppy that is sweet, affectionate, super-active, and adorable. Even at such a young age, a Blue Heeler Lab Mix puppy will require a lot of your time and energy. Not only is it important that they are trained and socialized right away, but they are more active than most and will require a lot of your time and energy outside. To give you a little more background, the Labrador Retriever has been in existence since the 17th century. They originated from Canada where they were used as hunting, hurting, and retrieving animals. During the s, the breed was brought to the UK where they gained a lot of popularity. Today, they are the most popular family dog in the United States. On the flip side of the coin, the Australian Cattle Dog originated during the s in its namesake country. This dog has enjoyed many different positions over the years; however, they were originally bred to assist ranchers with their herds. They were particularly apt at this job as they would nip at the heels of the cattle but would not bark and scare them into a stampede. The offspring of these two purebreds gained the best traits of both. Not only is the Blue Heeler Lab Mix a loyal and family-oriented dog, but they are ready to get down and dirty outside and frolic in the mud. Net Pulling One of the first responsibilities of the Labrador was to assist fishermen by pulling their fishnets into the shore. Like a long game of tug-of-war, the dog drags one end and pulls the net full of fish onto the bank. Part Dingo The Labraheeler is also part Dingo. The Dingo was then bred with a few other breeds to perfect what is now known as the Australian Cattle Dog. The Dingo ancestry still rings true even into this designer breed. Webbed Feet As an avid swimmer, the Labraheeler has webbed feet. This is something that has been passed down to them from their ancestors and allows them to be very comfortable in aquatic situations. If you are a beach person yourself, this pooch will fit right into your lifestyle. This is a sweet, affectionate, and loyal dog that is very family-centric. They are active, curious, and even make great guard dogs. This breed also has very high intelligence and has been engaged in many different careers such as police work, agility training, hunting, guarding, search and rescue, and tracking. This is outside of the normal herding, retrieving, and fishnet pulling activities. Due to their high intelligence and high activity level, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix is at home in rural settings with either very large yards or fields to run around in. They spend a good portion of their day active, yet they benefit from mental activities, as well. Whether it is swimming, rolling around in the dirt, or jogging by your side, this pup is at its happiest when in movement. The Labraheeler is also a great guard dog. They can be cautious around new people, and it can take a bit of time for them to warm to newcomers. Once they do, however, they are a very friendly and social breed. That being said, this pooch tends to become stubborn as they age. This is one reason why training them as a small puppy is extremely important. They prefer to be around the hubbub of the family or even with one person as a companion. When left alone, they can resort to destructive behavior such as chewing, barking, and sometimes digging. Not only do they become attached to the entire family as a unit, but they are also great with kids and seniors. That being said, the puppy must be brought up around smaller children or at the very least socialized well. Labraheelers tend to bite if they are handled roughly or mistreated. Due to this, accidents can happen when small children are too rough. It is important that you teach your kids how to properly engage with the dog, as well as, teaching the dog how to socialize with smaller children. Other than that, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix thrives on large families with a lot of activity. As this dog is more likely to wear you out than the other way around, they do very well in homes where there are multiple active people to keep them engaged for most of the day. Also as mentioned, they do not do well with a lot of alone time and will, at the very least, require some activity to keep them occupied when they are not able to be out running. Labraheelers are well able to rub along with other dogs or other pets in general. Introducing your puppy to as many sites, sounds, smells, and faces as possible at a young age will help them interact with other animals. In general, the Labraheeler tends to be a bit wary of other dogs. Again, this can also depend heavily on the individual animal. Even if you live on a farm with a large family and are active from dawn to dusk, there still may be aspects of this breed that do not fit in with your lifestyle. For that reason, we will provide you with some care guidelines for the Labraheeler below. This can provide some holes in issues such as dietary restrictions and food sensitivities that the breed may have. The current research shows that the Labraheeler does not have any dietary restrictions outside of the norm, however. Time may tell, though. Keep in mind, they should be fed a nutritious and healthy diet that is recommended by your vet based on their age, weight, health, and activity level. Nonetheless, there are some basic dietary guidelines that you can follow for a highly active dog. For example, providing them with food that is high in lean protein is a good place to start. It is what fuels their muscles and allows them to be active. After protein, you want to look at fat and fiber. Unlike us, dogs benefit from healthy fats. They break them down and turn them into energy, which also fuels their active lifestyle. Fiber, on the other hand, is important for their gut health. After those nutrients are taken care of, there are other things you should look at like secondary ingredients such as grains, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and supplements. All of these things combined will create a nutritious meal to keep your pet healthy. It is perfectly healthy to provide your pet with treats and snacks throughout the day as long as they are low in sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. A post shared by Rosie miss. They are on the go for the majority of the day and spend little time lazing about. This breed does well with a wide range of activities, but it is important that they get at least two to three minute walks per day. Whether that is chasing a frisbee, herding cattle, or pulling in fishnets, it should still be an activity that helps them release some of their energy. Your Labraheeler will also benefit from mental exercises. Things like agility courses, tracking, and other games that will teach them tricks or commands are also very helpful. The Labraheeler tends to engage in destructive behavior when they have excess energy. In this case, excess energy builds up a lot quicker than it would in other breeds. Be that as it may, life can get in the way of normal daily activities. This is why it is also a good idea to provide your pet with stationary toys such as chewing bones , puzzles , and other entertainment that can hold their interest. Socializing, obedience, housebreaking, and behavioral training should be started right away. This breed tends to get a bit stubborn as they get older, but if they are properly trained at a young age, their stubbornness will show in other ways that will not affect their safety or your frustration level. Like most dogs, this pup responds well to positive reinforcement. They are eager to please and to be a part of the activity, so they will throw themselves into training with energy and enthusiasm. Persistence and consistency typically pay off along with a few well-deserved treats and rewards. Just remember, dominance and anger are things that will have the opposite effect with this canine. They do not handle being mistreated very well, and they can lash back out. They have short to medium-length straight fur that is averagely thick. They also have moderate to heavy shedding depending on the season. It is recommended that you brush your pet with a pin brush weekly to get rid of any excess fur. This can be done more often during the heavy shedding season. Their teeth should also be cleaned a few times a week if not daily to keep their oral hygiene in check. Their nails should also be trimmed once a month or every 3 weeks depending on the need. Bath time is also something that can be done based on need. It is important to note that this dog loves to swim and also enjoys a good romp in the dirt so bath time can vary. Some Labraheelers can have skin sensitivities, so it is important to use a gentle shampoo that is alcohol-free and will not irritate any sensitive spots. Of course, their lifestyle, diet, age, and genetics can all play a role in whether or not they will develop any of these issues. Take a look below at some of the serious and minor conditions that could develop. Minor Conditions. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are looking for an energetic, fun-loving dog you can bring along on all of your outdoor adventures and teach to do amazing tricks, you might be looking for a Labraheeler, a blue heeler, and a Labrador mix. Both parent breeds are intelligent, energetic, and loving, so you can be sure to get these desirable qualities in this medium-sized crossbreed dog. Read on as we look at what else you can expect from a Blue Heeler Labrador Retriever mix. Remember, unlike with purebred dogs, the characteristics of a crossbred dog are never entirely predictable. With crossbreed dogs, the passing on of traits is less consistent. While breeders have techniques to control for desirable and undesirable traits in crossbred dogs, the reality is that you never know what you are going to get until you take the dog home, get to know them and watch them grow. The herding dogs brought over from England were known as Smithfields, and they were crossed with wild Australian dingoes, Scottish Highland collies, Salmations, and black and tan Kelpies, eventually evolving into the perfect mix to create the blue heeler. Today, blue heelers, also often just called Australian cattle dogs, are intelligent, energetic, and independent dogs that learn quickly with appropriate training, but they truly thrive when they are working on their own. They are loyal and protective and can have the tendency to herd children with an occasional nip in the same way they herd cattle. Labrador retrievers also emerged in the early s after Englishmen visiting Newfoundland in Canada saw the local St. Today, Labradors are considered among the most intelligent and friendly dog breeds. This is why they have become incredibly popular as working dogs, particularly in roles such as guide dogs for the blind, but they are also one of the most popular family pet breeds in the United States. Labraheeler Size Blue heelers are sturdy, muscular, and compact dogs that typically measure between 17 and 20 inches at the withers, with the males being slightly larger than the females. They generally weigh between 40 and 55 pounds. Labrador retrievers are slightly larger dogs that usually measure between .They have a similar muscular and athletic build, so you can be sure that blue heeler Lab mix pups will have this trait, too! The size difference means mixed breed pups will almost certainly have a Labrador mother and a blue heeler father. Pups can be as small as a blue heeler or as big as a Labrador, but they generally will be smaller than their mother, even if they are male dogs. Labraheeler Appearance Blue heelers tend to have a medium-length pointed muzzle with pointed, upright ears. In contrast, Labs tend to have a broader forehead and a square muzzle with ears that flop downward. It is very difficult to predict which of these characteristics will be dominant in their crossbreed pups and how they will combine. Labraheeler Coat Color And Texture Labradors tend to have a short, dense double coat that is highly water-resistant and can keep them warm in winter. It also sheds—a lot! They should be one solid color, such as black, yellow, or chocolate. Blue heelers have a similar short double coat, but their coloring is very different. Heelers are classified as blue, though red heelers are also common. It is usually mottled or speckled with tan coloring on the legs and chest and white markings and a black patch or mask on both sides of the head. Interestingly, blue heeler pups are actually born white, with the exception of any solid face markings, and their true coat color only starts to grow in at about four weeks of age. Labraheelers can be almost any color, but one thing is certain: they will be high shedders, and regular brushing is required to keep their coat under control. Labraheeler Temperament You can be sure that your Lab blue heeler mix will be an intelligent pup, as both of their parent dogs rate among the most intelligent breeds. They are also typically highly trainable. Labradors are known for being eager to please and driven by reward, which makes them easy to train. Heelers also love to learn, especially if something is challenging, so they will soak up any training like a sponge. However, while Labs will continue to be obedient once they have received their training, blue heelers are a bit more independent. They are still loyal and obedient, but if they think you are making the wrong call, they may just ignore you and follow their own judgment. Hopefully, your mixed pup inherits the obedience of their Lab parent but has enough heeler independence to give them a bit of an edge. Both parent breeds are playful and affectionate and quickly adopt their people as part of their pack. Both breeds love to play with children, but while Labrador retrievers are naturally careful with small ones, Australian cattle dogs can have a tendency to want to herd small children and may give them a nip to get them to do what they want. This tendency can be trained out of them, but it should be done from a young age for best results. While Labradors tend to be comfortable with new situations and strange people, blue heelers tend to be cautious and on the protective side. They might bark at people that they see as threats, making them excellent guard dogs. You will have to wait and see whether your blue heeler Lab pup is laid back like a Lab or more alert like a heeler. Thankfully, neither breed tends to bark for no reason, and this will be true of their pups as well. Labraheeler Energy Levels Dogs that are bred to work are also bred to have high energy levels. Both Labradors and blue heelers tend to have lots of energy to burn. In addition to needing 60 to 90 minutes of structured exercise each day, they also generally need ample space to keep active throughout the day. For this reason, they do significantly better in a house with a spacious backyard than in an apartment. Both breeds and their crossbreed offspring thrive if they can go out on family adventures on a regular basis. Hiking and swimming are ideal activities, and Labraheelers will more than keep up with the rest of the troop. These dogs do best with owners with an active lifestyle. It is also important to remember that while adult Labrador blue heeler mixes need lots of exercise, it is easy to over-exercise energetic pups. This can lead to abnormalities in the growth patterns that can have painful effects in later life. As a general rule, exercise pups for just five minutes a day for each month of their age. For example, a six-month-old pup should be getting 30 minutes of exercise a day. Read more about how much exercise dogs need here. Neither breed copes well when left at home alone for extended periods of time. Labrador retrievers crave companionship and can become stressed when left alone for too long. This can result in destructive behavior as they try to manage their anxiety. Blue heelers are intelligent and energetic, which means they get bored easily. They will become frustrated and anxious, and you are likely to end up with a troublesome dog on your hands. Labraheeler Health Concerns The hope with mixed breed dogs is that you get a pup that is less likely to be affected by the genetic health problems common to their purebred parent breeds. This is often the case, but they can still sometimes be susceptible to all the different medical problems that are common among their two parent breeds. When you have a blue heeler Lab mix, watch out for signs of the following health concerns. Progressive retinal atrophy — this condition can lead to loss of sight. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — a painful joint deformity. Osteochondritis dissecans — abnormal cartilage separating the bone. Hereditary myopathy — a general muscle weakness. Heart disorders While your dog may find themselves affected by one of these conditions, Labraheelers are generally considered healthy dogs and have a lifespan of around 12 to 14 years. Now that we have gone through the main characteristics of a blue heeler Lab mix, hopefully, you know whether this is the right dog for you. If you are still unsure, ask yourself the following questions to make a more informed and responsible decision. Lab blue heeler mixes need to be active most of the day, so they need lots of space to move around at home. These dogs do best if they have a bit of outside space to call their own. In order to thrive, these dogs need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day, which means lots of short runs and games of fetch. In addition to this, you need to take the time to train them to do new and interesting things on a regular basis to keep them mentally stimulated. Do you have time to commit to that? Is there generally someone at home at your place, or is everyone out for most of the day at work and school? Also, what do you like to do on weekends? Blue heeler Lab mixes shed a lot, which means no one with an allergy should adopt one. If you generally have a problem dealing with shedding dog hair on a regular basis, you may wish to reconsider adopting one of these dogs. As a result of their blue heeler traits, these mixed pups can have a tendency to be territorial with other animals and to want to herd young children with a bit of a nip. While these are behaviors you can train and socialize out of your dog with some effort, are they characteristics that you want to deal with? However, blue heelers can be protective and may respond to a threat. They can also have a tendency to want to herd small children and other animals, which might involve giving them a small nip. These behaviors can manifest in Labraheelers and can be misinterpreted as aggression. Proper socialization and training is required to curb these instincts. Are Labraheelers good with children? Labraheelers love children and will enjoy playing with them and taking on protective roles. However, they can be a bit challenging with small children. Their energy levels and desire to play can overwhelm small toddlers. They can also have a tendency to want to herd small children, which often involves nipping at their heels. This can, understandably, scare smaller children. Are Labraheelers cuddly? Labraheelers love their humans and will be happy to curl up with their owners—to a point. Also, as a result of their heeler parentage, they sometimes need their own space and may avoid you for no apparent reason on occasion. Do Lab blue heeler mixes lick a lot? Blue heelers have a tendency to lick people a lot as a sign of affection. While this is not common in Labradors, your blue heeler Lab mix may still inherit this excessive licking trait. The Verdict If you want an energetic companion who can join you on your adventures, then you might want to consider adopting a blue heeler Lab mix. There is no stopping these high-energy dogs; they are highly intelligent and can learn almost anything, so they are the type of dog that can go with you everywhere. If that sounds like what you are looking for, why not adopt a Labraheeler? Do you have any experience raising a Lab blue heeler mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. As such, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix is not recognized by most major breed clubs. With that being said, this is a dog that is rising quickly in popularity. In fact, many families have found that this is an excellent dog with older children and that they enjoy having this intelligent, active and outgoing canine as a part of their family. With that said, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix does come with its pros and cons, not to mention that there is some controversy surrounding the fact that he is a hybrid. But what should this mean for you? Keep reading to find out. Designer dogs are nothing new. But there are so many other hybrid combinations you may come across, with the Blue Heeler Lab Mix being one of them. Although humans have been cross breeding dogs for centuries, this is a trend that has hit the mainstream population hard just recently, most notably over the past twenty years. The problem with newer generation crossbreeds like the Blue Heeler Lab mix is that they are considered less predictable than their purebred counterparts. This is especially true when it comes to traits like health, temperament and physical appearance. You see, it takes generations of breeding and perfecting before a dog can be considered a purebred. Most dogs were originally crossbreed for working purposes by breeders or enthusiasts taking care to implement responsible breeding practices along the way. One of the problems with modern-day crossbreeding is that some breeders do it quickly, turning out dogs in an effort to make a quick buck without implementing responsible breeding practices. This could lead to dogs that develop serious health and behavioral issues down the line. The good news is that more and more breeders today are taking their jobs very seriously, especially when it comes to breeding crossbreed dogs. Health, for example, could be one of the most attractive things about a crossbreed dog. One of the downsides of purebred dogs today is that they have been so overbred that their gene pools have dwindled down. This means they are more likely to suffer from some genetic health issues. Crossbreed dogs, on the other hand, have a widened genepool which can make them less likely to develop certain genetic ailments. On the flip side, crossbreed dogs may also have a longer list of health issues to contend with as they now have two different purebred parents in their DNA. These are all things you should consider when you are considering investing in a crossbreed dog like the Blue Heeler Lab mix. In fact, he is a very unique dog with wild Dingo ancestry. This combination has made for a clever, rugged and hard-working dog that was ideal for manning the rough terrain of the Australian Outback. Versatile working dogs, The Blue Heeler is still a famous ranch dog today. He was bred to help drove cattle and livestock for miles on end, as well as protect his territory from predators. The Blue Heeler also makes a good family dog. He does well with older children when properly raised, trained and socialized and thrives with active, outgoing families. However, without proper training, socializing and consistent exercise, the Blue Heeler can be problematic in the wrong hands. He can be prone to destructive behaviors and territorial instincts that could lead to aggression if his energy is not harnessed properly. It was their duty to dive into the chilly Canadian waters and help their masters bring in their catch. Labs are made for water. Today, most Labradors have left their fishing work behind in place of being revered family companions. They are still employed as versatile working dogs, however, and are some of the top service dogs in the United States. Blue Heeler Lab Mix dogs are friendly, athletic and intelligent. The Blue Heeler and the Labrador are pretty different dogs with vastly different origins. The Blue Heeler Lab Mix is also going to be high energy, athletic, intelligent and family-oriented. When it comes to family life, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix could be more playful like his Labrador parent or more work-focused like his Blue Heeler parent. There is no real way to tell for sure. This could be overwhelming for children and frustrating for parents, so we recommend working with your dog early on to help nip those behaviors in the bud, so to speak. Like all dogs, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix will need to be properly raised, trained and soclied, especially if he is growing up in homes with children and other pets. In the right hands, this is a dog that can do well with families and is highly adaptable to a number of living environments so long as his needs are routinely met. Blue Heeler Lab Mix dogs can be prone to destructive behaviors, unfortunately, and this is especially true if they are not kept physically and mentally stimulated. We would recommend considering crate training your Blue Heeler Lab Mix and ensuring you do not leave him alone during the day for longer than 5 hours at a time. This is a dog that requires at least an hour or so of exercise every day on top of routine free playtime. Blue Heeler Lab Mix dogs can be quite energetic , especially into their first few years of life. Without proper exercise, the Blue Heeler Lab mix can become depressed, anxious and destructive. The proper exercise for this dog could include a variety of activities such as swimming, hiking, jogging, frisbee, fetch, and free playtime in a securely fenced yard where he can run and play. If properly socialized and trained, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix could also be a great candidate for dog park days. When you do walk your Blue Heeler Lab Mix outside, remember that this is an athletic dog. He may be prone to pulling, but we advise against investing in aversive walking equipment like prong collars or choke chains. Instead, consider a front clip no-pull dog harness, like the Easy Walk Dog Harness listed below. However, this harness gently redirects your dog back to you if he does get ahead. This is not only much safer and more comfortable for your dog, but it actually helps to teach your dog better walking manners along the way. Remember, the Blue Heeler Lab Mix is a working dog at heart, and he will be happiest when he has a job to do. Because the Blue Heeler Lab Mix is so smart, you may find that you will be successful in teaching him to help out with routine chores around the home. These chores could include bringing in the mail, sorting the laundry or helping load the dishwasher. KONGS filled with treats can help keep your dog busy and occupied, which can help reduce destructive behaviors. You can also invest in puzzle toys specifically designed for intelligent dogs like the Blue Heeler Lab Mix. Because Blue Heeler Lab Mix dogs can be prone to describe behaviors if left alone, you might consider crate training your dog, as we mentioned above. When done properly, crate training a Blue Heeler Lab MIx can help reduce anxiety and help calm your dog while you are away. Midwest ICrate Starter Kit. English nobles visiting Newfoundland, Canada spotted the St. A number of St. British breeders refined and standardized the breed in the latter half of the 19th century. The Australian Cattle Dog stands from 17 to 20 inches and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. These dogs are strong, agile. They are compact but muscular. All puppies are born white. But their short, smooth coat will turn either blue-gray or red with distinctive mottling or specking patterns. This breed resembles the Australian Dingo with an intense gaze and erect ears. Labradors are a larger dog, standing from .The Lab is also an athletic breed with a well-balanced conformation. There are actually two types of Labradors. The American or field type. And the English show type, which is shorter and stockier with a wider head and thicker tail. Both types have kind, expressive eyes, ears that hang close to the head. And they both have a wide muzzle. They come in black, yellow, and chocolate colors. The Blue Heeler Lab mix tends to have a lighter frame, short coat and long muzzle. This means you can expect their offspring to shed a lot. Regular brushing will remove dead hair and help to keep it off your clothes and furniture. The Blue Heeler Lab mix will also require an occasional bath to keep him clean. Trimming nails and brushing teeth should also be a part of their grooming regimen. This can make them protective and suspicious of strangers. Some Blue Heelers have been known to show aggression towards people. Therefore, your Blue Heeler Lab mix that needs to be well socialized. They need to be introduced to a wide variety of people and pets from an early age. But with a mixed breed, there are no guarantees. As with appearance, there can be some temperamental differences between the working and show lines of the Labrador breed. Working or field types tend to be more sensitive and serious. Show type Labs are more outgoing and playful. Training The Labraheeler has two parents known for being intelligent and easy to train. This mixed breed will want to please you, but may also be independent and stubborn. However, both breeds are receptive to clicker training and positive reinforcement methods. Use encouraging words and tasty treats as rewards. Consistency is important. And you should start training and socialization early. Boredom will be the biggest obstacle for your Blue Heeler Lab mix to overcome with this smart and energetic hybrid breed. Exercise The Blue Heeler Lab mix combines two supremely energetic breeds. The Australian Cattle Dog in particular needs a job to keep him fit and happy. Without enough physical activity and mental stimulation to exhaust excess energy, they will likely turn to destructive behavior. The Blue Heeler Lab mix will not be satisfied with a leisurely walk in the park. Obedience, herding, tracking, or agility training are recommended to channel their natural instincts. Fun activities such as swimming, retrieving games, and other sporting activities are also good options. This is not a dog to keep in an apartment. As with all breeds, both parents are at risk for genetic health problems. In many cases, these health issues can be avoided by breeders doing proper health testing of their breeding stock. Problems that Affect Both Breeds There are a few conditions that affect both breeds: Progressive retinal atrophy , which causes loss of vision. Hip and elbow dysplasia , an abnormal formation of the hip socket, which can lead to arthritis. You should also be aware of and test for the health issues for each parent breed listed below. It occurs when abnormal cartilage separates from the bone. This inflammatory condition can affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee. Deafness is a significant problem for the breed. This study of dogs found that .And 3. A congenital portosystemic shunt is an abnormal connection. Labrador Health Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for the following conditions: Hereditary myopathy , which is characterized by muscle weakness. Labradors are also at risk for lymphoma and epilepsy. Labradors are usually large and sport a double coat of either yellow, chocolate, and black fur. They can be as tall as 24 inches and weight up to 80lbs. On the other hand, Blue Heelers are usually medium sized, sporting either a blue or red fur. Blue Heelers are shorter and lighter than Labradors, with an average of 20 inches in height and 50 pounds in weight. Labrador Heeler mixes will most likely have both the color and patterns of either breed. Labradors are known for being friendly, loving, curious, and pleasing personalities, especially around children. They have a good laid back nature and love to work and are extremely intelligent. The Blue Heeler displays personality just as great as the Labradors, and they are highly loyal, smart, and protective. A Labrador Heeler mix may show a combination of a resilient and laid back personality. You can start with: Do a quick search online of who the reliable breeders in your area or someone is already selling one. Ask your friends for recommendations because at least you know the likelihood of you getting a good source is higher than getting the information from a stranger. Most often than not, a reliable breeder is more than willing to answer your questions, in order to give you peace of mind, and help you resolve any pre-existing conditions the pup may have. Breeders should be fully acquainted with the parents of the pup, and they should be aware of the health problems which your pup will most likely have because of their parents. Check out the breeding environment of the puppies. If it looks unclean and horrifying, run. You want to buy from someone who knows how to take care of dogs, and not from someone who runs a puppy mill. Ask for documentation. Any healthy dog requires a good grooming regime, and most often than not its physical manifestations is an indication of their health within. Moreover, this will also prevent extreme shedding which is most often than not an extreme inconvenience. Give baths as frequent as every other week to keep the coat clean and eliminate unwanted smells. A good bath helps to obtain a healthy skin and coat. Trim their nails in other to prevent unnecessary scratching incidents, especially on children. Brush them regularly to eliminate loose furs. Grooming your dog has a lot of benefits, and their outward appearance says a lot about how you take care of them. A dog such as the Labrador Heeler mix requires a good brushing, as they have a complex and beautiful coat color. You can expect that your Heeler Labrador mix will most likely have a life expectancy somewhere a long life span. Despite being healthy breeds, the health of a Labrador Heeler mix can be unpredictable. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. In order to discover what the Labrador Heeler Mix health will be like, and understanding of the individual health conditions of their parent dog is necessary. Labradors are known to suffer from obesity, which often leads to other health problems like diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid problems. Blue Heelers, on the other hand, are more known to suffer from joint conditions and bone problems. Here are some health problems you need to watch out: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — this is common among medium to large size dogs, and Labrador Heeler mix falls under this category size. Luckily, Dysplasia is preventable by feeding your dog a special diet to promote bone development. Lymphoma — this is one of the most common tumors in dogs, and is mostly seen in middle to older aged dogs. With this in mind, you need to be aware of the symptoms following the condition, such as the following: Anorexia or extreme weight loss; Difficulty in breathing; Abnormal thirst and excessive urine; Fever and inflammation of the body. Muscular Dystrophy — this is illness is usually inherited, and seen in newborn dogs. Hunched back or sway back. Heeler Lab Mix Food Requirements One of the best ways to keep your Labrador heeler mix healthy is by feeding them the right amount of the best dry dog food. You want to get that perfect balance because too little food and your pups may suffer from nutritional deficiencies, while overfeeding them may, later on, result in obesity and other health problems. This can also be the case if you serve your furry pal any of the worst dry dog food brands we found in the market. For a breed like the Blue Heeler Lab Mix, you want to stay away from overfeeding them as the breed is medium to large in size, and is prone to suffer from dysplasia. As a start, you can ask yourself these questions to guide you: What type of foods do you intend to feed them? Most products usually come with a serving guide to help you. How many times a day do you plan on feeding them? Some feed their dog as often as twice to four times a day. In general, most adult dogs eat at least two meals in a day, while puppies require three or more feedings. How much exercise in a day do they get? Whelps need more fat as they burn it faster due to higher levels of physical activity and growth so opting for some of the best puppy food brands would be the way to go. As they grow older, dogs should get more calories from protein and less from lipids, which is exactly what these best senior dry dog food brands provide. Feeding a medium to large size dog such as the Blue heeler lab mix requires special attention in their diet, most active medium breeds require a calorie dense and high protein diet to keep their energy. Food high in essential Omega 3 and 6, as well fatty acids are always a good place to start with their feeding. Here are some rules which you can subscribe to in feeding your Blue heeler lab mix. Feed them with quality or breed appropriate dog food. You can also start introducing them to a raw diet, which is healthier for your dogs in the long run. If you think that your dog is not getting enough macro- or micronutrients, talk to your vet and determine whether a food supplement would be a good idea. Thanks to carefully selected nutrients, food boosters such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can: Improve immunity Help the dog make the most of protein and fiber they consume. Here are some of the best selection of dog food to raise a healthy pup: Blue Buffalo — they offer high-quality