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Little boy reverse brindle with a black mask and white stripe on nose. Comet Found his forever home Home: Gallery Just a few of the wonderful families who love our puppies. We had a boxer that we bought from a breeder in our area but they were no longer breeding. We wanted to make sure that our puppy would be healthy and not inbred. There were many boxers available in our area, but they were not from recommended breeders. We were one of the first people to call about the puppies and they were only a couple days old. Shannon was a big help in picking out our little girl, Kaiyah. We had to decide mainly from pictures since we live 3 hours away. We went to see her and put our deposit down a week later. Shannon was able to answer any questions we had and the puppies were very well cared for. The Mother and Father were both there for us to meet and were well mannered. When we got her home and took her to the vet, he was very pleased. He raves about her every time she is there and tells us what a beautiful boxer she is. He wanted to know where we got her and told us that the breeders did a very good job. The Duncan family I have been a Boxer lover for 24 years. Needless to say, it took awhile to think about getting another addition to our family. My other boxer girl was so lonely we decided to start looking for a brother for her. My husband came across Shannon's name in the paper, so we checked out her website. I immediately fell in love with a male, by the time I called he was already picked by another gentleman. So with careful thought we took the ride to see the other male, to our delight we got to meet Shannon, Jack and Tesla and Reyes, what beautiful dogs, when we met our male it was destiny, he high fived my husband, we were sold. Another reason I knew we were taking Jaxson is Shannon was very knowledgeable about this wonderful breed, and she had both parents and puppies on organic food, that was very important to me, as knowing the breed the way I do, I know they thrive on the better foods. So time will tell. Thank you Shannon for keeping this wonderful breed alive, we will keep in touch forever. I wanted a puppy that came from a loving home where the parents were family pets. I found lots of puppies that appealed to me in looks, but for 1 reason or another, did not feel comfortable with the breeder. When we arrived for our visit, we met the parents of the puppies; both were beautiful, friendly, well cared for, family dogs. She is absolutely the best dog! From the moment we left with her, she never cried or whined at being separated from her Mom or littermates. I think she knew she was with her family! She loves nothing more than being where we are. Shelby is a happy, healthy, funny, beautiful, energetic girl who brings joy to our lives every day. Orchard Park is 3 hours away, but was well worth the trip! I would definitely contact Shannon again when we are ready for another boxer baby! Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Huntington West Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Questions about Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Huntington Beach? We have answers. What can I expect from Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Huntington Beach? These dogs were bred to be companions, and they love spending time with their owners. They make wonderful family dogs, and they also have hypoallergenic coats. All in all, they are fantastic dogs and it is no surprise that they are so popular. Simply start here by searching the selection of Huntington Beach Bernedoodle breeders and companies at Uptown. Once you have found your dream puppy, all you have to do is get in touch with the breeder and take it from there. In no time at all, you could be meeting your gorgeous new Bernedoodle puppy and welcoming it into your home. Do Bernedoodle puppies Huntington Beach need a lot of exercise each day? Huntington Beach Bernedoodle puppies for sale need to get a good amount of exercise every day for their physical as well as mental health, like all dogs. How much should this be? Your dog should ideally get about an hour or more of physical exercise as an adult, which could mean one or two walks a day plus some extra playtime at home. How can I meet my Bernedoodle for sale in Huntington Beach? The Bernedoodle breeders in Huntington Beach here are experts at arranging puppy travel. One of the most popular options is to meet your new pup at your nearest major airport, which is possible anywhere in the country apart from Alaska and Hawaii. What makes Uptown Puppies better than other places? There are a lot of scammers out there! At Uptown Puppies, all the Bernedoodle breeders Huntington Beach must meet our high breeding standards so you can be sure that your puppy comes from a good place. Is this the place to find the cheapest Bernedoodle puppies in Huntington Beach? If you want to get a healthy and happy puppy and you want to be sure that it has been bred ethically, start your search here today. Are Bernedoodles for sale in Huntington Beach easy dogs to train? One of the great things about Bernedoodles is that they are so intelligent! This is a trait they get from their Poodle parents, because the Poodle is the smartest breed of all. What this means is that Bernedoodles have no problems when it comes to training. However, they can be a bit stubborn, so patience will be required. Nothing at all! We love reputable shelters at Uptown Puppies, and they can be a good choice for many people. But some people want to find a very specific type of dog like a Bernedoodle for sale Huntington Beach, or they want to know the full health and behavioral history of their puppy. What dog food do you recommend? One Bernedoodle may like one food while another turns its nose up at it. You may have to try a few different foods, but make sure that your dog enjoys a healthy and nutritious diet. Talk to your vet to find out what they recommend. What exactly is a Bernedoodle? When you start looking for a Bernedoodle Huntington Beach, you may be wondering exactly what they are. These dogs are a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, and they can be different sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent. They were bred to be companion dogs, and they are friendly and intelligent dogs that make wonderful pets. Are purebred and mixed breed dogs very different? While purebred dogs are bred to meet very specific standards and to maintain those standards across litters, mixed breed dogs have more than one breed in their ancestry. This does not mean that one is any better than the other, and they are both wonderful types of dogs. It simply depends on your preferences for the type of dog you want for your family.

Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

These sweet-natured dogs are always patient with children and are tolerant towards their family as well as strangers. The Beagos are calm and docile dogs with an eagerness to please. They are neither hostile towards other pets nor are they timid or nervous. They make great family dogs that hate spending hours alone. Being light-hearted and lively, these dogs love working with people. They remain focused on their task until they become tired. They may also show some of the retrieving behavior of their Golden Retriever parents, such as fetching the newspaper, or waking up their family members. When intruders come around, they will bark to alert their owners. Care Exercise The beagle retriever mix is an active breed of dog that needs an hour of vigorous exercises regularly. It loves outdoor activities, which means it would be more than happy to go for a walk or a jog. Playing sessions involving a game of fetch in the backyard is also needed to keep your pet mellow and mentally satiated. You should provide your Beago with plenty of soft toys so that it can keep itself busy inside the house. Remember, a Beago is happiest when it has something to play with. Grooming Caring for this dog requires nothing extraordinary. Regular brushing is needed to remove the loose hairs from its coat, keeping them from settling all over the house. An occasional bath is necessary to keep it looking clean and smelling good. Its long, fold-over ears need to be frequently cleaned to prevent ear infections. To clean its outer ear, apply a pH-balanced ear cleaner using a cotton ball. Trimming its nails once a month as well as brushing its teeth times a week will help in keeping your pet in good condition. Health Problems Like most crossbred dogs, the beagle retriever mix is prone to some of the breed-specific health issues affecting its parents. Therefore, you should be aware of dog ailments such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, cancer, and heart diseases. Training These are highly trainable pets with the ability to learn quickly. The golden retriever and beagle mix dogs need exposure to new people as well as other pets when they are young. This will help them become a sociable and well-rounded pet. You can enroll your Beago puppy in obedience classes that will help your pet learn some of the rules of living in a family. Feeding When it comes to feeding your Beago, you may consider giving it commercial dry food garnished with a little bit of canned food, cottage cheese, or meat to add flavor. You may also give a healthy raw-food diet or a home-cooked diet, but make sure that the nutritional balance is correct. The daily amount of dry food required by an adult Beago is 1. The Beagle was originally bred in England during the 16th century, where well-to-do Englishmen owned smaller hounds beagles which were used for hunting small prey like rabbits. While the Golden Retriever was first bred in by Lord Tweedmouth when he mated a yellow wavy-coated retriever with a water spaniel and then crossed their offspring with bloodhounds, Irish Setters, and other Retrievers. So, considering how long both of their parental breeds have been around, the Beago Retriever is considered to be a relatively new crossbreed created in the s in the United States. This dog breed has participated in several dog sports, like competitive obedience and agility. Because of their high intelligence level and keen sense of smell, they have been widely used for search and rescue operations and the detection of narcotics. It is not uncommon for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Therefore, it is not easy to say which breed your dog will take after more, the Golden or the Beagle. But what can be said is that this breed will surely be one awesome, great dog to add to your family! Golden Retriever Beagle Mix Appearance Because this breed is mixed, it is difficult to predict precisely what the puppy will look like. Just like with humans, all the children in the family can look different based on how many genes come from the mother versus the father. Same with puppies! If the puppy takes after the Golden Retriever parent more, then the puppy will be bigger in size and weight. The hybrid breed could be between 21 and 24 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds. Male dogs tend to be on the higher side, while females are on the lower side. If the puppy takes after the Beagle parent more, then the puppy will be a bit smaller in size and weight. Then it will probably be between 13 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 20 to 75 pounds. Again, the male leans toward the heavier end and the female toward the lighter end. When it comes to the coat texture of the dog, it could be sleek and shiny like that of the beagle parent or long and thick like that of the Golden parent. With the coat texture, you usually get the middle ground and can expect medium-length hair. This mixed breed is generally more hypoallergenic than the parental breeds. If you are allergic to other dogs, this could be the breed for you. However, the Golden Retriever Beagle is known to be a medium to heavy shedder. Now color is a whole different story. The color can range from black, brown, white, red, fawn, or cream, brindle usually implies some striping , to pied means light-colored skin with several dark patches. So, the golden retriever beagle can be a single color to a mix with some striping or dark patches!! But no matter the color, they all are adorable! Golden Retriever Beagle Mix Temperament The disposition of this mixed breed is the best you could want from a pet! This particular breed loves people of all ages and loves to be with other pets in the family as well. Because of this, they make the best family pet addition. One of the most likable characteristics of the