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Email: charliehoskins13 comcast. Hoskins Pugs is run by a retired military, Pug-loving, family from Olympia, Washington. They care about producing top of the line, quality Pugs from their own home. All Pugs are clean, well cared for, and an important part of the Hoskins family. Aura Pugs Email: aurapugs gmail. They strive to always put health first and do their best to better the breed. Aura Pugs tests for health concerns and have their Pugs evaluated and vetted at different stages. All dogs are raised in the home as members of the family, promoting good social skills and manners. Aura Pugs show their dogs regularly throughout the Northwest, and invite prospective owners to come and visit them. These breeders have a dedication and commitment to the Pug breed that drives them to provide a loving haven for their dogs. All Pups are well socialized and bred to AKC standards with parents on site. C Pride Pugs go to their forever homes equipped with AKC registration papers, vet checks, dewclaw removal, vaccinations, and deworming. All Pug parents are genetically tested and puppies are sold as pets with a limited AKC registration. Puppies are baby checked and microchipped before being rehomed and come with a health guarantee and lifelong advice. This Pug loving family from Washington wants to spread the joy that Pugs bring to others. All Grumble of Love Pugs are bred from the comfort of the family home. Each pup is loved and cared for by Aneta, her husband Chris, and their two boys. She is a longtime breeder of Pugs with a special interest in colored Pugs. Her dogs are all pets and live in the home with humans. Puppies have the opportunity to become well socialized with children, adults, and other dogs. Stephanie is available for advice for as long as you might need. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in Seattle WA? Uptown aims to make your search for a Pug for sale in Seattle as simple and seamless as possible. To start off, simply check out the currently available Pugs for sale from the trusted breeders and vetted businesses of the Uptown network. You can directly contact the breeders to learn more and then make arrangements for pick-up or delivery of your dog. What are some of the common Pug health problems? Just like any other breed out there, Seattle Pugs for sale can suffer from certain health issues. Due to their flat faces, Pugs can have respiratory problems and eye issues too. They may also develop hip dysplasia and patellar luxation as they get older. Pugs are also prone to obesity, so they require regular exercise. What makes Uptown different from other sites selling Pugs? We know you've got lots of options when looking for Pug breeders Seattle, but we aim to be your number one choice. Other sites can sometimes supply dogs from low-quality breeders, but we do things differently. At Uptown, we always scan and review the breeders and businesses that apply to join us, only approving the very best sellers of Pug puppies Seattle. What are puppy mills and are they safe? If you want to find a happy and healthy dog from an ethical, reliable source, we recommend avoiding puppy mills at all costs. The people running these mills only care about profits, and their pups often pay the price, commonly suffering from health and behavioral issues. You won't find any puppy mill Pug puppies for sale in Seattle here on Uptown. What about backyard breeders? Backyard breeders have a lot in common with puppy mills but simply operate on a smaller scale. They're usually independent breeders, operating in their own backyards. If you see a suspiciously cheap Pug for sale Seattle, it probably comes from a backyard breeder. These dogs often have health issues and problems that require big vet bills to fix. Choose Uptown to find your Seattle Pug for sale without worrying about backyard breeders. Are Pugs good family dogs? If you're looking for a family dog, it's important to find one that is calm, loving, loyal, and playful. Some breeds are better suited for family life than others, and the Pug is one of them. Lots of families have found endless happiness after buying Pugs for sale Seattle, and these dogs are simply terrific with children of all ages. Are Pugs suitable for apartments? If you live in an apartment or small home, you need to think carefully before adopting a dog. Some breeds don't do too well in little spaces, but Pugs are great for apartment life in general. They don't need huge homes or big backyards to be happy, but if you are considering Seattle Pugs for sale and you live in an apartment, make sure to take your pup outside for regular walks, otherwise, it may start to gain weight. Can I only search with local breeders? In general, we recommend trying to find a local Seattle Pug puppy for sale whenever possible, as this just makes things simpler in terms of meeting the breeder and bringing your pup home. However, you're absolutely free to search throughout the entire Uptown network for your perfect Pug, including breeders and businesses all across America. If your pup is too far to collect by car, the breeder will be able to fly it over to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders selling Pug puppies? There are plenty of Pug breeders in Seattle, but they're not all equal in terms of ethics, professionalism, and other key criteria. We're only interested in working with honest and trusted breeders, so we established our Breeder Pledge, outlining a set of standards for every breeder and business in the Uptown family to live up to. Here, you'll only find the finest providers of Pugs for sale in Seattle, guaranteed. How much are Pugs? Pug puppies for sale Seattle can vary in price quite wildly, depending on who you're buying from, where the pup is located, and what it looks like. Some rare and more desirable Pugs with specific coat colors might be more expensive, for example, but here at Uptown, you'll find a good range of Pug Seattle prices from our vetted breeders and businesses. Takeaways… List of Pug Breeders Seattle By the end of this article, we hope you find the right pug breeder that satisfies your needs. Then you may visit them anytime. They are a member of a pug dog club. Using their years of experience, they are able to produce AKC registered litters. As a pug breeder, you need to have the passion and skills for breeding healthy puppies. This group is a non profit organization that started in .They save and adopt purebred pugs and pug mixes. They take in different pug breeds like black pugs, apricot fawn, fawn, and brindle. Their program for breeding pugs is exceptional. It abides with the standards of the American Kennel Club. Besides pugs, they take care of other brachycephalic dog breeds like Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Pekingese. They also offer affordable veterinary services like spaying and vaccinations. Church of Pug also offers temporary foster care. They will take care of your pride pugs like it is theirs. All their works are funded by donations. Their earnings will go to support their organization in continuing to save more pugs. They also save adult dogs who are abandoned and candidate for euthanasia. As one of the top local breeders in Washington state, they want to share their love for pugs. There are three founders for this group and Aneta is one of them. As a good pug breeder, they continue learning about how to take care of this toy breed. All their pups are placed in a homey place, so they have a good temperament. They socialized with different people and other pups. You can expect them to be friendly and energetic. You can call or text them to schedule appointments. They also arrange meetups for you to see your future pet. You can see their web page and socials for the videos and photos of their pugs. They treat all their pug puppies for sale as family. All their staff raised them well, and they undergo litter training. Having a pup is like having a family member added to your home. All their pug puppies are vet checked and health guaranteed. This is part of their breeding program upon giving their pug to their forever homes. Husband Chris is the better half of the main founder while Aneta is their third founding member. All the litter they produce passed AKC standards. Some of them even won dog shows and become pride pugs of the organization. All their family raised pugs have a free day health insurance to serve as a health guarantee. They also give the pug owner a training support reading material. This is to reinforce the skills of the owner in taking care of pugs. WindWalker Pugs.
Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. We here at Pug Place have the ultimate grumble, including a white pug, a chocolate pug, a few silver pugs and even a little reverse brindle pug. We have original black and fawn pugs too! We love sharing the love of pugs with new families and friends. Happy, Healthy Baby Pugs! Our baby pugs get regular vet visits and are raised in a happy loving home. We have some very excited pug puppies to share with you. We are SO happy with baby Penny. Thank you for everything Pug Place! Great place just looking to share Pug Love! Pugs Place Puppies All puppies come vet checked, with first immunizations and vaccination certificate. Pug love and light from our Oregon grumble!! Happy Homes Oregon Pug Puppy facilitator that has been providing puppies since to happy homes. Loving Home Our pug puppies raised in a happy home with regular vet visits to make sure our pugs are happy and healthy. Happy puppies full of energy looking for their new forever home, Contact us today! Follow our Pugs Place on social Follow our social and get exclusive updates on the Pugs! Contact Us.
Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Cockapoos have an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone around them, that essential joie de vivre that makes every day a celebration. These guys are just plain happy to be alive. The true Cockapoo been bred with the goal of a healthy, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament. When the cross works as intended, you get the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle with the sturdiness and field spirit of the Cocker. Efforts have been made over the last decade to clearly separate Cockapoos and Spoodles into two different hybrids, and some success has been achieved. If the type of Cocker involved is important to you, be sure to ask. Cockapoo Highlights 1. Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent companions. Hypoallergenic Coat: Many Cockapoos have hypoallergenic or low-shedding coats, which can be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Intelligent and Trainable: They are intelligent dogs and are usually easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement methods. Adaptable: Cockapoos can adapt to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. Good with Families: They are generally good with children and other pets, making them great family dogs. Long Lifespan: Cockapoos often have a longer lifespan compared to some other breeds, living 12 to 15 years or more with proper care. Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels. Unique Coat Variety: Their coat can vary from curly to wavy and comes in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their charm. Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting. Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care is essential to maintain their well-being. Cockapoo History When it comes to designer dogs, the Cockapoo is an old hybrid, popular since the s. The first breeding may have been accidental, but the happy result was a litter of puppies who were intelligent, almost odorless, had the low-shedding Poodle coat, and showed the easygoing and loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were well received, and the Cockapoo line began. Some efforts are being made today to establish breed standards and start the Cockapoo on the hard road of becoming a true breed, one producing offspring with consistent traits. Once the Cockapoo became more well-known, he only grew in popularity. The Cockapoo Club of America formed in and, in an effort to create breeding consistency, it created a breed standard. This group formed in and provides certification for Cockapoos who are the results of first- through sixth-generation breedings. The Toy Cockapoo can reach 10 inches in height but has a sturdier build, the bigger ones tipping the scales at just under 12 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs 13 to 18 pounds and ranges between 11 and 14 inches high. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo should weigh more than 19 pounds and be at least 15 inches in height. Cockapoo Personality Intelligent and easy to please, the Cockapoo was established as a companion dog. He has an outgoing nature and usually gets along with everyone. Depending on his temperament, he can be active or he can simply enjoy snuggling up on the couch with you. He has the intelligence of his Poodle forebears but also the sweet disposition of his Cocker Spaniel ancestry. Socialization helps ensure that your Cockapoo puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. He prefers, always, to be with his family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Cockapoo; he can achieve high levels of obedience with time and patience. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Cataracts : Cataracts cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Allergies : Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Cockapoo is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Liver Disease : This condition is becoming more prevalent in Cocker Spaniels in two forms: chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis poisoning. Both conditions may or may not be genetic; at this point no one is certain. Ear Infections : These afflictions may plague the Cockapoo because of his floppy Cocker ears, which can trap moisture, dirt, and debris. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear care products. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. They enjoy a good walk — and need it to keep them from becoming overweight. The best type of exercise, though, is a good play session in the backyard. Expect him to need at least 15 minutes of exercise every day. The Cockapoo is an adaptable breed. He can live in an apartment, though the smaller varieties seem to do better there than do the Maxi or Standard Cockapoos. They thrive when with their family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left for long periods of time — and that can lead to excessive barking and to destructive behavior. A crate is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will also help your Cockapoo accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Cockapoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Cockapoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Cockapoos can be found in all the colors and color combinations that are seen in both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles — a more rich variety of coat colors than is usual in many other breeds. The Cockapoo is usually seen au naturel, but many people like to clip the coat. However, it should only be trimmed to two to three inches in length. The coat should be brushed daily. To retain coat oils and health, he only need be bathed when absolutely necessary. Because his floppy Cocker ears block air circulation, the ears must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. Gently wipe out the ear — only the part you can see! Your Cockapoo may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Cockapoo Children And Other Pets The Cockapoo does well with youngsters , although he generally prefers homes with older, more considerate children. He also gets along with other dogs and pets. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Cockapoo Rescue Groups Cockapoos are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Cockapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. This small to medium sized dog is very active, who loves to be outside. However, they are also friendly and caring, liking just as much to curl up on your lap and to watch TV with you! These dogs can be used as working dogs such as guide dogs, although they were originally intended to be companions, especially for those with allergies who needed a dog with a low-shedding coat. Breeders must follow the rules when producing puppies to make sure they stay in line with the breed standard. To get a better understanding of where these dogs came from, we can take a look at the origins of their parent breeds. The Poodle originated from the French and German border in the 15th and 16th century and was associated with the upper class. Because they are excellent water dogs, they were used to hunt water-fowl. Later on, because of their adorable look, these pups became a very popular dog. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle by choosing the smallest pup from each litter and breeding with them. They were first seen in America in the 20th century. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. Characteristics Of The Cockapoo Although there is a breed standard for the Cockapoo, you still cannot be sure what traits you are going to get in a litter of Cockapoo puppies. These dogs can come in a range of colors and patterns and it all depends on which parent they take after more. A Cockapoo puppy is normally born in litter sizes of four to eight pups. Because the Toy Poodle is the smallest size of all dog breeds, if you are crossing a Cocker Spaniel with one then the Toy will always be the father to prevent any complications. However, if the Poodle is a Miniature size, it does not matter whether they or the Cocker Spaniel are the mother because they are similar in size. Cockapoos are popular dogs and this means that they can have a hefty price tag. Always ensure that you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance The Cockapoo has a distinct look due to their adorable teddy-bear appearance! These dogs are classed as small-medium sized dogs, although their size will largely depend on whether they are bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Cockapoo is a well proportioned dog that is athletic and sturdy. Their heads are round and their eyes should be brown with a black nose. If they have a brown nose then their eyes should be black and if they have a lighter nose then they will have green or hazel eyes. Their ears hang down, too, giving them a super cute look! Coat There are three different coat types that the Cockapoo could inherit. Again, this depends on which parent they take after more. They can have a tight curly coat, a medium curl or a flat coat. All of the coats will be quite thick but they will almost always be a single coat. One of the reasons the Cockapoo was bred was to inherit the low-shedding coat from the Poodle parent. While the coat is not hypoallergenic, these dogs do not shed as much as many other breeds and may be the perfect dog for those with allergies. Color There are a range of different colors that the Cockapoo can come in and they can either be solid, part, phantom or tri-color. The colors include red, black, merle, tan, sable, brown, chocolate, and apricot. Temperament The Cockapoo is a very energetic pup that loves to be outside exercising. Because of their hunting heritage from their parent breeds, the Cockapoo can still retain this trait so you will need to be careful when out and about. Proper training and socialization can fix this, and it can also help with unwanted or aggressive behaviors that the Cockapoo is sometimes known to develop if not socialized properly at a young age. Friendly and loving, the Cockapoo will happily also spend time curled up next to you on the couch. They love attention and people and can be known to be very social dogs with children, pets and even other strangers. The Cockapoo is an observant dog and will bark to warn you if something is out of place. Occasionally, the Cockapoo can be prone to rage syndrome and, although rare, it is associated with Cocker Spaniels and they can sometimes pass it on to their young. Again, adequate socialization from a young age can help with this. Lifespan The Cockapoo has a long life expectancy. These dogs are expected to live to anywhere between 14 and 18 years old. Known Health Issues Due to the fact that these dogs are a mixed breed, they have fewer health concerns than many pups. However, unfortunately, they can still be prone to some health problems that their parent breeds are prone to. This is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Patellar Luxation is another condition the Cockapoo may inherit from their Poodle parent. This is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the Cockapoo temperament and traits, we can take a look at what daily life with one of these pups is like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. Food And Diet A Cockapoo needs roughly calories of food a day, which equates to around two cups of kibble. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. The food you feed your Cockapoo should be high-quality and nutritious. You should try to split their food into at least two meals a day. As a puppy, their food should be split into three meals a day. Unfortunately, this Poodle Mix can be a fussy eater so it may take you a while to find a food they like. Take a look below at the food we recommend for this breed. At the tiny end of the scale, the teacup Cockapoo will weigh less than 6 pounds. The toy Poodle Cocker Spaniel hybrid will weigh less than 12 pounds at adulthood, and a mini Cockapoo will weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds. A full grown miniature Cockapoo is the medium size and the one you are most likely to see at the dog park. At the other end of the scale, a maxi Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix, with a standard Poodle parent, will weigh 19 pounds or greater. The vast majority of Cockapoos weigh a more moderate lbs Appearance Cocker Spaniel Poodle mixes tend to have a broader head the average Poodle. Their fur varies between loose and very tight curls. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles come in a wide range of colors so there is plenty of choice for the would be cockerpoo owner. Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? He began crossing breeds in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog, for a blind woman whose husband was highly allergic to dogs. So, he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. This is because allergies are caused by pet dander. And all pets, regardless of breed, produce some dander. Certain dog breeds shed that dander less readily, however. This particularly applies to dogs with very curly coats. And this may be beneficial to owners with allergies to dander. Dogs that shed less fall into this category partly because loose hair remains trapped in the curls rather than floating around your home. Do They Shed? All dogs shed to some degree. A Poodle and Cocker Spaniel hybrid dog can have either coat type, or something in between. And unfortunately, you cannot predict which coat they will inherit. So they may be less likely to trigger allergies. But they might not. Remember that the tighter the curl, the less the dog is likely to shed, and if you have allergies, do spend some time with Cockapoos to see how they affect you, before you bring one into your home. Cockapoo Temperament The typical Cockapoo personality can be hard to predict. It is important to make sure that both parents are friendly, when you buy a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. And Cocker Spaniels are loving and very loyal. Both breeds are clever and active. Cockapoo Barking Any dog has the capacity to bark. And may bark more if they discover barking is in some way rewarding. But some individuals of this particular breed maybe a little more prone to barking than average. And to make use of resources like this one if you need to train your pup not to bark. Training and Exercising The good news here is that these dogs are as a whole are people-centric and eager to please. Your Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix will likely want to be where you are, doing whatever you are doing. These dogs are social and people-oriented. So, the closer your bond is, the easier Cockapoo training will become. Throughout training, positive reinforcement will be your key to success. Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are particularly sensitive to punishment, so avoid this at all costs. They need daily exercise, and regular training to stimulate their minds, too. The important thing is to keep your Poodle Spaniel mix busy. Remember that young puppies have much lower exercise needs than adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of structured exercise, such as walks, per month of their age, per day. Heart Valve Disease Cocker Spaniels are liable to develop leaky heart valves as they grown older. In the early stages medications will help extend life. But in the later stages the dog develops heart failure, a leading cause of Cocker Spaniel death. Sadly operations to repair heart valves are not yet commonly performed on dogs. A blood clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Epilepsy Cocker spaniels are prone to epilepsy and seizures. These can often be treated with medication. Both Poodles and Cockers are prone to this disease, which causes blindness. Hip Dysplasia Cocker spaniels and standard poodles are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes pain. It affects the movement and function of the hip joint. Some cases are improved by surgery. Patella Luxation Toy and Miniature Poodles are among a number of smaller breeds that can suffer from Patella Luxation. It may require surgery. Exactly how likely each problem is, depends on a number of unpredictable factors.
Louis Mo. Our breeding dogs are AKC registered. Pet puppies will not get AKC papers. They will get copies of parents AKC pedigrees. You can get AKC pal papers once your puppy is spayed or neutered. We don't want to just meet the standard for a license, we want to excel expectations. This is required if you have five females. Please, make sure if you get a puppy in Illinois to ask for a copy of the Kennel License. Our adults are provided with an inside area with toys, beds and excellent vet care. A radio plays for them as well. Most prefer to lay up on their Kuranda beds most of the time with their toys or play with a friend. They get their areas cleaned at a minimum of four times a day and disinfectant is used twice a day. Adults get treats, vitamins, enzymes and are fed daily with a probiotic added for health. We have natural and artificial lighting as well. The dogs even have their own washer and dryer to clean blankets, toys and towels daily. Dogs are walked, given access to the pond when weather allows for swimming, let out to run in the open fields, play fetching and work on obedience training. Favorite thing of most is to find a human and crawl into their laps. Yes, our labs even come into our home and crawl into our chairs and onto the couch. Adults are treated monthly for worms, and provided vaccines as recommended by the vet. Once you see a dog with EIC or CNM you will understand why we test our labs to make sure our puppies will never be affected by these diseases that can be prevented by selective breeding. This area is cleaned and disinfected throughout 24 hours a day. If a puppy has an accident it is cleaned up and then disinfected, this is done so that by the time the puppies are six weeks old they are going outside to potty. Going outside by six weeks old to use the bathroom does help when they leave here at eight weeks old and go to their new homes in house breaking. Security cameras monitor puppies all the time and with this we can see if there is anything that needs to be done to them, while still allowing moms to help with the care of the puppies. Moms need to be able to feel comfortable with the puppies and help teach them the first eight weeks. This also helps make a better puppy when it goes home. We use blankets, towels, toys and other items in with the puppies to entertain them and help them get used to things before they go home. They hear vacuums, tractors, trucks, radio, and other noises as well. In summer time they get swimming pools and if weather is nice they run to the pond for adventures. We provide a large play area with toys to entertain them. They get Kuranda beds to sleep on or play king of the bed on. Puppies are given vaccines, vet care, wormings, vitamins, probiotics daily and fed a good quality feed. We start the weaning process at 3. This is puppy food, goats milk, and probiotic mix that we make for them four times a day. We want to provide you with a happy, healthy puppy and believe that the first eight weeks of life here gets them on the right track. Our puppies are so comfortable they very rarely cry and this is due to the care we provide them. A healthy, comfortable puppy is a happy puppy and that makes them great puppies when they get to go home. We also play with them daily, snuggle with them, and end the day with them fast asleep; before we go to bed all the puppies are sleeping safe inside. Puppies get vet care as needed and a full exam before going home. We also microchip all puppies and pay for the fees so that if they are ever lost someone can find the owners or us. Facility The building that we use for the adults is a new building put into use January .It is a beautiful building that we take great pride in owning, please check out our kennel page for pictures. It is climate controlled and the dogs appreciate it. A lot of time, work and details went into the building to make it safe and comfortable for them to use. We wanted to provide them with a safe and clean environment. They have fresh water, food and outdoor access. It has lighting inside to provide them with artificial lighting as well as outside they have natural sunlight. Every dog gets their own Kuranda bed and their own toys. We buy lots of toys here for the dogs and they appreciate that. We believe that if you are going to breed, that care of the adults is just as major as care of the puppies. Care is not just health testing it is also how the animal lives its daily life. Here at Mabry Labs we can sleep soundly knowing our dogs are safe from any bad weather, healthy and happy. The building we use for the puppies went in in March .It is sectioned off inside for each mother, so that moms feel secure with their babies. This makes it so that mom stays calm and relaxed instead of worrying if another animal is going to get her babies. It is climate controlled. We take moms for walks and playtime away from the pups so they get free time as well. Feed is never out of the bowls, so moms can eat what they want when they want. Probiotics are given daily with vitamins. Blankets, towels and toys are given inside and cleaned daily. All floors are disinfected every time we leave the building. There are mats that have disinfectant in them to make sure that our shoes are disinfected every time we enter. We also use disposable booties for our shoes when we enter puppy play areas. As of we have added on a meet and greet building. This is a secure building set up for puppies to play and interact with people no matter the weather outside. It is heated, cooled, has tv, radio, couch, toys, basically it is a house. My office is in it, so that I can spend time working and playing with the pups. We did in order to have a place that would be easy to keep disinfected between people. As much as we welcome people into our home a home can not be cleaned the same as this building. There is a lot that we do that is not listed on here and I will update more over time. We just wanted to hit some points on this page so that you understand what we do here. Our prices on pups might be a little higher than some breeders, or less than some breeders, yes some breeders do charge more than us and still don't provide half this in their breeding program. Why would we do this some might ask. Plus, people pick us to care for their puppies that first eight weeks and we do the best we can. We have dogs with excellent genetics with show lines and hunt test lines. We have brought in dogs over time to expand our lines and have some of the best that you can find. Most of all we breed our labs for looks, health, train ability and temperament. We have kept back puppies from breedings that we have done over the years to produce some of the most beautiful and smart dogs you will find. We know our lines are great so we have grandparents of our pups here that you can visit with. We've spent a lot of research time putting together our Mabry Labs. We don't just have the genetics, but we have the building to house them comfortably. We put our heart, soul and time into this. If you find breeders charging what we do or more without putting money with the facilities and just buying up dogs even high quality dogs you might want to look elsewhere. As we have high quality genetics and great facilities. If we can do it so can they. Just most don't want a real kennel building as it cost them money and time. Also, a garage with a kennel off the back or side is not a true kennel. We wouldn't want the exhaust fumes near our puppies, would you? Has this upset some other kennels? You bet it has. We hope they soon step up and do what is right for their dogs as we always will here at Mabry Labs. If we are out of reach for a drive to get a puppy here, we are more than willing to help you find a breeder near you that meets our standards. You will always see us growing as everything we get goes into the dogs. Thanks for reading this page and any questions feel free to ask. We look forward to meeting new people along the way and love to stay in touch with our puppies as they grow with their new families. Continue to watch us as we expand on ideas. We always are looking for improvement. A little about us and how we raise our lab puppies. Share 0 Shares The Labrador Retriever breeder is an excellent breed, its beautiful blend of gentle yet energetic and active personality makes the Labrador Retriever a popular breed amongst dog lovers all over the world. And if you are searching for a great Labrador Retriever breeder that would produce the perfect companion for you, then this article is just for you. Here, we list some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Illinois. They are reputable breeders that have produced some of the best Labrador Retriever puppies in Illinois. With over 12 years of Labrador breeding experience, they are all about improving and protecting the Labrador Retriever breed and they do this by focusing on the trainability, health, intelligence, temperament, and looks of each Labrador Retriever dog they produce. They breed the 3 recognized colors of the AKC, which are chocolate, yellow and black. Their breeding dogs all hail from championed bloodlines and they are genetically tested and have their hip and elbow dysplasia clearances, heart clearance, and eye clearance before being added to the breed program. Every Labrador Retriever pup is raised in clean and comfortable kennels where they are showered with all the love and attention they require till they leave for their new homes. They are socialized with adults and kids of varying age groups and are introduced to a wide variety of sounds, sights, and textures to help them better adjust to their new families and environments. All Labrador pups are healthy. They would have started the basics of potty and crate training before you take them and they are sold on limited AKC registrations. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are fun, energetic, and loving dogs. Adding one to your household is an exciting time! It can be hard to know where to begin your journey for a puppy, though. Reputable breeders care about their puppies and the homes to which they are going. Our list of breeders in Illinois can help give you a place to start your search for a healthy, happy Labrador Retriever. The breeder whom you choose should be comfortable answering your questions and allow you to visit the puppies before you hand over any money. Enjoy finding the right puppy for your household! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Illinois 1. Over 5 acres of wooded land enables the dogs to have access to trees, swimming pools, and obstacle courses where they can run and play. Empress Labradors breeds English-style Labs in three colors: yellow, chocolate, and black. These dogs are bred to have strong pointing abilities without the dilution of their retrieving instincts. They are active in hunting, obedience, and agility while being loving family companions at home. The building that the puppies are born and raised in is just a few years old and gives the dogs a climate-controlled environment. Each puppy is socialized and loved and comes with a 3-year hip health guarantee in addition to vaccinations, AKC papers, and microchipping. Swimming, running, playing, and obedience training make up their days. Each puppy comes with their AKC registration, vaccinations, deworming, and a health statement from a veterinarian. Chocolate, black, and yellow Labs are available here. They are guaranteed healthy after numerous genetic tests and come with OFA certification for their hips and elbows. Since these puppies are in high demand, potential buyers must fill out a survey beforehand. This ensures that you understand the responsibility and commitment that a Labrador puppy requires. Once your survey is accepted, you can then be placed on a waitlist for a pup. These puppies are bred to be highly trainable and make ideal hunters. While they can be active with a desire to work, they are calm and gentle family companions when in the house. This breeder concentrates on creating Labs that guide bird hunts at hunt clubs in Illinois and Wisconsin. Their goal is to create Labs that will be wonderful family companions, hunters, and show dogs, depending on your choice. Over 2 acres of land are home to these dogs, located 30 minutes south of Chicago. All the dogs are genetically tested before breeding to produce the healthiest puppies possible. Labs are available in chocolate, yellow, and black. Visit our Facebook page for more pics! Louis, and Indianapolis to name just a few. All of our lab puppies in Chicago and St. Louis for sale are loved unconditionally from the minute they are born up until the day they join their new families. As a responsible and reputable lab breeder in Illinois, we genetically health test all of our Labrador retrievers in St. Louis to ensure that we are only producing healthy Labrador puppies for sale. If you are looking to add a happy, healthy, well-loved, and well-cared-for lab puppy to your family, you have come to the right place! We operate quite a bit differently than the majority of other breeders. We hold a VERY high standard here in regards to health, conformation and temperament. We always have a goal in mind when we perform a breeding. Those breeders are not breeding to better the Labrador breed or produce quality, well-bred lab puppies, they are simply producing puppies to sell and make a profit from. We own mostly females here and we use outside males stud service to cover our females. This gives us a huge advantage when choosing the perfect male for a particular female. Each female will need something different in a mate and using one male will not be sufficient for every female if a breeder is true to themselves and is breeding for a purpose. For example, you have a chocolate female but she is lacking in something whether it be coat, bone, length of leg, too long of loin, carries her tail too high, eye color is too light, etc. She is going to need a specific male to help improve those imperfections. If you have one or even a couple of males on your property and none of them have what your female needs, you are not doing the breed any justice by mating two dogs together that do not compliment each other correctly. Breeding correctly and responsibly can be very complicated, stressful and very expensive. Another important thing to consider is health testing. Do you know the genetics of your female and your male? Is one or the other or maybe both of them carriers of a certain genetic disease? Will you be producing affected lab puppies by mating these two dogs together? Genetic testing is extremely important and necessary! We specialize in producing lab puppies from high quality show lines which are commonly known as the English Labrador Retrievers. We have also been blessed with some exceptionally well bred American Labrador Retrievers which can be referred to as field labs. All of our lab puppies for sale are loved unconditionally from the minute they are born up until the day they join their new families. As a responsible and reputable lab breeder in Illinois, we genetically health test all of our labrador retrievers to ensure that we are only producing healthy labrador puppies for sale. If you are looking to add a happy, healthy, well loved and well cared for lab puppy to your family, you have come to the right place! We would love for you to join our lab puppy family and see for yourself why we are one of the best Labrador breeders in Illinois. We have chocolate, black and yellow puppies available now as well as some older pups! We only produce lab puppies in the 3 recognized colors by the american kennel club and labrador retriever club. We are dedicated to improving and protecting the labrador retriever breed. If you love labrador retrievers and would like to bring one into your family, you have come to the right place! Louis and Chicago are a popular choice for individuals who need companionship, active families, hunters and also for the serious competitor.
