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Buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills is highly discouraged. On the other hand, when adopting a Malinois X, keep in mind that these dogs may exhibit difficulty or misbehavior. You can browse through their website and check out their currently available dogs. They have been breeding dogs for 18 years now. All their German Shepherds come from working backgrounds, so rest assured that their dogs are fantastic protection canines! Keystone Puppies — Keystone Puppies is a platform where breeders can put their puppies up for adoption. Visit their website to find Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix puppies. If you need more options, consider going through our guide on the best German Shepherd breeders and the best Belgian Malinois breeders. Some breeders on these lists also raise and sell Malinois X mixes! On the flip side, if you fancy adoption, below are some rescues where you might find German Malinois puppies for adoption: American Belgian Malinois Rescue — The American Belgian Malinois Rescue is dedicated to rehoming purebred and mixed Belgian Malinois. They are based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Check out their website right now, as they have available German Shepherd Malinois mix puppies all the time. Make sure you visit their webpage to know their adoption days and hours and contact information. Malinois X mixes are frequently found in this rescue, so keep an eye out! German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — This non-profit organization aims to save neglected purebred and mixed German Shepherds. In addition to these, look at our guide on the best German Shepherd rescues. For sure, many pet lovers will help you find the Malinois X of your dreams! There will be upsides and downsides to any pet, just like with the German Shepherd Malinois mixes. In this section, we will take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Malinois X. Hopefully, this will help you decide whether or not this hybrid dog is for you. Here are some advantages of owning a German Malinois: Highly intelligent: Thanks to its German Shepherd parent, the German Malinois is a bright, highly trainable dog. That is, of course, if you have already established yourself as a leader to them. Great guardian dogs: The Malinois X come from parent breeds that were originally trained as guards and herding dogs. Thus, the German Malinois mix has a reliable guard dog instinct! This is an excellent dog for busy people! On the other hand, owning a Malinois X is not all rainbows and sunshine. There are also some things that may be deal-breakers for you. Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Malinois: Can be aggressive: The German Malinois may show aggression against strangers or smaller animals. Socialize them early and put them through obedience training to minimize this tendency. It could often be difficult to trace the origin of each individual German Malinois. Frequent shedders: While they are relatively easy to maintain, German Malinois are still shedders. They are not suitable for people with allergies as they tend to shed moderately. Whether or not the pros outweigh the cons depends entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. That said, it is important to consider the aforementioned points carefully before getting a Malinois X. What do you call a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix? The easiest way to refer to this cross is Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. However, these dogs can also be referred to as a Malinois X. Other names include German Malinois and Shepinois. The breed is thought to have been developed in the late s along with the Tervuren, the Groenendael and the Laekonois. They were developed by trainers and working competitors which perhaps explains why Belgian Malinois make great service and working dogs within our society. An ex-German military capital Max von Stephanitz set about attempting to create his perfect working dog. He encountered a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in which left such an impression that he bought the dog immediately. He renamed Hektor to Horand von Grafrath, becoming the founder member of the dog breed. German Shepherds are often used by the military, police, drug detection and much more due to their high IQ, impressive obedience and ability to learn. German Shepherds have an identical height range of 22 to 26 inches but they usually weigh a little more between 49 and 88 pounds. So we can deduce that a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix can grow to between 22 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Their coat color is reflect of both breeds, with incorporating shades of black, brown, fawn, blue and white. A Malinois X should have a muzzle that is relatively long with a black nose. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will have a double coat which sheds. The German Malinois are athletic, good-natured loyal and protective, which are all personality traits that both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have. Belgian Malinois have an innate desire to protect their family members, which can make this hybrid a good family pet. However, Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will require socialization and training from a young age. This gives you the best chance to have a happy, level-headed and well-balanced dog. Although there is no such thing as a per cent hypoallergenic dog, the American Kennel Club outlines that there are some breeds that shed less. Malinois X owners will be required to brush their dogs at least twice a week to remove debris and dead hair. This will help to maintain the health and quality of their coat. Most members of the cross breed will blow out their coats twice a year at the changing of the seasons. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix exercise requirements German Malinois are high energy dogs, so owners will need to ensure their pet is getting sufficient exercise in order to prevent destructive or unwanted behaviour due to frustration. Dog walking service provider Wag recommend up to minutes a day for a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. That equates to around 10 miles per week. German Shepherds, on the other hand, can live to between nine and 13 years. The average price of this mix can vary. Other Potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can inquire about the availability of this cross. Alternatively, you could contact Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dedicated rescue organisations for further help. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Mix to follow on Instagram If you want to learn more about the cross breed, you can always head to social media to find out more. Dog owners will usually be quite forthcoming with advice and information to followers interested in learning more about the breed. Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. The positives include intelligence, determination, and loyalty. At the same time, German Malinois can be standoffish, potential to be aggressive, and less suited for young children, much like the Belgian Malinois. With this in mind, you need to weigh whether or not a German Malinois is right for you very carefully. If you are debating getting this unique breed, keep reading. In this article, we help you decide if this dog is right for you, or if you should opt for a less energetic dog. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. German Malinois Puppies Image Credit: Alina Ziabrieva, Shutterstock German Malinois puppies are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for those looking for a highly active and intelligent companion. German Malinois puppies are full of energy and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to help them reach their full potential. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into confident, well-rounded dogs. In terms of appearance, German Malinois puppies can resemble either parent breed, and their coat color and pattern can vary. They typically have a muscular and athletic build, with a medium-length, dense coat that requires regular grooming. Feeding a high-quality diet and providing plenty of exercise will help them grow into healthy, active dogs. With proper care and attention, German Malinois puppies can grow into loyal, loving companions that form strong bonds with their owners. German Malinois is not suitable for many homes, especially homes with young children. These dogs are also not great for homes that already have other pets. Are These Dogs Good for Families? German Malinois tend to take after the Belgian Malinois, making them a bit more aggressive, but their temperament can be unpredictable. This is why socialization at a young age is important. Some German Malinois can be less tolerant of young children due to their intense herding and hunting instincts. At the same time, other German Malinois take after the German Shepherds, making them relatively calm and tolerant around young children. Because this breed is unpredictable and their tendencies are not shown until they are adults, it is best to avoid getting a German Malinois if you are considering having children or already have young children. Older children will be fine with this breed since German Malinois get along just fine with adults. Although certain German Malinois can be okay with children and other family members, most are not compatible with other pets. Their herding and hunting tendencies mean that they want to herd or hunt small animals, including cats. With other dogs, they can be aggressive and incredibly territorial. This is especially true if both dogs are males and were not introduced to one another at a very young age. For these reasons, a German Malinois is best as the sole pet in the household. Its high energy means that it is best suited for homes with large yards and people who are very active. For this reason, you should feed your German Malinois about 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Select a dog food specifically for large dogs and dogs of its specific age group. This breed has a high activity level, meaning they need about 14 miles of walking a week and minutes of playtime a day. Incorporating mental activities into their playtime can make a huge difference. For example, playing fetch, retrieving, and tracking can be a great choice for keeping your German Malinois active. If you are unable to commit to minutes of playtime a day, do not get a German Malinois. This breed needs a whole lot of activity. If you do not exercise it properly, the dog can become mischievous and bored, making you an irresponsible dog owner. The best way to train a German Malinois is by using positive reinforcement but having a strong and firm voice at the same time. By integrating positive reinforcement with a firm voice, the German Malinois will start to listen since you show the dog you mean business. Since this breed is eager to please, using the right technique can make training a breeze. These dogs have coarse fur and shed. This dog breed often develops too much earwax, leading to infections and other ear issues. Cleaning out the earwax frequently will prevent these issues from occurring. As a result, German Malinois are really healthy too. These dogs can live quite a few years and live so healthily. Providing your German Malinois with proper exercise, food, and grooming will help prevent the most common health conditions for this breed. Minor Conditions. The mix will be considered a medium-large breed. Colors can include black, beige, brown, and other off-tan colorations. Both parent dog breeds shed heavily year-round and seasonally, so the same is expected from the mix. Regular brushing and occasional grooming will be needed. Lifespan: 14 years on average. These high-energy dogs will form very close bonds with their owners. Needs LOTS of exercise. This mix combines two of the ultimate working dogs that were bred specifically with working abilities in mind. Read on to learn what to expect if you decide to add a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix dog to your family, and how to choose a healthy puppy. Suddenly, everyone wanted a Belgian Malinois! German Shepherds are also well known for their talents as protection, military, police, and security K-9s. Their diverse abilities make these dogs a top pick for families who like to have a watchdog in the home. These breeds also share similar origin stories as working livestock herding and guarding dogs. These pups look very much alike, except when it comes to hair type and color. After many years of serving as a herding and livestock guarding dog, the Belgian Malinois became one of the first dog breeds to work with police officers in the New York City K-9 corps. The German Shepherd breed came into existence in Germany under the guidance of a retired cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz. Rather, he dreamed of creating the perfect working and herding dog. Despite this, these dogs ended up serving in the German Army, and later in the American police and military forces. Today, the Belgian Malinois is now the 43rd most popular purebred dog breed out of breeds registered through the American Kennel Club. The German Shepherd maintains a firm grip on the number two spot on that same list. This is not always the case when a new hybrid dog breed is being developed. However, the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd share similar breed developments and backgrounds. Science Alert ranks the Belgian Malinois as 22nd out of 79 purebred dog breeds in terms of overall intelligence. In practical terms, this means that the Malinois can learn a new command in between 5 and 15 tries. This has made them notoriously stubborn. But this independence is a trait you want in a breed that is meant to guard and protect you during uncertain circumstances. German Shepherd Science Alert ranks the German Shepherd dog as the 3rd most intelligent of all dog breeds out of 79 purebred dog breeds. Dogs that rank in the top 10 are said to be able to learn a new command in less than five tries, and recall it perfectly 95 percent of the time. Like the Belgian Malinois, the German Shepherd has a high prey drive and chase instinct. This is due to their livestock herding and guarding dog background. Both parent dogs of the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix are intensely people-focused. With the advent of modern hybrid or crossbred breeding