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Your puppy can experience unruly behavior all of a sudden when they enter a new maturity stage. I know how angry and frustrated you get at your dog when they seem out of control. That was me, too! Instead, realize your GSD might not be out-of-control, but they might just be in a new phase. At the same time, your GSD begins to take more interest in the great world around them and ventures into new activities… Which winds them up in trouble as they explore. They also develop more independence and rely on your presence less and less. At some point, you believe your puppy is possessed and feel that all the things he learned are forgotten. Around 12 to 18 months old the out-of-control behavior will pass and all your hard work will start to pay off. Either way, puppy or adult, you need to prepare yourself. So, it all adds up to this: you learn how to control a German Shepherd using the following behavior plan to make it through this difficult time. But… Deep down you know you want to enjoy your GSD again and realize you must follow a training plan to help your rebellious dog become the calm, well-mannered German Shepherd you know he can be. Let me explain how to train an out-of-control German Shepherd using a scientifically-based behavior plan. German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk in scientific terms this is called crespuscular. The best times to exercise your GSD are: early morning early evening The rest of the day your dog is generally less active and sleeping. Shepherds wake up with energy and excitement after a long sleep time. This is why your pup is so excited in the mornings and when you come home from work. German Shepherds are used to walking and running miles and miles, so use an exercise tool called a long line or long leash to let your puppy enjoy running at their own pace. Do NOT force a puppy to run with you or you can damage their bones and joints. Puppies need gentle exercise, the type found here is most appropriate: The 5 Best Exercises for German Shepherd Puppies A German Shepherd over 18 months of age can run with you in short sprints, building up to longer distances. They have a need to do what they were designed for, which means they: generally enjoy chasing toys outdoors exploring different terrain using their noses to find things Most of all, an exercised dog is a calmer dog! And calm dogs are simply less likely to get unruly. Did you know that the German Shepherd Dog is bred with natural instinctive intelligence to solve complex problems apa. Yet many owners have never thought to give their dog mental stimulation. How do you mentally stimulate a German Shepherd? German Shepherds like both physical and mental challenges that are game-oriented. Dogs that have not had the chance to use up their energy are more likely to become difficult to handle, over-excitable, and out of control. A simple brain game to promote mental stimulation in your German Shepherd is to use a food-filled Kong Extreme. This keeps your dog occupied and also lets them use their energy by working for their food. You might say… I train my dog every day and he still acts out of control! And, I totally believe you! But, have you trained calmness? Instead, stay proactive by teaching your pet to perform the behavior you want! The most effective way to stop unwanted and out-of-control behavior is to ignore it. Avoid the battle! Out-of-control German Shepherds love to get you excited! Many times, their greatest pleasure is getting you wound up over some small matter. Remember, what fuels the misbehavior is often the conflict itself. Stay calm and refuse to get engaged physically or verbally. Fold your arms, look away from him, and walk out of the room if possible. Being ignored is a major consequence for most German Shepherds. Hand-feed your dog their meals. Taking food gently from human hands is a valuable life lesson and your dog loves to practice getting food! Hand-feeding your dog is also a perfect way to raise the value of interaction with all people. This simple training builds trust in your dog while showing him that only calm behaviors not nipping or pawing for the food get the reward. Quietly give him a small piece of tasty treat and a very gentle stroke on his side. You also should try these German Shepherd bonding exercises to help calm down your dog and increase their trust in you. Teaching Right is Easier than Correcting Wrong Learning how to train an out-of-control puppy will go more smoothly if you focus on teaching him what is right, instead of punishment. How many times do you correct your dog for a certain behavior, only to be too tired or stressed later to stop the same behavior again? You might think you taught your dog the right way to act, but his out-of-control behavior is telling you another story. This is the point where you brush up on disciplining a German Shepherd the right way. Before we go any further… Let me tell you that discipline does NOT involve physical corrections or punishment. Successful positive German Shepherd obedience training , especially for dogs lacking control, relies on the appropriate use of management tools to prevent your GSD from practicing and being reinforced for unruly behaviors. Some leashes are designed to be hooked to waist belts or clipped to belt-loop with a carabineer. With your puppy near or attached to you, you can provide the constant supervision they need to prevent them from getting into trouble. Click and reward for a calm behavior you like. Like anything else you must remain consistent to learn how to control a German Shepherd. Emphasize Structure and Consistency A German Shepherd puppy acting wild needs structure and consistency in their daily activities. A good behavior training program emphasizes structure and consistency. And why should you care about emphasizing structure and consistency with a German Shepherd that is out of control? Because predictability and structure equal less stress; and less stress is what you came here for in the first place. The more consistent you are with your training and expectations, the less chance your dog will misbehave. Think about this… You can spend the time now training your out-of-control German Shepherd the right way, or you could potentially live in stress and frustration for years to come. Which sounds like the better outcome for you and your dog? There are thousands of owners out there, just like you, who are in the same boat, too. But you must start! You can even create a German Shepherd entertainment plan to keep them busy! Give them the attention they deserve so you can both enjoy each other again. Manage the situation by using either a baby gate to keep your dog away from the front door, teach him to sit for his greetings where he gets the appropriate reward — petting, eye contact, and praise. Learn to train your dog to go to their mat and give them small bits of reward when they are lying calmly. Write out a similar chart of your own and place it where everyone can see it. This helps everyone to know the steps to train your out-of-control German Shepherd. Want more help learning how to control a German Shepherd? Using a combination of exercise, training, management, with a sprinkling of useful tools, and dedication to consistent training, you can help your German Shepherd learn to chill out and become a calm, happy companion who is a joy to be around. So, take the next step… If you want more help training an out-of-control German Shepherd puppy, read Your German Shepherd Month-by-Month to stay one step ahead of your intelligent companion. Stop thinking you have to live with a wild child and get busy training. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Engaging in rougher play than usual. Excessive barking, yipping and snarling. Even in hyperactive ways. To stop this bad behavior, curb it as soon as they display it. Try doing it when you come home. If they jump at you, turn away from them. Then walk away. Another scenario to ignore their bad behavior is meal time. You know how it is most of the time. They may knock the bowl out of your hand and scatter food everywhere. Frustrating, right? Use meal times to teach them manners and self-control. As soon as they jump all over you, go back to what you were doing. Ignore them until they calm down. Wait a few seconds, then go back to the dog food. If they display the same behavior, ignore them again and wait until they calm down. If you have reached the part of pouring the food before they jump, put the bowl out of reach. Then go back to what you were doing and ignore them. Repeat until you can give the food without them jumping all over. You can do this for other bad behaviors such as excessive barking. Follow the same steps above. Or, you can teach them to sit and wait for their food. Do this when they have calmed down from jumping and barking. Their meal would serve as their reward. Can you imagine all 80 pounds 36 kilos of them jumping all over you? Your German Shepherd puppy is not far from that. Would it make them hyper again? One of my friends owns a dog named Oreo. She was worried that rewarding Oreo with attention might make the dog jump at her. She tried it on Oreo, and the dog simply looked at her with the tongue out. The dog even calmly lay down for a belly rub. If it worked on this dog, you can try doing it on your own dog. Reward them with attention and see if your dog remains calm. I do not guarantee that they will always remain calm. But if they become hyper in response, go back to tip 1. Aside from attention, you can also reward them with treats. Note: A calm dog is a happy dog. Your dog can do this up to twice a day until they are fully grown. For example, 3-month old pups can take a minute walk. Or you can divide it to walking 10 minutes and fetch 5 minutes. Gradually increase the time while the puppy grows. But as owners found out, not all German Shepherd puppies are the same. How long puppies can walk depends on their limits. Some can do minute walks times a day at 2 months old. Others can only do one minute walk together with other exercises. At first, you can do minute walks twice a day. Or you can add another minute walk. Caution: Do not push puppies too hard at a young age. If they get tired, stop the walk and let them rest. In addition to walks, do short play sessions in the park or mental exercises at home. Then build on these walks and play sessions as your puppy grows. By having a job, hyperactive behavior is slowly eliminated. So their energy is redirected to more productive things. An example is putting away their toys. It might take a few tries. But with the right motivation, German Shepherds will learn it. Remember, they are smart and can learn tricks in a few tries. Another example is playing scent games. German Shepherds are very good at this. So good that police use them to sniff and identify bombs and other dangerous items. Let them prove their skill at home. Hide items such as anise and clove. If you have a yard, you can do it there. If not, right inside the house will do fine. Another job you can give them is carrying things. German Shepherds love to please their owners. So carrying things for you will be a very important job for them. They can learn carrying things through the Fetch Method. Repeat until they pick the item every time. Then reward them. Move a few feet away and have them bring the item to you. Reward them accordingly. Have them carry the item as you walk around the house or outside. Always reward with praises and tasty treats. Or firewood from the shed to the house. Let your German Shepherd carry their own water and treats in a small backpack. The extra weight will help tire them out. Now, different scents have different uses. Rose is good for reducing anxiety. Rosemary, on the other hand, works to reduce tension and fatigue. Lavender and Roman chamomile will work wonders for your hyper German Shepherd. Lavender promotes relaxation and sleep while chamomile puts the mind at ease. Caution: Scents are not applicable to dogs that have allergy to a particular scent. Consult with your yet. Ask your vet for recommendations for ones that can calm a hyper dog. Does music work the same way in dogs? Will they relax once they hear Beethoven or Mozart? Apparently, yes! Particularly ones where they can sing along. This research observed shelter dogs exposed to classical music, heavy metal and altered classical. Dogs exposed to heavy metal display body shaking, suggesting nervousness. Another study has the same findings. This one observed 2 groups of dogs. One group was observed with classical music. The other was observed in silence. The study found out that when exposed to classical music, the dogs were calm. Their stress levels decreased significantly. Not only that. Dogs were in a relaxed state not standing up and not barking while listening to music. But why classical music? The answer lies in the tempo. Music with long, continuous tones beats per minute is relaxing. Think of classical, reggae and soft rock. This was proven to relax dogs. On the other hand, music with short, choppy tones is excitatory. That includes hard rock and heavy metal. These have a faster tempo that caused an increase in anxiety and agitation among dogs. In addition, heavy metal music has loud percussion that can frighten dogs. Some dogs love to chew on shoes all the time. Or they destroy blankets or the fabric of your sofa. This chewing obsession can drive anyone crazy. If your German Shepherd is a puppy, they could be teething. Chewing relieves any pain and discomfort associated with it. On the other hand, older dogs chew to keep their jaws and teeth strong. This is what dogs in the wild do as well. However, it becomes a destructive behavior if they direct it toward inappropriate items. In situations like this, dogs chew out of boredom or frustration. Caution: Do not punish your dog when they chew inappropriate things. Never place them in their crate as punishment. Teaching them what is okay to chew and what is not is one way to solve the problem. Another is to give them toys and chew bones. In doing this, take note of the kind of toy they chew for long periods of time. If they love chew bones, then keep offering those. However, here are a few reminders when your German Shepherd a bone: Give them raw meat bone. Let them chew on it for minutes. Then store it in the refrigerator. Discard bones after 3 or 4 days. Always supervise your dog when chewing a bone. If your German Shepherd is an adult, give them a large bone. They could chip their teeth while chewing. These might cause blockages or damage the intestines. Your German Shepherd needs interaction to avoid boredom. This way, they redirect their energy to productive things. Play can be in the form of physical or mental exercises. Play games such as Frisbee or fetch. Or teach them the shell game. You can also involve members of the family in the games. For instance, you need to go to work. Your German Shepherd has to know that the crate is their safe haven. Such as a punishment. Caution: Leaving your puppy in their crate longer than 6 hours is not advisable. It will only make them anxious. Staying in the crate too long will end up in pent up energy. And once out of the crate, they are bent on releasing that energy. When crate training your puppy, remember these: Ignore them when they cry while in the crate. Wait 20 minutes until they calm down. If they are just starting the training, it may be difficult at first. There are times when they cry in the middle of the night. But this gradually stops when they reach 3 or 4 months old. It is flattering to some extent. That level of attachment says a lot about the time you spend with them. It only becomes a problem when they learn to crave for your attention. To prevent this, let them play on their own for a while. This teaches them not to crave for your attention all the time. German Shepherds are basically tireless furballs. Lack of or insufficient exercise is one reason why they are hyper. Take them walking early in the morning and late at night. Or take short walks throughout the day as long as the weather is good check out tip 4 for more info. They can also socialize and play with other dogs. If you have a lawn, take your puppy out for some games. Play fetch or tug of war. No yard? No problem. There are games you can do inside the house. Swimming is also a fantastic exercise for your puppy. Let them swim in your pool or somewhere that allows dog swimming. Aside from swimming, running will tire them out. However, there are important guidelines when doing this activity. First, make sure your German Shepherd is 15 months old or older. By this time, their bones and muscles are fully developed. Second, ensure that they are trained well. Basic commands such as sit, stay and stop go a long way for their safety. Third, get them a clean bill of health by checking with the vet. Physical exercise and mental stimulation give you a tired, calm dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. Help them work their brains by giving them mentally stimulating activities. Hide and seek is a fantastic example of this. It promotes physical exercise and reinforces the recall command. To do this, distract your dog long enough for you to hide. You can throw a ball and have your dog run after it. Then find the best spot for hiding and call your pooch. Just look at this adorable German Shepherd looking around the house for the owners: As you can see from the video, the game is an opportunity for an exercise. The dog goes from room to room several times until they find the owner. The dog has to work harder to find where the scent of the hiding owner is. This game is also a nice way to teach your puppy their name. This is mentally stimulating as your dog uses their nose to find each treat. Note: Spend 30 minutes or more for mental exercises. You can also give them interactive toys to keep them busy. You may unknowingly be feeding them with food that has unsafe ingredients. Many dog foods are made with additives, preservatives and colorants. These have no nutritional value at all. If anything, these only make hyperactivity worse. According to an article by canine nutrition expert Dr. Conor Brady , several things answer the question. Many dog foods are made with chemicals to make them last longer. These are not safe. Another reason is the high dose sugar and low dose protein. High dose sugar can spike blood sugar in humans. Imagine what it can do to a dog. In addition, dog foods contain only the minimum amount of protein. Why is this so, when protein is the building block for serotonin and dopamine? Serotonin and dopamine are the happy and calming chemicals. Lastly, dog foods contain low levels of vitamin B complex. This is responsible for energy levels and behavior. Also, B complex contains vitamin B6, which produces dopamine. Of course, you need to teach your puppy first to love riding a car. Then switch off the engine. Do this until your dog becomes comfortable riding a car. This is also a huge opportunity to mentally stimulate them and tire them out. During a ride, there are a lot of things for them to process. New smells, new faces. This could be a whole new experience altogether. You can drive to new places where you can run, walk or just explore. And by the time you get back home, your German Shepherd is hopefully spent. Because your dog is only a puppy, avoid exposing them to dog parks immediately. Some dog diseases are highly contagious, such as parvovirus. Also, dog parks are open to all dogs of breeds, sizes and temperaments. Some dogs could be rough or simply violent. This could lead to a traumatizing experience for your puppy. Caution: Ensure that socialization is a fun experience. But take them out of situations that frighten them. What you can do, though, is to slowly introduce your dog to others. If not, then perhaps a neighbor or a friend has a dog your puppy can meet. Arrange playdates if possible. Or barking right in their face. One way to prevent this is to instill some manners in them. Teach them impulse control. Impulse control teaches your dog how to engage with you. That is, without lunging, nipping or excessive barking. Make them sit before you open the door or clipping the leash. Before you give them dinner, wait for them to sit. And when they do just that, reward them with what they want. They will associate sitting with getting what they want. In a big way, this teaches them to calm down before they can have the good stuff. Remember to be consistent on your part. It comforts them. So when you have to leave, give them something such as a used shirt. When they are alone, having your smell will feel as though you are with them. For your puppy, the stinkier, the better. Some days going outside for walks or runs is not permissible. Puzzle toys will keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. The only downside is that they will tire of it after they have figured out how it works. That will get them through obedience training. That way, it can prevent behavioral problems later on. This was exactly what this research found out. It studied dogs divided into 4 groups: puppy class, puppy party, adult class and no class. The puppy and adult classes underwent an hour of training each week for 6 weeks. The other 2 groups did not undergo formal training. The findings showed that the groups that attended training responded well to commands. The puppy class group also showed positive responses to strangers. The study concluded that this could prevent behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers. That being said, spend at least 30 minutes each day for their training. Train them young starting with basic commands. These are useful commands that you can use at home or when outside. Also, get them busy with leash and off-leash training. This is particularly useful for when you are taking walks or running. Think agility, flyball or disc dog. Getting involved together in sports can strengthen your bond. In addition, these sports provide physical and mental exercise at the same time. A word of caution, though. Formal training can be expensive and time-consuming. But if you do, you can do the sports for fun. Daily running, check. Puzzles and toys, check. Most of the time, exercises, training and activities solve the problem. But if your German Shepherd is still hyper, it could be a medical condition. So check with your vet because the problem could be thyroid dysfunction, allergies and even ADHD. Yes, you read that right. ADHD is common in human children. Apparently, the same symptoms could be seen in hyper dogs. One study in found out that social and physical factors were associated with ADHD-like behavior. ADHD-like behavior refers to inattention and increased motor activity. The social factors mentioned were: Number of social contacts. The duration of the period of separation. On the other hand, the physical factors were: Frequency and duration of walking. The amount of playtime as puppies. For your peace of mind, have your vet run tests to rule out any problems. Either way, it will help toward calming your German Shepherd. Some owners and dogs