dog foods and are made with ingredients for large breeds including proteins, grains, and fruits and vegetables. The ingredient is comprised of vitamins and minerals to ensure your dog gets all the nutrition he needs and contains glucosamine to support joint health. Dog For Dog Food — this brand offers a healthy and balanced diet as well as a range of tasty snacks your pooch will love to munch on between meals. Lab heeler Mix Exercise Requirements The Labrador Heeler mix is a highly energetic dog, and they require tons of exercise and activities to exhaust their energies. Bring your pups along for a quick run, and not just a brisk walk. The breed requires more than just a walk, and its best to expose them around dogs who they can play around with and tire themselves. Moreover, this is also a good idea for your pups to exposed to other dogs, to help them socialize and practice their instincts. If not, utilize their traits and get them involved with a task or work around the home. Blue Heelers are known to be stubborn, which is why having a firm and dominating hand will help with their training. Expose them through socialization with other people and dogs, to get them acquainted with other behaviors. Socializing is also a good component for your pups to learn how to temper their independence, stubbornness, and toughness. Be consistent during training and make sure to reward them for their good behavior or achievements. Do more than just obedience training and utilize their natural instincts. Instead of training them to be obedient dogs, train their great traits, such as their herding ability and their agility. Doing so helps promote and maintain their natural instincts. Some people make the mistake of training their dogs while being first time owners. Blue Heelers require training and exposure around children and families, in order to make them comfortable around children. Unlike Labradors, Heelers are better off with experienced dog owners. However, breeding the Heeler with Labradors may temper its personality, and make it a perfect family companion. On a lighter note, the Heeler Retriever mix shows the potential of being a great company for active families, as long as the proper training is provided. Us, too! This mix combines the outgoing friendliness of the Labrador Retriever with the tenacity of the Blue Heeler. Want to know more? Read on! To learn about the debate over purebreds versus mixed breeds, visit this page. A mixed breed dog can take after either parent, so look at the characteristics of each parent breed. So they needed good herding dogs for raising cattle. Thus, stockmen started breeding a quieter herding dog that could work in that hot, rough climate. They crossed Smithfields with dingoes and other breeds to create the right working dog. A Queensland man bred blue merle Scottish Highland Collies with dingoes. The resulting dog was later mixed with Dalmatians and the Black and Tan Kelpie. There, its ancestor, the St. Johns water dog, retrieved ducks and waterfowl. In the s, English nobles brought the dogs back to England to be standardized and refined. Labs were cross-bred with other dogs in a way that threatened their existence, but English aristocrats stepped in again and saved them. Blue Heelers are ranked .Labs make great therapy and service dogs because of their mellow, eager to please nature. Bluey, the oldest dog that ever lived, was a Blue Heeler. He was 29 when he died in ! Blue heelers are very hardy. One, when thrown off a boat, swam five miles to shore and hunted feral goats to survive on an island for four months! And yet another in Utah hang-glides with his owner. Sometimes, the mix is called a Labraheeler. Labs reach up to .Blue Heeler Appearance Blue Heelers are medium dogs that appear strong and compact, with pointed ears and a broad head and neck. Their color is blue, blue-mottled, or blue speckle without other markings. They may have black, blue, or tan markings on the head. Blue speckle means that light hair is clustered together evenly in the coat on a darker background. And blue mottle is made up of very small dark spots against a light background. Heelers may also be red, or red speckle, with darker red markings on the head. Tails are white, solid colors, ringed or patched. Blue Heelers range from inches in height. They weigh from lbs when grown. In a mixed breed pup, the whole range of parent weights and heights is possible. Many Blue Heeler Lab mix coats show the colors and patterns of both breeds, alternating, and perhaps with eye patches. They are loving and curious. Labs love people and are good with children because of their laid-back nature. They enjoy working, and they are active and intelligent. Blue Heeler Temperament Blue Heelers are smart, loyal and protective. They are naturally reserved. They are also sturdy and active dogs with a strong herding instinct. This means they may not be quite as good for families, especially less energetic ones. Blue heelers do better with experienced dog owners who can offer a yard for running. They can get very destructive if bored. A Blue Heeler Lab hybrid may be a bit more relaxed than the Blue Heeler but may show signs of headstrong behavior. Your Lab X Blue Heeler will benefit from running time with you! A quick walk will not cut it with this combination. Show strong, positive leadership to this mix, as it may take some of its temperament from the Blue Heeler side. Socialization is very important. Consistency is key. Your dog will want to please you, but can be a bit stubborn. Consider more than obedience training. Herding and agility activities are recommended to utilize their natural instincts. This not only helps your dog expend some energy but creates a dog-owner bond. Socialization is also key, so that their independence and toughness can be tempered. So expect a lifespan of years. Both are generally healthy breeds, and the good news is that they do not share a large number of congenital health issues. Nevertheless, the mixing of breeds always leads to some unpredictability. Lab Health Labs are prone to obesity and related issues such as diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid problems. Labradors can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which affect the joints, and can get cancers such as lymphoma. Other genetic issues that may affect them include centronuclear myopathy canine muscular dystrophy , patellar luxation, exercise-induced collapse, and idiopathic epilepsy brain seizures. They may experience vision problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. They may also develop skin problems due to allergies. Blue Heeler Health Blue Heelers may suffer from joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dessicans, which causes excess cartilage and deficient bones. They can also suffer from a congenital portosystemic shunt of the liver, which causes failure to thrive. Blue Heelers may also experience different cancers and may develop orthopedic problems. They are prone to congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness. They may get eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy as well. Labradors are, by nature, good with families that have small children. Blue Heelers, however, are not, especially when not properly trained or socialized. They have been known to herd and nip children while using natural behaviors. Plus, a Blue Heeler requires a fair amount of experienced attention. Not only can this dog be destructive if left alone, it needs validation and activity from its pack that some busy families cannot provide. So, we cannot recommend the Blue Heeler to families. But mixing it with a Labrador might temper those guardian tendencies somewhat. Be patient. Try a breed specific shelter, which sometimes takes mixes as well. And you may not have the option of adopting a puppy. Ask your friends and social networks for recommendations, as well. Just make sure to fully vet organizations you contact through the Internet! If you can do so, visit. Avoid pet stores and puppy mills. If you want some advice on how to search for puppies, visit our category page on the subject. If so, check out our guides on the subject. We have lots of resources to help with specific training issues. In the Blue Heeler, biting is a natural behavior, so you might want to know about this. Check out our Puppy Training category for more! First, the cons. Blue Heelers need a lot of activity and are herders by nature. So your pup may have high exercise requirements and may nip as a natural herding behavior. This makes them less desirable for families. Additionally, these dogs require experienced dog owners who can handle their needs. But then, there are the pros. The Lab side may temper some of the Blue Heeler side, making for a more easygoing nature. Both are relatively healthy breeds, without too many inherited overlaps, which makes the mix hardy and likely to live long. We recommend first that you look at the parent breeds — Labrador Retrievers and Blue Heelers both make good pets for different kinds of people. Labradors especially are better for families and for less experienced dog owners. Also, look at other Lab mixes with similarly sized dogs, such as the Labradoodle or the Boxador. American Lattle Description The Labraheeler is not a purebred dog. 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. He loves to steal your spot, lay his head on pillows and run loose in the country. The vet considers him a chocolate merle. I adopted him when he was five months old; he is 8 months old in this picture. He is a very smart animal. Within 1 week of having him he already knew sit, stay and lay. He also took to housetraining very quickly. Cannon is very energetic and loving. He loves to go romping around in the pasture and play with the other dogs. He has done very well with children; he won't nip or jump on them. I would say all in all, he is a very good dog and I wouldn't trade him for anything. In the picture above she is 8 months old, she is very loving, playful and full of energy. She needs to be taken out on walks at least twice a day , and have somewhere to run around. This kind of mixed breed needs to have lots of toys or they will chew things up bad quirk. Cannot be left alone!! Very good guard dog. Has a very big appetite. Does very well with children. I would have to say she is a bird or small animal chaser. Loves to chase squirrels and birds. Piper was very easy to train , she is very smart and has no problem following commands. She is about two years old in this picture. She can be very friendly but she can also act aggressive. Despite her barking and crazy behavior she is a sweet dog. She doesn't like male humans as much as she likes female humans. Sadie is very athletic but doesn't compete in anything because she doesn't get along well with other dogs. Eventually, she gets along with the dogs and will play with them. Sadie is an awesome dog!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bernedoodle Overview The Bernedoodle is a companion dog, through and through. The breed inherits the intelligence of its Poodle parents and the charming, goofy, happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Sometimes they get more Poodle traits, and other times they more closely resemble the Bernese. That said, fans of Bernedoodles adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, which is a blessing for allergy sufferers. In addition to their personalities, Bernedoodles can differ in appearance. Their coats can be curly and wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors. They come in three sizes; tiny, miniature, and standard. These sizes are determined by the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard. Bernedoodles are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. Smaller sized Bernedoodles make better apartment pets than Standard Bernedoodles, who do best with a yard to burn off energy. This breed has moderate exercise needs that are usually met with at least one long daily walk. Bernedoodle Highlights Gentle and loving: Bernedoodles are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are good with children and other pets. Intelligent and trainable: Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to perform more complex tasks. Hypoallergenic: Bernedoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to shed and cause allergies in people. Active but adaptable: Bernedoodles are active dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise. However, they are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or homes with small yards. Loyal and devoted: Bernedoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and love to cuddle. If you are looking for a loving, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, the Bernedoodle may be the right breed for you. Here are some additional details about the Bernedoodle breed: Size: Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45 and 90 pounds. Lifespan: Bernedoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Coat: Bernedoodles have a wavy or curly coat that can be either single- or double-coated. Colors: Bernedoodles can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. Bernedoodles are a relatively new breed, so there is still some debate about their exact origins. However, it is believed that they were first bred in the United States in the early s. The goal was to create a dog that was hypoallergenic and had the best qualities of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular dogs. They are a good choice for families with children and other pets. They are also a good choice for people with allergies. If you are thinking about getting a Bernedoodle, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Bernedoodle History The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed. While this is considered a designer breed, they do appear in shelters, and rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs will sometimes work with mixes of those breeds. There is no reason that you have to rely on a breeder for a Bernedoodle, and you should always adopt before shopping. Bernedoodle Size There are three sizes of Bernedoodle: tiny, miniature, and standard. These result from the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weigh 70 to 90 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Bernedoodle Personality Bernedoodles seem to get many of the best personality traits from the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle breeds. Exactly which traits they inherit from their parents can differ a bit, though, and individual personalities of dogs within the breed vary. Bernedoodles tend to be highly intelligent, hardworking when necessary, loyal, and just a bit goofy. They are good with children and other dogs, provided they have been well socialized. Once they begin training, their intelligence helps them pick up commands more easily than other dogs. Bernedoodles can have high energy levels and crave attention and at least moderate exercise. They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods of time. Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles do better with apartment and city life than Standard Bernedoodles. Generally, they want nothing more than to be with their humans and are just as ready to go outside and play with them as they are to join them on the couch for cuddles. Bernedoodle Health Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, including: Hip dysplasia : This is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia : This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Hereditary cataracts : These are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause vision problems. Demodex mange : This is a skin condition caused by mites. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD : This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Hypothyroidism : This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is important to take your Bernedoodle to the vet for regular checkups to monitor their health and catch any potential problems early. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of these health problems so that you can seek treatment promptly if necessary. Here are some tips for keeping your Bernedoodle healthy: Feed them a healthy diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Make sure they get plenty of exercise. Keep them at a healthy weight. Brush their teeth regularly. Take them to the vet for regular checkups. By following these tips, you can help your Bernedoodle live a long and healthy life. Bernedoodle Care Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are more suited to apartment life, while Standard Bernedoodles do better with a nice yard to run around. They love being around their humans, so the less time they spend alone, the better. Like Poodles, Bernedoodles are quite intelligent, which means they can learn bad habits just as easily as good ones. It is important to keep up with training. Early socialization and exposure to other dogs and humans is always a good idea and will help keep them well-behaved when meeting new people or pets. Bernedoodle Feeding The appropriate amount to feed a Bernedoodle depends on their size, age, and activity level, which means it is highly individualized. You should ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your particular dog. Sometimes Bernedoodles can have straighter coats, which shed more and are less hypoallergenic. The thickness of their coat helps this breed thrive in cool temperatures while providing them a fair amount of protection from the heat of summer months, as well. The color of Bernedoodle coats have quite a range. Some are pure black, others are black and white, and others are black and brown. Sometimes Bernedoodles are tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown. They may even have other colors, as well. The most popular coat colors and markings for people seeking a Bernedoodle tend to resemble the tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog. Because they shed less, they need to be brushed more often to prevent their coat from getting matted. Their coat must also be trimmed every few months, depending on how quickly it grows. Bernedoodle Children And Other Pets Bernedoodles are excellent for families with children, though it is always important to make sure children are instructed on how to properly treat animals, especially with Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles that may be injured more easily. This breed is affectionate and loves to play, and they absolutely adore spending time with their families. Bernedoodles usually do well with other dogs, but it is important to begin socialization at an early age and keep up with it to make sure they are comfortable around new animals. Bernedoodle Rescue Groups Please search your local area for Bernedoodle up for adoption. Bernedoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues More Info For You. A Bernedoodle also sometimes referred to as a Bernadoodle is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a toy, mini, or standard Poodle. Bernedoodles are known to be a friendly, happy go lucky, and mellow breed. Due to the Poodles sensitive nature and Bernese stubbornness, they will need firm yet gentle trainer. Bernedoodles are smart and eager to please. Basic training should begin as soon as you bring your Bernedoodle puppy home. Just remember that patience and consistency will be key! Bernedoodles are intelligent and will require mental stimulation and regular exercise to keep them happy and prevent them from becoming bored or obese. Due to the fact that they have a low to medium energy level, they typically do not require endless amounts of exercise. They are happy playing, romping, going for walks, and can even make a great jogging partner. Some Bernedoodles also like to swim! It is important to remember that not all Bernedoodles are the same and some may enjoy more or less exercise to keep them happy and healthy! This breed is often referred to as easy-going though they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training , playful, and loyal. They are very social and do best if they are not left alone for extended periods of time. The life expectancy of an Bernedoodle is between years. This seems like quite a large range right? Remember that in general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. It is important to keep in mind that many factors can affect their life expectancy such as diet, exercise, injury, genetics, etc. Since they were bred to be a working breed they can also be somewhat stubborn. Poodles on the other hand are non-shedding and typically have a longer lifespan. They are an extremely smart breed that is eager to please and often very easy to train. Did you know that Poodles were originally used as hunting dogs? The combination of these two breeds creates a smart, mellow dog that has a longer lifespan and is typically very low to non-shedding! There are several different generations of Bernedoodles. Most reputable Bernedoodle breeders will only cross a standard or moyen Poodle with a Bernese. Crossing a toy or mini Poodle with a Bernese often results in Bernedoodle puppies with short legs and a longer body like a Corgi. Most F1 Bernedoodles will be low shedding while others may shed moderately or not at all. F1b Bernedoodles tend to be a great choice for those with allergies because they have a higher percentage of Poodle. Most tend to shed very little or not at all. Yes and no. F2 Bernedoodle coats can be unpredictable due to the Bernese being IC improper coat affected. This means that they can produce puppies that do not shed at all, but they can also produce puppies that will be low or high shedders. Some F2 Bernedoodles will be furnished have doodle coats while others will be unfurnished no facial beard or doodle coat. Their percentages can be a mixture leaning towards either parent breed. When reputable breeders carefully plan and study their lines, multigens tend to be the most predictable generation when it comes to temperament, coat type, shedding factor, etc. Our multigen Bernedoodles typically are very low to non-shedding. However, sometimes we will intentionally pair two dogs together in order to create a litter that has some unfurnished coats. At Doodles of Oz we currently breed all 4 different coat types. An unfurnished Bernedoodle will have a straight, Bernese-like coat rather than a doodle coat. This means that they are more prone to shedding and are not normally recommended for those who suffer from allergies. Many unfurnished Bernedoodles do not shed as much as a full Bernese though! If you love the Bernese Mountain Dog but are looking for a similar dog that is expected to shed less and live longer or maybe even one that is smaller in size , then this may be the one for you! Bernedoodles are currently the only mix that we have with some unfurnished coats. They were bred solely for companionship, so they love attention and lots of cuddles from their families. Bernedoodles are just as happy curling up on the couch as they are hiking a trail alongside their humans. They're playful and active dogs who can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. Appearance Though Bernese mountain dogs have a black, tan, and white uniform, poodles can have a much wider range of coat colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can vary in color. While they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad, they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix. Their fur can also be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. As a general rule, the straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed. In both cases, the thickness of a Bernedoodle mane makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs. Bernedoodle breeders typically offer a tiny, miniature, and standard size, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup. A smaller mix could easily live in an apartment as long as she gets plenty of walks and exercise. The standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini is between 18—22 inches tall and weighs 20—45 pounds. A "tiny," bred from a toy poodle, is only 12—17 inches and weighs 10—24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry. Temperament Affectionate and playful, Bernedoodles are a perfect family pet. They are especially fond of younger kids and provide a wonderful lifelong companion as children grow into adults. Though they're intelligent pups , they tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. Though they can't get enough of their family, Bernedoodles might first be apprehensive, sensitive, and skittish around strangers. As with all breeds, it's important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy so she'll be comfortable and affectionate around new people, too. She can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training. Personal space is not a part of their vocabulary, and they should not be left alone much. Loneliness can result in separation anxiety, which could cause nervous habits like whining or chewing. They will end feeling more fulfilled and have less anxious, OCD behaviors. And no matter the size, this hybrid is especially gentle-natured and loves children. They're so gentle, in fact, they don't make good guard dogs: They bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away. Care Most often, a Bernedoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies. In some cases, a Bernedoodle can have a straighter coat similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog. This means they'll shed more and might not agree with an owner who's allergic to pet dander. Once the litter is a few weeks old, a Bernedoodle breeder will be able to tell what kind of coat each puppy will have in order to match the right dog to the right owner. But with that curly coat comes a greater need for grooming. Bernedoodles don't shed much , so they'll need frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Most doodles love being brushed, and the routine allows the owner to bond with their dog. Keep in mind a very curly, "hypoallergenic" dog will need a haircut every few months. Just because they're low-shedding doesn't mean they're low maintenance! They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy, but so long as their physical needs are met, they likely won't turn to undesirable behaviors like digging to keep themselves entertained. They'll also need consistent social stimulation to reinforce positive behaviors. The more exposure they have to new pets and humans, the more likely they are to be well-behaved when introduced to a foreign person or situation. A Bernedoodle's smarts makes her typically easy to train. It also means she can learn behaviors good or bad quickly—that's why it's important to keep up with training, even past her puppy days. Training a Bernedoodle requires positive reinforcement and, in some cases, a high level of patience. Should the puppy inherit the Bernese's willfullness or the poodle's high energy, they'll need more of your time and attention. Health The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12—18 years. Luckily, the hybrid breed does not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese mountain dog. The Bernese side of their lineage has a life expectancy of only seven years and a high rate of cancer , hip and elbow dysplasia , heart disease , and epilepsy. And while Bernedoodles are far healthier than a purebred Bernese, they can still be "predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies ," Christman says. Just be on the lookout for [warning signs like] excessive drooling and ability to gain some weight quickly. Hot spots are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. This is why it's so important to keep up with grooming—a Bernedoodle is more likely to pick at their skin when her coat is dirty and matted. History Being a relatively new breed, the history book on Bernedoodles is a short one. After years of breeding Bernese mountain dogs, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles wanted a way to make the purebreds more allergen-friendly and free from the health issues that plague the breed. Thus, the Bernedoodle or at least the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle was born in .Now, dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the loyal, loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. She has more than 26, followers! Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig reportedly takes her mini Bernedoodle, Wizard, everywhere with her. Was this page helpful? Bernedoodle Temperament Conceived in the early s, the Bernedoodle is one of the youngest doodle dog breeds out there. Also known as a Bernepoo, Bernesedoodle, Bernesepoo, and Bernese mountain poo, these super easygoing dogs were bred to be calm and even-tempered. While Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are wonderful family pets, their high-energy temperament can make them a handful for more laid-back households. Enter the Bernedoodle, with the placid, loyal nature of its Bernese mountain dog mother and the intellect and low-shedding coat of its poodle father. Click the link to see all of the beautiful Bernedoodle puppies for sale we have ready to adopt today! Bernedoodle Dog Breed Overview Bernedoodles are loyal, smart and utterly adorable. Everything from their size, hypoallergenic potential, color, weight and demeanor can vary, but they always retain some characteristics from each parent. For example, a dog might inherit the curious, energetic nature from the poodle or be more stubborn and calm like the Bernedoodle parent. Smart, goofy and dedicated are just a few words that Bernedoodle owners regularly use to describe their beloved pets. Bernedoodle Designer Breed History Unlike many dogs on the designer breed registry, Bernedoodles have a well-known history. Originally developed by Bernedoodle breeder Sherry Rupke at SwissRidge Kennels, the first litter of two was born in .In addition to poodles and Bernese mountain parent dogs of various sizes, Rupke has added the Australian Labradoodle to her lines, resulting in the Australian Bernedoodle. These dogs have more consistent litters and tend to be somewhat hypoallergenic, even with straight or wavy coats. Where a dog like a golden retriever is bred to have a trusting, friendly temperament, Bernese dogs are reserved and suspicious of new people, making them slightly better guard dogs. Due to their history as herders and cart pullers, they might have a tendency to herd family members or other pets. Because of their intelligence, they require lots of stimulation and prefer to be with people rather than spending long periods of time alone. As working dogs, they were primarily duck hunters. They tend to favor one person and are very loyal and defensive of their owners. Poodles are one of the most popular choices for crossing purebred dogs because of their low- to no-shedding coat, which is more manageable than traditional dog fur. However, many pet owners prefer that their dog is less trusting and disinclined to approach unfamiliar people. Bernedoodles get very attached to their pet parents and require lots of attention and stimulation. A trip to the shops or an appointment should be fine, but no more than a few hours at a time or the dog may get anxious and fearful. Separation anxiety can result in unwanted behaviors such as accidents, barking, chewing and hyperactivity. Of course, this devotion is what makes them such wonderful companions for dog lovers. Second-generation F2 and multigenerational Bernedoodles might be smaller when a larger percentage of poodle is added into the mix. They usually measure between 12 and 17 inches and weigh between 10 and 24 pounds. Standard Bernedoodle Standard Bernedoodles take longer to mature than mini Bernedoodles and tiny Bernedoodles, which take 12 months each. On average, standard Bernedoodles weigh approximately 70 to 90 pounds. Appearance The Bernedoodle is a beautiful dog with a luscious coat and a teddy bear-like aesthetic. It has some adorable quirks when it comes to appearance. For instance, a Bernedoodle puppy often has a pink nose that turns black once the dog is fully matured. Straight Coat vs Wavy Coat vs Curly Coat In addition to different sizes of Bernedoodles, there are also different coat types: straight, wavy and curly. The latter is the most popular for many people, whether they have a family with mild allergies or simply want to minimize the amount of fur that makes its way onto their furniture. Doodles with curly fur shed less than their wavy or straight counterparts, but they have more stringent grooming needs. Straight coats are the easiest to manage grooming-wise but tend to shed more than wavy or curly coats. Because of their relatively normal shedding, this type of doodle is the least common. Wavy-coated Bernedoodles fall somewhere in the middle. Colors Bernedoodles coats can display in any combination of black, brown and white. All black is common, as is black and white or black and brown. In recent years, an even rarer gem has materialized: the merle Bernedoodle. These dogs have marbled grey coats with white and sometimes brown too. The Bernedoodle Breed and Family Life Bernedoodles are particularly well-suited to family life, even for first-time dog owners. They love being near people and are gentle and caring when it comes to small kids, but they also adore running around the backyard with older children and adults. Because they bond so closely with their loved ones, they make excellent companions and protectors. Training Your Bernadoodle Young Bernadoodles tend to inherit the stubbornness characteristic of both their poodle and Bernese mountain dog parents. Provided they have the right input, doodles are highly responsive to training because of their calm, eager-to-please and intelligent personality. You should still expect them to be mischievous, cheeky and headstrong, but just remember that patience, consistency and positive reinforcement will always deliver the best results. Bernedoodles are highly sensitive dogs, so losing patience or getting upset with them can be entirely counterproductive. Treats, playtime and effusive verbal praise when your dog gets it right will always be infinitely more effective than shouting at them or telling them off when they do something wrong. By doing this, you prevent them from getting anxious or overexcited when met with new experiences. Feed your pet the best-quality food you can afford and be diligent about sticking to a regular routine with feeding. There are four main types of food: wet, kibble, cooked and raw. A combination of dry and wet is often the most healthful and practical choice. When used alone, kibble can lead to dental issues and wet food can lead to digestive issues. Be sure to give a standard Bernedoodle food for larger dogs and miniature and toy Bernedoodles food for smaller dogs. Exercise While activity levels can vary depending on a variety of factors, Bernedoodles are generally considered to be moderately active. Miniature or toy doodles can be excellent apartment pets, but even these little guys will need at least one long walk per day and plenty of space to move around. Because of their intelligence, mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation. Grooming Requirements Take bathing cues from how your dog smells, but generally Bernedoodles need a bath every four to eight weeks. Clean its eyes and ears once per week, and give its nails a trim every time you bathe your dog. Brushing it two to three times a week staves off mats and tangles, and a trip to the groomer every three to five months helps your Bernedoodle look and feel its best. Dogs love getting pampered almost as much as we do! Doing it any earlier could result in its fur not growing properly for the rest of its life. Like many larger dog breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia are possible. With these conditions, the hips and elbows weaken and become arthritic. Some of the other potential health issues Bernedoodles potentially face include: Heart disease. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article. However, the Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels in , as she wanted to combine the Poodles clever and goofy personality with the unfaltering loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Where the Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, the two breeds involved in its make-up go way back. The origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog can be traced back 2, years when the Romans invaded Switzerland with their cattle drovers and guard dogs. As with all crossbreeds, you must be ready for any combination of the parent breeds physical and behavioural traits. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Bernese Mountain Dog is far calmer and laid-back and is often happy lying around watching what is going on. So, you could end up with a light-ish build dog who needs a lot of exercise and training, or you could end up with a heavier dog whose body and brain is more that of a friendly couch potato! Even an active Bernedoodle may not mature for quite some time, so short periods of exercise several times a day are far better so as not to permanently damage growing bones and joints. With this in mind, exercising first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening when the sun is cooler may be necessary. Take advice from both your breeder and your vet.

How to buy a French Bulldog puppy on a low budget French Bulldog puppies are one of the most expensive dog breeds to bring home. So how can you get your first French Bulldog puppy on a low budget? There is no such thing as a cheap Frenchie or a low budget French Bulldog due to their breeding per birth price tag. Nonetheless, there are several creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy with little to no money down and we took the time to explore options and share this valuable info with you. A very fine show quality French Bulldog can cost that much. The high price tag reflects the expense per Frenchie puppy birth of artificial insemination, c-sections, constant care when they are born and multiple health and genetic exams. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than any other dog breed? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness. Buying a well bred French Bulldog is never cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. Creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy or dog with little to no money down: Easypay Finance: Need help buying your Frenchie puppy? Easypay Finance can help. Good credit to no credit applicants accepted. Just as the name suggests Easypay is a streamline straight forward application that allows you to be approved instantly online without pay stubs or bank statements. If your loan is paid back within 90 days you can get a full interest rebate back. Requirements: Have a cell phone and email address. Have a checking account for at least 3 months. Puppy Spot Financing Puppy Spot Financing offers a convenient payment plan through Community Finance to help families buy their dream puppy. Breeders invest time, effort and resources into breeding and often this results in a hefty price for the Frenchie puppy. With a financing option, you don't have to compromise on a quality French Bulldog puppy. All you have to do is fill a form and a Puppy Concierge will contact you within one hour of receiving pre approval to help you reserve your dream Frenchie puppy. Requirements: Employed for the last 12 months at the same job. Pet Loans dot com can help finance your pet purchase price or veterinary care and even your pet supplies. Pet Loans dot com specializes in exotic pet purchases. French Bulldog Breeder financing: Certain Breeders accept financing through programs that are set up to protect them and help the buyer with a flexible payment plan. Ask your chosen breeder if they are able to accept breeder financing through one of the above programs. My Pet Funding allows breeders and pet stores offer the potential buyer the flexibility to spread their purchase cost over time. Rescue a French Bulldog. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. Are you in search of affordable French Bulldog puppies? Look no further! Our main goal is to help you find the ideal and perfect French bulldog puppy for sale in your area. You can buy a healthy cheap teacup French bulldog puppy for sale today by browsing through our French Bulldogs Available for sale page History of cheap French Bulldog puppies Despite what its name may imply, the french bulldog was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. They adjust well to other animals, too, and are great with kids. This handsome Mini French Bulldog puppy is waiting for his new loving family! He is raised with children that play with him daily. This cutie is social, friendly and loads of fun. This fella will instantly make everyone fall in love with him! He is ACA registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. The breed actually originated in and around Nottingham, England, which was the center of lace making. This small bulldog was a companion to the lace makers and ratter-in-chief. As the Industrial Revolution took hold in England, cottage industries such as lace making were threatened by mechanization, and many lace makers relocated to France. Toulouse-Lautrec even put a Frenchie in several of his paintings. French Bulldogs are surprisingly good watchdogs. City dwellers love Frenchies. Besides snoring, they make all sorts of snorts, grunts, yips, and other odd noises. If only Rosetta Stone taught Frenchie-language! French Bulldogs can be very stubborn and hard-headed. However, even after they learn a trick or behavior, they may do their own interpretation of it. They may circle the coffee table or jump on and off the furniture, and it will always be exuberant. French Bulldogs have a huge celebrity following just like Toy Poodles for sale. French Bulldogs are sensitive just like Dachshunds for sale. With a mischievous sense of humor, Frenchies are enormously entertain .Of course, children need to be taught how to play with a dog, regardless of breed. Plan on buying lots of toys; a Frenchie is a toy terminator, and enjoys ripping out stuffing and squeakers. Be careful what toys you choose for him and avoid ones that could be choking hazards. Their personalities are as large as their big bat ears. Adaptable, loving, smart, and mischievous, the French Bulldog is pretty much irresistible! We were reluctant to put a deposit because we almost got scammed before and the sell was so trustworthy he held our puppy for us. And when we were ready, he shipped the puppy over as he promised. Thank you guys for everything and making our family complete Ann Belcher Here is a picture of our Heavenly Deja, the day she was delivered to our home from Lovely home French Bulldogs by Thomas.

Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. Saving Shepherds of MN is a foster-based, volunteer-driven rescue that has found loving homes for over German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes since December ! Please consider making a tax deductible donation. We rely solely on the generosity of supporters, like you. Please consider donating today! Saving Shepherds of MN is an effort grounded in love, dedication and determination. SSOMN is a c 3 , nonprofit organization under state and federal law. We rely solely on volunteers and donations to support our rescue effort. SSOMN is a breed-specific rescue, focusing on German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes, who are too often the focus of fear and misunderstanding within society. Our rescue operates with the help of many dedicated volunteers, all working toward the common goal of saving the lives of dogs in need, and giving them the loving home they deserve. We are foster-based out of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Every dog that comes to SSOMN receives the highest quality veterinary care from the many emergency veterinary clinics throughout the metro area and goes to a loving temporary foster home from one of our dedicated foster families. SSOMN's adoption process ensures that every dog goes to a loving forever home most suited to its temperament and needs. German Shepherd Resources German Shepherds are truly gems of the Canine world, so it comes as no surprise that you are considering or have decided to add to your family. The breed is highly versatile as it can be used as family dogs or companion dogs, show dogs, police dogs, therapy dogs, and a lot more. They are a true working dog breed with a lot of love to give. They are blessed with high intelligence so they are easily trainable dogs which is what makes them very versatile. States like Minnesota are no strangers to the German Shepherd breed. There are lots of German Shepherd breeders residing in different locations within the state. And just as there are many breeders, not all these breeders are reputable breeders that truly care for the breed. This is why it is recommended that you take out the extra time to know your chosen breeder. In this article, we try to make the search for a good German Shepherd breeder a lot easier for you by providing you with a list of 10 good German Shepherd breeders in Minnesota that have showcased good breeding practices as well as impressive socialization and training programs for each of their German Shepherd litters. We advise that you only view this list as a mere guide to aid you in finding that perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. With that being said, do ensure you read till the end as it promises to be both engaging and informative. Located in Roosevelt, Minnesota, Northern Sky German Shepherds is a reputable German Shepherd breeder that is focused on raising AKC-registered German Shepherd puppies that are mainly bred as family companions but also double as either therapy dogs or service dogs. Their dogs are IPO titled and are either solid black in color or black and red. All their German Shepherd parents are imports from West German show lines with impressive pedigrees and good health. They are blessed with good conformation, high intelligence, and decent temperament. Their dogs are made to undergo genetic health testing as well as orthopedic health testing to show they are indeed ready to be added to their breeding program. When they are not being bred, they are kept as family pets. All dogs both adult and puppies are raised in the home of Lyndi and Russ located in Roosevelt, Minnesota. Their puppies are properly socialized using humans both children and adults to keep them occupied. They are also given basic training and are properly checked by the licensed vet who administers their vaccination shots and deworming. Every puppy should come with a written health guarantee. They should be vaccinated and dewormed and also come microchipped.

This type of diet has some possible disadvantages as well, including the following: A higher cost to feed your dog, compared to commercial diets Dangers of feeding raw meat, such as salmonella food poisoning or E Coli infections Skeletal problems, such as bone fractures Greater chance of food allergies A more complicated diet plan that takes up more time and effort. This type of dog food is also usually fresh and not stored for long periods, whereas most commercial diets can be stored for months. Many companies sell premade raw food plans for German shepherds. These are typically either whole carcasses or pre-ground food that comes in bone-in or boneless form, and can also come ground for easier meal prep. Some diets are created so they have less need for supplements, but it is still important to read the ingredients list to make sure you know what your dog is getting each day. Some vets are advocates of this type of diet for dogs, but others are not. If possible, get a second opinion from another vet. Yes, a german shepherd can eat a raw diet. A gradual transition is recommended over trying to make too many changes at once. Transitioning to this type of diet may require some extra effort on behalf of the owner. My brother and his wife adopted a 1-year-old purebred GSD from the local rescue who was fed kibble her whole life. This dog had an expensive surgery that required us to pay for it thank goodness we could do that! My brother tries to keep up his diet, but he works from home. His girlfriend has a hour commute every day! The dog is only fed kibble at night when she gets home from work. I would like to think that this is not the case, but after watching my sister-in-law do this the dog gets overly excited for each bite. See also Male vs. And then she poops sorry TMI. And then when she comes home from work she immediately goes outside to defecate. A few weeks ago, the poop was bloody. They saw the vet again, and the doctor said she has food allergies. Everyone wants to know what it is so they can change her diet. I want to be supportive of them…but the dog was doing so well on raw! Their friend gives them kibble, and the first kibble she tried of course it was their fault! So now all of these options are closed to them. The choice to feed your dog a raw diet is an individual one. As with any type of food plan , there are benefits and disadvantages of feeding this way. This type of food plan can take more time and effort than simply feeding kibble because it requires the owner to do extra preparation when making each meal. This is especially important in the case of raw meats, which must be stored correctly and safely before they are given to your dog. Most people who choose a fresh food plan for their GSD seem to do so because of the health benefits they see when feeding them this way. They find that their dog has fewer skin problems, allergies, yeast infections, and other medical problems than they did before. Many dogs also tend to have more energy, better coat quality, and improved dental health when given raw meat instead of commercial food. Although it can be an expensive dog food plan with all the preparation involved, the benefits may make the extra cost worthwhile for you. However, there are some disadvantages to feeding your dog raw food. This type of diet can be dangerous if not prepared correctly, especially when you are talking about meats and the risk of food contamination. There is also an increased chance of skeletal issues like bone fractures, especially with large or powerful breeds like German shepherds , who need high levels of calcium in their diets. For many people feeding their dog raw food is a new experience, and they are often unsure how much to feed. Several factors play an important part in determining the amount of food to be given. The size of the dog, its metabolism, or activity level are all very important factors to consider when deciding how much raw food should be fed. The size and weight of the dog will give you a good indication as to how much food should be given. Generally speaking, if you feed your German Shepherd puppy three meals a day, then an average meal would be around g — g for male dogs and — g for female dogs. However, there is no definite answer as to what is the best amount to feed your dog. There are many factors involved when feeding your dog, so it is merely a guide based on averages. Sprouted seeds — Sprouted seeds are extremely healthy for your German Shepherd too, although for some reason they are not as popular as raw meaty bones. You can sprout them yourself or purchase them from your local health store. You can cut up small pieces of hard vegetables such as carrots, apples, etc, and feed them to your dog each day as a treat. Dairy products — Dairy products are suitable for dogs, especially those not affected by lactose intolerance. Plain yogurt is healthy and can be given to dogs as it contains many beneficial bacteria that aid digestion. Cottage cheese is a nutritious dairy product and contains around 22g of protein per g serving making it an excellent source of protein for your dog. A small amount can be mixed in with their dry food each day to add extra flavor and make the meal more interesting, or you could add some water or milk and feed it as a wet meal. Commercial dog food — Commercial dog food is not as healthy as raw meaty bones, sprouted seeds, and vegetables however it can be fed as an alternate to the regular diet, especially if you are going away or need a break from making homecooked meals for your German Shepherd. As long as the commercial food is healthy, it can be fed instead of raw food for a few meals here and there. You can find these in meaty bones especially the liver , vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Feeding whole foods is the best way to ensure that your dog gets all of the vitamins and minerals it needs. See also German Shepherd Allergies German Shepherd Puppy And Raw Diet German shepherd puppies on a raw diet are often healthier than dogs fed commercial kibble because raw food is better suited to their digestive tracts. There are numerous benefits for the German shepherd puppy when switching from a processed diet to raw meat that includes weight gain, healthy skin and coat, better dental health, increased energy levels, and larger bone structure. When feeding a german shepherd puppy on a raw diet, you should note that not all raw food is appropriate for puppies. Bones should be excluded in the beginning, green beans and mushrooms can be dangerous for their health, and bones in beef necks are not recommended because they could splinter. It is important to check with your vet before you start feeding your German shepherd puppy on a raw diet. Blocks of frozen raw food can be bought from pet stores and your butcher may also be able to get hold of german shepherd puppy food. Make sure that the raw food is not completely thawed out before you give it to your German shepherd puppy, as this can cause bacteria growth on the meat. Feeding a german shepherd puppy raw food will meet these needs, as well as provide the minerals that are needed for healthy bones. Raw meat is not recommended for all dogs, including German shepherds. If you are not keen to feed your German shepherd puppy on raw meat, you can still give it a healthy diet by feeding it high-quality dry kibble without grain fillers. Conclusion When deciding to feed a raw diet to german shepherds , it is important to speak with a vet to determine if this diet would be appropriate. The article above offers tips for those who want to feed a raw diet as well as those who prefer their German shepherd puppy to eat dry kibble or a combination of both. As always, thank you so much for reading! If this was helpful at all, please share it with people you know who would like this information as well. Have a great day! Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Nutritional requirements of a German Shepherd What exactly should the diet of a German Shepherd consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your German Shepherd, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a German Shepherd, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. German Shepherd raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your German Shepherd, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. German Shepherd Feeding Chart. Key Takeaways A raw dog food diet has a high nutritional value beneficial for German shepherds. The digestive system and general behavior of the German Shepherd breed account for the diet tendencies. One of the easiest raw dog food recipes for German shepherds: Grind 3 lbs ground meat, 2 lbs organ meat, and 3 lbs fruit and vegetables. I love the German shepherd breed! They are beautiful dogs with such strong personalities. German shepherd dogs GSD can and should eat a lot of raw meat, considering they are one of the closest relatives to the timber wolf. Wolves are carnivores, which is why such dogs have a genetic predisposition to similar traits like hunting. It is for this very reason why pet owners often seek raw dog food recipes for German shepherds as this is healthier and more affordable in the long run because you get to save those trips to the vet. A beefy mix recipe with 3 lbs ground meat, 2 lbs organ meat, and 3 lbs fruit and vegetables is one of the simplest meal you can prepare for your German shepherd. Commercial dog food is not the best alternative for these dogs as they require a high-nutrient diet. Choosing the best fresh dog food or raw diet is the perfect option. Raw Dog Food Recipes for German Shepherds Homemade raw dog food is easy to make as meat is the main ingredient in all recipes. Eating raw meat is a natural thing even for a German shepherd puppy. However, when making raw food for your pets, observe food safety and only get ingredients from reputable sources. The following are a few you can use for your furry friend. Beefy Mix Beef is the go-to protein for dogs considering it is readily available and one of the more affordable options. A German shepherd dog would particularly appreciate both beef muscle and organ meat. This raw dog meal can also be mixed with different vegetables to make a palatable meal. Ingredients Three pounds of ground beef muscle meat Two pounds of beef organ meat One pound of cut spinach One pound of broccoli One pound of mixed berries Preparation Cut the organ meat into small cubes if you cannot grind it. You can mix the organ and muscle meat with even distribution. Blend the spinach, broccoli, and berries in a food processor. Add water to make a puree. Mix the vegetables with the meat combination with even distribution and divide them into small containers. Turkey and Veggies Turkey meat is uncommon in most dog diets, but it is an ideal option for dogs with food allergies [ 1 ] to chicken or beef. It is also low in fat, so it is excellent for weight loss. You can use it as the base protein for your meal plan for your German Shepherd. Ingredients Five pounds of ground turkey Two pounds of turkey organ meat One teaspoon of dried rosemary One pound of broccoli One pound of mixed berries Preparation The first thing would be to combine your meats, so mix the ground turkey muscle meat with the organ meat. Make sure the organ meat is cut into small cubes or ground, so it is easier to combine with the muscle meat. Chop the vegetables, carrots, and berries into small pieces and blend them in a processor. Mix the blended vegetables with the meat combination and separate the whole into small containers. Tuna with Vegetables Like other meat options, tuna is an excellent alternative for German Shepherds. These fish are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are great for your dog. It also has omega-three fatty acids, which are suitable for its skin and cardiovascular systems, promoting activity. Joint health — German Shepherds are prone to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can especially happen as they get older. Some GSDs that eat raw will experience fewer joint issues and a reduced risk of developing degenerative bone and joint conditions. Allergy relief — Some German Shepherds are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies which cause itching and inflammation. A raw diet may help relieve some of these symptoms, and keep your GSDs skin hydrated and enriched to prevent future allergic reactions. Dental health — Many older German Shepherds will experience dental disease, especially if they are eating dog food high in starch and carbohydrates. We Feed Raw also features two very important ingredients, especially for the German Shepherd: calcium iodate and niacin. We Feed Raw carries six varieties of high-quality raw pet food, including beef, chicken, venison, and duck. Take a look at some of the most common queries from dog lovers like you. Can I make my own raw food diet for my German Shepherd? It is possible to make homemade raw dog food , but it can be quite difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Can German Shepherds eat raw eggs? Just be sure to remove the eggs from their shells to make sure your GSD is getting the full benefit of their eggs. What is the best raw meat for German Shepherds? German Shepherds can thrive on a wide range of animal proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, pork, salmon, venison, duck, lamb, and so on. Are you planning to bring home a GSD puppy soon? Read this guide on the best dog foods for German Shepherd puppies! Related Articles:. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best German Shepherd raw diet or recommend a raw dog food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your German Shepherd gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. For common GSD problems like osteoarthritis and other joint maladies, look for products containing glucosamine and chondroitin , which may help treat or prevent symptoms. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little time to cook for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a German Shepherd that weighs 65 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. It seems many of us can relate to health problems we have encountered while feeding our dogs dried processed dog food. He is 8 years old, so an older dog, and I was told he may have cancer. Knowing this, I knew I had to focus on his bone health and at the same time stay away from all sugars and grains as cancer can feed on both of these. I also make sure to feed Boaz raw organ meats times a week. Organ meats contain nearly every nutrient including B vitamins, folic acid, minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and iodine. They also provide the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Also important is making sure that Boaz is getting vegetables into his diet. Every week in his own batch of broth, I include vegetables with dark leafy greens which he devours. The calcium in his diet is coming from the raw beef and chicken bones and fermented dairy of yogurt and cottage cheese. When feeding dogs bones, make sure they are always raw. Never feed your dog cooked bones of any kind as they can splinter and cause intestinal problems. For his essential fatty acids, I give Boaz a teaspoon every day of fermented cod liver oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil. The benefits of feeding a raw food diet to your German Shepherds include a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth hence better breath , higher energy, a stronger immune system, and overall a better quality of life. In this article, we will go over some of the main advantages of raw feeding your German Shepherd. By the time you finish, you will have a much better idea of how and what to feed your German Shepherds when it comes to a raw diet. What is a raw food diet? According to WebMD , a raw food diet consists of : Muscle meat, often still on the bone Bones, either whole or ground Organ meats such as livers and kidneys Raw eggs Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery Apples or other fruit Some dairy, such as yogurt You can either purchase your raw food from your local butcher or grocery store. Or you can buy commercially produced raw food diets, which is what many German Shepherd owners choose. You will learn what and where to buy raw food for your dog. And it also talks about how to supplement for whatever a raw diet is lacking. Is a raw food diet safe for German Shepherds? If a dog happens to get Salmonella, he will experience stomach discomfort, but it is not as serious as when a human gets it. The benefits of feeding German Shepherds raw food A raw food diet provides your German Shepherds the benefit including a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy, and a stronger immune system. Dogs can absorb nutrients from raw food faster and more efficiently. Dogs, prior to domestication, ate prey animals whole. This includes organ meats, bone, blood, skin, and muscle. So, when you feed your dog a raw food diet, you are mimicking the way he eats naturally Your German Shepherd may not be a wild dog, but he still benefits from a raw food diet. Dogs are omnivores who favor meat. Many cheap dog food brands contain processed ingredients and fillers. When you switch to a raw food diet, you are providing natural products. Raw food provides them with a variety of food options Another benefit of a raw food diet is the variety of meal choices your dog gets. Your dog will get to enjoy diversity in his diet. This results in healthier skin and reduced inflammation. Healthier skin promotes thicker fur and shinier coats. He will have cleaner teeth and better-smelling breath. Your dog will be looking and feeling his best. Many times this can lead to an allergy to kibble ingredients. A raw food diet is easier to digest than kibble. They will have less stomach discomfort and smaller, more solid stools. This improves his health, and energy, and keeps your dog from becoming overweight. These are the most common allergens for GSDs with digestive problems. What types of food do you include in a raw food diet? This diet focuses on balancing nutrients with both vegetation and meat. This diet is easier for beginners because it is less restrictive. With the BARF diet, you want to provide a balance of ingredients over the course of weeks rather than every day. You can feed your dog ground raw meat, supplements, and dairy to meet his nutritional needs.

We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Memphis Tennessee and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Memphis TN? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Memphis TN. Goldendoodles for sale Memphis are a hybrid breed of two very popular, intelligent, and adorable dogs - the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Goldendoodles come in three different sizes - Mini, Medium and Standard, and in an array of many different colors. How does Uptown Puppies work? All you need to do to start the process of finding your perfect Goldendoodle pup, is take a look at all the Goldendoodle puppies for sale Memphis on Uptown. How does Uptown Puppies view transparency when it comes to breeding puppies? All the Goldendoodle breeders Memphis, businesses and companies in our network are vetted and qualified, ensuring you peace of mind! All the details of your pup-to-be will be shared with you! Do you sell the cheapest Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Memphis? Instead they concentrate their efforts on offering a really boutique service that offers exceptional breeding standards, and a great transportation service! How do I know that my Goldendoodle Memphis puppy will be healthy? Is it enough to walk my Goldendoodle for sale Memphis, or does it need more exercise? Goldendoodles are extremely lively dogs that are agile, and even like to jump and swim in the pool. You have to take your Goldendoodle for a walk at least one hour every day, if not more! Do you recommend specific food for my Goldendoodle Memphis? You really have to try and test different brands to see which ones they actually end up eating! Are there any Goldendoodle puppies Memphis available now? There are tons of Goldendoodles for sale in Memphis, you just have to work smart and fast - because they get snapped up in just a blink of an eye! All Goldendoodles are unique, so once you lay your eyes upon the Goldendoodle pup that makes your heart skip a beat, immediately contact its breeder and it will be yours! Are Goldendoodles in Memphis easy to train? Goldendoodles Memphis have really special genes in the dog kingdom - Golden Retrievers and Poodles, who are among the top 5 smartest of all dogs on the planet. Therefore, training is easy because Groodles are just so clever. Well, a Goldendoodle for sale in Memphis is the perfect example of a hybrid breed or designer dog. Designer dogs are made up of two purebred parents. Uptown offers many hybrid options!