programs, more and more dog owners want to own a dog with a hypoallergenic coat. While this is understandable for people with pet allergies, unfortunately, there is no such dog. All dogs can cause allergies. This is because the protein allergen is not in the hair but rather in the saliva, skin, and urine of the dog. But when it comes to the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix, this is a non-issue since both parent dog breeds shed heavily year-round and seasonally. Belgian Malinois The Belgian Malinois has a short coat with two layers. The under layer near the skin is thick, soft, warm, and insulating. The outer layer is slightly longer, coarser, and naturally water repellant. Bathing too frequently can destroy the protective natural oils on the outer layer of the coat. Belgian Malinois coats are fairly self-maintaining and only need weekly brushing to stay looking neat and healthy. The Belgian Malinois will shed year-round. During this period, the coat will shed out in chunks for several weeks. German Shepherd The German Shepherd dog has a medium-length double layer coat. Like the Belgian Malinois, this double layer coat serves two purposes: protection and insulation. Like the Mal, the German Shepherd will go through a seasonal coat blow that helps the dog adjust to changing temperatures. This will help replenish the coat as well. But other than regular brushing and the occasional bath, the GSD coat is fairly self-maintaining. The adult Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will typically have a double layer shedding coat that requires only very basic care. But just how large will your crossbred puppy grow up to be? The Belgian Malinois typically weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall measured from the base of paw pads to tops of shoulders. The German Shepherd typically weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall. However, gender can influence these sizes. You can normally subtract 10 to 15 pounds and two inches from these estimates if your german malinois puppy is a female. If you need a more exact number, the best way to plan for your crossbred german malinois puppies adult size is to learn the vital statistics of each parent breeds. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix Exercise and Training The most challenging aspect of owning a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will be training your dog, and providing sufficient daily exercise and activity. Based on the breed history of each parent breeds , we know that both breeds are considered working dogs. As such, they have the typical high energy and activity levels of herding dog breeds. Both dogs are highly intelligent, able to quickly learn new skills, and very keen to have some kind of job or activity to do. Starting puppy socialization and training right away — ideally from your first day at home together will be important. This is true for all dogs but is especially the case for the German Malinois when considering its unique mix of traits, and powerful size. Socialization exercises with new people and dogs will help your German Malinois puppies learn to differentiate between friendly strangers and actual threats. As PetMD points out, you will need to wait until your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd puppy has finished growing before doing any strenuous training or exercise. Your veterinarian will need to do X-rays of the long leg bones. This is to confirm that the soft growth plates have closed and hardened, which indicates your dog has reached its full adult height. If your dog exercises too vigorously before they are finished growing, this can cause lifelong injuries to the bones, tissues, and ligaments. Once your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix has finished growing, it will be safe to let it run, plan, and exercise as much as they want. This is a great time to enroll your dog in K-9 training or in canine athletics. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Health and Life Expectancy One of the biggest drivers for modern crossbreeding programs is to improve the genetic diversity of many purebred dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd dog breed lines both have some serious genetic heritable health issues. These have arisen because of hyper-focused breeding for appearance or show standards. So you always want to make sure that any breeder you work with has done the required and recommended pre-breeding health tests on the parent breeds. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. 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. She has the intelligence and loyalty of a Belgian Malinois. She already knows how to sit and lie down, and can walk off the leash. Piper is one of the greatest dogs we have owned. She gets a long with our cats and my young nieces. This is definitely a breed that needs to be brought up with children in order for them to have a good temperament with them. She is loyal and very protective, yet sociable once warmed up to people. She will remain petite, which she got from her dad, the Malinois. She is currently 35lbs and will mature no more than 10 more pounds. She has a double coat and medium-long hair, no shedding though. Still has her puppy hair, especially behind her ears. She loves the water and the snow, and has a very willing temperament. This is a great mix to own as they are a low maintenance and easy keeper. The only problem with her right now is she had a breakout of mange on her muzzle which the vet said is normal and is treatable. It is common to appear on pups around 6 months in age. This is a picture of her under my desk at work. His dad is a German Shepherd and his mom is a Belgian Malinois. We've never had a Mal before but we have had a GSD. He loves everyone. He's wary of new people. He loves our .Our GSD was my momma's boy. Rhemy can't pick a favorite! It's really sweet that he loves my husband as much as me! Tracked himself home on a walk at 3 months old! In the first picture I sent he was about 4 months old, in this picture he is now 4 years old!! Super smart and a real lover boy. Look at that beautiful face!! He came from a breeder in Cream Ridge, NJ. She said he was a "breeder mistake," but we think he is just perfect!! He is a real clown and loves to lounge on this blanket. He is 4 months old in this picture and is a real face washer!! She has exceptional intelligence. She understands sit, lie down, shake, speak and high-five by both verbal command and hand signals. We're still working on several other commands, of which 'stay' seems to be the hardest. At .She must constantly have something to chew on , otherwise she will shred anything within reach in record time, so rawhide chewbones are a necessity. She also replaced my broken paper shredder. Her herding instincts are very strong and will chase anything that moves, including a leaf blowing across the yard, butterflies, birds, etc. She has a variety of toys, but prefers the stuffed animal ones that squeak or make noise. She loves to play tug-of-war with her toys, be chased and chase you. Her love of water and mud puddles is exceptional and if you have a walk-in shower, don't leave the door open with the water running! She amuses herself by playing with her toys when left alone, but if someone is around, she has to be with them. When she needs to go out, she will find someone and lick their hand kisses until they take her out, otherwise she will lick and nip at your toes and heels to get you moving. She's very alert and will bark and growl at anything unfamiliar as long as she is standing behind your legs. Her worst fault is that if she is out in the open, she does not want to come when you call her. She wants you to come after her and just as you get within reach, she bolts off like a jackrabbit, and there's no catching her. We've learned the best way to get her attention is to ignore her and walk off like we're leaving her. The other fault is her constant attempts to get your attention to play with her, especially if you're trying to get ready for work. She waits until you get one leg into your jeans and then grabs the other, making you hop around on one leg trying to get the other pants leg back. As you pull on a sock, she either grabs the end and pulls it off, or she takes off with the other one so you'll have to chase her down. After you've gone through this same scenario with the shoes, she then follows you around pulling the laces to untie them or pulls back the Velcro straps. Her antics are limitless as is her energy level.

Our training starts at 3 days old with ENS early neurological stimulation then we move on to puppy culture, potty training, kennel training, confidence building, the staircase, environmental exposure and loose leash training. Our dogs are AKC registered to ensure quality. All our dogs come with a two year genetic health guarantee. The American Kennel Club is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. For more information please visit [AKC. We only have a few select litters per year to allow us to give each puppy the undivided attention they need. We spend a lot of time building a solid foundation and a strong, healthy and balanced relationship with your dog. All littermates have their own unique personalities. Some puppies are more active and need more mental stimulation than others. It does help to let us know what lifestyle you live and what you are expecting from the puppy. Our facility is located in Terrell, Tx on over 20 acres of land to explore and practice recall, large ponds and swimming pools where we play water retrieving games. Our commitment to our puppies does not stop once they are adopted but continues throughout their entire life. We strive to be available to the adoptive families to assist them in achieving the best relationship between them and their lifelong companion. Ellen is home full time where she spends most of her day with them from the moment they arrive until they day they go to their new homes. Most importantly, our puppies are center stage in the middle of family life here at Goldenwind. This offers our Texas Golden Retriever puppies optimum opportunities for both human and littermate socialization which is a necessity at this stage of their lives. When the weaning process starts, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in our living room. There they can hear and see everything around them. This includes loud televisions, stereo music, vacuums, doorbells, telephones ringing, doors opening and closing, thunder and rain sounds, kitchen pots and pans clanging, etc. When our Golden Retriever puppies are ready for their new homes at approximatley 8 weeks of age, they have been exposed to most household situations and noises that they will have with their new familes. All that means is that the animal was not quite 24 months of age when the test was performed. Therefore, you can request copies of the hip, elbow, heart and eye reports for the sire and dam of any litter or puppy that is offered for sale. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will be able to produce the OFA certificates or reports from a board certified radiologist, board certified cardiologist and a board certified ophthalmologist. Therefore, Reputable Texas Golden Retriever puppy breeders have tested sires and dams for hips, elbows, heart and eye disease. Additionally, a Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist exams the eyes. Reputable Golden Retriever Breeders will follow the American Kennel Club Code Of Sportsmanship One would think that it should go without saying that Sportsmanship is very important in any competitive sport. Actions truly can speak louder than words. We hope that you will see that with any Golden Retriever exhibitor you may meet. We have compiled some of the best breeders in Texas to make the process easier for you. After thorough research, we can ensure that all these golden retriever breeders in Texas are verified, reliable, and strictly adhere to American Kennel Club AKC and US Department of Agriculture guidelines. Weatherby Goldens They are owned and operated by two retired U. Coast Guard officers. Their dogs are imported from Europe and belong to champion bloodlines. Weatherby Goldens breeding facility is spread across 15 acres of land, wherein their dogs and puppies can play and run all day. One of the best features of their property is an old 6-car garage that they have converted into temperature-controlled homes with plenty of room for dogs and pups to run and play. Their dogs are healthy and well-exercised. They have received their vaccinations on time, have been dewormed and declawed, and have been Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA -cleared for elbows, eyes, and heart. Their puppies are raised with love and attention and are socialized from birth within their 3-acre wooded property in Bulverde. All pups go to their forever homes with a thorough month puppy guarantee that covers congenital or hereditary defects, severe hip and joint issues, and other life-threatening and altering conditions. They have a strict sanitization policy to eliminate germs, and all pups are examined by a veterinarian before they go to their forever homes. Each puppy undergoes deworming, vaccination, Early Neurological Stimulation, tactile and noise desensitization, potty training and kennel training, area training, and microchip insertion. Address: The Colony, TX Splendor Goldens This breeder is a boutique breeder whose dogs prove to be perfect indoor and outdoor pets. Their pups run and play with their four children and accompany the breeder as the ideal hunting , ranching , and camping partners. Their English Creams belong to champion bloodlines of potent European pedigrees. These pups are well-socialized from birth to become the perfect family pets. All pups are thoroughly checked by certified and experienced veterinarians, dewormed, declawed, and vaccinated. Their pups and parent dogs are genetically sound, screened for hip and elbow dysplasia through OFA, for cataracts by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and heart defects. They are proud breeders of puppies that have competed and won in ring shows, obedience, and hunting competitions. Their puppies are well-socialized and raised with a lot of love and care. As soon as the weaning process begins, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in the living room. They are exposed to ambient noise, such as children playing, television, music, kitchen noises, and the like, to make it easier to adjust to their new homes.