thrive on routine. For instance, your German Shepherd eats their breakfast at 6am and 6pm. On the other hand, structure is for people who dislike strict schedules. You can set a schedule for activities without being strict about the time. For instance, your dog knows you will take them for a morning walk when you wake up. And not necessarily at 6am. This is great for days when you feel like sleeping in. Take some time to reflect on yourself. There could be problems at work or other stressors that keep you agitated. Without you knowing, all these reflect on your body language and tone of voice. You reflect energy that your dog catches on. One can easily give in to frustrations when training a puppy. But yelling and punishment will only make your puppy more hyper. Also, be consistent. Stick to the rules you set for your hyper German Shepherd. So fixing it will not happen overnight either. But committing to do the right thing will get your dog to the result you want. Related posts:. Mar 10, German shepherd dogs are an active breed. If you live with one, you know what we mean. As working dogs, they are high energy and have lots of brain power, too. And even then, as long as they have the ability, they still love to have fun and play well into their senior years. Since German shepherds were bred to work all day, they have lots of stamina. Built for herding and guarding livestock, they have plenty of energy to burn. They can easily get destructive, frustrated, develop anxieties, and even get depressed. Bored German shepherds are unfulfilled, unhappy dogs. The age a German shepherd begins to slow down is unique to the individual dog. The energy level expended in these sessions will lessen as the dog ages, their physical condition declines, or they develop orthopedic problems, etc. By the time a German shepherd reaches 8 — 10 years old, they are usually content to play, roam around the yard, go for a short walk, enjoy the outdoors, or go for a car ride. Taking them out for several short sessions several times a day is better than 1 — 2 long sessions. Some experts suggest exercising your puppy 5 minutes for each month of age several times per day. So, if your puppy is 4 months old, you would go for a minute walk several times a day rather than one power walk for an hour. Training Training your puppy will also help tire them out. You can also burn off energy by reinforcing training throughout the day. By doing things like having your puppy sit and wait for food, sit at the door before they go outside, or sit before you hand them a toy, you can work in the type of training that will also help calm them down. By exposing your puppy to new people, places, scents, noises, and animals, you will help them grow up into a confident dog that is free from fear and anxiety while burning up some of that puppy energy. Things like stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, chew toys, snuffle mats, games, problem-solving like finding treats , scented toys, and more are all fun and help burn off steam so they can relax. Teach your Puppy to Relax or Settle Down Did you know you can also teach your puppy to relax and settle down? But, at the end of the day, your puppy can learn to chill out for a while. You can do this by marking calm behavior with a verbal command. Other tips for calming a high-energy puppy include: Crate training Confining to an exercise pen Mental games, such as sniffing and finding things Treat dispensing toys Switching out toys Calming the environment To recap, German shepherds, are working dogs that have lots of energy. They will be active from the day they come home and remain so well into their adult years years old. The age they begin to slow down depends upon the dog, their overall health, breeding, drive, etc. You can expect your adult dog to start becoming calmer around 6 years old. But even senior dogs continue to enjoy activities that they are physically able to do. After all those needs are met, you can teach your puppy how to relax and be calm. We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Why your German Shepherd is crazy Insufficient exercise A common reason for German Shepherds to act in a crazy way is that they are not getting enough exercise. German Shepherds were bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. As a result of this, it can take a lot of exercise to properly stimulate them. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. This will often go hand in hand with not getting enough exercise. In this situation, your best option would be to ignore the craziness if you can and then to reward it with your attention when it is being well behaved. Boredom The cause of the craziness could be that it is bored. The distractions and excitement of being somewhere new can be too much for it to handle and cause it to forget its training. To prevent this it is important for you to make sure to train your German Shepherds in multiple locations. The behavior is being encouraged It could be that you have been inadvertently encouraging the behavior by giving it things that it wants in order to get it to calm down. This can have the effect of teaching it that behaving in a crazy way will get it what it wants so it does it more. Separation anxiety The reason that your German Shepherd acts crazy at times could be due to separation anxiety. This is where your German Shepherd does not like being left alone and it causes it to behave in a crazy way when you are about to leave, when you are gone and when you have recently returned. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? If you think that this might be the cause then you should take it to the vet. Nature It could simply be that your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to act in a crazy way. Even if this is the case, you can still get your German Shepherd to behave more calmly by giving it lots of training and exercise. How to stop it from being crazy There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to calm down that I will mention below. Training To get your crazy German Shepherd to calm down it will be necessary for you to give your German Shepherd a lot of training. By doing this it will get your German Shepherd to be more responsive to your command which will allow you to get your German Shepherd to calm down when it acts crazy. It will also help to reduce the craziness since it will expend energy in looking for your command and trying to remember what you want it to do. It will also help you to have a better relationship with your German Shepherd since you will be able to get it to behave in situations where you really need it to do so such as when you have guests over. There are lots of ways that you can train your German Shepherd. You should start with the basics such as to teach it to sit and stay in an environment where there are not too many external distractions. When you can get it to do the tasks well in a less distracting environment teach it to do it again in a harder one. Once you can get it to do less challenging tasks you can move onto teaching it harder ones such as to teach it to come to you on command. You might be surprised at just how much exercise it can take to get your German Shepherd to calm down. You might want to try giving it a lot more exercise one day just to see how it affects its behavior. A good way to give your German Shepherd lots of exercise is to teach it to play fetch. It can be difficult to teach it to do it at first but it is worth doing since it will allow your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period which should wear it out effectively. You could also consider walking it with other dogs since they will often expend a lot of energy by playing with each other. You just have to do it for long enough for it to stop acting crazy and then you can give it attention. Calming chews There are calming chews that you can get that are designed to calm your German Shepherd down that you might want to try. Crate training If your German Shepherd is misbehaving while you are away then you might want to consider crate training. When done correctly it will give your German Shepherd a place where it can go that will make it feel calmer. Things to consider Its age If your German Shepherd is still young then it is likely that it will be less crazy when it gets older. If you train your German Shepherd once and then neglect to train it for a few weeks then you will struggle to make any progress. Instead, you should find ways to train it easily on a daily basis. Related Questions Why is my German Shepherd acting crazy suddenly? If your German Shepherd is acting crazily suddenly then it will likely be due to a recent event. Perhaps it recently lost a friend, you moved home, its owner changed or it might have gotten injured or ill in which case you should take it to the vet. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Different causes make your furry friend chew destructively on couches, surfaces, and shoes. These include: Poor obedience training from when your dog was a puppy Loneliness from being left alone for too long Lack of exercise and mental stimulation Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Excessive stress in the home environment How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult German Shepherds As with the causes, the remedies for excessive-destructive chewing in an adult GSD can be diverse. These will include: Retrain your dog if you think basic training was poorly done during puppyhood. You may want to consider the services of a professional trainer. Find ways of keeping your dog busy when you are not around. You can consider giving your dog a bone to chew on. If you do, go for natural or synthetic ones that will not break into pieces and risk choking your dog while he is alone. Ensure your GSD has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily, which could be distributed into walks and runs in the morning and evening and play and games at other times. That means he finds a replacement for his wild mates in his human family. Besides, the GSD is also a friendly and affectionate dog that loves cuddling time and spending time with family. As such, leaving your German Shepherd alone can cause excessive loneliness, otherwise referred to as separation anxiety , when it gets to the levels of an undesired psychological condition. The German Shepherd is among the top 10 breeds most predisposed to separation anxiety. This suggests that it could also be a breed thing, and you must take extra precautions. Dogs with this behavior problem find something to relieve their nervousness and stress, so most will turn to destructive behavior. Typical forms of destructive behavior include excessive chewing, house soiling, getting into the trash can, digging, destroying furniture and other items, and increased aggression toward family, strangers, and other pets. I would never leave her in her crate for more than hours. However, I got delayed in traffic for another 30 minutes on this occasion, and she clearly got bored! I only wanted one cushion! Remember that destructive behavior can be caused by factors like lack of exercise or a stressful home environment. Three solutions can be highly effective in stopping separation anxiety in your German Shepherd. Suggestions include finding someone to keep them busy and staying connected with them while you are away. Find a way of keeping your dog occupied while you are away Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged can be achieved by employing a professional trainer or a dog walker. There are also doggy daycare facilities where you can take your GSD. Find a way of staying connected with your dog while you are away In an ever-changing technology era, staying connected with your GSD using dog cameras is easy. Take, for example, the Furbo Dog Camera from Amazon. Its main features can offer many ways to stay connected with your German Shepherd. You can toss a treat to your dog to reward him for good behavior. You can talk to your GSD to calm him down, especially when the barking alerts come in. Urine-Marking in German Shepherds Urine marking is an instinctive dog behavior that usually starts during sexual maturity. They will urinate on objects to leave a message for other dogs. For example, male German Shepherds will spray on the walls of a building where there is a female GSD in heat to tell fellow males to stay away. Generally, females only spray when they are in heat to attract any male dogs that happen to be in the area. However, urine marking becomes inappropriate inside the house, making it a behavior problem. The original herding and protective roles of German Shepherds make them quite territorial. As pack dogs, GSDs can also be highly dominant. Territory marking you welcome your partner at home, and your dog urinates on their backpack to claim ownership of you. Your dog has noticed a new dog in the neighborhood and wants to mark the house as his territory. How to Stop Urine Marking in German Shepherds To prevent or stop urine marking , consider one of these remedies — depending on the cause. Keep new and unfamiliar items in the house out of reach. Clean places where your GSD has urine marked to remove the smell and prevent your dog from remarking them. I like this one as you can use it on any surface. Help your German Shepherd become friends with new persons or dogs in the house. Eliminate anxiety-causing situations in the home. Confine your dog in his crate for a couple of hours. Consult a canine behaviorist if the behavior is out of hand. German Shepherds with ADHD will portray behavior problems such as hyperactivity, inability to pay attention, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, poor social skills, aggressive responses, fear, and sensitivity to noise. The consensus seems to reign about the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in ADHD. Hyperactive German Shepherds may be uncontrollable during walks, manifest excessive leash-pulling, become overly excited when removing the leash or returning home, and be challenging to engage in obedience training. Experts have used human ADHD questionnaires to detect the condition in dogs since; it seems hyperactivity has similar body chemical markers in dogs as in humans. This explains why testing ADHD in dogs entails observing changes in respiratory and heart rate and behavior. Consequently, solving hyperactivity in German Shepherds entails countering self-stimulation with external stimulation. As often repeated, the test for ADHD is to give your German Shepherd a prescribed stimulant in a controlled clinical situation and then observe the change in its respiratory rate, heart rate, and behavior. The levels for these markers will reduce in dogs with ADHD. Avoid self-diagnosing your dog, especially with self-made remedies. Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and German Shepherds are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when barking becomes excessive, it can become a nuisance for both the owner and the neighborhood. Excessive barking means your dog will start to bark for any little stimulant and go on and on and on. It could be a doorbell, a passing stranger, or even the rustling of leaves in the backyard. If your GSD barks excessively, this may be the first sign of underlying issues and that he is sensitive to specific triggers. Triggers of excessive barking include: Boredom — your German Shepherd is home alone most of the time. Insufficient exercise — both physical and mental. Territorial behavior — your dog is overly protective of you, your home, or your possessions. Attention seeking — your dog has been reinforced to receive your attention when he barks incessantly. Medical issues — your German Shepherd has a medical condition that causes them pain and discomfort. How to Stop Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Sadly, people re-home their dogs every day due to excessive barking. If you have this German Shepherd behavior problem, below are the methods that are incredibly efficient in stopping excessive barking in dogs: Using positive reinforcement. To do this effectively, you must understand your German Shepherd and what makes him bark in the first place. Desensitization and counter-conditionin g : desensitization means exposing your GSD to the stimulus that causes excessive barking at a level lower or similar to the actual trigger. Eliminating the triggers: this might be a bit difficult, especially if they are beyond your control. For example, you cannot stop strangers from using a path near your house or leaves from rustling. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your German Shepherd not to bark, as these only address the symptom and not the cause of the behavior problem. You have to lure them to the bathtub and put up with their crazy shaking and splashing unless you have managed to train them out of it! But bathing your dog becomes an extra hassle if covered with awful-smelling dirt! So, why do German Shepherds roll in the mud? Many speculative theories are used to explain why dogs roll in the dirt. Here are some of them: In the wild, wolves disguise their smell with dirt History has it that wolves disguise their scent by rolling in the dirt. Since dogs have their ancestry from wolves, it is speculated that they will roll in the dirt for the same reasons. Dogs love to leave their smell around Dogs have the instinct to leave their smell around to claim dominance or mark their territory. The pungent smell of dirt pushes them to want to claim their dominance with their odor, even when strong smells would overpower it. It gives them a sensational feeling As animals that predominantly use their sense of smell to interact with the environment, dogs enjoy extra sensory stimulation and may look for it excessively, such as lying in a pile of dirt. German Shepherds have innate behavior dispositions unique to the breed, like all other dogs. This can include behaviors like mouthing or destructive chewing. Think of their instinctual protectiveness towards their loved ones and how that can cause them to be aggressive toward strangers via nipping or jumping at strangers. But German Shepherds grow to be the dog you train them to be. And if that is not done correctly, behavior problems like howling will occur. However, that is not the only reason why your GSD may be misbehaving. German Shepherds have behavior problems such as howling, mouthing, jumping, and nipping due to poor or incomplete socialization and training, letting your dog have his way, insufficient exercise, hormones, health reasons, and using aversive training methods. Genetics can also cause poor behavior, which is easily solved by training. Genetic Disposition to Bad Behavior It has been scientifically proven that behavior, including howling and jumping, has both genetic and environmental determinants. This fact is recorded in a study on the genetics of behavior traits in German Shepherds, which confirmed that multiple genetic and non-genetic factors influence canine behavior, such as mouthing and nipping. In simple terms, your German Shepherd may inherit genes predisposing them to aggression from their parents, which does not mean you cannot tame the behavior through training. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved adult German Shepherds exhibiting undesirable behaviors like jumping up and biting. If a German Shepherd is not socialized well at this age, he will become an unapproachable and untrainable adult. Proper socialization training for your German Shepherd means exposing them to different environments where they learn how to interact with other people and pets positively. This makes them more confident and calm than anxiety and aggression in unsocialized and badly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your German Shepherd understand your expectations. This includes managing behaviors such as play biting and improving the overall trainability of your pet. Many new dog owners think a week of training after bringing their dog home is enough. Not so! This is also key to ensuring your dog feels confident when interacting with visitors. Miscommunication can result in undesired behaviors like play biting, especially when your pet meets visitors. I have two helpful guides to help you with obedience training using positive reinforcement techniques. These guides incorporate strategies to improve trainability and build confidence in your dog. It has been confirmed that positive reinforcement training produces the best behavior in dogs because it boosts their confidence. Alao, you encourage your pet to repeat it by constantly rewarding him. Instead, research suggests that aversive training methods may be less effective in teaching good behavior to your dog. This can also negatively affect their interactions with visitors. Hormonal Effects and Gonadectomy Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs. This research study discovered that other hormones could be the underlying causes of play biting and aggression in dogs. Oxytocin OT , a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction, and Vasopressin AVP , which regulates the volume of extracellular fluid volume and renal handling of water, can negatively impact dog behavior. Gonadectomy is the generic term for the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. However, research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show this is not entirely true. Scientists still do not know the reason for this. Would you call that a well-behaved dog? This is especially notable when visitors come to the house and the dog exhibits poor behavior. Not setting boundaries with your dog can be another reason your German Shepherd has behavior issues. Such a dog will show aggression when someone tries to set boundaries, such as at the vet or the dog park. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. This means more than leash walks! In addition to this, he will need lots of interactive play and mental stimulation to manage his health and build confidence. If you try to make your GSD a couch potato, he will have behavior issues, manifesting primarily in destructive behavior, negatively affecting his play-biting habits and behavior around visitors. Zak George , the well-known dog breeder and trainer, often emphasizes this point in his teachings. For example, a study revealed that dogs involved in physical activity and those who practice agility shows are less likely to show aggressive tendencies than those living a more sedentary life. Medical Conditions A final reason your German Shepherd will show behavior problems is if he has medical issues. These could be both physical and psychological. For example, dogs with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior are often linked with self-directed aggression and self-mutilation, primarily through biting. A study on clinical features in dogs and cats with OCB indicated self-mutilation as the most recurrent of these features. Such practices are often seen as a sign of distress in dogs. Other medical conditions that may cause behavior issues in dogs include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. In this case, having a breeder or vet advise on handling the dog can be beneficial. The causes of German Shepherd behavior problems are lack of socialization and exercise. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and social dogs and must be exposed to various people, animals, and environments to develop correctly. They are also active and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. What other resources can help me deal with German Shepherd behavior problems? Many resources are available to help you deal with German Shepherd behavior problems. The most important is a qualified and experienced dog trainer. A good trainer can help you identify the source of the problem and develop an effective plan to address it. Another great resource is books and online articles written by experts on the subject. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd is both exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make owning a GSD a challenge altogether. What is most important is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating cues to behavior problems, and seeking a canine behaviorist are all possible ways to make your German Shepherd overcome his behavior shortcomings. Remember, though, that the job of a dog behaviorist or trainer is to train the dog and the human too! Related Posts You May Like:. They are most commonly brought home from a breeder at the age of 8 weeks to 6 months. This is also the juvenile stage when they start acquiring negative or positive habits. German Shepherd puppies can be hyper because of the following reasons: Lack of Exercise German Shepherds were bred to carry out tasks that require a lot of energy, such as herding. Therefore they need exercise to stimulate them. Puppies are always full of energy and therefore tend to run all over the place. They are also naturally built as strong, athletic dogs, and hence require a lot of exercise. Rewarding Bad Behavior When your German Shepherd puppy is hyper, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down, encourages bad behavior. The puppy learns that to get what they want, they have to exhibit excited behavior. Boredom Hyperactivity in German Shepherd puppies can result from boredom. In most cases, dogs are left home alone as parents go to work and children go to school. An untrained puppy will end up re-arranging the house and not like an interior decorator! Lack of Training A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. Therefore, regular training is essential to teach your GSD puppy discipline from a young age. This will help your puppy to know the difference between playtime and when to listen. Feeding the Wrong Food Dog owners tend to be overly kind to their puppies and may share food with them. However, certain foods may lead to their hyperactivity. Apart from causing hyperactivity, some of these foods, like chocolate , can be toxic to puppies leading to illness or death. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German Shepherd puppy , consult your vet. Separation Anxiety German Shepherd puppies often suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave for business trips or vacations without them. This can also happen when the owner simply leaves for the day to go to work. They can express themselves by being destructive or peeing in the house while you are away. Getting Wet German Shepherd puppies who run around outdoors, just like a child, have to be bathed. This dryer comes with adjustable heat settings, a wide selection of air speeds, and a great warranty to boot. How to Calm Your German Shepherd Puppy As much as you love your puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. The following are ways to calm a German Shepherd puppy. Properly Train Your Puppy Training enables your puppy to obey your commands. While you can train a German Shepherd to follow complex commands, only the basics are necessary. Make sure to always train your puppy in an area where there are few distractions, such as in your home or yard, and then progress to more distracting environments. This slow acclimation will also help to properly socialize your German Shepherd , which is essential for your puppy to grow in to a well-adjusted adult. When giving commands to your puppy, be sure to use an authoritative voice and issue them in a slow-low pitched voice. High-pitched commands which are spoken rapidly will only serve to over-excite your puppy. Below is a YouTube video showing you some simple and effective ways to train your German Shepherd puppy: Give Your Puppy Enough Exercise German Shepherds have more energy than most other breeds, and walking by itself as exercise will not be enough to keep excess energy at bay. Playing games such as fetch, going for runs, walking on hilly areas, and teaching your puppy to swim are healthy ways to wear your puppy out and curb hyperactivity. If you do not have adequate time to exercise your German Shepherd puppy, consider getting a dog walker. Did you know that German Shepherds are great frisbee dogs? This fact escapes most GSD owners, and because of this they often miss out on some great fun to be had with their dogs! Read this great article all about German Shepherds and their ability to play frisbee. Socialize Your Puppy As we mentioned above, a great way to calm your puppy is by regularly socializing her with other puppies, adult dogs, as well as other people and animals in general. Socializing your puppy will tire her out both physically and mentally, while at the same time making her the well-adjusted dog that you want her to be. This is because your German Shepherd puppy will learn that to be rewarded, she will have to behave appropriately, and that bad behavior will only result in being ignored. Aromatherapy Essential oils such as vanilla, ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, and chamomile can be soothing to your dog. Test some of these on your German Shepherd puppy to see which one works best. For more information on aromatherapy and its benefits and potential harmful effects on dogs, check out this great article below: Is Aromatherapy Bad for Dogs? Setting up a good routine for your puppy is your responsibility. Make sure to not feed her too late at night, and always make sure that your puppy gets at least a moderately long walk before bed. A useful practice is putting food in a dog toy when your puppy becomes hyper. This will enable her to shift focus from hyperactivity to concentration. One great toy for this is a Kong Treat Dispensing Toy. This toy is designed to be filled with any number of goodies, and will keep your GSD puppy occupied for a long time! Some great examples of treats that you can put into a Kong are: frozen mashed banana and yogurt mashed potatoes and rice frozen Xylitol free peanut butter pureed and frozen watermelon and strawberries pureed and frozen turkey and cranberry mixture Essentially, if you can dream it, and it is safe for your puppy, you can stuff it into a Kong and keep your puppy occupied. Additionally, there are a number of other treat dispensing puzzle toys that will work to accomplish the same goal of reducing hyperactivity in your puppy while increasing mental focus. Stay Calm Reducing hyperactivity in you German Shepherd puppy begins with you. Puppies pick up on the energy you put out. If you become excited around them, they will copy you and start running around or barking loudly. To them, they are doing nothing wrong. In fact, a puppy will think that it is doing a great job by imitating you, the pack leader. So it is important that you set a good example for your puppy through your own behavior. It will take time to train and calm your German Shepherd pup because they are naturally energetic, strong, and athletic dogs — they love activity! Always use positive reinforcement as opposed to punishing your German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are loyal, courageous, make excellent guard dogs, and bred as herders. German Shepherd puppies are generally hyperactive from the age of 3 months to 3 years. Later on, they become more mature and calm. Training puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months enables them to acquire and retain positive habits. Dog owners need to properly socialize their puppies, play with them, and use toys not only to challenge them mentally but also to require their full concentration, thus reducing their hyperactivity. Consistent training is also essential. If you are unable to do this on your own, we strongly suggest reaching out to a professional dog trainer. This will be a great long-term investment, and save you the difficult task of teaching an old dog new tricks. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This post may contain links to products that I may receive compensation for at no additional cost to you. View my affiliate disclosure here. Search Zoomies: Has my dog gone crazy?! A strange and perplexing situation that all dog owners new and old alike deal with; one minute your best friend shifts from standing still, minding his own business, to a full-on dash around the house, entirely heedless to his environment around him. What's happening? What's wrong with your German Shepherd? Well, that's what we call a case of the "zoomies. In this state, a dog with the zoomies will exhibit a somewhat crazed look in their eyes and bent, tense running posture before frenetically racing around in circles. In these manic states, a dog with the zoomies may bark incessantly or make "back and forth" dashes or chase their tail. German Shepherds that have the zoomies may be entirely oblivious to their environment or their owner's commands. They have been known to knock over and even break objects and furniture if one of these instances happens in the house. As we will discuss in this article, while zoomies are not a "dangerous" condition to have for your dog, it can be curtailed and mitigated and quite problematic if not. Well, quite frankly, it depends on what you consider "normal. Not at all. For all pet owners out there, rest assured. In terms of overall health and liveliness, your GSD is perfectly normal. Zoomies are not, in and of itself, connected or correlated to any medical issue. Now, whether or not zoomies are a positive behavior for your dog, that is a different question entirely. You see, while zoomies do not indicate a medical issue for your dog such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer , that does not mean it is altogether "good" for them to have. Basically, zoomies are caused and triggered by a dog or any animal for that matter that has an excess of stored potential energy that they have not been able to release throughout the day. This stored energy is continuously built up over time before being released out in one massive burst of activity. So as you can see, whenever your pet gets a case of the zoomies, there is nothing "medically" wrong with them. Still, it is not altogether good for them, you, or your possessions. Animals, like humans, thrive in an active environment and will naturally seek it out whenever possible. When in the wild, animals will often walk several miles daily as part of their routine. In many cases, this does not include rapid activity when hunting or fleeing from predators. Why is this important? Because, as a result of domestication, this norm is often heavily reduced from an animal's daily regiment, causing that excess of energy to be built up. This can be the same in humans, as well. If you've ever had those days of pent up energy or times when you felt "stir crazy" or overly anxious, congratulations! You have experienced your version of the zoomies. This is a great question and is heavily dependent on how long your dog has been restrained or kept in a stressful situation. Dogs that have been kept in a kennel for transfer purposes, been made to take a bath, or taken to the vet will all show relatively short bouts of the zoomies. The reason for this is because they are simply "burning off" their excess anxiety from stressful activity. In these cases, a brief bit of the zoomies is nothing to be too upset over and should be expected. However, when it comes to more prolonged bouts of containment, a case of zoomies might be quite long and potentially aggressive. In these instances, if a dog spends many hours being placed in a kennel or cage, they may be quite "lively" upon release. These dogs may showcase bouts of the zoomies for more extended periods and are most likely to cause physical disruption if in the house at the time. While zoomies is not a life-threatening issue, it is something that you should, for your own sanity and the overall comfort of your dog, consider mitigating as much as possible. This is somewhat of a loaded question. While you should, ideally, never stop or punish your dog from acting out from a case of the zoomies, you do want to be mindful of their environment. If they are near glass or sharp stationary objects, it is good to try and move them to another area while they run off the excess energy. Keep in mind that they may not and likely will not listen to your commands. A dog caught up in a case of the zoomies does not have that much "control" over themselves as they are overtaken by the desire to "get out" all of their built-up energy. So don't take it too much to heart if they bowl you over or bark too incessantly or otherwise ignore you when you call for them to stop. The more significant point that should be considered is how to reduce your dog's instances of zoomie behavior. When considering how much your dog should eat, rather than just pouring food whenever you think is best, consider measuring the amount you feed them each day to equate to their overall general activity. As stated before, animals do well with physical activity. So long as your dog has spent enough time at the house to recognize it, is in an area that is not vehicular traffic-heavy, letting them patrol the backyard or neighborhood for a few hours will drastically reduce the number of zoomie instances. This, of course, is also dependent on your dog's demeanor, your local leash laws, and your comfort level about your dog wandering. And while it may seem a bit difficult, especially with the increasingly dense schedules that many families have with work and other responsibilities, "play" does not always have to mean "fetch. Never the less, they can very much be disrupting. If you have a dog that is continuously showing signs of crazed and wild behavior, know that there are ways to curtail this in ways they will very much thank you for. Plus, no more flipping the table! Welcome to the Pack!

When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Choose small or large breed depending on the full grown size your puppy will be. You can buy this online at Chewy. You can also find it at Tractor Supply Stores. Feed your puppy by hand fun task for kids! Grain free has been linked to heart problems in multiple clinical studies. An Adjustable Crate: Extra large, large, medium or small depending on the full grown size your puppy will grow to. When the divider is incerted correctly, your pup should be able to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. If your puppy is attending Foundations training, for the smoothest transition, purchase a hard shell travel crate fitted snugly to your puppy based on measurements. This is the type of crate they will have become accustomed to at Foundations Training. The collar will be for the puppy ID information. Front lead harnesses are best for teaching your puppy not to pull and for having kids walk the dog but only after they have learned how to walk on a leash with either a collar or back lead harness. Schedule a Vet Visit for their 10 week Distemper Shot: This should be given when the puppy is 10 weeks old along with the kennel cough vaccination. At 14 weeks old, the final distemper shot and at 16 weeks old, the rabies vaccination can be given. We will go over this in detail on gotcha day as well. A thin blanket or towel works well. Recently I discovered amazon sells machine washable area rugs in all sizes! This is a critical time for socialization as the window for introducing new people, places, things and animals closes at 16 weeks. If you have kids, this makes for a fun scavenger hunt! Any neighborhood dogs? Schedule play dates! Supervise closely if there is a big difference in size and do make sure the other dogs are up to date on vaccinations. Some trainers are great patient, understands puppy development, love their job vs. Be selective! And, be present unless you have vetted your trainer very well and they have excellent, recent reviews. Private sessions for basic obedience if you prefer should only be in addition to group puppy training, not instead of. Half days are also great! Dog Walkers: There are two kids of dog walker; A. I recommend having the puppy sleep in your room for at least weeks until they have adjusted to life as an independent puppy, without their siblings around them. This visit should be short and full of praise and rewards for being good. Blow dry C. Ears cleaned E. Nails trimmed. Establish with the groomer before you leave your puppy and agree that your puppy is not matted. Groomers shave doodles down for 4 reasons: 1. The boss requires X number of dogs to be groomed per day 4. Your pup is actually matted. If you love certain features ie; brown eyebrows or long eye lashes tell them to keep them! If your puppy is squealing when you brush them, double check that you bought the correct type of brush slicker. Rounded end scissors for trimming around the eyes in between grooming appointments, Nail Trimmers and Kwik Stop: Incase you cut the nail too short by accident and it bleeds. The quick will grow into their nails as their nails get longer. Flea and Tick Preventative: Ticks those nasty little buggers are active anytime the ground thaws, even if there is a one day thaw in February. They work for months! The only exception to this recommendation is if you have children who have hands in their mouth a lot. Tip: leave the collar long enough to allow 7 months of growth! This is a prescription only and you can get it through your vet. Heartguard is not optional! The treatment for heart worms is a series of injections directly into the spine- very painful. Never mind the consequences of having heart worms…which can include death. Foundations Training. .Please see the video below and click this here for more information. This one is magical. .We have our own personal Air Nanny that will fly in person with puppy and she can deliver to your local airport and meet you there. The cost varies and we would need to get you a quote from Brenda if you are interested. What do you recommend for leashes and collars for Standard and Mini Bernedoodle puppies? Leashes, we recommend anything in a Nylon. Mini bernedoodle neck size 8 weeks old - approximately inches. Harness size x-small Standard Bernedoodle neck size inches. Harness size, Small. Which food do you recommend for Mini Bernedoodle puppies and Standard bernedoodle puppies? Feeding schedule-We do graze feeding which is having food available to puppies throughout the day, but none in crate at night. What do you recommend for treats for mini and standard size bernedoodles? We recommend Hills Grain Free Chicken and Carrots, for mini and standard size bernedoodles as these treats are ideal for the sensitive stomach of the bernedoodle breed. Which crate do you recommend for mini and standard size bernedoodles? We recommend a 30 inch tall single or double door, wire crate with a divider for mini bernedoodle puppies. We recommend a 36 inch tall double or single door, wire crate with a divider for Standard size bernedoodle puppies. The divider is recommended to stay in crate until they outgrow the smaller area and require the extra room of the full crate. Which bed do you recommend for mini and standard size bernedoodles? We recommend any Orthopedic bed for your bernedoodle puppy and there are multiple suitable options available. Which toys do you recommend for bernedoodle puppies? At about 6 months of age it is acceptable for more solid toys or bones. What shots have your puppies had prior to going home. What do you do to treat for Giardia and Coccidia in Bernedoodle puppies? We treat them with Metronidazole at 8 weeks old Marquis treatment at 8 weeks old. Panacur at 4, 6 and 8 weeks old. Pros and Cons Dogs were managed for thousands of years using a variety of neck collars. It is still a commonly seen image of a happy pup sitting proudly wearing a collar and a nice shiny name tag. Pulling tightly on the fragile and sensitive area of the throat was likely to contain the dog as they will instinctively look to lessen the strain on their neck and thus come closer to their owner. There is evidence that particularly small breeds such as Miniature Poodles or conversely Miniature Doodle crosses can be subject to damage of their small tracheas throat canals by straining or being pulled via collars. Collars But if collars can potentially cause damage, why are they still in use? Identification Most owners will not leave a harness on their dog all day. They are larger and more likely to cause matting, especially in prolonged wear in dogs with curly coats such as Doodles. Now many a Doodle is an accomplished escape artist and wearing a collar allows for an ID tag to be attached with quick details such as a phone number to aid in catching your little or sometimes very large escapee. Matting Some Doodles no matter how well-fitting the harness or how often they are brushed may just continue to develop matting around their harness. A collar covers less area and generally moves less. Training Needs Some dogs may need closer control when training and used appropriately and under the guidance of a reputable trainer, a collar can sometimes be used for dogs who are not yet comfortable or able to be walked safely in a harness. Likewise, some of the smallest Doodle puppies may not be ready for a harness but still require a means to attach a leash to make them familiar with it. Harnesses Harnesses are not new in the dog world however historically were seen much more in working dogs than your regular family pet. Domestic pet dog harnesses have steadily grown in popularity from the s onwards. There is a whole plethora of different styles, colors, and sizes out there. For the most part, though harnesses can be split into Y-strap and chest strap variations. The idea of this harness is that, when fitted correctly, it allows for normal unrestricted shoulder movements while lessening the strain on the neck. Chest-Strap Harness Chest-Strap Harness Alternatively, the chest strap harness has a strap across the chest area that is often padded. Commonly used in assistance-type dogs or those that pull strongly these are equally as popular. How to Choose? First and foremost if you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a collar or harness for your dog, please discuss it with your vet. No matter what option you go for it is important to ensure it fits properly. Please see below for a table of the average neck sizes and weights of a variety of Doodles to give an indicator of what size they may need.