Beago is how friendly they are. This breed is very affectionate. They have a huge desire to be petted and to lick you. They want to be close to their family, whether to play or just lay beside you while you are resting. They are not the type of dog that will stay quietly in a crate for an extended period of time alone. They love to be in social interactions and especially at the center of attention. Beagos are extremely smart, and they understand the social situations they may be in and their human expectations of them. While Beagos are high-energy dogs, they are usually calmer than their parental breeds. Be prepared though, because Beagos are high-energy dogs and crave attention, they do not like to be left home alone all day. If you leave your Beago alone to their own defenses too often, they could become quite destructive because of their boredom. They can also become quite anxious whenever they know you are leaving the house without them. As mentioned before, the Beago is a highly active breed. At a minimum, they will require 45 to 60 minutes of running around time daily. That means rainy days, snowy days, and sunny days! This breed acts like a puppy even in their senior years when you are talking about their energy level! And because of their high intelligence level, you must also include mental activities. It is a plus to have a fenced-in yard for your Beago. Having a nice-sized fenced-in yard will allow them some run-around playtime on their own throughout the day. Taking them for two minute daily walks is also a good idea. Some other ideas for physical activity could be taking them to a doggie park to run around and socialize with other people and dogs. If you jog, hike, or run, take your Beago with you. Play ball or frisbee with your Beago. Of if you have children, let your Beago play with your children. But please, never leave any dog unattended with a young child. Some ideas for mental stimulation for your Beago include: playing hide and seek, using food puzzles, creating obstacle courses for your Beago, and teaching them dog tricks, to name a few. After mental stimulation play time, put their toys away. You might even want to teach your Beago to put their own toys away. They love to please you, so make sure you praise and treat them with special snacks when they listen! Training Your Golden Retriever Beagle In view of the fact that this breed is very intelligent, it should go without saying that they are easily trainable. However, as with most breeds, it is essential that training is started when the pups are young, and it is consistent. The Beago lives to please their owners. So, make sure you give plenty of positive reinforcement and yummy treats when training. Never yell or use harsh corrections when training unless it is to avoid serious harm to your pup. Beagos are very sensitive. Yelling or hitting your pup when they do not listen will not work well when training. This kind of behavior will alienate your pet and cause the opposite effect. Instead, redirect and reward them immediately when they follow instructions. However, as with the parental breeds, the Beagos are prone to obesity. So, while giving yummy treats is almost necessary during training, ensure you follow up all those treats with some extra exercise. Make sure you teach your pup all the usual commands, such as sit, stay, come, wait, and leave it. And you can teach them cool tricks like roll over, give me a paw or shake, play dead, and walk on their hind legs. Part of your training should include socialization around new people and other pets. It should also include outdoor social interactions. Introduce your pup to new people and pets early, and take them to outdoor pet-friendly restaurants and pet-friendly stores so they learn what is expected from them at a young age. To keep your Beago engaged and wanting to learn more, you will need to make training exciting and fun to keep their desire to learn what you are teaching ongoing. Remember, they live to please you, their owner. Grooming and Care of the Golden Retriever Beago The grooming of your Beago will depend on which parental breed it takes after the most. However, they will require more maintenance if they resemble the Golden Retriever parent with a longer coat. Beagles only need to be brushed about once a week, while Goldens require a minimum of every other day. It is wise to start nail care early on. If you do not like using nail clippers on your pet, try introducing them to a Dremel early on. A Dremel is less traumatic to your pet than nail clippers. To properly introduce your pup to the Dremel, just touch it to their paws. If they are ok with that, praise them and treat them. Next, follow this by rubbing the Dremel against their nails, still with the Dremel off. Again, praise and treat. Let your pet smell it while you are praising and treating them. They will associate the Dremel as being good and them getting treats. Next, offer peanut butter on a toy sometimes this is best done with two people , then turn the Dremel on. Let them get used to the noise and then rub it against their nails. Next thing you know, you will be filing down their nails like a pro — all the while, your Beago loves it because you are praising and treating, and they love to make you happy! You will want to trim their nails before they get too long. Long nails become painful for your dog, and they tend to break off. Depending on how the nail breaks, it can create an opening that leads to infection. Plus, using a Dremel on shorter nails is much easier for you and your Beago. You will want to bathe your Beago probably once a month. More if they are super active and get into a lot of dirt or mud. Bathing too frequently leads to dry skin. And always use shampoos made for dogs. Since they have floppy ears, they tend to be prone to yeast infections in their ears. Clean their ears weekly to prevent this. Again, use toothpaste that is meant for dogs. Giving your dog a dental cleaning treat such as Greenies daily is also a good idea; Greenies will keep plaque buildup to a minimum and keep their breath smelling fresh. Lastly, proper feeding is crucial to the health of your Beago. In addition, you can add a bit of canned dog food, cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, or some cooked or raw egg to mix into the dry dog food to add some exciting flavor to the kibble to keep your dog happy. You might prefer to feed your dog a raw diet or homemade food, which is fine. You might have to add some supplements to this kind of diet and adjust the amount of food given. Health Issues of the Golden Retriever Beagle Mix One of the main reasons breeders crossbreed dogs is to avoid the health concerns that the parental breeds are susceptible to. Also, if you get your Beago from a breeder, you should ask for the health certificate of the parents so you can be aware if the parents had any of these conditions and alert your vet to the fact. But that said, do not leave toddlers unattended with your Beago. Beagos can be stubborn as puppies, especially when you are training them. They are extremely friendly, so do not depend on them to be a watchdog. While their barking will alert you to strangers, their barking is more of a request to be petted by the stranger than an attempt to scare the visitor away. While the Beago is a high-energy dog, Beagos tend to be calmer than either of their parental breeds. Beagos can have large, almost pleading adorable eyes. You can almost tell what your pet is thinking by looking at their expressive eyebrows. And you swear, when they look at you, they are looking deep into your soul. They will learn very quickly how to melt your heart and get their way — remember they are very smart! Beagos can be nosier than most dogs. However, because they are so easy to train, you can quickly teach them not to bark so much. Just be consistent in your training. Both parental breeds were hunters and retrievers. Beagos have tons of energy because their parents were trained to hunt all day. They are known to be funny and, at times, maybe a little eccentric. The Golden Retriever Beagle Mix is very curious, and this natural curiosity can, at times, get them into trouble. But this curious, adventurous nature makes them perfect for families with children, especially when they live in a nice size fenced-in yard that leads to many opportunities for safe exploration. The Golden Retriever Beagle Mix is a people-person dog. They want to be with family. Do not get this particular breed if you do not plan on bringing them everywhere you go. They want to be with their loved ones, not at home alone. Since this particular crossbreed has very few health problems, it is one of the least costly breeds to own. And since they could live to be seventeen years old, they are a long-term commitment, not to be taken lightly. This dog breed is a loving sweet-natured dog whose main goal in their life is to please their owner, to love and be loved. What better dog could you want for your family? Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. There are the basics that every dog needs such as food, toys, a bed, anti-flea and tick drops, microchips, etc. Visit your vet to talk about regular checkups, vaccinations, and the best diet you can provide for them. These puppies will eventually grow into very energetic dogs. If you have enough time and energy to dedicate to your pup, they can become a loving member of your family. They are a great option for active families and anyone who loves the outdoors. Typically, they will look like a small Golden Retriever with big eyes and floppy ears. Their coat can also be completely golden, or it can be multi-colored like their Beagle parents. This makes the Beago in the top 3. This makes the Beago a very intelligent, alert pup with a sniffer that would rival a BloodHounds. This is a happy and playful pet that makes a great family dog. They are super intelligent with a lot of energy. They also have a lot of spunk, courage, and charisma. This is a pup that is eager to get outside to run, play fetch, or just go for a ride. You will also find this breed is very loyal and protective of their family. Though they are not aggressive in the least, they will stay close when they feel danger is around. They will also give a warning bark when one is warranted. Interestingly, you will find this happy pooch is more likely to bark in excitement than in anger. That being said, this is not a pup who will have issues with anxiety, either. You can also count on this hybrid to be a watchdog. As mentioned, they will give an alert if they are started or something is fishy. Then again, they are very friendly, so a quick pat will have them eating that bark quickly. You should also be aware that they have a very sensitive nose that they will follow into some trouble if not watched carefully. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Although we mentioned it above, this is a very social and friendly pup who will get along with everyone. Another great quality that makes this breed an excellent family companion is their patience. They can take quite a bit of poking, whisker pulling, and tail tugs without becoming annoyed. This makes them a great choice if you have toddlers. Even better, they will also follow the kids around like a worried parent. Single and the Beago If you live alone, Beago is also a good choice. In this case, though, you want to make sure you have a lot of time to spend with them. If you work from home or can bring your furball along with you is best. Though they will not suffer from separation issues, they can become lonely and depressed with the lack of connection to their family. It is interesting to note that the Beago tends to be more protective of single pet-parents than they do in a family setting. They are more apt to be wary of strangers, and they like to stay close at night. Of course, this could be due to the development of a stronger bond when your attention is mostly on them. On the flip side, they are also more likely to become depressed when left alone. As a social animal, they will get along well with other canines whether they be pets or just friends they meet at the local park. You will find your Beago is eager to run up to other dogs to make friends and start a game to chase. They are also rarely aggressive to other canines, jealous of your attention, or have territorial issues with their space or food. That being said, it is with smaller animals where things can get a bit hairy on time. With a strong hunting background, this pup has a fantastic sense of smell and a well-preserved prey drive. They are likely to chase squirrels, chipmunks, or any other smaller animals. You may also see this behavior with other pets like cats or gerbils. Again, they are not likely to hurt them, but they will give them a good chase up a tree; or your curtains. That being said, with early socialization, it is very possible to have a multi-creature, peaceful home. A post shared by Graham Moore instagraham. What else is there to know? Trust us, a lot! Not to fret, however, that is what we will cover next! They need to have nutritious meals that contain all the vitamins, minerals, and supplements appropriate for their age, weight, size, and health. Although we can give you a bunch of tips and we will , the best place to get a detailed meal plan is your vet. Especially as this pup is prone to weight gain. Of course, not everyone can do that, so here are some basic tips for giving them healthy meals and treats. Single Lean Protein: Some of the best recipes are made with a single lean protein source. Simply put, they use fat for energy to boost protein to strengthen their muscles. That being said, you want to find healthy fats like fish oil or chicken fat. This allows them to be flexible, strong, and able to keep up with their active lifestyle. Gut Health: Many canine experts believe that gut health is a barometer for how everything else is doing in the body. This is why you want to find food that has good levels of fiber, probiotics, and other healthy digestive ingredients. Artificial Ingredients: This is what you want to stay away from. Artificial ingredients like food color and preservatives are unhealthy for your pet and should be avoided. Sugar and Salt: Both of these ingredients can cause serious health issues for your pup including fatal conditions. That being said, they can and should eat a small amount of both. Just make sure you are not giving your pet table scraps that are high in either ingredient. Vitamins and Minerals: Both vitamins and minerals are important for your pet. What these specific nutrients are will depend on their age, weight, health, and lifestyle, so you should consult your vet. The Beago requires at least two minute walks per day plus some additional exercise in the backyard or dog park. This equals about six to seven miles of walking or jogging per week. This designer breed has a lot of energy to burn, yet they also need attention and connection with you. Playing games like fetch or tug of war is great. Going on hiking trips or swimming is also fun. If you are a hunter, even better, as this canine will be very helpful. On the other hand, you want to keep your pup on a leash when out for a walk. Between their sense of smell and prey drive, they are likely to take off in excitement before you know what happened. Though they respond to commands well, their baser instincts can take over. Toys and Games If you are not a hunter, your dog will benefit from other games that put their mental abilities to work. Games of hide and seek with a stuffed animal or an agility course is great and will give them a lot of satisfaction. Besides that, you also want to give them toys to play with. Like most dogs, the most important toy is something to chew one, but you can also try tug ropes, stuffed animals, and puzzles. Regardless of what you pick, they will enjoy playing with them when you are not available to play. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and patient nature, they will not only catch on quickly but they can stand longer training sessions than most. That being said, they must know you are in charge. This pup can have a stubborn side, but it is usually more prevalent when they are mistreated or frustrated. Like with most dogs, they respond well to positive reinforcement. Praise and treats will go a long way to smoothing the road for a well-behaved pup. Also, consistency and repetition are good guidelines to follow. You need to start training your pet as early as possible in their puppy years. When young, they are not as likely to focus for extended periods, so keep the training short and exciting when they are super young. A post shared by Silas The Great silas. Still, it is pretty basic. They will need to have their fur brushed several times a week, maybe more during the shedding season. If they have shorter fur like the Beagle, you can use a slicker brush to smooth their coat. With longer fur, however, you want to go with a pin brush to make sure they are not getting any tangles or knots. The Golden Retriever can have a decent amount of shed, so people with allergies to pet dander may have a more difficult time. This breed is prone to ear infections, so you want to check them twice a week for redness, mites, wax, and signs of irritation. You also want to swab the ears clean once a week with a soft cloth and approved ear cleaning solution for dogs. You can also use warm water, but avoid using soap. Teeth and nail care is pretty basic. A guillotine nail clipper usually works best. As far as their chompers, you want to attempt cleaning as often as you can. You may also want to consider dental treats or gels to aid in keeping plaque to a minimum. Of course, annual vet check-ups are recommended, as well. That being said, each canine can develop different ailments depending on their lifestyle, age, weight, and genetics. Below, take a look at some of these issues that are predisposed to their parents. The Beago is a great family companion with a lot to offer their human family. They are playful, loving, and loyal. Their patience and gentle nature make them a great pet for families with small kids, while their unwavering devotion to their humans is astounding. You will also find the Beago to be fairly easy to care for. If you are looking for a fun and spunky pal to go on jogs and relax in the yard, you have found your match with this breed. Related Read:. Both parent breeds are renowned for their loyalty and intelligence, though both are also susceptible to a myriad of health concerns, which are less common in their Beago offspring. These dogs display many of the best traits of both parent breeds, making them excellent pets and hunters that are sure to continue growing in popularity. 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. Those that are intended for showing or hunting could cost substantially more. Adopting a dog from a shelter can save you a substantial amount of money while giving a lucky pup a second chance at a great life. See what their reputation is like and read any testimonials or reviews you can find. When you go to look at the puppies, look around the facilities and see what kind of conditions the puppies are kept in. This makes them incredibly easy to get along with. Naturally, with both sets of genes, Beagos can be expected to turn out equally friendly. These dogs tend to be quite affectionate and will take love from just about everyone. If you leave your Beago alone too much, it could become destructive out of boredom and anxiety. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With hunting deep in their genes, it can be hard for a Beago to turn off its prey drive. As such, smaller animals like cats and even small dogs can often set a Beago off, resulting in a chase. Naturally, this can be quite dangerous for other little critters. Granted, if you properly socialize your Beago often from an early age, you might be able to avoid such behaviors, but a strong prey drive is inherent in this breed. They have tons of energy thanks to their hunter parents. Both Golden Retrievers and Beagles are known for their outstanding endurance, and the Beago inherits this trait from them. All that energy is going to need an outlet, so you should expect to spend a good minutes exercising your Beago every day. If you skip this, your Beago could get bored and start displaying destructive behaviors that can be difficult to untrain. Luckily, their Beago offspring also display this affinity for training. Beagles have very short coats that need little upkeep while Golden Retrievers have much longer coats that require a bit more maintenance. If your dog takes after the Beagle side more, then it will probably only need its coat brushed once per week. For Beagos that have more of a Golden Retriever coat, brushing up to three times each week might be necessary. Keep them clean and make sure to always inspect for buildup, redness, mites, and any other signs of poor ear health. Minor Conditions. Updated: October 17th, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. The golden retriever and the beagle are extremely popular dog breeds, and a lot of people have a hard time deciding which will be a better fit for their family. Fun-loving, playful, and active, both beagles and golden retrievers make wonderful companions and family dogs. But, while these two breeds share some traits, they are also different in many ways. Keep on reading to find out! On the other hand, a golden retriever is a medium to large size dog that is better suited for larger homes with access to outdoor space. The beagle is a small, hardy, and compact scent hound and an excellent hunting dog. Most beagles are between 13 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. By comparison, we have a golden retriever, a medium to large size gun dog that belongs to the sporting dog group. Measuring 20 to 24 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 55 and 75 pounds , the golden is a significantly larger dog than the beagle. According to the golden retriever breed standard , goldens should have a broad skull, strong jaws, and dark brown eyes. Unlike the beagle with its short double coat, the golden retriever has a medium-long, dense double coat. Depending on your personal preferences, you may find that you like short-coated breeds like the beagle more than long-haired dogs, or vice versa. Beagles have smooth, dense, and short double coats that are resistant to rain. However, the most common color for beagles is tricolor with a black saddle, white chest, legs, belly and tip of the tail, and tan on the head and around the saddle on the back. Golden retrievers are best known for their dense, medium-length double coat that has water-repellent properties. The coat can be straight or wavy, and goldens have fur feathering on the chest, back, tail, and thighs. The hallmark of this breed is their golden coat that can come in all shades of gold from light to dark and sometimes even red. While we are on the subject of coat, you should know that both beagles and golden retrievers shed all year round and go through a heavier shed during spring and fall. Beagle Dog vs Golden Retriever Temperament While both the beagle and the golden retriever make amazing companions and family pets to active people, they have different personality traits. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether the happy-go-lucky and determined beagle will be a better fit for your family as opposed to the eager-to-please and friendly golden retriever. Best described as sweet, funny, excitable, and amiable, beagles are wonderful companions and great hunting dogs. In a loving home, the beagle is an affectionate and curious canine that gets along well with children and other pets. Beagles like to be involved in all family activities and prefer company; otherwise, they can resort to destructive behavior. A bored beagle is particularly fond of barking and howling so make sure that your pup has a lot of toys to keep them occupied, or risk getting a noise complaint from your neighbors. Like the beagle, the golden retriever is also a highly energetic dog that makes an amazing pet to active people of all ages and families with children. Highly intelligent and obedient, the golden retriever is easy to train and is a great breed for both novice and experienced owners. Extremely social and trusting, goldens get along with everyone and will become fast friends with strangers, children, and other dogs. But, regardless of their friendly nature, all golden retrievers need training and proper socialization from a young age to grow into well-mannered and obedient dogs. Beagle And Golden Retriever Health Both the beagle and the golden retriever are considered generally healthy; however, like all other breeds, they too have certain common health problems. With that being said, not all goldens nor all beagles will get any of these diseases. Beagles have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, and may even live longer when properly cared for. Golden retrievers, on the other hand, have an average life span of 10 to 12 years. When it comes to health problems, the most common issues that affect beagles and golden retrievers are: Hip dysplasia.

