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Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. 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. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. The high cost of raising this breed is attributed to its pedigree, size, and availability. So, how much does it cost to raise a German Shepherd puppy? Although German Shepherds live between 9 to 13 years, the cost is pegged at one year since this is when puppies become dogs. This dog breed requires extra attention, training, and expenses. The cost of raising a German Shepherd puppy is determined, to a greater extent, by the initial price of the puppy. The higher the initial cost, the higher the cost of raising the puppy. Supplies Dog supplies are the next cost category for raising a German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy needs dog supplies for its daily needs for a comfortable living. While the leash is used for walks, the collar is for identification purposes. A dog bed: Your German Shepherd puppy needs a comfortable place to sleep and rest. You need a bed specifically designed for dogs. Food and water bowls: These are necessary to feed your puppy. Toys: These are important for mental stimulation and physical exercise. Your puppy needs mental stimulation for enhanced memory and problem-solving skills. Although German Shepherds are brilliant dogs, they are sometimes stubborn and can get on your nerves. For this reason, you must train them to be obedient and well-behaved dogs from a younger age. This amount covers the training materials, class fees, and certification. You can add more sessions as you progress and monitor how the puppy responds. Medical Expenses German Shepherd puppy One of your responsibilities as a German Shepherd puppy parent is ensuring that the canine is healthy. This includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments. Immunization: This is necessary for the prevention of diseases like rabies. Parasite control: It involves internal and external puppy parasite control. You should have your puppy spayed or neutered between six and nine months old. Food and Treats A healthy and balanced diet is crucial for the growth and development of your German Shepherd puppy. It also helps in preventing illnesses like obesity and food allergies. The cost of feeding a German Shepherd puppy varies depending on size, age, and activity level. You may spend nothing if you decide to groom the puppy yourself using readily available tools. The table below summarizes the cost of raising a German Shepherd puppy: Cost. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Conclusion Healthy Treats and Finding a Balance Dog treats not only strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners, they can also come with some great health benefits. Knowing what to look for in a treat can be extremely important. Treats can also contain some of the ingredients commonly found in joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Be Cautious There are many commercially available treats on the market, and it can be difficult to know which is the healthiest for your dog. Even the lowest-calorie treats can cause weight gain if they are given in excess. It is a good idea to offer treats no more than two or three times a day. If he gains too much weight, it could be detrimental to his health! They can be commercially produced dog treats or can be as simple as the fruits and veggies in your kitchen! Here are some examples of healthy treats for your canine companion. Natural Dog Treats: Fruits and Vegetables Many of the fruits and vegetables that humans eat are healthy and safe to give to your dog. Below are just a few safe options to share with your dog. They can be served at room temperature or even frozen for a nice treat on a hot summer day, and they are an excellent source of antioxidants. Bananas Peeled bananas are also a sweet antioxidizing treat but have more natural sugars in them, so give these infrequently. Apples Apples are an excellent fiber source and can be given in small cut-up pieces, making sure to avoid the core and seeds. Important Be sure to avoid grapes and raisins which are toxic for dogs. The cause is unknown, but just one to three grapes can cause kidney failure in a dog. Vegetables Vegetables like greens beans and carrots are safe for dogs and are a great source of fiber. Leafy greens like kale are good sources of calcium, iron, and vitamins like A and C. These can be served chopped or steamed. Peas and cooked sweet potatoes are also great dog treats and are common components of most commercial dog foods. Important Dog owners should avoid mushrooms because some are toxic, and vegetables from the Allium family like onions, chives, and garlic can cause severe health problems like vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Veterinary Dog Treats Some dog treats can be purchased from your veterinarian, and most of these have a dual purpose because they are often recommended for health reasons. Dental Chews. Absolutely, you should! Every dog loves a good treat. Golden retrievers especially are extremely motivated by treats. Training them becomes effortless when you give treats. Some owners find it unimaginable to go on daily walks without having treats on hand. Treats may be the motivation to get your Golden retriever moving. Your dog might encounter something edible along the way and start chasing after it. There is no guarantee that this foodstuff will be good for them. Therefore, you need to have treats on hand to give them whenever their stomachs start grumbling. Treats are not formulated equally. Some may be nutritionally inadequate and unhealthy. Steer clear from these types of treats. However, healthy treats with low fat and calories with authentic ingredients are safe and good enough for your Golden retriever. Use Treats in Moderation Every owner has been there when their Golden retriever looks at them with those big yearning eyes. They are begging you for just one more treat. It is so easy to drop your defenses and give in and overtreat your Golden retriever, but you are doing more harm than good. Golden retrievers are obsessed with food, and they will always be hunting for food and seem to be eternally hungry. Many owners fall into the vicious cycle and tend to overtreat their golden retriever, causing them to gain extra pounds, become obese, and develop diabetes. The treats you give your Golden retriever should be factored in the total calories given per day. It is crucial to note that treats add up even if you give tiny pieces. It will also make their skin and coat dull and cause lots of shedding. Everything you feed your dog plays a crucial role for a long and healthy life. Ingredients When it comes to the ingredients in the treats, the fewer ingredients, the better; if you cannot pronounce any of the ingredients, it is best to steer clear of them. The best treats will only consist of one ingredient. Avoid Filler Ingredients Filler ingredients are soy, wheat, and corn. These are often utilized in commercial dog treats, and it is best to avoid them. They offer zero nutritional value for your dog. You also know them as meat meals. Brands use them because they are cheaper than real meat. You should know that these ingredients are unfit even for human consumption, and it is best to avoid them for your dog as well. If you spot corn syrup on the ingredient list, steer clear at all costs. One of the components of artificial sweeteners is xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It causes liver failure, seizures, and even death. These components are known to cause cancer in animals and are linked to cancer in humans as well. Types Of Treat There are various treats to choose from on the market, including soft treats, cookies, biscuits, and chew treats. Variety is good, and you can utilize a type of treat for a particular situation. Small treats are excellent for training, and chew treats are longer-lasting and ideal when your dog is in their crate. Beware of Allergens A majority of dogs will have allergies to certain food components. Common food allergies are traced to chicken and beef. However, it will take trial and error to find out exactly what your dog is allergic to. Treats have a limited number of ingredients, typically only one ingredient. These are the best for dogs who are sensitive to foods. Please do not give them treats excessively for nutritional reasons. Giving treats excessively can result in health issues and nutritional imbalances similar to human children eating too much junk food. Ideal Ingredients in Best Puppy Treats for Golden Retrievers When you examine the dog treat aisle shelves, it is easy to be overwhelmed with tons of choices before you. A majority are marketed with confusing health claims. For example, some will claim to be gluten-free, organic, and low-fat. The best puppy treats for golden retrievers should be tasty. Neither extremely fatty nor high in calories. Because of this, there are a few things you should consider when purchasing treats for your puppy. If they have any particular inclinations on taste, such as meat or a certain veggie, buying treats will be extremely easy. Some golden retriever puppies will eat almost anything while others are pickier, and you should know what your dog wants. A majority of trainers recommend using tiny pea-sized soft treats since they are chewable and easily swallowed. Because of this, your dog will be focused on their training lessons and not be distracted by large snacks. It will not be long before your Golden retriever puppy learns to associate treats with training. As soon as your dog hears you opening this bag of treats, they will be rushing right beside you and drooling for that tasty savory smell. You have the option of giving them a full treat or break it off into tiny size pieces for training. These best puppy treats for golden retrievers are natural and made in the USA. There are three amazing flavors to choose from, all utilizing All-American meat of the highest-quality. However, these best puppy treats for golden retrievers do contain sugar further down the list. You will find that sugar is an unavoidable ingredient in a majority of treats. However, when you give these best puppy treats for golden retrievers in moderation, it is totally safe and healthy. Availability: InStock. This is a classic! Get these treats from Chewy here. Cheese While this takes a little more effort on your part, cheese from the grocery store can be a great treat for training time. You can purchase a block of cheese from your grocery store, cut it up into very small cubes, and put it in a Tupperware for convenient usage throughout the week. But it can be a really great, high-value treat for a lot of Golden Retrievers. You can easily prepare some meat at home to use as treats. Chicken is usually the cheapest, but any meat will do! Pro tip: Divide the cubed meat into several ziplock bags or Tupperware and freeze. This way none of the meat will go bad before you can use it all up, and you always have some high-value treats on hand. PureBites Mini Trainers Chicken These treats are great for puppies because they come pre-cut in tiny cubes. Wild Meadow Farms Minis The size and shape of these treats are super unique and perfect for puppy training. High quality and delicious — your new Golden pup will love these! They also come in a variety of flavors: beef, duck, lamb, pork, chicken, venison, turkey, wild boar and salmon. Real Meat Puppies love real meat just like adult dogs! You can see more tips on using real meat as training treats in the adult dog treat section above. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! But puppies can sometimes get loose stool if they have too many treats, or if the ingredients are too rich for their systems. From the adult dog treat recommendations above, go easy on the cheese and liver treats, as those can sometimes be a bit much for little guys. Use small amounts at first to see how your pup tolerates it. However, here are some things to keep in mind that can really super-charge your training when it comes to using treats: Size Pea-sized treats typically work best for training your Golden. You want them to be able to chew and swallow the treat quickly so they can get back to the training session. While your pup might be overjoyed to be handed a large treat, it can really slow down the training process. Texture Soft treats are usually ideal for training time. Again, you want your pup to be able to chew and swallow quickly. A crunchy treat can take longer for your dog to eat, and sometimes eager Goldens can briefly choke on it as they scarf it down. Some treats can be pretty crumbly, which can cause crumbs to fall on the ground which distract your dog from the task at hand. If the treat is the same color as the ground, your dog may struggle to actually see the treat. In these cases, choose a treat that contrasts in color to the surface from which your pup will be eating. Value The key to using positive reinforcement is finding out what your dog really likes. Every Golden Retriever is unique and will have their own preferences when it comes to treats, so take note of what they seem to like best. Your dog might eat anything you hand her, but there are likely certain treats that really make her light up. This is because different treats have different values to your Golden. A Cheerio might be a 3 out of 10, a piece of cheese might be an 8 out of 10, and a tidbit of smoked sausage might be an 11 out of .Matching the value of the treat with the training task at hand can really take your training up a few notches. So perhaps, a mid-value treat is the way to go for this particular training scenario. It just feels good to provide yummy food for our loved ones, dogs included. Just like with training treats, health is always a priority when it comes to snacks for your Golden, so these recommendations keep that in mind. Here are some of the best treats for snacking for your Golden Retriever: Farm Hounds Treats These treats have an impressively healthy ingredient list, and come from farms that use humane farming practices. The company even tells you exactly which farm your treats came from, which is pretty unique! Lamb Crunchys This single ingredient treat is a great snack for Golden Retrievers. Simple and nutritious — the perfect snack. Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews Another single ingredient treat — are you seeing a trend here?! The smell can be a little off-putting for our noses, but your dog will thank you for this delicious treat. Of course, you should! All dogs love to get a treat! Golden Retrievers especially are very motivated by food, which is why training them is so much easier when treats are involved. Treats are the only way to get her to move sometimes! When she gets stubborn and wants to eat something off the ground that is bad for her, or when she decides she wants to go another direction and just sits there, I need to use treats! Not all treats are created equal, and some are complete junk and unhealthy, those types of treats should be avoided. However, healthy treats that are low in fat and calories with real ingredients are safe and good to give your Golden. It is so easy to give in and overtreat your Golden Retriever, but you are doing more harm than good. Using treats to give your Golden affection is not a good idea. Golden Retrievers are food-obsessed, they will always be on the hunt for food and will always seem hungry. Many owners fall into this trap and tend to overtreat their Golden, causing them to become overweight, obese and diabetic. The treats that you feed your Golden Retriever should be included in the total calories given per day. It is important to remember that treats add up, no matter how small they are! To read more about the 10 percent rule check out this article from the American Kennel Club. What you feed your Golden Retriever plays a key role in helping your dog live a longer and healthier life. Ingredients When it comes to ingredients, the fewer there are the better! Some of the best treats consist of only one ingredient. Avoid Filler Ingredients Soy, wheat and corn are often found in commercial dog treats and should be avoided. They offer no nutritional value to your dog whatsoever. These ingredients are unfit for human consumption and should be avoided for your Golden Retriever too. If you see corn syrup on the ingredient list, avoid it at all costs! Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is very toxic to dogs, it can cause liver failure, seizures, and death. Having a variety is good, and you can use treats for different things. Small treats or soft treats are great for training, and longer-lasting chew treats are great for when you need your dog to enjoy time alone in his crate. Allergies Many dogs have allergies to certain food ingredients, the most common allergies are to chicken and beef, but it takes a bit of trial and error to find out what your dog is allergic to. Treats that have limited ingredients or only one ingredient are best for dogs with food sensitivities. They are all-natural, safe and healthy to give your Golden Retriever. Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews Made from wild-caught fish, these chews are a healthier alternative to traditional rawhide chews. Although the smell may be unpleasant to our senses, your dog will appreciate this tasty treat. Ultimately, the best treats for your Golden Retriever will be determined by their tastes and needs. While many healthy and tasty dog treat options exist, some should be avoided. Here are some treats you should not give your golden retriever: Rawhide treats can be difficult for dogs to digest and pose a choking hazard if not properly chewed. Treats high in fat and calories: While a balanced diet is vital for your dog, treats should not account for a large portion of their caloric intake. High-fat, high-calorie treats can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Always read the labels and ingredients of treats before giving them to your dog, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. As a responsible pet owner, you must exercise extreme caution when choosing treats for your golden retriever puppy. Consider a few key factors before making your decision. Avoid treats that contain added sugars or corn syrup, for example, as these can lead to health issues such as obesity. Similarly, avoid treats containing preservatives or artificial dyes, which have been linked to carcinogens. Consider the texture and size of the treat and the presence of filler ingredients, which can harm your puppy in the long run. When choosing treats for your puppy, prioritize their health by keeping these factors in mind. The Difference Between Low-Value And High-Value Treats Low-value treats are used for most training purposes, significantly when reinforcing commands your dog already knows, working in low-distraction areas, and walking down familiar streets. As low-cost treats, many trainers use regular dog food. The important thing is that your dog will consistently work for them. If you and your dog are dealing with a lot of distractions, or if your dog is having difficulty following commands, you may need to up the ante. Low-cost treats are tasty; high-cost treats are delectable. High-value treats are more appealing and are used in challenging situations to motivate and reward dogs better. Switch to high-value treats if your dog is responding slowly, not paying attention, or simply struggling to stay on task. It is critical to understand that dog treats are not the same as dog food and should not be used as a complete source of nutrition. While dog treats may taste better than dog food, they can disrupt nutrient balance and should be given in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to serious health issues such as obesity and nutritional imbalances. Golden retriever puppies can be given three types of treats: high-value rewards, low-value training treats, and biscuits. High-value rewards are high in calories and should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Low-cost training treats are smaller and contain fewer calories, making them ideal for workouts. Biscuits are dry and hard, have many calories, and can be used as a snack or on non-training days. Give your dog a treat and praise within seconds of asking for a behavior to help your dog associate the command with the behavior and reward. Give your dog a treat every time they obey your command during the learning phase. As your dog improves, only reward them for quick and perfect responses. Use a treat as a lure to position your dog when teaching a new skill. Remember that using a lure is only necessary when teaching a new command and should be stopped once your dog consistently obeys your request. Try different treats to see which ones your dog prefers, then switch them up to keep your dog interested. Pet your dog while giving the treat to make the reward even more valuable. This will help your dog associate your touch with the treat, making it even more rewarding. However, be careful to do it on the treats. As your dog becomes better at obeying commands, gradually reduce food rewards in favor of praise and sporadic treats. Keep your dog guessing to keep their motivation and enthusiasm for training. Here are some different types of training treat pouches to consider:. You may need to experiment a bit to find something that works perfect for you and your dog depending on your training techniques, but there are a few requirements to keep in mind. First… If you ask for a behavior, and your dog complies, give them a treat immediately within seconds , along with lavish praise. Your dog will begin to associate the command with the wanted behavior and the treat. Then… While your dog is learning a behavior, give them a treat every single time they obey your command. As your dog becomes more proficient, you can become more picky, only rewarding them for a quick, perfect response. Lastly… If you are just starting out with a brand new skill, you will have to use your treat to lure your dog into position. Your dog will follow the treat with their eyes, usually sitting in the process. As soon as they sit, give them a treat and lots of praise. Just be sure to keep in mind that a lure is usually only necessary when teaching a new command, and should be discontinued once your dog is reliably