Both the Boxer and the Mastiff breeds were historically used as protectors or guardians. That means Boxer puppies are highly likely to inherit this instinct to protect and guard their families. This will help them grow into well-rounded and obedient adult dogs. That means shorter walks, no jumping from heights, and feeding a specific dog food designed for larger breeds. They excelled as cattle dogs, watchdogs, police dogs, and guide dogs, as well as serving as war dogs in both world wars. Mastiff type breeds have been around for centuries. Luckily, U. Boxmas dogs are extremely protective of their families Thanks to the fact that both the Mastiff and the Boxer have been bred to instinctively protect their families, Boxmas puppies are highly likely to inherit this same trait. Without these training sessions, their protective instinct can soon turn into aggression. On the flip side, when it comes to mixed breeds, it can be harder to predict particular characteristics of these hybrids in terms of size, appearance, and temperament. This gives them a nice balance between activity and rest. While these dogs are sweet and gentle around their families, their protective natures mean they always want to make sure their owners are safe. The Boxer Mastiff cross is intelligent and will enjoy regular training sessions to keep them mentally as well as physically exercised. Their kind and loving nature make them suitable for life with children, but their large size and sometimes excitable nature means they can sometimes knock small children over! You will need to do a fair amount of training to make sure that family friends are accepted into your home with the minimum of fuss. While you might feel confident around your large-breed Boxmas, bear in mind that their size and stature can make them look intimidating to visitors. Make sure your Boxmas knows not to jump on people. Boxers can sometimes tend to become nervous around other dogs of the same sex. Always make sure to introduce new pets to each other slowly and in a controlled environment. Keep the initial meetings short and sweet, and allow each pet somewhere safe they can retreat to if they feel the need. Things to Know When Owning a Boxmas: Deciding to add a Boxmas to your family is a big decision and requires both time and money. Before you make your mind up for sure, here are a few more things you should know about this breed first. This will have the correct levels of calcium and phosphorous to ensure that their bones grow correctly. It will also have a lower percentage of protein, fat, and calories than foods designed for smaller breed puppies. Your puppy is likely to inherit the work ethic and intelligence of both parent breeds. Boredom sometimes leads to destructive habits, which none of us want to face! Their natural propensity to guard can easily roll over into aggression if not managed properly. Puppy training classes are an excellent way to socialize your puppy while having a professional trainer on hand to help with any specific goals you may have. Praise and positive reinforcement are an excellent tool for Boxmas owners. Raised voices during training can worry a Mastiff and may cause them to become disengaged. We reviewed the best puppy training treats: check out our top picks here! A weekly brush should be enough to keep them looking healthy. When they shed, which will be twice a year, you can up your grooming sessions to help remove any dead hair. If your Boxmas puppy inherits a more Mastiff-shaped head from one of their parents, then be prepared for the fact that you might need to deal with drool! Mastiffs are notorious droolers, often choosing to stand close to you while they do so! You can also check their nails at the same time, but these should only need trimming once a month or so. Luckily in the case of the Boxmas, this is also true. Minor Conditions. Rescue Me! Grooming Your Mastiff Mixed With Boxer Boxer Mastiffs are easy to groom overall but generally shed in large amounts, which is why you should schedule days that you thoroughly brush their fur. Daily brushing is essential even for your short hair because it eliminates and lessens dirt accumulation as well as hair accumulation in the house. Ear and teeth hygiene should be an everyday priority to avoid dirt and bacterial accumulation in the ears and cavities or tartar, which could lead to infections in the future. Some of the conditions to take note of are: Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic disease wherein there is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, which causes immense pain for the dog. If left untreated may cause crippling and painful arthritis of the joints. Due to excessive gastric content, the stomach of the dog becomes overstretched. It may cause severe pain when moving. Ectropion: This condition is more common in Mastiffs. The lower eyelids appear droopy due to an abnormality and may result in conjunctivitis or keratitis. Make sure you make arrangements with members of the family to ensure an adequately measured amount of food for your puppy. Choose gifts that have low calories instead, so that obesity is avoidable. The best choice of food would be those that are rich in protein for proper muscle building and repairing. Protein can be obtained through dog food alone, or you could ask your local vet for additional snacks and supplements. You can find protein in meat such as chicken, lamb, fish, and beef. Meat meals are concentrated forms sans the moisture but offer the same amount of protein as well. Fats are essential for eye and brain development because of the rich sources of Omega-3 Fatty acids. Chicken meat and fish oil are excellent sources. Avoid giving your Boxmas foods rich in common allergens such as corn, soy, dairy, wheat, and potatoes. Also refrain from giving any food coloring, as these may compromise the immune system. Never give them table food because it might cause different allergic reactions ranging from skin allergies to difficulty in breathing. To give your Boxer crossed with Mastiff better nutrition, check the following high quality and nutrient-packed dog food available on the market: Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold Formula: This is a brand that ensures there are no allergens or irritants included. Specially formulated for puppies who are known to grow over fifty pounds, protein and fat levels are moderately incorporated. DHA-rich salmon oil is a bonus for brain and eye development. There are additional vitamins and antioxidants as well as a grain-free formula. Protein and fat levels are lower compared to different brands in the market but still packed with needed nutrients and vitamins to ensure proper growth and development. Royal Canin Boxer Adult Dry Food: This product boasts of high-quality proteins and nutrients, as well as the incorporation of L-carnitine. This combination helps your Mastiff mixed with Boxer maintain its overall built, burn fat efficiently, and avoid obesity. Orijen Puppy Large: The ingredients are fresh and high in protein. It consists of chicken and turkey, as well as fish. Your dog may be big or small, but you need to keep it happy and healthy all the time. Never give them the worst dry dog food that is low in nutrients and filled with by-products, and opt for best dry dog food instead. For the littlest of munchkins, check out our list of best puppy food brands , and for gray-coated, wise grandpa-doggos, opt only for the best senior dry dog food. Your stunning mixed heartthrob carries the genes of their super-gorgeous and incredibly different parents. But that means that you are in luck as you can offer your little charmer both the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food. Let them have a final say in which kibble they nibble. In line with the diet, also schedule a daily exercise regimen for your Boxmas. They are highly energetic and exuberant by nature, which means they require at least an hour of intense activities and exercises. This program includes running, walking, playing fetch, obedience exercises, and jogging. Never contain your Boxer crossed with Mastiff in a small space such as apartments or condos. Fulfill their need to stay fit by choosing a home that has adequate running space if you plan to adopt a Boxmas. Another option is to take trips to the park or jog around the neighborhood. If left idle for too long, they can be agitated or easily distracted and tend to destroy or chew on things out of frustration. Here are some toys to help exercise your Boxmas: OxGord BazooK-9 Tennis Ball Launcher Gun: Since your hybrid is energetic and loves running, this tennis ball launcher is a perfect toy when visiting parks or playing in the backyard. Invest in this versatile product so that it also saves you energy from having to throw the ball. It prevents the potential risk for periodontal disease. KONG Wubba Dog Toy: Made of nylon and has two balls inside one chewable and one squeaky , the Wubba dog toy will be a Boxmas favorite because of its durability and appearance. There is no need to continually throw away and replace toys when you purchase this product. Your hybrid will engage in chewing and decrease any risks of periodontal diseases as well. It can be a challenge for most owners because of the intelligence plus energetic combo, but with patience and determination, your hybrid will follow proper orders in no time. Boxers are easy to lead and train. This trait will save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure to familiarize yourself and your pup with play biting and attacking an intruder or stranger. If you can, plan for the whole week instead. It can be a challenge to keep their attention focused on the training, but with perseverance and patience, everything will eventually pay off. Encourage positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement will always be one of the best and most endorsed strategies to train a dog because it taps into the mental aspect. Your hybrid will automatically think that the specific actions you want your dog to do will earn a treat. Apply this in all tricks and strategies you wish to impart. Another thing to remember is always to have a big space for them to move around when around children to avoid any unwanted accidents. Your hybrid is a large dog and might be prone to crashes if confined in a small space. You can renovate your backyard and put obstacles or toys, or you may visit the park and play with other dogs. But in general, Boxer Mastiffs are very loyal, fun, active, and protective. The temperament from both parent breeds ensures that there is no aggressiveness or violence along with, of course, proper training. Older members of the family can pitch in and help training the big fellow, and this also allows more exposure to different people. This plan will avoid the unwanted one-owner type of dog in the future, as well as agitation and idleness. As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure a healthy diet, proper living space, frequent trips to the vet, and specific training to help your hybrid live the best years of its life. These tough looking dogs are a unique breed of dogs having the soul of gold and heart of steel. These massive and powerful boxer bullmastiff mix is darker in appearance and has a flat forehead with a large skull. Dark hazel colored eyes grant them stunning look and they keep their V-shaped ears quite high. On the top of icing, these leave no stone unturned to rapidly become the friend of your children and amaze them with their outstanding activities. Their fearless nature makes them the best guard of your home. Worthy to have at home! Bullmastiff Boxer Mix Puppies One of their most distinctive and likable qualities is their care and love for the puppies. They love to have a playful interaction with their puppies and keep a strong affectionate bonding with them. Bullmastiff boxer mix puppies are quite energetic and are seemed to be involved in healthy playing activities. They can easily win the heart of your children through their innocence and beautiful appeal. This strong and muscular dog enjoys a tall body, medium length ears, cropped tail, long legs and big paws. They usually have short to medium coat which can be of black, brown and white color. These should be taken on routine walks and exercise. They take a keen interest in outdoor activities and enjoy it a lot. Bullmastiff boxer Mix Brindle The bullmastiff boxer mix brindle secures an eminent and well-known position as a haunting guard. This dark colored bullmastiff boxer mix accompanies the cops and army in order to aid them. In addition to this, they are proved to be the reliable guardian and family companion. They do not bite the intruders and for this proper training is provided to them. This alert guard dog is devoted and represent good nature temperament. They show great interest in socializing with children and other pets at such an early stage of their life. Boxer Mastiff Mix Average Weight The boxer mastiff mix average weight is generally a bit more than other breeds due to its long height. The average weight of a male and female can range from 50 to 60kg and 45 to 54 kg respectively. Feed your mastiff boxer mix properly in order to keep him healthy. Also, try to keep the weight of your mastiff boxer mix into strict notice. As this breed of dog is a taller one, hence they should represent a great weight too. They easily gain weight hence, they should not be overfed. Being underweight or sudden reduction in weight indicates poor health condition. Consult the veterinarian if the weight of boxer mastiff mix does fall in the normal range. Their lifespan is 10 to 12 years just like other boxers.

And we can certainly understand why! Goldendoodles have the sweetest temperament, high levels of intelligence, and their signature low-shedding coats. However, it might not be as easy to find an ethical Goldendoodle breeder in PA. The growing popularity of Doodles has also attracted unethical breeders and puppy mills who only do this for the sake of their own financial gain. Beware of irresponsible Amish and Mennonite breeders, who are notorious for running puppy mill operations. This is not to say that all Amish and Mennonite breeders are running puppy mills — just that they are known for doing so. Screening the parent pups is the best way of minimizing the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions , such as hip dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases, heart problems, and so on. Health guarantees should always come in written form and with your adoption documents. Many Goldendoodle breeders in PA post their customer testimonials on their websites. However, we recommend you do an additional search on Google, Yelp. Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , or Reddit. In fact, this breeder created the very first litter of Mini Goldendoodles, ever! Located in the neighboring state of West Virginia, you simply cannot miss this exceptional breeding program. Especially considering that they provide car delivery service for their Goldendoodles to PA! Fox Creek Farm specializes in breeding Multigenerational Goldendoodles of all sizes. Their adorable pups come in beautiful coat colors, such as cream, apricot, red, and the parti pattern. They aim to produce low to non-shedding pups, and specializing in Multigenerational Goldendoodles helps them achieve just that. They raise their dogs in a really nice nursery-type facility where the puppies have hour care and are never left alone. Their pups are raised with the help of the Puppy Culture program , which includes crate training, potty training, early socialization, and Early Neurological Stimulation ENS. Not to mention, many other enrichment protocols to set their pups up for success. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Needless to say, all of their puppies are born from thoroughly health screened parent dogs. Waitlist: Yes. For the most part, this article will take you through some of the best breeders in the state that will offer you a quality Mini Goldendoodle puppy. So keep reading to learn more. Generally, finding your desired dog can be an overwhelming and lengthy process. Consequently, finding a breeder that will offer you exactly what you want can be difficult. Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent and friendly dogs; you must consider their personality when buying one. Furthermore, most of the breeding dogs at Bear River Doodles live in their home as family members. Other puppies live in guardian homes but come to raise their pups in their home. They raise their litter in their home and introduce them to different sounds they will hear when they finally move to their permanent homes. Socializing your Mini Goldendoodle puppy to various sounds early will make it less fearful and anxious later in life. The dogs are also trained and socialized with other pets. The fee is applied to the total purchase of the puppy. Therefore, each Mini Goldendoodle puppy has a two-year health warranty against genetic illnesses. Their puppies are vaccinated before they are sold out. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Erie Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Mini Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Mini Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Mini Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Mini Goldendoodles these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Mini Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Mini Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Mini Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Mini Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Mini Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. He is very protective of his people. Mini Australian Shepherd Pups. She is very friendly and playful. Without proper training, GSD can also be rambunctious, destructive of. They became dogs of the Chinese Royalty by the s. We are accepting applications for adoption! Aussies are good-tempered, multi-colored stock dogs with a soul-piercing gaze. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale grow up to weigh between pounds and stand inches in height. Find Blue Merle Australian Shepherds. Aussies generally live for years on average. However, free Aussie dogs and puppies are a rarity as rescues usually Should be small under 18 lbs. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale. The Standard Australian. The Australian Shepherd is actually an all-American dog, bred to work on ranches out west. This Aussie puppy will have been through our Dominion Puppy program by time of sale. Look at our super-cute Aussie puppies ready for their forever home! German Shepherd; Shepherd mix. They also tend to be a good fit for hiking, playing frisbee or fetch, training for dog sports, and more. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Walnut is a mini-Aussie and weighs 22 lbs, two blue eyes and is 10 months old. Australian Shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. More from DogsNow. However, free Aussie dogs and puppies are a rarity as rescues. There are many dogs that need good homes and loving families. Looking for Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Georgia? A mini Australian Shepherd for sale Atlanta, as the name implies, is smaller than a standard Aussie. They have their first shots and are routinely dewormed. Find Australian Shepherds for sale near you or sell to local buyers. Adopt Australian Shepherd Dogs in Georgia. Australian Shepherd Puppies. They are intelligent, loyal, and brave, making them excellent protectors and companions. We have been active in dog rescue for years doing fostering and transport and involved with evacuations of dogs from hoarding situations. Both parents on premises and pictured. Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale Atlanta come in various sizes, colors, and styles, including red merle, blue merle, solid black, and more. Find your Aussie puppy today! Please contact me on my cell XXXX. Australian Shepherd Dog 2 You will find Australian Shepherd Dog dogs for adoption and puppies for sale under the listings here. Rather, it was bred in the United States by Basque shepherds who emigrated to America after settling in Australia for a short period of. She'll be vaccinated and fully dewormed with her tail docked. Great with my female dogs but occasionally… View Details. Looking for the perfect Australian Shepherd puppy? This affectionate dog is cheerful and puppy like into adulthood. We have a litter of 9 Australian Shepherd pure breed puppies waiting there new homes, they. If you are unable to find your Australian Shepherd puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Australian Shepherd Dogs for Adoption. Bella will be available for pickup January 23 if shipping then January 30th. Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale in OH Australian Shepherds or Aussies are lean, medium, bobtailed dogs and a cowboy favorite for guarding and herding at ranches, rodeos, and horse shows. Dogs for Sale and Adoption. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Their Australian Shepherds vary; a. Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years Considering this breed? Miniature Australian Shepherd. Artificial Inseminations. Tags: puppies. There are 3 boy more more 26 Australian Shepherd Intact Blue. Find Australian Shepherd puppies for sale. You will have a better chance of getting a happy, healthy, well-behaved dog. Purebred Australian Shepherds For Sale. Bella is a beautiful Australian Shepherd puppy. Gorgeous puppies! An Aussie puppy for sale is a strikingly. So very loving And Great family dogs. Clayton County, Jonesboro, GA. Also included in the sell price is either 4 follow up private. Forsyth County, Cumming, GA. Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale. History: Despite what the breed name suggests, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. Aussies are great family companions, best with active families or highly interactive singles. Puppies born end of January. Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years Considering this breedContact us today to learn more about our puppies. Contact us today to learn more about our puppies. Silver German Shepherds are relatively rare, which can lead the breeders to pump up their price. Miniature Australian Shepherd Mix puppies for sale! Find for sale for sale in Atlanta, GA. Australian Shepherds or Aussies are lean, medium, bobtailed dogs and a cowboy favorite for guarding and herding at ranches, rodeos, and horse. Tails docked, dew claws have been. They are intelligent, loyal, and energetic and make great pets for families with children. Sorry, no Australian Shepherd puppies are available in Georgia at this time. Female, 11 Weeks Old. Please call or text me at xxx-xxx-xxxx for more information. Showcasing a beautiful selection of puppy dogs for sale , our pups are brimming with lots of love and cuteness. Our main focus is to specialize in providing long-haired, black. Find your Aussie puppy. Registration: Other Registration. If you're interested, you can find many mini Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Atlanta right here on Uptown from trusted. Dugan Urbana, OH .Finest shih tzu puppies for sale in Westchester New York from reputable breeders. Corgis are one of the most Instagram-able breeds in the world, and for good reason! He loves to give lots of kisses and cuddle! The Louisville Maltipoo puppies for sale on the Uptown network are a designer breed. Rats hate the smell of all types of mint, cat urine, moth balls and ammonia. They are sweet, playful, and full of life! At Premier Pups, we partner with the nation's top breeders to deliver you the cutest Morkies. 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Puppies for Sale At PuppySpot, we know that our exclusive network of breeders produces the best dogs. Also, be sure to check the Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that. They're energetic and playful, while rocking a glorious mane that recalls their royal roots. Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale near Fawn Creek, Kansas. Take a look at the a-dog-able puppies for sale. Dogs and Puppies for Sale from Reputable Breeders. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Chicago, Illinois. Find buyers in your area for your pets. The outgoing, gentle, eager-to-please Terrier has impeccable manners and is beloved as an amusing non-sporting companion. Adoptable Dogs in Your Local Shelter. Puppies for Sale near Chicago, Illinois. Izzy is outgoing, friendly, sweet and so smart. 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You will find dogs for sale and puppies for. That's why every puppy for sale is given a complete nose-to-tail checkup before being delivered. Showing puppies Sort by Featured. Dogs and Puppies for Sale There are ads all over the internet of dogs for sale and newborn puppies for sale, however, pet parents often overlook adopting a four-legged family member from an animal shelter or rescue group when exploring how to search for dogs and puppies for sale. Whether you have one pet to sell or are a professional breeder, you need a way to get your pets out into the local community. Top 15 Most Popular Mixed. Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale. Doberman Pinscher for sale. Then click on the breed name of your choice. Please note, these dogs are from rescues and shelters nationwide and are not available through the ASPCA. If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near. Boston Terrier Puppies for Sale The Boston Terrier, dubbed "The American Gentleman," sports a low-shedding tuxedo coat, friendly, round eyes and a short corkscrew or curly tail. Begin a search for puppies on Petfinder in your area. Use the nationwide database of dogs looking for good homes below! About Us. Find Local Puppies for sale. Puppies for Sale Find the perfect puppy for you and your family. All the brilliant breeders you find on Pets4You want the best homes for their beloved pups, so they will help with everything you need before you choose your dream dog. Pitbull Puppies for Sale Near Me. Calm and playful Maltipoo Temperament. To get you started on how to adopt a puppy, follow these 5 steps to bringing a puppy home. Bred by reputable breeders at Premier Pups. Find Puppies in your area and helpful tips and info. We then back that up with a full year health commitment. Urgent Need for Pet Adoption. Quickly Find Local Pets for Sale A classified site for pets is priceless when you are looking for a specific type of pet, such as a turtle, snake, hamster, parrot, dog, cat, and more. Showing 1 - 21 of Chihuahua puppy litters. You will find dogs for sale and puppies for adoption in our listings. All pups are family raised, cared for, and loved on. Puppies for sale in Ohio. Ohio, also known known as the " Buckeye State " is well known for being the birthplace of seven U. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Check out our website today!! Find Pomeranian puppies for sale. Find Dachshund puppies for saleNear Ohio. Find your Yorkshire Terrier puppy for sale in Ohio. Ohio Shih Tzu Classifieds Hoobly. Cavalier king charles breeder. Bearded Collie puppies and dogs in Sylvania, Ohio. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Brussels Griffon near you. Ultra-petite, the Pomeranian is active, easy to train and enjoys the outdoors, but also loves to curl up on the couch. New puppies available every day in Ohio and Indiana! Choose from puppies. We only offer dogs for adoption from reputable family breeders we know and trust. Here at Henry AKC Goldens we pride ourselves in providing families with high quality puppies that are given. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Good Dog helps you find Collie puppies for sale near Ohio. Check out our list of reputable Ohio Doberman breeders below and find your perfect puppy. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Bullmastiff puppies for sale in Ohio from trusted breeders. For any other information, contact Rebecca .Labrador Retriever Puppies. All of our pups are house raised for optimal socialization. This little guy is also pretty playful. Breeders on our site are located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Bernese Mountain Dog near you. Eye Examination by Ophthalmologist. Find puppies from responsible breeders and shelters near you. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. We understand that choosing a puppy for your family is a big deal and sometimes you just need to cuddle them in person, which is why we are happy to schedule a puppy visit for you. Dogs and Puppies, Goldendoodle. Adopt a puppy or dog in Ohio Shelters and rescues in Ohio Search for a puppy or dog Learn more about dog breeds Puppies and dogs in Ohio cities Adopt a dog in Ohio These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Ohio. Here at Five Star Pups, we pride ourselves in providing top-quality puppies along with our undeniable customer service. Originally raised in Germany to help with hunting, the iconic Dachshund has short little legs and a long body, along with a strong personality. Search for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy or dog. Our staff will make sure you are comfortable and prepared to take your puppy to their forever home. Kate's Puppies is located in the sprawling farmlands of rural Sugarcreek, Ohio. For more information or to schedule a visit with me, please contact Barb Monday through Saturday. Welcome to Maple Grove Cavaliers! We as a family love our dogs and give them excellent care. All females are on site and you are welcome to meet them if you would like to do so! Goldens are merry companions that act like puppies well into adulthood. Our Wire Fox Terrier puppies are lovingly raised in our home until they become cherished members of your family. All the puppies at Hidden View Farms are raised with love and care and are well-socialized with humans and other animals. Scottie, Scottish Terrier puppies and dogs in Reading, Ohio. No puppies where found matching. Also, we'll include a small package of puppy food to get your puppy started on a proper diet. Through Good Dog's community of trusted Collie breeders in Ohio, meet the Collie puppy meant for you and start the application process today. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Cincinnati, Ohio. Our puppies are free to romp and play on our acres of land, reaping the benefits of fresh air and nature Our Puppies Responsibly Raised Our family-owned business has been preparing puppies for their forever homes since .Their energy, quirky personalities, shenanigans, inquisitive nature and overall intelligence made him fall in love with this breed. Good Dog helps you find Miniature Pinscher puppies for sale near Ohio. Presidents it has produced and its loyal College Football fans. Puppies for Sale. To see more adoptable Yorkie, Yorkshire Terriers in Ohio, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Our fur babies are healthy, well socialize, and are used to being around children. Our puppies range in color from creams to dark reds. Doberman Breeders List in Ohio. We welcome any customers to come and visit our home in Central Ohio. We specialize in multiple breeds of puppies such as Bernese Mountain dogs and Golden Retreivers! We are a family operation and each member raises puppies as a hobby. We are a hobby breeder located in west central Ohio about 45 minutes west of Columbus. Scottie, Scottish Terrier puppies and dogs in Oxford, Ohio. We're happy to help you, so please allow us to keep providing you with the information you need. View popular breeds like Labs and German Shepherds. Miniature Pinscher puppies for sale in Ohio from trusted breeders. To learn more about the puppies that we have available, please call us at Only the best for our pups We make a promise to our customers to never sell dogs from puppy mills. These are a few of the best Wheaten Terrier breeders in Ohio. Goldendoodle puppies ready for their new homes. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. We Are Family We are blessed to call our dogs family. Check out our Purchasing Process page for more information on puppy deposits, the purchase process, and shipping information. When you trust us as your small dog breeder, you can rest assured that your new puppy will be a healthy, happy, and loving addition to your family. OH Find Bullmastiff puppies for sale Near Ohio Affectionate and mild-mannered at home, the Bullmastiff has a strong and serious work ethic. Golden Retrievers are among America's most popular breeds. We can't wait to help you find the perfect addition to your family! You can contact any breeder to get the best quality puppies in the state. Devoted, smart, and friendly, these eager-to-please double-coated gundogs excel in hunting, obedience, field trials, and guiding the blind. Contact us at to set up a visit. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Scottie, Scottish Terrier near you. Thank you for choosing Ohio Puppy! Dogs and Puppies, Goldendoodle We have 2 puppies looking for loving caring homes , serious inquiries only please ,lets not waste time! Wire Hair Fox Terrier Puppy. Through Good Dog's community of trusted Miniature Pinscher breeders in Ohio, meet the Miniature Pinscher puppy meant for you and start the application process today. We are a small, hometown breeder offering Labrador retriever puppies for sale in Ohio. Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint. Black akc champion bloodline labrador retriever puppies ready April 10th. Printable version Email this Page. Looking for a Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier puppy or dog in Ohio? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier near you. Greenfield Puppies has been finding loving homes for puppies for over a decade. Similarly, a dog without the freedom to exercise, run around, and play in the fresh air could be bored, lazy, or frustrated. Rich started breeding Wire Fox Terriers in the late 90's. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Bearded Collie near you. French Bulldog Breeder Woodland Frenchies Ohio We would love for you to give us a call or schedule a time to meet our puppies at our family home! Fairborn, OH .Puppy Breeder in Lancaster OH. Find your Belgian Malinois puppy for sale in Ohio. This self-assured breed does best with moderate exercise and proper socialization. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Ohio from trusted breeders. Get your perfect puppy from the nation's most reputable breeders. Open 7 days a week 11 AM to 6. OH Find Lhasa Apso puppies for sale Near Ohio Although the Lhasa is best known for its jovial nature, this breed is highly confident, trainable, and clever. All Sunday calls will be returned on Monday. They excel at agility, scent work, and do very well as therapy dogs. Here at Henry AKC Goldens we pride ourselves in providing families with high quality puppies that are given the love and attention every puppy deserves. Ohio Dogs and Puppies Classifieds Hoobly. Puppies for Sale from Cincinnati, Ohio Breeders. Dachshund puppies for sale in Ohio from trusted breeders. Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier puppies and dogs in Ohio. Puppies for sale Columbus, Ohio. Descendent of large sled dogs, the Pomeranian is a sociable dog with a lush coat of hair. Brussels Griffon puppies and dogs in Uhrichsville, Ohio. Every puppy buyer should start here! Explore small breed puppies for sale, from Teacup Pomeranian to Toy Cavapoo. We cherish our puppies from birth up until they leave our arms to snuggle into yours! To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details. Browse puppies for sale Over 10, puppies and dogs waiting for you. Find your new puppy here! Check out our Purchasing Process page for more information on puppy deposits, the. Cardington, OH .We expect every breeder to comply with all state laws and follow. Our puppies are free to romp and play on our acres of land, reaping the benefits of fresh air. Should be about lbs when full-grown. He will be up to date on shots and de-wormings. Puppies for Sale. This breed is both intelligent and. In contrast, buying German Shepherd Dogs from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Puppies come with UTD shots, vet check, deworming and puppy packets! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. The plot is approx 1km off the C which has been recently tarmacked. Deposits are not refunded after Nov 30 to reduce the rehoming cost for the pup to find a home quickly. German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale. Find your new German Shepherd puppy here! Kitengela 4 bedrooms villas for sale near Total at .Belgian Malinois for Sale near me. Find Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful information. Date available: —. Australian Cattle Dog - Blue Heeler. We own a male German Shepherd and a female. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. Golden Shepherd Puppies, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Labrador Mix Puppies For Sale. Border Collie Puppies For Sale. Australian Retriever Puppies for Sale. Puppies for Sale Pawrade connects pawsome people like you with happy, healthy puppies for sale from our respected, prominent breeder relationships we've established over the last 15 years. Belgian Shepherd for Sale. Feel free to browse classifieds placed by German Shepherd dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Mixed Breed Dogs for Sale. English Cream Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Find your new puppy here! The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Golden Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Although they are not recognized by the. Wisconsin German Shepherd Rescue. Printable version Email this Page. Expected May Contact for more. Deposits are not refunded after Nov 30 to reduce the rehoming cost for the pup to find. Chow Chows also have a shortened muzzle that stands out from other family members. Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Golden Shepherd puppies for sale! German Shepherd Dog Puppies. A Chow is further characterized by a compact and powerful body with a long sturdy neck, dark oval-shaped eyes, muscular shoulders, straight hocks, and a broad deep chest. Showing 1 - 19 of 25, results. Whether you're an active family with kids or an individual in need of a running buddy, the Golden Shepherd is an excellent choice. This breed is both intelligent and loyal and adores all children. We own a male German Shepherd and a female Golden Retriever! Together, they make beautiful puppies! All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Our listings are from top breeders from around the. Feel free to browse classifieds placed by German Shepherd dog breeders in Pa. German Shepherd mix Name: Ned Age: 1. No puppies are available. Chow Chow Puppies for Sale. Kenya Dog Breeders and. She needed a home when » Read more ». Golden Shepherd Breed Information and Pictures on …. Golden Shepherd Puppies for Sale 4. Farms for sale in Kajiado. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Raised on 5 acres with room to roam and small children. Golden Retriever mix Puppies for Sale. Australian Cattle Dog Mix. The cheapest offer starts at KSh 25, Dog lovers in kenya. Saint Bernard Puppies For Sale. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Email Puppy GoldenShepherdPup. Contact for more information Ann. Located only 13 kms from Kimana Gate is this lovely block of acres of land. Athyvine Kennel, Kitengela, Kajiado county, Nairobi .This breed is usually 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 40 to 70 pounds. Join our community of paw lovers across the U. Golden Shepherd puppies for sale! If you are unable to find your Golden Shepherd puppy in our Puppy for Sale or.

Varying characteristics affect the cost of the Maltipoo puppies. These factors can influence how much a Maltipoo costs from each breeder. While some may be genuine, not all posts show accurate depictions of the puppies for sale. Maltipoo puppy costs stack up. An expensive breed! Usually, private citizens or non-professional breeders post classified ads. For this reason, it is critical to research and ask as many questions as you can to ensure you are not getting scammed. Puppy mills and negligent home breeders often post classified ads to sell their pups, and if you are not careful, you could spend quite a bit of money on a puppy with serious health issues. When purchasing a dog from a classified ad or a Craigslist posting, do not trust breeders who offer or suggest meeting you halfway or in public places. People who suggest meeting up to sell you a puppy, often do not want you to see where or how the puppy has been raised. Requesting health guarantees and information on the breeder and their breeding standards can make purchasing a Maltipoo safe and secure. Remember, if a Maltipoo is priced low, there is usually a reason! I would recommend going with your gut and ensuring you get a reputable breeder. A cream or light brown wavy coated Maltipoo puppy. This super cutie will likely be non-shedding and may be hypoallergenic. Maltipoo Rescues Maltipoo rescues are great for those looking to adopt a specific breed. Many times rescues house a particular breed and rehome them once they are fit for adoption. Prices at rescues are significantly lower than at privatized breeders. When adopting from a rescue , you can find the most loving dogs looking for their forever homes. I think it is a great way to form a lasting bond with an animal that needs a secure attachment with you. So, how much does a Maltipoo cost at a rescue? A fully grown apricot color Maltipoo. Trending towards a tan or brown coat. Maltipoos are lovable puppies that do not often end up in shelters, so finding one may be difficult. You can always ask your local shelter to add you to a waiting list. When a Maltipoo comes in and is available for adoption, they will call you to see the puppy. Puppies are usually more expensive than senior dogs. Shelters also host discount adoption specials when their facilities become overcrowded. Some shelter dogs are skittish or timid, and some do better in homes that do not have small children or other animals. Every dog is different. Making sure you are a match with the adoptive pup eliminates the shelter cycle and the need for potential rehoming. A young woman taking care of dogs in an animal shelter. There are a lot of crucial factors in adopting a puppy. A truly all black Maltipoo coat is rare Ask Questions When visiting a Maltipoo rescue facility or a shelter, it is important to ask many questions about the adoptive dog and the facility. Ask about medications the dog has been on and whether or not a dog has been spayed or neutered. Many shelters today use microchips , and this can be life-saving if your dog gets lost or stolen. A super happy Maltipoo puppy Research the Breeder Responsible breeders with an established, lucrative business can create their adoption processes. Most trusted breeders will have potential pet parents fill out an application before setting up a meet-and-greet. This process is the easiest way to weed out pet parents who they feel may not be the best match for one of their pups. Some breeders request photos or additional information about where the puppy will live and what conditions they will remain in throughout their life. For example, some breeders want to know if applicants live in an apartment or a house. They ask about fenced yards, other animals living in the home, whether or not the family has children, and whether or not the dog will be left home alone for extended periods. A breeder who cares will make you jump through hoops to qualify to adopt one of their puppies. Do not let that frustrate you, it just means they truly care about their animals. Their goal is to breed healthy puppies and match them with families so that everyone is happy. This honesty gives pet parents a sense of security and safety, knowing they are bringing home a happy, healthy puppy. A woman is filling out a dog adoption form. Respectful and responsible breeders will offer any health-related information upfront. This information will let you weigh the options and risks that may be associated with your particular Maltipoo and decide whether or not you want to move forward with purchasing or adopting the puppy. A Maltipoo puppy posing for the camera. Inspect Photos When purchasing a puppy from an online breeder or a marketplace advertisement, it is important to inspect the photos of the Maltipoos. If the background of the photo looks misleading, then it probably is. If the puppy looks unkempt or as if it is living in a small, dirty room, or unclean cage, this may not be the most trusted breeder to buy a puppy from. Searching dog information, breeders and rescues online. Estimated Costs of Owning a Maltipoo Spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on your Maltipoo is not the only cost associated with owning one. Consider these annual costs: Item. What are you planning to buy — a Maltese poodle or a Maltese puppy? Yes, these are two different breeds. Both are incredibly playful, intelligent, curious, loving, and obedient dogs. As a first-time Maltese buyer, we understand you may be harbouring several queries such as what is the average cost, are they good pets, should you buy them, and so on. We will answer all your questions, but one by one. Becoming a parent to a Maltese poodle or a puppy is undoubtedly overwhelming. However, you must consider certain factors before going ahead with the purchase. Remember, the initial cost is not the only price you incur. Maintenance costs are also included. Certain costs for maintaining the Maltese breeds include grooming, veterinary, training, and lifestyle expenditures. But before you finalise the deal, verify whether or not the puppy has papers, is vaccinated and other such necessary things. Buying a puppy with papers may excite you as they come at a lower price, but you must buy one with the papers. Why Are Maltese So Expensive? I talked to my friends who own Maltese, and here are the costs they came up with. Grooming expenses Maltese do not have an undercoat. As a result, they do not shed and are hypoallergenic. However, brushing is an everyday necessity for a Maltese puppy. You can skip it with a Maltese poodle; times a week is sufficient. But if you buy a white coloured Maltese poodle, dirt is easily visible, which means you have to pay extra attention to the maintenance. Training Cost Maltese are one of the easiest breeds to train. Show them a treat, and they are ready to follow your instructions. You may also consider a trainer. Medical Cost In the first year, a minimum of three vet trips is vital. The appointment includes physical checkups, flea prevention, heartworm prevention, essential vaccines including rabies , and a faecal examination. Vaccination visits are additional. Accessories No pet parent can stop himself from pampering such an adorable and affectionate breed. If your Maltese has long hair, it is tempting to accessorise it with clips, bows and elastic bands. Food Cost Regular meals are important, or else your poodle may lack some important vitamins and nutrients. Feed him healthy food. These expenditures on raising your Maltese puppies vary due to several reasons, namely: Breeder Each breeder will price Maltese differently. Reputed Maltese breeders that also ensure the pedigree and the lineage of the breed are undoubtedly expensive. But these are truly worth the price as the puppies are well cared for. However, if your pocket does not allow it, then go for puppy mills and Maltese backyard breeders. Age The cost of a Maltese puppy is relatively more than an adult Maltese dog. The reason lies in the preference for puppies among the buyers. The higher the demand, the higher the price. Interestingly, a female puppy is costlier than a male puppy. Location The price of a Maltese poodle varies from place to place. This difference is due to the demand and also availability of the pup in that area. Are Maltese Poodles Good Dogs? As Maltese poodles are a mixed breed, they inherit qualities of both breeds. They are charming and love spending time with the owner. Besides this, they love attention. So, shower them with your care, treats and rewards and they will reciprocate it with affection. Early socialisation makes these well behaved around other dogs and humans. Also, Maltese poodles are less stubborn than the purebred Maltese. But both are equally impressive. Do Maltese Make Good Pets? Maltese poodles make great companions, and you can also train them for therapeutic purposes. In addition, they are friendly and affectionate to all those they meet. They love staying indoors; all they need is a little exercise and some company. Since they are an intelligent breed and learn everything quickly, training them is extremely easy. Most owners find them comfortable in all situations, even outside the home. Maltese are wonderful miniature dogs. Their size makes them great for apartments and small houses. And if you are a patient person, you can be an excellent parent to Maltese as they tend to be a little stubborn sometimes. Nonetheless, they are considered dogs of royalty and will make you feel nothing but regal. Wrapping up We agree Maltese is a relatively expensive breed. However, the breed has a great personality and are cheerful. They are active, loving and extremely easy-going puppies you would love to take home for your kids and family. So, without a second thought, you must buy one today. Just keep in mind all the information we have provided you with. Katie D. My name is Katie, and I have had different pets at home for as long as I can remember. While I can definitely say I love all animals in general, my heart belongs to cats and dogs. I know you are supposed to choose one or the other, but I could never really decide. Post navigation. The age of the dog largely affects the monthly cost. As your dog ages, expect to pay more per month on medications and vet visits. Teacup Maltese are especially sickly. Their sickly disposition means that you should expect to pay more for health care with a Maltese than other healthier breeds. Even if your Maltese is pretty healthy, you will have to pay for vaccines, flea visits, and other basic health care necessities. Luckily, the small size of the Maltese means that the dog eats less food than larger breeds. We recommend splurging on Maltese food. The better the food quality, the healthier your dog will be. Not only does this mean you will have more time with your Maltese, but it also means you will save money in medical bills. Think of high-grade food as an investment. Of course, you could always groom your Maltese at home if you buy the proper tools, such as scissors, combs, and tear stain remover. You will need to give your Maltese a bath once a month, trim their nails once a month, and keep their coat trimmed a respectable length. Even if you have a healthy dog, you will have to pay for basic vaccinations and tick and flea medicine. Flea treatments may be required every month or every other month, depending on the treatment type. Vet visits will not be necessary every month either. If your dog is healthy, you only need to take them once a year for an annual check up. Your vet will give needed vaccines and prescriptions then. Pet insurance will help you out in the case that your dog gets sick. Add money to this account when you can and withdrawal on a rainy day. Both of these ideas are optional, but they are recommended. Whereas you have to buy kitty litter and other basics every month if you own a cat, environmental maintenance is much more optional with the dog. However, you might want to get deodorizing spray, lint rollers, and other little devices to make the home cleaner for you and your Maltese. Definitely opt for doggy bags! Luckily, their small size means that you can entertain them in multiple affordable ways. You could also buy a subscription box if you would like. Not to mention, it is super fun to watch your Maltese play with these new toys, making subscription boxes a little treat for you too. Splurging on food may be a great idea to help save money on their vet visits, which can be a big expense as well. Additional Costs to Factor In There are also some other random factors you may want to consider. For example, you will have to hire a dog sitter or a kennel to watch your dog if you leave. You may also have to pay for furniture repair whenever you are first training your Maltese. These factors will not be a monthly occurrence, but they will happen enough that you do need to think about them. Having a savings account for your Maltese can really help out for these sorts of instances. Owning a Maltese on a Budget If you are on a really tight budget, you need to be smart when buying a Maltese. As we learned, Maltese can be expensive. You can go to a local shelter and look for adult Maltese. This can be a great way to rescue a Maltese without spending a fortune. You may want to look for male Maltese as well. If you want to make the most of both of these tips, you can look for an adult male Maltese. Adult males will be the cheapest. Once again, investing in high-quality dog food can save on medical bills in the present and the future. It might be a good idea to opt for a savings account for your Maltese instead of an insurance plan. Conclusion: Maltese Price Maltese are expensive upfront and require a financial commitment for the rest of their lives. If you shop for adults or males, you should be able to find a Maltese at an affordable price. Like any other dog, Maltese require financial commitment beyond their initial pay. The Maltese two biggest monthly expenses are food and health care. To keep monthly expenses low, invest in high-quality dog food and perform as much grooming as you can at home, such as baths and nail trims. Since these dogs are so cute and cuddly, they certainly are worth the price for many owners. There are many factors to consider when looking for a maltipoo and the costs and value of these factors can vary. There are also other factors to consider in price as well such as health guarantees, microchipping, and more. There is nothing wrong with wanting to adopt a pet from a rescue shelter. Many people consider adopting through a shelter but it is more rare to find a particular breed that you have in mind. Keep in mind, when adopting from a shelter there can be many unknowns, and for some that is completely okay. Not knowing where your maltipoo came from means not knowing the origins of the parents or knowing what conditions they lived in previously. Maltipoos are very affectionate breeds that need lots of love. If they come from an abandoned or abusive environment, it can be more challenging to build a trusting relationship with your Maltipoo and it can take more time to correct any less than ideal behaviors. The risk of buying from a classifieds is not knowing the reputation of the breeder and their ethics in raising their puppies. The range of risks in purchasing a Maltipoo puppy are likely the highest when purchasing from these classifieds. There are many stories of irresponsible breeders meeting people at a central location to sell puppies and when they finally purchase the puppy, they find out there are health problems or other issues and they have no way of contacting the breeder again for any resolution. Our puppies come with an amazing 10 - year health guarantee that far surpasses the typical 6-month health guarantee, or the less common 2-year guarantee some breeders give. There can be many advantages to buying a puppy from a breeders website as opposed to a classifieds. A website can offer more information and transparency than a simple puppy listing. When checking out a classified listing or a breeders listing on their site, look out for the details they offer in the listing. Make sure the Maltipoo comes from a loving home - If a breeder is local, you want to ask if you can visit and see the living and whelping conditions in their home. If they are not local, ask if you can meet them and the puppies via facetime or another real time video solution. Those that are not comfortable with you in their home or initiating a video chat, likely means they have something to hide. DO NOT meet anyone in a public place to look at their puppies - There are many stories of irresponsible breeders meeting people at a central location to sell puppies and when they finally purchase the puppy, they find out there are health problems or other issues and they have no way of contacting the breeder again for any resolution. Review all pictures on the site - Many breeders will showcase dozens of puppy pictures on their site and some sketchy breeders can easily take photos from other places and showcase them as their own. You can also look on their instagram pages or other social sites to see what kind of images they are sharing there as well as what others are saying. Maltipoo Health Guaranty - You want to make sure the breeder has a clear and easy to understand health guaranty such as our 10 year health guarantee. A video that includes puppies and the breeder can help you become acquainted with a breeder and see the relationship between a breeder and their Maltipoos. You also have an easier time seeing the nature of the maltipoos. You may or may not be interested in including your Maltipoo in puppy obedience training but finding a breeder that does offer training tells you they have a lot of experience with these breeds and are dedicated to the relationship they have with their Maltipoos. Some of these include supplies, food, toys, and healthcare. One 5 lb bag can generally last 2 months per dog. But the cost variance can depend on other brands of dog food and the size and eating schedule of your dog. Purina Pro-Plan has an option for puppy food which helps with bone and body growth and adult dog food when they get 6 months old and up. These toys need to be replaced over time depending on how aggresive your maltipoo is with them. Now Maltipoo healthcare varies considerably and can be the highest driving cost of your Maltipoo but there are things you can do to help prevent any illnesses or diseases from arising in your Maltipoos life. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Many cost factors will differ depending on where you get the dog, the circumstances under which you get it, and the extras you prefer to have. In the case of getting a new Maltipoo , there are specific factors to consider that relate to their breed. This includes costs related to grooming, training, food, health care, and more. The following article will explore all the possible costs included with owning a Maltipoo. There are a few items you will need to make sure to have for their first night home, and at least for the first few days. Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock Free In a few cases, and depending on where you got your Maltipoo from, there will be a couple of things that are essentially free. This can include their initial shots, deworming, microchipping, and spaying or neutering. Sometimes, they may even have a pre-existing health condition that comes with specialized medication. However, this would only apply if adopted from a shelter or rescue, you got your Maltipoo from someone who can no longer look after them, or from a reputable breeder who includes this. This is because when adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, they are usually working with volunteers and doing this for a good cause over profit. Adoption agencies and rescues usually have surrendered dogs or strays. Typically, adopting a dog from a shelter will only cost a few hundred dollars at most—far less than it would from a breeder. Breeders generally put a lot of attention and care into breeding dogs, and this comes with higher costs. For example, breeders will typically take care of all their initial health needs like shots, deworming, microchipping, etc. Additionally, they breed their dogs with special attention to avoid health issues later in life. The price can range greatly depending on the quality of items you prefer, the age of the dog, and more. For example, a new puppy will need a bed, some toys, food, a food and water bowl, a leash, and a collar. You may even want to buy them a brush. About the Maltese Dog Breed Maltese dogs are great companions for both singles and families. Primarily, their appearance makes them more suited to females than males. These are cute and cuddly dogs, yes, even adult dogs. Adult dogs, on the other hand, can grow up to 8 pounds! Maltese dogs are one of the small fluffiest dog breeds ; hence Maltese puppies are tiny, which is why they are so CUTE! Dog breeds, such as the Maltese, have compact body that is very athletically built! They have a tufted tail that curves over the back. Maltese dogs are small dogs, and pet owners must be careful with Maltese puppies when raising them from a young age. Lifespan The lifespan of a Maltese dog is good. Though they are small dogs, they can live till the age of 15 or more in some instances. These are little dogs that require a greater degree of care. However, at the puppy stage, you have to be very careful. Most puppies need to be properly socialized, and things such as heartworm prevention will need to be administered. Speak to a licensed veterinarian for health care administration. The lifespan of your dog is dependent on the healthcare it receives. Without access to proper healthcare, it is difficult to establish the probable lifespan of your Maltese. Temperament Maltese ownership will tell you that Maltese dogs are good family dogs. They are gentle and affectionate creatures that love interacting and playing with humans. They are a very intelligent breed of dogs and can master training well. Parent dogs are known to be more trusting and mature. They can thoroughly enjoy learning tricks. Types of Maltese Dog Breeds Though not one of the oldest dog breeds, many mixes of Maltese dog breeds exist. These are varied breeds known as separate breeds; however, the parent breed is the Maltese dog. A breed such as the Maltipoo is a mix of the Maltese. It is actually a Maltese and a Poodle mix. Then there are other breeds such as Morkie, Malchi, and Malshi, which are also breeds with the parent breed being a Maltese dog. These are mixes of Maltese dogs with another breed, such as a Yorkie or Pomeranian. How Much Does a Maltese Cost? You should be careful to ensure you get your Maltese puppy or Maltese dog from a reputable breeder. Reputable Maltese breeders take extra care to ensure good genetics from parents and proper practices in breeding to ensure better standards. Though the cost of a puppy sourced from a reputable breeder may be greater than other unreliable sources, a reputable source will guarantee a dog with better genetics, therefore, better health. You should be careful to ensure that you get your Maltese dog from a reputable breeder. The cost of the Maltese dog will depend on the Maltese breed. Since there are so many breeds of Maltese dogs, the cost will be heavily dependent on the mix and breed of the dog. To understand how much a Maltese costs, you must consider the annual cost of owning a Maltese dog. This is only the cost of purchase. The annual cost of owning a Maltese puppy is substantially higher. Flea treatments, for instance, can be expensive, but so is expensive dog shampoo. Factors That Affect the Cost of a Maltese There are various factors based on which the average cost of a Maltese is dependent on. Firstly, where did you get your Maltese from? Hence, the average cost depends on where you source your dog from. It is always best to go with a reputable breeder and a reputable pet shop, where the average cost will now depend on the Maltese breed. A reputable shop or breeder is known to carry healthier pups. This is because reputable breeders take extra care to only breed the best of Genetics. This ensures that the puppy has a better chance of a healthy life. The cost of sourcing from a reputable breeder may be higher. However, you are more likely to save yourself from the heartache of having to deal with a sick pup. As mentioned earlier, the breed of the Maltese will also determine the cost of the dog. A Maltipoo will have a varied cost to a Malshi. However, all these breeds are classified under the parent breed, the Maltese. Hence, the type of Maltese dog you pick will also determine the cost of the Maltese. Further to this, the type of training the dog or puppy has received will also weigh in on the cost. Dogs trained to basic commands will cost more than those not trained to sit, come or listen. A puppy will have a varied cost to an older, more mature dog. Socialized Maltese dogs will cost more. However, it is important that you ensure that the dog you pick is socialized properly. Where to Buy a Maltese Dog? There are a few options when it comes to buying a Maltese dog that you can consider. The Maltese cost will depend on where you consider buying your Maltese dog from. Hence where you buy a Maltese dog will depend on a host of factors, including your budget and you selection of source. A Maltese puppy rescued from a shelter will need extra care and love. Make sure to feed the Maltese puppy some good dog food and love and cherish the Maltese puppy as the puppy thanks you for the new HOME! This can be a great way to get your hands on a quality Maltese dog! Yes, you can find quality Maltese dogs in animal shelters. Refrain from assuming just because you are picking it up from a shelter, the quality of the dog could be better. Rescuing puppies can be a very rewarding thing. So if you want a new Maltese, these shelters should be the first place to look. They may have a little pup that is looking for a new home. Regardless of whether you find yourself fortunate enough to find a Maltese puppy or a grown mature Maltese dog in an animal shelter, you should MOST certainly consider, adoption first. The adoption process is usually free, however, there may be a small processing fee involved. This fee is usually a few dollars and is nothing close to the exuberant cost of actually buying a Maltese dog. A Maltese puppy rescued from an animal shelter will be just like any other Maltese dog; however, it will have a strong personality and will be even more affectionate than one you purchase from a store. If you are interested in finding your new pet through this source, look for local animal shelters in your locality and contact them. They may be able to help you find a Maltese dog at either their shelter or in one close by. Breeders You can also get a Maltese puppy from a breeder. These are the people who specially breed Maltese puppies. If you are looking for a specific mix of Maltese that may be harder to source, it is best to get a Maltese puppy from a reputable and well-known breeder. It is essential you take into consideration the reputation of the breeder. Breeders with a lousy reputation have a bad track record because they rely on unethical practices in breeding these dogs. The conditions and the environment are not up to standards, and you want to ensure that you are sourcing your Maltese from a reputable source that upholds proper standards. This is the only way to ensure the good health of the dog that you purchase. These dogs in puppy mills are not given the love and affection they deserve. Puppy mills are known to have horrid environments and conditions both male Maltese dogs and female dogs are kept in poor conditions , so in no way should you consider buying your new Maltese from puppy mills. Pups born in puppy mills are known to have poorer genetics. This is due to the poor treatment of parent dogs, who are kept in poor conditions and fed a poor diet. This results in poor offspring that often fall sick and die. Picking a Maletse from an animal shelter just makes more sense than even considering puppy mills. However, if you are looking to source through a breeder, it is important that you know, the Maltese dog cost will vary depending on the source and the breeder. Maltese owners will tell you that picking the right breeder is very important. The breeders produce puppies, and the health of these puppies is dependent on the breeder. Reputable breeders will also take extra care. They are known to be reputable breeders because they maintain standards in breeding and ensure that ethics are followed. Reputable breeders are unlikely to use unethical breeding practices and are known to create great environments for the dogs they breed. Trusting a reputable breeder is easy. Just look at how the breeders threat their breeding dogs. Reputable breeders often treat parent dogs are pets instead of business entities and are given love and affection coupled to being fed a GREAT diet. Experienced quality breeders produce show and pet quality Maltese. As per the American Maltese Association AMA , relying on a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure that you have a quality Maltese in your hands. You can also look to find backyard breeders in your locality, who are local people who own dogs Maltese who have bred their dogs and have resulted in offspring. Considering the fact that the parent dog is the actual pet of the dog owner, they are often fed a good diet and kept in good health. You can trust backyard breeders just as much as other reputable breeders. This only difference, finding backyard breeders is much, much harder. The internet has plenty of places where you can buy just about anything. There is a good chance that you will find a Maltese on various online websites with advertisements for dogs for sale. These are also known to be reliable sources; however, you have to be careful. Get the back story, why are they selling the Maltese? Where was the Maltese bred? Do they have proper documentation and health records? For instance, have they taken flea-prevention medication? Online websites can be an easy way to source a Maltese. Yes, it is as simple as making a Google search. When buying online, you must check that quality breeders bred the dog. Unlike puppy mills, you will be able to find high-quality puppies naturally bred by dog owners. If you are looking for healthy Maltese, then it is the best place to search. However, you must be careful. Online operations can often be fronts for puppy mills. Hence it is important that you ask all the questions necessary to ensure that you have a clear idea of where the puppy was bred. Feel free to ask the seller all the questions related to the pup. This may include information on the breeder, the existing condition of health of the pup, and information on the health of the parent dogs. Asking questions will help you get a better idea of the source of the puppy, providing you with the ability to TRUST the source. Check for the breeding quality and the health of the breeding dogs. It is essential that you ensure professional breeders breed the dog. If not professional breeders, you want to dig to ensure that puppy mills do not back the online source. First and foremost, you must find the Maltese dog you want to adopt from a pet shelter. Once you have found the Maltese, all you have to do is carry forward the registration. Registration This involves filling out the necessary paperwork to register the adoption. The shelter or source from whom you are adopting the Maltese dog will have the papers ready for you to fill out and sign. It is as simple as filling in these papers and signing them. You will then be provided with a copy of the adoption papers, and you will be able to take your beautiful dog HOME! The registration process is simple and easy. Cost of Raising a Maltese Dog Apart from the initial cost of acquiring a Maltese, you should be aware of the various costs of raising and owning a Maltese. Though the costs of raising a Maltese dog will vary based on age and breed, it is possible to estimate the average costs to get a rough idea on how much it could actually cost to raise a Maltese dog. These costs are averaged between breeds and are estimates. However, they paint a good picture regarding roughly what it can cost to raise a Maltese dog. Meals Maltese puppies have to be fed dog food three times a day. This can accumulate to a heft sum considering which dog food you choose. Adult Maltese dogs also eat about three meals a day, which means owning an adult dog will cost you more for food. Adult Maltese dogs tend to eat more than puppies, hence you should keep that in mind when considering the costs of raising a Maltese. Though some adult dogs eat about the same amount as puppies, other adult dogs eat more. An adult dog can need about two times or three to four times the amount of food a puppy does. So how much does a Maltese cost to feed? Maltese dogs are small, so even the lot of food they eat is still relatively little. This is a significant plus point in the Maltese price, considering smaller dogs such as the Maltese require less food and are a relatively budget-friendly breed. Health and Vet Visitation Many dog breeds require vet visitations to ensure proper health and well-being. The Maltese coat is dependent on the health of the dog. The healthier the dog, the healthier the coat. You have to consider the health costs of raising a Maltese. You will require medication and frequent vet visitations to ensure the pup is healthy. Hence, this could be a pretty chuck of the costs of raising a Maltese. The cost of healthcare for your dog is not something you should omit. Pet insurance, though it can be an added cost, is an essential requirement for your Maltese, who needs a good level of care for better health and wellbeing. Grooming The cost of grooming can vary depending on how well-groomed you want your Maltese to be. Though grooming is not essential, it is a cost for many Maltese owners who know their dogs to be social creatures. Training Training your Maltese may also require more costs to be incurred. Though you may think you can train your Maltese by yourself, relying on some treats, you are not wrong. Maltese are extremely intelligent creatures and are capable of being well-trained. Hence, depending on your abilities, you can train your Maltese yourself! However, you may have to incur other costs in training, such as buying training books, guides, or even equipment, which will all cost more money. You may think of installing an invisible fence , which will also cost money. If you prefer having your dog trained by a professional dog trainer, you could hire a trainer who could set you back thousands of dollars. Otherwise, you can purchase a training guide online, which will teach you and train you to train your dog. These training guide basically teach you everything you need to know on training your dog. However, for more advanced training, you may have to purchase a training program. Find more about the free course in this K9TI program review. However, some form of training is essential, and there may be a substantial cost based on the type of training you want to invest in. For stubborn dogs, training is an essential need and it is best to train your dog when young, which is the BEST time to train your pup better. Overall Annual Expenses Chew toys, dog beds, puppy food, and hiring a dog sitter all cost money. So how much does a Maltese cost annually? When