German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in New York would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. German Shepherd Rescue German Shepherd Rescue For years I was very active in rescuing, fostering and placing German Shepherds in my region who for whatever reason needed a new home. Why Do we Do It? I had a nice yard. I had some nice toys. I had a nice family. I thought they loved me, I thought they cared. I thought for me they would always be there. One day they moved, and sent me away. And in my heart, I wanted to stay. Locked up in a cage, that god-awful shelter, I wished for a home…with a girl and a boy. Then one day I found, I was to be put away. I begged for a family… I begged and I prayed. Then POOF, right out of nowhere a nice little lady who took me somewhere. She took me away, from the barking and shouts, to a place the angels must know about. She gave me a treat, and she gave me friends. I thought and I knew this love would never end. Then some nice people, they did come along. They wanted to adopt me for so very long. I wagged my tail and greeted them with pleasure. Such happiness my heart could not measure. Tribute to Chance Several years ago a trucker found an emaciated elderly German Shepherd running along the Interstate near Great Falls. He picked him up and brought him to the Animal Shelter here in Sheridan. Instead, they called me and I raced down to take him. When I led him outside, he stopped and looked up at the sky, looked down at the green grass, looked all around, as if he had known his planned fate and thought never to see any of that again. As I drove him to the foster home he eagerly gazed at children playing, people walking, life going by. He had been so starved that we could trace every bone in his body, and food just went right through him. We had him for several weeks, long enough to get his digestive system working again and some padding on those old bare bones. Eventually, a good friend in Spokane, who was waiting for one of my puppies, saw him on this rescue page and called to say she would take him. It was love at first sight for Debbi, a tentative and slow love for Chance, and a few months later, a fantastic buddy relationship with the pup Kobi Celhaus Faraoh when he joined the household. Chance died last January from mesenteric torsion, perhaps induced by his previous starved condition. Amazingly, two months later, I got a call from the Animal Shelter. Blessings upon you, Debbi, for giving joy at last to the two elderly German Shepherds, who were so bewildered and betrayed by the fickleness of their owners who should have cosseted them in their old age. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. Unfortunately when you have a popular breed, you often have many who do not fit in with the families which acquire them, ending up abandoned at animal shelters or worse, euthanasia, when their owners tire of them. As a breeder of German shepherds, I do all I can to ensure that none of my puppies end up such a situation. And I also try to help needy German Shepherds find loving homes for the rest of their lives, where they are appreciated and treasured. German Shepherds Must Have: 1. Exercise for their minds some kind of training 2. Exercise for their bodies—at least 30 minutes vigorous exercise daily on a schedule regular enough that they can depend on it 3. They NEED a job; if not given one, they invent one often one undesirable to people. They also NEED to spend most of their time with people. The German Shepherd is the premier working dog in the world. Some breeds are specialist, starring in one type of work, but the GSD is a generalist, able to do a great variety of kinds of work well. They excel in Schutzhund and tracking. They make great Therapy Dogs. The list is almost endless. They are NOT couch potatoes. They also NEED at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, whether it be hiking, retrieving a ball, whatever. A sedate walk around the block on leash is not sufficient! Their exercise MUST be on a regular schedule. I can get away with a shortened session occasionally if the weather is foul or I have to be at work unusually early, but it better not happen too often! I might come home to find hoses or the drip system chewed, or the yard rearranged. I try to take them for hikes in the hills summer or in town winter , and if weather forbids that, we play games or learn tricks. Bad habits resulting from frustrations when the above needs are not met. Or a family member turns out to be allergic to dog hair. German Shepherd puppies are the cutest things imaginable, but they soon lose that puppy charm and become very large and busy. Sometimes the problem is the high prey drive and energy level that makes them too much dog for the people to handle but would have made them superb working dogs, given a chance. Abuse or neglect. God forbid, but it does happen all too frequently. Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost, or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful. Usually I have no foster homes which can accept a needy dog and give it a home until a permanent home can be found for them. I take calls from people wanting to place their dogs, meet and evaluate the dog, then spread the word. Generally the dogs must stay in their homes until I can locate a suitable adopter except in cases of abuse or neglect, when we find a safe place for them as soon as possible. Many breeders do, and that should be the first call anyone with a problem dog should make. Few people call asking for help finding a dog, but enough do to keep my hopes up. We definitely need more people willing to give a dog a second chance!! A rescued dog can be incredibly grateful to its new owners, and bond deeply because it appreciates FINALLY being loved and appreciated. We also need more people willing to foster a rescued dog and begin its rehabilitation. We also need some way to educate people that a living animal is not something to throw away as you would an empty pop can. German Shepherds are legendary in their loyalty to their owners; somehow we need to help people realize that they are called to an equal devotion and loyalty to their dog. A person who is unwilling to put effort into training and exercising his German Shepherd should get a different pet—perhaps a goldfish would be best! He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with man. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. Immanuel Kant People seldom realize that rescue workers are all volunteers and generally work a demanding full-time job. Resolve to get your dog into some good training classes, to begin regular exercise and to focus on good bonding time and activities. If all these fail, contact one of us. But remember to give us time. Some larger metropolitan areas have rescue groups who can take dogs and foster them long enough to fix the problems. Many of us cannot. Even those larger groups are often overwhelmed by he numbers and have to give first change to dogs in danger of being killed. I check my e-mail daily. If I do not answer you right away, I might be researching options for you. Or else my work schedule has me temporarily buried. But never fear, I will do my best to help you—whether it is to find your dog a loving home, or to help you find a new, loyal friend with which to spend your life. For this is a person all the animals know about. As they have waited for their loved one s , they have told the story of their rescue from loneliness, neglect and impending death, and the wonderful people who helped them until a special loved one could be found. O special friend of animals, you have been spotted, and all the dogs and other animal friends will run over the fields to thank the person who has enabled so many to have had good lives and memories. Then, will they all walk to the gate of St. Very few people even recognize my name. But today I helped place an animal! I helped find it a loving home. It now has contentment and an abundance of love. A warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. Two little girls have a warm and playful new friend who will give them unending affection and teach them about responsibility and love. A wife and mother has a new free spirit to cuddle, nurture and care for. A husband and father has a furry friend to sit in his lap at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life. And a sense of satisfaction, that when he is gone all day at work, that there is a gentle spirit in his home keeping watch over his family. But today, I made a difference! Little Pieces by Grace Saalsaa Written for those who foster Melissa sat on the floor, unable to sit straight and tall like her mother had always admonished her to do when she was a child. Today, it would be impossible. And tomorrow…. Her mind was too busy thinking about the dog that lay across her lap. When he came to be with her, he had no name. She remembered that day very well. The first sight of him was enough to break her heart into little pieces. The woman, who had taken this dog from the rough streets where he had lived, had tried to save him because she was unable to watch this young dog find his own food in a dumpster outside the crack house where he lived. Nobody cared that he was gone. His fur was very thick; so thick that she had to wiggle her fingers down to feel his bony body. And as she pulled her fingers away again, they were coated in old dirt. Black and white, he was supposed to be. But on that day he was beige and dust. He sat motionless, waiting and limp. But the thing that was the most disturbing was the look in his eyes. They were quiet eyes, sunken into his head — and they watched her. They were alive with thought. She gave him one of the little broken pieces of her heart. She reached out to stroke his head and he instinctively squinched his eyes shut and dropped his head, waiting for the heavy hand. With that little bit of movement she gave him another one of the broken pieces of her heart. She took him home and gave him a bath. She toweled him dry and brushed some order back into his coat. For that, he was grateful and even though his own heart was loaded with worms, he accepted yet another piece of her heart, for it would help to heal his own. He drank it up happily. He had been dehydrated for a long time and she knew it would take him most of the week to re-hydrate. He wanted more water — but it was gone. But he was grateful for what he had been able to get. The heart full of worms was replaced piece by piece with little bits of her loving heart. And each little piece worked a very special kind of magic. When the warmth of love and gentle caresses are added, the little broken pieces knit together again and heal the container it resides in. That container becomes whole again. She watched each little broken piece fill a gap in the gentle dog until his quiet eyes radiated the light from the little pieces. You see, kind words gently spoken turn the little pieces into illumination for the spirit that resides within. He rested beside her, happy to be with her always. Never had he known such kindness, such gentle caresses; such love. Now his heart was full. The healing was complete. It was time to go. There was another person who had another heart that was meant to be shared with him. So she sat shapeless on the floor because all the broken pieces of her heart were with the dog. It is difficult to sit tall when your heart is not with you. She wrapped her arms around the dog that sat with tall, proud ears for her. Lean on me, he said. And she gave him one last thing that would keep him strong; that would keep the pieces of her heart together long after he had gone on to live his new life. She gave him her tears and bound them to the pieces with a simple statement made from the ribbons of her heart. Melissa sat on the floor, straight and tall like her mother had always admonished her to do when she was a child. Today, it would be possible. Because her mind was busy thinking about this, the next dog that lay across her lap. Where did she get the heart to help yet another dog, you ask? They always bring a little bit of heart with them. And when the rescuer breathes in that little bit of heart, it quickly grows and fills the void left by the last dog. What began as a small effort soon grew as the number of needy animals increased. In , Dixie Adoptables filed for c 3 nonprofit status, and in , they were officially certified as a nonprofit charity organization. This gave them the opportunity to expand their efforts and make an even more significant impact on the community they served. Dixie Adoptables continued to rescue animals and sought other animal rescuers in the community to create a foster program. They built a dedicated team of volunteers who shared their passion for saving animals and finding them forever homes. Their unwavering commitment to their cause earned them a reputation as a trusted and reliable organization in Lucedale, MS. This allowed them to rescue even more animals and have a larger impact on their community. In , they implemented a low-cost spay-neuter program for low-income county residents. They continue working tirelessly to find new ways to provide assistance and find loving homes for animals who otherwise have no hope. Their selfless efforts have significantly impacted the lives of countless animals and the community as a whole. Contact Details. The dogs need more care than our guests need a little tchotchke! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us Casen and we hope that all the dogs find their furever homes! These two incredible dogs had clearly been through some difficult times. Recognizing that these special pups would be most successful if they decompressed in foster homes, another rescue arranged for them to stay in foster families while they waited out their stray hold. Both dogs were placed in loving foster homes with other dogs. When their stray hold had ended and they had had some time to decompress, we were asked if we could welcome both dogs into the rescue. Really, who could say no to such a lovely pair of dogs? Brandi is a lovely girl. She arrived with wounds on her shoulders and underweight. Her foster family worked hard to get Brandi healed and healthy. Although we do not know anything about Brandi's past, it does appear that she was mishandled at some point. As a result, she can be timid and fearful with new people, particularly with men. A slow approach and some tasty treats go a long way with Brandi. She does warm up with a calm, confident, and patient handler. Brandi is looking for a forever family that will give her the opportunity to slowly adjust to the household. Providing Brandi with clear structure, routine, and guidance will be key to her success. When ready, Brandi will benefit greatly from training. Training will help Brandi build a strong, healthy bond with her forever family; it will also help her develop the stability and confidence needed to navigate her world. While living with her foster family in the south, Brandi did begin to develop her socialization skills. She also has learned the joys of living in a safe and loving home. At this time Brandi is housebroken and crate trained. However, she will likely need to fine tune her skills once she finds her forever home. Unfortunately, Brandi is heartworm positive. This diagnosis could have easily been avoided had Brandi been provided with monthly heartworm preventatives. Although treatment is very expensive, this active little girl is beyond worth the cost. Donations toward her care are greatly appreciated as this will help us not only help this lovely girl get all of the care that she needs, but it will also help us continue to support medical dogs in need. Brandi will need to take it easy over the next few months while she completes her treatment. However, this will give her time to adjust to her forever family. If Brandi sounds like the right match for your household, ask to meet her today. Update: Are you by any chance a morning person? Do you like to jog or hike? Brandi is looking to be your best friend. She wakes up ready to go and wants to be a velcro pup. After being here for a few weeks we've gotten a chance to see a little bit more about her. She is a pokey puppy. She loves to poke her nose everywhere and get the latest news. I also think she might have been best friends with a cat at some point. She constantly rubs up against everything just like a cat-- starting at her shoulder and curving down to the tail. So cute! She would do best in a house with a little space from neighbors. She sings the blues when left alone and talks in yips and barks about her day regularly. She also barks loudly at people outside the door. Not characteristics that would be loved by apartment neighbors! She is housebroken when kept to her schedule and sticks to her potty spot. She shows great potential but would do better if allowed exercise to calm her busy brain before being asked to focus. I think she would be best with older children only. She likes to jump up and lick your face when she is anxious or needs to check back in with you. We are working on correcting that habit but she can't get any exercise right now which doesn't help. She also can be a bit mouthy and she has tried to catch hold of my sleeve not my arm a few times. Surprisingly though, she doesn't bite down on your hand when taking a treat. Your whole hand can end up in her mouth with her exuberance to get the food. But, at least she doesn't bite down on you. She is very food motivated and very food-focused right now. She will try to take food away from my dog so she would do best with a dog that is not food protective. I think she would do fine in a house with other dogs that tolerate teen rough-housing, or in a house without other dogs. She could use the exercise provided by a pack but would be fine if you plan on being that exercise source. She does very well with our routine and knows where she's supposed to be and, most importantly, which meal is supposed to come next. Did I mention she's food fixated? She is not the best gardening buddy. Her favorite thing is to sit right in front of you, right on the dirt you just dug up so you could plant something, sticks her nose in the dirt to check the news, and then tries to give you a kiss right on the mouth. She will help dig though! She is prey driven, however, so she does keep the rabits, birds, and squirrels away from the garden very well. Hard toys only for this pup. She eviscerated a stuffy, grabbed up the pieces and chomped like she was going to swallow them in less than a minute. Fortunately, she is also very distractable with the promise of food of course. She is very ready to find her forever family. If you're looking to add a happy, bouncy young lady to your home, please consider her! Update: Brandi really is a special girl; she is a true GSD and loves with all of her heart and every piece of fur even the stray ones on the floor! Despite her previous hardships, the battle wounds on her shoulders, and coming in grossly underweight, she loves fiercely. Thankfully, her foster family continues to diligently work on helping her to heal from the trauma she experienced during the first part of her life. As a result, she is timid and fearful with new people, in particular, men. Therefore, multifaceted and multiple approaches to warm up to Brandi would go a long way with her! Think of slow, gentle, yet confident, approaches with some tasty treats! She will do best in a home with a family who is familiar or eager to learn the ways of a true GSD - while providing the essentials - training, structure, boundaries, routines, and continued guidance. Providing her with these basic needs, you will watch Brandi blossom in front of your eyes. Her foster family got a sneak peak of her potential socialization skills, crate trained, house broken, sloppy kisses and more , she just needs a forever family to get her the rest of the way to completely blossom into the beautiful, fiercely loving and fun pooch she has the potential to be. Brandi will form a healthy bond with her forever family and greatly benefit from continued training once she has had the time to complete her decompression and recognize she is safe with her forever family. Where do I start? I am trying my hardest, and have been through the best training a dog can receive Mason Dixon K9 , this I am really really grateful for! I am slowly rebuilding my confidence, learning that I can trust all humans again, but it takes me time. I like to sniff you out, get used to you and see you a few times. Once I trust you, I will protect you with my life! Will you take a chance on me? I will if you will!! The information provided is the best information we have on the dogs. MAGSR makes no explicit or implicit guarantees regarding the temperament of the dogs or the information included in the profile.
Toggle Menu This Is Why Your Labradoodle Puppy Is Going Grey Your labradoodle puppy was either black or chocolate brown when you added the new family member, and now he or she seems to be changing color. Why is my labradoodle puppy going grey? The genetic influence of the poodle tends to fade the coat to a lighter shade as the puppy matures. When you get a Doodle puppy it is very rare that you know exactly what color coat you will get, but you will always love whatever you end up with! Coat color is, of course, affected by parentage, and the colors can range from a single, even color to a wide multi-colored fur. Did you know that the colors can skip a generation or two? The grandparents and great-grandparents can have an effect on the final mature coat pigmentation. As mentioned earlier, coat color is determined genetically and there are several genes that are involved. Genes occur in pairs, one gene being contributed by each parent. This combination of genes will have some being dominant and some being recessive. The combination of the two determines what color the dog will be. Taking the Labrador Retriever as an example, colors that can occur are yellow, chocolate, or black. A black coat will appear charcoal, chocolate will appear silvery, and yellow will appear light gold or champagne. What Is Kemp Hair? Kemp hairs, when they appear, are usually found in a fleece-type coat of the labradoodle. The hair has a hollow middle and a comparatively thin outer layer so that it is quite brittle and breaks easily. Usually, kemp hairs appear in mature Labradoodles around the eyes and along the spine but have been known to appear in puppies as young as 4 or 5 months old. Stress or anxiety Stress and anxiety can cause fur or hair to go white. Although the reasons are debatable, sometimes stress can cause the body to stop producing pigmentation as well as it used to. Health Issues Although rare, hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause your Labradoodle to start greying. This condition is a result of the thyroid gland underperforming. Getting treatment for this disease from your vet should reverse the greying. There are a variety of liver and kidney diseases that can cause grey hair but are very rare. Always check with your vet if you suspect a health problem. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. The most common Labradoodle colors are black, cream and gold. Black Labradoodles are common finding generally one per litter. These Labradoodles represent the base price for a dog within this breed. The color of a cream Labradoodle can vary between different shades with some having red tinges through their coat. Although the color cream may vary the whole coat should be one consistent color. Apricot Labradoodles are often born with lighter colored coats that darken over time while others that are born apricot in color develop to have a light cream coat. The entire strand of fur on a golden Labradoodle should be the same color. Golden Labradoodles often fade as they grow. These dogs are neither common or rare. These Labradoodles should hold their color until adulthood. The chocolate colored Labradoodles tend to be a popular choice. Their coloring should be even. Chocolate Labradoodles often appear almost black at birth. A parchment should not have other colors mixed into the fur. Large blotches of any color on white make for an acceptable Parti colored Labradoodle. The hardest to breed and come by is the red Labradoodle. Any combination of two colors is acceptable as long as they have the distinctive markings. A black and gold phantom is among the most common. These dogs are on the rarer spectrum. These Dogs are on the rarer spectrum. While gold is a common color, the birth of a Labradoodle with a deep red coloring is as rare as they come. A red Poodle is unusual making a red Labradoodle even harder to come by. The roots of a red Labradoodle should match the tips. Red Labradoodles are hard to breed and even harder to come by. Red Labradoodle Puppy and Adult The range of Labradoodle coat colors is extensive although no matter which puppy you pick, Labradoodles make loving life long friends. Related posts:. Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy? Tweet on Twitter This complete guide to the silver Labradoodle has everything you need to know about the coat, health and temperament of a Labrador Poodle mix with shimmering grey fur. The description silver Labradoodle can reasonably be applied to dogs in several genetically distinct colors. The exact type of silver Doodle dog you pick may even affect how trainable they are, and how often they get sick. What is a Silver Labradoodle? Silver Labradoodle is a surprisingly ambiguous term! It sounds like it could mean any light grey Labradoodle, right? And that is indeed how a lot of people use it. And if so, which one! Silver Labs Part of the problem is that silver Labrador Retrievers and silver Poodles are very specifically defined colors, but they are not the same color. A silver Labrador is a brown dog with a dilute coat. That is, they possess two copies of a recessive dilution gene, which suppresses pigment production in their fur. Since the dilution gene is recessive, a Labrador must inherit a copy from both of their parents for it to take effect. Silver Labradors are born silver colored. Silver Poodles On the other hand, a silver Poodle is a black dog with two copies of a progressive greying gene. The progressive greying gene is incompletely dominant, which means that Poodles only need to inherit one copy from one parent in order for it to take effect. Different versions of the gene behave more and less powerfully as well, depending on their exact molecular structure. So there is a scale of possible color outcomes for fading Poodles, depending on how many copies of the greying gene they inherit, and how powerful each copy is. The bright platinum color described by the Poodle community as silver is the most extreme possibility. So it is likely that all silver Poodles have two copies of the greying gene and powerful ones at that! Other shades of grey On top of all this, there are other shades of grey in both breeds, which owners or observers without an interest in the finer details of color inheritance might also casually describe as silver. What cross produces silver Labradoodles? Someone using the term silver Labradoodle could mean a black or brown coat that is either: dilute faded by the progressive greying gene or both! They are all legitimate combinations. But, some are limited to particular Labradoodle generations. On the other hand, 2nd, 3rd, or multigen Labradoodles can express color dilution, progressive fading or even both, depending on their ancestry! To tell them apart, remember that dogs with color dilution are born already dilute, and dogs with the progressive greying gene start densely pigmented, and fade as they mature. To distinguish between dilute or faded coats with either a black or brown base, you might also come across the terms silver blue Labradoodle black-based dilution or fading or a silver beige Labradoodle brown-based dilution or fading. Why is my chocolate Labradoodle turning silver? They were born densely pigmented, but now the greying gene is starting to take effect, and their coat is clearing. This process starts around 6 weeks old, and takes up to two years to complete. Are silver Labradoodles rare? The genetic balance of probabilities is not stacked against them! This means the availability of silver Labradoodle puppies is driven partly by trends, and demand. Beware of breeders who tell you that a silver coat is rare, and use it to justify a silver Labradoodle cost. Silver Australian Labradoodles Australian Labradoodles are a multigenerational breeding project to turn Labradoodles into a new pedigree dog in their own right. Despite, or perhaps because of, all the ways a Labradoodle can inherit a coat that can be described as silver, none of the officially recognized colors for Australian Labradoodles are known as silver. The closest equivalent is lavender, which is a brown coat with the fading gene. Silver Labradoodle temperament So there are several different ways that grey Labradoodle puppies for sale can end up being described as silver. But do any of them make a difference to their personality? Is one kind of silver Doodle any friendlier or more trainable than another? At the time of writing, there is no known direct genetic link between coat color and temperament. But, an indirect link has developed in some Labrador breeding lines, which could also be reflected in their Labradoodle offspring. Among Labrador Retrievers, black Labs are traditionally much preferred for working gundog roles. As far as we know, black color and working aptitude are genetically independent of each other, but for many generations breeders have gone out of their way to select in favor of both together. Today, this means chocolate Labs are more likely to be described as agitated when ignored, excitable and scared of loud noise than black Labs, and less likely to be described as trainable. These traits could be reflected in a silver beige Labradoodle from chocolate Labrador lines, compared to a silver blue Labradoodle from black Labrador lines. But, there are so many other influences at work such as the individual temperament of both parents, the training they receive from an early age, the amount of physical exercise they get that it would be nearly impossible to quantify exactly how much impact coming from brown Lab lines has had. What you can be sure of is that your Labradoodle will be smart, energetic, and people-focussed. Silver Labradoodle Health Next, what about health? Labs and Standard Poodles are remarkably similar in terms of overall health and life expectancy. They both live for around 12 years on average, and during their lifetime the most common health problems they have are: Hip dysplasia Joint problems in the knees and elbows Thyroid disease Ear infections Autoimmune skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and sebaceous adenitis Choosing a puppy from health tested parents is the best way to beat avoidable health problems like these. But yet again, the poor chocolate Lab is likely to compare unfavorably to their black and yellow cousins. Health studies of Labradors indicate that chocolate colored dogs are diagnosed with ear infections and dermatitis more frequently than black and yellow dogs, and live on average one year less. Chocolate Labs used to breed silver or silver beige Labradoodle puppies could pass these vulnerabilities on to their puppies. Your Silver Labradoodle Puppy So there you have it — one silver Doodle dog may not be strictly the same color as the next, and silver Doodles from chocolate Labrador parents may have a markedly different temperaments, health profile and lifespan too. If you already have a silver Labradoodle, please tell us about them in the comments box down below! Were they silver when you picked them up, or did they fade as they matured? More Labradoodle Photos And Resources. Gray Labradoodle puppies may also be sold as blue or silver Labradoodles. So, finding a grey Labradoodle puppy can be quite a challenge. Your best bet is to work with breeders that specialize in this shade. What is a Grey Labradoodle? A grey Labradoodle is simply a Labrador Poodle mix with a gray coat. The exact shade of gray can vary from one Doodle to the next. Labradoodles of all colors come from two distinct lines: Australian and American. But, the Australian line also includes the Cocker Spaniel breed. There are two ways that a Labradoodle can get a grey coat. They will either inherit a dilute gene from each parent to weaken the black color to grey. Or, they will inherit the greying gene from their Poodle parent. Sadly, there are some health conditions that can affect the grey Labradoodle, depending on what causes their coat color. Genetics Behind the Gray Labradoodle Color Out of the parent dogs that combine to make the Labradoodle, the Poodle is the only dog with a standard, show-accepted grey coat color. And highly controversial to many purebred advocates. The two ways your Labradoodle can get a gray coat are: Inheriting the greying gene Inheriting two copies of the dilute gene All dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. When other genes interact with eumelanin, this basic black color can fade to grey. The Greying Gene The G greying gene is relatively rare in the world of canine coat color genetics. In fact, the Poodle is one of just 14 purebred dog breeds confirmed to carry it. So, a Labradoodle with the graying gene will have inherited it from their Poodle parent. Any Poodle — and any Labradoodle — can go grey over time. But, dogs that go gray from age can look quite different to Doodles with the graying gene. Labradoodles with the greying gene will often have a darker coat in puppyhood. But, as they grow it will fade to grey or silver. This means finding a grey puppy is harder, because they may turn grey as they get older, rather than being this color from the offset. The Dilute Gene The other way a Labradoodle can get a grey coat is by inheriting the dilute gene from both parents. Two copies of this gene will turn a black coat to gray. Altered black is calle d dilute because the interaction with other genes dilutes the full-strength black into a milder shade. Some may also call this silver or blue. The dilute gene is a recessive gene. So, a Labradoodle puppy who inherits only one copy of the gene will be a carrier, they will not be grey. A Labradoodle puppy will need to inherit a copy of the dilute gene from each parent dog in order to express it and grow up to have a grey coat. Other Ways a Labradoodle Gets a Gray Coat The greying gene and dilute genes are the two main ways for your Labradoodle to get a grey coat. But, other things can cause this coat color. Three other factors that can potentially cause a grey coat in the Labradoodle breed are: Age And health Age Just as people tend to get gray hair as they age, dogs can also go gray with age. This will usually start around their mouth and eyes. The extent a dog will grey from age will vary. So, if you want a grey dog from puppyhood, look for one with the dilute gene. Health Issues A number of canine health issues can influence coat color. One of the best known is thyroid dysfunction. Kidney and liver damage can sometimes cause premature greying. Dogs with dilute gray coats can suffer from color dilution alopecia, giving them patches of dry skin, thin fur, and poor hair regrowth. Finding Grey Labradoodle Puppies Canine genetics is a very young field. What we have learned is still dwarfed by what we have yet to learn. But researchers have developed some DNA tests that can identify whether a Labradoodle has inherited the dilute gene as a carrier to pass along or to express. So, if your heart is set on a gray Labradoodle, search for a breeder who is knowledgeable about canine coat color genetics. This gives you the best possible chance of selecting a Labradoodle puppy who will grow up to have a grey adult coat. These sellers are often much less concerned about selling healthy puppies. Puppies from these places can suffer from behavioral issues as well as health problems. Choosing a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder should always be your top priority. This may mean that you have to wait a little longer for a grey Labradoodle, but the wait will be worth it in the long run. Grey Labradoodle Rescue Another way to find a grey Labradoodle is to look in rescue centers. Labradoodles with the greying gene may not appear gray in puppyhood. But, dogs in rescue centers are usually a little older. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies from reputable breeders. Do You Have a Grey Labradoodle? The grey Labradoodle is an uncommon and beautiful coat color. Do you have one of these dogs at home, or are you currently searching for one? References and Resources. Joined: Tue Aug 22, pm Location: Surrey My 8 month labradoodle has loads and loads of grey hair! Post by loi » Sun Mar 11, pm Hi is anyone else sharing in my experience? I have a beautiful 8 month old male chocolate Labradoodle, which we purchased when he was 9 weeks old. He has been an absolute pleasure from the day we got him, easy to train and he has a lovely nature. He is playful and bouncy when in the garden and on walks, but has a lovely gentle and calm way around the house. He is now nearly fully grown and has that lovely puppy way about him, but has loads and loads of grey hair. If he didnt have that bouncy way about him, to look at you would think he was a much older. He started showing some grey hair at around 6 months the odd one here and there like some get, but by the time he was 7 months he had loads of grey hair around his eyes, and two very big patches on his back. One close to his neck and one close to his back end. He also has a large patch of grey on his tail. Do you own a young Labradoodle that also has lots of grey hair, or do you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you. I love my dog dearly, but wonder why he is going so grey when he is just a puppy? Is there anything I can do?
However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article.
Though it is still getting used to the world it lives in, it is socializing and making new friends, getting to know its owner You better. Also, 6 weeks is the age at which you should eliminate bad habits, and teach a German Shepherd bite inhibition. Though it is gained at a very high rate, as a trade-off, the dog needs a lot of food to keep up that energy. On average, a 1. And the weight will be around 3. Also, at the age of 6 weeks, your German Shepherd will grow at the fastest rate in his early life. Be cautious and never forget! To give it more than enough food and your adult GSD will be very strong and athletic. Bite Inhibition As well as everything above, during this young age, the puppy has to understand some things about biting. In particular, the biting inhibition. Without proper training, the pup may and probably will bite uncontrollably, for any possible reason, in the future. And you surely understand what that means. But how do you train it: Firstly, at that young age, any dog will get distracted and probably will stop any action including biting if it hears a loud noise. As such, you may as well emit this voice any time a dog comes to bite you or somebody else. Otherwise, you can let the dog play with you and train its teeth. They would be very helpful in the future as well, if you plan on continuing the training. Hence you will also need to care for the said puppy with more effort. For example, sometimes the babies may get ill due to their immunity wearing down because of growth and age. And that means that sometimes the puppy will need medical attention. Take it to a medical clinic etc. The German Shepherd is still too young for that. Also, never leave the dog inside a closed house for too long. Let them breathe with fresh outside air from time to time. Probably the mother will walk and guide her puppies on such walks. Conclusion In the end, caring for the puppy in the age of 6 weeks is about the same, as if the dog was 5 weeks old. Though there are some differences, including the bite inhibition training, increased amount of care, as well as the effort to help your puppy develop into a strong and representative adult German Shepherd. So good luck with making them the best as well. And thank you for reading. This is vitally important for early socialization and training purposes since the mother dog and littermates will naturally help the puppy to develop certain important canine etiquette and social skills they will use for the rest of their life. Any reputable German Shepherd breeder will not release a puppy to their new forever home before the age of eight weeks at the earliest. In such a short space of time, a tiny puppy is replaced by a nearly full-grown adult dog! Considering that the AKC currently has breeds registered, this is a pretty amazing ranking! In fact, these dogs were developed by a former German cavalry captain named Max von Stephanitz. His goal was to create the perfect herding dog. Captain von Stephanitz founded the breed club and kept a watchful eye over the development of the breed for decades until his death in .But in , UK breeders changed the name back to the German Shepherd. Everywhere else around the world, the name that is most commonly used is simply the German Shepherd. People love the German Shepherd for their loyalty , strength, intelligence, athleticism, playfulness, beauty, and bravery. German Shepherds are arguably the most in-demand dogs for K-9 work in the military, police force, private security , and personal protection. Birth Birth, or whelping as it is called for canines, is a big process for a puppy to go through and an even bigger job for the mother dog, as Kennels von Lotta German Shepherds breeder points out. Most German Shepherd dog moms give birth naturally. If all goes well, the mother dog whelps each puppy, removes them from the placental sack, and licks them clean. This process continues until all the puppies are born. As soon as the puppies are born, the mother has to nurse them. When that is done, she has to lick them to get them to pee and poop. And after that, she has to cuddle with them to keep them warm while they sleep. German Shepherd puppies are born blind and deaf. Their only active senses are touch and smell. One week old By the age of one week seven days , a German Shepherd puppy will have doubled in weight. More excitingly, their eyes and ears will have begun to open, according to VomGeliebtenHaus German Shepherds breeder. Regardless of what their coat coloration and eye color will be in adulthood, all German Shepherd puppies typically are born with all-black coats and blue eyes. Interestingly, experienced German Shepherd breeders say that it is easy to see individual personality traits starting even at one week of age. The incisors are typically the first teeth to show up and they are tiny and sharp. The puppies are starting to explore a bit more and gain a little bit of control over their own elimination function. However, they are still very reliant on their mom. Three weeks old Three weeks is when it starts to get exciting to be a German Shepherd puppy. They start to look less like marionette puppets and more like dogs, walking with at least a semblance of coordination and jumping around and playing with their littermates. They can hear well and see much more clearly. This is usually when breeders begin active socialization with people so the puppies will be comfortable with being handled and played with. Four weeks old By the age of four weeks old, the puppies are starting to engage in serious play, including mock fighting and games. They begin to look a lot more like the adult dogs they are yet to become and gain greater independence from the mother dog. Speaking of fearless, week four is when puppies have their full set of puppy teeth and their little puppy claws on top of that. So it is not surprising the mother dog gets more forceful about establishing boundaries with the puppies this week. Those little claws and teeth are razor-sharp! Five weeks old German Shepherd dogs can easily produce litters of up to eight puppies, which is so cute and precious when the puppies are young. But once those puppies start to get bigger and stronger and begin to eat more and eliminate more, this can mean a whole lot of cleanup for the mother dog and the breeder! This is why five weeks old is the age that most breeders begin to introduce the concept of outdoor potty breaks. Six weeks old By the age of six weeks old, the puppies are finally old enough to start eating more solid foods and to get the first of their important vaccination treatments, distemper and parvovirus and, optionally, Bordetella. Six weeks old is also an important time for introducing strange people so the puppies get used to meeting and interacting with potential new owners. The puppies are bigger and stronger now and are very curious and playful. After all, your puppy is eating solid food, has all their puppy teeth and claws, is able to hear and see clearly, is playful and curious, and has been exposed to different people and socialized by their mom and littermates. What could possibly go wrong? But for general purposes, canine researchers believe the most critical period happens between the age of six weeks and the age of 10 weeks, with specific fears taking shape around weeks eight through .This is the time period when puppies begin to intensively socialize and interact with their littermates, human carers, and others, forming bonds or aversions as each situation or interaction may warrant. As Dr. This is one key reason why it is smart to work only with a GSD breeder that will not release puppies until after the tenth week. This way, the puppy is able to move through the fear period in very familiar and trusted surroundings with the mom and littermates. However, this is not to say that if you brought your German Shepherd puppy home when they were younger than 10 weeks old that you will have any problems. Some puppies make it through the fear period just fine without any trauma. How to Manage the Fear Period for a Six Week Old German Shepherd Puppy If you are preparing to welcome your new German Shepherd puppy into your family, you may be feeling justifiably worried about managing the fear period effectively. So is there anything you need to know or do to make sure your young puppy feels safe, secure, and loved right from day one of their new life with you? As a matter of fact, there are some things you can do to set your puppy up for success right away. You will especially want to supervise young children to make sure they handle your puppy with appropriate sensitivity and gentleness. A German Shepherd puppy that is properly socialized to the youngest family members will grow up to be a staunch guardian and protector to all. Establish a consistent daily routine For a young puppy, in particular, a consistent routine is key to comfort and feelings of safety. Begin socialization and training immediately While it can feel tempting to go easy for the first few days and just let your new puppy get settled in, this can actually be counterproductive to building your bond together. A better strategy is to start every aspect of training from potty training to crate training to sleep training right away. Your puppy will have come to you from a structured environment established by the mother dog and the breeder. The more closely you can match and maintain that structure, making gradual adjustments as needed for your own daily life schedule, the more easily and quickly your puppy will adjust to life away from the litter and their mother. Your German Shepherd breeder likely required you to take your new puppy for a veterinary checkup right away, and this will give you an excellent baseline against which to compare growth and development in the coming weeks. Get into the habit of weighing and measuring your puppy each week and paying close attention to food and water intake, exercise and playtime, and sleep cycles. This is also the best way to quickly identify if there are any emerging health issues that need your attention. This is why people love this breed so much. Luckily, there is lots of help available. People who love the GSD breed are usually delighted to provide a new owner with assistance.
Testimonials Skylar from Michigan Hello! We brought Ghost formally Rover into our family back in November and just wanted to share some photos of him living his best life with the owners of his parents. He is so smart and mischievous in the best way, that keeps us laughing all day long. He has also completed 2 rounds of training. Also wanted to note that if his parents were to have another litter, we are interested in getting him a little brother or sister further in the future. Donna from OH Hank has become a part of our family and is a delight. Sleeping thru the nights is an up and down issue. He barks when he needs to go out and trained so easily. Hank also just had his second puppy class and learning to walk on a soft lead. Hank did come to us with an intestinal bacteria issue and needed ten days of antibiotic from the vet. His poop was extremely soft but appears to have improved. He is a handsome dog and praised everywhere he goes for his coat and color. Hank adds joy to our family! Glad to update you on Reese…now named Hank! But our experience with the adoption process was super easy. Maverick is amazing! He is so playful and always happy! We love our pup and thank you for everything! We truly appreciate it. Below are some pictures of our ray of sunshine! Brandon from Michigan Our puppy is doing great! I named him Bentley. He is very calm and is pretty much potty trained. He is super friendly with people, cats, and other dogs. Bentley loves to run and chase toys! Bentley is a great addition to our family. Our first dog Malley we got 6 years ago already from Aden Yoder and she is beautiful, healthy and brings us endless love and joy! Him and Malley get along so well and he fits right in to our family! He is very sweet, curious and a good listener already. You can tell by her gentle demeanor and beauty that she has incredible lineage from her parents Diamond and Kayla. Her breeders, Ruth and Jacob were so kind and made the process really easy for us. Thank you for breeding your Goldens with care and love. We are loving life with our Daisy Lou! He has been such a delight. Our vet says he looks better his markings and build then most dogs she sees that are show dogs. Kara from Ohio Hi! Just wanted to send some photos of little Libby! I am so happy that I chose you guys to find my little baby. This is my first time ever having a pet and I am so in love! She is so perfect and everyone in Columbus stops when they see her outside. I have heard she is the cutest puppy people have ever seen so many times! Thank you again! Rick from Florida Hi Galen! We purchased Chance now called Tucker from you and Robert Raber 3 years ago. Tucker has grown into an extremely gorgeous Golden Retriever the Sire was Pudgey. Tucker is dearly loved, very smart, and of course spoiled. Here are 2 recent pictures of him. Jim from Ohio Chloe now Wrigley , is doing great by the way—very healthy, energetic and beautiful. Erica from Florida Galen, We wanted to thank you for such a great puppy and for making the process so easy for us. Missy, now Ruby, is adjusting well and learning quickly. Thanks again! Obviously, her parents were well-matched for their personality, temperament, and looks. Lola arrived in Texas by plane with no issues and already making friends with the airline personnel. When it comes time to get Lola a sister, we will absolutely be repeat customers! Lynn from Arizona It was so nice meeting you and visiting your lovely homestead. I wanted to let you know that Roxy is doing wonderful and growing fast. She has a very sweet temperament and has quickly learned to sit, lay down, and bark when she wants out. Her favorite activity to do is play in our garden, darting through the broccoli plants. Also, I wanted to let you know I had no problems taking her on Southwest airlines. She did great on the flight and was quiet the whole time. Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful puppy! Tina from Florida I purchased two puppies on Wednesday and had them delivered by Friday. The service was very friendly, fast and the puppies are a dream come true!! Highly recommend this seller. He is 20 lbs of fun right now. Chloe from Texas Hey Galen! I wanted to send you some pictures of Brady! We love her!!! Thanks again for getting us together. Just wanted to give an update on Leo! He just turned 3 months on Tuesday! He loves being outside playing fetch and running around our tree in our backyard! He knows how to sit and he is beginning to learn how to stay. He knows what outside and potty means, and loves to go bye. He loves to give kisses too! The second visit with the vet was this week and she said he is very healthy! Leo is so very loved and we love watching him grow! He is so much fun! Carrie from Ohio Just wanted to thank you for steering us to the perfect dog for our family! We adore him! Thank you! Update Hi Galen! About a year ago my husband and I started searching for a golden retriever who would become part of our family. Never could we have dreamed how much our Henry would bless all of us. Thank you again for putting us in touch with the awesome family who raised Henry until he was old enough to join ours! Steven from California Hi Galen! Everyone in the family just loves him and he is settling in just fine. We will be taking him to see the vet in the next day or two. Thank you so much! Terri from Arizona Oh, what a cute little girl! Nadine from Arizona We love our little girl. Renamed her Calista Belle, we call her Cali, she plays long and hard, and then crashed into slumber, where I know she is just recharging! Follows us everywhere. Thank you for this little slice of heaven. Charity from Ohio I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Smith is such a great addition to our family and is already loved by all 7 of us. You have done an amazing job with these puppies. He cried a little on the way home but quickly found a spot on the passenger seat and went to sleep. Then once we got home and he woke up he ate and played and slept all night in his crate only waking and crying once. He is also very well potty trained using his potty pads every time. Kuddos to you and your family for such a nice job on our new little buddy. Eric from Ohio Hello from Eric and Amanda. We have been really enjoying Remington and he is a beast! Brad from Ohio We had Bella checked out by the Vet all was good. Also she is fitting in VERY well. We just wanted to thank you and your wife for this wonderful pup. We are very satisfied. Gary from Ohio Kenny is one year old tomorrow and thought you may like an update. Extremely smart and eager to please, loves the water. Thank you for him! Alexa from Illinois Randy is doing great! He handled all of the traveling today like a champ! Picking him up from the airport was such a pleasant experience. I was so worried it would be too stressful for him, but he has just been so loving and playful since we picked him up. We are so happy to have him! Mike from Phoenix The pups are adorable Galen, thanks much for holding them for us. They came to a great home. Very happy we got sisters, they play like that and after a bath both passed out!! We will send pics in a few months. Update: Hey Galen, I thought I would send another pic of our dogs. Super cute photo since they are almost full grown now. Anyway, thanks again for the great dogs!! Jonathan from Ohio Teddy has brought our family so much happiness! He is a Golden of the highest quality. His appearance, temperament, and behavior are perfection. The care prior to adoption made us feel so confident in our adoption. We just love Teddy. We actively recommend mygoldenretrieverpuppies. Thank you for bringing us so much love and joy in our Golden. Patricia from Ohio Merry Christmas from Hazel! Santa was really good to her! We love her! Jack from Ohio Easton with his new brother Brodie. He wasted no time finding the lake and getting his toes wet. He is sleeping on my feet now. Thanks for the puppy. Simba previously known as Bear is 14 weeks old now, and he is such an amazing puppy. He is on track to become a certified therapy dog when he turns one year old, and he has learned a handful of tricks already. He can sit, shake hands, high five, and lay down with ease. Seriously though, what a gem. Thank you so much, and we hope to stay in touch! Nothing phases him. If another dog is aggressive, he just ignores it. There is not a mean bone in his body. Housebreaking went very well and he barks to go out. We get a lot of tender kisses from him. Feathering has just begun on his tail. He still has his fuzzy, puppy head hair. His bark is deepening, and I joke that he is in his ugly duckling stage — our gangly teenager. Still, he is handsome enough that occasionally, people stop their cars to ask about him and admire him. He is our social ambassador. Obviously, both are quite spoiled. She absolutely loves playing soccer, playing in water, and is best friends with our cat Kyla. Thank you!!! Rosemary from Ohio Sammy has been to puppy class, obedience one, heel class and passed all three with flying colors! They are amazed at how smart he is. We are going to try agility just so we can have fun. Valerie from Florida Hi! I just wanted to update you on our new pup!! We took him to the vet yesterday and everything seems fine. We renamed him Duke. He has slept through both nights without whining and sleeps a bunch during the day. He is growing up to be a happy smart and good looking puppy! He is a joy to have and wanted to say thank you for everything. We are truly happy with our decision to purchase one of your cute puppies! These are some recent pictures. The one photo is from Doggie Day Camp and the puggle is Lucy his sibling lol! They are play so well together! Happy holidays and have a safe and happy New Year! Emily from Ohio Hello! Our puppy is so much fun and growing so fast! We adopted Cody and named him Darby! We would highly recommend adopting from here. Thanks again. I bought Gabi from you guys and I just wanted to send you a few pictures of her, today was her 1st birthday. She loves to be around other dogs, very playful! She knows how to sit, shake, roll over and lay down, she listens very well! She knows when your sad and likes to make you happy by jumping in your lap and licking you to death. We love her to pieces and thank you for selling us a wonderful dog Alissa from Ohio Oscar is doing really well here in Cleveland!! He even has his own Instagram page! Thanks so much!! Maggie from Ohio Our puppy is amazing. His temperament is so gentle and kind with our 4-year-old and he is a smart pup. Everyone who comes into our house is just amazed at what a good puppy he is…the perfect addition to our family. This was Donald, but we call him Miles now. Thanks for the wonderful experience! He is such a joy, we absolutely adore him! Thanks so much! Tim from Ohio This is Ruby. We brought her home in December and she is almost 6 months old. She is a beautiful and gentle puppy that loves being around the kids. Everyone that meets her falls in love. Alison from Virginia We are so happy with our puppy! We renamed him Bodie, and he is a great dog! He is very smart and he gets compliments all the time on his coloring and how handsome he is. He was the runt, but has caught up and is now about 45 pounds of lap dog? He is very sweet and loves to be anywhere we are. We are so glad we got Bodie — he really completes our family! Caitlyn from Ohio Hey Galen! Missy is absolutely fantastic! We have another little dog, a Pomeranian, and they are best friends. She loves literally everyone and is beautiful. She is very small 40lbs but exactly what we were looking for. We could not have asked for a better dog. We are so happy with her we already refer you and will use you in the future if you still breed. Thank you for our addition to our family! Tracy from Kentucky We absolutely love our dog Oakley! He is awesome. He is doing well and has been in training and completely disciplined. Our experience was the best!!! You all are such great breeders and highly recommend you to all our friends and family. Amy from Ohio Our puppy is amazing. We just love our dog! She is absolutely perfect. Daisy is everything that we expected. As a puppy she never really got into a lot of things, never chewed anything up. She loves to cuddle and go for walks. I can not tell you how happy we are with her. I do have to say that she is definitely spoiled by each and everyone of us. My kids wished we would have gotten her brother also… I guess I do also but we are so satisfied with her! Jessica from Ohio We are so in love with our golden, Olive. She is seriously the best puppy we have ever known—calm, kind, and not a chewer! Everyone in the neighborhood knows her and loves her. She is around 40 pounds now and almost 5 months old. Kristin from Ohio Brady is doing awesome. He is almost 7 months now, continues to get bigger he is at about 65lbs right now and is healthy. He loves the dog park and doggy daycare so he can play with the other dogs. Our experience was nothing short of wonderful in working with you and the family. Brittany from Texas I purchased Noah from you almost 2 years ago, and Fitz about 8 months ago. They are both the sweetest dogs ever!! I have loved every minute of having them and am so fortunate that they have been in good health since bringing them home. I have a picture attached, Noah is the larger pup, Fitz the smaller. Courtney from Ohio I have Finley, who was originally named Logan on the site. He just turned one on February 28th. I am so incredibly happy with him. I can seriously take him anywhere with me and he behaves like a pro. I have always gotten compliments on how well he does out in public. Thanks so much for him. Alisha from Ohio Leo is just a few weeks shy of turning 11 months old! We love Leo very much and we know he loves us very much too. Especially the way he loves to wake us up in the morning to his yawns. They are loud and very obnoxious. Lol Or how he thinks that we are awake when we are turning over so he decides to lick our faces until we get up. Leo has grown so much from when we first got him and from when we sent a picture of him at 6 months. Leo loves to go on walks. I have to start spelling it out because he is ready to go now and not in a little bit. He also has been digging in our backyard. Which results in many baths. We are on a daily basis now. So we are ready for the spring showers to end!! The one picture is when he jumped on the chair with Daniel. He lays on his back like that all the time. The other one is just from him tonight! He sure is spoiled here and loved so much! Hope all is well with you! Tammy from Texas He is doing just great, has plenty of Kong toys and actually sleeps in the bed with me since he is an inside dog. He loves running around the oak tree as fast as he can in the back yard and makes sounds to talk to me. He still barks at his reflection in the glass of the French doors at night but has the mirror figured out. He is beautiful and very loving, still tries to chew on rugs and paper or pen when he can reach one like off the kitchen table LOL. The vet had me take him off puppy food early and put him on regular food, she said he was growing too fast. He trained fast but is still a little mischievous. We thought the whole process of buying him and having him shipped went very easy. I recommended a friend to you who is looking to buy a golden. Beth from Pennsylvania Lady is doing great! She is a wonderful 5 month old puppy-dog! Emily from Ohio We are so happy we found Leo through your site. He is so beautiful and an amazing puppy at almost 6 months old. Wherever we go, people comment how well mannered and handsome he is. Thank you for caring so much about your puppies! He is everything we expected and more. He is very smart and quite the cuddler. He has brought such joy to our family that we are debating a little sister for him! He was so easy to potty train and crate train. Glad we found him through your website! Lori from Ohio This is our Scout. He is a healthy, rambunctious, loving boy. He has brought us so much joy after losing our precious golden of 12 years Boomer Bear. Thank you for him. Scout is very much loved. Already well traveled, with the flights from Ohio to Texas and a road trip to go camping at Walt Disney World, Ranger he is keeping busy! Next week he starts Puppy Kindergarten to fine tune his skills and behavior. He is one smart, handsome, and happy puppy. Today he started at Camp Bow Wow to give him the opportunity to play a socialize with some other pups. Paula from West Virginia Our puppy is wonderful…. Sadie and my daughter are best buddies. He is on our front porch on the lookout for marauding squirrels. He is happy and healthy, for a big puppy! Lyndsay from Ohio We absolutely love him! He is the best! Rachel from Ohio We purchased a golden puppy last October and we absolutely love her!!! She is the sweetest dog. The experience was nothing but pleasant for us and we are so happy we made the decision to purchase her from your site. Kristyn from Ohio Hello Galen! Mack is just a joy. He is sturdy, handsome and full of fun! I adore him. Can not thank you enough! He has brought us so much happiness! Easily house broken, learned sit, lay down, hi-five and paw, and graduated puppy school! Everywhere we go people stop and comment how beautiful he is. He is a gentle and loving boy. Tammy from Ohio This is Callie Mae. Previously named Maggie. She was born June 29, .She is very loved and spoiled at her new home. Shannon from Ohio Payton is doing great, she has the best personality and is such a great companion. She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. Jeff from Maine Wesley loves his new family and we love him. That picture of him in the chair was not staged. My wife was having devotions and got up to do something. When she returned she found him in the chair. Thanks for sharing you puppy with us. He is a big boy now!! Susan from Connecticut Skye is doing fantastic! She is just over 8 months old, weighs 57 pounds, and everyone cannot get over her dark, rich color. She is friendly, loving, has a great personality, follows me everywhere, and has been very easy to train. She will even retrieve, something we could not get our past two goldens to do!! Thank you for a great dog! Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. BBB unable to locate business More info I found a puppy online for my daughter. Contacted the company through email and they were to ship the puppy ALL shipping included if I paid the extra .The puppy was listed online for .So I sent the company .They sent me a link so I could track the puppy from Florida to Texas the following day. I watched the tracker and nothing happened. Then I received a phone call from the "Transport company" in which I think was completely made up. I told them to send me proof they had the puppy. They would NOT. I told them I would contact the seller and work things out. I tried contacting the seller and nobody would respond to my phone calls. I sent a text and that's when I received a response telling me that this was not a scam and I needed to just send the money to the transport company. I said absolutely not. That was NOT in our agreement. ALL shipping was to be paid and I was to receive my puppy for .I asked to get a refund and they could keep the puppy. I can not get anyone to respond. I have looked up the "Transgroup Logistics" company to see if they are real, and I can't find any company by that name. Also the document they sent me look to be a copyright. I have also looked up ALL the different phone numbers they have used and only 1 has came back attached to a name. Customer Reviews. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Testimonials Our goal is to bring joy to your family through golden retrievers. Hear directly from other families, just like you! Check our Google reviews and Facebook page Summer's Goldens to see more stories and pictures. We could tell you were a genuine person and someone who would take the time to make sure the litter was properly cared for. I don't think you could have done anything better! Hampton is adjusting so very well. He is adventurous and sweet and everything you could want in a puppy. You answered all questions and offered to be available after the adoption to answer more; this gave us great peace of mind. Charlie adjusted very well to his hours-long crate travel to his new family and arrived eager to meet everyone, including his nine-year-old brother, Max. He had only a couple of accidents in the house. I would say his adjustment has been exceptional! Jen, who has raised two other family golden puppies, agrees that he is the BEST puppy ever! You were very flexible and accommodating when we were planning our visit to see the puppies. You were so patient with us when we were visiting the puppies and choosing our sweet Abigail. Picking up Abigail was so easy and your care package was full of wonderful surprises. I love the puppy photo book! Your folder is organized and helpful. Our Sadie and Aayla have adjusted wonderfully to their new homes within the family. The pups have been very successful in social settings with other family and neighborhood pets. They are smart learn commands easily , are confident of themselves in new environments, aim to please, and have the sweetest dispositions. We chose Summer's Goldens based on their integrity with raising purebred goldens whose genetics are monitored to ensure that we will have our sweet pups for a long life of good health and joy to the family. Marta was fantastic with communication, provided us the opportunity to meet the pup's parents with our visit, and set us up with all the necessary information to transition easily to our local vet. The pups came microchipped and AKC registration applications ready to go. A truly wonderful experience that will extend happiness in our lives for years and years to come! I've been around a lot of dogs and professional breeders in my lifetime, and I have to say these dogs have been bred very well. My new puppy Pippa is top-of-the-line with all the Golden Retriever breed standards. She is nine weeks old and her structure, gait, and personality couldn't be any better. Marta is a decent, honest person who breeds good dogs. That is very hard to find these days. I would recommend Summer's Goldens to anyone who wants a very well-bred Golden Retriever. I keep telling everyone I don't think we could've found a better breeder! The process was easy and couldn't have gone any better! Thanks again for everything! You always responded to my emails or texts in a timely manner. The shipment of Rover also went very smoothly. Everything you did was great for me and my family! I honestly can't think of anything that I think you could have done any better with your service. Everything you did for us was great and anything I asked or needed you provided an answer in a swift manner. We love Charlie! She would stand up in the box we brought along and simply sniff the air, then a minute later would be laying down sound asleep. She was great! She has truly been a joy. She is a very quick learner so she is doing great responding to her name, nearly house broken, and definitely knows where her food is kept! You really care about the pups and their well being. We truly could not think of a single thing that you could do better. You are a first class breeder! United was also a delight. Manchester, NH is a tiny airport. Ember was delivered to the ticketing desk with another little puppy. The agent said that she loved her job but this was her favorite part! Our daughter just finished 6 weeks of "Puppy training" with her, and the trainer said that she had never worked with such a well-adjusted and socialized young puppy--calm, loving and very quick to learn but fearless and daring as well. Ember starts her next set of training classes in late January. Lincoln seems to be very healthy and happy and open to new experiences. I can tell he is well-socialized because he is very happy to be with people and learns very quickly. He had this first vet appointment in Chicago and they said everything looks great! He was a hit there. Hannah came to us perfectly fine. We were so excited to meet her, we got to the airport early. You provided all the information that we needed and more. The care package was excellent. My wife and I loved the photo album, especially that you included pictures of her mom and dad. I honestly can't think of anything you could do better. The experience was great for me all around. That helped me to know I was dealing with the right person. From beginning to end the process was extremely smooth and free of stress. It truly was a blessing to work with you on finding our puppy and bringing him home. He has the best temperament and loves to learn! I had done a ton of research on finding a good breeder, and I looked at breeders in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. When I found your website, I then looked you guys up on Facebook and read what people said. From there, I called you and felt confident in choosing you because you were very knowledgeable, kind, and always willing to answer any questions I had. Again, thank you so much for giving me the best little puppy in the world. We are already so close and I love him so much! Everything was so personalized and the well-organized folder has made it easy to store the important information one teacher can see teacher organization in another. Also, absolutely loved the pictures! This was our first experience adding a puppy to our family. There is no comparison and the bar was set very high. Thanks again, and if there is ever a Summer's Goldens reunion day, count us in! They sincerely care about the well-being of the puppies from conception, to birth, to being adopted. It was apparent how much they respect their dogs, the future of their litter's lives, and are extremely educated on how to properly socialize and raise puppies. I have had many dogs in my life, but our boy is the best puppy I have ever met. He is inquisitive, smart, playful, and so sweet. He loves everyone and every dog he has met, isn't fearful or skittish, and already responds to basic commands. He was crate-trained and potty-trained extremely quickly in 4 days! Summer's Goldens ensures that every litter, every puppy, is prepared for their forever homes. We are so grateful to have had this experience with them, they are kind, generous, and all around good people. We highly recommend Summer's Goldens. We are so happy to have our boy, Bowie, home with us, but we are eternally thankful for the first few weeks of his life that were spent at Summer's Goldens getting the best possible care a puppy could ask for. You are friendly, knowledgeable and very passionate about raising fantastic dogs. The emails with details about what stage of life the puppies were in and the pictures were a great reminder that we were getting a well-rounded puppy. And finally the take home care package, you included everything we would need, so thoughtful. We have experience with puppies and dogs--but for people who don't--I am sure prospective, first-time puppy owners will be very encouraged by how well you communicate. I also didn't feel like a 'number. It was also very encouraging to see just how clean and warm the environment in which these puppies are raised. He has picked up on things like sit, going up and down stairs, and potty training very quickly compared to our friend's new golden. I love that you socialize the dogs and all the effort you put into them. Our vet was also impressed he was already microchipped and dewormed. She said it was great! We will recommend you to anyone considering a golden and we will definitely be using you whenever we decide to get our next golden! Summer's Goldens was very thorough from start to finish and they have the well-being of their animals as their first priority. They made our puppy-buying experience wonderful. Highly recommended! Your weekly updates are certainly a special touch; it was exciting to see their changes each week and the information you provided was very helpful. Adoption day was such an exciting day for us and we could tell how happy you were for your puppies and their new families! We feel very fortunate that we found you and ultimately Ellie! We enjoyed the little photo book of Maggie and especially loved the blanket that had her parents' scent on it. We could also tell that she was very well-socialized before we got her. I loved the weekly pictures and even watching them on your website. Visiting your facility was also very impressive. You run a top shelf operation! He has been good as gold. We are making good progress with potty and crate training, and have introduced him to most of our family members. We have loved how cuddly and playful he has been. We found you all had an available litter, and a well documented and verified heritage of your dogs and puppies. Gus is a sweetheart! We just love him. I heard about you from the golden retriever forum-- someone had commented how awesome their experience was and the quality of Goldens. I was impressed with how clean everything was on both visits and that you let us see where they stay and their parents. Please please keep breeding Goldens! We enjoyed seeing your facilities and meeting Nova's parents. The entire process for getting our puppy was wonderful. It is very easy to communicate with Marta and I appreciate the love and care that she puts into her golden retriever family. The kennel area is very clean and well-kept for puppies and adult goldens. Marta is also very organized. Having all the current health and vet information together in one place is greatly appreciated! When I took my new puppy for his first appointment with our vet, they were thrilled with all the documented vaccines and health records that Marta had given us. They said that Marta had pretty much followed everything to a T as far as that went. I was very happy to hear that! Our puppy is happy, healthy and loves everyone.
border collie cross labrador puppies - By Chris Who does not love a Poodle? Poodles are one of those breeds that are easily identifiable. These gorgeous dogs come in three different sizes, and regardless of the size, they are highly intelligent , active, and beautiful. PuppySpot is a reputable dog marketplace where you can browse and find compatible puppies right from the comfort of your home. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! They were originally bred as hunting dogs and now serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, and guide dogs. The breed secured the number-one position for the most popular dog 22 years in a row, 38 years ago. While they may hold the fifth spot on the list of the most popular dogs today, they are still very dear to many. If you, too, are smitten by these cute dogs and are thinking of adopting them, here are a few trustworthy breeders we recommend. Our Breeder Selection Criteria When you look for Poodle breeders in California online, you will get several search results, but not all breeders are reputable. A dog breeder and a prospect owner talks about dog adoption. So we have compiled a list of breeders who are ethical and responsible. These breeders: Register their pups with AKC Test all the parents in their breeding program for genetic illnesses. Raise the puppies using appropriate methods. Breed for quality and not quantity. Provide breeder support. Vaccinate and deworm their puppies. Initiate training. Share immense love for dogs. A white Poodle puppy sits and seems like it needs grooming. The breeders rear their litters under the puppy culture program, making sure that the pups are properly socialized and have the best temperaments. All the parent dogs in the breeding program are registered with the AKC and are health tested, both orthopedically and genetically. Their site shares complete details about the tests that their dogs have gone through. The puppies come with AKC registration and a 1-year health guarantee against genetic illnesses. The puppies are dewormed, microchipped, and given age-appropriate vaccinations before going to their forever homes. A trainer and a veterinarian evaluate them for temperament and health. Along with your puppy, you also get a large goodie bag and lifelong breeder support. Puppy pick-ups start at 6 weeks, in order of the deposits received. If you want to reserve a puppy, you will have to fill out the application on the website. If there is no upcoming litter, you can register for their waiting list. Contact Details:. Precisely Poodles Precisely Poodles are located in Menifee, California, and assure to provide you with Poodles that have excellent health, amazing temperament, and beautiful appearances. The Poodle puppies in California at this facility are born and raised at home. They are taken care of by the owner, her husband, and their children, and the puppies get all the love, care, and attention of the family. The Poodles at Precisely Poodles are also exposed to other animals as a part of their socialization training. Household activities acclimatize them to household atmospheres. The dogs raised here are family dogs and can be loyal companions because they grow up around other human beings. They are fully socialized, desensitized, and acclimatized. On the website for Precisely Poodles, you can find a lot of information about the Poodle breed if you are interested in the breed but are unsure of how to take care of it should you decide to buy one. The website informs new owners about the proper way to care for a Poodle. The ears of Poodles also have to be checked regularly for wax and mites, which can lead to ear infections if left unattended for too long. Taking care of your Poodle will lead to better health and a better bond between the owner and the dog. Precisely Poodles claims that all their Poodles are also hypo-allergenic as the breed sheds much less hair than other dogs. All pet parents are health tested before they are bred, and you can find relevant information about all tests on their website. You can also contact the website to check for any announcements on the upcoming litters. All their dogs, females and males, have their pictures on the website. Precisely Poodles Details. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Southern California? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Southern California. The price of Poodles differ according to several factors - such as breeder experience, coat color and pattern, size, and more. Do your breeders arrange travel for Southern California Poodles out of state? The majority of the companies and breeders in our network are very familiar with transporting puppies all around the country, and are even able to send your pup by plane to your nearest major airport. And, because our network is so large and still expanding , we might even have a Poodle breeder just around the corner for you! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Southern California? In order to safeguard the happiness and health of your puppy, we have very strict standards around facilities, care, experience in the business and much more. Our mission is focused on one thing - help the good breeders out there get connected to awesome families and help you find the Poodle of your dreams! What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Southern California? Whereas an honest breeding center is like a puppy oasis, a puppy mill is more like a dog factory, and prison, where countless sick puppies are born. In many cases, puppies coming from puppy mills often have serious problems that cost owners a lot of money—and tend to die much sooner than the average Poodle. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Southern California for sale now? Have you been searching for your perfect Poodle? Well, you can stop your search now! All that is needed to begin your Poodle search is below! What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Southern California? Poodles are a special canine breed. You can teach the Poodle so many tricks because of their intelligence. Right now, online puppy scams are a dime a dozen. Through our Breeder Pledge, screening process and much more, our goal is to build long-term relationships with everyone involved from both sides. You just have to look at all the positive feedback in our reviews to see how well everything in our puppy system works!
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border collie cross labrador puppies - Its tail is held upwards and wags from side to side His ears are pricked up His mouth is often open, tongue hanging out His front legs are bent, and the front of his body touches the ground His posterior is raised 2. If your German Shepherd is alert: Image Credit: Nate Tribbs, Pixabay His eyes are wide open His tail is horizontal, in line with the body, and it can wiggle gently from side to side His ears are pricked up as if trying to get closer to the sound that disturbs him His mouth is closed His body is tilted slightly forward, on the tips of its paws 3. It can sometimes vibrate or move slowly from side to side, always staying stiff His ears are set apart, forward, and very stiff His mouth is open, and he shows his teeth and gums Its legs are very stiff and tilted slightly forward His body is also tilted forward Other Signs to Know Your pup can speak with their entire body, but sometimes it is only one of their limbs tail , ears , legs, etc. Here are a few moves to remember but there are many more : 6. His tail Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock Stirs slowly, pointing downwards: he has not understood what is expected of him Move very quickly from left to right, directed downwards: he has understood your order and is ready to obey you Stirs uncontrollably in all directions: he is very, very happy! His stare Image Credit: Rob Wee, Pixabay He repeatedly blinks when looking at something: he wants to play with the object in question His eyes look in all directions, except towards you: he submits, or he has understood his stupidity after a reprimand, for example 9. However, non-verbal gestures can be a bit subtle. Indeed, if your dog is in pain, he may be showing physical and behavioral signs: Physical Signs Whining: If your dog whines or complains in your presence or when alone, and this is not his habit, he may be having pain or discomfort. Some dogs cry out loud in the anguish of the pain. Licking: A dog in pain will tend to lick the limb or the part of its body that is painful. This attitude, often overly compulsive, is meant to be calming. If you notice this behavior, check that your animal is not injured. If there are no outward signs, the pain may be internal, or he may even have obsessive compulsive disorder OCD. He tends to get up, lie down or sit down, changing his position regularly, as if he were looking for the one that causes him the least amount of pain. Whale eyes: If your dog is ill, his gaze changes and expresses his suffering. He has a sad look and can have red eyes or dilated pupils. Also, he may rub his eyes or try to close them. Gasping: If your dog starts to pant excessively, he may be suffering from internal pain in his lungs or heart or have a feeling of poor breathing. Limping: If your pet limps, it is a sign of pain in a limb. Limping can be due to pain or a fracture, but also to the formation of bone cancer or osteosarcoma. Low tail: A dog in pain will tend to keep its tail and head down. He can be prostrate, isolate himself in a quiet and secluded place or, on the contrary, constantly solicit your attention. Loss of appetite: If your dog sulks at his bowl or refuses to eat, this is a worrying sign, especially if it is his usual diet that he enjoys. This loss of appetite can have many origins, such as stress or worry about a change, or it can result from pain or illness that prevents him from moving around or having enough to eat. Aggression and irritability: A dog in pain may refuse to be approached or touched. If this happens suddenly when it is not normal for your pet, you need to be concerned. Your dog may also growl to show you that he is refusing contact because of the pain. He may also refuse to go out, follow you, or play. If your dog is not used to complaining or if you find that his behavior is suddenly changing, you need to take action because a dog is much more resilient than humans. If he is in pain, it is because he is in more pain than we could endure. The first thing to do is to consult your veterinarian. The specialist will seek to effectively relieve pain for the comfort and well-being of the animal but also to determine its origin. This is because dogs can be in pain from an injury or a fracture and from illness. Final Thoughts Obviously, your German Shepherd also communicates through his voice: barking , whining , growling, and other howls can tell you what he is feeling. It is through patience and time that you will learn to decipher his language perfectly, or almost. And after a few years in his company, you will have no secrets from each other! Digestive issues and a sensitive stomach Muscle and joint pain Hip or elbow dysplasia All of these problems can be concerning but try not to worry. Whatever the cause, never let it sit for too long without giving it attention and seeking help and advice from your veterinarian. Are you having trouble trying to communicate with your German Shepherd and read his body language? There have been countless attempts to bridge the communication gap between humanity and their dogs, but none have worked outside of tone and body language. Some people have even gone as far as training their GSD to listen to German commands! Check out this awesome short video from Zak George showing you how to communicate with your dog by using a quiet and sincere tone and lots of eye contact. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and can understand your intent if you express how you feel through physical motions, but they also hear the volume and tone of your voice. If you speak in an excited voice, they will be happy. For more info on the correct way to discipline your dog, check out this article, Disciplining a German Shepherd the Right Way. The best way to communicate with your German Shepherd is to use hand motions and copy what he tends to do. If you want to play with him, wave his favorite toy and increase the pitch of your voice. If you want him to back away from something, use a firm tone and point at or away from it. Females are much more submissive and will likely try to please you rather than go about their own activities. Always gesticulate to let him know what you mean. Finally, be persistent. Think about how hard it is for you to learn a new language. It can take weeks or months to form a proper sentence! The same rules apply when teaching your dog how to communicate with you and vice versa. They want to build on their bond with you, and they feel comfortable and relaxed in your presence. If you let your German Shepherd sleep with you , it might be a nuisance for him to lay on your head every night, but they do it for a few reasons. Here are three reasons why your German Shepherd lays on your head: He wants to be near you, and he knows that your head is where all of your expressions and vocal tones come from. Think about how they jump to your face when they want to lick you or play and how they look into your eyes when they want attention. If your head is warm, your German Shepherd is likely laying on it to keep himself comfortable. Our heads, hands, and feet are where the heat goes in and out of our bodies the most. He may be afraid of something. Your dog might not have an immediate fear of something around the house, but constant anxiety can make him lie on your head to calm down. My German Shepherd Willow laying down fast asleep German Shepherds, like all other dog breeds, can have lazy days. That being said, you might be a bit worried if they start to lie and hide away from you for more than a day. There are plenty of reasons that this could occur. When the weather starts to change and clouds roll in, we all get dreary and tired earlier. On the other hand, it could be a sign of depression. Remember, German Shepherds need lots of mental stimulation and play, not just a walk on the leash! Ask your vet if you notice signs of depression. He might be exhausted from playing all the time. If your GSD is a puppy, then you should expect him to lie down quite often. Tiredness is a common symptom with puppies of all dog breeds. In fact, sleeping is essential for healthy growth. Do your best to let them stay asleep as long as they can, as puppies can sleep up to 18 hours per day! Your German Shepherd might be looking for attention. Not all dogs have the courage to seek your approval continuously. An excellent way to notice if he is doing this is to watch his eyes. Try to walk toward him to see if their tail starts to wag. FAQs How can you tell if a German shepherd is happy? There are a few telltale signs that can help you determine if your German Shepherd is happy. A happy German Shepherd will have a relaxed body posture with their ears forward and their tail held low or slightly wagging. They may also be panting lightly or have a relaxed facial expression. How can you tell if a German shepherd is angry or aggressive? An angry or aggressive German shepherd will often have their ears pinned back, their tail held low, and may be crouching or standing in a tense posture. They may also be growling or snarling. Another sign is their eyes. An angry or aggressive German shepherd will often have a hard, intense stare. How can you tell if a German shepherd is afraid or anxious? There are several signs that can indicate if a German shepherd is afraid or anxious. These can include trembling, panting, excessive drooling, pacing, whining, and hiding. They may also display behaviors such as growling, snapping, or biting if they feel threatened or cornered. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are very expressive with their body language. Here are the main points of the article: German Shepherds bark and use their tails, eyes, mouths , ears, and body position to communicate. Get to know the German Shepherd stare and its possible meanings. Related Posts You May Like:. Where did the sloped back come from, then? Instead, they were bred to win competitions. Therefore, the breeders did not need to worry about practical considerations quite as much. As the show dogs were no longer bred with these practical considerations in mind, the breed standard slowly shifted from a normal rectangular shape to one that looked more like a triangle. However, that is the way the breed standard has been moving for decades. Many breeders are now producing dogs with very sloped backs. The sloped-back German Shepherd is largely the result of a very small number of influential breeders. Once these few breeders started breeding dogs with more sloped backs, dogs with bigger slopes began appearing in competitions. It became weird for German Shepherds to have straight backs in the show ring. There is little reason for this trait to exist except that someone simply decided that it should. It is simply a trait that has come to be expected in show German Shepherds. Strangely, the German Shepherd standard states that they should have a straight back without any sag. Still, these dogs have been winning competitions recently, which should give you an idea of where this breed standard is going. Luckily, not all breeders follow the breed standard, especially if their goal is to produce working dogs. The straight back will likely continue in working-breed lines, as it is necessary for the German Shepherd to perform its best. They are still prone to all the health conditions we previously discussed for straight-backed dogs. The health problems we discuss in this section are simply extra that they are also prone to. One study found that there is a significant health problem with the way these dogs are currently being bred and advised that the breed be watched in the future to prevent further complications from arising. This is quite easy to visualize. When they are lower to the ground, they have to move more to achieve the same stride. This can cause excess wear and tear since the hips are moving more than they would normally. Over time, this can cause arthritis-like symptoms. Many dogs with extremely sloped backs also use their hocks for walking. This behavior makes their gait irregular, which can cause more wear and tear. It can also make the dog expend too much energy when they are walking, causing fatigue. The weird angle can also cause lower back pain. As mentioned, hip dysplasia can occur in straight-backed German Shepherds as well. In fact, it is quite common in dogs with straight backs. However, those with angled backs are even more prone to having hip dysplasia. This disease can be very costly, so we recommend keeping this in mind when adopting a dog. If your dog needs surgery on both hips, then you could be spending thousands. Because of their sloped back, these dogs are prone to osteoarthritis. Many older dogs experience this problem, but it is likely that dogs with sloped backs will experience more arthritis symptoms and get it at a younger age. Overall, because these dogs are bred for show purposes, they tend to be less healthy than the straight-backed German Shepherd. You want them to work for as many years as possible. However, dogs that have health problems can still be shown and win competitions. Suitable For: There is very little reason why anyone looking for a companion animal should purchase dogs with a sloped back. They tend to have more health problems, are more expensive, and have lower endurance. They are sub-par in practically every stance, except when it comes to showing them. Over the past few years, these dogs have been winning many dog shows. Therefore, those who show their dogs have been eager to purchase them. However, many kennel clubs are cracking down on German Shepherds with sloped backs, so this trend will likely change shortly. Which Breed is Right For You? Those with straight backs are less prone to health problems and have higher endurance. They fit closer to what the German Shepherd originally was intended to be. They make much better working dogs as well since they have higher endurance and are bred for more practical purposes. Those with sloped backs have few benefits over the straight-backed GSD. For the most part, these dogs are only around in the show ring, where they have been known to win some competitions. However, this has led to lots of controversies, as their backs likely led to excess health problems and are not in line with the original breed. In fact, the breed standard specifically speaks against sloped-back dogs, so it is odd that they are winning competitions at all. Many kennel clubs are starting to stand against these sloped-back dogs, especially after the extensive media coverage that some of them have gotten. For this reason, we highly recommend sticking with straight-backed dogs on all occasions. In fact, we particularly recommend finding a breeder that produces working dogs , as these will have more practical traits and temperaments. Related Reads:. Understanding the body language of German Shepherds and how your dog communicates will help with both bonding and training. Star, Owner Jeanne Melanson German Shepard Body Language While the body language of dogs is a large topic, there are several quick tips you can learn very quickly. The best way to prevent this is to socialize your dog at a young age. Get your GSD used to being around people and other dogs. The muscles on the right side of the tail display positive emotions while the left shows negative. If your GSD wags his tail more to the right of his or her body, that dog is happy. More to the left and the dog is nervous, anxious or aggressive. Tail Positions: Tail wagging fast and wide — This means the dog is excited, happy and energetic. For instance, this type of tail wagging usually occurs when a GSD sees his or her owner after an absence. Tail held high and straight — This means the dog feels confident and in control of a situation. The dog is feeling good. Tail lowered — This means the dog is relaxed. Tail lowered between legs — This signifies that the dog is afraid. The dog may also be upset or embarrassed. Tail held loose and horizontal — This is when a dog is unsure about a person or thing. Tail held horizontally, but stiff and with a fast wag — This is an aggressive stance. The dog is agitated. Bowed down on front paws. Rear held up with wagging tail — When a dog does this, he or she wants to play and interact with you. Dogs will do this to people and other dogs. Additional signs of wanting to play include pawing in the air and barking. Lying down with one paw tucked under the body — This is a relaxed dog. He or she feels happy, safe and content, and is usually an invitation to pet the dog. Frozen or stiff body — Be wary around this dog. A dog like this might even attack, so be careful. Facial Features: Like people, you can also tell a lot about a dog by their facial expressions. Here are some common ways a dog uses his or her ears, eyes and mouth to convey feelings: Raised upper lip, bared teeth — This is a warning, usually accompanied by a growl. Corners of the mouth pulled back — Different than a snarl. A dog pulls their mouth back when they feel happy, relaxed and comfortable around you. In many ways, this is basically a smile. Cocked head and twitching ears — This dog is confused about something and trying to learn. Typically, this shows interest but be careful as it may also indicate fear. Ears forward — This one is pretty straight-forward. The dog may feel threatened, cornered or scared. Just leave the dog alone and, without approaching, try to alleviate whatever may be upsetting the dog. But body language is still a great substitute. By understanding how dogs use their face, tail, and body to express themselves you can always have a general idea of how a dog — even an unfamiliar one — is feeling. When you apply that general knowledge to a dog whose personality you know well, you can gain an even greater understanding of that dog. You just have to know how to listen. For more info on dog body language, visit us at Shepped. By studying the breed standards, we gain a basic understanding of German Shepherd structure and temperament. This guide is not a breed standard, but rather, it serves as a resource for those wanting to show and breed German Shepherds and can provide puppy buyers with the knowledge and confidence they need to quiz prospective breeders and identify quality puppies. The goal of a world-class German Shepherd breeder is to create and uphold a body type that is consistent—and produce healthy animals with stable temperaments—capable of performing a variety of functions. This guide shows breeders how to identify faults and virtues in their breeding dogs and through education, collaboration and commitment, we can help to ensure a healthier future for all German Shepherds. NOTE: There are a number of variations to the breed standard and while this guide is not affiliated with any specific club or organization, it is a culmination of basic breed standard information—presented in a easy-to-follow, visual format. When showing any German Shepherd, please study and understand fully the standard recognized by your show organization. The illustrations presented here are copyrighted and are not endorsed by, or affiliated with, any German Shepherd registry or club. They cannot be reproduced by any means—either electronic or mechanical—without permission in writing from the illustrator and GSDLiving. The German Shepherd Dog The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex. Height, Weight, Proportion The first step to identifying a quality German Shepherd is to understand fully the basic anatomical structures of the dog. Correct conformation is paramount to general appearance and overall performance. During conformation events, the wicket is first set to the maximum height as outlined in the breed standard. It is then placed at the highest point of the withers A. If the wicket does not touch the ground, your dog is oversize. The length is measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. Height is measured in a straight line from the withers, down the forelimbs and to the ground. German Shepherd Anatomy Understanding Angulation Angulation refers to the angle degree of slant between two or more bones surrounding a joint. The illustration below shows ideal front and rear angulation for German Shepherds, circa .In more recent years, rear angulation has changed significantly in many lines of show dogs—and even in some working lines. Additional information on this angulation transformation can be found under our Then and Now tab under the conformation menu. Anatomically, front angulation is usually dictated by the length of the upper arm humerus. A short upper arm results in decreased front angulation and restricted movement. The scapula and humerus should be approximately equal in length. The longer the lower leg, the greater the rear angulation and rear reach. Note: Your German Shepherd must be stacked correctly to accurately determine angulation. This means the hock on the extended rear leg must be positioned perpendicular to the ground and the forelegs must be positioned directly under the body in a straight line down from the withers. Place your thumb on the joint and follow the humerus bone down to the elbow joint B and note the angle of your hand. While keeping your thumb stationery, swing your hand up until you feel the protruding rib of the scapula bone. Conformation judges frequently use this method to evaluate shoulder angles. Anatomically, the highest point of the scapula should be positioned between thoracic vertebrae T2 and T3. Most steep shoulders are a result of a short upper arm and frequently cause a depression along the topline flat withers where the tip of the scapula withers would be positioned on a properly angulated dog. Rear angulation is discussed in great detail under our Then and Now tab in the main menu. Examples of present day German Shepherd body types with varying degrees of rear angulation. Spine, Middlepieces, Topline Spine: The spine of German Shepherds consists of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum where the pelvis attaches to the spinal column , and the coccygeal vertebrae of the tail. Middle Pieces: The middle pieces are the bones making up the back and loin and are what determine the length of body in a German Shepherd. This is in contrast to the dog that is too long in body and must exert too much energy while in motion. Topline: The topline runs from the base of the neck, through a high, long withers, into a straight back and towards the slightly sloping croup, without visible interruption. The back is moderately long, firm, strong and well-muscled. The loin is broad, short, strongly developed and well-muscled. The German Shepherd Head The head of a German Shepherd is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all not fine, and in proportion to the body. The expression keen, intelligent and composed. Seen from the front the forehead is only moderately arched, and the skull slopes into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and strong, and its topline is parallel to the topline of the skull. Nose is black. Noses that are not predominately black are faulty. Lips are firmly fitted. Jaws are strongly developed. The length of the forehead is measured from the occiput to the stop, while the length of the muzzle is measured from the stop to the tip of the nose. German Shepherd muzzles should be black and should be at a length equal to that of the forehead. The jaw should be strong and visible when the mouth is closed and the lips should be firm and not sag. On males, especially, muzzles should not appear narrow or snippy. Because they are the central component of expression, they should not distract from the overall impression of the head by being too light or protruding. The darker the eye color the better. They open toward the front and are carried erect when at attention. The ideal carriage being one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Ears should be of a size that compliments the overall outline of the head. The height of the ear should be equal to its width at the base. Any dog with cropped or hanging ears must be disqualified. To check for size, fold the ear down toward the eye A. The tip of the ear should not pass the upper eye rim. The height of the ear should be equal to its width at the base B. The ears should additionally be set high, and well apart, with the base of the ear placed just above the center of the eye D. Secondary Sex Characteristics Secondary sex characteristics are sex characteristics not related to reproduction. In German Shepherds and other breeds, these characteristics include size, musculature and head and expression. Head proportions—including the angle and length of the forehead and muzzle, and slope of the stop—are identical for both the dog and the bitch. When examining the head of a German Shepherd, the sex of the dog should be easily apparent. Body size, head and musculature on stud dogs should be quite different from that of bitches. Overly broad, masculine heads on bitches, or studs with more refined, weak or feminine attributes are penalized. Skull and Bite Alignment: Tooth alignment is affected by several genetic factors including jaw structure, lip structure, number of teeth, and retention of baby teeth. Tooth placement can, however, be caused by an injury or habits such as excessive chewing, repeated carrying or fetching of very hard objects. German Shepherds should have scissor bites. Scissors Bite: The upper incisors just overlap and touch the lower incisors. This arrangement prevents wear on the incisors and keeps the teeth aligned. Level Bite: The incisors meet edge to edge. This bite is acceptable, but not ideal. The canines nor the incisors line up squarely. Crowded Bite: When the teeth are overcrowded, sometimes overlapping. Crooked Teeth: Usually caused by crowding in a too-small or too-narrow jaw or the result of damage to the mouth. Missing teeth are an inherited trait resulting in a weakening of the jaw. The first premolars are the most commonly missed teeth, and though not as serious a fault as missing the second through fourth premolars, or missing multiple teeth, any German Shepherd missing first premolars should not be bred to another dog with this same fault. The pairing could result in progeny with weakened jaws and missing teeth. An overshot jaw or a level bite is undesirable. An undershot jaw is a disqualifying fault. Complete dentition is to be preferred. Any missing teeth other than first premolars is a serious fault. The bottom line of the chest should align with the elbows and the prosternum should stand out just ahead of the shoulder when viewed in profile. Commencing at the prosternum, the chest should be well filled and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and capacious, never shallow, with ample room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the prosternum showing ahead of the shoulder in profile. Ribs well sprung and long, neither barrel-shaped nor too flat, and carried down to a sternum which reaches to the elbows. Correct ribbing allows the elbows to move back freely when the dog is at a trot. Too round causes interference and throws the elbows out; too flat or short causes pinched elbows. Ribbing is carried well back so that the loin is relatively short. Abdomen firmly held and not paunchy. The bottom line is only moderately tucked up in the loin. Rib bones should be relatively flat and attach to the spine at the top and to the sternum at the bottom. They should be long and carried well back into the body, keeping the loin short and strong. Ribs and rib cages that are too round barrel shaped push the elbows out and away from the body while ribs that are too flat and short cause pinching in of the elbows. Well sprung ribs that are correctly positioned in the body, function to protect vital organs, yet are flexible enough to allow ample room for proper breathing. Forelimb Alignment Forelimb: The forelimbs of a German Shepherd should be positioned firmly and squarely under the body. When viewed from the front, you should see a straight line from the shoulder to the center of the foot. If an adjustment is needed, make the change by picking up the leg from just below the elbow. Most dogs are very sensitive about their feet and do not like having them manipulated. Working from the elbow is much for comfortable for you and your dog. You do not have to bend all the way to the ground and your dog does not have to have its feet touched. If working with a young dog or puppy, you can place your hand between the front legs at the chest and lift gently until its front feet are off the ground. Then slowly allow the feet to come down naturally to the ground. Turning the toes forward can additionally cause the elbows to turn out. To measure adequate width of chest and correct placement of the forelimbs, slide your hand positioned flat with palm up down the forechest and between the forelimbs. Your hand should fit loosely between the legs. If tight, your dog lacks width of chest, if there is extra space, the chest could be too broad. A chest that is too broad can push the legs of the dog too far away from its center of gravity and will result in a loss of energy while in motion. Forelimb Forelimb: The humerus, ulna, metacarpal and carpal bones provide the infrastructure of the forelimb and play an essential role in supporting your German Shepherd when in motion. The tendons and ligaments however, are what usually dictate correct conformation. The strength, firmness and angle of the pastern provides protection during impact and this cushioning is directly related to the condition and firmness of the ligaments surrounding the joints. Any weaknesses of the forelimbs can make your German Shepherd prone to injury and cause premature arthritic conditions. Feet: The feet of German Shepherds should be tight and well sprung. Toes that are elongated or splayed display weak ligamentation with decreased cushion and spring in the foot necessary for efficient, stress-free movement. Splayed, flat or hare feet are serious faults. Hindquarters Hindquarters: When talking about hindquarters on German Shepherds, we are referring to the pelvis, croup, upper and lower thigh, stifle, and hock. Forward motion begins from the rear as energy is pushed forward through the body. Pelvis: The pelvis is a complex structure that serves as a bridge for the transmission of energy between the rear legs and the spine. Croup: The croup includes the sacrum and the first few vertebrae of the tail. A correctly sloped pelvis is critical for efficient transmission. Upper and lower thigh: The lower thigh on German Shepherds should be only slightly longer than the upper thigh. The length of the lower thigh plays a large role in determining the degree of angulation in the rear. The longer the lower thigh bones, the greater the angulation. Stifle: The stifle or knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body and is where the femur, tibia and fibula join with the patella to form a powerful lever used for forward motion. Hock: The hock is where forward transmission begins and, because it is covered with a minimum amount of muscle, it is very susceptible to injury. It is crucial that this joint be straight and not bend either inward cow hocked or outward bandy legged. Sickle hocks are hocks that curve inward toward the body. A slight sickle is good, but a curve that causes the dog to walk with its hocks low to the ground like a kangaroo is considered faulty. When viewed in profile, the tail flows gently downward with a slight curved saber appearance. The tail set the point of the croup where the tail begins should be smooth and not bulge or dip. Tails that are set too high tend to form a bulge or tuck of hair at the base of the croup, while tails that are set too low will usually display a dip before transitioning in the tail. Very low tail sets might can also increase vulnerability to perianal fistula in some dogs. Nor should it be rolled up over the back past the base of the croup. Tails that extend above the back and curl forward past the base of the croup are considered a very serious fault. Body type dictates which style is most efficient for your dog. Suspended Trot — There is a period of suspension in which all four feet are off the ground. In a perfectly balanced dog, this effortless, rhythmic stride gives the illusion of slow motion and is spectacular when observed. Some experts believe the flying trot, though elegant and spectacular to watch, is not quite as efficient as the suspended trot. But it does allow the dog to cover more ground—at a faster speed. Flying Trot — There is no period of suspension. The hindfoot touches down before the forefoot even begins to be lifted. There is no period of suspension in a flying trot. The hindfoot touches down before the forefoot even begins to be lifted and also before the opposite forefoot makes contact with the ground. Additionally, the pasterns are usually flipped up in the follow through. With this type of extreme stride and speed, a large dog cannot generate enough power to lift and suspend its body. So which of these gaits is preferred? The dogs decide for us. Breeders cannot train a dog to suspend or fly. Stride is a result of body type, conformation and conditioning, and what breeders desire in our dogs. If you want a fast moving, flashy, show dog, the flying trot is what you strive to develop. If you want a solid, working-class dog with endurance and grace, then you breed for animals with suspended trots. Note that dogs falling in or exceeding the upper limits for height and weight for the breed might not be capable of performing either gaiting style and will have a greater tendency to amble or loaf while gaiting. There is a point in which the reach of a German Shepherd can be too extreme. Though flashy, some of these loosely ligamented dogs, with extreme reach, perform poorly at normal activities such as jumping, and some can have difficultly even standing or walking without appearing off balance. Notice also the tremendous pressure placed on the hocks due to their relative position to the ground. Pacing is when the legs on each side of the body move concurrently in the same direction. This action causes your dog to bounce and roll from side to side while in motion. Pacing is the easiest of the three gaits to perform. If your dog is pacing, it usually means you are not running fast enough for your German Shepherd to transition into a full trot or your dog is tired, overweight or conformationally deficient short coupled, under angulated, etc. You should avoid pacing while in the ring. Your dog will appear clumsy and the judge will be unable to properly evaluate its gait or transmission. Their bodies roll from side to side and their reach is greatly diminished. Dogs of very large stature must be in top condition and be tightly ligamented to successfully compete against smaller, more agile competitors. Shoulders that roll from side to side, and backs and abdomens that bounce while in motion, are typical of large, loosely ligamented dogs. As forward action begins, the forelegs move toward the midline of the body. This shift—or single tracking—increases balance and conserves energy. The forelegs should hold firm in a straight line from the shoulder joint to the toes. A German Shepherd that is wide coming wastes a lot of energy by carrying its feet too far away from its midline and this usually results in a choppy, side-to-side motion. Dogs that are close coming front feet cross over are not balanced and also loose valuable energy. Crabbing, or moving crabwise, is a term used to describe a condition where the front and rear of the dog move in two parallel tracks side by side instead of a single tract down the midline. This occurs when the front or rear overpowers the other. Energy is lost with any shift of energy in a direction other than the direction your dog is moving. Any joints that are not straight are highly susceptible to injury due to the tremendous force applied to these areas when in motion. As the rear leg is brought forward, a well conditioned, well muscled German Shepherd will show some shifting of the leg away from the midline at the knee. This is normal and is indicative of good muscling. However, you should not see any twisting or extreme pushing out of the knee. Poorly conditioned dogs, or individuals lacking muscle mass will move flat, holding both legs too close to the body. These dogs frequently show weakness of back, as well, and a shifting or rolling of the body will be observed both coming and going. A German Shepherd with good movement going will show great firmness of back, dense muscling and an even pressure applied to joints. Any deviations in structure can greatly increase energy loss and fatigue, and in the long term, could result in permanent damage to the affected joints. The illustrations below show how any curve at the hock creates added stress on the joint. Only a dog that is wide going retains a straight line on its driving leg, but looses energy because its legs are too far away from the midline of the body. In this section, we will show you where transmission begins and how it sets your dog in motion. Dogs that are loosely ligamented or poorly conditioned will also have faulty transmission. As your dog pushes off with its rear leg, energy travels from the hock, into the stifle and thighs, into the croup, loin and back, and ultimately into the shoulders and forelimbs. As you can imagine, if your dog has poor hocks, there is little chance for good transmission. Energy will be directed toward the midline of the body if cow hocked instead of up and into the thighs. The incidence of injury in cow hocked dogs is high because of the tremendous stress placed the hock and stifle joints. If your German Shepherd has a powerful rear assembly with great rear reach—but it is not equally balanced in front—its rear components will overpower its front. The hindfeet will likely strike the forefeet, causing your dog to move crabwise—or even result in a high, over exaggerated front reach. Every component of the body must be balanced to achieve fluid, effortless motion with the least misdirection or loss of energy. The pelvis receives all the energy generated by the rear and serves as a bridge to allow that energy to pass seamlessly into the loin and back. The amount of energy taken in by the pelvis is tremendous. Unlike the scapula shoulder , the pelvis is not connected to the spine with muscle, but is fused to the sacrum. A puppy that is born with a steep pelvis will have a steep pelvis as an adult. The angle does not change with maturity. Once energy passes through the pelvis, it moves into the spine toward the forehand. While in motion, the back should remain straight and firm. The forequarters of your German Shepherd generates only a fraction of the amount of energy that its hindquarters produce, but it is equally important because it serves as support for the front of the dog and controls braking and steering. The shoulders must be able to absorb the energy generated from the rear without interfering with it. Its front legs must be able to cover the same amount of ground as its corresponding rear legs. The shoulders of a German Shepherd must be correctly angulated, the upper arm should not be too short, and the withers should be high and well muscled. Any faults in gait or transmission are very serious in German Shepherds and should be penalized. Conformation faults have the greatest impact on transmission. If reach is restricted, transmission will also decrease. Flexors pull the joint closed and bring the limb close to the body. Extensors open the joint and straighten the limb out and away from the body. If your dog has a short upper arm, it will have short extensors. Short extensor muscles cannot contract enough to adequately extend the limb. The same theory applies to the hindquarters. The longer the lower thigh bone, the longer its associated muscles. Longer muscles can contract more and extend the leg further than short muscles. Illustrations A and C show well balanced dogs in motion. It is possible to maintain balance in a dog with an over extended reach C , but it is not typical, and these dogs can appear less stable while standing or walking. Photo B is an example of a moderately angulated, balanced dog. This dog will be able to stand or walk steadily—with ease and balance. Photo D shows a dog with tremendous rear strength that is completely over powering its front. Its short upper arm is also restricting reach. Dog D can sustain this type of gait for only a short period of time before exhausting. Below are examples of dogs with their weight evenly distributed over the length of their bodies and also dogs with increased angulation that shifts a greater percentage of their weight onto the stifle and hock joints. These more angulated dogs are susceptible to injury at these critical junctions. May 18, Reply As an Australian dog judge of three groups and currently learning to judge the German Shepherd Dog this site has been such a valuable learning tool. The illustrations are exceptional and as a visual learner these quality diagrams and explanations are equivalent to a gold mine. Sending sincere gratitude for your skills and sharing this with the world. So glad to hear you are finding this site helpful. Randy February 6, Reply This was a great read. My wife and I picked up our Shepherd when she was 6 weeks old. She is now 13 months old. By reading this I learned a lot more about her. Thank you Rangda January 18, Reply Thank you for this material — very informatiwe and detailed! Asia January 1, Reply I love this so much, I am planning on getting into showing and this is easy to understand. Is it possible to get this in physical form? For my own personal studies. Thank you so much for the feedback. The guide currently has an online version only, but feel free to review as desired. I am glad you find it informative and helpful. Education is the key to breeding healthier dogs regardless of the breed. Trinity July 12, Reply Thank you for this resource! I am hoping to adopt a GSD from a shelter soon and will be using this as a reference to help select a good sport prospect with stable structure. Marlon October 27, Reply Wow, this is very informative I will definitely use this as a reference. I learned a lot! Thank you so much for sharing! Leave a Reply.