boxer puppies macon ga

boxer puppies macon ga

Vocality level 2 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament As a crossbreed, it is hard to say for sure which behavioral and personality traits each Doodle will possess. Overall, pet parents report that Goldendoodles are friendly family dogs who do well with children and other pets. Good puppy socialization is key to their development as a well-rounded adult dog. They have an average to high energy level and require roughly minutes of exercise daily. Due to their loyal, people-pleasing nature, Goldendoodles can be easy to train, and if done properly with positive reinforcement, can be extremely obedient pets. They prefer room to run around, so would thrive with a fenced yard. They may not be the greatest choice for apartment dwellers, unless you are big on daily outdoor exercise. Upkeep With an average-to-high energy level, Goldendoodles do best with more active families who can dedicate time to playing games with them. They thrive on socialization and playtime with other dogs to help to burn their energy. Mental stimulation in the form of agility or ongoing training will help keep their adventurous spirit content. If not properly occupied, they can sometimes become destructive -- another reason why they might not be the best match for a small apartment. Goldendoodles have a double coated fur that can be quite dense. Some have fur that can be left in its natural state but you should still expect to brush it out roughly once per week. Others may have fur that will require more upkeep, including professional grooming every weeks the more dense the fur, the more it will trap dirt. Otherwise, bathe your Goldendoodle as needed, brush teeth regularly, and trim nails times per month. Be sure to check and clean their ears to remove any buildup and avoid infections! The mix of the two did not appear in America until the s, but has been gaining popularity as people value a type of dog that could possess the low dander levels of a Poodle and the intelligence and happy personality of a Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was originally offered as a larger alternative to the Cockapoo, one of the early intentional crossbreeds. Because Goldendoodles are so popular, they certainly can be found for adoption in animal shelters and Doodle-specific rescues. If sharing your home with a Doodle is your dream, be sure to consider adoption! Related Content. Adopt a Goldendoodle! At the time, they rescued and put up for adoption 24 Goldendoodles that were rescued from a breeding center that needed to be shut down. In addition to Goldendoodles, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue also rescues and puts up labradoodles for adoption. Delaware Rescue has strict guidelines that must be followed. This is one of the largest doodle rescue and adoption centers in the world. IDOG Rescue is a non-profit organization that is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but they receive calls and entertain inquiries from around the country. They mostly rehome and set up retired Goldendoodle adults for adoption. Some pups are rescued, but they are extremely rare. Wavy coat F1b Goldendoodles are typically non-shedding while still maintaining that teddy bear look. If you want to adopt a Goldendoodle, then Doodle Dandy Rescue is a great option. They have strict guidelines for adoption that must be met. The entire adoption process is quite long and rigid so it can take some time for your adoption request to get approved. What are the best Goldendoodle rescues in the US? Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption is a certified non-profit organization made up of people who specialize in rescuing and looking after poodle breeds like the Goldendoodle. They are currently based out of North Carolina and cater to humane societies, pet owners who have given up their poodles, and shelters. In addition to adoption applications, they also accept shelter volunteers. They have saved close to 4, doodles. They primarily focus on rescuing and nurturing labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Although they are based in California, they have over volunteers from all over the country who help rescue and get Goldendoodles adopted. They rarely have Goldendoodle puppies for adoption, but when they do, they provide transport and help the puppies find a new home. As the name suggests, the center primarily focuses on the rescue and adoption of golden retrievers and its mixes. GRIN is a non-profit organization that operates with over volunteers. Rather, they are a group of people and homes scattered all over Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. They advise you to apply for a younger dog in advance through their website. They have rigid guidelines for adoption that must be met and their acceptance period takes anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. They have become increasingly popular, which means finding one for adoption can be a bit of a challenge. Goldendoodle puppy plays with a toy actively outdoors. You can also reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to inquire about Goldendoodles in need of a loving home. By expressing your interest, you can be among the first to know when a Goldendoodle becomes available for adoption. Another option is to join social media groups and forums dedicated to Goldendoodle enthusiasts. These communities often share information about Goldendoodles in need of homes, upcoming adoption events, and more. Being part of such groups can increase your chances of finding a Goldendoodle that needs a loving family. Keep in mind that the adoption process may take some time, as these organizations want to ensure that the dogs are placed in the best possible homes. You may need to complete an application, provide references, and even have a home visit. Another thing to consider is offering your home as a residence for a family dog that is part of a breeders program. Many breeders offer free or very discounted dogs as long as you are okay with them having a litter or two throughout their life. It never hurts to reach out or ask the question in a local Facebook group for the Goldendoodle breed! They require a lot of attention. If you leave them alone for more than a few hours, they can be difficult to manage. A lot of people are initially enthusiastic before adopting a Goldendoodle but very quickly realize how much time they have to spend with these little canines. Goldendoodles thrive in environments where people are at home at all times. Like other smaller dogs, Goldendoodles bark as a defense mechanism. If you adopt a Goldendoodle that barks a lot, take the time to get your dog trained. We might get sick or move, and sometimes we may need to find a new job. If you know that these factors could potentially hamper the time you devote to your dog, you may have to put your dog up for adoption. Why Is Adopting a Goldendoodle Rare? Although this is a list of some of the best Goldendoodle rescue shelters and networks in the United States, most of them may not have Goldendoodles up for adoption when you check. Some adoption facilities have never received any Goldendoodles at all despite being open for their rescue. There are a couple of reasons for this. A Goldendoodle puppy needs enough sleep for best health. If these dogs get on any adoption websites or similar websites, they will likely be gone within the first day. This can lead to a puppy mill or dodgy breeder scenario where the popularity makes the breeder chase litter after litter without caring for the dog. A dog owner who adopts from a breeder must take appropriate steps to ensure it is not a puppy mill, and is in fact an ethical and reputable breeder. They form strong bonds with their owners. If owners face any problems with their dogs, they would rather find ways to work through these problems than give them up for adoption. However, Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest and most social dogs out there. Desirable Goldendoodle Personality Goldendoodles are extremely adventurous. Generally, these cute canines are outgoing, friendly, and happy dogs. They love meeting new people and dogs. One thing to remember about these dogs is that they do well in open spaces like spacious yards or country homes. Their affection, intelligence, and bubbly personalities make them great therapy and working dogs. They enjoy mentally stimulating activities. For example, Goldendoodles are known to be able to smell peanuts in foods for people suffering from nut allergies. To satiate their need for activity, you will have to take them out for walks and runs daily. Goldendoodles are also known for enjoying swimming and playing in the water. They Are Good with Children If you have children at home, then adopting a Goldendoodle is a great choice. These dogs play well with kids. They are gentle, loving, and patient around young kids which is one of the reasons they make great family dogs. You should still exercise caution and check on their behavior. You must also teach your children how to behave around dogs. Prevent your child from agitating your Goldendoodle with ear or tail pulling and other rough activities. Like any other animal, dogs are protective of their food and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat. This may not be true for all Goldendoodles, but you should still take precautions to protect your kids. These dogs are social animals and love interacting with other dogs. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. However, they still need a certain amount of grooming. To prevent them from shedding, some people cut their hair short. It will take some time for the rescue dog to get comfortable around you and you may have to deal with issues like separation anxiety. Goldendoodles require a few hours of activity every day. You will have to spend time walking and playing with them daily. Active play, a visit to a dog park, or fetch are appropraite activities. Grooming Is Imperative Though your new doodle puppy will likely shed lightly, you will still need to groom their coats or have a pet groomer take care of their grooming once a month. Just remember to do your research before adopting a dog. I am about 2 years old and I love follow my foster mum around. She tells me I am her shadow. My foster potty trained me in a day and she said I am very very smart and I have to agree with that. I also learned new commands like sit, down, and off. We are working on the stay but I have a hard time sitting still because I have lots to keep an eye on inside. She walks me always on her right side and I became very well behaved in our leash walking training. I do like to be right by my foster brother Logan, so sometimes I will pull to be with him. I have an another foster brother and he is smaller and furry and he meows for food all the time when he is not sleeping. I love him and he give me sand kisses. We went to a coffee shop other day and all these people want to pet me and take pics of me. I felt like a movie star! On the walks I get overly excited when I see other dogs and I am very vocal about it. Sometimes the dogs get scared of me, but I assure you, I am awesome and not aggressive at all. I just want to say hi to ALL the dogs! But I warm up to everyone very quickly. I am getting a lot of love and attention right now and it will be ideal for me to not be left alone for too long. Why Adopt Goldendoodles? Abandoned, stray, or neglected dogs that ended in shelters are a growing problem. Did you know approximately 3. This is the single most important reason why adopting Goldendoodles is necessary. Top Reasons to Adopt Goldendoodles Here are the top reasons why you should consider adopting Goldendoodles. Standard adoption fees vary by dog breed, demand, and other factors. Nonetheless, adopting a pup costs significantly less than buying one from a breeder. Adopting a Goldendoodle typically may save you some veterinary costs like spending on spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and other fees. Typically, you need to put in an application to take a rescue Goldendoodle home. Goldendoodle rescues or shelters are non-profit organizations filled with Goldendoodles looking to be rehomed. Finding a Goldendoodles rescue can take some time, but there are quite a few across the U. Top Goldendoodle Rescues For Adoption The following is a comprehensive list of Goldendoodle rescues where you can potentially find Goldendoodles looking to be adopted. From mini Goldendoodles and Goldendoodle puppies to retired Goldendoodles and Teddy Bear Goldendoodle, these are the top places to get your hands on one of the most popular hybrid breeds today. Originally bred to be guide dogs, these canines quickly grew in popularity thanks to their easygoing temperaments and affectionate natures. Today, they serve as therapy dogs, hunting companions and, of course, family pets. Goldendoodles are a cross between two popular purebreds: poodles and golden retrievers. Many of them inherit the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats of their poodle parent and the distinguishable golden color of their golden retriever parent. As a medium-large dog breed, goldendoodles generally range from 15 to 20 inches in height and 30 to 50 pounds in weight. They benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which makes them suitable for more active households. Like all dogs, goldendoodles require a high-quality diet that consists of plenty of proteins and fats. When taken care of, the average goldendoodle can enjoy a happy, healthy life of up to 20 years. Labradoodle Overview Labradoodle Overview In , a breeder wondered what would happen if they combined the genetic material of a poodle and a Labrador retriever. The result was a loyal companion dog that retained the intelligence of poodles and the affectionate nature of Labrador retrievers. Their playful, trusting personalities, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners, make labradoodles popular family pets. Labradoodles are medium-large dogs and range anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height and 50 to 65 pounds in weight. However, some labradoodles are bred with mini poodles instead — these dogs, dubbed mini labradoodles, are usually just 15 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. Most labradoodles will need to work off this energy with at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise. They also enjoy spending time with people and get along with just about anyone, from young children to fellow dogs. Provided their needs are met, these cuddly canines can live up to 14 years. Bred to serve as companion dogs, these sweet canines have the intelligence of poodles and the friendliness of cocker spaniels. Thanks to their playful personalities, endless curiosity and eagerness to please, you can trust a cockapoo to provide you with endless entertainment. You can find this unique dog in a wide variety of sizes and colors — one cockapoo might sport a light brown coat and measure at under 10 inches, while another may have dotted black-and-white fur and stand over 16 inches tall. No matter what they look like, most cockapoos have low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats thanks to their poodle parentage. Generally, cockapoos are small-medium dogs and benefit from a minimum of 15 minutes of daily exercise. Most cockapoos have an average lifespan of about 15 years, which they love to spend with their favorite humans. Not only does training encourage your dog to listen to you, but it also promotes their health and well-being. This is ideal if you: Have a busy work schedule Have familial commitments Have family members with health concerns or special needs Our mission is to help you skip past those difficult dog behavior stages such as teething and potty training and enjoy a respectful, well-behaved pet from the get-go. Through coat testing, we can guarantee that each one of our dogs is low-shedding. Our training includes: Housebreaking: Our dogs can go at least three hours a day without potty breaks and are crated for up to nine hours at night. Thanks to our comprehensive training, you can expect an ideal puppy, your new best friend, to assimilate smoothly into your household. This is also an organization that rescues both cats and dogs and is not breed-specific. That being said, they also rescue Doodles and other mixed dog breeds. If you were thinking about adopting a Labradoodle, today is your lucky day! Take a look at adorable Zeus , a Labradoodle that this rescue is currently offering for adoption. You can also keep an eye on their list of available dogs here , so you can contact them when a Doodle is rescued. When you pick a dog from this rescue, your next step is to complete a preliminary adoption application. In this application, you will be asked questions regarding the future environment of the adopted dog. Some elements of the environment, such as a fenced yard, are a crucial deciding factor in this process. After the application is checked, you will be contacted by one of their volunteers via phone or email. Keep in mind that this rescue also requires vet references during the application process. Tiny Paws Rescue Tiny Paws Rescue is a foster-based, volunteering organization, dedicated to saving all small dog breeds and cross breeds. This organization is a c 3 non-profit and it is entirely run by volunteers without any public funding. You can find Ausiedoodles or even Goldendoodles in this rescue. Of course, we recommend you take a look at their album of adoptable dogs. This rescue keeps all their adoptable dogs in an album on their Facebook page , separate from their website. To start the adoption process you will need to first complete their adoption application. The smaller the dog is e. The adoption process starts with the Deed Verification. This is where they check if the owner of the property is you or the landlord you are renting from. After that, they will follow up with a Google search of adults in the home, and will also phone your references. Their next step is to contact your veterinary references. You will be asked to phone your references and veterinarian beforehand. If your previous dogs are deceased, the veterinary references still apply. After checking your pet history, the final step in the application process is a home visit. This includes meeting both your current pets and also meeting the people in your home. Rescue and Adoption Details.