it comes to the annual expenses, it greatly depends on the type of life you provide your Maltese. Caring for a Maltese, such as grooming, can often cost more money than other breeds. Healthcare could be a big chunk of the costs, so your best bet would be pet insurance. Purchasing pet insurance gives you the freedom to know that all costs incurred are covered. This ensures that in case of a health emergency, your puppy has access to the healthcare services that could save its life. Maltese dogs are better when adequately groomed, which is considered a substantial part of the annual cost of raising a Maltese dog. Though grooming is an added cost, you can control the amount of money you spend on grooming. If you are on a budget, it is advisable that you do the grooming at home and not pay hundreds of dollars to a professional groomer. They are great pets to have around children and make adorable companions. These dogs are known to make great family pets and are known for their playful and affectionate nature. When it comes to picking a dog, the Maltese is one of my favorite picks. As intelligent as these creatures are, they can follow instructions and training and are considered quality pets by many Maltese owners. The cost of owning a Maltese will depend on where you source your Maltese from. Adopting being the most budget-friendly option, you should make it a point to ensure that you source your Maltese from a reliable source that follows good breeding standards. Though the Maltese are small dogs, they can be expensive to own, considering the added costs of grooming and caring for this highly social creature. Maltese make a great pet, and we hope this information in this article has provided you with the intel you were looking for on the costs of owning a Maltese. Yes, managing more than one Maltese Dog can be a challenge, but having two Maltese Dogs can be just as manageable as having one. Are Maltese Dogs Friendly? Yes, Maltese dogs are known to be friendly and playful. Yes, Maltese dogs are safe to keep around young children when they are properly trained. Was this article helpful? You also have to consider the annual price of taking care of a Maltese. Medical problems often raise the price of this breed substantially. Your best bet is often to invest in a high-quality puppy, even if it costs you more upfront. This will often save you money in the long run, as the puppy will likely be healthier. Table of Contents How much is a Maltese? Smaller dogs tend to be less expensive than larger dogs simply because it is cheaper to breed them. Smaller dogs eat less, require less room, and often have lower vet bills. These savings transfer over to the puppies. The dogs on the lower end of this range are typically pet-quality. They may have no champions in their bloodline and are bred to be companions animals — not show dogs. On the other hand, the most expensive Maltese puppies are often bred specifically for confirmation. Where you get your dog from also matters. Quality breeders are your best option, though they can also be more expensive. Rescue agencies can be a good place to get a cheaper puppy, but it can be difficult to find an animal shelter near you with a Maltese — never mind Maltese puppies specifically. Getting a puppy from Craigslist Your cheapest option by far is to choose a puppy from Craigslist. Sometimes, these puppies are from inexperienced breeders. They may be working under an experienced breeder, though they may have done varying amounts of research before breeding the dogs. Because they are not as experienced, they often charge a bit less for their dogs. Other inexperienced breeders are actually just pet owners who decided to breed their dogs to make some money. They do not often undergo the appropriate health testing before breeding or even know what health testing is. Their puppies receive varying amounts of vet care and may not be socialized properly. They often base it on what they purchased their puppy for, not necessarily the quality of their puppy. On the other hand, puppy mills often tend to advertise on Craigslist and similar platforms. While puppy mills are illegal in most places, they still exist. Often, these establishments aim to produce as many puppies as they can as cheaply as they can. They often overbred their females and may remove puppies at a too-early age to encourage their females to breed again. They usually do not do proper health testing, get their puppies any vet care, or provide the correct socialization. However, others will charge thousands if there is a high demand for the dog. It can be difficult to determine where exactly a puppy is coming from when you purchase over a local marketplace—asking to see the parents can often provide you with a good clue, as puppy mills often keep their dogs in unsanitary conditions. If they own the father too, ask for his as well. Ask what health tests they have performed. Some irresponsible breeders might claim that their pups are purebred Maltese, when in fact they are crosses, such as Maltipoos or Morkies. Getting a puppy from a rescue Getting a Maltese puppy from a rescue can be hit-or-miss. Your local animal shelter will likely not acquire a Maltese puppy simply because they are rarer. Breed-specific rescues are your best bet, though puppies still tend to be rare. Puppies from these sources are cheaper. It may depend largely on the amount of health care the puppy needed upon arrival. If the dog needed all its vaccinations, deworming, and other common procedures, the cost will likely be a bit on the higher side. However, this is still much cheaper than purchasing from a different source. While most puppies from rescues do not come from professional breeders, they are given the appropriate health care as soon as they are turned over to the rescue. They are often seen by a vet, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. If they have any health conditions, the rescue is typically pretty upfront about it and may charge less for the puppy. This prevents you from ending up with a sick puppy or spending tons at the vet office. Getting a puppy from a breeder Breeders are often your best bet when it comes to purchasing a Maltese puppy. While breeders are often more expensive, there is a reason for the higher price. Breeders are very experienced in their breed. They have often bred Maltese for years. They know how to correctly raise the puppies so that they are well-socialized and healthy. Puppies raised by breeders often receive high-quality health care, including vaccinations and various health checks. Many even offer health guarantees. Most breeders also do health testing on their adult dogs before breeding them. This prevents the dogs from passing down potentially dangerous diseases to their puppies, resulting in healthier puppies. Without this testing, puppies with genetic predispositions can easily be bred, which often leads to higher vet bills in the future for you. This adds to the price of the puppies, but it also helps ensure that the puppies bred are healthy. Luckily, the Maltese breed as a whole is pretty healthy. The AKC requires two health tests: a cardiac exam and a patella evaluation. A cardiac exam is required to rule out congenital cardiac problems, which are often genetic. There are several heart conditions that fall in this category, including shunts and problems with the valves. Only vets with advanced training in cardiac diseases can perform this test, which can raise the cost substantially. It depends on if there are any potential problems that call for more tests, such as a heart murmur that ends up being benign. A patella evaluation helps ensure that the kneecap is sitting in the right location. Patellar luxation is a common disease in smaller breeds and involves the kneecap slipping out of place. This can be caused by injury, but genetics can cause dogs to be predispositioned to it. The kneecap typically sits in a groove. Due to some genetic problems, though, this groove may not be the right shape or size. This can make the kneecap more likely to become loose. Generally, this test is also quite simple. If it can move a bit too much, then it is a sign that it may not be seated in the groove properly. Fasting is required for this test, including treats and chew toys. Twelve hours is typically the recommended fasting time before the test. A blood sample is collected after the hour period, and then the dog is offered food. With that said, most dogs with a defect will have a raised sample. False positives are more common than false negatives. Therefore, the test is still recommended. Annual cost of owning a Maltese Because these dogs are smaller than most, they are typically cheaper to take care of. If your dog develops any health problems, the cost can quickly double or even triple. For this reason, it is important to get a high-quality puppy from a breeder. Otherwise, your costs may be a lot more than we estimate. This will cover their three trips to the vet, as well as vaccinations and fecal examinations. You may want to consider spaying or neutering your dog. You can find clinics that do it even cheaper, but the waiting list is often longer. This visit will often include a heartworm test, vaccinations, and any necessary blood work. Heartworm and flea prevention medication is also included in this annual cost. While these are the average costs for preventative care, health conditions can raise the cost substantially. Dogs on the lower end may only need supportive therapies, like pain medication and supplements. Typically, this disease must be managed with medications, which is where the bulk of the cost comes from. Diagnostics are often expensive for this disease, which is one reason the base cost is so high. Like many small dogs, Maltese often fight having owners using a nail grinder. Puppy food also tends to be more expensive since it is designed to meet the unique needs of a puppy. This assumes that your dog is eating a normal, high-quality, commercial diet. If your canine develops any health conditions, they may need to eat a specialty food, which will cost far more. Training Costs While this dog is small, we do recommend training. If you have ever trained a dog before, you can likely train your Maltese yourself. If you decide to take your Maltese to classes, we recommend group classes. The cost does vary quite a bit depending on the trainer, as well as what is included in the class. Factors influencing the price There are many factors that can affect the price of a Maltese puppy. If a breeder has been breeding these dogs for a long time and is known for producing high-quality puppies, then you can likely plan on spending more. Puppies with champions in their bloodline and pedigrees will likely cost more as well. These puppies are more likely to perform well in the show ring, which means that breeders are more likely to pay more for them. Many breeders get their puppies extensive health care. Some may even perform certain health screenings on their puppies to rule out any potential defects. All of this will add to the price of the puppy. Some breeders provide training and socialization for their puppies, which helps them adapt better to their new home after adoption. If your breeder does this, the puppies might be more expensive because of the extra time involved. Training a bunch of puppies can be time-intensive. Simple supply-and-demand also plays a role. If there is only one breeder in your area, the price of Maltese puppies may be higher due to the lower supply. Female dogs tend to be a bit more expensive than males, as they are generally more sought after. However, not all breeders price this in. Some charge the same amount for all their puppies, while others will adapt based on the dogs, gender, coat color, and markings. Price considerations After the initial purchase of a puppy, the Maltese are pretty inexpensive to take care of. This is especially true if you purchase a higher-quality puppy that has undergone the proper health testing. The biggest consideration is often vet bills. These can easily sneak up on you when a simple surgery costs thousands of dollars. For this reason, we highly recommend having an emergency fund of some sort set aside in case your puppy gets sick. Remember purchasing a cheaper puppy is often only the down payment since their vet bills will be more expensive. Be sure to budget for this if you decide to purchase your puppy from someone besides a qualified breeder. Puppies with better pedigrees will often cost more than those that were simply bred to be pets. Your puppy will need more vet care than an adult dog, such as more vaccinations and frequent vet visits. This will add up fast. Some of these can cost thousands of dollars. Be sure to invest in an emergency fund so that you have the money to pay for these potentially expensive vet bills. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Visit the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory website Labrador retrievers have coats of three basic colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. These colors are determined genetically, just like almost all of the traits that offspring get from their parents. The modes of inheritance of these coat colors are autosomal not related to the sex of the dog. The information for black or chocolate comes from two versions of the same gene different versions of a gene are known as alleles. This gene is different from the one that causes yellow hair. There are four known alleles at this gene in the Labrador Retriever: one is the allele for black designated as B and three different alleles that result in chocolate collectively designated as b. In determining if your puppies will be black or chocolate, the black coat color B is dominant to the chocolate b. Therefore, a puppy will only be chocolate if each parent contributes a chocolate allele bb. If one or both parents Bb or BB contribute the black dominant allele, the puppy will be black BB or Bb , although a Bb puppy would carry chocolate and could therefore produce chocolate puppies. Black Labrador Retriever. Photo by Katy Robertson. Chocolate colored Labrador Retriever. There are several known alleles of this gene in dogs, but for Labradors the most common are E produce black and brown pigment and e only produce yellow pigment. An e allele at the MC1R gene prevents expression of the black or chocolate color in the hair follicle and the puppy's hair ends up yellow. Interestingly, the black or chocolate pigment is still expressed in the skin, just not in the hair. In order to be yellow, a Labrador must have two recessive alleles of the MC1R gene ee. This means both parents contributed a yellow allele e. However, if only one Ee or no EE yellow-causing alleles are contributed, this puppy will be either black or chocolate depending on which alleles are present at the TYRP1 gene see above. Yellow Labrador Retriever. Two yellow labs can only have yellow puppies ee , since they both only have the yellow allele e to contribute to their offspring. If they are bred to each other, there is a chance that some puppies will get a copy of e from each parent and have yellow hair Bbee, BBee, or bbee. If you are interested in breeding your Labrador and would like to know the genetic make up of your dog to predict the color of your puppies, genetic tests are available. The tests are easy, non-invasive, and simply require that you take a swab of the inside of your dog's cheek and send it to the laboratory. Primary Category. A fox red and traditional yellow Lab, flanked by a pair of black Labs. Black, yellow, and chocolate are the three traditional coat colors recognized by the AKC. If you ask the American Kennel Club , those are the only acceptable colors for a Labrador. And even then, those dogs must have other specific color features like dark noses and lips to count as true Labradors. But lately, non-traditional Labrador retriever colors have increased in popularity. The coats on these dogs look like faded versions of the traditional colors. Charcoal, silver, champagne, and white Labs have all emerged on the scene. So where did these new colors come from? Are they associated with health problems? A yellow Lab rests with her black pups. The dogs that Labs originate from, St. Once multiple generations of Labrador retrievers reproduced, recessive-gene colors like chocolate and yellow emerged from other bloodlines. The sire and dam that produce the litter of puppies pass down those genes to the offspring. Natalie Krebs The black coat color gene is dominant, Wilson explains. The chocolate coat gene, on the other hand, is recessive. Say two black Labs breed and produce a litter of pups. If just one of the parents—in this example, the sire—has all-black genes, none of their puppies will be chocolate. All the pups will be black Labs. Chocolate Labrador retrievers carry the recessive gene for coat color. If two chocolate Labs produce a litter, all the pups will be chocolate, too. The same is true for a black Lab that breeds a chocolate Lab. If the black Lab only has black genes to pass down, all their puppies will be black. But if that black Lab has a recessive chocolate gene to pass down, the litter could include both black and chocolate pups. Two chocolate Labs can only produce a chocolate litter, Wilson explains. All these dogs—the parents and the offspring—only have recessive chocolate genes. This yellow Lab was bred from a black female and a fox red male. Natalie Krebs Yellow coats come from an entirely different pair of genes than black or brown coats. Yellow Labs have the widest range in coat color while remaining within the AKC breed standard, Wilson says. Yellow Labs must have dark, heavily-pigmented noses, eyes, and lips, but their fur can range from a lighter vanilla to fox red. But in reality, the earliest yellow Labs were fox red, Wilson says. The color was first documented toward the end of the 19th century, and today, this coat variation is well within the AKC breed standard for yellow Labs. One of the more common falters is the light brown or pink nose, lips, and eyes. But from a health perspective, says Wilson, yellow Labs with light features are more prone to complications. Yellow Labs fall outside the AKC breed standard when their lips, nose, and skin around the eyes is pink, rather than black. These types of Labs are often referred to as Dudley Labs. This can make the skin more prone to sunburn or melanoma. Lighter, more sensitive eyes also make it harder for the dog to work properly in the field. Black Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular bird dogs in the country. Alex Robinson The best traditional Labrador retriever color is, of course, a matter of personal preference. Each color has their pros and cons. Yellow Labs Are harder to disguise in marsh and timber Are tougher to keep track of during an upland bird hunt since they tend to blend into grassy cover Identifying ticks, cuts, and abrasions is easier on their light coats Black Labs Are easier to disguise in many waterfowl environments, including marsh and timber Are easier to spot while working thick upland cover Their dark coat makes it harder to notice ticks, blood, and thorns Chocolate Labs Are the least traditional of the traditional Labrador retriever colors Have amassed a loyal following over the years Blend well into most habitat types and environments Non-Traditional Labrador Retriever Colors If a puppy inherits the recessive dilute gene from both parents, its coat will be diluted, or lighter in color. Chocolate Labs will turn silver in appearance. Black Labs will become charcoal, chocolate Labs will turn silver, and yellow Labs will turn either champagne or what is known as polar white. Dilute breeding to produce non-traditional Labrador retriever coat colors has its controversies. The practice is particularly frustrating to the traditional Labrador retriever community that strictly adheres to AKC purebred standards. Wilson rehashes a story of the first documented silver Lab, which she says was supposedly born in Wisconsin in to a chocolate Lab female and a chocolate Lab male. But the breeder, who Wilson says she knew about through a friend, was having trouble with a Weimaraner on his property at the time. When the litter arrived, some of the pups were chocolate Labs and some were silver. Silver Labrador retrievers have become wildly popular across the country. They forwarded the information to the AKC, who dispatched a field inspector to determine the genetics of the pups. This was a tricky assignment in the era before modern DNA testing and microchips. The breeder presented a chocolate female as the dam and said the sire, which had been on loan as a stud, was back in the northern part of the state. Silver Labs can have the exact same personalities and capabilities as traditional-colored Labs. Courtesy of Peggy Stalnaker Stalnaker, who breeds dilute Labs at DuckCreek, doubts this version of the silver Lab origin story, given what she knows about dilute genetics. Her hunch is that a few true recessive dilute puppies were born by accident. Stalnaker points out that this book was published well before the first documented cases of dilute Labs in the United States. The charcoal Labrador retriever is darker than silver and comes from a black Lab with the dilute gene. When dilute Labs became popular, she explains, attempts to meet consumer demand resulted in some problematic inbreeding. This resulted in dilute Labs that were less genetically diverse and had higher chances of genetic health issues. But Stalnaker puts all her dogs through extensive genetic testing to determine any predispositions for these issues, which range from dwarfism to exercise-induced collapse syndrome to excessively dry noses. Their fur would be really thin. She has avoided this by breeding in non-diluted Labs that possess the dilute gene. This means some of her puppies are traditional colors and some are diluted. But the diluted Labs have less disorder-prone genetic codes thanks to the genetic diversity from the non-diluted sire and dam. Her customers have been happy with their DuckCreek Labs. She recalls one man who flew to Kansas from south Georgia to pick up a silver puppy and fly it home. She cites the time commitment as a barrier. Despite criticism from traditional Labrador loyalists like Wilson, some owners still register dilute Labs under traditional AKC colors. Choosing a certain color Lab is really a matter of personal preference. If anybody is nasty, I just block them. The new variety of Labrador retriever colors is probably here to stay, since the consumer demand is high. But the dilute Labs will probably remain on the outskirts of the Lab community for the foreseeable future, while the traditional Labrador retriever colors of black, chocolate, and yellow continue to win hearts and field trials alike. Katie Hill Katie Hill is a staff writer for Outdoor Life where she covers outdoor news, hunting, and conservation in the West. She still lives in Missoula. However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Updated: Nov 15, When it comes to coat color of Labrador puppies, there are three colors recognized by the American Kennel Club. Black Labs, yellow Labs, and brown Labs often called chocolate Labs are the three main varieties of Labrador retriever, however these puppies often exhibit different shades of black, yellow, and brown fur. So with so much variation, what causes a difference in color? Where it begins to get tricky is when we discuss the genetics of black labs and chocolate labs when compared to yellow lab. Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene. When it comes to the coats of Labrador puppies, fur color is determined by one of two different genes, as well as a variety of alleles. When it comes to black lab puppies and chocolate lab puppies, both varieties inherit their fur color from a single gene, known as "Tyrosinase-related protein 1. Here we have two dominant genes for black fur, obviously resulting in a black lab puppy. In a situation in which either parent passes on the dominant allele and the other passes on the recessive, the lab puppy will still have a black coat. When both parents pass on the recessive allele, only then do we see a chocolate lab puppy. So, Where Does Yellow Come from? Yellow Labrador puppies get their hair color from a gene entirely different from the gene that determines black or brown fur. Melanocortin 1 receptor MC1R is the gene responsible for yellow lab puppies, but can still result in fur coats of black and brown. As you may have deduced, the allele for yellow lab puppies is recessive. Both parents pass on dominant alleles for black or chocolate fur, resulting in a black or chocolate puppy. Only in a situation in which both parents pass on alleles coding for yellow fur is the TYRP1 gene overridden and yellow lab puppies are produced. What is also interesting about the creation of yellow lab puppies is the fact that while their fur coat is without black or brown pigment, their skin will still exhibit the same color pigment as that of black or chocolate lab puppies. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies.

New Feature 7 dapper hairstyles for your poodle Your poodle is an elegant dog that deserves to be taken care of with impeccable style. The poodle's coat is its most distinguishing feature, and it's essential to keep it looking its best. Grooming is key, and a good haircut can make all the difference! As your dog's fur grows out, it can become tangled and unruly, making for a frustrating appearance. Your poodle is an elegant dog that deserves to be taken care of with impeccable style. There are many different styles of haircuts a poodle can have, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your pup. It can be hard to know where to start with so many options available. Don't worry; we're here to help! In this article, we'll take a look at seven trendy hairstyles your poodle can rock on his walk. The Lion Cut Let's start with one of the most popular poodle haircuts of all, the lion cut. Sometimes referred to as the "puppy cut," this hairstyle takes advantage of your poodle's long fur to give them a mane-like appearance. The dog's limbs are left hairless, except for a pompom around the tail, front and rear paws. A perfect look for poodles who want to show off their luxurious locks! This hairstyle will last a while since the short hairs on your poodle's face and body will help prevent matting. You should still brush your pup regularly to keep his coat clean and healthy! The Puppy Cut Another popular haircut for poodles and other small dogs like the Yorkshire Terriers is the "puppy cut. While the fur looks a little longer around the face, the haircut mimics a human infant rather than a furry animal. With this cut, your pup will feel extra comfortable as he goes about his day! While many owners opt for this style as it doesn't require as much maintenance as other cuts, it's easy to get tired of the same look over time. Your poodle will still need regular brushing to remove tangles and maintain his healthy coat. Teddy Bear Cut Do you love the look of a teddy bear? The teddy bear cut is another popular choice for poodle haircuts. It's an adorable style that looks kind of like your pup has a bushy mane! This technique leverages the poodle's tiny round eyes and creates the illusion of a furry face. The hair should be cut uniformly at mid-length with a rounded shape to the top of the head. It's important not to cut the body fur too short, as we need the poodle's curls to be seen clearly for this cut. The fur around your pup's paws is left untouched, so it appears thick and full, giving your poodle the appearance of having tiny bear paws! These cuts are extremely popular with older dogs who won't have to worry about frequent brushing or bathing. Summer Cut Although you want your poodle to look cute, you also want them to be comfortable! In the summer, it's hot and humid, and your pup will thank you for cutting his hair shorter. The summer cut is an excellent choice for those sweltering days. In this style, all of the hair on your poodle's body is trimmed very short, except for a small tuft around the tail and large pompoms around the legs. This style is easy to maintain and will help your pup stay comfortable in the summer heat. Dutch Cut Known for its frequent appearance in dog shows, the dutch cut is a great choice for poodles that want a unique look. This creates a "Mohawk" look that is sure to turn heads! The tail can also be left long or cut short to complement your pup's look. The face and paws are the only parts of the body shaved, so you get a little bit of extra grooming time! This cut requires regular brushing to keep your poodle's coat clean and tangle-free. English Saddle Cut The English saddle cut is a popular choice for poodles with longer coats. This haircut is similar to the dutch cut, but it explicitly leaves more hair on the top of your poodle's head. The face and legs are also shaved, but a little more fur is left on the body to create an overall rounded look for this cut. This cut is great-looking but will require regular brushing and bathing to prevent mats from forming. Short Cut This is a prevalent choice for poodles with shorter hair, as it is low-maintenance and easy to groom. In this style, all of the hair on your dog's body is trimmed short, except for the ears. The fur around his face and paws is also shaved short, giving your pup a clean, polished look. This style is perfect for owners who want their dogs to look neat and tidy with minimal effort! Although this style doesn't require as much grooming as other styles, it's still necessary to brush your poodle regularly as the fur grows back. Things To Know Before Grooming Your Poodle Now that you know a little bit about the different types of poodle haircuts, there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started. All poodles require regular brushing Regardless of the style of haircut you choose. Brushing helps to remove excess hair and keep your poodle's coat healthy. It also helps to stimulate blood flow to the skin, which is important for natural oil production. Be sure to give your pup a good bath before grooming him, It would be best to wash your dog too often, but bathing him before grooming will help remove loose fur and leave your poodle's coat soft and shiny. A lot of groomers also recommend giving your pup a good brush after bathing to remove any excess hair, as it can clog drains or just be tough to clean up. Grooming should be a fun experience for your dog Please don't force your poodle to do anything they don't want to! Teaching them that grooming is a positive, relaxing experience will help the process go by more quickly and smoothly. Start grooming early If your dog is still a puppy, it might be a good idea to introduce him to the grooming process early on. This will help him get used to the sights, sounds, and smells of a groomer's salon, and he'll be more likely to cooperate when it's time for his actual haircut. We recommend sending your dog to a professional groomer for his haircut. This will ensure that your pup gets the best possible cut and that you don't accidentally cut him too short or leave any bald patches. Most groomers offer various services, so be sure to ask what they include in their price. Generally, a groomer will begin by bathing your dog and then trimming his nails, cleaning his ears, and starting to cut the hair according to your specifications. The process will continue with a blow-dry, and then your pup will be ready for his final trim. Poodles are known to have a lot of hair, so it can take a long time to groom them completely. You should expect the process to take up to two hours or more. You should consider many factors when choosing a groomer, including experience, pricing, and location. The best way to find a qualified groomer near you is to use Pawsh's directory. Top-Rated and Vetted Groomers All the groomers on our platform are top-rated, with glowing reviews from previous clients. We also verify all of our groomers based on training and professional experience to ensure that they're the best in their industry. At-Home Grooming Pros Our platform is special because our groomers offer grooming delivery services, meaning they come to you. This can usually help you save a lot of money and offers you the convenience of getting your poodle groomed in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Save time and hassle by using Pawsh today! App for Android and iPhone Pawsh is available as an app for Android and iPhones to make booking groomers easier than ever before. Just download the application, enter your zip code, choose a poodle-certified groomer near you, and book your appointment! Take advantage of cashless payments to pay, tip, and rebook all through our app! Conclusion Poodles are a pretty high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a lot of hair that needs regular attention and time-consuming maintenance. If you want your poodle to look his best, investing in a great haircut from a qualified groomer is key! For an easy way to book quality grooming services at home, Pawsh is the best option for you. Just download our app, book an appointment, and sit back as we take care of your beloved poodle! Related Posts. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

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. Check with local veterinarians' offices, animal shelters, pet supply stores, and other area pet business for referrals to dog rescue organizations in your area. Contact one local dog rescue group for referral to other area groups. Some dog rescue groups work with all dogs, while others are breed-specific. Most rescues groups have established networks with other area rescues. The organization's website also provides links to rescue organizations. Although the majority of dogs looking for new homes through rescue groups are adults, sometimes rescue groups have puppies to place. Most German Shepherds looking for homes through rescue groups do not have papers. If registering your puppy is important, or if you intend to enter it into competitions, you will need its title papers and health records, so a rescued dog may not be right for you. Many dog rescues will require a thorough application process in order to assure that you will be a good fit for the dog. Be prepared to disclose your address and whether you own your home, as well as your employment status and your philosophy when it comes to raising a dog. You will want to make sure that the dog's temperament works well with you and your family. Ask whether you can get the dog checked out by your veterinarian. You will want your vet to check the dog's general health and for serious conditions, such as heart murmurs. Be sure to ask about the dog's health while the rescue has had it and if it is up to date on shots and healthcare. A good rescue should actually offer this information upfront. Get a history of the dog's healthcare up to that point. Has it had its first vaccination, had heart worm treatment, and parasite control? These should have all been done before the age when a puppy is adoptable. While many rescue organizations cannot tell you much about the dogs they place, because the dogs have been rescued off the street or they have been given up anonymously, sometimes they have a bit of information. Get all the information you can about the dog's past so that you can assess their general background and health. Dog rescue organizations are usually run on a shoe-string budget. While they depend mostly on volunteers, they do need funds to transport and care for dogs. Your adoption fee will most likely help to pay for the rescue of other dogs in the future. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Where to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy There are several things you need to keep in mind when searching for your new German Shepherd puppy. Most importantly, you will want to buy from an ethical breeder. An ethical breeder is someone who is knowledgeable about the breed, active in German Shepherd groups, organized with specific questions and answers and is not associated with a puppy mill, which mass produces puppies for profit with no regard for their health and well-being. You will want to avoid at all costs an unethical person, organization, or place. They will say whatever they think you want to hear in order to convince you to buy from them, even if it is untrue or exaggerated. It may be hard to turn away from a puppy if you have already started dealing with a seller whom you realize is unethical. But keep in mind that any purchase from an unethical seller only encourages that person. Signs of an Ethical Breeder So, what exactly should you look for when you set out to vet a breeder? They try to match your personality: Reputable breeders care that their puppies are placed in the best homes for them. They want you to spay or neuter: Ethical breeders are very careful when they choose two parents to breed a litter. In order to ensure the continued health of the breed, as well as of the puppy itself some otherwise healthy dogs might have genetic traits that make breeding unwise or dangerous , they will ask that you agree to have the puppy neutered or spayed. They ask you to sign a contract: This contract may include a guarantee against health problems, as well as a clause that stipulates you need to notify the breeder if you find yourself unable to care for your dog any longer, among other things. They are lifelong learners: They are knowledgeable about diseases and genetic problems affecting German Shepherds, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. They keep themselves up-to-date on the latest information and treatments. There are also several things an ethical breeder might give you. These may include: Health documents: Many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip trouble prior to selling. Registration papers: Ethical breeders will have already registered with, or else will provide you with an application to register with, The American Kennel Club. Eating schedule: How much food has the breeder been feeding their puppies? When do they feed the puppies, and what type of food do they use? A trustworthy breeder will be able to provide you with an eating schedule so that you can continue this important routine for your puppy uninterrupted. Signs of an Unethical Breeder On the other hand, an unethical breeder may: Be ignorant: They might know very little about the history of the German Shepherd breed. More importantly, they might be ignorant of ailments and genetic defects common to German Shepherds. They might deny that German Shepherds are prone to any afflictions at all, which is not true. Be uninvolved: Is your breeder a member of any dog clubs or associations? Are they active in any canine sports? Anyone who does not love the dogs they breed or sell should be avoided. Be evasive: Will your breeder let you see the puppies? Be disinterested in you: A reputable breeder will ask you lots of questions before agreeing to any sale see below. They may also be expecting many questions from you. The best thing to do is to weed out such unconscientious people as soon as possible. If you know what to look out for, you might save yourself time and headaches. Be wary of any ads that: Cite American Kennel Club registration as a bonus: Reputable breeders will provide you with AKC papers or an application automatically. There is nothing special about a breeder who touts themself as having AKC-registered pups. That is only what they should have. Anyone who boasts of AKC registration may be trying to prey on ignorant buyers who are impressed by the mention of an official-sounding organization. Extra large! Best to stay away altogether. Tell you that you can meet both of the parents: This one is a little tricky, but worth mentioning. It is unlikely that a breeder will have both the perfect sire and the perfect dam in their own kennels. There might be an understandable explanation, however. If nothing else in the ad alarms you, it might be worth contacting the breeder and asking. If you receive them, move on. How to Find an Ethical Breeder Now you know the signs and what to avoid, but where do you begin to look for the right seller? Start with whom you know: Reaching out to trusted members of your own network is one of the best places to begin. Talk to dog-owning members of your circle to learn how they found their pups and ask if they have any advice. Even if they themselves are not German Shepherd owners, they might have helpful tips or know someone who does. Cold-calling a veterinarian who has not been recommended is not a good idea, but a vet trusted by someone close to you is more likely to be reputable and may know ethical breeders. Visit a dog show: Many conscientious breeders raise German Shepherds who become show dogs. If a dog is a show dog, odds are, its owner takes good care of it. After all, these dogs are being judged as the best-of-the-best. Attending a dog show as an audience member will give you the opportunity to see for yourself how the breeder interacts with their dog. You can get a feel for how they treat their animals before making contact. Filter by state and then scroll until you find one who breeds German Shepherds. Places to Avoid It may go without saying, but Craigslist should not be part of your search. Unfortunately, many puppies listed on the site are part of puppy mills, which you should never, ever support with your money. The same holds true for pet stores. Finally, stay away from any websites that offer to ship you a dog inexpensively. The next step is getting to know this person and their German Shepherds better, so you can take home the perfect pup for you. When you meet a breeder, you will want to ask them: Have You Tested the Puppy? As noted above, many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia and should be able to provide you with a report from the OFA, SV, or PennHIP. The only way to know for certain that a puppy is healthy is to have it tested. A puppy will need a few rounds of shots, but it should have had its first round before it goes home with you. A German Shepherd puppy should have specific vaccinations by a certain age. 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.