Having a German Shepherd as a dog can make you anxious daily, not knowing what it is doing in your absence. Can German Shepherds be Left Alone? Check out our article Do German Shepherds get along with cats? According to research, the maximum number of hours to leave your grown German Shepherd is 4 hours. If your German shepherd is still a puppy, leaving it alone for more than one hour is not advisable. Young German Shepherds are very energetic and ponce around. They can sleep for as many as 19 — 20 hours a day, but when they are awake, they become very active. The older German Shepherds require attention for the sake of their bladder or if they are sick. Can you leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours? German Shepherds can be left alone or even in the company of other dogs. Still, it is not advisable to be left alone because of their separation anxiety and curiosity. The most your German Shepherd can and should be left alone is 4 hours. German Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety and distress when left for too long and find ways to either get to their owner or destroy the home. To begin leaving your German shepherd puppy alone, you must put them in an environment that makes you confident of their safety. It must be an environment that does not incur extra costs to replace things. There are a few tips to help you keep your mind at rest when at work. A pet cam is an amazing option for dogs like German Shepherds because of their separation anxiety. Using the pet cam provides an opportunity for your German Shepherd to see you and hear your voice even while at work. Just make sure the food provided is more than enough. If your dog has the freedom of movement in the home, you want to make sure things are in order when it comes to feeding your dog in your absence. Activity German Shepherds hate boredom and would go to any length to be entertained. They desire a lot of activity to satisfy their curiosity and restless personality. Make sure there are things to keep it busy , or else it can create sources of entertainment for itself. There are several ways a German Shepherd can be kept busy. Television and music can be left on in the house to keep it engaged Make available enough toys for it to chew on and play with Make requests from friends and neighbors to check on it and play with it Employ a dog walker to keep it active and engaged 4. Train your dog to go to the bathroom You do not want your dog messing up the whole house with pee and feces. Let your dog pick a particular spot for this, and you can train it to use a potty. Get a pee pad to signify these areas or get synthetic grass to mark them. Having a potty trained dog is important. It is easier with German Shepherds due to their intelligence. Taking your dog out for a stroll is always important. Helping your dog exhaust energy helps it through staying the day. Exercises depend on the health condition and the type of weather conditions available. Unfortunately, many people are gone for way too long, and their energetic dog breeds start getting into trouble from lack of mental stimulation. So, how long can German Shepherds be left by themselves? For puppies, this time period gets even smaller. The younger the dog, the less time you should leave them alone. They sleep a lot throughout the day, but their time awake is spent playing and exploring the house. Adolescent German Shepherds Adolescent dogs are anywhere between 6 and 18 months old. Their bladders are more developed, and they are a little more mature. Currently, it is usually okay to leave them on their own for a few hours. Still, you should limit that time because they are still full of energy. However, German Shepherds are social animals, and they love the company of their families. Despite being able to hold their bladder at this age, they are more likely to act out and howl, trying to get you to come home. This disturbs neighbors, and their lack of entertainment could cause some destruction around the house. Senior German Shepherds Senior dogs are usually older than 8 years old and need to be checked on, like adolescent dogs. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is painful and could get them in dangerous situations. Older dogs also have sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Try not to leave them alone for more than 2 or 3 hours. There are some solutions that you should seriously consider if you want to keep accidents to a minimum. Hire a Sitter Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Dog sitters or dog walkers are excellent solutions that many owners turn to when they spend their days at work. This breaks up the monotony of the day for dogs and ensures that you maintain a close bond with them. Even ten minutes of fetch can keep them feeling entertained. German Shepherds are especially loyal and all they want is to spend as much time by your side as possible. These cameras are set up around the house. How to Leave a Dog at Home Dogs do well with a consistent schedule and throwing it out of balance could give them expectations that only let them down in the future. If you must leave your German Shepherd at home alone, start by ensuring there is nothing dangerous for them to get into. Set out a lot of toys for physical and mental stimulation. Some dogs may have to be put in a crate or confined to an area with dog gates. Dogs are pack animals, and they often benefit from having a playmate. Pay attention to German Shepherd ear positions. These dogs have a way of communicating with us through their body language. Similarly, German Shepherd tail positions can tell you a lot as well. This is why so many innocent dogs are abandoned or re-homed. German Shepherds are extremely social dogs and they need as much interaction as they can get. Without it, there are some serious problems that could arise. Separation Anxiety Dogs are capable of both separation anxiety and depression. This is a significant concern for breeds like German Shepherds. Symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, drooling, pacing, howling, barking, whining, and increased heart rate. This could mean that they chew on your furniture, eat your shoes, or tear through your carpet. Some dogs get so bored that they have even been known to chew through drywall to try and escape. Restlessness After being forced to lay around all day, a lot of German Shepherds get extremely restless at night and keep their owners up. This ruins their sleep cycle and gives them random bursts of energy that also ruins yours in the process. Final Thoughts If you spend 8 hours a day at work without the ability to come home or have someone spend time with your dogs, then you might be better off not having a dog. Before bringing any breed home, do your research and make sure that you live a life that suits both of you and is going to give them an interactive and stable environment that keeps them both physically and mentally healthy. Jan 19, Your German shepherd would tell you that they should never be left home alone. In their perfect world, you would be home with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, days a year. There will be times when you have to disappoint your shepherd and leave the house to do things like go buy more dog food and toys. There is no avoiding that there will be times when your dog will have to be left alone. In those times, how long can a German shepherd be left alone? How long dogs can be safely left alone depends on several things. Their age, health, and behavior all play a huge role in how long they can be left on their own. Many experts will tell you that a dog should never be left alone for more than 4 hours. Yet, plenty of people regularly leave their dogs alone for longer than 4 hours, right? How long you decide your dog is safe to be home alone will depend on how comfortable you are leaving them and their age and overall health status. Plus, there are other things to consider when leaving your pet. Things like, do they need more frequent potty breaks, do they get anxious when left alone, are they used to being alone, what is your living situation like, and more, all need to be taken into account. But there are some rules of thumb that can guide you in your decision on how long they are okay to be alone. So, a 3-month-old puppy should not be expected to hold it for more than hours, depending on when they last ate and drank. Even the best-trained puppies will have accidents in their crate, through no fault of their own, when they are left alone longer than that. After puppyhood, a healthy dog should be able to manage on their own without a potty break for 4 hours. It helps to schedule mealtimes around this schedule if they will be indoors. Most dogs do fine alone for this amount of time. Senior dogs, however, may begin to need more bathroom breaks before 4 hours. Often, they are not as comfortable as they once were while home alone. They may require more consideration than they once did. Senior dogs can also get anxious more easily, especially when they have vision and hearing loss and have more physical ailments. Health of the Dog Although healthy dogs can easily manage for 4 hours alone, this may not be true when they are sick or hurt. Pain and disability can also give the most stoic dog anxiety when they are alone. Their need for medications, etc. Dogs that tear up the house, get into the trash, or chew the furniture are obviously not candidates to be home alone, with free roam of the house. Dogs that can be left alone know the difference between chewing on their toys and tossing your couch. If you plan on leaving any shepherd alone, they will still need plenty of daily exercise, training, and interaction to be happy and easy to live with. Separation anxiety can also affect German shepherds. Anxiety can also cause them to become destructive and even engage in behaviors that can cause them harm. If you have a shepherd with anxiety or other behavior problems, you may need to get professional help before leaving them alone. A dog door that opens into an escape proof dog run or high fenced yard is ideal. Who do you trust that is available to check in on your dog? Give them a call and make prearrangements, in case you ever need help. This of course is not the answer for everyone but if your pup enjoys the company of other dogs, they may appreciate sharing their day with one. Just be sure to find a reputable one that has cameras so you can keep an eye on how your dog is really doing. We hope you get to spend plenty of time with your wonderful German shepherd. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking. Do I need to exercise my German Shepherd? Yes, at the minimum, the dog should be exercised for at least 45 minutes, twice a day. Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, they have a heavy undercoat that requires regular brushing, at least once a week, more often if the dog is blowing its coat. If you are concerned about dog hair on the furniture and on your clothes then you should consider adopting a different breed that sheds less. Are German Shepherds good with children? Most German Shepherds are excellent with children. Much of it depends on the temperament of the children and the temperament of the dog. In general, German Shepherds are great family dogs. Are German Shepherds good with cats? It depends on the cat and its temperament and behavior. Do German Shepherds need to be crate trained? It is a good idea to crate train when the dog first arrives in your home. For puppies, it is easier to house train them using a crate. In addition, keeping a new puppy or even an adult dog in the crate when you cannot provide supervision, will keep them from chewing on items that should not be chewed on. When you crate train, the dog learns that the crate is their own safe place to go. The crate simulates a den-like environment which is comforting for the dog. Another advantage of crate training is when you take the dog to a boarding facility or to the vet, the dog is less likely to be stressed because they are already used to staying in a kennel or crate. The crate should never be used as a punishment. Should I go to a breeder to get a German Shepherd? It is a personal choice and a decision you would make based on what you feel is best for your situation. That being said, we strongly advocate adopting from a shelter or a rescue. There are so many wonderful German Shepherds that end up at the shelters through no fault of their own. Many of the dogs we rescue from shelters are purebred so we encourage you to meet our available dogs and see if you find one that steals your heart. However, this should be a gradual build-up. That being said, the limit should never exceed four hours daily. German Shepherds do not respond well to being left alone for long periods. They are high-energy dogs that thrive on companionship and affection. Dogs are, after all, derived from wolves who are pack animals. They see you as their pack and need to be part of the family. Even though they will choose one master, a German Shepherd will bond with each family member differently. So, how long can German Shepherds be left alone, legally? Legally, no law specifies exactly how long German Shepherds, and all dog breeds, can be left alone. The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals, but this only applies to dogs bred for commercial sale and those being transported or imported. Various animal neglect and cruelty laws vary by state, but the general rule in North America is that you should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours at a time. Factors to consider when deciding how long to leave your dog, in addition to age, are training, breed, housing and lifestyle conditions, and whether they have any previous experience of being left alone. My German Shepherd Willow all alone enjoying a snooze! There are similar guidelines in the UK where veterinary experts also recommend four hours as the maximum period for all dogs to be left alone. German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which may cause them pain or discomfort. Ensure they have an orthopedic bed, such as the Big Barker , that is clinically proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness. This bed is a real bed made for big dogs, is suitable for any age of large breed, and can help prevent arthritis, joint pain, and other mobility issues. German Shepherds are also prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues, and older dogs, like humans, need to pee more. How to Leave a Dog Alone Make sure you stay confident and show consistency and patience when you first leave your German Shepherd puppy home alone. Once you have made sure the area where you are leaving them is safe from any hazards, here are some important points to follow: Start off slowly, a few minutes here and there, and build up. Exercise the dog first to get them tired. Mental stimulation is just as important. Allow them to take their potty break. Use a crate or put up dog gates to confine them. Allow them access to clean fresh water. Leave interactive or chew toys for them. Play calming music if they are prone to separation anxiety. Another option is to hire a trusted dog walker to visit your home and take your dog out for a long walk or two. Walk your dog before and after you go to work. Even a short minute walk before you leave the house is enough to expend a little bit of energy whilst maintaining your close bond with them. As soon as you get home, take your German Shepherd for a long walk or, even better, some off-leash running, and play some games such as fetch. Some people have an hour of free time during the workday. You can go home and play fetch to prevent your German Shepherd from feeling lonely and provide some fun exercise for them. Flexible working is also a great solution, especially if you can start early, avoiding rush-hour traffic and being home quicker in the afternoon. Another possible solution is to work at home. Not only that, but it will save you money from having to hire a dog sitter or paying a friend every day. Get a dog camera for peace of mind. You can talk to them and even shoot out treats all from your phone! They offer a perfect solution to interact with your German Shepherd without being there. Check out the options below to see which is best for you and your dog: Give them enough toys to play with. One or two toys might not be sufficient, especially if your dog is easily distracted or gets bored quickly. Try to leave four or five of their favorite toys in their crate or wherever you leave your dog during the day. Ask visitors to stop by to play with your dog. Even if someone can come over for 15 minutes, it may be enough to keep your dog happy and entertained. It would be better if they could take your dog on a long walk, but a quick game of fetch will be more than enough to burn off some energy and curb their loneliness. When you leave them again, they will be tired and will no doubt go back to sleep. Getting another dog might seem extreme, but a buddy might be exactly what your German Shepherd needs to feel more comfortable and less stressed. In general, dogs of opposite sex pairings get along better than dogs of the same sex. Getting a second dog is a massive commitment you must consider thoroughly. Consider leaving your dog in the hands of a doggie daycare center near your home. Remember to introduce them to the daycare group as young as possible; they will quickly get used to being left and easily settle. If they are left for extended periods, they can develop various emotional and physical health issues. This is one of the sad reasons why they are often abandoned, re-homed, or even worse, euthanized. German Shepherds are very social dogs and need a job to do, even if that just means interacting with you. Regular activity and exercise are essential for this energetic, loyal, and protective breed. If you leave your dog alone for longer than four hours per day, it will most definitely cause poor results. After all, there are reasons for the recommended guidelines! The best way to find out is to start with trial periods and increase in small increments. You can also invest in a dog camera, as mentioned above, where you can watch and interact with your dog, all from your smartphone. Here are a few things to be aware of if you regularly leave your German Shepherd alone for more than four hours: Separation anxiety. Symptoms could include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive drooling, pacing, and uncontrollable barking, whining, or howling. Check out this recent study from the University of Lincoln, in the UK which states that separation related problems in dogs should be seen as a symptom of underlying frustrations rather than a diagnosis. They may also display destructive behavior. Digging, urinating, or even worse, eliminating can occur. You will need to address these extra signs of separation anxiety or distress. If your GSD has unfortunately developed a problem with excessive chewing , here are 8 steps on how to stop it. They could become extremely restless during the evening. It might not sound like a big problem, but restlessness causes your German Shepherd to have difficulty sleeping. They will often have random bursts of energy throughout the day and night, ruining their sleep cycle and yours in the process! As you can see, all sorts of negative outcomes result from not properly caring for your German Shepherd and failing to keep him happy and entertained. Long-term neglect can also lead to these other physical and mental health problems: Blood pressure and heart disease caused by stress. Gastrointestinal problems. Bladder infections due to the dog being unable to relieve themselves for hours on end. You must never punish your German Shepherd for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety. Your dog is not doing these things out of disobedience or spite but because he is trying to cope with being extremely stressed. Check out my article for more info on German Shepherd Separation Anxiety. If you have the option of leaving your dog outside when you go to work, it can provide them with tons of space to run around and get some exercise. Some dogs bark at people walking by, especially German Shepherds who are very protective dogs. Make sure to properly train your GSD, so this is not an issue or prevent him from accessing those areas of the house. This is especially important in places with bears, mountain lions, and other predators. Unfortunately, your yard will pay the price and will soon appear like a moon crater! Cons of Inside If your German Shepherd puppy is impatient and super inquisitive, he might start chewing on furniture, the carpet, or other items. Make sure you leave him enough chew toys to play with, but it will be inevitable sometimes. Leaving your German Shepherd alone is not a good idea if you live in an apartment. Although GSDs can live in apartments they need to be exercised frequently throughout the day. As large energetic dogs need an appropriate amount of space to feel comfortable. They could excessively bark or howl if they become distressed or separation anxiety sets in. This could not only lead to noise complaints but can have serious health implications for your dog. Training them to behave indoors and outdoors is also beneficial as this helps to keep them socialized and ready to be friendly when you introduce them to other people or dogs. A bark now and then from your backyard is actually a good thing. Unless your German Shepherd is constantly barking up a storm, one or two here and there will be perfect for warding off strangers or intruders. You can invest in a dog agility course so that your German Shepherd can sprint up and down and enjoy himself without messing up your garden! They come in all shapes and sizes. A small yard will not be good enough. Neglect is just one word to describe leaving your dog outside alone for longer than four hours. Remember, not all German Shepherds are the same, which means that even four hours might be too long. You and I now know that German Shepherds may become anxious or restless if left outside for too long and start to chew on tree roots, destroy flowers or plants and engage in other destructive behavior. This will inevitably cost you time and money to replace. Before you make any decisions, remember that your German Shepherd will need an adequate amount of room. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Leave them in a dog crate. This large size will be enough for them to move around and stretch out comfortably. Plus, they need a good crate pad to protect their joints, such as an orthopedic one. Check out my favorite crates here. My GSD loved her crate and often went to her special place to rest or chew her favorite toys. Gate off an area inside your house. You can use dog gates to fence off an area to keep them contained. Dog gates allow you to section off various off-limit areas of the house, leaving you to decide how much space your puppy can have to roam around. Consider letting them roam free throughout the house. Most owners of indoor German Shepherds eventually try this route. It provides them with enough space, and they are already familiarized with their surroundings — my GSD Willow was two years old before she was allowed to roam freely around the house. German Shepherds are social animals and can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are known to be loyal and social dogs that can become very attached to their owners. When left alone for extended periods of time, they can experience anxiety, stress, and even depression. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are wonderful dogs to own. They do require lots of attention since they are so loyal and protective. Give them enough food and water before you leave and plenty of exercise. You can leave your German Shepherd with toys, music, or the TV to keep them entertained. If you leave your GSD alone for too long, they could suffer from separation anxiety and distress. German Shepherds form a strong bond with their owners, so you should only adopt one if you know you can be there for them. Related Posts You May Like:. If you are thinking about getting a GSD you may be wondering, can German Shepherds be left alone, and for how long? This article will dive into those questions and give you helpful tips for leaving your German Shepherd alone. Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone! However, the time a GSD can be left alone will depend on their age. Generally, if your German Shepherd is a puppy, they can be left alone for one hour per every month of age. Here are some things you should do before leaving your dog alone: Tire your dog out That saying a tired dog is a happy dog is very true when it comes to German Shepherds. Also, a tired dog is one that is less likely to get into trouble. Establishing a routine where you talk your dog on a walk , play fetch , go to the dog park, or some other form of exercise before you leave the house makes a big difference. After a fun activity, your dog will likely relax and nap so they will be less concerned with you leaving. Just make sure the activity is something that makes your dog exhausted, so if you know your dog still has a lot of energy after walks, you want to find an activity that tires them out more before you leave the house. Get your GSD used to spending time alone early If you get your dog as a puppy, make sure to get them used to being alone immediately. German Shepherds that become overly clingy and used to their humans being around are more prone to separation anxiety. The best way to do this is to start off leaving even young puppies sometimes for very short amounts of time. Crate training is also key for a potty-training German Shepherd because you want them to be safe and not have accidents for the short time you are away. Start by leaving your pup in a safe location and just go into another room for minutes at first. Never come back in the room if your German Shepherd is whining , barking , howling , groaning , or crying because they will learn that doing those things gets you to come back. When your dog is quiet and calm go back. Keep doing this gradually extending the time by 5-minute increments and start going further than just another room maybe go outside and do some yard work for 20 minutes. Be calm about leaving Lastly, never make a big deal about your coming and going. Acting like your leaving is no big deal will help you GSD think the same. Our dogs feed off our energy, so if we get all hyped up and make a big fuss every time we leave the house, our German Shepherds will think our leaving is a bigger deal than they should. Remain calm! Tips For Leaving Your GSD Alone Here are some helpful tips of things to before leaving your German Shepherds alone to make the process smoother: Make sure they are empty before leaving First, and most obviously, take your dog potty immediately before leaving. Also, try and make sure your pup pees and poops before your leave the house, not just one or the other. Leave enough time before having to leave to walk your dog around a little so they can do both if your German Shepherd takes a little longer to do their business. A crate is a great safe place to leave your German Shepherd when out of the house, especially for younger more mischievous pups. The key is to pick a place where your dog is limited in what they can stick their noses into, at a nice temperature, and provide someplace comfortable for them to lay like a good dog bed. Giving them a homey spot to call their own will make them want to go there and be more comfortable while they are alone. This is especially important for puppies but also a factor for adult and senior dogs. If you know your dog can only hold their bladder for 3 hours, you should make sure you can get back in two and a half hours to be on the safe side. If your dog has to struggle to hold themselves every time you leave, they will be more likely to not want to be left alone. Doing so will greatly decrease the time they will be able to hold their bladder while you are gone. For example, a dog that can usually hold themselves for four hours may only be able to hold themselves for three if they drank a lot of water while you were out. Leave them with a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied A stuffed Kong is a great tool every GSD parent should have in their bag of tricks. Giving your German Shepherd with a tasty treat helps them to really not care about your leaving. When my girl was a puppy I would stuff a Kong with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or some other Kong filler and she would happily lick away without even noticing my departure. This also contributes to tiring your dog out, because not only will they be exhausted from the activity you did, they will also be tired from trying to get all the yumminess out of the treat. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter Sometimes things come up where we have to leave our dogs for a longer time period, whether it is for work, or some other appointment. These options will allow you to leave your dog longer without having to rush home for a potty break. As a general rule, German Shepherds can be left alone for one hour for every month of age up to about nine months old. So, a three-month-old puppy can be left alone for three hours. Whereas a nine-month-old puppy can be left alone for a full 8-hour workday. It is important to remember that these are basic guidelines, some dogs maybe can stay home for slightly more or less time depending on how well they can hold themselves. You want to make sure your dog has enough mental stimulation , physical stimulation, and attention and affection on a daily basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can definitely be left alone, but the time that each individual GSD can be left alone will vary. Some of these factors include their age, health conditions, and how long they can hold themselves. Although German Shepherds will become capable of holding themselves for an eight-hour day around nine months of age, you should strive to make sure they are getting enough attention, exercise, and engagement from you when you are home to keep your GSD happy and healthy. Home safety Age German Shepherd puppies, like all puppies, have limited bladder capacity. At this time, a properly trained and socialized German Shepherd will be able to safely tolerate periods of up to four to six hours of alone time. In order to stop your GSD from developing separation anxiety, It will be up to you as the owner to put systems in place. This may not be the case if you rescue a German Shepherd as an adult. Prior history, therefore, trumps age as the determining factor in how long your dog can be safely left alone. In their company, it may be possible to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. While nothing can replace your presence, other friendly animals can be a nice stand-in when you must be away for extended amounts of time. Examples would include: Your German Shepherd is new to the family. Home safety Finally, you need to consider whether your home is safe for your German Shepherd. GSDs are extraordinarily strong! Anxious GSDs are known to have pulled down curtains, torn apart couches, ripped off crown molding, and even dug under fencing to escape. Not only is this super stressful and potentially dangerous for your dog — but the repairs can end up being quite expensive as well! Hopefully this little checklist can help you evaluate how long your German Shepherd can be safely left alone. As previously mentioned, the German Shepherd dog breed is one of the more sensitive breeds. This also means that GSDs are more prone to separation anxiety. This is a condition where they become so anxious about being left alone that they act out in destructive and aggressive ways. The bad news: your German Shepherd may develop this condition even if you do your best to create a welcoming and comfortable home environment. This video shows how easy it can be to help a GSD with separation anxiety feel calmer. Like their wild wolf cousins, dogs naturally seek out smaller, enclosed spaces to hide, rest, whelp, and care for the young. A research study showed that wild dogs also exhibit denning behavior. They prefer to den near people, but the point is that they do den just like wolves. A frequently mentioned tip is to tire them out before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. As Forbes explains, this strategy treats fireworks like a noise phobia. Any type of phobia takes energy. This same principle can work well with separation anxiety, or a separation phobia. Unable to take your GSD for a long walk to tire them out? Try hiring a local dog walker or pet sitter to do this for you! As an added bonus, this allows your dog to develop another relationship. This can help ease any issues associated with being overly attached to you. If your budget allows for it, another great option is doggie daycare. This can be a great way to socialize a high energy GSD puppy. Daycare services can provide detailed notes to owners on a daily basis. Some even provide live video feeds so that owners can check in throughout the day. German Shepherds need significant amounts of daily physical activity. They were developed to work tirelessly for long hours herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. It can be playing with a sensory ball that emits lights or sounds. You can even record yourself saying common commands with these toys! Another creative idea to try playing music made specifically to appeal to dogs. For some dogs, this is very calming. Dog puzzles also exist and have different levels of difficulty. These puzzles allow you to change how and how often the treats are dispensed once your dog masters the basics. A variety of these toys exist today. A lot of these toys allow for things like scheduling times to dispense treats, voice recordings, speaking to your dog live, video conferences with your GSD, and more. Many offer live video feeds of your dog at home so you can check in to see how your GSD is doing during the day. What toys and treats does your dog love most? What has worked well for you to keep your German Shepherd active and occupied while you have to be out of the house?