We had our first litter in and French Bulldogs Joined our family in the rest his history we love both breeds. Most of our dogs also carry color s. So when needed we test puppies pior to selling. Our puppies are dewormed at 2, 4 ,6 and 8 weeks they will have their health check up, first set of shots and fecal examination, checking for parasites at 7 weeks old. Len Lucero located in Sumterville Florida. A Furever Friend Our goal is to find loving homes for all our bulldog babies. We have a contract that is to be read over and signed before moving forward with any puppy sale. This way we know our babies will be placed into loving homes. This also expains our health guarantee for any puppy produced here at Childs Bulldogs. We will take back any of our puppies at any point in their lifetime for any reason. We also provide lifetime support if issues should arise and you have questions. Please contact us if you have any questions. We are happy to help you find a new family member. If our puppies aren't for you or we don't have a puppy, we are happy to send you to another reputable breeder who holds health, temperament and structure to the same standard we do. We have an incubator complete with an oxygen concentrator and nebulizer. We also have fresh frozen plasma on hand along with all the necessary whelping supplies, complete with a scale to monitor their daily weight until they are about weeks old. We also work closely with 2 veterinarians that are avaiable 24 hours a day for anything we may need to help with the development of all our puppies. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Contact Us Loving English Bulldog Puppies from Experienced Bulldog Breeders in Jacksonville, FL Are you looking for a bulldog puppy that will love you unconditionally and bring laughter and happiness to your household for years to come? If so, Legends of Denmark has the perfect bully for you. We are english bulldog breeders that offer a selection of adorable, friendly, and personable English bulldog puppies, all of whom are looking for an approved home. We are in Jacksonville, Florida, at for endearing and loyal English bulldogs for sale. Don't forget to check out NuVet Plus supplements , supplements recommended by our breeders that will help your bulldog live a long and healthy life. Friendly English Bulldog Puppies At Legends of Denmark, we specialize in breeding the finest English bulldog puppies in the entire country. We are bulldog breeders who carry puppies that boast only the highest pedigrees from the most sought-after bloodlines in America. To learn more about our latest selection of puppies for sale, contact us today by phone at or via email at legendsofdenmark aol. About Bulldogs Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gate and massive, short-faced head, the Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute, and dignified. As a medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog—but they would like to be! They are one of the most popular breeds according to AKC registration statistics due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow, or piebald. Experienced Breeders Our family has been breeding bulldog puppies for more than 5 years. During this time, we have been able to breed numerous puppies that are champion sired from National BISS show winners. Plus, since our bulldogs are raised in a warm and loving environment, they are always friendly and personable. Call today to learn more about our selection of puppies for sale. Bulldog Origins Said to have originated in the British Isles, the name "bull" was applied because of the dog's connection with bull baiting. The original bulldog had to be ferocious, courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fanciers set to the task of preserving the breed by eliminating the fierce characteristics. Within a few generations, the bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens with an agreeable temperament. Gentle and Lovable Dogs Although the English Bulldog's appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. All the same, it will see off any intruder and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are definitely a people's dog, seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get. A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness. When bulldogs are young they are full of energy, but they slow down as they get older. We are here to help! How much do Bulldog puppies cost? The beauty of looking for a Florida Bulldog on our network is having a lot of options! Not only will you have a better chance of finding the exact puppy you want but also at the price is within your budget. What if there are no Bulldog breeders near me? Our network of English Bulldog breeders in Florida is growing by the day so we are confident that you will meet someone with your dream puppy. We can help you search across the Lower 48 states then your chosen breeder can arrange to have you pick up your new puppy at a major airport in Florida. What is the vetting process for Bulldog breeders? All the breeders and businesses on our network went through a strict screening process where we took a close look at their experiences, knowledge in breeding, practices, and facilities. Why is Florida Puppies different from other networks with Bulldog puppies? Many websites are not careful about who they work with making it easy for puppy mills to take advantage of people who are looking for an English Bulldog puppy Florida. Florida Puppies was designed to prevent this from happening. All the Bulldog breeders Florida that you meet here are ethical businesses who take good care of their puppies until the day you take them home. What is a puppy mill like? In puppy mills, dogs are forced to breed their entire lives. Puppies from these places often run a higher risk of developing genetic health issues because their parents are poorly matched. When looking for an English Bulldog puppy for sale Florida, avoid puppy mills with cheap offers at all costs! Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale in Florida right now? What kind of dog is a Bulldog? English Bulldogs were first bred in the s to fight in a horrendous sport called bull-baiting. When the violent sport was banned, these fearless dogs switched careers to driving cattle and their aggressive tendencies were eventually bred out. Today, Bulldogs are pampered pooches who love to lounge all day. There are two knowns lines of this breed -- English and American -- and there is some difference between the two in terms of build. Our network can help you find English or American bulldog puppies Florida. How big does a Bulldog get? What is Bulldog temperament like? Bulldogs are classified as medium-sized and can reach a weight of pounds. They have a stocky build, low bodies, heavy chests, and hefty limbs. Bulldogs are typically low energy but they need daily exercise to stay healthy. They are sweet in nature and are quite friendly. And though these dogs are very brave, they no longer carry the aggression that their ancestors used to possess. Are Bulldogs good for apartments? How does Florida Puppies work? When you search our network for a Bulldog for sale in Florida, we will introduce you to a list of breeders in your city or state who are likely to have puppies ready for rehoming. When you find the Bulldog puppy that you like, contact the breeder, work out the details or pay them a visit! Bulldog's Available!

You can get this puppy elsewhere for a lesser price, but you want to ensure you receive a healthy dog with great genes. Should you buy a German Shepherd puppy or an older dog? The answer to this will be based on your preference and lifestyle. But there are also pros and cons to buying a puppy or an adult dog. Adopt whichever feels right to you. If you intend to buy a German Shepherd, know that the breeding of dogs is more involved than just putting a sire and dam together. Reputable breeders look into the health and genetics of the parents. When the puppies are born, they get them health-tested, too. For example, the puppies get hip x-rays, elbow x-rays, thyroid tests, cardiac tests, and a canine ophthalmologist exam. In most cases, the breeder will ensure that the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations before going to their new owners. Are large GSD dogs more expensive than small ones? No, because a purebred German Shepherd is a large dog and only comes in one size. Male GSDs can grow to be 24 to 26 inches 61 to 66 cm , with female GSDs being slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches 59 to 61 cm. Do German Shepherds that train as service dogs cost more? Yes, German Shepherds that are trained as service dogs are more expensive. This is because they are selectively bred and go through special training. Bloodline affects the purchase fee. The West German Show Line is bred based on the breed standard. They make great house protectors, are social, and need a high amount of physical activity. Working line German Shepherds are fully trained with various skills and excel in obedience. Some of the most expensive German Shepherds are the ones that look different. For example, this pooch can come in a few rare coat colors. The colors may include Panda, Isabella, or Black. In addition, some German Shepherds might have one or two blue eyes. Take into account whether you want your German Shepherd as a family dog or a working protection dog. A companion will be less expensive. In addition, the litter size of German Shepherds is about 6 to 10 puppies. Therefore, the more puppies in a litter, the less the puppies will cost. When searching for a German Shepherd puppy, your best bet is to go through a reputable breeder rather than a search aid site. This is because you can get to know the breeder during the process. There is nothing wrong with being a hobby breeder, but they may have less experience than a professional one. For example, test their knowledge of the German Shepherd breed as a whole. Ask them about the family tree and the health history of the parents and the puppies. In addition, discuss the temperament and traits of the dogs as well. Finally, ask if the puppies have been crate trained and gone to the vet. The breeder should be able to answer these questions flawlessly. Alternatively, you can find a German Shepherd rescue. In addition, you might find puppies as well as adults. These factors include traits of the dog, but it also depends on where you adopt the dog as well. Age Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing a German Shepherd. A puppy is more costly than an adult dog. German Shepherd puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks will be the most expensive. This is because owners want to train the puppy to their lifestyle. Therefore, puppies older than 12 weeks will be more affordable. Adopting an adult GSD dog is less desirable, but these pups need loving, forever homes, too. Size German Shepherds are a large dog breed, growing up to 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall. If a breeder advertises Miniature German Shepherds, they may cost more, but there is no such thing. That pooch is most likely a mixed breed, or the purebred has dwarfism. Since purebreds are more desirable, they cost more. However, hybrids are often healthier than purebreds. Lineage and bloodlines If your puppy comes from a champion bloodline and is a show-quality German Shepherd dog, then you can expect to pay more. Breeder certifications, registration, and pedigree When it comes to looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to do your research. A responsible breeder will care about finding the puppies a loving, forever home rather than making a profit. A qualified breeder will charge their puppies higher but at a reasonable fee. Gender Believe it or not, male and female German Shepherd dogs cost about the same price. Male GSDs are stronger and have more energy. Coat Colors and Markings German Shepherds with different colored coats and markings will be more pricey. This is because they are more difficult to breed since they rely on recessive genes. Did you know this doggo can also be long-haired? You can learn more about long-haired German Shepherds here. Health screenings and medical expenses Most reputable breeders will get the puppies health screened and take care of certain medical expenses, such as their first vaccinations. If they do, then you can expect to pay more. For instance, if the breed is in high demand where the breeder is, you can expect to pay more. Other factors The litter size is another factor. For instance, if there are more puppies in a litter, the cost will decrease because the breeder has more puppies available for adoption. In addition, if the parents have a proven record of being show dogs or breeding dogs, that will increase the puppy prices. A friendly German Shepherd dog with a veterinarian Health care and veterinary bills: how much are vet expenses for GSDs? Fortunately, German Shepherds are generally healthy. This includes general physical exams, vaccinations such as rabies , and heartworm and flea prevention. GSDs also need additional vaccinations. For example, Leptospirosis if they are exposed to wildlife. Medical Expenses for German Shepherds Range. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Final Thoughts You may get a great idea of having a reliable and loyal member of your family. It is a German Shepherd dog. The next question is how much a German Shepherd costs — either a puppy or an adult dog. However, such dogs come from the lines which are not properly tested for genetic health issues or temperament drawbacks. So, you may come across the trouble of frequent visits to a vet or unmotivated aggression in your pet. That is why it is much better to spend more on a purebred puppy with great genes. The first point you need to understand starts with breeding. It is not just a simple pairing of two adult dogs, raising their puppies, and then selling them. A responsible breeder deals with the careful selection of mates who are free from breed-specific problems with health and behavior. Such selection takes much time and effort. Moreover, raising puppies involves their early socialization and a lot of sensory stimulation achieved by training. German Shepherds can suffer from health issues that are impossible to detect during a quick examination at a vet. They require more thorough diagnostics, for example, x-raying for hip dysplasia and specific genetic testing, which are not cheap at all. That is why the ultimate price of a puppy can reflect it. In addition, there are a number of tests required by the AKC for successful breeding. They include elbow x-rays, thyroid and cardiac tests as well as a canine ophthalmologist examination. There is one more point that may influence the GSD cost. Good manners and obedience are products of training, and it also takes a lot of money and time. However, some behavioral features and temperament result from genetic disposition. These problems involve harsh reactions, stress, anxiousness, and aggression. That is why a reputable breeder considers these characteristics in both parents and pairs only those dogs that are a good match. It needs a lot of patience and effort. If you buy a very cheap puppy from an irresponsible breeder, you may face its unpredictable temperament. So, you will save yourself a lot of time, nerves, and costs if you purchase your fluffy friend from a responsible seller but at a higher price. A purebred German Shepherd puppy can cost a lot. However, it is one of the most reasonable solutions to get such a puppy. In this way, you will avoid many problems with health and behavior. The best idea is to purchase your puppy from reliable breeders. This is the strongest guarantee that the puppy will grow healthy. Purebred dogs have a number of phenotypic and genetic characteristics that come from their ancestors, making such shepherd dogs almost ideal. That is why you need to have an overall vision of what your dog should look like and what you expect of it. Responsible breeding results in a bit higher price but it is worth it. If the price is too attractive to be real, be cautious. You can see such offers from pet stores or backyard breeders. However, even if you save a good amount while buying, you may spend much more on veterinary help in the future. German Shepherd puppies are expensive. You may ask why. The answer is simple — breeding and raising these perfect puppies cost a lot. Moreover, high-quality breeding takes a lot of time and effort. A breeder should have a lot of expertise and experience in raising the litter. In any case, all the money you will spend on a good-quality German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder is worth it. A dog with a stable temperament and behavior, healthy and socialized, is worth every cent spent on it. German Shepherds can be of different colors. Depending on how rare the color of the coat is, the price may vary. The rarer the color is, the higher the price is. These dogs are very popular among military and police forces. In general, if a puppy is born black, it is unlikely to change its color, but there may be exceptions. Occasionally, some fading can be observed. On average, a black German Shepherd costs a bit more than any other color. However, black dogs are more difficult to find, so you may have to wait in a line in search of the friend you would prefer to have. This specific bloodline is also newer than others, so if you have decided to have a purebred white dog, you should learn a lot about its characteristics and peculiarities. The first thing to decide upon is where to buy such a puppy — from an enthusiastic lineage breeder or a traditional one who is mostly focused on the color you need. Health problems are quite common in German Shepherd dogs, and there are those related to the color. That is why you had better choose a reputable breeder who can show you the parents of your potential puppy and offer health certificates. If you want to buy your white puppy in the USA, there is a White Shepherd Association that can recommend to you the breeders listed by state, so you can ask them what to do if you want to find the puppy of your dreams. Blue German Shepherds are not traditional at all. This German Shepherd cost can also differ between breeders. A puppy bought from a reputable breeder is sure to cost you more. However, the blue color of the coat is not actually blue. In fact, it is dark gray, and such dogs may come in varied color patterns. Though the color is a bit unusual, such puppies are still considered purebred. Nevertheless, some experts believe that this color is just a gene mutation and over time, it will be bred out. Make sure that you have received your blue puppy from the parents who are either black or blue. They need to have two copies of the diluted recessive gene because a puppy needs to receive it from both parents. Sometimes, blue shepherd dogs can look a bit dusty as if someone has dropped a bowl of flour on their back. Or, in some cases, they can look darker, like gunmetal or something like this. In any event, blue German Shepherd dogs make up perfect family pets because they are highly loyal and trainable. Yes, this is one of the variants to save your costs. Breeders sometimes sell retired show or breeding dogs at a lower price. Such dogs can be years old. The reasons why these dogs are on sale vary. That may be the end of their show career. Or, for a certain purpose, they can be spayed after producing several litters. Usually, the number of breeding dogs is limited because a responsible breeder needs to pay more attention and give optimal care to their breeding dog. Purchasing a retired German Shepherd dog has several indisputable advantages. These dogs have a perfect pedigree, and their parents were carefully tested. They have got substantial socialization to take part in shows, so they can live together with other dogs and get accustomed easily to different people and conditions. The canines are fit and strong because they have received high-quality food, appropriate veterinary care, and all needed shots. Such dogs are sure to be far cheaper than purebred puppies with the same characteristics. Though, finding such a dog for sale is a great luck. You will need to make inquiries from several breeders because most of them sell their precious dogs only once in a few years. In addition, they love their pets so placing them in a perfect home is their priority. So, you should become a good match with both a dog and its owner. They are really rare. You can purchase them only from breeders who specialize in this color. Your puppy will keep its white coat without changes while growing if you get a guarantee that both of its parents are white-coated. How can you save while buying a GS puppy? In fact, you can never be sure that your puppy is healthy and good-tempered if you purchase it for little money. That is why our strong recommendation is not to buy a cheap puppy. Unregulated breeding can result in severe hip