complying with your request. The Difference Between Low-Value and High-Value Treats Low-value treats are used for most training applications, but especially when reinforcing commands your dog already knows, working in low-distraction areas, and walking on familiar streets. Many trainers use regular dog food as low-value treats. The important thing is that your dog will work for them reliably. If you and your dog are working through heavy distractions, or your dog is have trouble following commands, you may have to up the ante. High-value treats are more enticing, and are therefore used for challenging situations. Low-value treats are tasty — high-value treats are delicious. If your dog is responding sluggishly, not paying attention, or simply struggling to stay on task, switch to high-value treats to up their motivation. Make note of what really excites your dog and change it up accordingly so your dog never knows what to expect. Pet your dog when you give him a treat. Your dog will start to associate your touch with the reward, which will raise its value. If you are ever caught without food rewards, your touch will be enough. No need for a pudgy retriever. Phase out food rewards when your dog is nailing the command most of the time. Keep your dog guessing, but always offer praise for a job well done. Behaviors To Train Away There are some behaviors that you should be sure to consider training in your dog, even if its not yet a problem. Some behaviors can be avoided altogether by training early, so make sure to train against these techniques: Separation anxiety: Some dogs cannot deal with you being away all day, so you will want to train them to understand that you will come back. Socialization: Many dogs have a hard time getting along with other dogs and other animals. Socialize your dog from a young age to avoid this. Puppy socialization is especially important! Puppy classes for behavior training are a great idea for this. Grooming: Dogs in training should be taught how to behavior while being groomed. A good dog will have good behavior while in this stressful situation! Barking: Most owners expect that their well behaved dogs will not bark. Train your dog about when it is and when it is not okay to bark. Excessive barking can become a bad habit quickly, so make sure to teach your new puppy good manners. Here are our top recommended Anti-Barking devices to control excessive barking. Puppy training: You should get your puppy into an obedience training class from a young age with a good dog trainer. This will make sure they learn important commands and skills with you. Training your puppy takes time, so get help from the experts. Biting: If you are having a problem with your dog or puppy biting, it is important to get dog trainers involved as soon as possible. Work with them and your pooch to learn how to teach your dog that biting is not okay. All dogs have some discomfort at the vet, so take extra time with this. The veterinary is a scary place for them, too! Chewing: Many dogs, especially puppies, have problems with chewing on shoes, leashes, and more. Training your dog not to chew will save your sanity and save you money! Dogs in training classes tend to have less behavioral problems than a dog with little or no formal training. Dog behavior depends on more than dog owners, but all dogs should get some training. Remember this: Canine behavior can be very hard to understand. If your new dog has behavior problems or you are in need of dog training tips, considering hiring a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help fix your problems. This is especially important if your dog is exhibiting serious aggression. High-value treats are the ones your dog will do anything for, and every dog will have their own preferences. Here are some great choices for distracting situations or rewarding your dog for going the extra mile when you are training a dog. No additives. Dogs go crazy for these biscuits, and if you mix them with low-value treats, your whole treat pouch will smell like liver. Your whole treat pouch will smell like liver. Is it worth it? Test them out on your dog and decide for yourself. We certainly think they are…and so will your dog! This will help you better understand what you should have in mind when you choose the treats you want your baby Golden to try. Size In most situations, size may not matter, but when it comes to picking treats for Golden Retriever puppies, it certainly does. While your Goldie will eventually be a good-sized dog , bigger treats are not a smart idea when they are pups. Large treats can be a choking hazard. They also take far longer to chew up when you are attempting to train. Your Goldie will make short work of treats designed for tiny puppies so look for treats that you feel your puppy will enjoy. Ingredients Quality ingredients in their food is the best way to start your Golden puppy out on the right foot. The same can be said for their treats. Instead, you want ingredients that provide lots of nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. Treats that are high in calories can cause your pup to pack on the pounds. Written by Melissa Gunter Author Melissa was born and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee where she spent her time writing in an old notebook and playing outside with her pets. As an avid animal lover, she has brought many into her home over the years. Currently, she is the mom of 5 fur babies. Her 2 cats, Princess and Pepper are total opposites who demand attention. Her dogs Jazzy, Whitey, and Demon are full of spunk and keep the entire family on their toes. Beyond life as an animal mom, Melissa is a dedicated wife and mother to 2 children. Writing in her old notebook led her down the path of becoming not only a freelance writer but a published Indie author under the pen name, Rena Marin.Read more Advertisement. Treats have a very important role to play in the diet of a puppy and are a great reward and a handy tool for puppy training. Hard chew treats are great to keep your puppy entertained and at the same time support dental health by exercising the gums and scraping their teeth. Your puppy's food needs to be their main source of nutrition, so be careful to not to overdo it by giving your puppy too many treats before meal time as this can make puppies be fussy about eating their dinner. Find out more about what treats are on the market and how they can benefit your new puppy. Puppy Treats There are a selection of treats on the market that are designed especially for use with young puppies. These treats may be smaller in size or made with ingredients that are less rich so are more gentle on your puppies sensitive gut or digestive system such as the VET IQ Intestinal Aid Treats For Puppies. Although there is no reason why your pup is not able to eat regular dogs treats, it is always recommended to take it slow when giving puppies new food or treats so as to not upset their stomachs. Liver Treats Dried liver is a true classic training treat for dogs and puppies as they are tasty and easy to break into small pieces. Liver is loved by the majority of pups and is considered a high value treat, which means it is useful for training or when your puppy needs a little extra encouragement. A liver treat like our Pet. Freeze-Dried Treats Another popular type of treat on the market is freeze-dried treats, these products are natural and high in meat content so generally go down well with dogs and puppies. These treats are convenient and easy to use for training. They are also healthy as the freeze-drying process helps to retain all the flavour and nutritional benefits of the ingredients. These treats are also suitable for pups or dogs with allergies as they contain minimal ingredients - usually only the meat itself. Since they only contain duck they are suitable for dogs with allergies or who are on a limited ingredient diet. Soft Treats When selecting treats for your puppy it is important to remember that your puppy has soft baby teeth. Soft moist treats can be a great option for pups as they are full of flavour and have a texture that puppies love, all while being easy to eat. A product such as Addiction Venison Meaty Bites Treats is a good option for puppies as they are wholesome and nutrition and full of real meat as well as containing no grains or artificial preservatives. Dental Treats Not all treats are used for training - there is a large market for dental chew treats that are designed to help keep your pups teeth clean and healthy. These products are more long lasting than training treats as they are designed to be more chewy in texture to help to clean the teeth and gums. Although different treats have different guidelines on their suitability for puppies for example Pedigree Dentastix can be used on puppies over 4months of age, Greenies Original Dental Chews are suitable for puppies from 6 months of age and Whimzees Toothbrushes are recommended for use in dogs over 9 months of age. These recommendations can be made based on the richness of the treat as well as the hardness of the chew, as puppies have soft baby teeth some adult chew treats may not be suitable for giving to young puppies. Be the first to know! Subscribe for our latest news and promotions! In conclusion Finding the best treats for golden retrievers can be tricky. You want them to have fun and be healthy at the same time. So, you need to consider all their preferences to make sure any food you give them will be a winner! Golden Retrievers are known to be quite picky when it comes to dog treats. This can make finding the best ones for your own pup more challenging than you might think. Check out these great options below and see if your retriever will love them as much as we know they will. There are so many choices when it comes to good dog treats, so it can be difficult to know which ones are right for your pet. Goldens love most kinds of food, but some things make them happier than others. This article will give you a few suggestions for choosing the perfect treats for your canine friend. And some breeds, like large Great Danes and Saint Bernards, have a higher risk of bloat if they regularly eat small pieces of hard chew toys. Another thing to consider is the ingredients in the treats you buy. Many common treats contain wheat, corn, or soy, all of which are common food allergens that could potentially cause an allergic reaction in your golden retriever. When you choose the best treats for golden retrievers you should consider their health history. Finally, you can also talk to your veterinarian about what they recommend. They can also give you advice on other things, like nutritional supplements or food options. Treats are a great way to reward your golden retriever for good behavior and give them a chance to burn off energy. Biscuits: Homemade biscuits are usually made with whole-wheat flour and oatmeal, but some commercial brands may have artificial ingredients added to them. Candy: Candy is an easy source of calories for your dog without adding too much fat or sugar which might upset their stomach. Chocolate chips or pieces of candy can provide a quick boost in energy for your pup during playtime or when he needs a little extra