We start with the origin, the parent breeds — Pug breed and Maltese. The Pug Breed The Pug is a breed of dog known for its distinctive physical features and has a wrinkly square muzzle face that should never be shaved or cut. The body is solid and heavy with well-developed muscles. It has a very short coat that requires little maintenance, making it an ideal dog for city life. This breed comes in a variety of colors including black, apricot fawn, silver or platinum, and palomino. Pugs have a sense of humor and are very affectionate, so they form strong bonds with their owner and other pets. They are very gentle and easygoing dogs. They usually get along well with children, strangers, and other animals. They are bright and can be taught to do tricks quickly and without much effort. Yet, these dogs are not ideal for people who are gone for long periods of time as they are known to experience separation anxiety when left alone. These cheerful little dogs are easy to care for and need moderate daily exercise. They are small, sprightly dogs that are known for their white coats. Maltese make good pets because they are very friendly and playful. Maltese dogs are a good choice for people who live in an apartment. Maltese dogs are good with children, but they need to be supervised around young kids because of their size. Maltese dogs usually have a white coat, although some may have a light tan or apricot color. They have long hair that should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and mats from forming. Maltese are very small dogs, typically weighing between four and six pounds. They have a round head, large eyes, and a pointy muzzle. They have triangular ears that stand erect. Maltese tails are usually long and bushy. Maltese are smart and eager to please; however, they can also be timid, which means they need to be properly socialized when they are young. Maltese dogs often become good-naturedly aggressive with other dogs, and sometimes even cats. Appearance — Malti Pug Malti Pugs are different-looking pugs. They do not have the traditional wrinkly faces that the typical and well-known pug has. Instead, Malti Pugs possess the body of a Pug and the face of a Bolognese dog. The face of this cross between pug and Maltese can be blunt or slightly longer than in purebred pugs. A Malti Pug looks like a tiny version of a Pug or a little Pomeranian. It has short legs and curled tail. The body is solid and compact with a flat muzzle and always pure black eyes or brown eyes. Malti pug has prominent, round eyes that are dark in color, a pug nose, and large ears that are set low on the head. Malti Pug can have silky or flat coats usually depending on the type of Maltese they are generated from. The variety of coat colors and patterns make Malti Pug very attractive pets. Their short and fine hair appears smooth and soft to touch, but it can get easily tangled with more frequent brushing. Pug Maltese are well known for having the energy levels of a small lap dog yet the mannerism of larger dogs. The average height of these dogs is inches. This breed can be called yappy if you live in an apartment because they are indoor dogs. But they make good watchdogs, barking loudly at any stranger who might come to your door. They are easy to train. Temperament — Malti Pug The Malti-Pug is a very interesting mix of breeds and as a result, there are many things that to note about him and his temperament. The Malti-Pug belongs to the toy dog breed. The toy dog breed has a good reputation for being smart and trainable, especially for people who like a challenge that is sure to come. You will have responsibilities like short walks and grooming. Malti-Pug is a rare combination of an energetic, spirited, and fun-loving personality, with a hint of an independent mind. They also have protective tendencies. This dog is very loyal to its family and needs a lot of attention from them. The dog would be suited for you. Pug Maltese are able to charm any company, interesting, friendly, gentle, playful nature, and lively dogs. They love their territory and try never to leave it for long. They like their house and yard very much, and in time can become an excellent watchdog. This breed is intelligent and eager for adventure, which makes it ideal for people of all types. Provided the trainer is experienced and talented, this breed will do well with anyone. This breed is a good choice for people who are looking for a loyal and loving dog. They are able to participate in many activities with their family. However, they might not be the best breed for inexperienced trainers. These problems can make the puppy sound like it is snoring or gasping for air when sleeping. Since people do not know about the breathing issues these dogs can have, they are breeding them recklessly. This could lead to more dogs having breathing problems in the future. Pugs have crowded teeth and they can get an illness called periodontal disease. If they do, it can lead to serious problems and damage in their body like in the kidney. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a disorder that is passed down from parents to their children. It affects the bones and can cause tumors to form on them. Malti-pugs are more likely to develop breathing problems because they have a shorter nose. This can lead to a collapse of the nasal passage. They also tend to suffer from overcrowded teeth, which is a common issue in Pugs as well because of their brachycephalic skull shape. Other Health Problems There are other health problems that Malti-Pugs can inherit from their parents. Malti-Pugs can develop a set of health problems that are common in both the Maltese and pugs. The main thing to look out for is breathing problems because of their brachycephalic skull shape. Teeth overcrowding is also a major issue with this dog breed. Always buy a Malti-Pug puppy from a breeder who will give you health clearances for both parents. It manifests itself in pugs that have been bred with Maltese and pugs, though it can also be observed in other dogs of both purebred and mixed-breed. Malti-pug small dog syndrome causes many problems in the lives of malti-pug dogs, little dogs that suffer this condition. The small dog syndrome will not let the dog grow to be their size. Their behavior is different and their looks are changed. People who own malti-pug small dog syndrome should seek the help of a vet. They can be either light or dark in color, and their ears may be cropped or uncropped. First, you should brush their coat regularly to remove any loose hair or dirt. Second, you should trim their nails every week or two to prevent them from getting too long. And lastly, you should give them a bath once a month or so. Exercise Requirements- Malti Pug These dogs have very demanding natures and are perceptive of the moods of their owners and the environment around them. They need to be with the family for most of their waking hours to get along well with them. You need a lot of attention from your Malti Pug to go along with the privilege of having him or her as a pet, as well as moderate exercise. You must provide your dog with stimulating activities to keep his or her mind from wandering into mischief. Hybrid dog owners should ensure their dog gets enough exercise. A Malti Pug typically needs at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as running or playing fetch. Although they are small dogs, Pug Maltese have high energy levels and require considerable exercise to remain fit. Same as their parent breed pug and maltese, the breeders that you should contact are those with the American Kennel Club certification. Training- Malti Pug Malti-pugs are highly trainable dogs. They are eager to please their owners and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. Training your malti-pug is a great way to create a strong bond between you and your pet, and it can also be a lot of fun. Start training your malti-pug early, while they are still young, and you will be amazed at how quickly they learn. When you first start training your dog, keep sessions short — no longer than 5 or 10 minutes at a time. Praise your dog when they do something correctly and reward them with a treat to encourage good behavior in the future. Conclusion The Maltese Pug mix would be a good fit for any family who wants a dog that is cheerful, humorous, and easy to be around. The mix is basically a miniature pug with super soft fur and cute little wrinkles. These dogs are loyal and affectionate. Expect this dog to thrive in an active environment as it loves to play and shed its energy. It loves people, children, play dates and is really good at going anywhere with anyone. The Maltese-Pug mix is a friendly and fun dog. It likes to play, but you should do that in moderation. This breed of dog is great when given the opportunity to socialize and exercise. They will thrive and be a great addition to any family. For more pug-related guides and information , visit our blogs. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, A combination of the spunky Pug and the cheeky Maltese, the Malti-Pug is a diminutive dog with a large personality. A gregarious character that gets on well with most people and animals, this hybrid is a good choice for a household that is already established with children and perhaps some additional pets. The Maltese The Maltese does not actually come from Malta as its name suggests, but more likely from the nearby region of Meleda, an ancient Croatian island now known as Mljet. Thought to be an ancient dog breed with over 2, years of history to its name, records show that the Maltese was highly-prized in its time, with the ancient Greeks even constructing tombs for them when they passed away. While the Maltese was able to thrive throughout the centuries, it almost met a premature end in the early 18th century when ill-informed breed fanciers attempted to make the breed even smaller and the population size dwindled. Efforts were made to stop the breed from becoming extinct and it was necessary for other breeds such as the Poodle to be added to their gene pool in order to re-establish a healthy and robust population. The Pug Having enjoyed a surge in their popularity over the last couple of decades, many will be surprised to learn that the Pug is not a new breed at all, but rather one that has been around for several thousands of years. Though we are uncertain where they first originated, they were certainly present within China in the year B. Veterinarians are now demanding that breeders act now and start establishing a new population of Pugs with longer faces and less breathing issues. Rather than looking like a combination of the Pug and the Maltese, they have quickly developed into a breed in their own right, with quite a unique look. As the Maltese is not classed as a brachycephalic breed, its muzzle is relatively long in comparison to its skull and there is more space for the soft tissues of its head. Due to this, the Malti-Pug should have a much less snub-nosed appearance than the Pug with a more pronounced muzzle. Perhaps their most dominant facial features are their dark, circular eyes that lend them a keen and alert expression at all times. Their body is square in shape with short limbs. Their tail curls over their back, though is rarely as dramatically curled as that of their Pug parent. Though many will retain the fawn body and darker facial mask that is typical of some Pugs, others will have solid coat colours that may be fawn, black or white. Their fur is straight and rather harsh, rarely growing as long as the elegant, flowing coat that the Maltese is well-known for. Very sociable, they will get on well with all other family members, including those of the four-legged variety. Most Malti-Pugs make good little watch dogs, as they enjoy guarding their territory and emitting loud yaps as soon as someone new arrives. However, this trait can make for a noisy time when the postman or neighbors pops by! Due to its small size and gentle temperament, the Malti-Pug does not make a successful guard dog. Due to this, owners need to be firm but fair, not allowing them to get away with any mischief. Sensible training is the best way to prevent this behaviour from developing in the first place. Health There are a number of diseases that each parent breed is genetically prone to and, while they may be seen somewhat less often in this hybrid dog, they have unquestionably not been eliminated. Dry Eye Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Dry Eye can be a tricky disease to diagnose as in the early stages dogs may not show many symptoms. Indeed, in