dysplasia which is passed from parents to their offspring. This health condition can display at the very young age of a dog — often under 4. This is a result of a loose position of the hips in their sockets. The looser the sockets are, the more profound severity you will observe. Some dogs may display a limp even at the age of 2 or under. Therefore, find a responsible and reputable breeder, and you will be sure that your puppy is really healthy. You will get a loyal friend and beloved companion for a long time then. It is always a bad idea. Where can I find a responsible breeder? Reputable and responsible breeders have a waiting list of potential puppy buyers. Of course, they do not have signs informing about sales in their front yards. So, what can you do? You can ask your friends or acquaintances who have already purchased a German Shepherd puppy. Word of mouth is a great recommendation. Or, if you are a member of a canine club or community, you can make inquiries there. Look for well-known canine associations online and contact them. They can recommend responsible breeders to you. Can my breeder guarantee that my GS puppy will not have hip problems? Hip dysplasia is polygenic, though, in some cases, it can be caused by environmental factors. If a breeder is careful and responsible enough, your puppy will undergo x-raying, and it will have a certificate. However, no breeder in the world can guarantee that your dog will never have dysplasia at an older age because of certain factors including feeding and treating it. How much does it cost to feed a German Shepherd? However, veterinary care, disease prevention, and dog utilities may cost you twice as much per month. Final Thoughts All in all, German Shepherds are not dogs that you can acquire for cheap. You need to consider spending a lot to buy your new family member from a responsible breeder. It means that your future puppy has already received some training in obedience, tracking, and protection. The price can also depend on the color of the coat. Rare colors usually cost more. If your pup comes from a champion bloodline, the price will also be higher. Nevertheless, it is never a good idea to start looking at the ads that offer to sell German Shepherd puppies for some hundred dollars. Such puppies are not properly tested, so you may face tier health and temperament problems. The most widely experienced issues here are hip dysplasia and aggression. They are always a result of irresponsible breeding. Your well-trained and socialized friend will be a pleasure to deal with. 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. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet. First, however, you must pick your future pet to adopt from a good rescue. Rescue should have active and preventative programs to reduce animal killing. The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared. Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever? Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever. Observe the dog Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing. The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention. If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice. Touch the dog with caution Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it. A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you. Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking. Play with the dog Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays. Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys. At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically. Walk with the dog Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything on the road. A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. So anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals. It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog. Summary Live and appreciate your adopted Golden Retriever dog in Maryland. It will cover the entire cost of caring for the Golden Retriever in Maryland. If you wish to adopt one, look for a kind and trustworthy Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, dogs who have been rescued are often mistreated, abused, and abandoned. Other States. Share 0 Shares Once you have decided that a Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family, the next step is deciding the where and how of adopting. The search can be daunting. Do you purchase from a breeder or do you look for a rescue? There are only two Golden Retriever rescues in Maryland, however, there are several in nearby states. Goldheart concentrates its rescue efforts in Maryland, Delaware, and south-central Pennsylvania. Its mission is to provide Goldens with temporary foster homes where they can receive food, grooming, medical treatment, training, and love. The goal is to move each Golden to a loving forever home. Goldheart encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership and gentleness towards Golden Retrievers. Some Goldens are from local shelters. Goldens can be surrendered for many reasons including, the owner being unable to financially care for the dog, elderly owners no longer being able to physically care for the Golden, new babies, or the owners being unable to pay for necessary medical treatment. Behavioral problems are rarely an issue when it comes to rescue. Each dog spends a minimum of two weeks in a foster home experienced in dealing with dogs. While in foster care their behavior and personality are observed. Since Goldheart has successfully placed over Golden Retrievers in homes. They take in between Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes per year and approve new applications. An application with Goldheart is good for two years once approved, provided there are no major changes in your home. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Maryland Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Maryland? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Maryland? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We are a c 3 nonprofit relying on donations , supporters , fundraising, and event and retail proceeds for funding to provide top-quality care to all DVGRR dogs. Learn more about our Golden Gateway campus and watch our campus tour video. Watch our video to take a quick tour. Click to learn more. Our mission is simple: Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue provides new beginnings for displaced Golden Retrievers, and other golden-hearted dogs, along with a full array of adoptive and educational support for the adopters and broader community. If you are interested in adopting, please attend one of our Monthly Open House: Meet the Dogs, Tour, and Shop events, held every second Saturday of the month from 10am until 12pm. Plus, we always need event sponsors. Learn more, click here! All dogs must remain on lead during the event; no flexis. We ask that each dog be handled by one human. Click here for all the details! Details are coming! Help us cover the costs of renovations! Click here for details! Kennel Caregivers — Dedicated, responsible, hard-working, compassionate individuals. Must be 17 years or older. Click here to learn more and apply.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have two beautiful girls still looking for their forever home. My husband and I fell in love with Golden Retrievers in .Our first daughter was five years old and after much research we decided to bring home a puppy. What we did not realize at the time was the unconditional, everlasting love and dedication we were going to experience. We had two more children and brought home another Golden puppy. I can't imagine having raised our children and grand children without our Golden Girls playing with, loving and watching over them. Our Golden Retrievers possess a calm, gentle, and very intuitive disposition. They adore children, people in general and truly live to love and be loved. We are not a kennel. Our girls and their puppies share our home with us and are held and loved from birth. We welcome new families to come visit, take pictures, and get ready for their new fur baby. Each of our Golden Girls and the Studs used for breeding are checked for genetic defects just as their grandparents, great grand parents and all previous generations. Our puppies come from extensive generations of Championship Lineage. Pedigree and Health Certifications presented and time of visit. We breed according to the standard of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We provide our puppies with a Comprehensive Health Examination, their first vaccination and de-worming before they go home with their new families at the age of 8 weeks. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers have always been a popular breed of dog! Due to their loving attitude, eagerness to please, and friendly demeanor, Goldens will forever be one of the most commonly owned dogs. If you are in the market for Golden Retriever puppies in the Pennsylvania area, check out our list below! We have gathered a list of the top 10 best PA Golden Retriever breeders for you! As always, we encourage you to do your own research on these breeders as well as pricing and contact information may be subject to change. Best Golden Retrievers Breeders in Pennsylvania 1. Brenda Davidson is the owner and she has specially picked each member of her breeding stock to ensure the best temperament. Brenda performs the first set of vaccinations for each puppy at 7 weeks of age and requires that anyone purchasing puppy schedules to finish vaccinations series with their veterinarian. All puppies will also be dewormed multiple times prior to picking up. Their webpage has a link to contact them. If after contacting them, there is a spot available on their waitlist, you will be required to secure a deposit before being added to the list. After the puppies are born, clients begin picking their puppy at around 6 weeks of age. Puppies will be available for pickup around 8 weeks of age. There will be a pet agreement that needs to be finished prior to picking up your puppy. Prices are subject to change. Name of owner. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies, you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Pennsylvania Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Pennsylvania? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of our golden retriever puppies for sale. How do I know which breeders to trust in Pennsylvania? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Because our pups are in great demand, we really prefer a phone call for any future clients. Most of our pups are paid for before even being born. The demand for a Smoky Mtn Pup across our nation has blown our mind. Today some of the most prestigious athletes and celebrities our now owners of Smoky Mtn Puppies. Individually Priced Sales tax may apply depending on your state. Once we have received payment, you will be placed on our active Smoky Mtn Family waiting list. Once you are on the waiting list, we do our best to be in consistent in communication as you wait for your pup. Typically after reviewing those pups, we will occasionally sale some of them. We usually keep pups in the program. We are old school and prefer a phone call. After you have reviewed our website, just give us a call. Contract and Details of Ownership 2. Sales Receipt for your records. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Guarantee. Smoky Mtn Labrador Guarantee: We guarantee all of our puppies to pass all the appropriate health care clearances on their hips and elbows, or we will replace that puppy with another of the same quality for free. We do not refund any money - we only replace the puppy. We will always take one of our puppies back so that it can have a quality life. There is a specific protocol that we follow if this becomes the case. Many times this can add up to to be thousands of dollars in preparation to ensure we are satisfied with the highest level of breeding, and you are receiving the highest quality puppy as a pet owner. This is a very important decision to make for the care and responsibility of a high quality puppy. We ask that our pet families are prepared to make a solid decision before buying their pup. Our typical wait time is months. It is worth the wait. If you are color specific and gender specific could be longer. We are committed to getting each family the highest quality puppy they desire, which requires a daily, intentional process of purposeful breeding. We do all of this so that our families will be satisfied completely with their decision. It is very important to understand that we allow absolutely NO ONE to pick puppies here, we reserve that right as breeders. Visiting your Pup Prior to Pick-Up: Due to health concerns, we do not allow puppy buyers to visit the litter prior to pick-up time. However, we will send you photos of the litter so you can view the progress of your pup only after their weeks veterinarian check! Call with any questions! As always, we are forever grateful for Amy Walker Wall in taking Moose to a level in his show career that was way beyond our wildest imagination. We always like to inform all of our puppy buyers that to obtain this level of title is absolutely no small accomplishment, and that Moose finished his AKC Grand Champion Degree at only 2 years old. That is remarkable, and is because of the scores of people who were directly responsible in breeding and training Moose. To all of the Labrador Breeders that for decades have stayed true to the English Labrador breed, we say thank you! Gene Wolfenbarger. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. In China, they served as a companion to Chinese royalty only since it was illegal for anyone other than those in the court of the Emperor to own such dogs. Several hypotheses surround the development of these jovial little dogs and their exact routes out of the East and into the West. However, the most probable scenario is that the Dutch or Portuguese merchants who traded with China brought the dogs to Holland. From that point on, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange. There, the plucky little Pugs accompanied their reign as the preferred breed of royalty. From there, the Pug was exported from England to America, becoming an officially recognized breed in .Today, the Pug is one of the most easily recognizable breeds in the world. With their endearing nature and comical sometimes guilt-inducing appearance, they have won the hearts of royalty and all kinds of people worldwide. Breed Characteristics Head: Rather brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head appears rounded when viewed from the front or side. The cheeks and temporalis area are smoothly muscled and filled, never appearing protrusive or chiseled. The forehead appears rather tall than elongated and parallel to the horizon. However, the head should never appear apple-headed or domed. A perceptible muzzle is preferred over a completely flat profile. The head may exhibit some minimal wrinkling, but never in excess or with exaggeration. A clean, minimally wrinkled head is preferred. Eyes: The eyes are medium to large in size, dark in color, and globular, round, or lemon-shaped. They are never bulging or almond in shape. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes and prevent them from appearing to protrude or bulge. Wall-eyes or exposed whites are incorrect. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed. Ears: Small to medium in size, set high on the edge of the skull, and may be drop or rose-shaped. There is no preference between the two ear types. The ears are never long, overly large, or erect. Muzzle: The muzzle is short, broad, full, and rather deep. It should protrude sufficiently from the stop to a distance that is easily perceptible in profile and from the front. The upper and lower jaws are broad and have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak. The lower jaw is somewhat longer than the upper jaw and slightly turned up, giving the pug a slight pouting appearance when viewed from the front and giving the muzzle a rounded profile; however, the lower jaw should never protrude beyond the break of the lips. The teeth and tongue must be completely concealed when the mouth is closed. Nose: The nose sits slightly further back than the end of the muzzle but should never appear completely pushed in. The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened. Pinched nostrils, narrow nostrils, and heavy nose wrinkles extending beyond the nose leather are all unacceptable and should be penalized. Neck: Thick and a moderate length to allow for proud head carriage. Strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck is relatively clean-cut, but slightly loose skin is permissible near the throat. Excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap is incorrect for the breed. Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but not protrusive. Body: The body is well put together, compact, cobby, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It may be short to medium in length and straight, gently curved, or it may be curled over the back in a loose or tight single or double curl. Preference is given to a straight tail. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The Pug is a charming and even-tempered breed. They are known for their outgoing, sociable, and playful nature. They are intelligent and capable of learning many commands and tricks. They are especially suitable lap dogs, strongly devoted to their family. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal body height-to-length ratio is between and .The body is well put together, with solid substance and medium bone. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height. Head General Appearance: Rather brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. Expression: Curious, alert, lively, intelligent, and charming. Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming a degree angle between the topskull and muzzle. A wrinkle or roll over the stop is not to be penalized. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is , with the topskull being longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is convergent. Lips or Flews: The lips are somewhat clean, broad, and thick, yet fit snuggly over the teeth and jaws. The teeth, tongue, and lower jaw are completely concealed by the lips. Cheeks: The cheeks are smoothly muscled but should not appear chiseled or coarse. Some wrinkling around the cheek, extending from the outer corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth, may be present. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, reverse-scissor, or slightly undershot. Contact preferred between the top and bottom incisors. Body and Tail General Description: The body is well put together, compact, cobby, solid, and of good substance. Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is broad, powerfully muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level, or slightly almost imperceptibly arched, yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached. Croup: Flat and level with the back or gently sloped. Underline: A slight tuck-up is present, or the underline may parallel the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. They are well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderate bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The coat is short, smooth, and close to the body throughout. The texture is soft and glossy. Standard coat color variety: Fawn, apricot, seal, or shaded fawn all with black mask or solid black. Temperament The Pug is a charming and even-tempered breed. Faults All dogs should be properly healthy and free from disease or defects. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. By Manish Pandey Newsbeat reporter A new study suggests that pugs face such serious health conditions they can "no longer be considered a typical dog from a health perspective. The study compared the health of 4, pugs and 21, non-pugs. UK pugs are almost twice as likely to experience one or more disorders annually, compared with other dogs. Brachycephalic, or "brachy" dogs - like pugs, bulldogs or boxers - are bred for their distinctive looks. In recent years, pugs have increased in popularity, with a five-fold increase in Kennel Club registrations of pugs from .Health issues Overall, pugs were found to be around 1. The findings do not "come as a surprise" to Dr Myfanwy Hill, a veterinary surgeon who works at the University of Cambridge. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Researchers argue that the health of the dog should be prioritised over people's desire to own one That causes a lot of the problems pugs face - including issues with breathing, skin and their back. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome - a breathing issue - was the disorder with the highest risk in pugs, with the designer breed almost 54 times more likely to have the condition. Dr Hill says the narrow nostrils pugs have, is like "trying to breathe through a really narrow straw" and makes simple things like breathing "much harder work". She adds the "common image we have of pugs" where they're smiling and have their tongue sticking out, looking like they're panting, is not the "joyful" image we may think. Dr Hill says "they have more skin than they need for the size of their face", which can cause skin infections to occur, creating soreness and itchiness. And the "attractive tail" that people like actually shows a "malformed vertebra" which can result in more slipped discs. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Even if it looks cute, an oversized tongue can cause problems The research also showed pugs have a reduced risk of some conditions, including heart murmur, aggression and wounds. But researchers suggest their findings indicate many pugs may suffer from seriously compromised health and welfare. He says it's important to "focus on the health of the dog rather than the whims of the owner when we are choosing what type of dog to own". Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Experts say their body shape must shift towards a more moderate, and less extreme, shape if health and welfare issues for pugs in the UK are to improve What can you do? Dr Hill says people who buy dogs do so "in good faith" and it's important "not to attribute blame". But there are things that can be done for existing pug owners - like looking out for symptoms of breathing difficulties, such as excessive panting or lots of noise during breathing. In summer months, pugs are more at risk of heat-related problems because they have less airway - so need to be kept cool, she says. And while the "barrel-shaped bodies are really cute" - weight management is important because "an overweight short face dog like a pug is at even greater risk". And we need to make sure that they live long, happy and healthy lives," Dr Hill adds. Listen to Newsbeat live at and weekdays - or listen back here. Related Topics. Allergic skin disorder x 5. Pugs are often considered to have a very gentle temperament, and this is supported by the study which showed very low levels of aggression in the breed. While this may make the Pug a good family pet from a human perspective, owners also need to consider the quality of life that the dog endures. Although these results provide evidence for some positive aspects of Pug health, they sadly highlight the Pug overall has substantially poorer health than non-Pugs. The findings suggest that many Pugs may suffer from seriously compromised health and welfare because of the extreme body shape that humanity expects of this breed. To correct this, the body shape of Pugs must shift towards a more moderate, and less extreme, conformation if we are to reduce these health and welfare issues for Pugs in the UK. It is time now that we focus on the health of the dog rather than the whims of the owner when we are choosing what type of dog to own. Widespread ownership of Pugs with extreme facial and body conformations should be discouraged until measures are in place to ensure stricter and more acceptable breed standards. These findings will also play a vital part in continuing to develop ways to encourage would-be owners to do their research and to help them understand the potential health and welfare issues that badly bred Pugs can face. We aim to curb the increasing numbers of rogue breeders, who are outside of any sphere of influence and are producing dogs with no regard for welfare and continue to urge would-be owners and breeders to think carefully about any breeding or buying decisions when it comes to Pugs, and make use of health testing, evidence-based resources and expert advice available on The Kennel Club website. Vet teams see pugs with these distressing health problems — from breathing difficulties to eye ulcers and painful spine abnormalities - in veterinary practices across the UK on a daily basis. While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs. Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Abstract Background The Pug is an ancient dog breed and was the fifth most commonly registered UK pedigree breed in .However, the breed has been reported to be predisposed to several disorders including ocular, respiratory and dermatological problems. The VetCompass Programme collates de-identified clinical data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research. Using VetCompass clinical data, this study aimed to characterise the demography and common disorders of the general population of Pugs under veterinary care in England. Results Pugs comprised 1. The most common colours of Pugs were fawn .Of the pugs under veterinary care in the study during , .The most prevalent organ systems affected were the integument , .The most prevalent pathophysiologic processes recorded were inflammation , .Conclusions Ownership of Pugs in England is rising steeply. Identification of health priorities based on VetComapss data can support evidence—based reforms to improve health and welfare within the breed. The Kennel Club currently allows four colourings: fawn, black, silver and apricot. Pugs are currently very popular in the UK and were the fifth most commonly registered UK pedigree dog breed in .Behaviours such as attention seeking and begging for food, and childlike facial features such as large dark round eyes and flat faces are seen as endearing by human owners. However, despite their popularity, the breed has some well-documented health issues, especially in relation to eye, breathing and obesity problems. Collection of health information on large numbers of Pugs attending veterinary practices in England would provide reliable data to assist with reforms that aim to improve the health of the breed. The VetCompass Programme collects de-identified clinical record data from veterinary practices in the UK for research to improve animal welfare. Pugs made up 1. The most common colours of the study Pugs were fawn .Of the pugs under veterinary care during , .The most commonly affected parts of the body affected were the head-and-neck .This study of over one thousand Pugs provides a framework to identify the most important health priorities in Pugs and can assist with reforms to improve health and welfare within the breed. Background The Pug Fig. The English Stud Book records Pugs as far back as and the Kennel Club currently allows four colourings: fawn, black, silver and apricot [ 2 , 4 , 5 ] Annual registration data from the UK Kennel Club highlight a dramatic increase in Pug registrations over the past decade, rising over four-fold from 2, registrations in to registrations in .However, despite their popularity, some well-documented health problems have been reported in Pugs [ 7 ], many of which paradoxically may be associated with conformational characteristics that also make the Pug fashionable as a breed such as wide, prominent eyes and short muzzles [ 8 — 10 ]. Pugs recorded the second highest count of disorders resulting directly from selection for conformational traits among the top fifty Kennel Club-registered breeds [ 11 ] and predispositions to 25 disorders have been reported in Pugs, with ocular, respiratory and dermatological problems especially highlighted [ 7 ]. Even among brachycephalic breeds, Pugs appear particularly predisposed to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , upper respiratory tract disorders and corneal disorders [ 8 , 12 — 14 ]. Using veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme at the Royal Veterinary College RVC [ 16 ], this study aimed to characterise the demography and common disorders of the general population of Pugs under veterinary care in England. Specific objectives included exploration of bodyweight growth patterns and annual proportional birth data for the general Pug population and to estimate the prevalence of common disorders recorded in Pugs. Syndromic analysis of these disorder data would identify the most common body locations, organ systems and pathophysiological processes affected. The results from the current study could provide a reliable framework to assist reforms in breeding practices and ultimately contribute to improved health and welfare of Pugs. Methods The VetCompass Programme [ 16 ] collates de-identified electronic patient record EPR data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research [ 17 ]. Collaborating practices were selected by their willingness to participate and their recording of clinical data within an appropriately configured practice management system. Practitioners could record summary diagnosis terms from an embedded VeNom Code list during episodes of care [ 18 ]. Information collected included patient demographic species, breed, date of birth, sex, neuter status, colour, insurance status and bodyweight and clinical information free-form text clinical notes, VeNom summary diagnosis terms and treatment, with relevant dates data fields. The sampling frame for the current study included all dogs with at least one EPR clinical note, VeNom summary diagnosis term, bodyweight or treatment recorded in the VetCompass database during the study period from September 1st, to 30th April, .These dogs were classified as being under veterinary care during the study period and comprised the denominator group in the demographic sections of the study. Date data associated with each EPR event clinical note, VeNom summary diagnosis term, bodyweight or treatment were extracted and dogs with a at least one EPR recorded during or b at least one EPR recorded both before and after were accepted as being under veterinary care during and were included as the denominator group for the disorder prevalence sections of the study. Demography Demographic evaluation used data recorded on all dogs in the VetCompass database under veterinary care during the study period. Dogs recorded as Pug breed were categorised as Pug and all remaining dogs were categorised as non-Pug. Year of birth from to was derived for each dog using the birth dates recorded in the EPRs. Annual proportional birth rates for Pugs described the proportion of Pugs relative to all dogs born in each year from to .Bodyweight data with their associated dates were used to generate separate bodyweight growth curves for male and female Pugs by plotting age-specific bodyweights and were overlaid with a fractional-polynomial prediction plot using the Stata fpfit command [ 19 ]. Coat colour data recorded in the EPRs were used to describe the most common colors of Pugs. Disorder prevalence Disorder prevalence evaluation used clinical data recorded on Pugs in the VetCompass database that were under veterinary care during to report one-year period prevalence values. Bodyweight described the maximum bodyweight recorded during the study period for mature dogs older than nine months and was categorised into seven groups 0. Neuter described the status of the dog neutered or entire recorded at the final EPR and insurance described whether a dog was insured at any point during the study period. All clinical notes and VeNom summary diagnosis terms recorded from January 1st, to December 31st, for Pugs under veterinary care during were reviewed in detail and the most definitive diagnostic term recorded for each disorder was manually linked to the most appropriate VeNom term as previously described manual review by ED and DON [ 17 ]. Elective e. Multiple counting of disorder events for ongoing cases was avoided by including recurring diagnoses of ongoing conditions only once e. The parent term alone was used for disorders that encompassed multiple child terms [ 21 ] e. Disorder events that were aetiologically independent despite sharing the same disorder term name e. No distinction was made between pre-existing and incident disorder presentations. Disorders described within the clinical notes using presenting sign terms e. Dental disorders were included only where clinical management intervention was recommended. The VeNom diagnosis terms were mapped to three hierarchy systems for analysis: diagnosis-level precision, grouped-level precision and syndromic classification as previously described [ 17 ]. Briefly, diagnosis-level precision terms were one-to-one descriptors of the original extracted terms describing the maximal diagnostic precision recorded within the clinical notes e. Grouped-level precision terms were one-to-one descriptors of original diagnosis terms mapped to a general level of diagnostic precision e. Syndromic classification mapped the original VeNom diagnosis terms to three taxonomic groupings: body location, organ system and pathophysiologic process, and each original diagnostic term could be mapped to multiple syndromic terms [ 17 ]. Full details on the mapping systems used between the diagnosis-level precision, grouped-level precision and syndromic classifications are provided as Additional file 1 to this paper. The sex, neuter status, insurance, age and adult bodyweight for Pugs under veterinary care during were described. The CI estimates were derived from standard errors based on approximation to the normal distribution for disorders with ten or more events [ 23 ] or the Wilson approximation method for disorders with fewer than ten events [ 24 ]. These methods were applied to report prevalence based on diagnosis-level precision, grouped-level precision and syndromic classifications. Results Demography The denominator group used for demographic analysis comprised , dogs under veterinary care during the study period from September 1st, to 30th April, , and included 1. Of the , .The annual birth count of Pugs is shown in each bar Full size image Bodyweight growth curves were generated using bodyweight-date values of male Pugs and bodyweight-date values of female Pugs that had at least one bodyweight value recorded. These bodyweight growth curves showed rapid growth during the first year of life Fig. The median bodyweight across all ages for males 8. The remaining 34 1. Sex data were available on of the .Common disorders There were , dogs under veterinary care during that had either at least one EPR recorded from January 1st to December 31st 96, dogs or otherwise at least one EPR before and after dogs. Of these, there were 0. These Pugs were registered across veterinary practices, with a median count of seven Pugs per practice interquartile range [IQR] 4—13, range 1—.There were .The median count of disorders per dog during was one disorder IQR 0—3, range 0—9. Of the Pugs with information available, .The median adult bodyweight overall was 9. The median adult bodyweight for males 9. The median age of the Pugs under veterinary care during was 3. The results highlight steeply rising Pug ownership in England, with Pugs comprising over 2. These results provide a framework to identify health priorities in Pugs that can contribute positively to reforms to improve health and welfare within the breed. A good understanding of demography is critical for optimal interpretation and generalization of canine health studies [ 25 — 27 ]. The current study identified a steep rise in Pug ownership in recent years. These findings are consistent with registration data from the UK Kennel Club that recorded an increase of more than four-fold in Pug registrations between and , [ 6 ]. Unfortunately the current study was unable to identify between Kennel Club registered and unregistered dogs but work is underway within the VetCompass Programme to enable such distinction and could contribute to greater clarity on the health comparisons between these two groups. The popularity of the Pug breed has been ascribed to anthropomorphic tendencies of owners who perceived as endearing their child-like or baby-like paedomorphic physical characteristics such as flat faces and large eyes [ 10 , 28 ] and behaviours such as tractability, attention seeking, begging for food and waiting patiently [ 29 — 31 ]. Social effects such as celebrity endorsement and product advertising that features Pugs may also strongly influence breed selection decisions by prospective puppy buyers [ 32 — 36 ]. However, increasing popularity of individual breeds is not necessarily a benign phenomenon. Extreme conformational features of the Pug such as large dark round eyes and flat faces that are appealing to humans have been associated with welfare concerns for the dogs [ 10 , 28 , 37 ]. There are also fears that increased demand for Pugs may contribute to suboptimal breeding and welfare standards as breeders and suppliers rapidly attempt to fulfil the heightened consumer demand [ 38 ]. Large numbers of Pug puppies are reported to be imported into the UK, both legally and illegally, with consequent health and behavior risks to these puppies themselves as well as concerns about the introduction of non-endemic diseases such as rabies into the UK [ 39 — 41 ]. Consequently, surveillance of the health of the general population of Pugs in the UK is of increasing importance to support both dog welfare and UK national disease status activities. Bodyweight growth curves are commonly used for health screening and surveillance in humans, especially because of increasing public health concern over childhood undernutrition and obesity [ 42 ] and may similarly contribute to improved nutritional health in dogs. However, diversity between dog breeds in their relative and absolute growth rates implies canine growth curves should be generated from populations that are representative by sex, breed and geography for the target animals for optimal reliability [ 43 ]. Unsurprisingly, the results confirmed that male Pugs median bodyweight 8. Canine growth curves could also assist with estimation of age, for example in puppies presented for importation to the UK to validate the consistency between the stated age and bodyweight [ 40 ]. The lower proportion of Pugs recorded with at least one disorder may partially be explained by the younger age of Pugs in the current study median age: 3. However, these results also suggest that, despite well-documented health concerns in Pugs, many individuals in this breed are not diagnosed with illness over extended periods of observation and that gaining a full understanding of health issues in Pugs will be a complex undertaking that also requires data on disease duration and severity [ 7 , 11 ]. A review of breed predispositions to disease identified 25 disorders have been reported as over-represented in Pugs [ 7 ]. A loose comparison between these breed predispositions and the current study identified just eight of the 25 over-represented disorders that were also among the 25 most common disorders recorded in Pugs shown in Table 2 : corneal disorder, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , upper respiratory tract noise increased, intertrigo, respiratory noise increased, pruritus, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and coughing. Obesity has previously been recognised as a serious concern in Pugs. The Kennel Club cite being significantly overweight as a point of concern for special attention by show judges under its Breedwatch scheme [ 4 ]. In a study of show-visiting dogs, Pugs had the second highest mean body condition of 64 dog breeds evaluated [ 44 ]. Obesity is a clinically relevant disorder in dogs because of associations with disorders including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, skin and musculoskeletal disease, exercise and heat intolerance, metabolic syndrome and increased surgical and anaesthetic risk [ 13 , 47 — 49 ]. In contrast, corneal disorders did not rank among the top twenty disorders recorded across all dog breeds in England [ 17 ]. Corneal disorders cover a spectrum of presentations including pigmentation, opacity, vascularisation, scarring, erosion, ulceration and perforation, many of which are non-specific biological responses to various noxious stimuli, including mechanical abrasion, immune-mediated keratitis, trauma, and tear film disorders [ 51 ]. A high prevalence of primary periocular and ocular problems, including macroblepharon, entropion, distichiasis, ectopic cilia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, has been previously documented in Pugs, and secondary corneal disease may ensue [ 52 — 56 ]. Selection towards exaggerated brachycephalic facial morphologies have been suggested to promote the occurrence of ocular disorders in Pugs [ 10 , 37 , 57 , 58 ]. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS defines variable clinical presentations resulting from underlying primary or secondary disorders that include stenotic nares, enlarged tonsils, elongated soft palate, everted lateral saccules of the larynx, narrowed rima glottides, collapse of the larynx and tracheal hypoplasia [ 60 — 62 ]. Dogs affected by BOAS often have severe dyspnoea and inspiratory stridor leading to exercise intolerance and potentially heat stress [ 62 ]. In support of this normalisation phenomenon, more than half of owners of dogs diagnosed with BOAS at a referral centre stated that their dog did not have breathing problems [ 66 ]. Such normalisation phenomena may blind owners and veterinarians to disorders in commonly affected breeds and constrain reforms intended to improve the welfare of affected breeds [ 61 , 66 , 67 ] as well as also contributing to the apparently low prevalence of BOAS and other respiratory problems recorded in the current study. Two congenital or early-developmental disorders, retained deciduous teeth 3. By contrast, neither disorder appeared in the top twenty disorders recorded across all breeds in a previous study [ 17 ]. This suggests that retained deciduous teeth and umbilical hernia may be more common in Pugs than in the general population of dogs. However, these findings need to be interpreted carefully because, as discussed above, the relative excess of younger individuals in the current study may positively confound the apparent risks for disorders that occur during the early life period. The study had some limitations. Studies based on reviews of medical records of animals may under-estimate the true disease burden by predominantly including those more severely affected animals that warrant veterinary management and there may be reduced reporting of less severely affected animals that may be less likely to be clinically presented [ 61 ]. The practices participating in the study were situated mainly in central and south-east England and therefore may not be fully representative of the overall veterinary practice structure and caseloads in England. Case definitions and diagnosis recording relied heavily on the clinical acumen and note-making of attending practitioners [ 17 ]. The current study ranked disorders based on prevalence but additional data on duration and severity are also required for effective welfare prioritisation of disorders [ 68 , 69 ]. Clinical variants of some diseases may be recorded using distinct disorder terms and therefore the overall prevalence for these diseases may be fragmented into separate prevalence values for each of multiple more-specific diagnostic term, giving the illusion of lower prevalence [ 17 ]. The current study attempted to overcome such artefacts by also providing grouped-level precision results for common disorders to improve interpretability. Reporting the maximum bodyweight recorded during the adult period of life may have upwardly biased the bodyweight results compared with average bodyweights of Pugs at any one point in time. Additionally, it is worth noting that bodyweight values may be poor proxy measures for obesity status. Conclusions This study of over one thousand Pugs documented steeply rising ownership of Pugs in England and provides important disorder information on the general population of Pugs. The head-and-neck region was the most commonly affected body location. These results provide a framework to identify health priorities in Pugs and can contribute positively to reforms to improve health and welfare within the breed. Can a non-standard colored pug still be registered with a kennel club? For example: the AKC recognizes two pug colors as breed standard, fawn and black. These are the colors required for a pug to be a show dog and compete in the ring. They are the breed standard. However, a non-fawn or black pug can still be AKC registered — they will just not be allowed in the show ring. Silver-fawn, apricot, and even rare and controversial colors like brindle, can be registered with the AKC and listed as an alternate color. So, if you see a non-standard colored pug listed as registered with the AKC, it is entirely possible. You can read it here. The pug breed standard is the blueprint for the breed, and the target for which breeders should aim. The Pug Dog Club of America firmly states that: All reputable breeders of pugs are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black. The most common pug colors: Fawn Pug Fawn is the most common pug color. Their muzzle or mask, and ears, should be as black as possible. Black Pug Even though fawn is the most common color of pug, the black gene is dominant. Black pugs have a rich, dark coat, and their muzzle or mask, and ears are black too. Silver-fawn and Silver Pugs Silver-fawn is oftentimes labeled as a type of fawn. They have a shiny gray sheen to their coats and are the lightest color a pug can be. Silver-fawn pugs are pretty rare, and many who have them categorize them as fawns, instead of silver-fawns. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs have warm undertones of orange in their coats. The hues of orange are richer and deeper in color than the common fawn coloring. They include:. The report utilises publicly available data offered by The Kennel Club to describe health and breeding-related statistics and information. Included is information on litter statistics, inbreeding values, caesareans and AI, breeding stock used, health schemes and genetic testing. The report is clear and speaks for itself. For those who wonder why the separation by colour: the designation of colour variations differ from breed to breed and across registries. Generally speaking, within the Pug breed, puppies or litters of puppies are registered by colour as either Standard as described in the Pug Breed Standard or Non-Standard and other colour. However, the breeding community may be quite sensitive on this issue and feel there are differences across breeders and dogs beyond the colours. Of course, it can also happen that the occasional non-standard colour puppy might simply not be registered. Interestingly, but perhaps unrelatedly, the median number of puppies per litter was slightly higher in the NBS litters. One area of particular interest in wider discussions on breed-health strategies, is the limited extent to which existing health programs have been embraced by breeders. There is a caution, however, that this might have been impacted by the Covid pandemic, so future reports will be needed. Testing was less frequent for NBS litters. Summary of Findings See paper for further discussion and descriptions of calculations, e. Smith, Parameter.

These dogs might not be so common but asking in your local shelter can also be an option. The most important thing is to find a dog that is healthy and that seems alert. Saint Berxers are active dogs that require plenty of outdoor time. In addition to regular walks, this breed needs room to play outside without being held up by a leash. They need a nice tree to lay under or they should have an open opportunity to head indoors when they feel the need. Unlike some other large breed dogs, this mixed breed tends to be more loving and affectionate than it is stubborn and independent. This dog makes it a priority to protect their family members, but they are never aggressive in social situations unless a clear and serious threat has been detected. This beautiful mixed breed is energetic and wants to play during much of their waking hours. Saint Berxers are intelligent and easy to train, even for first-time dog owners. They like to please their family members and are typically willing to do just about anything for a treat. With some socialization, the Saint Berxer will warm up to strangers quickly even if they are a little suspect at first. Owners should make sure that someone is home to be with them throughout the day or consider hiring a pet sitter or walker a few times a week. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Families that live in apartments may want to opt for a dog with lower energy levels. But families with kids of all ages, big hearts, houses, fenced yards, and plenty of time for walking and playing would make perfect mates for the Saint Berxer. You can expect a Saint Berxer to cuddle up with a cat just as quickly as it would snuggle with one of your children. In short, this breed can get along with a variety of other animals as long as they are properly introduced. These dogs should eat two or three separate meals a day to support their digestive system. Wet or dry dog food should be formulated to support large dog breeds and should be free of unnecessary fillers like corn and soy. Look for foods that contain carrots, peas, spinach, and flaxseed instead. Walking through your neighborhood, hiking in the woods, spending time at a dog park, and playing games like hide-and-seek inside all count toward exercise. If a Saint Berxer does not know how to sit and stay, it could accidentally destroy your belongings while trying to get along in the house thanks to its large stature. So, training should start early and should be done often until the pup can quickly comply with commands regularly. However, this mixed breed would do well should owners choose to invest time and money in guard training. Drool can be cleaned off the coat with a damp cloth. This mixed breed is active enough to keep its nails nice and short, but they do need a little help when it comes to keeping their ears and teeth clean. A veterinarian can monitor your dog as they age to catch any possible problems early, so they can be addressed before any serious illnesses develop. Minor Conditions. If a Saint Bernard Mix takes after their Saint Bernard parent, they grow into a large, friendly, and gentle dog that loves nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants. They tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. As long as they have been well-socialized, they are also open and friendly to meeting strangers. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Saint Bernard Mix. You do still want to talk to the breeder to make sure you are aware of any potential quirks the other parent breed could introduce. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the type of behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue those things once you bring a puppy home. A Saint Bernard is a moderately adaptable dog. They tend to be better suited for larger homes that have enough space for them. They can adapt to apartment living, but their size is an obstacle in smaller spaces. They are a cold-weather breed that can do well in a variety of climates, but not necessarily tropical or hot climates. They also do not like to spend a lot of time alone. If the other parent breed does not introduce any traits that could affect adaptability, then you can expect a Saint Bernard Mix to be moderately adaptable as well. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health of the parents. From the Saint Bernard side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Saint Bernard Mix include eye disease, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. As a large dog breed, they are also at a higher risk of bloat. Knowing how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and what symptoms to look for can make sure you are able to get help if you need it. Although they grow into a giant dog, the Saint Bernard is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent and eager to please. If the other parent breed is also easy to train and a good fit for novice owners, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. There are several benefits of puppy training classes outside of training, so they tend to be a good idea regardless. A Saint Bernard Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. The Saint Bernard coat has two varieties — long and short. No matter which coat type, the care is the same. If a Saint Bernard Mix inherits the Saint Bernard coat, they will shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath are the minimum; daily brushing is recommended during seasonal shedding events. Nail trims once or twice a month keep them from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care with dog-friendly toothpaste helps prevent dental diseases later in life. The Saint Bernard may be a large working dog, but they are not high-energy. They sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough to keep them happy. Because they are happy to spend time with you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed also sits in a moderate range, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. If they are lower or higher energy, then you will need to be prepared for a mix to be somewhere in that potential range. Fully-grown Saint Bernards usually stand inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. A Saint Bernard generally lives for years on average. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Saint Bernard Mix. Featured Saint Bernard Mix Article.