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in New York would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. Our goal at the Ranch is to create a home-like environment the best way we can for each rescue dog. While they are in our care, our Adoption Counselors work hard on behalf of our rescue dogs to find a new loving home that is the right fit for the dog, and the new family. Pictured left, this entire family has adopted all their dogs through Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue San Diego A Coastal Connection From the uncertainty of the unknown to the solid ground of a second chance at life, our rescue dogs are welcomed into a new family at Coastal. A family of dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to helping our dogs become as well-adjusted, happy, and healthy as possible while they are with us. Through this labor of love, each dog develops a special bond and connection with one or more of our volunteers. Whether they are referred to as advocates, angels, or champions, our Coastal family members go out of their way to give our rescue dogs the attention and love they need and help them feel "at home" while they are awaiting their forever home CONTACT. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. She had fleas and ticks and was starving. Ellie has now had surgery and is healing still in a cast and beginning to thrive. At first… The shelter sent us a request to help little Phoebe. She was found abandoned and alone with no water or food. She had parasites of every kind, including Sarcoptic Mange — highly contagious to other animals and to people. She was terrified… Abandoned and sick, uncared for puppies like Kenny and Nita who where undernourished, had a very high parasite load, and whose small bodies were starved for nutrition, found themselves in the shelter with a triple whammy. They were literally filled with parasites, they were boney and congested and had no other options beside rescue. She was 4 months old but the size of a 2 month old puppy, she was starved and in terrible condition. She was also in pain and having trouble… Samantha was a 3 month old puppy who was callously discarded like trash. Dumped in a shopping center, she watched her family drive away. A shopkeeper called animal control and Samantha landed in our safety net. And as if in… Our big beautiful youngster Rocky has left his sad past behind and gone to a brand new life of being adored! Congratulations to Rocky and his new family, and many thanks to your foster family! Skye is happily adopted and living the good life in her forever home. Thanks to all who helped her! Skye urgently needs our help. This 3 month old baby husky came to us today from the shelter with two broken… Our super sweet Petey got his forever home! He came to SCGSR needing emergency surgery, we patched him up, then he needed a special surgery for his neuter. They are loyal, intelligent and beautiful animals and it breaks our hearts to think of them suffering or dying in shelters. Our team is made up of dog lovers who give up their time to find loving forever homes for our dogs. The team has fostered and saved over one thousand German Shepherd Dogs! Most of our dogs come from shelters where they have been abandoned. Some come from owners who, no longer able to care for them, give their dog to us to find a loving forever home. The good news is that we encounter few dogs that have been abused or seriously mistreated. Each dog that comes into our program is carefully evaluated and then placed into a foster home. No boarding kennels for our dogs! We passionately believe that by living with our dogs we can learn more about them. Once we have spent some time getting to know each dog, we make the dog available for adoption. When you apply to adopt one of our dogs you will go through an adoption pro cess where we learn more about you, your experience and your lifestyle. Our goal is to offer you a service wherein you find your perfect dog! Many of our adopters decide to volunteer and help more of the dogs. Some prefer to donate. Related Stories.

Find more Boxer puppies for sale in closest states: Nevada , Idaho , Colorado , California , Montana , Wyoming If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. A Christmas present for our son, the present that continues to give through the joy her offspring has brought to our family and many others. Nikka produced six Champions and became a DOM, she was our foundation. Please go to our Wall of Fame and see some of the awards our dogs and Kennel have received. WE are proud to excel in confirmation, agility, obedience and not only producing show dogs, but wonderful health tested companion dogs. We thank those friends who have taken these puppies we loved and given them great homes. In I decided to get my own kennel name, after breeding four DOM under the Denbar name, honoring where our foundation came from, I decided to change. I had been operating under Denbar of Utah, I never planned to really take it on as a hobby, but Twenty three years later I'm still enjoying watching the four legged kids perform! Thank you to Bill and Marie Hargreaves, their guidance and friendship is one of the gifts that continues today from our first girl Nikka. We hope you enjoy looking at our web site and our beautiful family of Boxers. We look forward to many more great memories yet to be made. All dogs in our breeding program are holtered and dopplered and tested for DM. Test results are available on request. Boxer puppies for sale Provo, Utah Boxer puppies for sale Provo, Utah Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Provo Utah? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Provo for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. If your Golden Retriever is like mine, they just want to play all day. It contains a mix of games that will mentally stimulate them, physically stimulate them, games with toys involved, and games with no equipment needed. Here are the best games to play with your Golden Retriever: Chase All puppies love chasing and being chased, so this is a fun way to tire them out. Treat Toss Treat toss is another way to get your puppy practice coming to you. This is a great game to play to pre-practice recall, get your pup some exercise, and have them learn that good things come from you. This game obviously requires lots of food, so instead of feeding your puppy their meal in a bowl, you could just play this game. To play this game, you and your partner each grab a handful of treats kibble will be fine for young puppies and sit across the room from each other. For more fun or more advanced dogs, there are a few ways to mix this game up. The other option is to take it outside. This is best with older puppies who are not so distracted and who are good at coming when called. We play this game with my 3-year-old Golden Retriever all the time in our backyard where we stand on opposite sides of the yard to get him some exercise. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! Tug Tug is a classic game that you can play with Goldens of any age. Once your pup learns how to drop it , you can mix in practicing other commands between sessions of tug. This makes it a great way to get physical and mental exercise, plus bond with them. The only equipment you need to play tug is a rope toy like this one from Amazon. We play fetch with tennis balls he likes the Penn tennis balls better than balls made for dogs or the West Paw Zogoflex Zwig stick. And if you want to make it easy to throw the tennis ball farther, you can get a Chuckit! Launcher to throw the ball like a major league outfielder. Open Sesame This is a fun game to mentally challenge your Golden Retriever puppy and teach them some impulse control. The first step is to grab a treat in your closed fist and hold it out to your pup. The moment they pull away, open your hand and give them the treat. This will teach them that patience, not pestering, will get them what they want. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Airplane Game The Airplane Game is a great game to get your puppy to pay attention to you. To play this game, hold a treat in your hand. She might even jump , bark , or paw at you to get the treat. Immediately reward her for doing so. Muffin Game To play the Muffin Game, take a muffin tin and put treats in it. Then, put balls or other objects over the treats so your pup has to move them to get the treats. Oliver loves this game and this is another idea I got from Brain Training for Dogs. The only requirement is that they either know how to stay or you have a partner to hold them still while you hide. I usually have a few treats to give to Oliver when he finds me, but you could also have a tug toy to play with them as a reward. This game is great because it helps them practice stay and recall , as well as builds the bond with you two. You can also play this game with their toys where you hide one of their favorite toys in another room and they have to go find it. Wrestle Mania Wrestle Mania is what it sounds like — wrestling with your pup! Oliver and I wrestle a few times a week and he loves it. Building A Bond With Them Having a solid bond with your puppy will help them want to behave and obey you more — not to mention this is the whole reason you got a Golden Retriever! Playing games, having fun, and exercising with your pup are all ways to have a better relationship with them. When I was a kid, the only thing that motivated me to learn math was that I wanted to keep score of basketball games. Playing games like Open Sesame will help your pup with impulse control, the Airplane Game will help get them to focus on you, and tug interspersed with tricks and commands is a fun way to practice those behaviors. Have any questions about these games? Let me know down in the comments! Related articles:. Playtime is a perfect opportunity for you and your dog to bond. Luckily, there are several fun games that you can play with a Golden Retriever! As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep your pet active and entertained. Learning some of a Golden Retrievers favorite games will create many memorable moments for you and your furry friend. Read on and learn more about the games that Golden Retrievers like to play! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! There are two ways to play this game. One way is where you hide, and your dog looks for you. Once they find you, make sure you praise and encourage them to do it again. Another way is to hide treats in interesting places and ask your dog to look for them. Since Golden Retrievers love treats, and they will work hard to ensure that they get them. The challenge of looking for the treats uses up some of the dogs excess energy, gives them a chance to exercise their body, and provides the mental stimulation a Golden needs. You can also play a version of hide and seek where you hide a dog treat in a puzzle toy like this one by Outward Hound on Amazon. Your Golden Retriever has to figure out how to get to the treat. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Note: Play Hide and Seek with treats in moderation since giving them too many extra treats will end up causing more harm than good. You can also try playing hide and seek with your dogs favorite toy instead. The game is fun, helps keep your dog active, and is a good way to teach them manners. This is a rope made of special material that will not hurt their teeth or have any harmful chemicals. Try the Mammoth Tug Rope found on Amazon. When playing tug of war, always remember that the game ends when the dog touches your hand with his mouth, so you should teach them this rule from the beginning. This helps ensure that the game remains safe since some dogs can get carried away when playing tug of war. Alternatively, a safer and very fun to watch way to play tug of war with your pooch is to set up a bungee out in the yard where your Golden Retriever can play the game all by himself. Watch how excited these two Goldens are to play with their new tug of war bungee. Like humans, dogs enjoy spending time in the water, especially on a hot afternoon. When teaching, use a doggy life jacket Amazon for safety. After your dog has learned how to swim, you can then have fun playing other Water Games, such as dock diving or swim racing. You can also bring along some of their toys and play a game of fetch in the water. You can play this game both indoors and outdoors. Also ensure that your Golden Retriever is running on a carpet. Otherwise, they are at risk of slipping and hurting themselves when running to get the toy, especially if the floor is slippery. For an outdoor game of fetch, the bouncier the dog toy the better. A Jolly Ball is a ball and a rope combined. This is a durable rubber toy that really bounces! The inside is hollow so it can be filled with peanut butter or dog treats for an added surprise. Clean Up Teaching Your Golden to Clean Up As its name suggests, Cleanup is where your dog will collect the toys that have scattered on the floor while you were playing. Imagine that! Though this may take time for them to get, Golden Retrievers are smart and will eventually be in a position to pickup and put away anything you ask him to. Pretty cool! You can improvise with items such as blankets, old furniture, or wrapping paper tubs, creating your own obstacle course. Use treats to lead your dog through it. This is a fun and an ideal exercise for your dog, especially if you are trying to help them lose weight. Here is a YouTube video to guide you on how to play some agility games: How to play games with agility training. Is it a sport or a game? To ensure safety in the game, make your Golden Retriever sits downstairs while you throw the treat onto the top landing. When your dog is coming downstairs, encourage them to run slowly to reduce the risk of injuries. Under, Over, and Through Golden Retriever Obstacle Course Teaching your dog to go under, over, and through objects is not only a good brain game, it is also good exercise for them. Use an item such as a chair and teach them to crawl under the legs of the chair as a response to the command you give them. You are also likely to bond better with your dog when they see you joining them. You can set up all sorts of obstacles to climb over, go around, and crawl under using items in your home. Cardio Twist Golden Retriever Slalom Game This game is often played in dog competitions, but you can play it at home as well. Set up poles using household items such as chairs or stools and have your dog weave between them. If you have other people in the game, they can also serve as poles. Weave between the poles and instruct your dog to follow you at your pace. Change your pace from fast to slow from time to time. Cardio twist is not only a great workout for you and your dog but it also helps them learn coordination. Golden Retriever slalom. You can also use pillows, chairs, people, anything really. Since dogs have a powerful sense of smell, you can make a game out of it. The follow your nose game is similar to hide-and-seek. You play it by hiding something yummy and smelly in a scent bag and instruct your Golden Retriever to look for it. Avoid hiding the bag in an obvious place. Hide it somewhere where your dog will have to put in the effort to get it, so as to challenge and stimulate them. This dog game is best played outdoors since there are many hiding spots, including underground. Golden Retrievers, young and old, love to chase bubbles out in the yard. You and your dog can have hours of fun with this one without requiring much effort on your part. An old dog will enjoy this game as much as a young dog will! This Golden Retriever loves her bubbles! Conclusion It is impossible to exhaust the list of games to play with your Golden Retriever. But whenever you have a chance, entertain and bond with them by joining them in the games listed above. And remember that safety comes first, so always ensure that your playing area is safe to avoid any risk of injuries for you and your Golden Retriever. To help you narrow your search, the Hounds Lounge pack has broken down the fun games to play with your pup into six different categories, including DIY games, games to make dogs smarter, indoor games, games to keep dogs fit, sense of smell games, and games for older dogs. Start reading now, and find the perfect dog games to play with your fur fam. To play the following games, you can use household items you already have on your paws! Start playing by dropping treats into each muffin cup, covering them with tennis balls, and handing the tin off to Fido! Once your woof has figured out how to reach the treats, you can up the ante by only putting a treat in some of the cups but covering them all with tennis balls. This game requires your dog to solve problems and flex their sniffer! Treat Burrito To cook up a treat burrito, all you need is a towel and some small treats! Lay the towel out flat, then scatter treats all over its surface. Roll the towel up slowly, keeping each treat in place, then serve up the burrito to your pooch. Cardboard Tube Treats Cardboard toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be repurposed into dog toys! One game option is to fill a cardboard tube with peanut butter, then give it to your woof to lick up. You can freeze the tube if you want to keep Fido occupied for longer! Another way to use cardboard tubes to play fun games with your dog is to arrange several tubes in a shoebox so that they all support each other and stand up straight. The tubes should all be roughly the same height. Your woof will thoroughly enjoy hunting down every bite. Snack Track Down This game can involve empty containers of any size, from shoeboxes to yogurt cups rinsed clean, of course. Place a few containers on the ground, with at least one hiding a smelly treat! Then, bring Fido in to sniff out the prize! When you first play this game, you might want to poke holes in the containers to make the treats easier to smell. As your pooch becomes a pro at this game, you can make it harder by adding more containers and spreading them out farther, with only one container hiding a treat! Fill the pool with balls, then sprinkle small treats on top. When your dog enters the pool to get their paws on the treats, the balls will shift, and the treats will move! This game — and most of the dog games to play above — is also a good option for feeding a fast eater. Hide-and-Seek To play hide-and-seek with your woof, have them sit and stay while you go find a hiding place. Treasure Hunt A treasure hunt is similar to hide-and-seek, except you will hide a smelly treat or toy rather than yourself! Tell your dog to sit and stay, then go hide the prize. If they know all these tricks, your pooch is sure to be at the top of their Doggie Daycare class. Stop and Go Some fun games to play with your pup can also reinforce training. Get Fido a little riled up and excited, then create some space between the two of you. Keep playing by repeating this routine a few times over! Stop and Go teaches your dog how to control himself, plus it strengthens his listening skills. A great way to teach them new words is to name their favorite toys, people, and activities. Below are great dog games to play for rainy days, late nights, and for folks who might not have a yard! Clean Up, Clean Up Looking for fun games to play with your pup that are also beneficial to you? Clean up is the clear winner! With this game, you teach your dog to literally clean up after themselves. Introduce a toy bin or laundry basket, and teach your dog to drop their toys inside. Snuffle mats require your dog to sniff out treats that are hidden in folds and pockets. This game is quiet and mess-free, making it perfect for playing with dogs in the great indoors! You can order a snuffle mat on Amazon, or you can easily make your own with a sink mat and strips of fleece from an old blanket! Clear some space and then use household items to design your course. Your woof could weave around stacks of books, shimmy under chairs, hop over blankets or jump through a hula hoop! Even indoors, an obstacle course offers great mental and physical stimulation. Staircase Run If you have stairs in your house or apartment, they offer fun and physical dog games to play! However, be careful not to run too fast, or you could take a tumble! After a few runs, your woof will be pooped out! Obedience Training If you and Fido will be inside together for a good chunk of time, why not work on some training? First, show your dog a toy or a treat, praise them as they are coming to you, then reward them. After a few repetitions, whenever your dog looks at you and starts to move towards you, add in your chosen verbal cue come, here, etc. Make sure to only add in the cue when you are confident your dog is moving towards you. You can slowly up the ante by asking your dog to come before showing them the treat. But, be sure to reward with a high-value treat like chicken, cheese, or beef liver, when they get to you. Also, try slowly adding distance within your low-distraction environment. With positive reinforcement and treats, learning can be fun — and even considered a game! Good training ensures that dogs listen to their owners and stay disciplined, even during fun times! Give your woof a workout with the games below. Tug-of-War Tug-of-War is a classic game, but did you know that the tugging and pulling is also great exercise for your dog? Typically using a rope toy, you and your dog can play tug-of-war inside or outside, and little space is needed. You want to challenge your woof but also allow them to win on occasion! This will teach your dog that they are not allowed to nip at you and, if they do, the fun is over. Fetch Fetch is another classic that burns some serious calories. If you also want to get some exercise while playing fetch, try out this tip from our blog, 8 Ways to Make Exercising with Your Dog More Fun : Take your dog for a normal round of fetch using a ball or their favorite toy. Repeat until you are both pooped! Play fetch with a tennis ball or other ball designed for retrieving. If you really want to get your dog excited, play fetch with a frisbee! Sprinkler Fun Sprinklers offer fun games to play with your pup and your kiddos! If you have little ones and furry ones in the family, playing in the sprinkler is a great way to keep everyone happy on a hot day. Set up your sprinkler where the grass is dry and show your pooch how to jump over the water! Impawtant Note: While your dog can get a sip of sprinkler water, you and the kids should stick to drinking water from inside the house. Get a soccer ball and teach your pooch how to nudge it with their snout. Eventually, try softly kicking the ball toward your pooch and see if they pass it back. If Fido masters passing, give him a shot at playing defense! Dribble the ball up to him, and see if he steals it from you. Before you know it, your woof will be a regular footballer! Chase Bubbles See how many bubbles your pooch can pop! Get a bottle of nontoxic bubbles for kids, and blow a few at a time in front of Fido. Pretty soon, your fur baby will be romping around bursting bubbles! From a classic bath to a spa treatment, your fur baby can get the services they need to look like a million bones. Therefurr, playing with dogs is extra fun when smells are involved! Check out these scent-focused dog games to play with Fido. Close your hands into loose fists, then present your dog with both hands. Your pooch will sniff around a bit, but they should ultimately linger on the hand with the treat, which you will then give them as a reward! To make the game more challenging, have a friend join in to double the pawsibilities! This game involves making Fido work for his food! Play this game by getting Fido distracted or tucking him away before preparing his meal. This is a great mental exercise and a chance for your dog to use his instincts! Stroll and Sniff Walks are a great way to allow your dog to exercise his nose — out and about, there are so many new scents to take in! You can turn a walk into a game by bringing along some small treats and pausing every now and then to drop a treat into a grassy area. Show your dog the treat before you toss it, and then give them a little time to track it down. Then, bring your dog around and show them where the trail starts, and watch them follow it to their reward! Once Fido has mastered short trails, you can create longer ones with more space between each treat. Bring several dog toys into an open area, either indoors or outdoors. Scatter them around the ground. Then, get your pooch and start playing with one of these toys. Both of you should make plenty of contact with the toy so that your scents will linger. The goal is for Fido to bring back the toy you were both just playing with. The dog games to play listed below are senior dog-friendly, as well as great options for dogs with joint problems, arthritis or other health concerns. Swimming If your older dog — or young dog — likes water, swimming is one of the grrreat games to play with dog. Cavaletti Course This game is a toned down version of an obstacle course, making it perfect for older dogs. Set it up by placing a few poles such as broomsticks about a foot apart. Then, slowly walk your pooch through the course while keeping them on a short leash. This is a good strength exercise, and you can make it more challenging by lifting the sticks one or two inches with crushed soda cans or pillows. Modified Fetch Fetch is a timeless dog game to play! You might consider rolling the ball on the ground instead of throwing it. Know when to wrap up fetch and move into nap time! Backward Walking Back it up, Fido! Backward walking is a fun game that helps your dog strengthen their rear legs and also improves balance and coordination. When you get close enough to him, Fido should take a step back, and you will reward him with a treat! Puzzle Dog Games to Play Puzzle games are grrreat dog games to play for any woofs, including seniors! Fun and Games with Furriends! Their furrst day of daycare is free! Make a reservation now at any of our locations. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Making sure your Golden Retriever gets plenty of exercise is vital to its health and well-being. Physical exercise ensures your Golden Retriever has healthy muscles and bones, that its heart and lungs get stronger, and it helps maintain a healthy weight. However, for your Golden Retriever to be well-balanced, it also needs mental stimulation and socialization. Boredom in dogs can often lead to destructive behaviors. So, what are some good activities for Golden Retrievers? Good activities for Golden Retrievers incorporate physical exercise and mental stimulation and should include training and socialization whenever possible. Physical activities help burn excess energy and maintain physical health, while mental-focused activities aid in cognitive skills and problem-solving. The game also works on recall skills as a bonus. Fetch is simple and cheap. You throw it an item such as a tennis ball, frisbee, or practically anything your dog can comfortably carry, and your Golden gets it and brings it back. Or, if the weather is lousy, you can play a shortened version in the house. The tug game is widely recommended by most science-based trainers and animal behaviorists. Begin by showing your dog a toy that they like and that is suitable for the dog. You may have to really wiggle it and shake it around if your dog has never played before. The goal is to get their interest peaked, and movement usually does it. Every game has its rules, and this applies to a game of tug too. Your dog cannot make contact with skin or clothes, and you decide when the fun begins and ends. Rules for us humans are that no aggressive pulling is allowed, nor is pulling aggressively up at steep angles or side to side. The tug of war game is an excellent way for your dog to learn and reinforce skills such as let go, sit, and go-play commands. The tug game can be combined with fetch as well. Teach your Golden to let go and ask for a sit. Mixing it up keeps it more exciting and mentally stimulating. Follow the Leader Follow the leader is a great training game that teaches your dog to follow you while having fun. If your Golden goes right, you go left; if your dog runs ahead of you, you slow down; if your Golden slows down or stops, you run. The rule is that he follows you. It can be a quick activity to start or end a play or training session, and it works well as an add-on to other activities. I usually like playing follow the leader before a fetch game. Puzzles and Games Many pet stores and online retailers carry puzzle games and lick mats, so if your budget affords it, these can be fantastic options to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Puzzle feeders can be used with your kibble, while lick mats work well with peanut butter, yogurt, or dehydrated foods such as beef liver treats. All dogs need mental stimulation, especially higher intelligent dogs such as the Golden. Many games engage a Goldens brain and include anything from hiding treats in toys to commercial puzzle games. Or we put a treat or two in a muffin tin, put tennis balls on each hole, and the goal is for our Golden to find the reward. Or create a foraging box. Keep some boxes in various sizes, such as cereal boxes. Sprinkle some treats in each box and then place the smaller box inside a bigger one and those inside an even bigger one. Your Golden has to use its nose to locate the treats and must figure out how to get the goodies out. Kong toys work well also. You can put some loose kibble in there for your Golden to locate, or you can soak the kibble, put it inside the Kong and freeze it for the next day. Your Golden will need to figure out how to get the tasty reward out. You can use make-shift pylons any object will do , use Hoola hoops, small jump obstacles like cardboard boxes, stairs, brooms, rolled-up blankets, and whatever you think of. Teach your Golden to run through the obstacle with you. Have your Golden run-around, over, and under the obstacles. Find a hiding space. Someplace where your dog cannot see you, but your Golden should still be able to hear your when you call. Once you find the right spot, say behind a curtain or door, call his name. Your Golden will find you pretty quickly unless you are a great hider , but they love seeking you out and finding you. Another variation is using treats. You can do this activity indoors or, if you have a yard, then outdoors. Use cheese, boiled chicken, apples, or any high-value treat your dog loves. You may have to show them the first few treats, so they get the hang of the game, but they catch on quickly. Bubble Game Cheap, fun, and no training is required. Great for kids as well. Get a bubble blower. Blow bubbles. Your Golden Retriever will chase the bubbles and jump up, snapping at bubbles to break them. Just make sure the bubbles are pet friendly yes, they make bubbles for dogs , and off you go. You can use a PVC pipe, an old fishing rod, or a sturdy stick think hockey stick, eh. Attach a long rope or string, and now add a furry toy, a rag, or a dog toy, and you have a flirt pole. The flirt pole is excellent for physical activity and mental stimulation. Your Golden has to run, jump, and anticipate changes of direction and plan for what will happen next. It also benefits those dogs with a more innate prey drive by stimulating that instinct. The rule is, though, you must let your Golden catch the lure or toy on occasion. It also prevents frustration. Not allowing a dog to catch its toy is teasing and can cause behavioral issues. Once your Golden catches the lure, now you can transition into a game of tug. All handy things for your Golden to learn. And, the teaching moment is all wrapped up nicely in a fun play activity. Just remember, dog training is supposed to be fun, so keep it that way. It can be fun and still accomplish the goal at the same time. The best teachers know how to do both. Or teach your Golden an invisible boundary, so it stays out of the kitchen or stays back from the door. Not only are these complex skills a great way to invigorate the mind, but it teaches skills that benefit both them and you. Activities That Require Classes Obedience Training Formal obedience classes are a wonderful activity and one that I consider essential. It combines socialization, mental stimulation, and training. Your Golden gets to meet new dogs and people, learn basic commands, and do all this in a distracting environment. Obedience classes ensure your Golden gets a great foundation of obedience and manners while simultaneously building and strengthening communication between your Golden and you. You each must learn to work together as a team. Hold up. Are you looking for a good online training program for your Golden Retriever? I recently wrote an article comparing some of the most popular online dog training systems. Canine sports classes are especially suited for dogs with high energy or dogs with very ingrained instinctual drives like herding dogs. Scent Work Scent work training is excellent for dogs. Scent work is also great for fearful and reactive dogs as it teaches them to focus and be confident. Nose work starts by teaching your dog how to seek out treats and toys, kind of like puzzle games and hide and seek. Then it expands and increases in difficulty to entire rooms, outdoor areas, and vehicles. Scent detection is actually a competitive canine activity. If you and your dog have an interest, then competitive events are an option. Doggie DayCare Doggie daycare is great for puppies and older dogs alike. Just like children need to play with other kids their age to get exercise, mental stimulation, and to learn how to socialize — your Golden is no different. So, you get a day to relax or run errands. It also helps teach your Golden Retriever to be away from you, which can reduce separation anxiety. If you work and have your Golden in there every day, then you know your pup is getting exercised along with plenty of social and mental stimulation. This a tired pup — physically and mentally. A shout-out to his best friend Milo for the fun times. Strictly Outdoor Activities Swimming For this one, you need a body of water. Golden Retrievers are bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes, and their coats are designed for the water. Golden Retrievers are very well adapted to tolerate cold because of their double coats, and they dry off quickly. The result? Goldens are ideally suited to the water and love to swim. Body of water includes lakes or ponds, pools, and even slow-moving rivers or streams. If swimming is done in a pool, be mindful of pool chemicals and chlorine. Give your Golden a good rinse after a pool swim. Did you know that overbathing can be bad for a Golden Retriever? Dock Diving Of course, with this one, you need both a lake and a dock. Once your Golden is comfortable with the water, just run and jump off the dock. Chances are your Golden will follow. Dock diving incorporates swimming plus diving plus fetch all rolled in one. Make sure you put a life jacket on them, though. Kayaking and especially canoeing are easier for your Golden, but paddleboarding will take training for the both of you. These activities can involve swimming too if you decide to take a dip with your Golden sometimes that may be unavoidable. However, the real benefit is mental stimulation new sights, sounds, and smells and the time you spend together. Hiking Hiking is an excellent activity for people and dogs alike. It usually incorporates inclines depending on the terrain and offers a host of other sights and sounds for your dog. Not all trails allow dogs, so check in advance to be sure. And if the trails do allow dogs, then most will require that you keep them leashed. Keeping your Golden on a leash is a good idea anyway since if you lose your dog in a thick brush or a forest, you may never get them back. Also, you want to be mindful of any encounters with small animals like squirrels or porcupines or bigger critters like bears. Just keep them leashed to be safe. Rocky and ungroomed, jagged trails can cause issues with their paws, so be alert to the type of landscape on the hiking path. Make sure to bring water and snacks for you and your dog. Also, throw a small backpack on and take some essentials just in case. Bring a first aid kit along at a minimum. Remove any you find and be thorough. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are not unlike walking or hiking in that it gets your Golden Retriever outdoors and trotting beside you. Usually, groomed trails or shallow snow is best, or your Golden may have difficulty navigating itself through the snow. Bike Riding Biking can be an excellent exercise for you and your dog if you have a well-behaved and well-trained Golden. You want your dog to trot beside the bike, which means you need to keep the speed reasonable. It would be best if you had excellent control of your dog, so training your Golden gradually with the bike beforehand is a good idea. You should also wear a helmet. Be very mindful of temperature in the summer; your Golden can overheat quickly. Bring water and snacks for your dog. If your Golden falls behind, then it may be tiring. Turn around and walk your Golden back home. Yes, you can over-exercise a Golden Retriever. Walking During walks, your dog is exposed to the world outside his home. He gets to experience various sights, sounds, smells, and environments, which mentally engage him. Walking is the foundational exercise for all puppies and dogs, which is no different for Golden Retrievers. Walking should be the staple exercise for your dog throughout most of its life. Dogs love to walk, and walking helps bond your dog to you. You may find your dog wants to stop frequently and check things out. A solution is to mix up your walking sessions. One that focuses on fast walking for exercise and another where your Golden gets time to smell and investigate his environment. One is more physical, the other more mental. Both are social. Running Running is a great cardio workout for both humans and dogs. However, refrain from running with your Golden before 14 to 18 months of age due to developing joints, muscles, and bones and the impact of running on those. And be sure to get a thumbs up from your vet first. Every so often, stop and ask your Golden to sit or change directions and vary the terrain. Keep it fun and your dog guessing. If running in the summer, be cautious of not overheating your Golden, so stick to cooler mornings or evenings and bring water for the both of you. The article details the age they can start, how much they can run, how fast and how far, and much more. Check it out here: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever? There are numerous Golden Retriever games that you can play with your furry friend. Playing is a great way to train your pooch while building a trusting relationship. Are Golden Retrievers Sporty? Golden Retrievers were originally hunting dogs. As such, they enjoy various types of games and outdoor sporting activities, with a great predilection for swimming. These are resilient dogs who like to run, jump, and retrieve objects. They are also very gifted at physical activities that rely on their intelligence: obstacle courses are, for example, one of their specialities, as they require your dog to both be athletic and demonstrate logic. Are Golden Retrievers Playful? Golden Retrievers are playful, easy-going dogs. It's easy to see how they've become one of the nation's favourite dog breeds! Always on the lookout, they never miss an opportunity to have fun. For these curious doggies, everything is an excuse to play. A piece of wood, a ball, a speed race through the garden: there's no shortage of games for your Golden Retriever! These are very sensitive dogs, so fun games and words of encouragement help them to assimilate learnings. Golden Retrievers have a jovial yet willful nature. And, as they love to accompany their masters and be of service in any task, there's so much choice for activities you can do with them! Dog Agility Dog agility is a sport in which the master guides their dog through an obstacle course. This timed race calls for both speed and precision. Golden Retrievers are great at this activity because commands can only be given by voice or hand gesture, and this dog breed is one of the best at obedience training! Flyball Flyball is an activity that combines sport and play. The aim of flyball is to race over a line of hurdles, at the end of which is a box containing a ball. The dog has to press a spring-loaded pad to release the ball, catch it, and then bring it back to its owner by doing the course in the opposite direction. This is an excellent activity for developing speed, jumping, and sociability skills. Canicross With their innate love for running and the outdoors, Golden Retrievers are really cut out for canicross. No need for complicated obstacle courses: your dog just runs in sync with you. All you need to do is equip yourself with the right traction belt and you're good to go! This big dog loves all types of games, but if you really want to make them happy, choose one that appeals to their love for fetching things or their keen sense of smell. Here are some ideas for Golden Retriever games. Frisbee This is a favourite game for Golden Retrievers. Canine frisbee is a very simple game to set up and doesn't require the owner to be a great athlete. Just throw a frisbee and ask your pooch to fetch and bring it back to you. Hide and Seek An unmissable Golden Retriever game that calls on your dog's excellent sense of smell! This simple game consists of hiding one or more objects around the house or garden and letting your dog seek them out. Change more than just your pet food, change your philosophy. Games Golden Retrievers Like To Play One of the games Golden Retrievers like, such as swimming, makes them one of the most popular and famous breeds of dogs. They are extremely friendly and gentle dogs, great as family pets due to their gentle and tolerant nature with little children. My Golden Retriever is a great pal to my kids, loves to play for hours with them in a very fun, loving and playful way. It is awesome to watch your pet and your child having fun together and Golden Retrievers like playing games like hide and seek, fetching games and other chasing games. They are quite an enthusiastic breed, very smart and active dogs. Once tired, you will see them snuggling next to you or your child. Golden Retriever puppies love to play games and games are a great way to entertain them while teaching them lessons at the same time. Have a pocket full of little treats to along with your game plan and keep the games short, puppies have short attention spans. Of course with larger Golden Retrievers you can increase the length of time and degree of difficulty. You can increase the distance the more you play catch with him and the more he grows. Bonding Games Like Hide-n-Seek…ready or not here I come… A bonding technique for you and puppy is the hide-and-seek game, where you hide behind something in the room and then call him to find you. He will find you and when he does give him a big hug and another treat. Finding one of his own toys is a great way to teach him the names of his toys and retrieving them as you call them out. You can put them in another room and ask him to find them by name and bring them back to you, he will learn to sniff them out; his nose is good at that. Swimming is another good activity for your Golden Retriever as they just love the water, if you live near the water than taking him for a swim is easy for you. Your children will love to play under the hose with your dog so make it fun for both. By: Connie Glutyk. Golden retrievers are, for a multitude of reasons, one of the most popular dog breeds in the canine world. Whatever the case may be, one thing is normally true for any golden retriever: they absolutely love to play! They were named retrievers for a reason. Retrieving for them is like a game. It could be a ball in the backyard or a game-fowl on a hunting trip. Whatever it may be, they will happily fetch it and bring it right back for another round. They are particularly good at retrieving waterfowl, like ducks. Pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans are all fun places to bring your golden. Remember, start shallow and with heavy supervision. Time for Tug-of-War! Tug-of-war, much like fetch, is an absolute timeless classic. Playing tug is a great way to tucker out your golden. Something about the one-on-one competition draws them in and keeps them playing for hours. You can even play fetch with your tug toy instead of a ball and combine these two favorites in a singular, mind-bogglingly fun activity for your dog. Agility-Based Games Most golden retrievers are high-energy and active dogs, especially in their younger ages. You can probably imagine the stereotypical dog handler leading their k-9 partner through an agility obstacle course. That can be you! Most obstacles can be created with household items and a little DIY. For example, I got my dog to start jumping over a broomstick balanced on two stacks of books. Obedience-Based Games While you are working on ability games, you can also mix in some obedience style challenges. Having your dog spin, roll over, play dead and hold a treat on their nose are all excellent obedience games. When that becomes too easy, you can try any of your favorite commands at longer distances or in faster succession. Goldens Love a Good Puzzle Many golden retrievers are impressively intelligent. They like to use their smarts to solve problems. Ever have your golden figure out how to open up the backyard fence and take itself on a walk? Puzzle feeders are a great addition to keep around the house. Entertaining your dog with a puzzle feeder keeps them occupied both physically and mentally. Chewing While we are on the topic of eating things, we might as well talk about chewing. Golden retrievers, especially young ones, love to chew. When they get bored with one or decimate the squeaker on the inside, they can move onto a new one and keep playing. Depending on your dog, you may consider various types of chew toys: Stuffed squeaker animals Plastic chew toys Bones, antlers and hooves Having a surplus of chew toys around the house is a good idea if your dog likes to entertain itself. And some goes for bones or hooves; when they become too small, they can be a choking hazard. This makes them excellent at following scents. For that reason, golden retrievers have been used professionally to find contraband and even as avalanche search and rescue dogs. It can be as simple as hiding treats or toys around your home and allowing your dog to sniff them out. When they locate the toy or treat, you can praise them, and they will love you for it. That last thing they want is a bellyache. Hiking, Running and Cycling, Oh My! Golden retrievers absolutely love doing whatever their human is doing. This goes for when the human needs to exercise. Bringing your golden when you go out for a hike, jog, or bike ride is a great way to spread out the fun between you and your furry friend. Before You Unleash If you are going for a hike, make sure your dog is solid with verbal commands before considering taking them off-leash on the trail. And for cycling, start slow and with shorter distances. Always make sure you know the leash laws where you are, too. This can be a bit discouraging. However, clean-up can also be a game! Like the retrieving and scenting games from above, training your dog to clean up its toys after itself is a great way to incorporate a game into daily life. When they bring back their toys to home base, you can reward and praise them. Before you know it, your golden will be cleaning up after itself in no time. Conclusion There is no end to the myriad of games that golden retrievers like to play. Young or old, most golden retrievers love to spend their days doing fun activities. Their generally playful personality is one component as to why they are such popular dogs to own. Having these 10 games in your repertoire will do wonders for bonding with your beloved pup and getting them ample amounts of exercise. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog. Now get out there and go have some fun! Share this:.

We have been breeding golden retrievers since .We were previously located in Tucson, Arizona. Our puppies are raised in our home in a healthy, loving environment. Our dogs have been genetically tested and are clear for the most common golden retriever health issues. A Furever Friend Happy, Healthy Bloodline A Furever Friend It is our goal to breed healthy and confident golden retrievers and we strive to provide enrichment and socialization programs for our puppies so that they will make a wonderful addition to any family. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters and availability. Golden retrievers come in a variety of different shades and colors; however, all goldens come from the same original bloodline. The biggest difference between the American and English variation is the coat color. American Goldens can range in color from golden to deep red, while English creams have a pale platinum coat. English cream golden retrievers have a stockier build and a slightly larger head. They also have thicker and stronger necks, slightly wider muzzles and a stronger jaw. Their eyes are also rounder and closer together and the ears are at the same level as the eyes. All golden retrievers are friendly affectionate and have a devoted nature, which is what makes them such amazing family members. English cream retrievers are generally calmer and more sensible than American Goldens. They are rarely hyperactive and rowdy but they are still playful and active. Goldens are highly intelligent and are eager to please. English cream golden retriever puppies can have different shades of gold and cream in the same litter and can darken in color as they grow. Photo Gallery. Breeding quality Golden's to be Your Next best Friend! They are AKC limited Registration , Full registration available for additional fee to approved homes only. They come with a 1 year health guarantee and a life time of help with any concerns and support , vaccinated age appropriate, De- wormed ,complete vet examined. We love our Golden's. They are a true part of our family and family life. They Live in our home and go camping and traveling with us and are a huge attraction where ever we take them and the tail wagging and unconditional love is priceless. They are such sweet souls. They are best friends but they also make great service dogs, hunting companions, dock dogs, agility partners, walking friends, they are a very versatile dog. We raise these pups as if we were keeping all of them. They are held and played with everyday. They play with kids and have Social interaction with other dogs in our family. We take them outside and expose them to the outdoors , we also give them stimulating toys and water to play in to get them started to be confident, thriving ,well adjusted babies. Mom's name is Callie. She is light gold close to white in color and has a beautiful full coat. About 78 lbs. She is 4 years old. She has been very health dog. Has her Eyes, Heart, Hips and elbow clearances. DNA golden retriever panel also. She is so calm, loving and smart. She loves kids, people , walks, swimming. She is worth her weight in gold as far as personality. Dads name is Bounty. He is a very handsome boy. He also has personality plus. He is also a huge part of his family! He is pet, in his home and on the furniture! He is a beautiful and solid 80 pounds He had heart and eye certified and had many proven healthy babies on the ground. His Coat is gorgeous and his personality a plus. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Kaila Duggan.

Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.

Allergy Friendly Dog, are labradoodles hypoallergenic? Are labradoodles hypoallergenic? Do not believe that all labradoodles are allergy friendly or hypoallergenic, some are more allergy friendly and some are not. NO dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are better for people with allergies than others. You must determine if you are in fact allergic to dogs hair and dander or the protein that is found in a dog's saliva and urine. That is best determined by a doctor. Besides dander or saliva, you may be allergic to what a dog naturally brings in from the outside, grass, dust, and pollen on their coat versus the dog itself. In the case of saliva or outside allergens, all dogs will increase your allergy symptoms. If you believe you are allergic to dogs the best way to determine if you are allergic to labradoodles is to be around one the correct type for at least 24 hours or more. Remember there are Labradoodles flat coated, fleece coated, wool coated and Australian Labradoodles fleece coated and wool coated. If a family member has dog allergies, specifically you want at least a second generation Labradoodle OR an Australian Labradoodle. Either with a Fleece or Wool Coat. The details: Labradoodle First Generation Lab bred to Poodle Within the Labradoodle First Generation population there are primarily two different coat textures, flat coated which has a wiry feel and fleece coated with its harsh but slightly softer feel. Studies are being conducted to identify if this texture of the coat is an indication of adult coat shedding and a predictor of causing an increase in allergies. There does not seem to be a connection between Labradoodle First Generation coat length or wave and allergies, so identifying which puppy will and will not increase allergy symptoms as an adult is an educated guess at best. First Generation Labradoodles are wonderful dogs but NOT a good choice for the family with dog allergies and labradoodle allergies. Make sure you are not purchasing a dog that is sometimes called a Second Generation a first generation bred to a first generation. If your family wants a non shed dog, allergy friendly pet both parents AND grandparents need to also be allergy friendly and non shedding for this to be the BEST choice. If you are looking at a third or fourth generation Labradoodle, and both parents and grandparents of a Labradoodle puppy do not shed your puppy should not. Selective breeding for the coat trait should result in a non shedding coat. It takes at least three generations to consistently produce non shedding results and even then a breeder can occasionally find a slightly shedding dog due to recessive genetics. Australian Labradoodle? If your family wants a non shed dog, allergy friendly pet an Australian Labradoodle with a fleece or wool coat is one of the BEST choices. If both parents and grandparents of a Australian Labradoodle puppy do not shed your puppy should not. Note: Allergy friendly is different than hypoallergenic, no dog is hypoallergenic, some can be allergy friendly. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. Labradoodles originate from Labrador Retrievers that used to be working dogs, which is why they have a thick fur so they were able to handle to cold winters and the cold mountain heights. Their undercoat is soft and meant to keep your dog nice and dry, and it works as insulation against the harsh outdoors. Their outer coat is coarser and longer and is meant to protect the dog against ice and snow. This double-coat system means that these dogs will shed all year round, but they will shed the most when the summer approaches. And if you have dog allergies, this is a particularly challenging barrier to defeat. Some people have gotten the idea that shaving their dog is a viable option. The fur also works to keep them cool for the summer. Shaving a Labradoodle for the summer not only gets rid of some of the insulation that will help cool them down, but it will also leave it vulnerable to sunburn. And even if you did shave it, a Labradoodle would still shed, so the best option to keep it healthy and well-protected is to simply not shave it. Pet dander can be carried in several different ways. Directly touching the animal is one of the obvious ones, but the dander can also be transmitted through the fur. Sometimes you might also breathe it in, which will usually result in reactions such as coughing and wheezing in from your lungs. There are also times where direct contact of the dander with skin can lead to rashes and general itchiness. One of the most typical symptoms, is itchiness to the eyes, runny or stuffy noses, and the occasional inflammation. Perhaps you already know that you suffer from allergies, but you might also discover or develop them after years of living with your pet. Sometimes allergies can just develop, and conversely, they might disappear altogether as well. All in all, while being allergic to animals is obviously not the most pleasant of experiences, no matter the level of severity you may face, but if you absolutely love your pets, it can be made a lot easier to live with. Someone who has severe allergies should perhaps reconsider before getting this type of breed. For others with less severe allergies, they may be willing to live with them in exchange for being able to get their favorite breed. No matter if you are planning on getting a Labradoodle or perhaps you already have and only recently discovered your allergies, there are still several things that you can do in order to make it a lot more manageable and create a great home for both you and your Doodle. Keep your Labradoodle Well-Groomed Labradoodles shed quite a bit, but if they are kept well-groomed this can be somewhat controlled. If not, try asking a non-allergic friend or family member if they might be willing to help you. You should generally brush a Labradoodle once a day if possible, and on top of that, do a thorough brushing at least twice a week. You should also give your dog regular baths. How often can vary, but the more often the better. Bathing your Labradoodle will get rid of the dander and old skin cells and keeps those from flying out around your house. Using a great shampoo such as this one from Buddy Wash and keeping their coat healthy can greatly reduce the shedding as well. Dry fur will shed more, so a clean and well-groomed dog will not leave as much fur and dander around. But remember that even a well-groomed Labradoodle can cause allergies, so there are a few other things that you should also consider doing to reduce any issues that you might have. Use Air Cleaners There are numerous different types of air filters and purifiers widely available. You can also get some vacuums that have HEPA filters, which is quite good for vacuuming places where dander and pet fur may have built up. As stated earlier, keeping the air of your home clean is very important because pet dander will be all over the house, and you will definitely breathe it in, causing allergic reactions and discomfort. Having a Labradoodle and carpet is pretty much just asking for a floor full of dander. If you do this it can help keep your everyday clothes, such as what you usually wear to work, practically dander free. You should also be careful when putting things in the wash. You can also just take things to the dry-cleaners if you want to pay for that, or just vacuum, or shake them firmly in order to help stop that from happening. With Labradoodles, it will be quite difficult to avoid getting fur on even your non-pet clothes, but if you keep your things as separate as possible it can prove very helpful and even reduce your allergy issues by just a bit. You should know that after playing with a dog, a simple hand sanitizer might not always be enough. Fully cleaning your hands with soap and warm water will go a long way to preventing any allergic reactions. When you shower, you should also thoroughly rinse and scrub down as well. If you allow your Labradoodle to roam all over the house wherever he wants to, then fur and dander are going to be everywhere as well. There are many ways to train a dog but as with pretty much every single breed, a Labradoodle reacts best to training by positive reinforcement. But no matter what method you end up using, at least it will be excellent to have a place where you can sleep comfortably without having to suffer through symptoms of allergy. Crate-training your dog can be beneficial as well because it can help keep the dander to a more contained area. There are medicines that can help to reduce a runny nose, a rash, itchy eyes, and a lot of other things that your dog might cause you. But as with all medicines, you should be careful, as they all come with their own side effects, and you might end up being immune to them. If you want to try and attack more than just the allergy symptoms, there are options such as allergy shots that can help. These allergy shots are also known as immunotherapy, and they work by giving you a small dose of the allergy. You start going a few times a week, which will then gradually spread out over time as you are able to build up immunity. As with all medications, you should always contact doctors or other medical professionals before making decisions about any shots or medicine to handle your allergies. What Generation of Labradoodle Is Best for Allergies The F1B generation of Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labradoodle and a Poodle, is considered to be the best option for those with allergies due to the fact that they are less likely to shed and produce less dander. And while there are some animals that can handle living outside, Labradoodles are the best for that option. While Labradoodles are highly active dogs that do enjoy spending a lot of time outside, they are also extremely social dogs. They love feeling like a part of the family, and if left outside for too long, they will get bored easily. It can also be unsafe and unhealthy to keep a Labradoodle outside constantly. If you dont provide a Labradoodle with a lot of socialization, they can develop destructive and even violent tendencies. The indoors also serves as protection for your dog from the weather, both in the summer and winter. So if you are considering getting a Labradoodle and have severe allergies, make sure you can handle having it indoors before you get one. If you are a person who is extremely sensitive to dog allergens and dander, then a Labradoodle may not be the best dog for you. Instead, you should think about looking more into one of the following breeds, as they are some of those that are referred to as hypoallergenic by The American Kennel Club: Afghan Hound. Still have questions? We have answers! All Labradoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Are mini Labradoodles hypoallergenic? Mini Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. Are F1 Labradoodles hypoallergenic? Yes they are! As you breed future generations of Labradoodle with non-hypoallergenic dogs, they will lose their hypoallergenic quality. Are Labradoodles more hypoallergenic than Goldendoodles? This is because Labradoodles inherit their curly coats from a poodle parent. Do Labradoodles shed a lot? Labradoodles shed a moderate amount. What causes pet allergies? Proteins found in pet dander, saliva, urine, and feces cause pet allergies. Can people with allergies keep Labradoodles as pets? What are the symptoms of pet allergies? The most common symptoms of pet allergies are a runny nose, red or itchy eyes, and a sore throat. How can I reduce my exposure to pet allergens? Cleaning frequently is the best way to reduce your exposure to pet allergens. You can also invest in an air-purifier for allergies to remove dander and pollen from the air. What are some hypoallergenic dog breeds? Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Xoloitzcuintlis are all hypoallergenic breeds. They have curly fur, hair instead of fur, and no fur respectively. Can regular grooming help reduce pet allergens? Yes it can! Just make sure that you use a moisturizing shampoo without parabens to avoid your dog developing dry, flaky skin. What are some common allergens found in pet dander? Pet dander can also contain mold spores, pollen, and dust mites with it. Are there any medications or treatments that can help alleviate pet allergies? Over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl are great for mild pet allergies. Doctor-prescribed allergy shots are also a nice alternative for people with more severe allergies. Do hypoallergenic dog breeds exist? Yes, they do! Hypoallergenic dog breeds usually have curly or wiry coats, hair instead of fur and are low-shedders. Can Labradoodles cause asthma attacks? For people with dog allergies and asthma, Labradoodle dander may cause asthma attacks. You might have an allergy if you experience allergy symptoms like a runny nose or itchy eyes when around Labradoodles. Can children with allergies keep Labradoodles as pets? Yes, they can! Just make sure to keep your living area clean and groom your doodle frequently. How can I prepare my home for Labradoodles if I have allergies? One of the best things you can do to prep for allergens in your home is to create an allergen-free zone. For dogs, this means creating an off-limits space just for you. What are some non-allergenic pets? Reptiles and amphibians make great non-allergenic pets! Can allergy shots help with pet allergies? What are some common allergens found in dog saliva? Dog saliva contains the same proteins that are also found in pet dander, which is why dog spit might make your skin itchy. How often do I need to groom my Goldendoodle? Try to brush your doodle once a day, and give them a nice bath once a week. Are Goldendoodles suitable for people with allergies? Goldendoodles are great dogs for people with allergies! Related Articles:. Origins of the Labradoodle The Labradoodle is an Australian designer breed that results from crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. This Labradoodle was created with the needs of people with pet allergies in mind. As you may be well aware, Labradors are arguably the best service dogs out there, thanks to their high intelligence and intense loyalty. The issue with Labs, however, is that they are incredibly heavy shedders. As such, this beautiful service dog is of no use to people with pet allergies. The Poodle sheds once every 3—4 weeks, as opposed to most breeds that shed almost every other day. The result was an intelligent, sociable, and more allergy-friendly hybrid. Nonetheless, as mentioned, allergy-friendliness levels vary significantly among Labradoodles depending on the genes they inherit. This is because even pups from the same litter can differ considerably in the type of coat they sport, with some inheriting that of the Labrador and others of the Poodle. Fortunately, you can tell the more allergy-friendly ones based on their generation. In fact, Labradoodles can be classified according to generations. These include: F1 Labradoodle 1st Generation This is a first-generation Labradoodle, and it is the result of crossing a Labrador with a Poodle. As such, F1 Labradoodle pups can sport two different coats, depending on which parent they take after the most. The first is a fleece coat with a soft feel, while the other is a flat coat with a wiry feel. As such, both coats have a different rate of shedding. Despite their differences, none of either coat has been found to be allergy-friendly. Therefore, when looking for a Labradoodle, first ask whether it is an F1. If so, avoid it. Therefore, F1B Labradoodles are the best option for people who are severely allergic to pet dander. Nonetheless, you need to confirm that your F1B Labradoodle was bred in this way, as some breeders will mate two first-generation Labradoodles and offer their offspring as 2nd generation Labradoodles. However, true 3rd generation Labradoodles tend to be extremely rare. Living with a Labradoodle and allergies Even the most allergy-friendly Labradoodle sheds more frequently than the Poodle does. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of dander from both your pet, as well as your home. These include: 1. Regular Grooming Regular grooming is one of the best ways of making your Labradoodle more hypoallergenic. It gets rid of dander, dust, and pollen, which are the main causes of the allergic reactions that some people have to pet hair. Therefore, if possible, consider giving your Labradoodle a light brushing every day while brushing them thoroughly at least twice a week. Consider bathing your animal using anti-allergenic shampoo at least once a month. However, since grooming will expose you to potential allergens, it would be a good idea to delegate that task to someone who does not suffer from pet allergies. Image Credit: Dikushin Dmitry, Shutterstock 2. As such, even if your pet sheds, you will be less likely to have an allergic reaction since the filter will have removed much of the dander. Consider Non-Carpeted Flooring Carpets are an enemy when it comes to managing pet allergies because they easily trap hair and dander. Moreover, getting rid of stuck dander is almost impossible. Hardwood flooring is a great option to consider. This floor does not trap dander and is easy to clean. All you have to do is sweep or wipe the hair away. Image Credit: litthouse, Pixabay 4. Cover the Couch with a Blanket The couch is another area that is incredibly hard to keep dander-free. Make sure to wash that blanket regularly to prevent dander buildup. Restrict Access to Your Bedroom Considering that you spend a third of your life in the bedroom, it is crucial to make that environment as allergen-free as possible. Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock Conclusion Compared to breeds that are marketed as hypoallergenic, such as the Poodle, the Labradoodle is not in that category due to its Labrador heritage. However, Labradoodles do not shed much, making them an allergy-friendly breed. But make sure that you get either a second or third-generation pup. See also:. The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dogs September 6, By Archview Labradoodles Leave a Comment If you have pet-related hair or dander allergies, you have probably considered adding a doodle to your family. There are many common misconceptions regarding doodles of all kinds, with the largest being that they are completely hypoallergenic. Most families with mild hair or dander allergies do exceptionally well with our puppies. Today, we are going to share with you the truth about hypoallergenic dogs and what you should consider when shopping for your new addition. You can find loads of research on hypoallergenic products, but not all of it comes from a reliable resource. Saliva allergies are trickier to work with. We highly recommend that anyone with a saliva allergy spends time with our puppies beforehand to make sure they are a good fit. However if your allergy is hair based, one of our allergy friendly multi-generational Australian Labradoodles may be a good fit for you! ALAA registered Australian Labradoodles are backed by generations of research to produce a dog that is allergy friendly. Different Hair Coats There are three different types of hair coats in doodle breeds: fleece, hair and wool. The fleece coat is soft and can either be straight wavy or spiraled and is very easy to manage. Both fleece and wool are allergy friendly! A wool coat A hair coat A fleece coat Dogs with a hair coat, however, are not allergy friendly. This coat is most commonly seen in earlier crosses of the breed such as F1 or F2b and resembles that of a lab. This coat does shed and will not be suitable for someone seeking a low-allergen companion. Find a Breeder You Can Trust Unfortunately, many doodle breeders are either misinformed or intentionally dishonest when they market their puppies as hypoallergenic. Doodles that are F1, F1b or F2 click HERE to learn more about the different generations of doodles are not considered low-shed and carry the risk of aggravating your allergies. When buying a puppy, always do your research! Find a breeder that is knowledgeable about the breed they are producing and that is happy to share that expertise with you. At Archview Labradoodles, we have dedicated years to learning about and maintaining the standards of the Australian Labradoodle. You can rest assured that if you consider purchasing an Archview puppy, you will be provided with all of the educational tools you need to make a well-informed decision. We have several adorable puppies ready to join to your family. Take a look at our current and upcoming litters here! Written by Sean Kelley. Medically reviewed in January .The white dog in the picture is a Labradoodle—the offspring of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Like a lot of people, including the Obamas, our interest in Labradoodles stems from pet allergies. Our son, Graeme, has asthma and severe contact and food allergies. When he is around cats, his skin breaks out and he has breathing issues. My wife's asthma also acts up around cats and certain dog breeds. And my eyes can water and swell nearly shut after contact with some animals. The obvious way to solve this problem is to get a fish, but we like furry friends. So our last two pets have been doodles. Poodles, along with other pure breeds, like Shih Tzu, some terriers, Maltese, Bichon Frise and Schnauzers are said to be hypoallergenic because they shed less than other breeds. Crossbreeds like Labradoodles are also popular with the allergy set because they combine the low-shedding benefits of purebreds with other desirable traits a Labrador Retriever's happy-go-lucky personality, for example. The dogs can get expensive. Are they worth it? If your aim is a hypoallergenic dog, some research says Labradoodles might not be. While the dogs may shed less—all dogs shed—they produce allergens just like their looser-haired cousins. In a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology researchers looked at so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds—Labradoodles, Poodles, Spanish Waterdogs and Airedale Terriers—and found their levels of Can f 1, one of the most common dog allergens, higher than those of standard and mixed breeds considered non-hypoallergenic. The results align with those of a study published in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, where researchers measured the levels of the allergen in homes of people with similar breeds. They didn't find that special breeds were all that special at keeping down Can f 1 levels. Does that mean these dogs aren't as allergy-friendly as advertised? But researchers in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology study wrote that allergic owners reported fewer issues with hypoallergenic breeds like Labradoodles, even though the study wasn't designed to measure allergic reaction levels. Both are facts worth considering if you or your family have allergies are looking to add a pooch to your home. In our house, we've never really seen much of a difference between reactions caused by our old Labrador Retriever and Chow both now gone and our more recent doodle additions. Allergies or not, without our Labradoodles, we'd all be sad puppies. Posted on October 15, by Kristen - Fun and Trending Dog Topics Though the Labradoodle is not considered a proper breed, it is a popular crossbred dog that was created by crossing the Labrador Retriever with the Standard Poodle. Though the term Labradoodle appears to have been around since the s, it was made official by Wally Cochran in Australia in the s. Cochran was inspired by a blind woman from Hawaii who suffered from severe dog allergies, but desperately required a hypoallergenic guide dog. Of the first litter produced, three of the eight puppies were confirmed to be low allergy. General Benefits of the Labradoodle Labradoodles are incredibly easy to train and have mild, sweet dispositions. Most seem to have the gentleness of the Labrador and the intelligence of the Poodle, making them ideal pets for families. They have no odor and do not require frequent bathing. Labradoodle Types There are three types of Labradoodles, varying in height and weight: Standard: inches high and pounds Medium: inches high and pounds Miniature: inches high and pounds The colour of the Labradoodle can vary from chalk or milky white, various cream shades, caramel-beige, copper, apricot, golden, black, chocolate, various shades of red, and silver. Coat Types The coats of Labradoodles also vary, and this is the attribute that most determines their degree of being allergy-friendly. The three coat types are: Woolly: Similar to that of the Poodle. This coat requires regular grooming and is allergy-friendly. Fleece: This is the best coat for allergy sufferers. Fleece coats are easy to maintain, they do not shed, and they are allergy and asthma friendly. Hair: This coat can range from straight to curly or wavy. It can vary from shedding a lot to shedding very little. This coat is not likely to be allergy-friendly. For more info, visit Wikipedia and Puppy Love Labradoodles. Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic? Labradoodle -along with poodles and Portuguese water dogs- are believed to be a lot more allergy-friendly dogs as compared to other breeds. Labradoodles shed a minimal amount of dander that is likely to produce allergies. Besides dander, this breed is well-known for its low or no-shed fur coat and low quantity of saliva -which means people with allergies and special needs can easily have access to a labradoodle without the fear of hypersensitivity and other allergic attacks. The coats of Labradoodles are the attribute that most determines their degree of being allergy-friendly. Are Labradoodles good for allergies? The coats of Labradoodles also vary, and this is the attribute that most determines their degree of being allergy-friendly. Are Labradoodles easy to train? Labradoodles are incredibly easy to train and have mild, sweet dispositions. They have no odour and do not require frequent bathing. Are all poodles hypoallergenic? Are labrador retrievers hypoallergenic? What type of labradoodle is best for allergies? Labradoodles come with three types of coatings I. The coatings determine the degree of shedding and hence, the allergies that can be produced. Hairy Labradoodles shed light to heavy fur and are not suitable for sensitive people. Woolly Labradoodles, if groomed frequently, are less likely to produce allergies. Fleece coated Labradoodles are the best for allergic and asthmatic people, as they do not shed hair, fur or other allergy-causing agents. Do Labradoodles shed a lot? Labradoodle is a mixed dog kind that was bred for the sole purpose of limiting allergies in asthmatic and hypersensitive people. Labradoodles have coats that are either non-shedding or low-shedding, which contributes to the hypoallergenic nature of these dogs. The Labradoodle breed is a broad class and has diverse varieties but almost all the variants are average to low shedding. What is the most hypoallergenic dog? The two dog breeds that are acknowledged as the most hypoallergenic ones are Bichon Frise and Labradoodles.

The people who run the organization think the Poodle is a special breed with many amazing traits that enable them to flourish in many different ways. The qualities that they strive for in all of their Poodle puppies are conformation, top-notch health, intelligence, and friendly temperament. They exhibit their poodles in the conformation breed show ring to demonstrate that they possess the traits required by the breed standard. Genetics are clearly a major factor in autoimmune disorders, and for that reason, genetic diversity is crucial. The best way to get in touch with them is to check out their website for more info and then go from there. Silver Nickel Puppies — Englewood, NJ Silver Nickel Puppies have a puppy nursery and showroom that are fully equipped with ventilation and exhaust systems in order to make the air as fresh and as clean as possible. They put a lot of time and effort into making sure that these furballs grow up into healthy, smart, and well-behaved dogs. As required by New Jersey State law, all of their puppies come from USDA-licensed breeders, which they inspect every year to ensure that they keep up their standards. When you buy a puppy from Silver Nickel, you receive the full medical records, pedigree information, breed certification, as well as other necessary paperwork. They sell a variety of breeds, but they specialize in hypoallergenic dogs. This, of course, includes Poodles, and particularly Toy Poodles. Silver Nickel Puppies Contact Info. We are Silver Nickel Puppies! Let us tell you all about it. Our puppy nursery and our puppy showroom are both equipped with clean air ventilation and exhaust systems that purify and circulate the air constantly to help eliminate all odors and bacteria that cause germs. Checkout our available poodles for sale , and our poodles coming soon , and if you want to learn more about the poodle breed. For pricing on our toy poodle puppies for sale, give us a call today! Toy Poodle Breed Information The toy Poodle is the common breed for many, many popular crossbred dogs right now. The toy variety of poodle is a very small dog no taller than 10 inches in most cases. It is often this toy sized one that is used to breed the Mini Goldendoodle, Mini Whoodle, Cockapoo, and many more! However, this could not be further from the truth! Poodles historically have been used to retrieve game such as waterfowl, they have no qualms with getting down to brass tacks. The Poodle is a very hardworking breed and has great intelligence which makes it an excellent sporting dog for dog competitions. This makes the breed very trainable and good for many different occasions and lifestyles. The Poodle is also well known for their coat which sheds very little and is considered to be hypoallergenic. However, like many hypoallergenic breeds what you get with lack of shedding you must make up for with frequent grooming and maintenance. Toy Poodle Breed Info: Temperament Those looking for Poodle breed info will be happy to learn these dogs possess many excellent qualities. However, like most intelligent dogs they require mental stimulation and play to keep any misbehaviors at bay. Poodles offer a robust package of brains and beauty, a difficult to beat combination. Toy Poodle Gallery. Both parents have intensive genetic testing, and the results are available to view. All new puppies come with a microchip, a health guarantee, and lifetime support for adoptive owners. You can reach City Lights Standard Poodles by calling , emailing [email protected] , or filling out an online contact form. However, the option for a breeding contract is a possible option that you can discuss before the final sale. Contact them through the online web form for more information. All of the puppies come with a limited AKC registration. These Poodles come in several colors: white, cream, silver, blue, and black. All puppies they offer come from champion bloodlines and are bred for looks and personality, for owners to have the very best in a new best friend. You can contact Firebrook Poodles by calling Nola at , emailing [email protected] preferred or [email protected] , or by submitting a request through their online contact form. Joan Markowitz has focused on breeding mainly white and black for the past 40 years. All puppies come with limited AKC registration , health check and certificate, microchipping, deworming, and a portion of their current food. Mount Bethel Poodles Mount Bethel Poodles regularly offers standard and occasionally miniature puppies for sale. Their dogs are bred for optimal health, temperament, and conformation. In addition, they receive proper socialization and stimulation, so all puppies are acclimated to many everyday sounds and activities. They are an AKC Breeder of Merit and focus on exceptional attributes, including intelligence, and a well-rounded personality, making the ideal companion. In addition, Mount Bethel Poodles strive for the highest breed structure and balance standards. You can reach Mount Bethel Poodles by filling out an online puppy application for an upcoming litter. Nobility Poodles Nobility Poodles in New Jersey breeds standard Poodles that have been breeding dogs since and focusing on this breed since .Their love for these non-shedding dogs that do not emit an odor motivates them to provide exceptional Poodles that make the best companions while carrying the best attributes of the breed. Their puppies are raised in the home around children and receive proper socialization and introduction to everyday life with humans. You can call them at to leave a message or email [email protected] for more information. All Poco A Poco Toy Poodles puppies carry exceptional gene characteristics, including proper bone structure and balance. In addition, each breeding dam and sire undergo annual health screenings and receive DNA checks for any health concerns. You can reach them by calling or emailing at [email protected]. The goal of Scheherazade Poodles New Jersey is to breed dogs that contain exceptional characteristics, are health, happy, and well-rounded as excellent companions for a home. However, responsible pet owners should take the time to interview potential breeders, ask for health certificates, and ensure they have proper documentation and contracts in place when taking home their pup. Bringing home a Poodle is a long-term investment. While you need to put in the time and effort for training and proper diet and care, it is worthwhile when you have a lovable best friend with you. Similar Posts. Menu Miniature Poodle Highly intelligent and one of the most trainable breeds. Pleasant, happy, and sensitive. Perky and lively. Demanding and delightful. Very amusing and clever. Likes to be with his people. Tends to be reserved with strangers; should be well socialized as a puppy. Any effort the owner puts into training and socialization will be well rewarded. Some bloodlines may be high-strung and timid. May snap if teased or surprised. History The Poodle is most likely descended from early German water retrievers, but may also be related to spaniels from the Iberian Peninsula. Hunters originally clipped the dog's thick coat to help it swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breed's high intelligence, trainability, and innate showmanship, using the Poodle as a circus performer. The breed's great popularity in that country led to the common name, French Poodle. The Poodle has also been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th-century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 16th century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from the original larger dogs , now known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered as one breed, and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything. Find Your Puppy Not seeing what you are looking for? Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in New Jersey? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in New Jersey. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for New Jersey Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in New Jersey? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle New Jersey? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies New Jersey for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies New Jersey? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! We are a small family owned breeder located in Northen New Jersey. Let us help you find your perfect puppy. We want to share with you and your family all the love and joy that our pups have brought us. Family Raised Dogs are family members. Every dog is a family member, from 8 weeks old, for LIFE. Socialization Our puppies get lots of socialization training, with children, and other dogs. That way, they learn at an early age not to be afraid. .They also receive a lot of kisses before go to bed each night! And every of our parent dog has the best temperament: loving, smart, and super affectionate. Good morning. Just wanted you to know that the puppy is doing great! Harley is just under five pounds now at 3 month old. Very sweet and friendly, smart, and so playful. Thank you for this wonderful puppy who is bringing us so much joy and happiness. Diane Houston Scott is doing great! He is the cutest, smartest, most lovable little devil. Who would ever think such a big personality could come in such a little package. He entertains us and himself for hours on end. I swear he understands everything I say to him. He is the neighborhood clown and has a very devoted following. Thank you so much for him and your obvious devotion to your puppies because it really shines through. I am in LOVE with my fur baby!!! Call us: Come and met your new best friend!

To stop, release the enter key. We are located in Gilbert, Az, which is right outside of Phoenix. All of our breeding dogs have been raised by us, and some have been placed in loving Guardian Homes. This allows us to have multiple dogs in our program, while each dog is a family member with an extraordinary quality of life. When you look through each dog's individual page, you will see pictures of them on hikes, family vacations and just living an extraordinary life with their forever families. We are very proud of the fact that our dogs will never be "kennel dogs". We breed because we are dedicated to improving the breed that we love so much. We select our breeding adults for health, temperament and conformation. We breed as close to the AKC standard as possible and use health testing to try and eliminate possible health concerns. We are proud to have produced puppies that have gone on to become seizure alert service dogs, mobility assistance dogs and search and rescue dogs! Our puppies are raised in our home, with children, other pets and normal, busy, household activities. We use the Bio Sensor "Super Dog" program to create more confident puppies. All puppies will start crate training, have their first shots and will be groomed before coming to your home. No stock photos here! Make sure you follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for hundreds of pictures of our dogs and puppies. And don't forget to subscribe to our email announcement list. You can unsubscribe at any time. Good luck on your search for the perfect puppy! There is no obligation and you can unsubscribe at any time. First Name. Address: E. This establishment is the creation of breeder Linda Weygant, and all the puppies are raised in a household and get lots of socialization. The super cute face of a young Toy Poodle puppy. This breeder begins grooming early, which is important for Poodles. After all, this breed has to learn to tolerate frequent grooming throughout its life. Lone Tree Poodles wants to know about you, your household, and lifestyle before letting you adopt a Poodle. Linda Weygant earned her licensed veterinary technician credentials for both Arizona and New York. She has operated her breeding establishment in Arizona for several years. Her main focus is always health, both of the breeding stock and the puppies. What is the correct Poodle teething age? How many teeth do they lose? Munaut Standard Poodles provides a health guarantee for its puppies. Manaut Standard Poodles is friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit their beautiful website for extensive information on the owners and their operations. If you have the show ring in mind, tell the breeders. They will show you the puppies thye currently have available in the different accepted colors, including Cream, White, Silver, Blue, and Black. The owners of Munaut Standard Poodles consider Poodles an essential part of their lives. Each of them grew up with the breed. You should also thoroughly read reviews left by other people who have adopted puppies from the establishment. All the breeders listed here are good Arizona Poodle breeders. Final Thoughts As seen here, Arizona has plenty of excellent Poodle breeders. Are you planning to adopt a Poodle puppy soon? Take a look at your household and lifestyle and double check this breed is the right one for you. The Poodle is highly intelligent and beautiful, but full of bountiful energy. Similar Posts. If you think you have a special female with great lines, give us a ring and show us her testing and lineage…. They live with their own families, are raised by them, and retire with them. These are FOSTER homes, the dogs will come to us for breeding and delivering of litters females have 3 litters and are retired to their families. SCSPoodles posts testing performed on each of the dogs profile pages. Then moved to an outside location for daytime playtime till they are 8 weeks old. Then moved back inside from weeks for crate and foundation training additional charge. All Litters are raised using several Puppy Culture techniques, as well as other techniques learned along the 27 years of breeding and training dogs to expose them and create a foundation of confidence for you to continue training. We do work with many breeders that not only have the time but the drive to do so, and respect what they do for the breed. Many of our dogs do work in hunting, agility, dock diving, show, therapy, service, and many other facets of the dog world and we are very proud of those accomplishments. This is a list that allows future owners to become involved with a litter list that they prefer based on size, temperament, color, and gender. Temperament is the utmost importance in placing any pup with any family. SCSPoodles directs each family to the best fit for what they need and want. The Deposit List is simply a way for families to secure their preferences and for SCSPoodles to determine what pairings the general public wants and needs so that we pair up our dogs to also fit what families want. In Phoenix, AZ we live on 3 acres. All of our dogs enjoy roaming the majority of those acres in Phoenix, AZ and interact with our children, grandchildren, horses, cats, and chickens, Guinea Fowl, sheep, pigs, and goats, on a daily basis. Breeding our dogs is something that brings us joy. Our dogs are a huge part of our life especially considering that we have 2 sons with Epilepsy who have their very own Standard Poodle Service Dogs. These dogs play, work, travel and do just about everything with us. We are a very active family and because of that our dogs are well socialized in many different settings. We raise each of our dogs as if they were going to be a Service Dog. The main concern of Springer Clan Standard Poodles is to produce healthy, intelligent, sound, versatile dogs so they easily fit into your family life and are able to perform any task that you may ask of them. We strive to develop long term relationships with every family that adds one of our puppies to their life, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are here to help you make the best decision when choosing your new puppy and will be with you through the many years after adding one of our pups to your family. If we had the time, we would show our dogs in AKC and UKC events, however, with running a ranch, homeschooling, caring for 2 epileptic children and so on, it just is not a priority to us to show. A quality dog…. No exceptions please do not ask! We mean no disrespect to those that choose to Doodle, it is a personal choice, and we have made ours. A few of the litters produced for our families! When you purchase a puppy from Springer Clan Standard Poodles you are getting much more than just a puppy. You are choosing a dog bred with integrity and raised with an educated focused training from birth on. You really are, in all truth, joining our family. We think that Standard Poodles are the perfect dog for everyone due to their intelligence and adaptability to any family life that they are introduced to. Standard Poodles are naturally smart, as you well know, however Springer Clan Standard Poodles are raised using the Puppy Culture protocol. This has allowed us to focus on raising confident puppies who excel as Service Dogs in all the different aspects of that work as well as family dogs that are exceptionally easy to train because they LOVE to learn! They are calm when required to be indoors and yet athletic when outdoors. Standard Poodles love to learn and they learn very quickly. They have wonderful temperaments and get along with just about everyone, yet, when they need to protect the ones they love they will not hesitate. Standard Poodles are labeled hypoallergenic, which means they shed very little and have minimal dander, therefore, they are able to be companions to most anyone who is allergic to animals. After all this IS a practical factor when deciding from whom and when to purchase a puppy. We have decided that our prices for our quality raised and genetically tested, pure bred pups will be: As of 6. The older a puppy becomes the higher the price becomes since they will will have much more training when they are taken from our home to yours. Puppies are handled daily from the moment of birth until the day they leave our family to join yours. Puppies are exposed to cats, horses, goats, chickens, cows at times and our other dogs daily and learn to get along with everyone. The Springer Clan home is an activity hub. Lots of noises, voices, movements, and crazy quads, lawn mowers, diesel engines, leaf blowers daily for dust on my porch , grooming vacuums and clippers, screaming children, and motorcycles constantly all around your new puppy. This exposes them to many sounds so that they are confident around loud situations. If you have ever been to our home, there is a smile on your face. Health: By the third day all puppies have their first examination, tails are docked and dew claws removed by my vet. We allow puppies to nurse as long as the mother remains healthy. This gives every puppy the best start in life. Every litter is protected from communicable diseases by allowing no one outside our family or those with deposits near them until one week after their first series of shots. All puppies are given a series of shots at 6 and 8 weeks of age. Every puppy is wormed before going home with their new family. Every puppy full price will be micro-chipped at 8 weeks of age Grooming: Since Poodles will be groomed their entire life, we begin at birth by getting them accustomed to being handled. At four weeks old puppies are introduced to the process of grooming by having their face and feet trimmed, and will be trimmed weekly thereafter. Training: We have children in our family and friends who regularly visit, and therefore all puppies are taught early on that jumping on and nipping at people is unacceptable behavior. At birth we begin neuro stimulation which increases brain activity and is proven to create the building blocks of smarter and more confident pups. By 4 weeks old we begin playing Puppy games during feeding time which teaches pups self control, patience, observance, and respect for human boundaries. Whining and unnecessary barking telling humans what to do is nipped in the bud quickly. We crate three puppies per large crate overnight. This allows them to feel comfortable with litter mates at their side and soon learn that crates are not a punishment but a haven. Sometimes it is just too hot for this and skip it! If rarely there are any pups remaining with me past 8 weeks old, we begin to crate them individually and work on leash — price goes up NOT DOWN, for this training…something to think about. We choose to have a limited amount of litters each year, sometimes the litters fall in the first or second half of any given year, all Future Planned Litters will be posted on that page. We do not include these as part of our Breeding Program, yet will include these and any dogs that are born to our family in our Warranty Program and will be raised in the exact same fashion as our very own dogs. We rarely will sell to breeders but it is not out of the question. If you wish to begin a working relationship with SCSP, contact us and let us know your plans. Thank you for visiting our website, we look forward to hearing from you very soon… The Springer Clan Limited Registration: This means that the dog is registered as a pure bred dog, but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. Its skull is somewhat round with a long, straight muzzle. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. This breed is nothing short of athletic, and they will want plenty of opportunities to show this off. Discover more about our Standard Poodle puppies for sale below. Poodles are notorious for learning tricks quickly and will love to take part in a wide range of canine hobbies. Keep them entertained with exercise, activities, games, and puzzles and you will have a very happy Poodle. Their elegant shape covered in a beautiful curly or corded coat gives them their distinct and famous look. It is this widely adored appearance, plus their intelligence, has earned this breed the status of the official dog of France. The Poodle is thought to have originated from Germany as a breed of water retriever. However, some argue that it is a descendant of the French Barbet dog. What we do know is that this is an old breed, with a history stretching back to the 15th century at least. Disposition Poodles are famous for being one of the most intelligent breeds, making them incredibly responsive and trainable. Meaning, they are very sweet, lively and cheerful puppies who like to be with people. If they are socialized properly, a Poodle will both charm your friends and also make a wonderful watchdog. It is important to give them the proper amount of exercise they need because, without it, they can become stressed and timid. The Poodle is great with children, making them an excellent family dog. Poodles are active, intelligent and proud dogs. They love to spend time with their family and are eager to play and please. They are remarkably agile and smart, which makes them wonderful to train. They enjoy learning and puzzles, so keep your Poodle stimulated to avoid them being bored or anxious. This breed is very people-oriented, which makes them both loyal and kind. They will respond to training routines that are fun and positive, just keep it consistent. Exercise Poodle puppies of any size are very active and require a good amount of exercise every day to suit their high energy level. They will thrive when they are kept busy and get to act on those inherent impulses such as retrieving, hunting, swimming, and learning. Poodles love to go for walks and jogs. Some even learn to do it themselves with clippers, while others take their dog to a professional dog groomer about every six weeks to have their hair and nails trimmed. Training As with most dogs, the Poodle will do best when they receive early socialization and leadership. This opportunity to learn manners will help that they grow up into a confident, happy adult dog. This is largely due to how cute they are as well as how trainable they are. The best approach to training is to make it both fun for you and the dog. They will respond best to positive reinforcement as they can be a bit sensitive. Despite their quiet nature, Poodles can be fans of their own voices. They tend to alert you to visitors, which is a trait you may appreciate. If you are not a fan of barking, make sure to not react to the barks. You may also want to try clicker training if the barking persists as an issue. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Association, Inc. Welcome to the Arizona state page on TrustedPuppies. Located in the southwestern region of the United States, Arizona is known for its stunning desert landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm climate, making it a fantastic destination for Standard Poodle enthusiasts. Our mission is to connect you with the best Arizona Standard Poodle breeders and puppies for sale throughout Arizona. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. With an estimated population of just over thousand dogs, Arizona ranks number 25th among other states in terms of dog ownership. Arizona is a paradise for dog lovers, offering a variety of dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events that cater to the canine community. Experience the vibrant dog show scene by attending events like the Fiesta Dog Shows, where fellow dog aficionados come together to celebrate their love for their cherished pets. At TrustedPuppies. The majority of our trusted Standard Poodle breeders offer secure and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup during their journey, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Grand Canyon State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also provide affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option ensures your Standard Poodle puppy is transported to your doorstep by a professional who is knowledgeable about the unique needs of pet travel. Begin your search for the perfect Standard Poodle puppy today on TrustedPuppies.