any breed that is prone to developing dry eye, it is advised that their tear production is monitored at each annual vet check. As the disease progresses, the surface of the eye begins to suffer from being chronically dry and a dog may develop a thick mucus discharge, as well as eye infections and ulcers. The treatment of choice is medicated drops that encourage tear production, as well as the frequent application of lubricant drops. There is also a surgical procedure available, which has varying success. Brachycephalic Syndrome One of the best ways to reduce the prevalence of brachycephalic syndrome within a breed is to cross them with a non-brachycephalic dog, as has been done when the flat-faced Pug was crossed with the Maltese. Despite this, some breed members will have a smaller face than they should and may have some issues breathing efficiently. For some, surgical procedures such as a surgery to open their nostrils wider may be of benefit. Owners need to be aware that these dogs are more prone to heat-stroke and can struggle to keep up when exercising with their peers. Porto-Systemic Shunts An abnormal blood flow that is present from birth results in blood being shunted away from the liver, meaning it is never processed as it should be. This results in inappropriate digestion of nutrients and a build-up of dangerous toxins over time. Affected dogs will be small for their age and typically also exhibit abnormal neurological behaviour. The treatment of choice is a surgery to alter the flow of blood so it no longer bypasses the liver. Periodontal Disease Dogs with small skulls are prone to dental over-crowding and the build up of calculus on their teeth. Exercise and Activity Levels While the Malti-Pug is playful and curious, they do not actually need a great deal of outdoor exercise and are usually content with a few short walks that are supplemented with play time and training sessions. Grooming The coat of the Malti-Pug tends to shed quite a lot and should be brushed outside on a daily basis to minimise the loss of fur within the home. As discussed, their teeth benefit from frequent brushing and this is something that owners should work on getting their dogs used to from a young age. User reviews There are no user reviews for this listing. Popular Dog Breeds. Distichiasis Your pooch may also experience issues such as fold dermatitis, allergies, deafness, and seizures. This small dog will have a fairly deep chest with a broad rounded head with a medium-length muzzle. If your pooch gets most of its genes from the Pug parent, they may have more of a square muzzle. This breed will have dark round eyes that will portray an eager but gentle expression. Your pooch may inherit the Pugs double layer coat with a soft, smooth coat of the Maltese. Some pups may inherit the single-layer coat from the Maltese parent, which is also silky and flat. The crossbreeds are also known to have a rough wiry coat with a soft texture. Unfortunately, it is hard to know what the coat will look like until you see the puppy. However, you can expect the colors to be fawn, black, or even white. Diet, exercise and overall health will determine the lifespan of this breed. Trainability This breed is intelligent, which should make them pretty easy to train. That being said, they can have a stubborn side. A dog this size will most likely only require a cup of food in one day. Of course, it will depend on your dogs, age, and activity level. Choose high-quality dog foods that will provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Avoid buying them the cheaper foods that are full of fillers without any nutritional value. If you have a puppy, opt for food that is formulated for puppies. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adults. Choose some high quality treats you can feed them sporadically. Also, invest in an automatic feeder or a good dog bowl. Exercise Requirements This small dog is will require at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. This can consist of a short walk, make sure you have a good leash to keep them from running away. Be careful not to overexercise this dog, as this may cause injuries for their tiny joints. Early training and socializing will ensure that your Malti-Pug becomes a well-developed dog that actually listens to you. Socialization is important to ensure that your pooch becomes acclimated to all types of sounds, smells and sounds in a positive manner. Breed Loyalty When you build trust with your Malti Pug, you can expect a loyal companion that is always by your side. Grooming Requirements The grooming needs for this pooch will vary from dog to dog. The amount of grooming each pup requires will depend on which parent it inherited most of its genes. If the pooch acquired most of the genes from the Pug family, you can expect to brush them at least times per week. Regular brushing will help you remove dead hairs and control the heavy shedding. The Maltese coats are more prone to developing mats and tangles and will require more brushing. Bathing All dogs will need to be bathed at least once every three months. Some dogs may require more bathing than other dogs, it really just depends on the particular pooch. Never bathe your Malti-Pug too often; as it can strip the natural oils from their skin making their coat dry and itchy. If your pup inherits most of its genes from the Pug, you may want to bathe them at least once a month to help control the smelliness. A Maltipug with most of its genes from the Maltese parent will do fine with one bath every 3 weeks. A Pug has fold-over ears, while a Maltese has are drop-shaped that hang close to the dogs face. Your Malti-Pug will most likely have velvety ears that hang close to their face. Cleaning your Malti-Pugs ears will be a part of your regular grooming regime. Most veterinarians recommend that dogs ears should be cleaned at least once a month. Long neglected nails can cause them to split or crack, especially, when your pooch is walking, playing, or running. Lack of oral hygiene can lead to diseases and infections, just like in humans. Opt for a gentle brush and a dog-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs. With proper and regular grooming, your dog will live a healthy and happy life. Starting the grooming routine early will help get your pooch conditioned to the process, which make your life so much easier! Temperament Both parents are gentle, affectionate, and trusting, which make them a great family dog. You can expect the Malti-Pug to be a small dog physically, with a huge personality. Each dog will have its own unique personality, but you should expect a dog that is full of energy. This small dog prefers to be a lap dog and loves its human companion. The Malti-Pug is an intelligent breed with a silly side. Living Conditions Unlike big dogs, they will be fine living in a home with a small backyard. They are perfect for apartment living, due to their lower energy levels, although be prepared for their bursts of energy. Make sure they have plenty of toys to help keep them entertained. Kids and Other Dogs This small dog will get along with other dogs, cats, and even people. They will do great with families of young children. You can expect them to have common dog problems such as chewing, begging, and digging. However, with proper training, they can be molded to behave the way you want them to. This pooch will look forward to attention from their human companion, so be ready to spoil them with belly rubs and baby talk. Both the Maltese and the Pug require a lot of human attention and are also known to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for hours every day. The Malti-Pug will do best in an environment where they get a lot of attention. They should do fine if you work outside of the home. Just be prepared to have them greet you at the door wanting all your attention after spending the whole day alone. Health Risks As with any mixed-breed dog, there are some issues you need to consider as a pet owner. Designer breeds may have more health issues than that of the purebred parent. Always ask the breeder if they test the parents for genetic defects. Just taking the time to find out about the background and health issues of the parents can prevent you as a potential Malti-Pug owner facing a host of medical problems and thousands of dollars in vet bills. As with any crossbreed mix, the price of a Malti-Pug puppy will vary in price. One of the biggest things that affect the overall price is the pedigree of the parents. The better the pedigree, the more breeders will charge for the litter of puppies. I personally recommend looking for a reputable breeder, as opposed to buying from a puppy mill. Another thing that affects the price is the breeder you choose to buy from. Popular breeders realize they can charge top dollar for their pups, but it usually means you are getting a puppy that will be health. The prices will vary depending on whether you decide to adopt or buy the doggie. In other countries, the prices may be lower. It really just depends on where you purchase the pup and the breeder you buy from. Finding a Malti-Pug will be a lot harder than finding one of their parents. Most people who adopt or buy crossbreeds will usually contact the kennel club in their country. This will allow you to find a registry of breeders with high breeding standards. Join forums or websites online that share information about the Malti Pug. This will allow you to meet other people who have adopted or bought a Malti Pug and can recommend the breeder they used. Green Field Puppies website , also has a huge selection of Pug Mix puppies for sale, so you can check them out. Some of the basics include puppy food, food and water bowls, crate or puppy pads, leash or harness , puppy gates or baby gates , toys and some safe puppy treats. Your new puppy will also need to have their shots.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. House-trained, Story Hi! My name is Churro! I love to play outside with my foster siblings. I act like I'm the boss of the pack, but I get along with everyone big and small! I love cuddles from my foster mama! I'm crate trained, and never had an accident inside my crate! Sometimes, when foster Mom picks me up I tend to go into statue mode and I play freeze! She gives me kisses and I love those so much! If you choose me, I promise I'll love you forever! Ruff Ruff! Please email: priya threelittlepittiesrescue. Brought by USDA licensed semi-truck transport. Pick up day is unforgettable! Our dogs travel in style in our big green truck, equipped with air conditioning for comfort, two drivers, and 3 onboard attendants providing 24 hour care. Three Little Pitties wants to set you and your new pet up for success! In addition to a fully vetted furbaby, you also receive many other additional perks such as a 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion must register within 24 hours of first vet appt. The stray and animal overpopulation in the Greater Houston area is one of the highest in the nation. Statistics show that there are over 1 million homeless animals in this region alone! Three Little Pitties Rescue is a nonprofit dog and cat rescue that partners with the community to make a difference. Our mission is to reduce the homeless pet population through community outreach, free spay and neuter services, and saving all breeds of dogs and cats from the streets or animal shelters that oftentimes have no choice but to euthanize animals for space. We prepare them for adoption by properly vetting and providing individualized care through our incredible behavior program that consists of socialization and leash training for all animals that enter our adoption program, prior to matching them with loving families who will treasure them for the rest of their lives. They are rescue dogs and will require continued training efforts once adopted, but will be well on their way to being the best dogs that they can be! Three Little Pitties Rescue just celebrated our 5 year anniversary! Over the course of this time, we have been very fortunate for so much growth, allowing us to further connect with the community and save many lives. Through the combined efforts of all of our hardworking staff and volunteers, we have placed over 11, very lucky dogs and cats into amazing homes! By adopting from us, you save TWO lives! The pet you adopt, and you create an opportunity for another animal to be brought into our rescue program. Together, we can be heroes. Follow along on our rescue journey through the links below!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal.