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Grapes Raisins While these are just a few of the things that French Bulldogs should not eat, it is important to talk to your veterinarian about what other foods may not be suitable for your dog. Should French bulldogs eat grain-free food? No definitive answer exists, but the general consensus is that grain-free food may not be necessary for French bulldogs. Some experts believe that grain-free diets could actually be harmful to dogs, since they can cause digestive issues and other health problems. If you're unsure about whether or not to feed your French bulldog a grain-free diet, talk to your veterinarian for advice. What food do vets recommend for French bulldogs? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each dog's individual needs may vary. However, many vets recommend feeding French bulldogs a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This type of diet can help to maintain a healthy weight, improve joint health, and increase energy levels. When it comes to choosing the best food for your French bulldog, it's important to consult with your veterinarian and do your own research. There are a variety of factors that you'll need to consider, such as your dog's age, activity level, and health condition. Once you've taken all of these factors into account, you can then begin to narrow down your options and choose the best food for your French bulldog. Grain-free and all-natural ingredients were used to create Fuel for optimal health and peak performance. They use free range chicken, actual veggies, and all-natural substances that are high in nutrients. Pupper thinks that it's important to start with high-quality ingredients. Every stage of the supply chain has been evaluated. This was created using top-notch ingredients provided by our partner farmer and suppliers. Your dog deserves nothing less than the finest care. We Feed Raw We Feed Raw dog food features high-quality protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork, ensuring optimal muscle development and maintenance. Additionally, the raw ingredients contribute to a complete and balanced diet, promoting overall canine health and well-being. We Feed Raw dog food is formulated with natural, wholesome ingredients that promote healthy digestion for your canine companion. The raw diet, consisting of easily digestible proteins, fruits, and vegetables, supports optimal gut health and provides essential nutrients for overall well-being. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Image courtesy Nulo Freestyle This Nulo Freestyle recipe is high in protein thanks to its inclusion of fresh salmon and turkey meal, as well as menhaden fish meal. This high-calorie formula is ideal for dogs on a calorie restricted diet. It's packed with double the amount of proprietary probiotics of other high-calorie products, making it easier to digest and chelated minerals that help it stay healthy longer. This grain-free best dog food for French bulldogs is highly recommended. A nutrient-dense design with a tiny kibble size. A great recipe for small and medium-size dogs. One of the most frequently mentioned brands by breeders and veterinarians. Readily suggested! The Farmer's Dog may be the ideal option if you've ever wished to make a delicious, home-cooked meal for your Frenchie without all the work. The ideal dog food is made with human-grade components and is highly recommended. It's worth the somewhat greater cost. A traditional, grain-inclusive design with no peas, lentils, or other plant-based protein boosters. It's for people who want a classic grain-based meal. It's reasonably priced, and it's definitely worth trying. For French bulldogs over 12 months old, NutriSource offers a complete, fully balanced diet. A typical combination of animal protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin to promote muscle growth and joint health. It is straightforward to recommend. The formula includes fresh chicken, turkey and flounder as well as whole Atlantic mackerel, making up the better part of its animal protein. It's also devoid of preservatives. A top-notch, well-balanced dog food. With confidence, it is recommended by the manufacturer. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Image courtesy Rachael Ray The majority of the flesh protein in Nutrish Chicken and Veggies comes from fresh chicken and chicken meal, as do many other commercial diet foods. Fresh chicken and dehydrated chicken provide the majority of the meat protein. It's free of peas and legumes, as well as meat meals and animal by-products. Omega fatty acids support a healthy skin and coat. Pomegranate and berries provide antioxidants that protect against harmful free radicals. This nutritious dish is complemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health. L-carnitine also makes an appearance.This puppy formula has 3. This recipe is ideal for promoting eye and brain development in puppies. Furthermore, we observe that omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil are included in the mix to assist with proper brain and eye development. A long-time trusted, balanced combination designed for growing French bulldog puppies. Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Image courtesy Chicken Soup for the Soul The greater portion of the puppy's animal protein comes from fresh chicken and fresh turkey, according to this book. This recipe, which features a timeless design and includes zinc proteinate and 2 other chelated minerals is one of the best dog foods for French bulldogs. The kibble is 4. This meal is packed with dried beet pulp and chicken, making it a great option for French Bulldog puppies. The light formulation is ideal for keeping your dog's gut flora in check. Vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, calcium iodate, and zinc oxide aid to maintain a healthy coat, as well as strong bones and teeth. Furthermore, the kibble was created especially for the short muzzle and square jaw of your French Bulldog to enable them to pick up the food with ease and chew it properly. It's good to use high-quality ingredients like that so that your dog may get all of the health they require from their food diet. This meal is made with whole foods like chicken, peas, sweet potatoes, and canola oil which makes it an excellent choice for your French Bulldog's diet. It doesn't contain any fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This recipe is also grain-free and made with no wheat, corn, or soy. It's a great option for French Bulldogs who are allergic to grains or have sensitive stomachs. This meal is made with real chicken and rice which makes it a great source of lean protein for your dog. It also contains prebiotic fiber to help support a healthy digestive system. This recipe is also high in omega-fatty acids to help promote a healthy coat and skin. This meal is made with real venison and roasted lamb which makes it a great source of protein for your French Bulldog. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots which are all excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. This recipe is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This meal is made with real chicken and brown rice which makes it a great source of lean protein for your French bulldog. Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food Image courtesy Nutro Ultra Nutro is an excellent choice if you're looking for a diet that helps your dog lose weight while still providing adequate nutrition. Nutro features the right balance of meat, grains, and minerals to help your dog slim down without causing hunger. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are added to Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry food for the same reason that chondroitin is used in joint supplements. This meal is made with real beef, sweet potatoes, and green beans which makes it a great source of protein and nutrients for your dog. It also contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It also has deboned chicken in it, which is simple to consume and digest. The ingredients in Puppy Chow are: fish oil, plant starch, vegetables, and dried eggs. These components give your tiny dog all of the essential nutrients and more. Their gut health will improve while their bones remain strong as a result of these ingredients. The best news is that this food won't cause indigestion or regurgitation. This meal is made with real chicken and turkey which makes it a great source of lean protein for your dog. It also contains fruits and vegetables which are all excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. This meal is made with free-range chicken which makes it a great source of lean protein for your dog. It also contains sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsley which are all excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. Because American Journey has the finest formulation in town, look no further. This best dog food for French bulldogs formula has carefully chosen ingredients to guarantee that your elderly companion receives all he or she needs to remain robust and active. The experts at Amazing Years can help you develop a customized plan that addresses the nutritional needs of your loved one. Everything from antioxidants to medium-chain triglycerides has been chosen based on your loved one's demands. This grain-free recipe is also easy to consume and digest. Should I feed my French bulldog eggs? Yes, you can feed your French bulldog eggs as part of a healthy diet. Eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients, and they can help to keep your dog's coat healthy. However, you should only feed eggs to your French bulldog in moderation, as they can contain high levels of cholesterol. If you are unsure about how many eggs to feed your French bulldog, speak to your veterinarian for advice. Can I give my French bulldog raw chicken? Yes, you can give your French bulldog raw chicken as part of a healthy diet. Raw chicken is a good source of protein and other nutrients, and it can help to keep your dog's coat healthy. However, you should only feed raw chicken to your French bulldog in moderation, as it can contain high levels of cholesterol. If you are unsure about how much raw chicken to feed your French bulldog, speak to your veterinarian for advice. Can French Bulldogs eat popcorn? This is a common question that many French Bulldog owners have. The answer is yes, your Frenchie can eat popcorn. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, popcorn should only be given to your dog in moderation. Like all snacks, it's important not to overdo it with the popcorn. French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep their calorie intake in check. Second, make sure the popcorn is unsalted and unbuttered. Too much salt or butter can be harmful to your dog. Third, avoid giving your Frenchie popcorn that has been popped in oil. This can cause gastrointestinal issues for your dog. If you follow these guidelines, you can feel good about giving your Frenchie a little treat of popcorn every now and then. Just remember to keep it in moderation! What human foods are OK to feed my French bulldog? If you're ever in doubt about what to feed your French bulldog, it's always best to ask your veterinarian. In general, however, there are a few human foods that are perfectly safe and even healthy for Frenchies to eat. Here are some of the best options: Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it's also hypoallergenic. Just be sure to cook it without any added sugar or salt. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They're also low in calories, making them a great option for Frenchies who are trying to lose weight. Brown rice: Brown rice is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It's also hypoallergenic and easy to digest. Fish: Fish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Just be sure to avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as tuna, swordfish, and shark. Chicken: Chicken is a good source of protein and vitamins. Just be sure to remove the skin and any bones before feeding it to your French bulldog. Vegetables: Vegetables are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the best options for Frenchies include carrots, green beans, and broccoli. Fruits: Fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some of the best options for Frenchies include apples, bananas, and blueberries. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. In this article, we've listed 25 best dog foods for French bulldogs in .These foods include both human food and commercial dog food options. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before switching your Frenchie's diet, as some dogs may have allergies or other health conditions that need to be considered. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. Hills Science Diet Puppy Food is dedicated to bringing food that meets the nutritional needs of the Frenchie puppy. Hills dog food for puppies is pellet-shaped kibble that has chicken meal as the first ingredient. It contains some quality whole-grain barley to ensure maximum nutritional value for your puppy. It is not recommended for adult dogs or obese dogs. The core ingredients of Hills dog food are chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn, chicken fat, and whole corn gluten meal. Pros Fish oil works well for the development of eyes and a healthy brain. High-quality protein helps build muscle mass. The essential minerals keep the teeth and bones strong. Cons The dogs did not like the flavor of this food. The ingredients and nutritional charts on any food package are the most overlooked section. Still, it is time you start reading them too to ensure the perfect choice for your dog. If you are not sure what to look for in french bulldog food, our buying guide will help sort your problem. Moderate Proteins When we say french bulldog, emphasize on word bulldog, not the fact that it is a small breed dog. Though french bulldogs appear small, their requirements are significant. These muscled buddies need protein for their growth and health. But take it balanced. It might not be good. There is a risk of allergy or sensitivity. Low Fats It is easy to put on some pounds, but cutting excessive fat is difficult. For this reason, it is advised to choose a food with low-fat content. High fat is not even good for dogs. Low-fat food will be a healthier option. If you feed them high fat that is ultimately high in calories, remember french bulldogs gain weight quickly. Avoid high-fat contents because they can lead to obesity and significant health issues in your dog. Instead, choose anything with a balanced proportion of fat. Low Carbs Carbohydrates in any food break into sugar, and then the digestion continues. If the level of carbohydrates increases, it can even lead to diabetes. Carbohydrates for dogs can be derived from fibers. Dietary fibers are a healthy source of carbohydrates which ensures better digestion and refraining from weight gain. So, the lower the carbs, the better it will be. It has plenty of work to perform. Ingredients like different fruit and vegetables source these minerals and vitamins. It ensures good digestion, promotes a healthy weight, and other essential things. In addition, healthy joints and skin is ensured by the rich vitamins and minerals like glucosamine and chondroitin. The dog food for french bulldogs varies for each life stage. The food that your puppy can eat may not suit an adult dog. First, you must know the nutritional needs of the life stage of a french bulldog. Anything that can fulfill their need is considered best for them. Commercially manufactured foods are considered best because they are made under the supervision of experts. Thus, packing all the nutrients, your french dog will need. Yes, french bulldogs need special food. Special food is needed for the breed itself and the different life stages. The reason is their stomach. French bulldogs are known to have sensitive stomachs. To avoid these issues, french bulldogs need different food irrespective of their age. They have to avoid particular food and specific ingredients to prevent health issues. Grain-free dog food and low carb and fat can serve their need. When you bring a puppy home, you have to start from scrap. You have to learn what and when they need anything. How much food and how often it should be given to french bulldog puppies. The emphasis should be on the amount of food fulfilling the calorie need rather than how many times. For example, it is recommended for puppies between 2 to 6 months to have three meals a day, whereas, for the older ones, you should feed them twice a day. They should be fed 1. Then, feed the puppy to get the requisite calories suggested calories are calories per pound ad have a healthy weight in line with its age. Can French Bulldogs Eat Eggs? Yes, it is safe and healthy for your french bulldog to eat eggs. They can eat in any form they like. It can be scrambled, raw, boiled, or any way your dog prefers. However, there are concerns regarding feeding raw eggs because there are chances they get exposed to salmonella, which can get them sick. So, preferably give them cooked eggs in any form they like. The egg is very rich in nutritional value. They contain essential minerals, vitamins, protein, etc. Be vigilant while feeding eggs; watch for any allergic symptoms that your dog may develop. One thing is to be kept in mind; the egg should not be a daily meal; it can work as an occasional treat, though. Conclusion This sums up our word on the best food for french bulldogs. You must know what makes a food best is the quality ingredients. There is no room for animal by-products instead of natural protein, and you cannot replace fillers for healthy grains. The french bulldogs are not picky about food. Still, their stomach sensitivity makes their parents pick a few of the options available on the market. A balanced and healthy diet will give you a happy, playful, and lively pet. So enjoy your days with them, and we hope you enjoyed reading it. She's committed to providing clients with convenient solutions for their dogs, whether training or behavior issues that arise while they're out running errands! Aurora also competes in agility showcasing three dogs that have become an integral part of her vibrant life. Aurora is a successful dog trainer who loves what she does!

We have been breeding standard poodles since with an emphasis on producing puppies that excel in a wide variety of service dog roles, as Emotional Support Animals, as Therapy dogs or as consummate family companions. Our puppies are home raised using Puppy Culture early socialization protocols as well as Early Scent Introductions ESI to insure a very well socialized and confident dog. I feel it is absolutely the best start possible for any puppy. We also do formal temperament testing, which is done by a 3rd party animal behaviorist. We are very proud of our exceptional puppies from our healthy and health tested adult poodles. Our adult dogs are each health tested for hip, cardiac, eye exams, and genetics clearances with the results then publicly recorded with OFA. We are located on the beautiful St. Delivery throughout the USA is available. We have litters planned for , and we are making plans now. If you may have some interest in adding an Aglow Standard Poodle to your family, please inquire for information on our upcoming litters! For many more photos, please visit our Facebook page, Aglow Standard Poodles, or find us on Instagram at aglowstandards. About me.I am so glad you made it to this page! My name is Shawn and I have been breeding standard poodles since and it is truly a joy! I love raising puppies, knowing that these first weeks they spend with us are very important. Matching a puppy to her forever family is very rewarding. I breed only standard poodles; no other breed holds my heart the same way as standards. Our puppies are lovingly raised in our home. They are well socialized, started on potty training and ready to join your family. I make every effort to offer the most physically sound poodles I can by doing responsible health testing that is also publicly registered with OFA. Our dogs are negative, not carriers nor are they affected by these diseases. Cardiac and eye exam results are "normal". I look for the same testing results in any potential stud dog I may pair with one of my girls. Please inquire with any questionsI love to brag about our beautiful poodles! Join Our email list! Be the first to hear about our new litters, poodle approved treat recipes, and helpful advice. Join us! Standard Poodles! Poodles are goofy, social, fun-loving, intelligent, highly-trainable, and desire human companionship. It is thought that the Poodle originated in Germany as far back as the Middle ages. Taking its name from the German word pudeln, which means "to splash in water". The Poodle was once exceptional at retrieving ducks from the marshes. The versatile Poodle is among the most intelligent and capable of breeds. It is easily trained and remains a popular family pet to this day. Our Poodles are all from Standard lines and are regal and calm, though they love to play. They bark to alert when someone arrives at the house, but are not barkers without purpose. Standard Poodles love to be near their family and are wonderful with other dogs and children. We produce solids, parti-factor or abstract, as well as Parti Standard Poodle Puppies! Our Parti Standard Poodle Puppies range from red and white, apricot and white, brown and white, black and white, and sable parti puppies. Our Poodle Dams and Sires are AKC Registered from excellent bloodlines and have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. We do not currently offer miniature or toy puppies. Poodles can be black, red, white, apricot, brown, cream, Cafe Au Lait, silver beige, silver or blue, and may be a combination of these colors. Poodles carry the color patterns brindle, sable, ticking, abstract, tuxedo, parti, and phantom. They require brushing a few times a week, plus clipping and shaping every months. This longer clip though does require more frequent brushing at home to prevent matting of the Poodles curly coat. According to Slate Magazine, Poodles were originally used as foul hunting dogs. An unshorn Poodle's thick coat could weigh it down in the water. With the bottom half of its body shaved, the animal was more buoyant and could swim more freely. The long mane and hair around the chest were left intact to keep the poodle's vital organs warm in the cold water, and owners also kept the hair around the joints to protect them from cold and injury and to help prevent rheumatism. Shaving the hair around the face left the poodle's mouth and eyes free so it could fulfill its retrieving responsibilities, and tying the hair on a poodle's head into a "top knot" also kept hair out of its eyes. Owners eventually tied these knots with brightly colored ribbons to help them identify their dogs from afar. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. They love games and many are attracted to water and love to swim. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Poodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. A copy of the PCA illustrated breed standard may be purchased at the website store. Official Standard of the Poodle The Standard for the Poodle Toy variety is the same as for the Standard and Miniature varieties except as regards heights. General Appearance: Carriage and Condition — That of a very active, intelligent and elegant- appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle. The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle. As long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle a Miniature Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the Variety, diminutiveness shall be the deciding factor when all other points are equal. Proportion — To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground. Substance — Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog. Head and Expression: a Eyes — very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned to create an alert intelligent expression. Major fault: eyes round, protruding, large or very light. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered; however, the ear fringe should not be of excessive length. Cheekbones and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as length of muzzle. Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness. Major fault: lack of chin. Teeth — white, strong and with a scissors bite. Major fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth. Neck, Topline, Body: Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck. The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow just behind the shoulder. Body — a Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. Major fault: set low, curled, or carried over the back. Forequarters: Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back and approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault — steep shoulder. Forelegs — Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder. The pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet — The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and cushioned on thick firm pads. Nails short but not excessively shortened. The feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault — paper or splay foot. Hindquarters: The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hindlegs straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. Muscular with width in the region of the stifles which are well bent; femur and tibia are about equal in length; hock to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major fault — cow-hocks. Coat: a Quality — 1 Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible. The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands on each hindleg. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven leg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons optional on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than one inch in length. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic bands. The hair is only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline. This is the only area where elastic bands may be used. Color: The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au- laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black noses, eye-rims and lips, black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots while the foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, and amber eyes are permitted but are not desirable. Major fault: color of nose, lips and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors. Gait: A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential. Temperament: Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or sharpness. Major Faults: Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed Standard. Disqualifications: Size — A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified. Clip — A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be disqualified. Parti- colors — The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but of two or more colors. Value of Points General appearance, temperament, carriage and condition……. He was shipped from Florida to me in Washington D. Prior to my first standard poodle I had always had dogs and owned various breeds including German Shepherds and Dobermans. Those two are great breeds but they both presented challenges for me and my lifestyle. By this time I already had 4 of my 6 children and as an Army officer and a helicopter pilot I traveled a great deal. I wanted a dog that was as intelligent and loyal as the previous dogs I had owned but one that did NOT shed. I also wanted a dog that would be protective, but not to the extent that I had to worry when dozens of neighborhood children would run in and out of the yard and house. As the years passed I started showing my poodles in obedience, obtaining a Companion Dog CD certification on Caesar very quickly. After our divorce it was too time consuming for me to continue to show my poodle and be a working single parent raising 6 children. So I only bred on occasion, keeping what I thought was the best representation of the breed. In the summer of I had the unique opportunity to reacquire some poodles I had whelped and sold; a boy and two girls. Before I made the leap from three to six standards I made the decision to breed and show standard poodles full time when I retired from the military and needed to do two things right at the start to be successful. First was to compete my dogs in confirmation, not just obedience, and second was to find a handler as my career still keeps me too busy to show on my own. Shipps Anani Keanu was my first champion and although I cannot take any credit for his breeding he has a wonderful pedigree and was expertly finished by Paula Ford of Aldea Kennels. Ulysses, my first home bred silver champion, is the result of 5 generations of selective breeding and a little good luck. It really is not enough for me to say that I have great dogs, a judge representing the collective expertise of the American Kennel Club must think likewise. I sincerely believe I am well down that path. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. I hope your visit to our site is fun, emotional and informative. Are you a Standard Poodle owner, or have you ever owned a Standard Poodle in the past? If you qualify as either of the above mentioned people, you know how loyal and loving the Standard Poodle is. The intelligence of this amazing breed is common knowledge for you. With each look of devotion from your Standard Poodle you have felt the goose bumps and familiar feeling each time they snuggle so close. If you do not own nor have ever owned a Standard Poodle you have so much to look forward to with one. These dogs will amaze you with their endless understanding of the human language. Whether you have been gone from home ten minutes or eight hours, the greeting you will receive will be exuberant. Their companionship will always be a comfort to you. The Standard Poodle is a large breed but the soft, feather like touch they have will surprise you. When your Standard Poodle jumps up to give you a hug it will be so gentle compared to the heavy touch or push from other large, but gentle breeds. Obviously your search for a new family member has led you here, to our Family Affair Standard Poodle website. Since you are here we hope our knowledge and our 30 plus years of experience breeding will help you find the perfect Standard Poodle puppy for you and your family. Each page is designed and written to help you and your families make a well informed, confident decision to purchase your Standard Poodle puppy here at Family Affair Standard Poodles. You will see slide shows of Holley and me including childhood pictures. You will also see us as we are today, with our own families. You will get to see pictures of our facility, which we are very proud of. In addition, you will see slide shows of the sires dads and dams moms of the younger litters of our Standard Poodle puppies that will be ready in the near future. There will also be a video of the entire litter. You can view slide shows, testing results and pedigree information on the canines, Ladies and Gentlemen of Family Affair Standard Poodles. In addition we have posted the color and approximate height and weight of each of our canine Ladies and Gentlemen at Family Affair Standard Poodles. You will also get to meet all the humans involved in this Family Affair. We retire all of our adult Standard Poodles between the ages of six and seven. Occasionally we will have a younger adult up for adoption or a puppy with special needs. This page will give you an idea of what to expect from these retiring girls and guys as new family members. You will be able to read letters or notes from previous people who have adopted our adult Standard Poodles. These are questions you need answered prior to the decision to adopt or purchase and after the arrival of your new Standard Poodle Puppy or Adoptee. Questions about the health issues and the wide range of colors in the Standard Poodle breed will be addressed. There will be training and grooming tips and lots more. We have provided an explanation of how the purchase process works from the deposit until the payment in full is made for your Standard Poodle Puppy or Adult or Special Needs Adoptee. These contracts serve as your guarantee, medical record and receipt all in one. Each contract has specific instructions at the top on how to fill out and submit these contracts. It will explain how our Standard Poodle Puppies are shipped and put your mind at ease concerning shipping. You can read about our personal delivery service, the advantages of this service and the fees involved. There are also pictures and letters concerning successfully shipped or delivered puppies. There are certain things you need when you take your new Standard Poodle puppy home. This package will have almost everything you need when you take home your Standard Poodle puppy. These packages will start with your correct size crate and end with the grooming shampoo and tools and everything in between. On this page we pay honor to the people in our lives that have made all of us who we are today and those who have helped to make our dream a reality and worked side by side with us through the good times, as well as the hard times. We also recognize the animals that we have been blessed to know throughout our lives and who have passed on to Rainbow Bridge and are sorely missed. Some of these people have been gracious enough to allow us to list their emails so you can email them directly for a reference. We also have a link to view a letter from our annual AKC inspection. You can view letters of our previous vet of 15 years and our present vet who we have been with since .It also has groomers and vets as well as trainers listed. This is where the puppies are raised. In our opinion the most versatile breed anyone could ask for is the Standard Poodle. Standards are very happy on a farm, hiking, swimming, hunting and playing games. They are also very content to be a couch potato in an apartment with brief outings to play. They enjoy homes with a houseful of children, older couples or a single human companion. They do great with other pets as well. Enjoy your visit to our Family Affair Standard Poodles website. We hope to hear from you soon so that you can become a part of our Family Affair. Our breeding goals include health, intelligence, temperament, conformation, uniformity, and beauty. Our breeding facility is located in a nice secluded, wooded area about 15 minutes from Little Rock, Arkansas airport where Smith Standard Poodles have plenty of room for exercise, and ample time for socializing with each other. We socialize them also with adults and children. Standard Poodle Breeder Every single one of our pups for sale come with a two-year guarantee. All our pups are birthed from quality, health certified Standard mothers and fathers. We strategically breed our dogs to enhance genetic strengths and subvert undesirable traits including common health problems within the breed. Our puppies come to you well socialize and absolutely doggie door trained. Our Standard Poodles have now found homes in every state in the US, and in fifteen other countries. These colors and patterns include Parti, Brindle, and Phantom Standard Poodles along with most of the solid colors available. Let us know if we can help you with your Poodle pondering, or with any questions, you may have about our beautiful dogs. We have years of experience, and the willingness to share. God Bless,

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you looking for adorable Labradoodle puppies in Indiana? All of them follow ethical breeding practices and make sure that their puppies come from healthy, carefully screened parents. For this, ethical Labradoodle breeders in Indiana conduct rigorous health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Only dogs who have passed with flying colors are used for breeding purposes, which greatly reduces the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions or hereditary illnesses. Some breeders even offer a three-year health warranty! All of these organizations require that their member breeders follow their strict health testing standards, ethical breeding practices, and provide the pups a nurturing, loving, and safe environment to grow up in. Additionally, some breeders also post their customer testimonials on their websites. Chestnut Hill Labradoodles is a Puppy Culture breeder and also utilizes important puppy rearing techniques from Avidog. They make sure that all of their pups are properly socialized with children, adults, elderly, and other dogs before adoption. They also implement various enrichment methods, such as potty training, crate training, Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , regular grooming, household desensitization, and more. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Puppies receive their age appropriate vaccinations, dewormings, a microchip, free pet insurance for 30 days through Trupanion, and early spaying or neutering. This way, you will know what to expect and if this is the right breed for your home. Ashford Manor Labradoodles Ashford Manor Labradoodles is one of the breeding centers you can rely on if ever looking for labradoodle dogs in Indiana. They have been in this industry for a long time now, which means they have already established a reputation among dog lovers. They have a wide variety of Labradoodle puppies for sale, and that is why you will never have a hard time choosing from them. Ashford Manor only works with the top Australian Labradoodle lines, and they go through every procedure to a tee. The dogs would not be unaware of this, but they get improved genetics in terms of superior hypoallergenic and non-shedding hair. In addition, they maintain a small breeding program to give each puppy the attention and socialization it requires for them to grow up to be loving, loyal pets. Ashford breeds multigenerational mini and medium-sized Labradoodle puppies. A professional trainer guides these pedigree puppies in fluffy, allergy-friendly, and non-shedding coats. Each puppy comes with a 2-year genetic health guarantee. Address: West Columbia St. This is why Chestnut Hill Labradoodles is one of the top breeders on the list. Chestnut Hill Labradoodles is located in Indiana, and they can provide you with all the information you need about their services and products. The puppies learn through positive reinforcement and puppy culture training because the first sixteen weeks are so important. They are best known for their multigenerational mini, medium, and standard-sized Labradoodle puppies. Not to mention that this Gold Paw enterprise is one of the favorites in Indiana for Labradoodle puppies. In addition, they offer a two-year health guarantee. Not only do they provide excellent services, but they also offer different types of puppies, depending on what you are looking for. Daffodil Hill Australian Labradoodles are popular for their mini and medium-sized puppies. They are multigenerational hypoallergenic dogs that are not only friendly but also intelligent. Each puppy will be part of your family for the rest of its life. They breed only the finest Australian and American multigenerational non-shedding Hypoallergenic miniature and medium Labradoodle for sale. Its mission is to provide loving families with the healthiest and best-natured Labradoodle pups in Indiana. Forever Friends uses a gentle and kind temperament to ensure that the puppies are comfortable in every situation, which is why Doodles from Forever Friends make excellent family pets. They breed F1, F1B, and multigenerational labradoodle puppies in both mini and medium sizes. They provide excellent services, but their pups are also highly intelligent and make great family pets. Furthermore, they guarantee their puppies for two years from genetic diseases. If you have allergies, the Harvest Labradoodles are perfect for you because they are non-shedding and very friendly, making them ideal as family pets. Address: Located on a small family farm in Madison, Indiana. Phone: Website: www. We hope that you will find it helpful to adopt one of these non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs. They will be perfect as your new family pet, and they will have a positive impact on your life. Smaller Labradoodle breeders in Indiana offer advantages such as greater specific care for each puppy and a feeling of becoming part of the family when you buy from them. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Ashford Manor offers important services that benefit you, your puppy, and your family! Puppy Bootcamp Your puppy is already socialized and prepared for family life, but this takes it a step further. For an additional fee and in four weeks, your puppy will begin to know basic commands. Grooming Services Australian Labradoodles are groomed in a special way. Many groomers do not this, but we do. Try us out! It takes time to search for the best products for your dog. We understand that. She is amazing, wonderful, and adorable. Nothing seems bothers her: not the noise, car horns, police sirens, fire engines, or motorcycles. You should hear all the comments I get from people who stop me to ask what breed she is and tell me how cute and beautiful she is. He is totally crate trained, and has very rarely had an accident inside. He slept the first night and every night from 11pm-6AM better than any of my 4 kids! People with dogs say that we are very lucky and have such a great dog! She is always the smartest one in the class as she is such a quick learner! Izzy is pretty much completely potty trained — she regularly rings the bells — though she has figured out that ringing the bells get her the attention she likes, so she does that for fun sometimes too. He is just a doll and the grand kids love him. Kids absolutely adore her — thank you for such a wonderful puppy. Our breeding program includes Labradoodles from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor, the originators of this clever breed. We are dedicated to preserving the Australian Labradoodle, by insuring sound breeding practices, excellence and the highest standard of ethics. Our dogs and puppies live in our home as loved pets. They are well socialized and used to children and other animals. Proper socialization is important to the puppy you will adopt so much attention is given to your new puppy. While in our home we take the utmost care of your new puppy. Your little prince or princess will be treated like royalty. You can be assured that the best care and attention is given to all aspects of breeding, and that we are devoted to advancing and preserving this unique breed. Only sound Labradoodles are allowed to participate in our breeding program. Our adherence to these policies backs up our guarantee in providing only the best Australian Labradoodles. It is my goal to produce the finest companion for your family and am honored that so many families come to me for their puppy. Australian Labradoodles. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Marion Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We also offer older trained pet puppies!!! The hard part is already done for you! She is already crate trained sleep through the night and is doing excellent on potty training with no accidents in over a week!!! She is learning to walk on a leash and getting well socialized. For more info on this sweet girl call Pat at .See our facebook page for more pictures and updates! Uriel loves her humans! She likes to be a shadow and be right by anyone in the house! She enjoys car rides and snuggles! She loves to run and play outside and then cool off on the air conditioning vent! She would do best with older children and adults. Her very favorite activity is laying on the bed next to her human and snuggling in for a long nap! For more info call Pat at .This little girl is just so much fun! Ursula is a fun loving, spunky, playful girl, that would thrive in an active family. She would also love a family that has another dog for a playmate. Ursula loves car rides and loves to play with her toys and retrieve them for you! She is doing well with crate training, and potty training and learning to walk on a leash. For more info on making this fun loving girl a part of your family call Pat at .Possibility of all colors solid and parti. Call Pat at to reserve a puppy. We take calls 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. We are on Eastern time. Puppies expected winter See our facebook page for more pictures and updates! We reserve the right to retain potential breeding stock puppies from any litter. We reserve the right to deny anyone one of our puppies. We also reserve the right to change mating pairs based on circumstances.