boxer puppies macon ga - An adult Doberman can weigh up to 80 pounds and could measure more than 27 inches tall. The Doberman has a stately appearance, and this contributes to its height and stature. Meanwhile, a Labrador Retriever weighs from 70 to 80 pounds and can grow up to 25 inches tall. At present, there are no dog organizations and dog breed registries that recognize the Lab mixed with Doberman dog breed. Doberman Mixed with Lab Puppies for Sale Possibly the first thing that comes to your mind is to look for a breeder to purchase your Lab Doberman pup. But before you do, please consider getting a puppy or a dog from a shelter. If you still want to purchase a dog from a breeder, make sure that you find a reputable local or international breeder. The following are online sites are found to have ads for Doberman mixed with Lab puppies or dogs. If it has a longer coat because of its dominant Lab parent, then you should brush it more often. You may also choose to have it groomed in a pet salon. Invest in a good lint roller and a vacuum cleaner because your dog will likely shed a lot. If your dog hails from its dominant Doberman parent, then expect a dog with very short hair, therefore, less frequent grooming is required. You must still brush it once a week to keep its coat shiny and healthy. Inspect its nails and cut or file it as necessary. You should also give it some dental products to clean its teeth. Playing with a net or a rope may also help your dog floss his teeth. Your dog needs a bath but only when it is dirty. But if your dog swam, wash him off with plain water to remove chlorine from its coat. The following are the best dog shampoos for this mixed breed dog: 1. This shampoo is made only from all- natural ingredients including oatmeal, honey, and beeswax. These ingredients are known to soothe skin and can help relieve with a variety of skin conditions in dogs as well as in humans. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo This dog shampoo is made from aloe and oatmeal and can heal itchy, dry and flaky skin. It can reduce irritation and stop inflammation. You will love the smell of this shampoo because it smells like delicious vanilla and almond oil. This shampoo also has moisturizing effects that can promote healing. It does not contain parabens, dyes, and phosphates that can only cause irritation and itching. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. It is a paraben and soap-free dog shampoo that contains aloe and oatmeal to treat skin conditions. Your dog may have a solid color like a Labrador Retriever or may have a combination of black, gold, brown or gray if it has a Doberman dominant gene. If possible, have your dog groomed at least once a month especially if it has the coat and long fur of its Lab parent. As much as possible, have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition. This should be done as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the pound or the shelter. The following are common health problems of a Lab Doberman mix. Heart disease. Doberdor Highlights Doberdors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Doberman Pinscher or Labrador Retriever parents. The most common Doberdor colors include black, chocolate, tan, and fawn. Doberdors require way more exercise than your average dog. Ball games and interactive toys are also a must. Doberdors get along well with children, though they should be socialized from an early age. As with all dogs, children should be supervised and taught how to properly interact with pets. The Doberman first came on the scene back in the s in Germany. The dog was actually invented by a tax collector who also worked at a local kennel! After a while, the breed graduated from being renowned as a guard dog to being employed by the military and police force. The Labrador Retriever originates from Canada, where it was first bred as a dog to help out with hunting and retrieving tasks. These days, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. The Doberdor has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Doberdor Size The Doberdor is usually described as a large-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 60 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 28 inches. Female Doberdors can be noticeably smaller than their male counterparts. These dogs can become super loyal and will definitely act as a guardian of your family and property, but they also require an owner with the time, patience, and experience to train and socialize them properly. The breed is very smart, but with that intelligence also comes a degree of stubborness. Doberdor Health Doberdors are generally considered to be healthy dogs—although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Doberman Pinscher and Labrador Retriever face. This should be split up into two or even three separate sessions. Games of fetch can also help keep the breed in tip top shape. Doberdor Feeding An ideal Doberdor diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Bathing needs are low and should be undertaken if the dog seems dirty. Ask your vet if you wish to put into place a regular bathing routine for your Doberdor. Due to their coat, the Doberdor does much better in warmer rather than colder climates. Think of the dog as like an older sibling, full of love and protective instincts. Teaching children to act responsibly around the dog is also a must. Most Doberdors will be okay living with other animals and pets—but you will need to very quickly let the breed know that cats and rabbits are not to be considered as prey. Again, early socialization between the breed and any resident pets is key. Ultimately, early socialization pays off—so make sure to reward your Doberdor for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family. Doberdor Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Doberdors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Doberman Pinscher or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Doberman and Labrador Histories The Doberman Lab mix has a rich working history, specializing in two very different jobs. The Labrador Retriever breed was first developed in Newfoundland, Canada. Where smaller water-fowl hunting dogs were mated with Newfoundlands to make the ultimate retrieving companion. Modern Labs are prized working dogs, service companions, therapy animals and of course family pets. The Doberman Pinscher was first bred in Germany during the late s as a protection dog. To develop this type of dog, short-haired Shepherd-type dogs were bred with Rottweilers, black and tan terriers, and German Pinschers. Even military work! What Do They Look Like? Your Doberman Lab mix dog will be tall, lean and leggy. They have naturally floppy ears and long slim muzzles. As their name suggests, chocolate Lab-Doberman puppies could come out chocolate brown, like their chocolate Lab parent, or they could come out looking more like a Doberman. Generally, Doberdors are solid colored like the Lab, but they may be bicolored like the Doberman. A dense double coat will require weekly brushing. Doberman Pinschers have long been viewed as dangerous dogs. Some Dobermans may have a more severe temperament than others. Additionally, Dobermans do not take well to being caged for long periods of time. They do not do well with isolation at all. Labradors also have a tendency to get bored and destructive if left alone for lengthy periods. These breeds are not advised if you work away from home during the day. If you plan to get a Doberdor, you might like to have two of them. Or maybe another pet that you know your Doberman Lab mix gets along with. All of these precautions should help reduce their need to guard their property or family from people or other pets. As the Doberman Lab tends to be a good-sized dog, some people may find one that likes to jump a bit intimidating. Or once he spies something that resembles a bird or squirrel! A great recall is essential. Until you have this a Doberman Lab mix would greatly benefit from a fenced-in yard. This way they can play, be trained and exercise risk free. Doberman and Labrador Health A few common canine ailments that are common across breeds. These include hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. However, hybrids like Doberman Labrador mixes may inherit the health conditions that are common in their parent breeds. Doberman Lab mix dogs have the potential to inherit health conditions from either parent. Both the Doberman and Labrador mother or father should have great hip scores and be tested clear for Progressive Retinol Athrophy. You absolutely will need an exercise plan for one of these active and playful fur babies. Exercise is especially important if your Doberman Lab takes after his Lab parent in the weight category, as he may easily gain too much weight without adequate exercise. Your pup will be even happier if he gets to stretch his legs at the dog park every so often! Lifespan Hybrid dogs generally have the same life expectancy as their parent breeds. So, the Doberman Lab mix has an estimated life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Doberman Lab Mix Puppies Your Doberman Lab mix puppy should come from a breeder who prioritises health and temperament. You should be confident that they know you can handle a dog of either temperament, and ask you lots of questions about what you plan to do in terms of training and exercising your new puppy. The best Doberman Lab mix breeders are open, honest and have ensured both parent dogs were fully health tested. Should I get a Doberman Lab mix? As with any dog, mixed or not, you must also be prepared to deal with any ailments that come with the breed or breeds, especially hip dysplasia and loss of eyesight, in this case. There are a host of other inherited conditions that a Doberman Lab mix may develop, so we also recommend genetic testing of breeding stock before you purchase a puppy. Both of these personality types can be handled with proper training. Today, the concept of designer dogs is well known and accepted. But where some designer dogs are so popular they are nearly household names Cockapoo , Labradoodle, Puggle , others are still catching up. The Doberdor is one such hybrid dog. Doberman Pinscher History Interestingly, like the Dobredor, the Doberman purebred dog breed also has somewhat mysterious origins. What is clear, is that this dog breed first appeared around , courtesy of one Herr Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. So the story goes, Herr Doberman needed a guard dog to protect him during his work. Breeding efforts over time shifted from producing a fierce and unpredictable military and police dog to selecting traits for loyalty, protection and trustworthiness. This shift resulted in the Doberman breed taking its place as one of the favorite large dog family breeds. Labrador Retriever History The Labrador Retriever has been the number one most popular purebred large breed pet dog in the nation for a while now. These furry, friendly, loyal and loving large breed dogs are very popular pets and workers. Early Labradors were always black, but today the yellow lab and the chocolate lab have joined the black lab in the purebred lineup. Even those from the same litter can be completely different from one another. So, one puppy might be exactly like their Labrador Retriever parent, whilst their brother has more of a Doberman influence. Luckily, we will cover all of the options in this guide. Your puppy could have the long water-friendly tail of the Lab. Or she could have the shorter triangular shaped tail of the Doberman. The very short tail on adult Dobermans is always a result of docking during puppyhood. When it comes to ears, you can expect longer, floppier ears to predominate in any Doberman Lab mix litter. Since both the Doberman and the Labrador purebred breeds have this ear type naturally. You can read more about this here. Doberdor Size In terms of size, you can be reasonably certain your puppy will grow up to weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds and stand anywhere from 21 to 27 inches high at the shoulder. Males being larger than females in most cases. Doberman Lab Mix Coat Type One area where there continues to be a great deal of variance in Doberman and Lab mix puppies is in appearance, especially when it comes to the Doberador coat. A purebred Doberman has a short, neat, sleek coat that sheds very little and needs only regular brushing for maintenance. A purebred Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, could safely be called a shedding machine. Their coats are mid-length to long, double layered and thick, with an oily feel due to the water-resistant coating on each hair. Their coats require regular grooming and brushing just to keep them under control, let alone neat. A Doberdor puppy could have a short but shaggy coat, a long but thin coat, non-oily or somewhat oily hair, a non-shedding or a shedding coat. Color Variations Coat color can also vary a great deal from one Doberdor puppy to the next. Labradors have three coat colors: black, chocolate and yellow. So here, you will just have to wait and see what coloration the genetic melting pot produces in your Doberdor puppy! For instance, a black Lab Doberman mix could come out with tan markings, or even be fawn if it takes after a fawn Doberman parent. And incredibly different in others. Both purebred dogs are known to be loving, loyal and strongly bonding. They are also affectionate to their owners, athletic and energetic. Not to mention intelligent and trainable. You can therefore expect your Doberman Lab mix to display these qualities when she grows. But, they also have an important significant difference. The Doberman is highly protective and has a guarding nature. Labs are the exact opposite. Being happy to welcome anyone, from friends to burglars, into the home with open arms. When you cross the two, there is no way to know whether your pup will be a social bunny or a bit of an introvert. Socialization From the day your pup arrives home make sure you have lots of visitors, adults and children. Take them to a number of places, with crowds and strangers. This is very important, even with a mixed breed. Because there is just no way of guessing which trait will be expressed. If the consistency and discipline of training and socialization is not there, all of the risks inherent in both purebred parent breeds can manifest in a Doberman cross Labrador puppy as well. Lack of ongoing training and socialization will produce aggression, inability to distinguish friend from foe, destructiveness, willful disobedience, separation anxiety and other unwelcome behavioral issues. The reward based nature of these will bring out the best in them. Punishing a potentially aggressive dog is dangerous, as it can mask signs of upset that the dog would otherwise use to show you they are unhappy. You can find out all about the demise of the use of dominance in this article on Alpha Dog Theory. But, no matter which parent breed your puppy takes after, they will need plenty of exercise every day. Doberman Lab puppies grow into energetic, alert dogs. Training will provide some exercise, but they will also need something more formal. This could be walks, hikes, retrieval games, swimming, and more! Labrador Doberman Mix Health and Care There is no dog breed on the planet that is completely healthy. This is simply not possible. Both Dobermans and Labrador Retrievers have their own unique set of known health issues. For this reason, it is critical to be aware of breed-specific inherited health conditions for each parent, both so you can watch for signs of these health issues manifesting and so you can do genetic testing to ensure you pick the healthiest Doberman Lab mix puppy. Doberman Pinscher Health Genetic testing can identify some of these issues in the parent. The breeder should have run heart cardiac , vision, hip and general DNA tests on the Doberman parent before mating. The main health issues potentially occurring in Doberman dogs are: Heart disease cardiomyopathy. Canine hip dysplasia.


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