motivation to work harder at training sessions. There are some best treats for golden retrievers. In this blog post, I will be going over what to look for, the best treats for golden retrievers, and helpful tips. Safely air-dried ingredients deliver peak nutrition and a mouth-watering taste for the pickiest dogs. We believe that a holistic diet starts with only the best natural ingredients. Rooted in New Zealand culture, it is strongly in our role as guardians of the land and sea. The PeakPrey recipes are rich in meat and organs in authentic ratios, free from unnecessary carbohydrates. Proudly made by passionate Kiwis, nothing delights us more than crafting recipes that bring joy and peace of mind to pets and their guardians. These treats come in convenient, bite-sized pieces that are easy to train with. They can also be easily broken in half if you want to stretch them further. They have a limited ingredient list and are formulated as a complete dog diet so they are healthy and fun and tasty. These raw ingredients are all sourced from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones or antibiotics, the meals contain only omega-3 fatty acids from New Zealand salmon and krill oil from Antarctic krill. It helps support digestion, healthy skin and coat, joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote heart and brain health. You can break off bite-sized pieces to use for training, or give them whole if you prefer. These treats are healthy and natural, but made in the USA! Sugar is a common ingredient in most treats and it is sometimes unavoidable. However, when you look at them, these treats are completely safe and healthy. These treats are made of real jerky and smell and feel just like it. They come in a bag with a zipper closure to keep them fresh, and they can be broken into smaller pieces to make them last longer. They are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and are completely digestible. No artificial flavors, chemicals, or preservatives These premium dog treats are made of only one ingredient, beef tendon. This tasty beef tendon is hand-inspected and packaged in the USA, so your dog can enjoy a good chew without worrying about preservatives, hormones, or chemicals. These beef tendons are a great treat for your dog. They contain no artificial colors or flavors. Instead of splintering or breaking into small pieces, they are safe and fully digestible. Dogs love them because they taste great! Made from real beef, these mini nibs provide your dog with a rich and healthy source of protein. These freeze-dried treats are simply delicious and perfect for training. They come in a variety of proteins: turkey, beef, chicken, duck, rabbit, and salmon. The Vital Essentials dog treat is made from limited ingredients and can provide a fun crunchy snack for Golden Retrievers who enjoy snacks with beef bits, vitamin E supplements, and zinc. These healthy snacks are freeze-dried, so they retain all their flavor and nutrients. This grain-free beef dog food is a complete and balanced diet made without added fillers, flavorings, artificial preservatives, or rendered by-products. This dry and lightweight raw dog food can be served as-is or mixed with other food for a meaty protein boost! This complete and balanced natural dog food is protein-packed and low in starch. These snacks do not contain soy, corn, or wheat as filler ingredients. These crunchy biscuit snacks are packed with deboned chicken as their main ingredient. Kitchen Bites start with real deboned meat, fruits, and vegetables for a crunchy and healthy treat for dogs. Unlike many biscuits, Kitchen Bites are grain-free and gluten-free. Made in the USA with no ingredients from China. The number 1 ingredient is deboned chicken, followed by real potatoes and peas. These specific treats come in small, bite-sized pieces, which are great for training. Every treat has just five calories and is high in protein, making it perfect for dogs with health problems, diabetes, allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or a restricted diet. The freezing process preserves the nutritional integrity of fresh RAW meals, by only extracting water. It is made with no artificial coloring, fillers, or sweeteners. Freeze-dried treats are a fantastic supplement to a RAW diet since they maintain many of the benefits of RAW without the trouble of keeping them cold. These jerky treats are made using chicken that is raised without antibiotics or steroids. These delicious, chewy treats are slow-cooked and packed with protein. You can feel confident that you are giving your dog a healthy, all-natural treat with True Chews. These treats are not long-lasting chews, because of their softness, therefore you may tear them into smaller pieces or let your dog enjoy the entire thing. Many reviewers mention how nice these treats smell, particularly for dogs that are finicky eaters. The first ingredient is real chicken. Chicken is raised without hormones or steroids, and this meal is free of corn, wheat, and soy. Furthermore, this meal contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and it does not contain any animal by-products. If you are not pleased, we will refund your money. This product is available in 4-, , and pound sizes. Giving your Golden Retriever a treat is a great way to show him that you care. We all know how much our dogs love treats and we want to give them what they need, but should we? The answer is yes and no. If you are giving your dog a special treat, it should be something he enjoys and has earned themselves. Dogs do not respond well to rewards in this way and they will not learn anything from them. In conclusion There are many options to choose from when finding the best treats for golden retrievers. The following list is a compilation of the top 7 best treats for golden retrievers. These treats are ranked on their popularity as well as their effectiveness when training your dog. If you have a golden retriever, then you know how persistent these dogs can be. They are fast learners, and they are very food motivated. This makes them ideal candidates for treatment training. Thank you for visiting the site. If you found this information relevant, please click on the provided links to be directed to where you can purchase various best treats for golden retrievers. Anything To Add About Like this article about the best treats for golden retrievers article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know! Share your training tricks below! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about purchasing a puppy, owning a dog, training, or anything else related to pets.

I can bet these pictures will make your day. At the end of this cute pictures of Pug puppies, you will find the information about their origin and path to their natural behavior and instincts. A cute Pug puppy hanging on a wood swing. This is not what i asked for, I am hungry. Can you please offer me treat? This is what i am excellent at. Tongue Tuesday. This shake has become my favorite drink. Image Source: Instagram imapugnamedhamilton They call me chubby. If yes, you can see me working very hard. Image Source: Wallpaperplay Giving an innocent look for a photo. My hooman finally decided to take me on a trip. Image Source: Instagram cutepuglovers A cute Pug puppy laying upside down. This is what you get when you wake me from a deep sleep. This is mine! Source: YouTube The Pug is a lap dog that originated from China and has a docile, friendly and charming personality. You will definitely want to buy this cute dog after seeing some of the cute pictures of it. The small-sized Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dog that has flourished since before the B. It is a lean and leggy dog with short legs and a long body. Updated August 1, .This photo gallery includes photos of the cutest Pug puppies as well as cute pictures of adult Pugs. Pugs are a short faced, wrinkled, small breed of dog. This breed has its origins in China, but was brought to Europe in the 16th century. Their coats are typically either black or fawn in color and they have a compact and very muscular body. Because of their short snouts, they often experience a lot of breathing problems, though those wrinkled faces are absolutely adorable. Vote up the cutest, sweetest Pug pictures below. Dogs are man's best friend and have a special ability to lift spirits. This is exactly what the sweet dogs on this list of the cutest Pug puppies do. This gallery of adorable pugs can perk you up no matter how sad you are feeling. Pugs are good companion dogs and great with children. They are very strong willed and have big personalities. These cute Pugs are known especially for their muscular bodies and vibrant personalities. For that reason, a pug puppy makes a great pet for the whole family. Big Eyes. If you're working on a project and pug images could help elevate it, you've come to the right place. Our stock image collection boasts a vast range of high-quality JPG, AI, and EPS files that are perfect for a broad range of projects, from websites to print media and beyond. The benefits of pug images Pug images are perfect for many projects for several reasons. Firstly, pugs are undeniably adorable, making them an excellent choice for grabbing your audience's attention and making them smile. They can lend a sense of fun and playfulness to any project, whether you're designing a children's book or a website for a pet store. Pug images are also versatile and can be used in a vast range of contexts, from greeting cards to posters, and everything in between. How to use pug images effectively When using pug images, it's essential to consider the context and tone of your project. For example, if you're designing a website for a food brand, a cute picture of a pug eating a pizza might not be the best image choice. Instead, consider using images of pugs that are relatively neutral—such as a pug standing on a neutral background. Alternatively, opt for playful images of pugs only when your project calls for a more lighthearted or fun tone. Browse our collection of pug images Our collection of stock pug images is extensive, with thousands of files available for download. Whether you're looking for a specific type of pug picture or just browsing for inspiration, you're sure to find what you're looking for in our collection. With files available in a range of file types and formats, our images are suitable for a broad range of projects. Don't compromise on the quality of your project's images—browse our collection of high-quality pug images today and find the perfect image to elevate your project!

The coat will be dense with length that can vary. They are a joy to have at home because the Germanees are sweet-natured and kind dogs. Both parents, the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, are very similar dogs. Imagine a slightly smaller but more energetic German Shepherd and you have the Belgian Malinois. These are high maintenance dogs that require a ton of physical and mental activity on a daily basis. This cross is not recommended for your typical family. They require serious work. As for physical appearance, these dogs can vary. Both parents have high energy, so you can expect nothing less from the Weimshepherd. They are quick, athletic and powerful dogs. Make sure to introduce training as early as possible for this mutt. Providing them with the a proper outlet is the only way to raise a happy and healthy Boxer Shepherd. Thanks to the Springer Spaniel side, these dogs get along with kids of all ages, other dogs and even cats. In fact, the more the better! But if you can handle this, the Spanierd is an excellent German Shepherd mix for any family! Because of the size of the Great Dane, the Dane Shepherd is fairly large, making them excellent watchdogs and an amazing companion. Depending on the lineage, these dogs can have a short or medium coat. Chances are the Dane Shepherd will have a double coat, so except to deal with heavy shedding during spring and fall. Just the massive size of these dogs can scare away potential intruders. Both parent breeds are large, and so is the Airedale Shepherd. The overall body shape resembles a German Shepherd, but they retain the muzzle and ears of the Airedale Terrier. These dogs are inevitably courageous dogs that play well with children. Despite their large size, they make fantastic family dogs, companions, watchdogs and more. Socialization is a must, while obedience training can be fairly easy. Sep 12, Share German Shepherds are widely known for their intimidating and dominant appearance just as much as they are for their loving, loyal, and protective demeanor. The popularity and desirable qualities in the German Shepherd make it a great breed for mixing with other dogs, as the result is often a pup that pulls the best characteristics from each parent breed. German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix: The Golden Shepherd Image Credit: Juliena, Shutterstock Perhaps one of the most popular German Shepherd hybrids, this mixed breed is known for its fun-loving and positive personality as well as its loyal, protective, and obedient nature. These dogs are excellent with children and are happy to be around all of their owners. They can inherit a slight distrust of strangers from their German Shepherd parents or general friendliness toward all from their Golden Retriever parents, but for the most part, they are welcoming and sweet-natured. You get a dog that will love and spread joy but also snap into a protective mode in an instant. These dogs are also excellent with children, and they thrive on human interaction. What more could you ask for in a pooch? German Shepherd and Husky Mix: The Siberian Shepherd Image Credit: jnorris2, Shutterstock Also known as the Gerberian Shepsky , this hybrid is strikingly beautiful with a powerful stance and a fearless will to protect and serve their owners. They are very intelligent, so they will pick up on commands, rules, and tricks easily. However, they can also inherit some willfulness from their Husky parent, and this may make training rather difficult for you. Not much! They are highly intelligent and just as easy to train as a purebred German Shepherd. German Shepherd and Rottweiler Mix: The Shepweiler A post shared by EV goevgo The protective nature, loyalty, and power of both parent breeds makes this hybrid one of the greatest options for a guard dog for you and your family. These pups will be loving and are usually very affectionate toward their families and familiar humans, but they are alert and always on the lookout for potential threats. The Shepweiler is best suited for property owners with large yards that are good for exercise and exploration, as this is a very curious and investigative breed. The Shepadoodle is extremely intelligent, and their loyalty and willingness to please make them one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and train. Coloration varies in these dogs as does their likelihood of being hypoallergenic, but they almost always have the adorable, curly hair associated with the Poodle. This is another breed on our list that thrives on human interaction and is happiest when spending time with their owners. Both parent breeds are highly alert and watchful, so this hybrid will make an excellent guard dog. Training can be difficult, but they make up for this with their cuteness and their willingness to protect you and your family. Enter the Sheppit! These dogs are alert and have a very strong will to protect you, your family, and your home. Despite their desire to stand between you and any threat, these dogs are abundantly friendly toward strangers they perceive as friendly. They tend not to get along with other dogs, and that could be because they desire all the undivided attention you could possibly give. The Sheppit is highly affectionate, patient with children, and thrives on human interaction. The Saint Shepherd is a massive dog that can weigh up to around pounds, and if you have the space, these dogs will bring a lot of liveliness and joy to your home. Given their size and the agility and alertness they inherit from their German Shepherd parents, these pups make excellent guard dogs. Looking to travel with your German Shepherd mix? Their temperament can vary as well, but these are generally highly intelligent dogs that are extremely loyal, protective, and hardworking. They are intelligent and learn quickly. However, they also can be willful and a bit stubborn, making training somewhat difficult. They can vary in coloration and can also inherit the ridge of hair on their back after which one of their parent breeds is named. Meet the German Chow. They owe their loyalty and willingness to protect to both parent breeds, so above all else this dog will make a wonderful guard dog. They are alert, intelligent, and entirely fearless. They tend to be distrustful of strangers, but in your home, they will only exhibit sheer friendliness and even affection. Their intelligence and independence do tend to make them willful and stubborn, but once trained, they will be superbly obedient. Consider this pup co-dependent, and assume they never want to be left alone. They are usually good with children but do best in homes without young kids. This is an affectionate and emotionally needy breed that is abundantly friendly toward family and even strangers. These are also extremely active pups that need over an hour of exercise every day. Given their coat density which they inherit from the Malamute, they fare best in moderate to cold climates and can easily overheat in warmer weather. These dogs are extremely affectionate, and their calm nature makes them an excellent choice for families of all sizes, including those with young children. They are moderately playful and only require an average amount of exercise each day. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them suitable for new owners. There are breeders out there who have mixed the large and powerful German Shepherd with the small and unassuming Chihuahua. The result is a small-to-medium-sized pooch that can be very territorial and even aggressive. Their distrust of strangers is usually very high and can be problematic at times. Training should be done by experienced dog owners only, as this breed is often stubborn and willful. For the right owner, these dogs make excellent guard dogs and affectionate pets. German Shepherd and Beagle Mix A post shared by Samu samukutyus The Shepherd Beagle mix is another medium-sized hybrid on our list, and they range from around pounds. These pups inherit a strong sense of loyalty from both parent breeds but can get some stubbornness and willfulness from their Beagle ancestors. This breed is great with kids and has enough energy and love to go around in large families. If so, the Shepherdane may be perfect for you! These pups are large and brawny, often weighing in around pounds. They can appear intimidating, are very alert, and will quickly step between you and any perceived threat in a heartbeat. These dogs are playful and can even be goofy at times. They are good with children and families of any size, they are affectionate, and they love human interaction. German Shepherd and Bulldog Mix A post shared by Manny manuelthedevonshiredog These medium-sized pups have a bit of a spunky attitude and will generally be a bit calmer and somewhat less active than most others on our list. The parent breeds are both hardworking and protective dogs, so this mixed breed will be loyal and will go out of its way to ward off any threats. These are moderately affectionate breeds that are great with kids. These dogs are confident, fearless, and protective, so they make excellent guard dogs. They are usually friendly toward strangers and other dogs, but given their tendency to exhibit some dominance, they need to be socialized early on. Their size varies quite a bit, but usually, they will be about medium-sized and fairly muscular. German Shepherd Cross Breeds: Conclusion The German Shepherd is known all over the world as one of the most loyal and protective dogs available. They are very intelligent and highly alert, so they make very good guard dogs. Dog Breeds 10 Energetic German Shepherd Mixes Your Active Family Will Adore Super smart, totally handsome, and ready to take on any task or trick you toss their way, these German shepherd hybrid breeds are great dogs for active people. By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 10, Noble, confident, loyal, and gentle are just a few ways to describe wonderful German shepherds. Whether they're courageous K-9s or making unlikely friendships with other creatures, German shepherds continue to be one of the most popular dogs in the U. In fact, they consistently rank in the top five favorite breeds , and there are many reasons why. Individuals and families alike appreciate qualities such as: Ease of early socializing and positive reinforcement training Abundant energy, which makes them perfect canine companions for active people These characteristics also make them top choices for crossbreeding. But before you set your pet-loving sights on a particular German shepherd mix, keep a few key things in mind. He says it should take months to research and vet a breeder. Make sure to keep the health of both pup's parents in mind, too. For example, the American Kennel Club indicates German shepherds usually live 12—14 years and while relatively healthy, still might have issues with elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat. Although there's no guarantee a mixed breed puppy will have all the most desirable traits from both dog parents we only need to look into our own family trees for that confirmation! Who you callin' mutt, mister? What type of fur your shepadoodle might have is a total toss-up, though—curly, shaggy, wiry, who knows? However, the golden retriever's consistently sweet nature and ability to get along with just about everyone means your golden shepherd will likely be a smart, devoted, and energetic family dog. Keep in mind both breeds also have double coats, so the chance for ' blowing coat ' is percent! Stock up on grooming supplies! Labrador retrievers are eager to have jobs to do, just like German shepherds, and love being outdoors, so you'll be able to train your sheprador to do just about anything! Good-natured, easy-going, and lovable, this pup is bound to be a special companion. Affectionate, quick-footed, able to learn cues in an instant, plus a double-dose of inherited herding skills? This means you'll have a trusted and dedicated mixed breed guardian for family and livestock alike. Collies also have gorgeous coats that need regular brushing , so your shollie might, too. More often than not, the attentive and faithful characteristics of the collie and the German shepherd shine in their offspring, so if you're hoping for a beloved children's pet pal, she might be it. But which corgi will you choose: the Cardigan Welsh with a long tail! When paired with a shepherd, both breeds are lively and bright. Working group border collies frequently earn top marks in agility and trick-performing competitions , so with a few shepherd genes sprinkled in, you'll be astounded at how much your new dog wants to do and learn! He's a great running and hiking buddy, too. Here's a bundle of cuddliness for sure! Beagles are prized for being terrific with kids , so this loving addition to your family might share a few German shepherd traits, too, such as steadfastness, an eagerness to run and play, and the ability to respond well to consistent training. Try scent work with them—they're a natural at it! If you want just one beloved pet with deep brown eyes! Was this page helpful? The Boxer German Shepherd mix is smart and energetic. They are easy to train but the excess energy can cause them to lose focus during the training session. This hybrid is better suited for pet owners with experience. To German Shepherd Boxer mix needs daily exercise to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. Try to go for at least a long walk every day. A home with a yard where they can run around is best for this breed. Learn more about the German Shepherd Boxer Mix. Also known as the Gerberian Shepsky, this dog is athletic, well-built, and of medium size. A Husky German Shepherd mix has a thick double coat that must be groomed often. Brushing twice a week is enough to keep it sleek and tangle-free. Owners should be prepared to deal with a lot of shedding during molting season. A Husky Shepherd puppy is easy to find, thanks to its popularity. But make sure you deal with a reputable breeder. Ask a lot of questions and insist on a health screening before taking one home. A German Shepherd Husky mix is healthier than its parent breeds, but owners should still watch out for signs of the elbow and hip dysplasia, bloating, and degenerative eye conditions. Learn more about the German Shepherd Husky Mix. Also known as a Corman Shepherd, this is a sweet, loving, and playful dog. A German Shepherd Corgi mix dog will sometimes try to assert its dominance. This dog is generally healthy but you still need to watch out for some common Corgi German Shepherd health issues like bloat, joint dysplasia, slipped disc, and obesity. Learn more about the Corgi German Shepherd Mix. The hybrid is also known as a Shepadoodle in some quarters. They were bred and trained as military dogs by the United States Army in the s. The Poodle German Shepherd mix requires regular exercise and a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid obesity. Long walks or regular play dates at the dog park are good for them. An adult German Shepherd Poodle mix should eat three to four cups of high-quality dry dog food a day. This breed is prone to gastric sensitivity so owners should pick the right brand for them. Learn more about the Poodle German Shepherd Mix. A Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix is powerful but rare. As the offspring of two large dogs, you should expect the height of a Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix to fall between cm and its weight to be around 36kg. The German Shepherd Bull Mastiff mix breed is renowned for its fur that ranges in color from red, black to silver and sandy tones. Owners should be prepared for a lot of shedding though. Expect this hybrid pet to be energetic, affectionate, playful, and intelligent. The German Shepherd Beagle mix is a good family dog, but they have to be socialized early and properly to curb any aggressive or possessive streaks. A Beagle German Shepherd mix is typically medium-sized, muscular, and strong. They have a dense, medium length coat that needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Their teeth should also be brushed twice a week and their nails clipped every two weeks. A German Shepherd Beagle mixed breed might have hanging ears that are prone to infection so owners should check them every week for moisture. This dog is also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy and eye conditions like glaucoma. Learn more about the German Shepherd Beagle Mix. The Labrador German Shepherd mix is even-tempered, playful, and loyal to family members, but cautious and wary against strangers. A German Shepherd Labrador mix puppy needs a lot of space to exercise and play in. Crate training and socialization at an early age is recommended. A German Shepherd Labrador mix is full of energy and needs at least two hours of exercise a day, followed by mentally stimulating play. A lack of activity can cause depression and destructive behavior to appear. Learn more about the German Shepherd Lab Mix. However, brushing up on the parent breeds will shed light on how to care for this hybrid. Due to its small size, a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a good pet for those living in small homes or the confined spaces of apartments. This crossbreed is prone to aggression and should undergo training and socialization while still young. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix needs a lot of physical activity. They also want to be around their family and tend to engage in destructive behavior when left alone for a long time. A Chow Chow German Shepherd mix is an adorable looking dog with a long muzzle, black facial accents and a mane-like coat. The grooming of a Chow Chow German Shepherd entails daily brushing to minimize the effects of shedding. The ears should also be wiped down once a week and the teeth brushed three times a week. The German Shepherd Chow Chow mix loves human attention. They easily get bored and could suffer from separation anxiety. When this happens, they might engage in destructive activities. Experienced dog owners will find this crossbreed smart and easy to train. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix is very affectionate and loves to snuggle with their human. They love to have fun and to play with you. But responsible owners should still be on the lookout for symptoms of epilepsy and hip dysplasia. The Collie Shepherd mixed breed is one of the most energetic dogs around. These dogs can reach an average height of inches tall and weigh between lbs. Owners should expect a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix to have thick, waterproof coats that need to be combed weekly to keep it free from tangles. Make sure their nails are also clipped to prevent painful splitting or cracking. A German Shepherd Dachshund mixed breed is extremely rare. The lack of information about this breed can be offset by studying the parent breeds. A Dachshund German Shepherd mix requires a special diet with fish oil and chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. This will hopefully lower the risk of elbow and hip dysplasia in this breed. The Pug German Shepherd mix is chubby, stocky, and intelligent. They greet strangers cheerfully and have a great rapport with children. German Shepherd Pug mix pets are generally strong and healthy. This German Shepherd crossbreed excels in obedience training and housetraining. But this dog will need a firm owner who knows how to deal with strong-willed pets. This is not a common hybrid so information about them is rare. Learning more about the parent breeds will provide you with insight on how to manage this dog. With such attractive parents, the Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd mix will likely be handsome as well and have a lush, wavy fur. The German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix will thrive with an attentive owner who can provide the dog with the right physical and mental stimulation. Finding this specific German Shepherd mixed breed puppy will be difficult. You can look for reliable hybrid breeders near you. Shelters and rescue centers might also have crossbreed puppies for adoption. Expect the American Bulldog German Shepherd mix to have a medium to large frame and be as powerful as the parent breeds. This hybrid is about inches tall and weighs anywhere between lbs. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is loving, sweet, and gentle to its family members but wary around strangers. This dog will thrive when they have a job to do. But you can infer a lot about this crossbreed by studying the parent breeds. A Cane Corso German Shepherd mix breed is likely to be a massive dog. When it comes to German Shepherd Cane Corso health issues, the dog will probably be healthier than the parent breed. But owners should still be careful of problems like hip dysplasia and bloat. With both parents bred as guard dogs, a German Shepherd Cane Corso mix will also exhibit loyal and protective traits. There are very few details available for this dog but reading about the parent breeds will give prospective owners ideas on how to raise this hybrid. But the wrinkles on the face and shoulders are pure Shar Pei. Expect a German Shepherd mixed with a Shar Pei to be susceptible to the health issues that also plague the parental pair, like elbow and hip dysplasia, cataracts, demodectic mange, epilepsy, and bloat. The Shar Pei German Shepherd mix canine is intelligent, loyal, affectionate to its owners but reserved among strangers. They will bark at anything they think is suspicious and are willing to guard and defend their family. This is a very strong-willed dog so training them can be challenging. They will need an experienced owner who can be firm with them. This mixed breed is also called an Akita Shepherd and a Shepkita. The Akita German Shepherd mix pet needs to be fed lots of animal-based fats and protein for energy. The fats will boost their immune system and keep their fur sleek and their skin healthy. German Shepherd Akita mix puppies might look cute and lovable but they can be stubborn and temperamental. They need to be trained and socialized to learn good behavior and curb some aggressive tendencies. German Shepherd Akita mix needs to be brushed daily. Invest in a good shedding rake to remove any loose hair. Do not shave your dog during summer or winter. Their coats actually insulate them from the sun and from the cold. Studying about the parent breeds will give you more ideas about this hybrid. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is alert, intelligent, loyal, and protective. They make great guard dogs and could also be a good choice for family pet. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix has a lot of energy to burn and loves physical activities. You can also try rescue organizations or your local shelter. An English Bulldog German Shepherd mix is brave, loyal, confident, and trainable. This is a low maintenance crossbreed that just needs brushing once a week. But those with heavier coats will be shedding seasonally. German Shepherd English Bulldog mix could inherit their parents susceptibility to particular diseases, like joint dysplasia, bloat, degenerative myelopathy, and breathing problems. A Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix is very affectionate, playful and easy-going. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix health issues are not as severe as the parent breeds. This breed is a shedder so invest in a good vacuum and several doggy brushes. They should be given a bath once a month but their coats have to be brushed daily. This will keep their skin and hair healthy and prevent tangles. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a hearty eater. Make sure to add lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish oil. Give them supplements for bone development. A Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a strong, quiet, intelligent, brave, and serious dog. They have a strong protective instinct that makes them capable guard dogs. The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix thrives in cold weather. They can survive in temperate climates but their thick coats mean they easily get hot. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback history is a short one as the breed is not very popular. Expect the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix to have a quiet, laidback temperament. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix needs an experienced owner who can be firm and provide lots of positive reinforcement. This is an uncommon crossbreed so information about it is rare. They have a large frame, a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and pointed ears with some feathering. Four cups of high-quality dry dog food per day are ideal. They shed all year and require daily brushing to prevent matted hair. Their nails also grow fast so they have to be clipped twice a month. But this dog has a calm, loving, and affectionate personality towards its human family. Early training and socialization will teach them discipline and will curb their unruliness. Finding a Pitbull German Shepherd mix is easy as there are numerous breeders raising them. This breed has sensitive skin so a bath once a month is perfect for them. You should also brush their coat once a week using a hard bristled brush. Learn more about the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix. The French Bulldog German Shepherd mix is a very loyal, loving, and intelligent pet who loves to be snuggled and spoiled. But they can also be protective of their family and aloof towards strangers. A German Shepherd French Bulldog mixed breed puppy needs to be potty trained and crate trained right away. Their training and socialization should be consistent, with lots of positive reinforcement. A German Shepherd French Bulldog mix might develop serious health conditions, just like its parent breed. This hybrid is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, a chronic breathing issue. They are also susceptible to dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy. Studying the two parent breeds will give the owner an approximation of how this dog will behave. The Catahoula German Shepherd mix is very playful and zealous. They can start chewing items and generally exhibit destructive behavior. A German Shepherd Catahoula mix requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs will do well in homes with a big yard. They need a lot of space to play and burn energy. The dog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. But reading about the two parent breeds will be helpful in figuring out how to care for this dog. A Shih Tzu German Shepherd mix will likely have an outgoing, affectionate, and happy disposition. They will likely be very loyal and will follow you around everywhere. Shih Tzus are infamously stubborn when it comes to housetraining, a trait that might be passed on to the German Shepherd Shih Tzu mix. They will need to be housetrained and undergo obedience training and socialization early. Try looking at your local rescue shelter for this hybrid. Novice dog owners will find this strong-willed and energetic mixed breed difficult to handle. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a large dog. They can reach an average height of inches and could weigh anywhere from lbs. Grooming a German Shepherd Doberman mix is fairly easy. They have short and sleek coats that will require regular brushing. Some shedding is to be expected as well. Owners will have to start training and socializing this crossbreed as young as possible. Learn more about the Doberman German Shepherd Mix. While the parent breeds are popular, cross-breeding them is rare. The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is likely to have a calm and stoic disposition. They will also be extremely loyal and protective of their family, but not to an extreme degree. A German Shepherd Newfoundland mix breed could be prone to allergies and elbow and hip dysplasia, problems that are associated with large dogs and the parent breeds. Their food bowl needs to be full of the best food you can find. Puppy pups should get food that meets their requirements, so take a look at the best puppy food brands. Food for older hairy companions needs to have below-average calories and adequate protein levels. These formulas can be found in the best senior dry dog food brands. A regular checkup with your vet can help you find the best option. Mixed Breeds By Meg Marrs 11 min read March 13, 70 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The German shepherd breed is generally considered one of the most intelligent, dedicated, loyal, and family orientated companions available in the doggy world. Throwing in a mix to this breed just strengthens and enhances these naturally appealing traits. Golden Shepherd German Shepherd x Golden Retriever Mix The golden shepherd is a golden-haired beauty that will definitely win your heart with those soulful eyes. This golden retriever and German shepherd mix is an affectionate sweetheart who thrives on one-on-one interaction with her owners and especially adores the tiny human variety. This makes the golden shepherd the perfect family-with-kids choice. Both retriever and shepherd parents love to eat, so make sure you keep this marvelous mix at a healthy weight. The best of both doggie worlds are all rolled up into this one adorable and energetic bundle of joy. This pug and shepherd breed is an extremely loyal companion, loves his human family, exhibits impressive intelligence, and serves as an alert guard dog. Labrashepherd German Shepherd x Labrador Mix The Labrashepherd also known as a Sheprador is a calm, loving and even-tempered animal with a touch of the shyness from the German shepherd parent shining through when he is presented with new situations. Labrador retrievers have a kind and happy demeanor which definitely shines through in this canine cross. This German shepherd Labrador retriever mix is gloriously beautiful and loves a good play session in the park. Siberian Shepherd or Gerberian Shepsky German Shepherd x Siberian Husky Mix A post shared by German Shepherd Husky Mixes germanshepherdhuskymixes This exquisitely handsome boy is a German shepherd husky mix that will have you falling over your feet when he looks at you with that one baby blue. Love at first sight for sure. And the bonus? He loves you just as fiercely. Make sure these energized pups have plenty of exercise, puzzle toys, and activities to provide mental stimulation. Shollie German Shepherd x Collie Mix A unique combination of the collie and German shepherd gives us this gorgeous designer breed. She is amazingly even-tempered temperament, very eager to learn, and easily trained through basic obedience training. Be prepared to groom the German shepherd collie mix every day though, as those locks are relatively high maintenance. Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd German Shepherd x Rottweiler Mix Shepweilers are immensely protective of their owners, family, and surroundings and make excellent guard dogs. Well-muscled, protective dogs who can always be found at your side? Sounds good to me! The German shepherd poodle mix needs your constant companionship and will follow wherever you may lead. The poodle breed genes are relatively dominant in this dog, resulting in the somewhat curly fur coat. What a striking and intimidating doggo. This breed is a cross between a domesticated German shepherd and a genuine wolf. Please keep in mind that these animals are illegal to own in certain areas, so please research carefully to avoid any heartbreak should you not be able to keep him legally. Designer breeders for a cross as unique as this one can be challenging to come by. With a sensitive temperament and above average hearing, you have a guard dog of indisputable qualities. These dogs are natural hunters, so it will be wise to keep him separate from other small pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters. He is super-friendly but an excellent protector. He does, however, require intensive training, as he loves a challenge and can often be considered a little stubborn. This dog is an interesting mix of German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. This is one amazingly beautiful animal. They possess the best of both breeds in strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. And such a cutie to boot! Almost like having a teenager in the house, these shepherd-type dogs will test your patience and push the boundaries, so training is vital. These shepherd pit sweeties are sure to appreciate a game of fetch with their favorite human! Innocence aside, the German shepherd pit bull mix is a powerful animal with a high energy level and training is thus non-negotiable. German shepherd pit bulls need a firm, strong, but loving owner and handler. New Shep German Shepherd x Newfoundland Mix A post shared by Sadie Sanderson resolutedogtraining This breed is an interesting mix of the Newfoundland and German shepherd, forming a giant powder-puff who loves water! Well, space of course! This is a giant dog and needs plenty of room to run off all that excess energy. This behemoth is a loyal, loving, and protective, yet intimidating watchdog, probably due to its sheer size. But be honest — what a cutie pie! But beware, do not leave this puppy to his own devices — you might not particularly like the end results! He craves constant attention and will happily be your permanent side-kick. These canine cuties would benefit from an active family. There you go German shepherd lovers and fans. Please leave a comment on what you think the best German shepherd mixed breed out there is, or share your own cross-breed companion that we might have missed! And, if you have your own GSD or GSD-mix at home, make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds as well as our piece on the best dog food for german shepherds too! What are the specific guidelines for adopting a German Shepherd mix? Good breeders will only sell to a family with a yard and German shepherd experience, as German shepherd mixes need plenty of space for these dogs to run around