However, both parents may still carry specific genes, such as those for hip and elbow dysplasia, putting your Alaskan Shepherd puppy at risk. Always seek out a reputable breeder and always ask to see the DNA reports and hip and elbow scores of the parents before purchasing a puppy. This way, you do not encourage irresponsible breeding practices. Some other genetic issues to look out for include cartilaginous exostosis, which involves bony enlargements on any part of the skeleton except the skull, and chondrodysplasia, which sometimes affects Malamutes. It is a type of dwarfism that creates abnormally shaped limbs. Malamutes should also be screened for idiopathic polyneuropathy, day blindness, hypothyroidism, and cataracts before they are bred. In terms of the German Shepherd parent , genetic disorders include degenerative myelopathy, resulting in complete paralysis of the hindlegs, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This problem can lead to digestive issues. German Shepherds are also prone to various cancers, such as renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis. These cause skin nodules and kidney tumors. German Shepherd crosses have been known to inherit these genes. An Alaskan Shepherd is also at risk for Von Willebrand disease, a blood-clotting disorder. While some dogs may never show any symptoms of this disease, others might bleed profusely from orifices like the nose, and cuts and scrapes can turn quite serious. Finally, since this is an active breed with a hearty appetite, its diet should be monitored if it eats a little more than it burns off exercising, as Alaskan Shepherds have been known to struggle with obesity. What is the lifespan of an Alaskan Shepherd? The German Shepherd is often not a long-lived dog, which can influence its offspring. However, the Alaskan Malamute is quite hardy, and so the Alaskan Shepherd can be expected to live between 7 and 14 years. The trainability of a Malamute German Shepherd mix: Temperament and Intelligence Generally, the Alaskan Shepherd inherits a high working drive from both parents, meaning it is at its happiest when it has a job to do. It also usually has the intelligence of the German Shepherd, making it moderately to highly trainable. One trait it will also likely gain from its GSD parent is its guardian instincts. However, this might be affected by the Malamute parent, as Malamutes are incredibly affectionate to all people and are usually not good guard dogs. Many Alaskan Shepherd owners report their dogs making the same hilarious sounds. However, like many ancient breeds, the Malamute is an independent and sometimes domineering dog with little patience for repetition in training and a strong mind of its own. It may well pass this willfulness down to the Alaskan Shepherd. Sociability with Other Pets It should also be noted that while the Malamute typically loves people, it also tends to have a high prey drive, making it a challenge to keep in homes with smaller animals. It has also been known to be dominant and sometimes aggressive with other dogs. So much so that it is recommended never to keep these dogs with others of the same gender. It is hoped that in the Alaskan Shepherd mix, although some of this may be less prevalent, that you socialize the dog from an early age and establish yourself as a pack leader. Preferably it should live in a cooler climate, better suited for its double coat, and should be given access to as much space as possible. Do German Shepherd Malamute mixes make good family dogs? The Alaskan Shepherd is the perfect dog for the right family. They tend to be protective and loving with children, although they should always be supervised because of their size. So long as their need for stimulation, challenges, and exercise are met, they are loyal guardians and devoted companions. Raising a German Shepherd Malamute mix puppy As a large to possibly giant dog, the German Shepherd Malamute cross needs to have its exercise carefully monitored while young to avoid undue stress on its joints. This is no small task since a young Alaskan Shepherd is likely to be rambunctious and rowdy. This means it will need carefully structured exercise and early socialization and training to deal with any potential aggression problems. Training should be kept short and positive to avoid problems with its stubborn streak. It will also need specially formulated food to help it grow. For this, it is best to speak to your veterinarian and make sure he is on a balanced diet. Since it is a mixed breed, the exact price can be hard to pinpoint. While this may not be the breed for a passive home, it can make an excellent companion, hunter, and sledding dog for anybody willing to put in the time. With enough stimulation, exercise, and training, the Alaskan Shepherd is likely to make one of the best dogs a person could own. If you are interested in this breed or have any experience with them, be sure to let us know about it in the comments below. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Alaskan Malamutes are speculated to have descended from wolves and may have accompanied hunters on their travels as far back as 4, years ago. Named after the Mahlemuts Indian tribe, they have long been bred for pulling sleds and assisting in big game hunts. As the official state dog of Alaska, this AKC-recognized breed has gained large fame across much of the northern and central United States. As you might expect, German Shepherds originally hail from Germany. Developed through intensive crossbreeding of native shepherding dogs in the early s, they were bred specifically to herd sheep. Renowned for their responsiveness and naturally well-behaved temperaments, they soon became a popular option for working dogs in every profession — even the German military. Their ancestors may have crossed the Bering Strait. As far back as 4, years ago, it is speculated that Paleo-Indian tribes migrated from Asia to North America via a land bridge that was only passable due to lower ocean levels. Larger dogs of this breed can nearly double the average weight. Uncommon amongst any dog breed, the Alaskan Shepherd has ancient genes that sometimes produce surprising results. Whereas most dogs of this breed weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, the largest examples can weigh in excess of pounds! Puppies of this breed can seem to have boundless energy and require substantial amounts of training to curb their constant enthusiasm and occasional recklessness. Are These Dogs Good for Families? While they would never intentionally harm a child — and often go to great lengths to protect them — their herding instincts can lead them to bully or boss children around without meaning to. As puppies, they may not be as inclined to spend time with other dogs and especially not cats or rabbits. Once they grow older and naturally mellow out, though, they can be very sociable and welcoming dogs. Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Shepherd Adopting an Alaskan Shepherd will almost certainly be a large investment of your time, money, and attention. Possessed of great stores of energy and endurance, they love being taken outdoors for walks, runs, and hikes. A good baseline to shoot for is an hour per day of moderate activity, though they can easily handle more without complaint. If you like a dog that you can play games with, the Alaskan Shepherd is an excellent choice! This is especially true in the spring and fall when they will lose one coat to prepare for the season ahead. Weekly brushings will suffice for most of the year, but this should be increased to a daily frequency during their shedding seasons. However, they have inherited a tendency from their ancestors towards a few medical conditions, such as the following: Minor Conditions. The height of these crossbreeds varies from 21 to 24 inches. Males and females have little height difference. You can expect this crossbreed to have a medium-length, double coat. The colors of their coat can be a combination of black, gray, red, gold, and brown. This type of coat helps them cope with the extremely cold environment. The Malamute German Shepherds are diligent working dogs. On top of that, they are alert and aware of their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs. They bark appropriately without being annoying and disturbing. They have keen senses to discern suspicious acts and people. Another trait it possesses is its affectionate nature. The gentle and loving German Shepherd Malamutes can come off as intimidating at first sight. In reality, they are fluffy and lovable dogs that enjoy the company of people. You must apply good researching techniques to locate professional breeders when it comes to crossbreeds. Professional breeders allow you to access the documents of the puppy, including health records and DNA testing. They also provide a suitable environment for the upbringing of the dogs. They will help you become reassured that the dogs will grow to have minimal problems regarding their health. Visit the breeders in their location is highly recommended. Another way to verify a breeder is through this visitation. You might think that another good place to acquire this crossbreed is through purchasing in pet stores. I advise against this method. As a breeding ground, the puppy mill has thousands of stories supporting the terrible conditions for breeding. The puppy mill does not provide the most suitable environment for rearing puppies. In this place, the puppies are forced to mate with one another and give birth. This mixed breed is relatively rare. There are some breed-specific and non-profit rescue centers all over the country. You can check out these rescue shelters to obtain a new fluffy companion. Their shedding process usually involves a lot of mess and hair, especially during periods with warm weather and when placed in a blistering environment. Brushing the coat needs to be done for three to five times per week. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. You should pay attention to spots where tangles occur often, like the base of the ears. You can prevent loose hair from the brushing process by dousing the coat with water. Another tip for maintaining the shine of the coat is using a slicker brush instead of a pin brush. You can also get rid of loose hair and some debris by using the brush. If you notice that your dog is uncomfortable each time you brush or comb its coat, you should consider starting a desensitization training. The process starts with using your hands to familiarize the dog with the brushing activity. After some time, you may alternate between using a real brush or comb and using your hands. You can finally change to a full-time brushing with a slicker brush after a few weeks. The little parts of the Malamute German Shepherd Mix, such as its eyes, nose, nails, ears, and paws, must be cared for as well. You should check for ear infection signs like the accumulation of earwax. A cotton ball and an ear solution formulated for dogs are must-haves for sanitary ears. For dried and scaly paws, you may utilize Vaseline as treatment. The popular opinion of daily bathing for dogs is not advisable to follow. The indication for bathing the dog is its appearance or smell. You may use formulations with ingredients that are soothing to its skin, like aloe vera. It is important to determine some early signs of skin lesions. If you are unable to do the necessary steps for grooming, you should opt to bring your pup to a professional groomer in your locale. There are many innate and environmental factors affecting the health status of the crossbreed. Some of these factors are genetic make-up, the environment where it grew up, nutrition, and level of activity. There are some health problems with a predilection to one of the parent breeds. As a reliable owner, you must be cognizant of the health risks of this crossbreed. Obesity: This mixed breed tends to eat more than its requirement. This should be controlled because it makes the dog vulnerable to many diseases, such as back pains, cancer, and joint problems. Chondrodysplasia: This condition may lead to hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy: This is an untreatable and progressive disorder that results to the inability to move the hind legs. Von Willebrand disease: It is a blood disorder that causes a lot of blood loss. One of the things you can do is to acquire vaccines. The recommended vaccines for puppies are rabies, measles, and a combination vaccine called DHPP. I strongly advise seeking the help of a trustworthy veterinarian to become knowledgeable on the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Malamute Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements There is no fixed quantity of food for a dog, even among those with the same breeds. You need the most appropriate diet that will result in the optimal condition of your dog. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Malamute mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 3 cups of high-quality food items. Two to three meals per day are advised for these crossbreeds. Your dog requires healthy bones and joints for its activity. It needs a healthy amount of calcium for that. Calcium will also aid in giving the best status of immunity. Another vital mineral for the development of bones and joints is phosphorus. Below is an inventory of the recommended dry food for the Malamute crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Purina HA Hypoallergenic: This hypoallergenic formulation is perfect for some dogs which may be predisposed to developing food intolerance and allergies. The optimal effect of this product is achieved by giving this alone for eight to 12 weeks. You can combine this food with other kinds of high-quality kibbles after the said period. It does not have allergenic materials like soy, whey, and gluten. It does not have artificial flavors. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids that help in moisturizing the coat and adding the healthy glow for the skin. It has easy-to-digest and organic components such as rice, chicken, and barley. It has reported on nutritional breakthroughs. It possesses prime chicken and customized fiber system for easy digestion. The German Shepherd Malamute mix may be at risk for overfeeding and obesity. An easy way to determine this is by doing the hands-on test and eye test. These two tests will require you to examine the dog beside you and looking at its waist from above. You will feel the ribs of the dog when you press down if the dog is not overweight. A positive result of this test should alert you as a responsible owner. A veterinarian can help immensely in managing the diet and other health concerns of your dog. You should consider involving one while planning for acquiring a new family member. Whether you adopt a big or small doggo, feed them only with premium-quality food to keep them happy and healthy all the time. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food , and get only the best dry dog food for your furry companion. If your furry buddy is still but a munchkin, consult our list of the best puppy food brands for nutrition ideas. In case your pooch is well past their prime, make sure to serve them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those frail bones, well, not so frail! Do remember that your adorable mixed pup carries the genes of their vastly different parents. They may inherit the palate of either, so you can offer them both the best dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food and stick with the one they choose as their favorite! The period of physical activity engagement should be at least one hour. An appropriate blend of physical and mental stimulus for this mixed breed is necessary to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. Some examples of possible physical activities for the Malamute German Shepherd mix are hiking, fetching, and running. Another consideration for the exercise period is the venue for the activities. I recommend a big area in a well-ventilated place for this crossbreed. The Kong Ball is a widely known toy for mental motivation. The use of this toy will aid in the digestion and mental health of the dog. It comes in different sizes, so you can get a suitable one for your dog. The German Shepherd Malamutes have a notable strength in biting. It is an under-stuffed toy that has a squeaker. It is made of a tough material, perfect for hours of rough play. They could become hardheaded as well. Your contribution to the morale boost will help the process. Below are some guidelines on training this mixed breed: Limit the Duration of the Training Sessions: A way to prevent misbehaviors during the training sessions is keeping the sessions short. A great crate has a comfortable bed and optimum ventilation. The period for crate training varies from 30 minutes for younger puppies to eight hours for adult Malamute German Shepherds. This training will benefit the mental health of the dog as well. It will help in having a calm disposition, particularly during travels, and it will also ward of possible separation anxiety. Positive Rewards-based System: This training method avoids the classical penalty techniques when dogs misbehave. You can have a box of treats ready for the training sessions. You should also provide cuddles and words of encouragement and approval when the dog abides by the rules. Every dog has a unique way of following the commands. If you want to learn more about the proper techniques, you may opt to ask for some advice from professional trainers. It is essential to provide positive words and gestures to make the dog feel at home. One phase of the training a dog called early socialization is necessary for developing healthy coping mechanisms to a new environment and people. Early socialization will hone the puppy and help in becoming mature. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. The owners will hold the puppy each day until four weeks. The next phase continues until 16 weeks of age. This phase involves exposing the puppy to various kinds of animals, people, textures, fragrances, and sceneries. The above-mentioned tips on training may be applied during early socialization. The Malamute German Shepherd dogs are generally good with children. They will give affection and friendliness to the little ones. You still need to be careful with the child-dog interactions, especially when the dog is still young. You must also teach your children how to respect and play with the dog within respectable bounds. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is very energetic and well mannered. He is very gentle with children and protective of the whole family. He is very loving and great with our kids as young as 2 years old. He is very calm and we couldn't ask for a better puppy. He is full of energy and very loving. An intelligent dog and very easy to train. He howls like a Malamute and barks like a Shepherd. He loves playing with other pups and dogs as soon as he is familiar with them and his surroundings. He is very well house trained already and has not shed a hair in our home. He is very dependent on us for companionship and does not like being alone at all. He is very big boned and strong. He gets a lot of exercise, loves to play and is friendly with people. Ben is very intelligent and is easily trained. His prey drive is very high but living with a cranky cat is curbing that. An amazing pup who's growing quickly into an excellent well mannered Alaskan Shepherd who tends to howl at night. She is a very intelligent, mostly well-behaved dog who can be stubborn at times when it comes to learning commands, but she is very well housetrained. Naomi adapts well to new environments, proving this when we moved from the country to an apartment nearly miles away. She loves car rides and going places. She is very people-oriented and is good with children and cats, but she likes to establish her rank with other dogs before accepting their presence. She can be a bully, but is not really dog-aggressive. This dog is not very playful with other dogs, but loves to play with people. She displays many Malamute behaviors and some Shepherd behavior. She rarely barks, but instead makes the "woooo" talking sound Malamutes make and she howls when sirens are heard. She has some protective behaviors will growl at suspicious people when being walked at night , but she probably wouldn't keep a burglar out of the house if I was away. Her appearance and size, however, deter many people from coming too close without asking. She can be mischievous, but she is generally laid-back as long as she's walked several times a day. She is very clean and grooms herself like a cat. She sheds A LOT all year long. She is a large dog, around 83 pounds. Naomi was diagnosed with hip dysplasia when she was a year old and it had already caused arthritis. The only bad point is he sheds a huge amount of fur, but that may be due to the heating inside our home. This is a sled dog at its core, having great endurance and strength, which was a dog trait needed by ancestral owners in order to pull and carry heavy objects. He is sweet and family loving, loyal, and a highly capable watchdog. Read on to find out more. The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a hybrid dog. That is, a cross between the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. The Alaskan Malamute breed is believed to be descended from the dogs of hunters in the Paleolithic period. Roughly years ago, they crossed into North America from the land bridges of the Bering Strait. The dogs belonging to these people were domesticated from the wolf. Traditionally speaking, the Alaskan Malamute is part of the oldest sled dog breeds of the arctic. The German Shepherd breed was originally created for the purpose of herding sheep. These people combined various dog strains from the central and northern parts of Germany. This was in order to produce what would be known as the ancestors of the modern-day German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd Malamute Mix vs. Purebred Debate Fans of mixed breed dogs argue that diversity makes them healthier than purebreds, with resulting fewer health problems. Those who are in favor of purebred dogs argue that they are healthier than mixes. They claim this due to better control over breeding, and therefore on the selection of genetic traits. This is a debate that is surely not going to be resolved anytime soon. They played the roles of two of the sled dogs, Buck and Shadow. The German Shepherd is quite the popular dog! Both parents have such similar features so you may see the input of both! Dogs of this mix have muscular bodies, possessing great strength and a sturdy frame. These dogs are well-suited for carrying significant weight and pulling sleds. They are 21 to 28 inches high, with a large weight range of 64 to pounds on average, corresponding to a medium and large size dog, respectively. They have a straight and medium-length double-coat consisting of a soft and dense undercoat and a thick, rough outer coat. Their coat colors are a combination of red, brown, gold, black, and grey. Their eyes are brown, hazel, or blue, and their nose is black or brown. German Shepherd Malamute Mix Temperament This is an affectionate and loyal dog, known for being very attached to their families. They inherit this quality from both parents. These dogs are wonderful around children, however, adult supervision around smaller children is recommended because of the large size of this dog. They make good guard dogs due to their ability to keep a vigilant eye on strangers. German Shepherds in particular tend to be cautious of strangers and sound the alarm when unfamiliar people arrive. This is a strong-willed dog with an independent streak. German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes are both loyal and loving dogs towards their families, and naturally the mix has this tendency as well. The exceptional intelligence and courage of the German Shepherd is a characteristic that may be passed on to the mix. So it is important to keep this dog active and mentally stimulated. Training Your German Shepherd Malamute mix Early socialization is important to curb any aggressive tendencies this dog may have towards strangers or other animals. The natural tendency of this dog towards independent and even stubborn behavior requires consistent and firm training from the puppy stage. Positive training methods are best. Due to the large size and physical attributes of this dog, he needs regular exercise, such as walking, hiking, or jogging to satisfy its high energy and endurance levels. At least an hour of physical activity a day is ideal. German Shepherd Malamute mix Health Both parent breeds have health issues. While the German Shepherd is an above average healthy dog with few health concerns, it does have a few health issues to watch for, such as degenerative myelopathy and elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common to the mix as well. Additional common health problems which the German Shepherd Malamute mix has are:. They were bred as working dogs, and their original purpose was to herd sheep. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred by the Mahlemut tribe of Alaska as sled dogs. While they are known today as one of the more popular designer breeds, these two breeds were not mixed until the early s, when people began to cross them for their working abilities. They are strong and athletic, with a muscular build. German Shepherds are inches tall at the shoulder. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the largest dog breeds, weighing in at pounds. Their typical height is inches at the shoulder. Malamutes are thickly built, with a broad chest and strong legs. They have a dense coat of fur that can be either short or long. The German Shepherd Malamute mix will usually take after its Alaskan Malamute parent in terms of size, but there is some variation. These dogs typically weigh between 50 and 85 pounds and stand inches tall at the shoulder. They may have the short coat and sleek build of the German Shepherd or the thick fur and broad chest of the Alaskan Malamute. Their coat colors are typically black, brown, or gray; however, they can also inherit the white markings of the German Shepherd. Like both of their parents, this mix has a strong and muscular build. They are a medium to large breed of dog that is very athletic. They will typically have almond-shaped eyes, and their ears may be pointed or floppy. Their tail is usually bushy and thick. These dogs are typically loyal, loving, and affectionate. They are also very protective of their family and may be suspicious of strangers. German Shepherds were originally bred as working dogs, so they are very intelligent and trainable. They are also known for being loyal and protective of their family. Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred as sled dogs, so they are very strong and athletic. However, they are also very affectionate with their family. This results in a mix that is very intelligent and trainable yet an independent thinker who can be stubborn at times. These dogs are also very affectionate with their family and make excellent protectors. However, they may be suspicious of strangers, so socialization is important from an early age. While this mix is an intelligent breed, poor breeding practices can result in your dog having behavioral issues as they age. They are also quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement. As with all dogs, early socialization is important for this mix. This will help them to be less suspicious of strangers and reduce the likelihood of aggressive or destructive behavior. This mix can be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are important. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise. Puppy obedience training is a great way to socialize your puppy and start them on the path to good behavior. Exercise Needs This mix is a very active breed of dog that needs plenty of exercise. They are also very strong and have a lot of energy. These dogs need at least an hour of daily exercise and prefer to be outdoors. Daily walking or running is a great way to meet their exercise needs. German Shepherd Alaskan Malamute mixes also enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and hiking. They are also very intelligent and need mental stimulation, so interactive dog toys or puzzle games are a great way to keep them entertained. Overall, this mix is a great breed of dog for first-time owners or active people or families. They are a loving and affectionate breed, yet also make excellent protectors. They can be a great addition to any home with proper training and exercise. They also have an outer coat that is coarse and thick. A slicker brush or another shedding brush can help to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Bathing These dogs also benefit from a soothing shampoo that is designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Additional grooming may be necessary if your dog has any mats or tangles in their coat. Ears This mix has erect ears that should be checked regularly for dirt or wax build-up. Cleaning with a cotton ball and dog-safe ear cleaner can help to prevent infections. Nails The nails of the German Shepherd Malamute mix grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly. Dental chews or bones can also help to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Overall, this mix is a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, regular brushing and occasional baths will help to keep their coat looking their best. However, like all breeds of dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord that can cause paralysis in the hind legs. Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the elbow joint and can also cause pain and lameness. All of these conditions can be debilitating and cause a decrease in quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available for all of the above-mentioned health problems. Overall, this mix is a generally healthy breed of dog. However, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that can be debilitating. Nutrition Requirements The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a high-energy breed of dog that requires a high-protein diet and is rich in fat. Dry dog food that is designed for large breeds is a great option for this breed. They should be fed between two to three times per day. A regular feeding schedule is important for this breed to help prevent bloat while maintaining suitable weight levels. Typical dog food brands to consider for this breed include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Taste of the Wild. Table scraps should be avoided as they can cause weight gain and digestive issues. Doggie treats, on the other hand, can be given in moderation. However, certain dogs may view this breed as a threat due to their size and energy level. This can be done by taking them to the dog park, doggie daycare, or dog walking. Due to their size, they are naturally more comfortable around larger dogs. With early training and socialization, however, this mix can integrate and socialize with most other dogs. However, their energy levels can be a bit much for smaller children. This breed is best suited for families with older children who can handle their high energy levels. Families with small children should consider another breed of dog that is more suitable for their lifestyle. Some examples of breeds that may be more suitable for families with small children include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Drooling Levels This breed of dog is known to drool moderately. While they are not considered to be a slobbering breed, they may drool more when they are excited or hungry. They also require some maintenance when it comes to cleaning up drool, but it is not excessive. A damp cloth or baby wipes are generally all that is required to help to keep the area around their mouth clean. Barking Levels This breed of dog is known to bark moderately. They may bark when they are excited or when someone is at the door. However, with proper training, this behavior can be controlled. Barking collars are also an option but should only be used as a last resort. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to help control moderate barking in this breed of dog. Adaptability to Weather The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a breed of dog that is very adaptable to different weather conditions. They are comfortable in both hot and cold weather. They can typically handle temperatures as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can typically handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, this mix is a very versatile breed that can adapt to most weather conditions. This is a relatively long lifespan for a large breed dog. While this breed is growing in popularity, it has not yet been officially recognized by the AKC. The AKC does not currently recognize any mixed breeds. However, they are working on a new pilot program that may eventually lead to AKC recognition for some mixed breeds, including this mixed breed. This price can vary depending on the breeder, the location, and the overall demand for the breed. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store, as these puppies often come from puppy mills and may have health problems. This fee goes towards supporting the rescue organization and helps to cover the costs of caring for the dog. They are loyal, protective, and loving dogs that thrive on being close to their family. This breed requires a lot of exercise and training, but they are very intelligent dogs that are eager to please.

They were bred for performance and companionship, but have been proven to make excellent family pets. They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and weigh between 40 and 70 pounds when fully grown. Simply put, it's a cross between the Doberman pinscher and the golden retriever. These dogs are medium sized breeds with long coats that need grooming and exercise on a regular basis. They're loving and loyal pets who make wonderful family pets. Due to their size, they can be trained easily to live indoors or outdoors as long as they receive plenty of exercise every day. Lifespan The Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix is a medium sized dog and the average lifespan of this mixed breed is between years. This means you should expect to be caring for your pet for at least a decade. The varied lengths of life span seen in mixed breeds can be attributed to a whole host of factors including genetics, environment, diet and exercise. The Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix has an average height of inches and weighs 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown depending on gender. The average height is inches at the shoulders and they have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. The Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix has a short coat that is usually black with tan or brown markings, but other combinations are also possible see below for more on this. Generally speaking, the coat of the Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix should be short and smooth to the touch, although there may be some longer hair around its ears or tail. The ears of this type of dog tend to be rather floppy and curved back at their tips; their tails are often ringed with darker fur as well. Because this type of canine tends towards being low-maintenance when it comes to grooming needs, you won't need to spend much time brushing its fur or trimming its nails regularly—but if you do want your pet looking its best all year long then these tasks should still be part of your regular routine every six weeks or so or more often if necessary. It can become aggressive with other dogs, so it should not be kept with other pets. This breed does not need extensive exercise and does well in small yards. They are very intelligent and they can be trained to do anything. This can vary depending on the breeder, gender and age of the dog. The bloodline is also a factor in determining its value. They are loyal, intelligent and friendly. These dogs are playful but can also be calm at times. They do well with children and get along well with other animals too. The Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix can be trained easily as they are eager to please their owners. The Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix will bond closely with the family that adopts them once they have been trained properly by their owners who love them dearly! Some people find it difficult to train, while others say they are stubborn. Others say they are aggressive and destructive. They can be expensive to feed, as some owners report that their dogs need to eat more than other breeds. You'll also have trouble finding a good breeder or shelter because there aren't many breeders who sell these dogs in the first place! A dog with a poor diet will be prone to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, skin problems and other health issues. Your dog should eat a high-quality diet that is formulated for active dogs or one designed for large breed dogs. Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix dogs are prone to obesity so it's important that you monitor the amount of food your pet eats each day and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Care These dogs require regular grooming. They need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis, as well as bathed occasionally. Exercise This dog will need daily exercise, even if it is just a short walk. However, this dog needs more than just a walk. It needs an active owner who can play ball with it or take it to the park. If you do not have time for these types of activities, this is not the dog for you. If you do have time for exercise and would like to give your Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix some extra exercise, there are many options available such as swimming or agility training classes. Training You can train your Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix puppy to do tricks and obey basic commands like sit, stay, and come. This will help make life with your dog easier, especially when it comes to potty training. Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix puppies are very smart and learn quickly. Training should not be difficult if you use positive reinforcement methods and lots of treats! You should keep them separated until they have all been adopted into their new homes so that they can develop socialization skills with humans instead of relying solely on each other for companionship or support during times of stress or conflict within the household unit Grooming Grooming a Dobie-Retriever mix is no different than grooming any other dog. You will want to brush your dog daily with a bristle brush, and use an undercoat rake or rubber curry every few days to remove loose hair. Brush your dog's teeth at least two times per week, as often as you can if you're able! And also clean their ears at least once per week—when cleaning their ears, use a cotton ball soaked in olive oil and dry them after cleaning by gently rubbing the outside of the ear canal with a clean towel until all moisture is gone. If there are no signs of infection present on either front then they should be good to go! If you have a purebred dog, it might be recommended to bathe them more often than if you had a mix like this, since they may have inherited different coat types and textures. Also, if your dog spends more time outside in the dirt and grasses than inside with you, they might need extra cleaning throughout the week or month. The most important thing to consider when deciding how often to bathe your Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix is how dirty they are getting! If their coat is starting to look grimy or oily and not in a good way , then it's time for some lather up! When considering whether a Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix is right for you, it's important to think about your family. If you have children, this dog is perfect for them because it's very protective and loyal. Since the Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix has some characteristics of both breeds in its bloodline such as being strong-willed , it may be good at training your kids how to behave around dogs. This can help them avoid getting bitten if they're not careful around new dogs that they don't know very well yet. If you have another pet already in the home who isn't used to being around other animals, then this could be a problem since the Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix may see it as competition for attention or territory within the house so make sure everyone gets along before adopting one into your home! Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix are good with other pets. They can make great companions for other dogs, cats and even small animals such as hamsters or guinea pigs. However, like all dogs, they will need plenty of socialization from an early age so that they grow up knowing how to behave around other animals and humans. Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix are not known to bark a lot. They have a low to moderate bark, which is not as loud as that of some other dog breeds. You will find them barking when there is someone at the door or if they see somebody breaking into your home. Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix are not aggressive, but they are very protective of their family. This breed is great with children and other pets. They need to be brushed daily to remove loose hairs and keep their coat clean, as well as have their nails clipped periodically. You should also brush their teeth at least twice a week. The frequency of exercise depends on the age and personality of the dog. As they get older, they may not be able to handle as much activity because arthritis can develop in some cases. If it's an adult dog, you can expect moderate exercise every day or two; if your puppy has more energy than you do, then divide his daily walks into multiple shorter ones throughout the day instead of one long walk. Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix dogs do shed. They are not hypoallergenic and only need to be groomed on a monthly basis. It also has a strong desire to please its owner, so it will happily do whatever you ask of it. If you have any concerns about the level of intelligence of your mixed breed dog, consider contacting a professional trainer who specializes in working with and training dogs. They are very active and will be happy to go for long walks or runs with their human companion. They also enjoy playing fetch and other games where you can throw toys or balls that they can retrieve. If you don't have time to exercise them daily, they will find ways to keep themselves entertained while indoors! If you want your dog to be able to swim, it's best if you start teaching them when they're young. The younger the better because once an adult dog learns how to swim and is comfortable in water, it'll be harder for them to learn new tricks. So if you have a puppy or even young adult Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix now, consider enrolling in some swimming classes together! Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix like to cuddle, and they are very good with kids. They are also friendly dogs that will be happy to sit next to you while you work on your laptop or watch a movie. If you want a dog that is affectionate, smart and playful then this breed will be perfect for you! They do not need constant attention and do not require you to be home with them at all times. These dogs were bred for working purposes, so it makes sense that they are able to spend time alone without being destructive or acting out in any way. A Doberman Pinscher Golden Retriever Mix is an excellent choice for a first-time dog owner or someone who wants a companion that is good with children, other pets, and active families. The Doberman pinscher golden retriever mix has a lot of energy so it's important to have plenty of time for exercise outside. They are also great for people who work from home because they won't be destructive if left alone too long. This means that they produce very little dander and therefore, do not shed as much as other dogs. In addition to this, they have no fur whatsoever—they only have hair on the top of their heads similar to humans. Due to these two factors, it's safe to say that this breed of dog can be great companions for those with allergies! If you're still worried about allergies and want something more specific regarding your own needs, it might be best to talk with an expert veterinarian who specializes in allergies at your local vet clinic or animal hospital. They'll be able to help you find the right type of dog for your situation and likely give some good suggestions too! They are a great choice for families with children or other pets. They also make excellent guard dogs because of their protective instincts towards their family members but they can be territorial as well so you need to monitor their behavior when strangers come over! Leave a comment. One such captivating mixed breed that has gained attention is the Doberman Golden Retriever mix, a remarkable blend of the loyal and protective Doberman Pinscher with the friendly and intelligent Golden Retriever. Each breed brings its distinct traits to the mix, resulting in a dog that is not only attractive in appearance, but also boasts a blend of personality traits that make them truly special. The world of mixed breeds is vast and diverse and each combination brings about a new set of traits behaviors and potential health factors it s this diversity and the thrill of discovery that has stirred a growing interest in designer dogs and it s precisely why we ve decided to delve deep into understanding the doberman golden retriever mix. .In this comprehensive guide, we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about this particular mixed breed. Physical Characteristics The Doberman Golden Retriever mix showcases a fascinating blend of physical attributes inherited from both parent breeds. While each dog may display unique traits, there are some common features to expect. In terms of size, this mix typically falls into the medium to large range. The Doberman Pinscher is known for its sleek and muscular build, standing at around 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 60 to pounds. The Golden Retriever, on the other hand, is slightly larger, ranging from .As a result, the Doberman Golden Retriever mix often falls somewhere in between, with variations depending on the individual dog and the genetic influence from each parent. You may like: Bulldog golden retriever mix. Coat type and color can also vary within the Doberman Golden Retriever mix. The Doberman typically has a short, sleek coat, while the Golden Retriever boasts a longer, dense double coat. Their offspring may have a medium-length coat that can range from straight to wavy. As for color, possibilities are vast, including shades of black, brown, red, or gold, sometimes with markings or patterns inherited from the Doberman parent. In terms of general appearance, the Doberman Golden Retriever mix tends to exhibit an athletic build, with a strong, well-muscled physique. Their ears may be floppy or stand erect, depending on the genetic dominance from each parent breed. Additionally, their eyes are usually expressive, reflecting their intelligence and curiosity. While some Doberman Golden Retriever mixes may closely resemble one parent breed more than the other, others may exhibit a balanced blend of features from both breeds. Remember, each dog is unique, and their physical characteristics will depend on the genetic influence they inherit from their parents. You may like: St bernard golden retriever mix. Temperament and Personality The Doberman Golden Retriever mix inherits an interesting combination of temperament and personality traits from both parent breeds. The intelligent and protective nature of the Doberman Pinscher blends harmoniously with the friendly and eager-to-please personality of the Golden Retriever. These mixed breed dogs often exhibit high levels of intelligence, making them quick learners and responsive to training. They are known for their loyalty, which manifests in their strong bond with their human family. The protective instincts from the Doberman parent may also shine through, making them alert and vigilant guardians. Are these dogs suitable for families? Golden Pinschers can be wonderful family pets, especially for active families. They are naturally playful and friendly with children. This is ideal for families who spend lots of time outside. Apart from playing, Golden Pinschers are known for being gentle to children, but they should always be watched to prevent unintentional accidents. If your kids are especially boisterous, proper care and handling must be taught before acquiring any pet. You may like: Dachshund golden retriever mix. Does this breed get along with other pets? Golden pinschers can do well with other dogs so long as they are introduced early although doberman pinschers have a well known reputation they re generally not aggressive with other breeds golden retrievers are loved for their friendliness that golden pinschers typically hand down for cats as small as golden pinschers are acceptable it is important to introduce any new pet to existing animals slowly is essential to a happy home if you re golden pinscher shows natural prey drive behavior small animals might be too much of a tempting proposition. You may like: Golden retriever pug mix. In terms of personality, the Doberman Golden Retriever mix tends to be affectionate, loving, and devoted. They enjoy being around their family and thrive on companionship. They often display a playful and energetic side, inherited from the Golden Retriever, which makes them great companions for active individuals or families. As with any dog, understanding and meeting their specific needs, both physically and mentally, will contribute to a well-rounded and balanced companion. Conclusion It is believed that the doberman golden retriever mix also known as a golderman dog can make a wonderful family and guard dog the hybrid dog is a wonderful companion to the family while they can be difficult for new dog owners these large breeds are more tolerant than other breeds that work. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. These dogs will be best suited to active families or individuals. Or perhaps you love the outdoors, in which case your new pup will enjoy adventuring with you. Maybe you are interested in competitive dog training. If any of this sounds up your alley, then you may have found the pup for you. Golden Pinschers may have long coats. Golden Retrievers are famous for their long, flaxen coats, which can be inherited by Golden mixes. Some Golden Pinschers have the coat colors and markings of a Doberman with the coat type and length of a Golden Retriever. Golden Pinschers are first-generation hybrids. While most Golden-mixed dogs now have established generations, Golden Pinschers are still relatively new to the hybrid game. This means that most Golden Pinschers are first-generation hybrids, with purebred parents. Golden Pinschers may increase in popularity, which can lead to multi-generational puppies in the future. Golden Pinschers can weigh over 85 pounds. Golden Pinschers come from two large dog breeds and can easily weigh over 85 pounds, making them unsuitable for apartment living. However, many owners of this mix often claim that they exhibit the best traits of both breeds. Goldens are highly intelligent and forgiving of inexperienced owners, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. However, they can be quite energetic as puppies and need to be exercised daily. Energy aside, Goldens are also known for being highly versatile, with hundreds of Goldens becoming service dogs every year. However, they are a working breed and can be a serious challenge for inexperienced dog handlers. They seem to be less of a challenge to handle than purebred Doberman Pinschers, probably due to the calming temperament of the Golden Retriever. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Generally, Golden Pinschers can be excellent family dogs, especially for active families. These dogs are naturally playful and patient with children, which is perfect for families that spend a lot of time outdoors. In addition to playtime, Golden Pinschers are known for being quite gentle with younger children but should always be supervised to prevent unfortunate accidents. If your kids are particularly rambunctious, proper pet care and handling should be taught before getting any dog. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendliness, which is usually inherited by Golden Pinschers. For small animals and cats, Golden Pinschers should be okay. Slowly introducing any new pet to the other established animals is key to a harmonious home. If your Golden Pinscher shows natural prey-drive tendencies, small animals may be too much of a temptation. In the post , shared on TikTok on Tuesday under the username Mokithedobie, the pets' owner explains that her Doberman puppy has learned some behaviors from the older golden retriever, including cuddling with her and walking with their dad. The video comes with a caption that says: "Things our puppy Doberman has learnt from our golden retriever. Give good pets. Walk nice with dad. Cuddle close to mum. A file photo of a doberman puppy with an inset of a golden retriever. The internet was left in tears by a doberman puppy learning how to behave from her golden retriever brother. Getty Images According to Psychology Today, dogs watch other dogs and try to gather useful information from their observations, and they will often model the behavior if it brings rewards. Puppies may learn from older dogs. It suggests that dogs learn commands more easily when they are shown by experienced dogs who already know how to perform them. Of the dogs who observed a demonstrator dog, .The video quickly gained popularity on social media, attracting animal lovers from across the platform. It has so far received over , views and almost 5, likes. These dogs are a unique and interesting combination. They are considered loyal, playful, happy, smart and highly alert. They do, however, like to be mischievous. Basics This breed of dog has a moderate level of energy and a multifaceted personality. The average lifespan for this breed combination is from 12 to 15 years. They can grow to be anywhere from 65 pounds to 95 pounds. Keep in mind, the more muscular, the heavier the dog is going to be. The coloring will range from golden, to black, tan and golden, or yellow and black. The best type of family or owner that this dog should be with is one that is active and enjoys the outdoors. Dog trainers would be ideal owners, they are seemingly always moving. Buyer Beware When you consider adopting or purchasing a Golderman, research should be done. You need to know what the dog is like, will this work well in your family? Do you have the time to spend with a Golden Pinscher? The temperament of each Golderman may easily vary from dog to dog. Much of this will depend on where the dog was born, whether at a breeder or a puppy mill. The best way to know if you can trust this location is to ask these questions: Do they let me visit the location? The Registered Breeder owns a clean location and welcomes visitors to see and inspect the areas. The Puppy Mill will avoid allowing visitors anywhere near the facility. Does the facility have all necessary paperwork? The licensed breeder will have any and all information you ask for, such as vaccinations, breeding information, and all other health records. They may not have a full genetic record, but will be able to explain how to find it. The puppy mill will have very little, if any, paperwork available for you. They may actually handwrite a bill of sale. Is the owner or breeder knowledgeable? The breeder will be able to speak with you about the breed s that they maintain at that facility. They will most likely only have one or two breeds. This ensures that there is only the registered breed involved with each dog. The breeder and owner will be able to answer any questions that are logical. The puppy mill breeder will likely have multiple breeds and not much order maintained as far as keeping each breed separate. This is one reason they will not allow visitors around the facility. This facility will not be able to answer detailed questions. What are the prices at each facility? The licensed breeder will have higher costs due to the legitimacy of the health records, the breeding standards and medical care given. There is no cutting costs for those that are actually legitimate breeders and owners. At the puppy mill breeder, they will have much below average costs for purchase. The reasons should be obvious, they are not registered or licensed. Proper medical care is not given and it is possible that you will not receive the breed that you expect. With multiple breeds at this facility and no true control or maintaining order between breeds, it may not be obvious until the dog is much older. What does all this mean for you, the buyer? This should show you that if the facility is not up to par, unwilling to show you the facility and where the dogs are kept, they likely are not legitimate. In other words, rather than spending any money here, run! The cost may save you money financially, however, you most likely are not getting the breed you are seeking. Little Known Facts A Golderman may have a long coat. The Golden retriever is known for that flowing golden color coat. However, the Doberman does not have a long coat. It is quite possible that your Golderman will have a short coat. These Golden Pinschers are a first generation Hybrid dog breed. This means that since the Golden Pinscher is still relatively new, the parents are each purebred. Which parent is which does not matter, you will have one Golden Retriever and one Doberman Pinscher. Since both breeds are both considered to be large breeds, apartment living may not be ideal for the Golden Pinscher. Their weight can easily reach 85 pounds. This breed needs the room to roam and run, to be playful and burn off some of the energy. Temperament This can be slightly confusing for new owners or those considering adoption. Since the breed is still relatively new, it can not be stated as a solid fact that the temperament of these gorgeous Goldermans or Golden Pinschers will always be the best of both breeds. Historically, the Doberman is known to be trained as a security guard. Their temperament may lean slightly more to the fierce or mean side. While the Golden Retriever has always been known as docile and gentle. It is also wise to remember that the dog will have the temperament you teach. If you want a gentle and loving dog, treat it gently and with love. Like children, the animal learns what it is taught. If your family is active, likes to be outside and moving, then this is the perfect dog for family. If you are looking for a dog that will love you just as much as you love him or her, then this is definitely the dog for your family. If you want a gorgeous dog, with great features, a beautiful coat, and a temperament that is most known to be that of a Golden Retriever, then of course, this is the dog for your family. If you are looking for an animal that will still be a guard dog and protect your family, a dog that is loyal to your family, then this is the dog to research. If you have a home that gives the dog a place to run, enough room inside and the dog will be exercised regularly, then check out the Golderman. Kids and Pets The Golderman is a dog that is notorious for being the best of both breeds, again, still relatively new, however, no negativity has been reported in regards to the fierce side of the Doberman being the main temperament. From what has been seen thus far, more of the Golden Retriever temperament is more prominent. Your children will be great and have an awesome companion to grow up with. When it comes to new pets or existing pets, be sure to use slow introductions at first. This will enable the two dogs, or the dog and cat, a chance to get to know each other without being forced together in the same room immediately. Again, the reminder is that there is no guarantee which breed temperament will come to a puppy. The behavior of your new Golderman will show more of what it receives from you. If however, you do see more tendencies, small animals may be too much of a temptation for the dog. Children should also be taught how to treat animals properly. A child should not be allowed to torment the dog in any fashion. When a child understands that they can rely on the dog, just as much as the dog is able to rely on its humans, a good relationship should build naturally. Diet and Exercise As stated previously, the combination of these two breeds is still relatively new. We are all learning. However, since both breeds are known as working dogs, they need a diet that is rich in protein. They need daily exercise and attention. They need love. The Golderman is a highly energetic dog, they need to run off energy, whether in an enclosed area or in a backyard that is protected. Grooming and Healthcare Like all of our family, being clean and healthy is of utmost importance. Be sure that you have retained the services of a Veterinarian that is knowledgeable and trained well in mixed breeds. This veterinarian is who your Golden will see when there are routine check ups to be done as well as emergency visits. The veterinarian may also care for dental issues as needed or will be able to recommend a proper Canine Dentist. Training Training is an important activity that should take place as soon as possible when you get the puppy home. Training could be commands that are taught for common activities like walking, heeling or lay down. It is recommended that you have a variety of training for your Golden. You must remember, the Doberman is a stubborn and strong willed dog, enlist the help of a professional trainer to assist you with this. More Dog's World. June 29, by Shannon Cutts The Golden Retriever has never met a stranger while the Doberman is often viewed as an aloof and dangerous dog. Can these two dogs make beautiful, friendly puppies together? As it turns out, hybrid dog breeding might just be the best thing that has happened to the Golden Retriever and the Doberman dog breeds. Hybrid dog breeding holds the potential to bring out the best traits of each parent dog while minimizing the less desirable attributes. In this article, learn everything you need to know about the smart, strong, and super vigilant Doberman Golden Retriever hybrid dog mix. Hybrid dog breeding is a time-honored pathway to creating new purebred dog breeds with desirable traits and improved genetics. The reason being, anytime you add genetic diversity into a breed line, you potentially improve the health of the puppies. In this article, find out if the Doberman Golden Retriever mix might be the perfect next companion canine for you. It is easy to see how these two dogs have similar energy levels and similar sizes, which can make them great playmates as well as a complementary pairing for hybrid dog breeding. The History of the Doberman and the Golden Retriever Many purebred dog breeds today have extensive histories, including being hybrid or cross-bred dogs at some previous point in the breed development. The Doberman and the Golden Retriever dog breeds are no exception. Each dog breed has its own fascinating history that is worth learning about. As a bonus, taking time to learn about the history of each parent dog can give you more insight into the possible traits and temperament of your Golderman puppy. Doberman history The Doberman is the 17th most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. The Doberman was originally developed to provide protection and guarding for tax collectors making their rounds in Germany. Louis Dobermann crossbred German Pinscher dogs with terriers, herding dogs, and even Rottweilers to get the tall, stately and fearless dog we call the Doberman today. Golden Retriever history The Golden Retriever is the 3rd most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. The Golden Retriever was not bred to protect or guard but rather to retrieve and hunt. These dogs were bred from a now-extinct dog called the Tweed Water Spaniel. Other breeds that were crossed to produce the Golden Retriever include the Bloodhound and the Irish Setter. Doberman Golden Retriever Mix: Personality and Temperament While the Golden Retriever is famously friendly, the Doberman often gets a bad rap due to their aloof appearance. It is true these dogs are fearsome-looking to outsiders, but their people know them as affectionate, loving, and sometimes truly goofy! At the same time, since some breeders have deliberately tried to breed for more aggressive personality traits, it is important to learn about the individual personality and temperament of each parent dog to be sure your puppy will be friendly. The most important trait to understand about the Doberman is that these dogs were bred to work. They really need a lot of daily exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. Dobermans that get bored will likely become destructive. Similarly, Dobermans that get lonely will likely act out. A Doberman that has a lot of exercise, activity, training, canine athletics to participate in or a job to do is likely to be a happy, healthy, well-socialized, and productive member of any family and community. However, Goldens are also known to become destructive when they get bored or lonely. These dogs have been bred through generations to live and work closely with people and cannot tolerate boredom or too much alone-time, even if they have other dogs around. The key to a happy, well-adjusted Golden Retriever is a busy and active Golden Retriever. In this, they are nearly identical to the Doberman dog. Doberman Golden Retriever personality and temperament With any hybrid breeding between two energetic working dogs like the Doberman and the Golden Retriever, you know in advance that you will be bringing home an active, energetic dog that needs your time and attention and a lot of play and exercise. It is so important to consider whether you can provide your dog with enough activity to keep problem behaviors from showing up! Doberman Golden Retriever Mix: Size, Height and Weight When you take the time to learn more about the size, height, and weight of a crossbreeding between a Golden Retriever and a Doberman, it is easier to plan for all possibilities as your puppy grows up. Doberman size, height, and weight The Doberman typically weighs anywhere from 60 to pounds as an adult, with adult males usually outweighing the females by at least 15 pounds. Dobermans are tall, stately looking dogs with long, slender legs. They can stand 24 to 28 inches tall from paw pads to shoulder tops and will often look taller than that. Golden Retriever size, height, and weight Even though they actually weigh less, Golden Retrievers tend to have a slightly stockier appearance than do Doberman dogs. These dogs can weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds and stand .Here again, adult males tend to be a bit bigger and taller than females, although this is not always the case. Doberman Golden Retriever size, height, and weight No matter what genetics your Golden Retriever Doberman puppy inherits, you know you are going to be bringing home a big dog breed. Your Golderman may weigh anywhere from 55 to pounds and stand .Likely, your mix dog puppy will fall somewhere in between those numbers. Meeting the parent dogs can give you a better guesstimate of the maximum size you can expect. Both dogs have been bred through many generations to work hard at their jobs on a daily basis, usually for many hours at a stretch and often in difficult climate and weather conditions. This has created a mental and physical toughness in these dog breeds that is likely to be inherited by your Golderman puppy. In fact, according to Science Alert , Golden Retrievers and Dobermans rank in the top 10 smartest dog breeds at numbers four and five respectively for learning and replicating commands — out of 79 dog breeds! So what can you expect to need to provide in terms of training and exercise? Doberman training and exercise needs Dobermans are very sensitive and intelligent dogs. They have to be in order to be effective in their primary job guarding and protecting their people. But Dobermans have also been bred with strong territorial and protective instincts and so they need help figuring out when there is a genuine threat versus when all is well. The key to training a smart, sensitive, and observant dog breed like the Doberman is positive training methods. Dobermans do need to be able to run and romp and play daily and they make amazing canine athletes. Golden Retriever training and exercise needs Like the Doberman, the Golden Retriever has been bred to work hard, long days and to do so in very close company with people. These dogs are highly attuned to their people and also make amazing canine athletes. They can run, swim, jump, track — they can do it all. Because Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent like Dobermans, you only want to use positive reinforcement training with these dogs. Pats, praise, playtime, and treats are your pathways to get the results you want in training. Training can help them learn to distinguish when to be welcoming and friendly and when to alert their people about a potential threat. With proper training and socialization, Golden Retrievers make very reliable guard dogs. Doberman Golden Retriever training and exercise needs From this overview, you can predict that your puppy is going to need your help figuring out when to guard and protect you and when to be welcoming. Your dog is also going to need lots of daily play, exercise, attention, and praise to stay happy and healthy as a companion canine. And if you can enroll in any kind of canine athletics, your dog will likely excel and will enjoy themselves thoroughly, as will you. Doberman Golden Retriever Mix: Shedding, Grooming and Coat Care Another area where new dog owners often have worries or concerns is in the arena of shedding and coat care After all, dogs are fantastic. So what can you expect of a Golderman hybrid dog breed? How much will your puppy shed and what kind of coat care and grooming will you need to do? They look like the Secret Service of dogs — not a hair is ever out of place. Oddly, unlike most working dog breeds, Dobermans have a single-layer coat. They also have very short, flat hair that is easy to brush and maintain. These dogs are pretty much as good as you will get in terms of low-maintenance coat care. They do shed, but not significantly. Brushing your dog regularly will keep the shed hair to a minimum. Golden Retriever shedding, grooming, and coat care Golden Retrievers, in contrast, have a double layer coat that sheds all year long and more profusely seasonally. So you will need to brush your dog regularly and bathe if you notice any doggy odor. Doberman longevity and health On average, Doberman Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

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

Your puppy at Blue Ridge Labradoodles is born in our personally-designed dog whelping room where they are under our constant watch and care. At weeks old, when weaned, they move to our puppy room which is adjacent to the whelping room. Here they learn early training and receive daily human attention and affection. Any litters over one or two will stay with our puppy-approved Guardian Homes, where they receive top-notch care as well. When you come to choose your puppy, you will be able to see where they live, play, sleep and eat unless they are in a Guardian Home. Week One: Puppies are born, staying with Mama all the time and in a heated cage or room, just the right temperature for newborn puppies. Mom receives excellent care - a variety of fresh meats, eggs, raw goats milk and our special Life's Abundance food - the best diet we can provide! Week Two: Much like week one, the puppies are beginning to open their eyes, they are now beginning to receive human touch which is vital to the development of their personalities. They are beginning to hear the natural noises of a family household as their room is right off of our kitchen. Week Three: With eyes open and full hearing now in action the puppies begin to take steps on their own. Still with Mom full-time, they are beginning to get daily human touch as well. They are beginning to get their paws in some wet puppy food, too! Week Four: Now walking, sitting and standing, the puppies are beginning to taste more of Mom's kibble food if she lets them! They give little growls and show interest in people coming to pet them and hold them. Mom begins to spend less time with them and they receive more human love and affection. Week Five: This is an exciting week as the pups learn to fully enjoy their own quality Life's Abundance puppy food NO grains or anything they shouldn't eat! We soak the food with raw goats milk or all-natural plain yogurt with water for a few days to help them adjust. Mom will only be with them a few more days. Week Six: Your 6 week payment is due now - balance of puppy price. Mom is now going back to her Guardian Home and ready to get back to life as normal without her babies who now have lots of teeth so she is not too sorry to say good-bye. The puppies are now being played with every day by adults and children, and have been moved to the puppy training room. They are learning fast where to "go" and where not to "go. By the end of this week they are on a feeding schedule of three or four times a day. Time for first visit at our favorite vet, Foothills Veterinary Hospital! Puppy Choosing week has arrived!! Week Seven: Puppies are now on a schedule and have figured out where to use the bathroom. We use a litter box method for the puppies at this age. They are showing personality and deciding who is the boss. The quiet ones are becoming more obvious and the rowdy ones are getting everyone's attention! This week they begin sleeping in doubles in small, plastic crates. Some crying goes on, but at least they are able to be together during the day. First puppy shots! Week Eight: Your final payment is due now - any puppy kindergarten fees, delivery or other extras. This week they sleep in individual crates and are generally making it though the night wihtout accidents. Good job, puppies! You are ready to move on to be with your forever family at the assigned go-home date! Microchip time and final preparations for going home! They are now ready for their new homes or to join our Puppy Kindergarten Program! First and foremost, make sure the mama dog has a cozy space to give birth to and care for her puppies. She should feel secure, calm, and relaxed in this area, which should also be clean and welcoming. Some essentials include clean towels or blankets for bedding, a heating pad or lamp to keep the puppies toasty, a scale to monitor their weight, and a thermometer to check their body temperature. To grow and thrive, these little fur babies need to be fed frequently and consistently during their first two to three weeks. If the mama dog is present and able to nurse, let her do so as often as possible. Her milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that protect the puppies from illnesses and infections. Make sure she has access to plenty of water and a nutritious diet to support her milk production. To prevent choking or aspiration, use a small bottle or syringe when feeding newborn puppies. For the first few weeks, puppies should be fed every two to three hours, gradually increasing the amount and frequency of feedings as they grow. Making a Comfortable and Safe Environment for Newborn Labradoodle Puppies Creating a cozy and safe environment is essential for the health and happiness of newborn Labradoodle puppies. Start by setting up the whelping box correctly. The mama dog and her puppies should fit comfortably inside, with ample room for the little ones to move around. High sides on the box will help prevent the puppies from wandering off and potentially getting lost or hurt. During their first few days, maintaining a consistently warm temperature of about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the whelping box is crucial. You can achieve this with a heating pad or lamp, or by creating a warm area in the room using blankets or towels. Regularly changing the bedding and wiping the box with a disinfectant solution will help maintain cleanliness. One of the key aspects of monitoring their health is ensuring that newborn Labradoodle puppies gain weight steadily. Within the first two weeks, puppies should double their birth weight. You can track their progress by using a small scale and weighing them daily. Signs of illness may include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Puppies should interact with their littermates and mama dog to start learning the basics of social engagement. If a puppy is isolating or not engaging with its siblings, it could be a sign of a health issue or developmental concern that needs attention. Addressing Common Health Issues in Newborn Labradoodle Puppies Even with your best efforts to provide excellent care for your newborn Labradoodle puppies, they might still face common health problems. Here are a few typical health issues seen in young puppies and how to address them: Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and worms are parasites that can harm young puppies and affect their health. The best way to prevent and treat parasites is to consult your veterinarian. Ensure the puppies receive regular feedings and have access to a heat source to prevent hypoglycemia. Respiratory Infections: Newborn puppies are susceptible to pneumonia and other respiratory infections that can be fatal if left untreated. Watch for symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing; if you notice any, seek immediate veterinary care. If you suspect your puppy has a cleft palate, talk to your veterinarian, as this condition requires surgery. Birth Defects: Some puppies may be born with congenital birth defects that require medical attention. These could include neurological issues, spinal cord problems, or heart defects. Talk to your vet if you think your puppy might have a birth defect. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common issue in puppies and can be caused by various factors, such as stress, diet, or infection. If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian. Final Words Caring for newborn Labradoodle puppies requires a significant investment of time, energy, and attention. Every aspect of their care, from preparing for their arrival to monitoring their growth and health, is essential. By providing a safe and cozy environment, feeding them properly, and keeping a close watch on their health, you can ensure your puppies grow up to be healthy and happy. By staying aware of the symptoms and signs of these conditions and seeking veterinary care promptly, you can help your puppies recover quickly and avoid long-term health problems. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Labradoodle Breeders Contact Our Labradoodle Puppy's First 9 Weeks Australian Labradoodles have a naturally happy, affectionate temperament but as with any breed of puppy, they require constant attention and socialization in their first weeks to bring out their wonderful potential. Happy Healthy Labradoodle Puppies To make sure our Australian Labradoodle dogs are of the highest quality we do health testing for both parents. Our Labradoodle Puppies come with a health guarantee. We stimulate newborn puppies to ensure optimum neurological growth using the Bio Sensor program developed by the US military for their working dogs. We also use Tellington Touch to calm our labradoodle puppies as they grow and make their way in the world. Learn more about how these techniques are used as part of the Super Dog Program. Super Dog Program Labradoodle Training Australian Labradoodles have a naturally happy, affectionate temperament but as with a puppy of any breed they require constant attention and socialization in those early weeks to bring our their wonderful potential. A labradoodle is a sensitive dog and training is easy. We begin the training process here when the puppy is very young by having them go through our Head Start Puppy Program. Puppies in the dining room Part Of The Family We are often asked if our puppies are raised in the house or an out building. It is a good and important question. After three weeks of age they come down from the nursery to their new home in the dining room. Dinner parties are relegated to the garage until puppies are old enough to be part of the household. A letter from a puppy mum who has become our friend through emails and puppy love. My Labradoodle Puppy Adoption I have been meaning to write about how much this now 7 month old puppy has enriched my life. I got Lucca when he was five months and spent a couple of months sending numerous emails back and forth to Jean. I really felt I bonded and got to know him through her and her messages and even videos of my little guy. Lucca is a medium black with the most fun loving nature in the world. He is playful and yet gentle, he is frisky and yet calm and he learns faster than any dog I have ever met. I was told to stay away from the Labradoodle Breed, mostly from people who have not researched and learned that these are not a lab with a high strung poodle disposition. Whenever I take him to some ones place they comment on how good and calm he is and how he is welcome back anytime, even for a sleepover sometimes. We are in the car a lot as we live in the city and he does not make a peep in the car. He is so good. We had a little car sickness issue for a bit if we travel too far , but he seems to have been fine lately. I just wanted to express to anyone checking out this breed that if you are serious about getting one of these Doodles you are making a very good decision. Usually the miracle takes place around two in the morning and as each successive miracle makes his appearance the sun comes up and if we are lucky somebody makes coffee and brings it up to the whelping room. Newborn Labradoodle Puppy's Life For the first ten days of her life a little puppy has no sight and no hearing. They can smell and they can feel the warmth of mum. The puppies are born with an amazing survival instinct. Most of them find mum and begin to nurse within minutes of birth. Mum licks them vigorously to stimulate their little bodies. Labradoodle Breeders' First Job Our primary job is to make sure every puppy gets a turn at nursing on the central, full teats and is not shoved away by his stronger brothers and sisters. Mum needs food, water and lots of encouraging words from us. Jean sleeps in the room with mum and puppies for the first few nights. Little puppies wander off and can get lost in the confines of the whelping box. Labradoodle Potty Training Begins It is mum who gives the puppies their first potty training lesson. Our job is simply to make the whelping box continually clean. At first you would never know a puppy goes to the bathroom as mum stimulates the process with her tongue and rarely is any excrement seen in the box. By about three weeks when the puppies begin to toddle mum will get up and move about the box. The puppies all wake up hollering for a meal. Mum stands up too tall, they need to go to the bathroom and they do! They have gone away from where they sleep and this has been their first formal clean potty lesson. The puppies quickly choose the absorbent pellets as a place to relieve themselves. It smells good, it is easy to clean and it is a very distinct area as compared to newspapers. Discovering these inexpensive and safe pellets was a breakthrough in our house. Our puppies have been much more easily housetrained since we began to use them. We did however introduce a pellet potty to an older litter who simply thought the pellets were lunch and peed on the newspaper. So we realize pellet potty is something that has to be learned as a very young puppy. Lunch As soon as the puppies are able to lurch about by themselves at between two and three weeks we give them puppy gruel. This the consistency of cream. We soak the dog kibble with boiling water and mash it. We begin by feeding each baby with a teaspoon. Very quickly they learn to eat by themselves out of the communal dish. Weaning We used to have the puppies weaned by five weeks in order to have their first inoculation. Now the thinking is that this is not crucial. Mum has begun to wean the puppies on her own. We love natural weaning. It means mum can teach puppies a great deal as she can be with them as much as she likes. Vaccines At eight weeks old our puppies are off to their first vet visit. The doctor checks them all over very carefully. They have their first of three vaccinations for the common doggies diseases. They will be vaccinated again in three to four week by their family. We used to vaccinate earlier so that we could give puppy more than one vaccine before they went home. The Great World One of the nicest times we have with puppies is going outside to play. Even winter puppies enjoy lurching about the snow when the weather is good. We have almost four acres to walk around and they follow us up the path to the driveway and across the field. Their mum often comes with us. I have done mostly what most men do, And pushed it out of my mind. Now I must go by some other round, — Which I shall never find — Somewhere that does not carry the sound of Four Feet trotting behind. There is nothing nicer than a puppy on a spring day. Eating can be very tiring business! Our friend Leslie gives these puppies a little help with their supper. Snow puppies running home. We were very excited when we came across the study by dog behaviorist and geneticist Dr. Carmen Battaglia. Battaglia did research into the area of early stimulation and controlled stress for puppies. The US military has also done research in this area and implemented a program for their dogs in military service called the bio-sensor program. We believe we have had good results using this guide to stimulate our newborn puppies. If you would like to read Dr. Labradoodle Puppy Meets World At three weeks the puppies come downstairs. Here they experience other dogs, door slams, household noises and other goings on. They also have their first big potty box so that it is easy for them to go to the bathroom in the right place. Weather permitting they poke their wee noses outside at about six weeks. Tellington Touch It was our interest in massage and touch that we have used to bond with babies of all sorts that led us to read the books of Linda Tellington Jones. This is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. Social Life It is our goal for each puppy to have met fifty different people before they go to their home. This is a lot of people and we keep track with pencil and paper to make sure that we are meeting our goal. Male dogs are not likely to mark or be aggressive. Female dogs are not territorial. The International Labradoodle Association recommends early spay and neuters for pets. They said it calmed the dog. Up until this time they paid no attention to the male dog and he was left in tact. It was growing information technology and skill level that allowed vets to safely spay and neuter dogs at or just before six months of age. These factors and the realization that female dogs who were un-spayed or allowed to have a litter were plagued with reproductive health problems. Slowly times changed and the male dog was acknowledged to have a role in reproduction and was neutered. People saw amazing changes in dog behaviour, all for the better. It was a slow road but most people now accept that pet dogs should be spayed and neutered at 6 months of age. Now the technology and veterinary skills have taken huge strides forward. Most new veterinarian practices do paediatric spays and neuters. New studies have shown that problems with bone development and other health issues are not related to early spay neuters. This is included in the pet puppy price. Contact Us. Labradoodle puppy care is something we can help you with! SCL has been breeding and raising Labradoodles since .Our opinion is that puppies should be raised with the sights and sounds of a typical home from day one, since it is typical homes our puppies go to. They should be exposed to as many varied sights and sounds as possible. Our puppies are born in our bedroom. A quiet and safe environment for mama to feel secure in is extremely important. A stressed mama releases stress hormones and her milk is affected, which affects babies. The stress hormones pour through the milk to babies resulting in higher stressed dogs as they mature. It is amazing how stress can negatively impact the development of puppies in so many different ways. We do not allow other dogs into the room, or other people into the room. A mama feeling a threat will quickly jump up and can unintentionally step on and harm, or kill, a newborn puppy. All of these reasons and more are why our pups are born away from the traffic of the rest of the house and in a place mama can relax in and feel safe in. We weigh them daily, check their identifying tags, change bedding, clip nails, etc. Just enough handling that they become used to us, but not so much that they are put under negative stress. Once puppies are about weeks old, we move them from our bedroom to our puppy nursery. The sights and sounds puppies are exposed to increase, but we are still able to control the degree of stress to mama and not have her and babies right in the middle of where people are coming and going through the main part of our home. Like most families, we have people in and out all the time, but we do not want mama feeling strangers are a threat, and we do not want visitors feeling they can handle puppies just because they are in the middle of our home. We control the exposure puppies have at this age and introduce them to things carefully. We want every experience to be a positive one. We want our puppies to be safe from disease and bacteria others may bring into our home. Around 4 weeks, they are introduced to a potty box, they begin eating mush, and they have much more people interaction with our family members or friends that have been taught how to properly handle a puppy, so the experience is positive for the puppy. They are exposed to a variety of musical instruments, as we are a musical family. They hear the radio, sometimes a movie on t. We begin introducing little slides and toys and rotate out daily. At about weeks of age, puppies begin being introduced to the great outdoors. We have a wonderful outdoor play yard with artificial turf, play toys, wading pools, and a variety of toys. Pups experience all sorts of new textures under foot, and have room to run and play. They are introduced to crates without doors and quickly learn to love them as a safe place. When weather does not allow for outdoor play, pups have a 12 x 12 indoor play area with much of the same types of toys and structures. During this time their exposure to outdoor things begins. Lawn mowers, goats, horses, cars, cats, chickens, etc. They are taken for walks in a puppy stroller. They visit the vet office. We increase their level of exposure as is positive for them and do everything we can to make sure they are well adjusted, relaxed, happy puppies. In general, we follow a raising and socialization program designed to slowly increase the exposure and stress to puppy as they are able to cope with it in a positive way. Our goal is to provide families with puppies that have had the best start in life that we can possibly give them. Once they leave our care, it is necessary for families to be committed to continuing this positive exposure and socialization. The next few months are just as critical as the first two. Build on the foundation we started and you will end up with one of the most rewarding experiences and relationships with your dog. This video on our YouTube channel visually walks you through all the things you need to prepare for your new puppy. What should you be doing for your puppy once he has joined your family to ensure you are providing the environment necessary to help your puppy be an outstanding companion? At Spring Creek, we are very careful to provide the appropriate socialization and experiences while raising each litter. It is up to every family to continue the careful raising of their puppy during the following critical periods after the puppy has left us. This document is a great resource for understanding what happens as a puppy develops. It is very important to understand that the risk of parvo is much less than the risk of ending up with a puppy with very serious socialization issues that result in families choosing to give up their dogs later or even have them euthanized due to extreme fear and fear aggression issues. A few of the large guide dog organizations have done studies on the risks of parvo versus the risks of poor socialization and found the risk of parvo to be extremely low compared to fear and aggression issues that resulted from well intentioned people keeping their puppies secluded and isolated until vaccinations were completed. We do not encourage keeping your pup isolated, and we DO encourage as much safe socialization as you can find with your puppy in meeting other people and other dogs. That is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it does require a lot of work as well as require understanding what you need to allow and need to do in order to prevent problems from developing. This includes testing your children. How can you help your puppy and children get along and help your children know what is appropriate handling of a puppy? The info below is invaluable and every family with a child that wants to adopt a puppy should read these pages as well as talk about these things regularly with your children. If you are not supervising your children with your puppy, or if you are not requiring your children to handle puppy appropriately, you are almost certain to have issues develop. He grabs your pants and hangs on while growling. He growls when you try to take something from him. And, you start to wonder if he was the dominant one in the litter. You are sure you are doing everything right and that there is just something wrong with your puppy. ALL puppies growl, nip, and bite. If children are involved in your home, you should not expect a puppy to respect your child, and it will be up to YOU to supervise and make sure you intervene if a puppy growls or nips at your child. Children are not capable of correcting a puppy in an appropriate manner, and if you tell your child to correct puppy, you will likely make the problem worse. Since puppy knows your child does not have the same authority as you do, they will almost certainly react to being corrected by them and growl or nip or bite even more. They see your children as equals and they are treating them as they would another puppy in their litter. Why would you expect anything different from your puppy? He is not a stuffed animal and he does have a mind of his own. Like your teenage child, a juvenile puppy wants to explore their limits and it can be frustrating. Growling and nipping that is part of the normal communication process for a puppy CAN turn into very concerning behaviors if you do not know how to communicate with them properly. How to train properly using rewards and keeping training fun. Understand methods for correcting behavior that will not result in your puppy challenging you further. Always have a calm and confident attitude. If you have read this and are concerned you may not know how to properly deal with normal growling and nipping, then you need to get professional help involved with you and your puppy as soon as puppy is in your home. If you do not, then look for another trainer immediately. Not all are created equal and a trainer who knows what they are doing will absolutely be able to help you train your puppy, identify problems, and know how to resolve them when they come up. We personally highly recommend hiring a behaviorist to help you with training, not just a normal dog trainer. There is a BIG difference between a trainer and a behaviorist and their knowledge is extremely helpful and useful, especially when it comes to working with normal, but problematic behaviors. All foods are not created equal. Many of the ingredients used in dog foods are fillers that have been shown to be the very reason that so many pets are developing diseases that shorten their life span or make their quality of life less than desirable. Do you really want to feed your dog these foods? We have researched dog foods, and have found that there are companies using high quality, holistic ingredients. Foods that are not made with fillers and poor quality ingredients, but foods that will contribute to helping your dog live a long and healthy life. Also, the Dog Food Advisor online reviews dog foods and is an excellent resource to utilize. The cost of a quality food may initially seem high, but remember that you are feeding less than you would if you were purchasing a cheap grocery store food as their system absorbs more of the food and they eat less, which also results in smaller stools. Your dog is a loved family member and deserves to be fed a quality food that will keep him in good health for a very long time. There are a couple of foods on our recommended list for you to consider feeding your puppy. Three brands are available from privately owned local stores as well as can usually be ordered online. All the below foods are from companies that do not have recall histories, have fabulous food reviews from owners and independent dog food review sources, focus on fresh, quality ingredients, and have years of history proving their reliability, safety, and commitment to providing a quality product. We try to keep this list updated with cost breakdown, but prices vary a bit depending on where you purchase, so the prices below may be slightly different than what you find in a storefront or online store as things change constantly. Our preferred quality, all natural puppy food that does NOT contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. They frequently have intro discounts and if you set up a couple products on auto-ship you get free shipping! Our preferred adult dog food! Does not contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. When you receive a puppy from us, our recommendation is to continue feeding the food that puppy is accustomed to for at least a couple of weeks. After a few weeks, changing to another food doing a slow transition at least 7 days is completely fine. Please feed a food that does not contain the ingredients below. These are common sources of allergy, digestive, or other health issues for dogs.

You make it seem like puppy ownership is as simple and trouble-free as the world presented in cute puppy pictures. We can all agree that, at birth, all puppies are too adorable for words. We can also agree that raising puppies is a weighty responsibility, and never one to be undertaken lightly. Boxer puppies are not special in this regard. These caveats out of the way, it seems like no time at all between the stages of tiny, mewling infant and the first time you get the guilty look from Boxer puppies. Out of the whelping box, straight into mischief Boxer puppies start up with impish behavior from the moment they take their first tentative steps out of the whelping box. Training and socialization are key elements to a happy life with Boxer puppies. These little guys and gals, after all, become huge and physically imposing dogs. Keep an eye on this little fellow! Boxer puppies were made for the outdoors. Being outside, running about, playing with toys, and pawing at stuff — this is a top-flight day of action and adventure for Boxer puppies. When they want a snack before dinner, though, Boxer puppies will try and get sneaky. That we have such things as cute puppy pictures, of course, owes as much to human waggery as to anything Boxer puppies get into of their own accord. Boxer puppies are well known for toting things around in their mouths. No room in the house is safe from the shenanigans of Boxer puppies. Did you remember to close the bathroom door? Have fun re-rolling the toilet paper! Boxer puppies are eager, excitable, and enthusiastic friends to dog owners who are ready and willing to put in the work that training requires. Is it possible to sit Boxer puppies next to flowers and not have them inspire confidence, ease, and a sense of pervading calm? Sure, this brindle Boxer puppy seems contented, seated next to a little garden pinwheel, but be careful not to let her sit idle for too long. Boxer puppies need stimulation and interaction, so make sure she has toys to play with and things to occupy her mind! Boxer puppies love to play. Growing into solid, well-built dogs, they never really lose the joy and excitement that comes along with meeting new friends. Are your Boxer puppies naughty or nice? Every dog is different; each has her own personality and tendencies. Much depends on us, as dog owners, to train and socialize them in order to corral their wilder instincts. Do you have any experience with Boxer puppies? Share your experiences with Boxers at every stage of life in the comments! Eating, sleeping and staying warm are the three primary needs of puppies, and most of these are taken care of by their mother. It is important that newborn boxer puppies stay with their mother for the first eight weeks of their lives. In the first 24 to 36 hours of their lives, boxer puppies will be exposed to the colostrum in their mother's milk; it's important in them receiving lifesaving antibodies and nutrients. The average weight of a newborn boxer puppy is 1 pound, and during his first few weeks he will grow rapidly. At this time they will begin to play with litter-mates. At 4 weeks, boxer puppies can be introduced to wet commercial food, although they will still nurse as well. Introduce them to as many toys and sounds as possible, to allow them to adjust at a young age. Most newborn puppies are taken to the vet for the first time between 6 and 8 weeks of age, getting their first rounds of shots and having a general checkup. At 7 and 8 weeks, they are no longer nursing and are eating a mix of wet and dry puppy food. By this time they have become well-socialized and are on their way to being happy, trained pups. They can eat solid puppy food and begin to be house-trained. You can help your new boxer puppy adjust to his new home by bringing home some blankets or toys that smell like his litter-mates; these will remind him of his first few weeks of life. More Articles. As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. These dogs can be broadly categorized by having a heavy bone set, naturally hanging pendent ears, a rather short and well-muscled neck, and a short broad muzzle. The compact muzzle places the Boxer in the Brachycephalic group, though to a lesser degree than other short-nosed breeds. The tail is naturally long, with only about half of Boxers in the U. The ears are naturally pendant, of moderate size, with very few in the United States being cropped to create shorter, erect ears. He is considered a medium to large breed in the Working Dogs category, with a short, tightly-packed coat. Puppies have a roundish, soft appearance and adults are well-muscled. Expected Appearance Per Breed Standards The breed standard serves two main purposes; it is a guideline for breeders in their efforts to produce dogs that fit close to the ideal to work towards the 'betterment of the breed' and it is used as a guideline for judges when evaluating dogs in the show ring. So, to first understand Boxer dog appearance, let's take a quick look at some excerpts from both the AKC and FCI Boxer dog standards: AKC: The ideal Boxer is a medium -sized, square - built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well - developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin.His expression is alert.The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp. It must be in correct proportion to the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinctive feature, and great value is placed upon its being of proper form and balance with the skull.Substance — Sturdy, with balanced musculature. Males larger boned than females. FCI: The Boxer is a medium sized, smooth coated, sturdy dog of compact, square build and strong bone. His muscles are taut, strongly developed and moulded in appearance.The Boxer must be neither cumbersome nor heavy, nor light or lacking in body substance. In addition, the measurement from the top of the withers shoulder blades to the floor is about equal as from the middle of the chest to the rear of the upper thigh. Size Though there are guidelines in regard to how tall a Boxer 'should' be and what his adult weight 'should' be, many Boxers do fall below or above this. In regard to height, per AKC standards, males are to be inches .In regard to weight, the AKC does not list any certain weight. However, most adult male Boxers will fall in the pound range and females will be slightly smaller, often between pounds. You do need to keep an eye out to make sure that a Boxer is at a healthy weight as being overweight brings along quite a few health issues; however, most large Boxer dogs simply have large bone structure. Modifications - Ears The US is one of the few countries in which ear cropping is legal; and in show, ears may be cropped or natural. More often than not, those who believe that a Boxer may do well in the show ring lean towards cropping the ears many judges do prefer this, independent of the standard's non-bias verbiage. Photo courtesy of Terry Faircloth Modifications - Tail Similar to ear cropping, tail docking is illegal in many countries; however, the United States does allow this and it is actually expected in the show ring. Since this is done within just days of a Boxer pup being born, it is the breeder who decides on this. Many will go by what they know puppy buyers prefer and most if they do not oppose docking will ask the intended owners in advance, if someone has a deposit on a pup. What we see more often than not, is that with a docked tail, the ears are rarely cropped. So, it is uncommon, at least in the U. Once a Boxer is close to the 1 year mark and up to the 2 year mark, he can sometimes be growing so fast in height, that he can't keep up in weight. We refer to this as the Boxer dog skinny phase and it typically only lasts a short while. Young Boxer pups are just power-houses waiting to mature. They are rounded and muscles are not yet fully developed. Just look at how big this pup's paws are; he'll be at full adult size by about the 2 year mark. Atticus, at 9 weeks old Photo courtesy of Anthony Klintworth Nearing the 1 year mark, Boxers have grown exponentially in height. They are, of course, gaining weight as well. This is a transitional phase before full adult form takes place. As the Boxer matures, his chest fills out, widening and really becoming a focal point. Flanks are lean and legs are relatively long, which gives him a great profile. Due to the short, packed coat, muscles are often quite visible, which lends to a sleek, strong appearance. Boxers were used extensively in WWII but both American forces and the British army; not only can they look intimidating, they do very well in regard to training for guard, security, surveillance and as messengers. Today's Boxer is a family dog, yet good breeding gives us super confident looking dogs that are great watchdogs, not only just by their appearance, but also loyalty to protect their family. Stella, at 5 years old Photo courtesy of Kendall Foy Coloring There are only 3 basic colors for the Boxer dog: Fawn, brindle and white. Fawn and brindle are standard and white is an alternate color. Though white is not accepted in the show right, white Boxers can, of course, be registered. Of these, the majority are unilaterally deaf one ear , as opposed to bilaterally both ears. In regard to fawn and brindle, this does not mean that all Boxers look alike; far from it! Color is, perhaps, the one feature that causes Boxers to have such varied appearances. Fawn can range from a very light tan to a reddish fawn. And brindle which is a pattern of striping can range from light to super dark. In fact, some very heavy brindled Boxer dogs may appear to be a solid dark color. A few even may appear to be black, though this is genetically impossible. This often appears on the chest. It may also be on the legs anywhere from just the paws - referred to as mittens - to almost the entire leg. And if he is almost all white with just a bit of fawn or brindle, he is 'extra flashy'. We again used Theo as the stud. I will always remember this litter with sweet memories. For a couple of reasons. One it was a very unusual very early spring. So even though they were born at the end of February the warm spring of March and April brought them outside to play early. Second Litter Statistics Birthday- February 22, 7 Pups — 3 fawns, 2 brindles, 1 white The second reason I will remember this litter is because of the friends we made. Julie brought her friend Penny to pick out a pup the first week they were born. I looked forward to our Saturday afternoons under the tree in the backyard. Julie with Brandy It was love at first sight for Penny and Rocket. Who would have known he would grow up to weigh 85 lbs. They had never had a dog yet Dad had grown up with Boxers. Their son was only about four years old and even docile Leah scared him. It was remarkable to watch the confidence grow over the eight weeks. By the time they took Rocket home, he was running with the puppies and seemed to have matured right along with them. If you love Boxer dogs then these pictures of Boxer puppies will make you want to get another Boxer puppy. I have never used newborn puppy collars, although many Boxer breeders use them for identification. I have been lucky that each of our pups has unique enough markings to identify them. Flashy Brindle Boxer Puppies — Spencer and Mumford It can sometimes be difficult in photos to tell them apart, but the one with the wider stripe is Mumford, the brindle pup on the left is Spencer. Since he started his early puppy months in Chicago, and he was white, this was appropriate. Spencer went to Oklahoma and joined a multi-generational Boxer family. We get a lot of referrals and if you are looking for a Boxer puppy in the Midwest please contact us to be put on a waiting list.

Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our poodles are family members, not kennel dogs; they live in our house, sleep in our bedrooms, and keep us company when we travel. Our goal is to produce athletically built, temperamentally sound standard poodles with proper structure that avoid the over-angulation becoming common in the breed today. Our color lines trend toward apricot, cream, blues and silvers in both solid and multicolor. All our puppies are dual AKC and UKC registered standard poodles from parents that meet or exceed breed-recommended health-testing. We do not produce doodles or merles. Puppies are raised in our home with a focus on positive developmental exposure and early socialization using protocols from Puppy Culture and the now archived Avidog program. Enjoy some of them below. Standard Poodles are smart, versatile, balanced dogs who desire to be part of the family. They're discerning and willing to jump through hoops literally! Our poodles match our mood: They are couch potatoes when we're relaxing at home, and they're ready for action the second we get off the sofa. They like to sleep in as much as we do, and equally appreciate car rides, hikes, festivals, camping trips, and visits with friends. We encourage people to ask anything and everything that they might want to know. This includes questions about temperament, training, care, nutrition, exercise, or anything else. All Rights Reserved. Orlando, Florida. They would also need to have their potty breaks first thing in the morning, after meals, after napping, and before bedtime. Puppies would also need trimming every four to six weeks. Thus, you may want to consider getting it from the best in picking your pet. You will know a good breeder and seller from the following characteristics. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask more questions from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that shows not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of breeds. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized conformation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Final Thoughts It can be a tiresome quest to seek for your puppy. Even from a list, it may be overwhelming due to inquiring efforts. Trust me. It will all be worth it once you found your puppy of choice. If not, at least it should give you a starting point. As always, make sure you find a reputable breeder. Moreover, as you take your new puppy home, do your best to give it the love, attention, and care it deserves. Other states. Delivery to your door by car is available in some areas. If you prefer the puppy to fly with you in cabin, a meeting at the airport in Birmingham, Huntsville, or Atlanta can be arranged. Flight nanny service where I personally deliver the puppy to your airport is also another available option. Of course, local pickup is always available in Northeast Alabama. We place quality above quantity and usually have puppies only twice a year. All litters have at least 1 AKC Champion parent. Please visit our Articles page to make an educated decision and avoid the pitfalls of the Backyard Breeder! The possible colors are white, red, apricot, or black. We do not produce "parti poodles" as they are outside of the official AKC Standard for Toy Poodles and a disqualifying trait in the show rings. Age of Adoption All puppies must be at least 8 weeks of age AND weigh 2 lbs or more in order to be adopted. Shipping is available. We occasionally have retired spayed or neutered adults or rescue toy poodles that we may be looking to place in a good home. The price for these dogs will vary but will be a nominal fee just enough to cover any vet expenses incurred to bring the dog up to date on vaccines, spay and neuter, or dental procedures. These dogs do not come with the Abounding Poodle Guarantee and their age can be from a few months old to a senior canine. Please contact me for availability. Cost of Puppies A careful breeder will spend as much money on their dogs if not more than they earn from litters born. These expenses come from vet bills, thorough health testing , quality care and living conditions, AKC Dog Show competitions, dog handler fees, and the list goes on. In purchasing an Abounding Poodle , you get a quality dog from tested lines. You can buy a lot of "cheap" dogs from a Backyard Breeder who does not invest money into their breeding stock. You won't know what you are getting, and may end up paying thousands of dollars in vet bills later after you have fallen in love with the puppy. This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for its lifetime. Make a wise investment in the quality and health of your dog and you will almost guarantee fewer veterinary bills in the long run. We price our puppies taking in consideration the type of contract and registration full, limited, or none , their genetics, conformation pet or show quality , age, and size. Our prices will vary as explained above. We may also sell to carefully picked show homes or to a consciencious breeder with full registration under a different contract and price. Please contact me to know what I have available at that moment and their prices. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Tampa FL? We have answers. How do you screen Poodle breeders in Tampa, FL? We receive a lot of breeder applications, and we only accept the best of the best. We want to create a safe and happy environment for puppies, so we only work with the most humane breeders out there. This means no puppy mills, no backyard breeders, and no scams. Just healthy, happy puppies. In Tampa, why should I avoid puppy mills? Puppy mills are cruel places where dogs are bred solely for profit, with little regard for their health or well-being. These dogs often come from inbred lines and are plagued with dangerous and expensive diseases. What type of dogs are Poodles? Poodles are undoubtedly one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They have a long history of being used as water dogs, circus entertainers, seeing eye dogs, and truffle hunters. But most importantly, they have always been man's best friend. Poodles are incredibly adaptable dogs that can fit into any lifestyle. Whether you live an active lifestyle or a more laid-back one, a poodle will always be by your side. Tampa, FL. Are these dogs easily trainable? Dogs are amazing creatures - each one unique in their own way. But there are some dog breeds that stand out above the rest when it comes to intelligence. Poodles are one of those breeds. Poodles are pretty darn smart. They are also obedient and eager to please, which makes them quick learners. With a little patience and diligence, you can have a very smart dog that will impress and even scare you with their abilities. Poodles have been crossed with many other breeds of dogs to create hybrid breeds, called Doodles. These dogs inherit the Poodle's non-shedding coat and mental capacity. What colors and coat patterns are common with Poodle puppies Tampa? Poodles come in all shapes and sizes, but did you know they also come in dozens of different coat colors and patterns? From cream and white to black and red, Poodles show off their beautiful coats in a variety of ways. Some have bicolored coats, while others boast rare patterns like harlequin or phantom. No matter what color or pattern your Poodle is, one thing is for sure - they're always fashionable! Will my puppy have any kind of health guarantee after they arrive at Tampa International Airport? Did you know that the average lifespan of a dog is only 10 years? That's why we believe that it's important to find a pup from a breeder who offers a health guarantee. We only work with the best breeders in the world who back their pups with a year guarantee. Plus, your new pup will be checked head to tail by a vet before they are adopted. Are Poodle puppies in Tampa popular right now? Poodles are a big deal in Tampa. They're all the rage across the country. And, they're hugely popular around the world! For all we know, Poodles could be the most popular dog in the universe. Both France and Germany claim to have brought us the Poodle, but one thing is for sure—they're here to stay! Poodles are one of the longest-lived breeds of dogs, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. That's a long lifetime of joy with your family! But size doesn't always dictate lifespan — smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. So a teacup Poodle should theoretically have a longer lifespan than a standard Poodle. Regardless of size, Poodles are quite the healthy breed. Do Poodles shed? Poodle parents never have to deal with the annoyance of cleaning up dog fur! Poodles are well-known for their non-shedding coats, which barely shed any fur at all. The only downside is that your Poodle may require more grooming than other breeds, but this is a small price to pay for having a hypoallergenic dog! How much exercise do Poodles need? How many laps around Ballast Point Park is that? Do you want a furry friend that will bring joy and companionship into your life? Then consider adopting a Poodle! These dogs are active and playful, but also love to cuddle. They make great walking or running partners, and are sure to brighten up your day. What kind of food do Poodles eat? Will my Tampa Poodle for sale Tampa want to eat at Ulele? As your puppy transitions to an adult dog, their dietary needs will change. As a new dog owner, you may be wondering what kind of food is best for your pup. A good breeder will be able to give you some guidance on this, but it's always a good idea to consult with your vet as well. Together, you can come up with a plan that will keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come.