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of those breeders have a proven track record and are committed to the highest standards of ethical breeding and health testing. Carefully screening the parent dogs helps the breeders to choose the healthiest pups for breeding purposes. You can also reach out to your friends, family members, or neighbors who have recently adopted a Labradoodle in your state and ask about their experiences with different breeders. They raise their pups in their home and socialize each puppy with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups eat high quality human-grade food and receive lots of love and care every single day. What Makes This Breeder Unique? ADEL is a recommended breeder by Goldendoodles. They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the healthiest puppies. Although they currently have no information about vaccines and dewormings on their website, feel free to reach out to them via email or phone to learn more. We are a small home based breeder of a wonderful family oriented and very versatile breed of dog called the "Australian Labradoodle". Our breeding dogs are considered part of the family and puppies are raised in our home with lots of socialization, love and affection. We only have two breeding dogs that live in our home and all of our other breeding dogs live in wonderful guardian homes. We specialize in breeding medium size and small standard size Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles and only breed a couple litters a year. Our medium size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. Our small standard size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. We offer a variety of colors red caramel, chocolate, cream, chocolate and white parti as well as caramel and white parti. Arizona Labradoodles is thoroughly "Committed to Responsible Breeding. Let us share with you what makes us Responsible Breeders. Our Dames and Sires to our litters are all health tested to the highest possible standards. Each of our dogs are genetic tested for all 22 recessive diseases found in the Australian Labradoodle. We feel the financial investment in health testing our breeding dogs is critical for betterment of the breed. Our high standards of health testing gives us great comfort knowing we are offering our families puppies that come from generations of health tested dogs. This has been done to protect the buyer and support parentage identification. We only work with Australian Labradoodle breeders that are also "Committed to Responsible Breeding" and the preservation of the Australian Labradoodle breed. We place our whelping box next to our bed to ensure a safe delivery of puppies and to monitor mom. During your puppies first weeks of life they are carefully cared for by us and never left alone. Each puppy is raised inside our home and are properly socialized with a variety of people, different noises, they are bathed, blow dried, nail trimmed, held and loved by us every day until they are ready to go to their new home. Each of our puppies is exposed to early neurological stimulation exercises known as the "Super Dog" Program. Studies have proven positive benefits for improved cardio performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Each puppy receives a full health evaluation and given age appropriate vaccinations by a licensed Veterinarian. We stand behind our 2 year health guarantee and lifetime guarantee against recessive diseases. When you adopt your puppy we want you to feel comfortable knowing we have done everything we can to offer you a good start with a healthy happy puppy. Our health guarantee protects you and your precious furry family member against life threatening diseases, joint dysplasia, and 22 recessive diseases. We are here for you for the life of your Arizona Labradoodle. If you have any questions, concerns, or need any guidance we will try and help you in any way we can. Our adoptive families have been carefully chosen to be a part of the "Arizona Labradoodles Family" for a reason. We look forward to keeping in touch with you. We often get the question "What is a Australian Labradoodle? Fabulous fleece coats that are allergy friendly Non shedding There are a variety of sizes and coat colors Can adapt to any type of lifestyle Highly Intelligent. Call Gerry at to see if you qualify? ADEL reserves the right to hold back both males and females from any litter for our breeding program. We are located in Sun City, Arizona, less than 20 miles from Phoenix. We recently relocated from Windham, Maine, but we still serve Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond! We breed cream, apricot, red, chocolate, and black and white mini and medium labradoodles. Our puppies are raised in our home and are socialized with adults, children, and other dogs daily. You can be sure your future furry family member will have a sweet, gentle disposition. We pride ourselves on our well behaved, cheerful, and intelligent puppies. Our labradoodles make terrific family companions, activity partners, and even therapy dogs. Our labradoodles By choosing only the highest quality breeding dogs available, we ensure your puppy will be as healthy as possible when you bring him or her home. Please explore our website to find out about available puppies and upcoming litters , or contact us to begin the process of bringing home your own labradoodle. Or just go through our labradoodle photos and videos for some cuteness overload. We look forward to hearing from you! They are intelligent and friendly. The physical characteristics of this hybrid will vary depending on the genes inherited from its parents. They can have different coat types including: wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece with colors ranging from red, black, cream, chocolate, gold, and brindle. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic breed, the Labradoodle may be a good fit for people with allergies. Discover more about our Labradoodle puppies for sale below! Overall, they make excellent companions. Due to their easygoing nature they usually do well with other pets and are generally good with children. As a result, they require exercise every day and can be prone to restlessness or loneliness if left along for too long. Their activity level and larger size means they are a good fit for a house with a yard. They are great walking companions and actually love the water and can be exceptional, natural swimmers. Due to their Poodle genetics, incorporate educational games to stimulate their intelligence as well as their bodies. Training Training a Labradoodle is easier than many other breeds, because they are eager to please and intelligent which makes them attentive while learning. They respond best to positive reinforcement due to their friendliness and intuition. Praise for good behavior in the form of treats and affirmation will work best when training. As with every other breed, train and socialize your Labradoodle when it is a puppy and exercise it regularly in order to avoid negative behaviors. Generally though, brush them about twice a week to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. However, it should only need to be bathed as needed. They also tend to be less prone to odor than other breeds. For optimal health, brush their teeth about three times per week to avoid bacteria and tartar buildup. It is also good to trim their nails about twice per month. However, the Labradoodle did not truly come to be known until when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The cross breeding was a success and resulted in a dog that had a disposition appropriate for guide dog work with a low-shedding coat. See store for details on a particular puppy. International Designer Canine Registry.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right German shepherd puppy for you, there are several things that you may want to consider. Is this the right breed for me? It breaks my heart that more and more German shepherds are being abandoned or dumped by first-time owners who are unprepared or uneducated about the breed. When choosing a new canine companion, most people often ask what kind of puppy they want instead of what kind of dog they want. And here lies a big difference between the former and the latter. All puppies, no matter what the breed or cross, traverse their first year through the exact same phases, but when they reach adulthood, each dog can have different breed-specific characteristics. Can you afford the cost of owning a German shepherd? Where do you live? Is your apartment German shepherd friendly? Is your home big enough to house a full-sized German shepherd? Do you have enough time to care for a German shepherd dog? Are you willing to sacrifice weekends and evenings to train, socialize, and exercise your shepherd? Do your family support your decision to get a German shepherd? Is there someone in your family who is allergic to dogs? How will you share responsibilities? If you live alone, do you have someone to assist you? Is there a doggy daycare nearby? Sure, female shepherds may tend to be a little more protective of their owners and people, whereas male shepherds may tend to be more protective of their territories. Females may be a bit more affectionate but more prone to mood swings, while males may be more dominant and aggressive. Neutering can make male German shepherds less aggressive and less likely to roam looking for available females. Today both sexes can equally be equally loving and loyal to their owners and families, and both can be equally brave and protective. In conformation, SV and other organizations recognize both male and female. Female shepherds are smaller and appear more refined or feminine than the male ones. Really, when faced with the question of which sex is best for you? It really all boils down to the individual puppy. Most owners get their German shepherds from a breeder, a shelter, and a rescue group. Out of the three, a breeder is the most expensive but the best place to get your future shepherd. Be cautious with breeders who are reluctant to share information and stories about their dogs. Another sign of a reputable breeder is that they have a take-back policy on all their puppies. Where do you find a list of potential breeders? You can find potential German shepherd breeders through the internet, specifically through major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or local breed clubs or through advertising the local paper or magazines. Some people even go to the extent of attending dog shows and performance events to find the best breeders in their area, which I encourage you to do if you have time. Sometimes you can find wonderful German shepherd puppies at the local shelter or rescue group. Adopting a rescue shepherd is considerably less expensive than buying a puppy, and you can potentially save their lives. Just understand that they are a bit more of a gamble. Visit The Puppies More Than Once When scouting for a potential puppy, you may be headed to a number of different breeders and shelters. Ideally, you want to visit when the puppies are awake, not when they are napping or sleeping. Ask to stay for a couple of hours so that you can observe how they are playing together. But they are not all alike; they can range in temperament from very bold and outgoing to quiet and shy. When observing a group of German shepherd puppies playing together, you may notice that some pups are bossier than others. You may also notice some puppies that are more cowardly than others. The group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide is the puppies that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. These puppies are exuberant, curious, playful, but not too domineering or pompous in manner or behaving timidly. From this group, you can decide which one to pick. As a rule of thumb, choose a puppy with a temperament that will work well with yours. A good breeder should have done puppy testing when the pups are between 6 and 7 weeks of age. This means they should be able to tell you which puppy has a personality that will complement your own. Male German shepherds tend to stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 85 to pounds. Female shepherds are about 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh from about 60 to 75 pounds. German shepherds have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of fur: a medium to long outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The length of the outer coat can vary from short to long. The coat can have a range of colors. The most common is black and tan. Other colors include all black, sable, or white. This will help him to point you in the right direction toward a particular pup. Often if your breeder has not already picked a pup for you, you will find a puppy that is naturally drawn to you. Walk over to the puppies, play with them, and rub them gently, then walk away. There will usually at least be at least one puppy that will follow you as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back. Kneel and call the pup to you. Are their coats healthy and shiny? Are their eyes clear and bright? Are their living areas kept clean with no visible signs of illness? As touched on earlier, you should ask for a detailed medical history too, such as vaccination records, hereditary diseases, etc. A good breeder should provide you with a health guarantee in the form of writing it. This health guarantee guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of the sale. Depending on the contract, you will be given 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the puppy is indeed healthy. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

This one-stop shop shampoo and conditioner is from the renowned Earthbath who make great all natural pet products. Ingredients: The Mango-Tango is made up of purified water alongside a variety of plant-derived cleansers and conditioners. It contains aloe vera, Vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as glycerine, natural preservatives and mango essence. The mango scent is really refreshing. It lathers and rinses out easily. Why we recommend it: Again, you can always feel confident with Earthbath products and that you are using all-natural ingredients and there is nothing in the formula that might be harmful to your dog. And it still works! Why Use Dog Shampoo Products? There are 2 major reasons to avoid using human shampoo on your dog: Skin pH levels: Human shampoo tends to be marginally acidic in order to best clean our skin, which has a pH somewhere between 5. Dogs, on the other hand, have an alkaline skin pH of up to 7. Sensitive skin: Dogs are generally much more sensitive than humans as their skin only has between layers, in comparison to humans with layers. As such, our skin can take more of a battering from harsh products and chemicals while your dog will be more easily irritated. Such irritation leads to dryness, scratching and abrasions. If you do have to bathe your dog with human products — perhaps in a particularly smelly emergency with no pet products at hand — try to opt for mild formulations used on babies and children. This means asking what kind of coat they have, and what kind of additional care their skin and coat might need. Do they have a short coat, long coat, a double coat? Is it dry or oily? Dogs with short coats often just need a shampoo, while long hair and double coats benefit from conditioner to help with detangling and repair after brushing. But at the same time, if your dog has an oily coat, you will want to skip the conditioner as it will just exacerbate the problem. How is their skin? Is it sensitive, prone to allergies, already red and sore due to other problems? If your dog has sensitive skin, you are going to want to avoid products that may exacerbate the problem and maybe go for a hypoallergenic shampoo. You may also want to look for products with soothing ingredients for the skin, such as oatmeal or Aloe Vera. You may then also want to look for products that might help with any ongoing issues your pup has. Do they shed a lot? Some shampoos can help with that. Do they often get fleas? You can get shampoos that also have repelling qualities. Do they have a particular problem with body odor? There are shampoos out there that specialize in deodorizing. For an overview of Labrador grooming needs, check out our complete guide. Once you determine what kind of shampoo you need, you can then look at the products themselves. There are a few key characteristics to look out for. Characteristics Of Good Dog Shampoos And Conditioners pH Level The skin and hair of dogs have a neutral pH level, and so as not to cause damage to their coat, their shampoo and conditioner should also have a neutral pH. Look for shampoos that have a pH level near 7, which is neutral. For that reason, good dog shampoos should work to neutralize odors rather than simply mask smells with fragrances. You will know if your dog is not a fan of the smell of their shampoo or conditioner if they like to rub against things a lot after bathing. This is them trying to rub off the unwelcome smell. Natural Ingredients Just as it is true for humans, harsh chemicals absorbed through the skin can harm dogs. Dangerous chemicals should be avoided by choosing products made from all-natural ingredients. Key ingredients to avoid include phthalates, formaldehyde, isothiazolinones, and nitrosamines. Skin-Protecting Additives Just as you can buy shampoos and skin cleansers that promise to hydrate your skin and keep it looking fresh, dog shampoos will often include skin-protecting additives such as oatmeal, Aloe Vera, or vitamin E that is designed to moisturize skin and keep coats shiny. Medicated Shampoos If your dog has specific skin conditions, there may be a shampoo out there specially formulated to help. Identifying these usually requires consultation with your vet. Look out for shampoos that can help with parasitic or fungal infections, skin allergies, or seborrhea. Medicated shampoos are much more likely to include unnatural ingredients than standard shampoos, for good reason. They need these ingredients to do their job effectively. But there are a few ingredients to be wary of in particular, avoid anything that contains alcohol, as it can sting the skin and eyes. If you are looking for a medicated shampoo for fleas, check out our list of the seven best dog flea shampoos. The open hair follicles can also allow oils to escape and let contaminants enter the follicle, again, compromising their strength and integrity. Conditioner seals the hair follicles, locking in oils and protecting the hair from breakages. But whether your dog really needs conditioner depends on their coat. However, it is probably best to avoid conditioners for dogs with oily coats, as it can just make them even more oily and unpleasant to touch. Dogs with long coats and double coats that require a lot of grooming benefit from the use of a conditioner. When choosing a conditioner, you should look for similar characteristics to a shampoo: Neutral pH balance All-natural ingredients and no chemicals or additives Fragrance-free or only lightly fragranced. Bathing Your Dog Bath time with your four-legged friend is not just about choosing the right product; it is also about using it correctly. This means washing your dog with the correct frequency and in just the right way. How often you need to bathe your dog will vary from breed to breed and also depends on their individual lifestyle and habits. If your dog gets smelly in between full shampoo baths, opt for a simple plain water rinse in between. Dogs that spend more time indoors and rarely get dirty will require less regular baths. Depending on how smelly they get, a bath somewhere between every 2 to 3 months would be about right. Double-coated breeds, such as Labs, should really only be bathed every three months — or even less often — unless they get particularly smelly. Their oily double coats will dry out from too much shampooing, depleting the insulating, protective properties and waterproofing their coat has. Just as with humans, shampooing too often has a tendency to dry out the skin and hair, leading to irritation, scratching and in extreme cases maybe even lesions. The best way to prolong time between baths and keep your dog looking healthy and clean is to commit to a daily brushing schedule. Unlike humans who breathe in allergens, dogs absorb them through their skin. This can lead to irritation, scratching and eventually — in extreme cases — lesions. Tips For How to Bathe Your Dog You could just carelessly bundle your pooch into the bath, get them wet, lather, rinse and repeat. But of course, the best results come with a little planning. Before bathing, brush your dog to remove any tangles and debris caught in their hair. Prepare the room for bath time by assembling products ready to use, laying down towels or waterproof sheets and keeping treats on hand to reward good behavior. If they need to be restrained, use a muzzle or a specialist bathing tether. Introduce them to the water slowly by spraying their backs first and keeping the power on low, allowing them to get used to the sensation. Use a soft brush in the direction of hair growth to best lather in the shampoo and avoid any tangles. Use the brush again to gently clean the paw pads. Rinse thoroughly by wetting the head and face first before working your way down the rest of their body. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. At this point, some owners choose to use a specialist dog conditioner to seal the hair cuticle and keep the coat shiny and full of moisture. Once all shampoo and conditioners have been washed out, lift your dog out of the bath and wrap them in an absorbent towel. Avoid rubbing them dry as this can tangle their hair; blot the coat instead. They will probably want to shake themselves dry too. Make sure your dog stays in the warm until they are completely dry. The best shampoo and conditioner for your dog depends on the type of coat and skin that they have. For example, short-haired dogs with a relatively oily coat will do best with a standard shampoo, while dogs with long hair that needs a lot of brushing benefit from a conditioner. Dogs with sensitive skin can benefit from a hypoallergenic formula, while dogs that spend a lot of time in the great outdoors need a heavy-duty formula. But whichever shampoo you go for, try to choose something all natural that does not include any chemicals or additives that might hurt your dog. Earthbath does a wide range of shampoos and conditioners made from all-natural ingredients. They are gentle products ideal for most dogs, but you might want something stronger when dealing with a very dirty pooch. This is because the pH level of human hair and skin and dog skin and hair is different. Dogs are neutral while humans are acidic. This is why it is better to use a special dog shampoo, which has a neutral pH ideal for dogs. While it is preferable to use dog shampoo on dogs rather than any variety of human shampoo, baby shampoo is safe for dogs. It is fine to use human shampoo on your dog as a one-off, though make sure it does not get into their eyes. How often you should wash your dog depends on both their breed and their lifestyle. Dogs with longer hair are more likely to trap dirt and debris in their coat, and outdoor dogs need bathing more often than indoor dogs. As a general rule of thumb, consider bathing your dog every four to six weeks. It is only necessary to use a small amount of shampoo when bathing your dog, as the lathering effect allows it to expand and cover your dog completely. If you use excess shampoo, it can be difficult to thoroughly rinse. Exactly how much depends on the size of your dog and the thickness of their coat. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Final Thoughts While the right shampoo and conditioner for your dog depends on them — their breed, type of coat, skin condition, and sensitivities — just remember that the right shampoo for them is not your shampoo! Dogs have very different needs, which is why they have their own products. It can also be nice to choose something that contains natural skin-soothing products such as oatmeal and Aloe Vera. All of their products are all-natural and designed to be gentle enough for frequent use. Tell us about your experience with dog shampoos and conditioners, what you love, and what you hate using the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Coat Type And Condition Labradors have a unique double coat consisting of a dense, soft undercoat that insulates them from cold weather and an outer water-resistant layer. This distinctive fur requires specialized care to maintain its health. One common issue among Labrador retrievers is shedding — they are notorious shedders! Regular grooming , including brushing and bathing with the right shampoo, can help manage this problem. For example, some shampoos, like Labs, are designed for breeds with double coats. These can penetrate both layers for thorough cleansing without stripping away natural oils. Besides keeping their coat looking sleek and shiny, using such products may reduce shedding by removing loose excess hair during bath time. If they have dry or itchy skin, opt for hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based formulas, which are gentle on sensitive skin. Skin Sensitivity Or Allergies This is quite common for this breed. Like humans, dogs can react adversely to certain ingredients found in shampoos. Consider hypoallergenic dog shampoos with aloe vera or oatmeal to minimize the risk. Oatmeal shampoo is an excellent option as it helps soothe dry skin while relieving inflammation caused by allergies. Remember that not all dog shampoos are created equal. Some contain chemicals or artificial fragrances, which could exacerbate or create new sensitivities. Look for dog shampoos containing ingredients like neem, cedarwood, or rosemary extract, known to repel fleas and ticks. Some shampoos also include topical flea treatments built-in, which provide an extra layer of protection against these pesky parasites. However, they may not completely eliminate them if your dog already has an infestation. Use additional flea and tick treatments as your veterinarian recommends in those cases. Go only for natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, almond oil, or aloe vera-based dog shampoos with no chemical dyes or fragrances. Factors such as coat type and condition, skin sensitivity or allergies, and parasite prevention should be considered. For example, if your dog has itchy skin, y opt for a natural oatmeal shampoo that soothes irritated skin. Another thing to remember when selecting the right shampoo for your Lab is their age. Puppies require gentler tear-free shampoos, while adult dogs may benefit from shampoos that contain nourishing oils like coconut. Look for shampoos made with all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and essential oils like mint or coconut oil. Chemicals in some shampoos can exacerbate skin conditions like dryness or itching. Before choosing the best shampoo for your Labrador, consult with your veterinarian. They can also advise on any special requirements or allergies that must be considered when selecting a pet shampoo. Additionally, if other shampoos have caused an allergic reaction, your vet may suggest switching to a hypoallergenic dog shampoo like Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo. Do Labradors need a special shampoo? Labradors have sensitive skin, which makes them prone to skin allergies and infections. Therefore, it is best to use a specially formulated shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Mild, soap-free, hypoallergenic shampoo can help prevent skin irritation and allergies. How often should a Labrador be bathed? Bathe your Labrador once monthly or once every months. Overbathing can strip their coat of natural oils and lead to dry, itchy skin. Do Labradors need shampoo and conditioner? No, it is not necessary, but it keeps the coat soft and shiny. If you choose to use a conditioner, make sure it is specifically designed for dogs and is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. What do Labradors love the most? Labradors are known for their love of food and playtime. They also love spending time with their owners and going for walks or runs. Can I bathe my Labrador every day? No, it is not recommended to bathe your Labrador every day. How do I dry my Labrador after a bath? After bathing your Labrador, gently towel dry its coat and use a hairdryer on a low setting to finish drying its coat. Ensure not to use high heat, which can damage their skin and coat. Why do dogs lick you? Dogs lick their owners as a way of showing affection and love. It is also natural for dogs to lick themselves and others to clean themselves or show submission. Do dogs feel better after a bath? Yes, dogs can feel better after a bath, especially if they have been itching or have a skin condition. Bathing can help soothe their skin and relieve any discomfort. Do dogs like warm or cold baths? Most dogs prefer warm bath s, as cold water can be uncomfortable. However, ensure the water is not too hot, which can burn their skin. Is it OK to feed a dog once a day? Feed adult dogs twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. However, the feeding frequency can vary depending on age, health, and activity level. What Is Anti Shedding Shampoo? It typically contains ingredients that help to loosen the dead hair and make it easier to brush out. Here are some ways to deshed your dog at home: Brush your dog regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to control shedding. Brushing helps to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, which can help to prevent matting and tangles. Use a deshedding tool. Various deshedding tools are available, such as a Furminator or a shedding rake. These tools can help to remove even more loose hair than brushing alone. Bathe your dog regularly. Bathing your dog helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair. Feed your dog a healthy diet. Consider using supplements. Several supplements can help to reduce shedding, such as omega-3 fatty acids and biotin. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to stop your dog from shedding so fast will vary depending on the individual dog. However, some things you can try include: Brushing your dog regularly. Medicated dog shampoo Dry shampoo for dogs Do you find your dog smelling a bit unpleasant between washes? Does your dog have sensitive skin , which could do with less bathing? Or does your dog make a fuss when taking a bath? If any of these things are true, then dry dog shampoo might be the right product for you in between giving water baths. It cleans your dog gently, while helping her stay fresh longer. It is naturally derived from coconut and is mild, safe, and great for sensitive skin. There are no harsh chemicals and no sodium laureth sulfate. Oatmeal shampoo for dogs Does your Labrador have sensitive skin issues like dry flaky skin? Is her skin itchy? Do you notice your dog scratching and biting herself a lot? End her needless suffering with oatmeal dog shampoo. Oatmeal is a known soothing ingredient popular in shampoos and skincare products. It works great for sensitive skin because it is moisturizing and very gentle. The oatmeal and aloe ingredients are gentle enough for dogs with even severe allergies. This product is rich and thick and lathers beautifully. Natural dog shampoo Perhaps your dog is hyperallergenic and needs something extra gentle for her skin. It is soothing for normal, dry, itchy, or allergy sensitive skin. Best smelling dog shampoo Do you feel good after giving your dog a bath and she smells great? Want a terrific smelling shampoo with a scent that will stick around longer than most other dog shampoos? It lathers up really well without using up a lot of product. It rinses clean easily, thereby saving time and water. Puppy shampoo Puppies have sensitive skin and require a shampoo specially formulated for them. Your puppy will smell fresh and be very clean with this mild cleanser. It is made with all natural ingredients like buttermilk powder, colloidal oatmeal, honey, and beeswax. Best flea shampoo for dogs Is your poor doggy suffering from fleas, ticks, flea eggs, flea larvae, or lice? Well we can recommend a flea shampoo for dogs that should solve these problems. It contains soothing aloe, lanolin, oatmeal, and coconut extract. This formula should provide 28 days of control of pre-adult fleas. It is specially formulated for pets with allergies to grass, flea bites, and food. It is pH balanced for sensitive skin. To top it off, it smells of cherries and almonds. This is plant botanical based with high quality natural ingredients including oat proteins, aloe vera, coconut, vitamins. And it has fruit extract to calm inflamed, damaged skin. It is formulated for sensitive skin, which is great for dogs with allergies and other sensitivities. Dog conditioner Want a soft, luxurious coat for your dog? Why not get a special conditioner for dogs? It conditions well, washes out easily, and does not weigh hair down. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Due to this, it was reasonably easy for us to find several great shampoos on the market that are perfect for Labrador Retrievers. Most good dog shampoos control shedding to some extent, so we had a wide range to pick from. However, we did manage to come to a conclusion. This excellent shampoo is no different from any of their others in terms of quality. This is a 2 in 1 product that also conditions while it cleans — which is great news for our Labrador Retrievers and their tendency to shed. A lovely addition to this product is lavender, which is a natural soothing agent that creates a calming therapeutic effect via aromatherapy. No expense has been spared here, and one of the most effective and powerful yet gentle natural cleansers on the planet provide the bulk of the cleaning power in this product — lemongrass. The huge lemongrass infusion in this formula demolishes any bacteria that are currently residing on your pooch which is what causes them to stink and leaves them fresher and cleaner than ever. Again, this is a 2 in 1 shampoo that contains a conditioner in the formula. Either way, this is an excellent product that is more than worthy of your consideration. This is a super gentle formula that has been created specifically to cater to the needs of younger pups. Despite being gentle and tearless, this is an effective 4 in 1 shampoo that cleans, conditions, nourishes, and protects against pests all at the same time. We assume this is because the compounds that are used in other deshedding formulas are incompatible with the tearless nature of this product. Start your puppy on this, and when they get a little older — transition to one of the adult recommendations on this page instead. FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs As you might have guessed from the title, this is a product that has been designed specifically to deal with dogs that are causing their owners issues with shedding. The soap-free and alcohol-free formula gets its cleaning power from oatmeal, and the honey in the formula is excellent at promoting a healthy coat and will also provide a little bit of help in the shedding department but not as much as the two recommendations above. It might not have the bells and whistles of some of the other shampoos we have talked about today — but it gets the job done without breaking the bank. The huge amount of hair on a Labrador Retriever traps water and soap more than other single coated or short-haired breeds. Dog shampoo is not meant to be left on your pooch after the bathing session is over — all of it needs to be removed. You should be super careful when rinsing your Labrador Retriever to ensure that you get every single last drop of shampoo off of them before you take them out of the bath. Go over your pooch once with water like normal, and then give them a second quicker rinse to get any shampoo that managed to avoid your rinsing efforts the first time around. Give them a really good brushing before putting them in the tub and remember to give them a quick brush after bathing too. Get Everything Ready Before Bathing Our Labrador Retrievers are perhaps one of the few breeds of dog that have a reasonable chance of enjoying bath time. Labrador Retrievers can often see it as a fun experience instead of something stressful that needs to be endured. A super excitable soaking wet dog running around your home while you go and grab something from the other room is going to ruin your day, to say the least. The combination of a super smooth ceramic surface combined with a healthy dose of hot soapy water makes an already slippery situation even worse. This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear about Labrador Retrievers. Some people claim that black Labrador Retrievers shed less than chocolate or yellow Labrador Retrievers or the other way around. The myth seems to come from owners that have had more than one Labrador Retriever in their household at the same time. We suspect that they have noticed more hair from one their dogs than the other and as such the claim that different colored Labrador Retrievers shed different amounts. There is no real-world evidence whatsoever to back this claim up. However, you should never use a normal human hairdryer with a Labrador Retriever or any breed for that matter. Conclusion So there you have it, that concludes our review into the best Labrador Retriever shampoos on the market right now. Sean Green Pet. Reviews was founded by Sean Green, a devoted pet owner and champion of quality pet products. Sean is supported by a knowledgeable team of pet-loving writers who work together to provide you with a wealth of information about training and caring for your dog. 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