freely to get exercise. German shepherd mixes as well as purebred German shepherds should also be owner primarily by those who have experience with the breed, as German shepherds are naturally prone to anxiety and need an experienced, confident handler. The breeder should meet our breeder checklist, have been in business for several years, and their puppies should be well socialized. How much does it cost to adopt a German shepherd mix? Are there any health issues associated with German shepherd mixes? If a German shepherd mix is not from a good breeder, then there may be health problems. German shepherds are prone to a number of different genetic health conditions. The most common health concerns include hip, elbow, and joint dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, narcolepsy, and eye problems. Are German shepherd mixes active? While canine crosses can take on any combination of traits from either of their pooch parents, German shepherds require plenty of daily exercise. GSDs have a high activity level and need to be kept busy mentally and physically. Not all German shepherd mixes will need vigorous exercise per day, but you should have the capacity to take on an active furry friend just in case. What is a German Shepherd mix? A German shepherd mix is a breed resulting from the combination of the German shepherd with other popular dog breeds. These dogs are medium to large in size, and can vary in appearance based on what breeds they inherit traits from. German shepherd mixes do not always look entirely like the German shepherd, as they could also take after their other dog breed parents. How should you train a German shepherd mix? The best way to approach training a German shepherd mix is to provide lots of training sessions focused on positive reinforcement. These pups can be fairly sensitive and eager to please. Thankfully, most GSD mixes are super smart and can master just about any trick with a little time and practice. Some of the best German shepherd mixes around. Which one was your favorite? Have you ever met any of these cuties in real life? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Because of their fierce loyalty and athletic nature, they make perfect guard dogs. At the same time, they are great human companions that love children and other people. Mixing a German Shepherd with another dog can create a breed that is unique and have many other strong suits that the German Shepherd may not have on its own. The 16 Popular German Shepherd Mixes 1. This is the perfect dog if you are looking for a super family and lovable dog that is also intelligent, obedient, and great for activities. Golden Shepherds love having a lot of one-on-one time with their owners and get along great with children. At the same time, these dogs are ready to go on an adventure, whether it be hunting, tracking, or just walking through the woods. You can get an athletic, cute, and intelligent breed by mixing a Pug with a German Shepherd, which is called a Shug. Although a Shug may sound like an odd idea, this breed is very unique and intelligent. Both Pugs and German Shepherds alike are known to be intelligent and natural guard dogs. Combining them both creates a super adorable, intelligent, and alert pup. This is easily one of the cutest dogs around. One way that the Chow Shepherd takes after the Chow is that you can often spot these dogs with their tongues hanging out. Expect for the dog to lick you quite a bit! Labrashepherds are incredibly intelligent and love new situations. At the same time, these dogs are loving, calm, and do well in family situations. This dog is highly protective and loyal. They also have a lot of muscles and are likely to scare away any intruders just from their appearance and bark. It is a combination of a German Shepherd and a Collie. This dog has a long coat and a very graceful appearance. The coat, though attractive, will require frequent grooming, but it may be worth it for those looking for a gorgeous dog. As for their temperament, Shollies are very even tempered and easily trained. They may not be as playful as some other breeds, but this dog is very kind. Plus, the Siberian Shepherd will be a very hard worker, all while loving to play with you. This dog is a mix of a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. Its coat is incredibly beautiful. Not to mention, the personality is loyal, friendly, and strong, matched with easy trainability. This is a great dog for you if you have young children and go swimming a lot. This dog is highly trainable, loyal, and gentle, making it a gentle giant for families. These dogs are incredibly loyal and hardworking. This dog is a ball of energy since both Corgis and German Shepherds are known for their high exercise requirements. With the right training, these dogs can be super fun to play with. Being a mix between a German Shepherd and a Pitbull, you absolutely must be a firm but loving owner to raise this dog right. With the right hand, this dog can be an incredibly loyal pet that is always there to protect you. This dog is great within the family because it has a lot of tolerance to irritability and has high amounts of patience, making it the perfect dog if you have young children in your home. Still, these dogs are very patient and loving. These dogs are incredibly friendly and loving, but they will push your boundaries too. Expect the dog to be very willful and in need of serious training. This dog will be very big, requiring a whole lot of space to live and play. So long as you provide this dog a lot of room, it will be very loving, loyal, and protective over your home. This dog is a cross between a regular German Shepherd and an actual Wolf. These dogs are not legal in many areas and can be incredibly sensitive. These dogs are loved because they make great guard dogs, are highly intelligent, and fit in perfect with most families. They have specifically been bred since the s for their working purposes. These dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which is why German Shepherds are often used for finding bombs and drugs. German Shepherds are also suspicious and want to protect themselves and their owners. These traits are matched with high levels of intelligence, allowing them to figure out ways to alert you or complete the task at hand. At the same time, German Shepherds are very lovable and loyal. This dog is known to protect their owners when needed, but they love attention and affection when they know there is no danger. Because of these traits, German Shepherds are great dogs for active singles or families. Because German Shepherds are so great, you may be wondering what the benefits are for mixing it with another breed. German Shepherd mixes have some of the best traits of the German Shepherd and whatever dog it is mixed with, creating a dog perfect for you. For example, Shugs, which are German Shepherds mixed with Pugs, tend to be highly intelligent and much less suspicious than traditional German Shepherds. This may be the perfect dog for you if you want an intelligent and alert dog that is a bit less intimidating. You may also want to get a German Shepherd mix for their appearance. Mixing a German Shepherd with something fluffy or more traditionally cute can create super unique and attractive. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are many lovable, intelligent, and cute German Shepherd mixes out there. Although there are many other German Shepherd mixes available, the 16 we looked at tend to be the most popular. We hope you enjoyed looking at these super cute and unique breeds. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article.

In fact, the American Kennel Club ranks goldens as the third most popular breed. Golden retrievers are loving, intelligent, active dogs that make great family pets and excellent show dogs. If you would like a golden retriever puppy for your family, contact us to learn about our available or upcoming litters. Meet Our Goldens Our dogs are all healthy and qualified to act as service dogs — which is how we got our start. Our daughter, Hailey, needed a service dog and we had a difficult time finding one. The search led us to our first golden, Hunter. Hunter is one of our top sires and has passed all of his tests and health evaluations with flying colors. Choose Your Puppy When you are looking at American golden retriever puppies for sale, you should have at least some idea of what you want. If you are familiar with the temperament and traits of goldens, you will have an easier choosing a puppy that will fit in with your family. Goldens are active, hard-working, and intelligent dogs. A healthy golden will live years. Goldens are a sporting breed and need plenty of exercise, though some have more mellow attitudes than others. Because goldens are loving and eager to please their owners, they are easy to train, which makes them great family pets, show dogs, and service or companion animals. These original Goldens were bred to hunt and withstand the harsh winters of Scotland. Over the last years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family dog we all adore. American vs. Canadian vs. The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Adult males stand at the height of inches, while females stand at .Male American Goldens can weigh as much as pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at pounds. American Golden Retrievers are well-loved by all, showing loyalty and friendly nature to everyone. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please. With that said, American Goldens are known for being a little more energetic than other breed variations. They make an excellent pet for younger couples who enjoy many outdoor activities or families who can spend a lot of time playing with them. These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in the shade. They stand at the same height as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males being inches tall and females being .Canadian Goldens are also the same in weight, with males being pounds and females pounds. Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different locations. While very similar to American Goldens, they do have some subtle differences. The British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. The standard weight for British Golden Retrievers is not specified, but most weigh anywhere between 55 to 70 pounds. British Golden Retrievers are highly devoted, friendly, and intelligent. Many breeders report that British Golden has fewer potential health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. Still, there are no studies to confirm this. The English Cream Golden has a very pale cream to white coat shorter and thicker than standard American Goldens. They have a stockier build, with males standing around inches tall and females standing approximately inches. Adult male English Creams can weigh anywhere between pounds, and females weigh about pounds. English Cream Goldens have lovable personalities with a calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly smart and easy to train, as well. With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information. They are highly motivated working dogs that enjoy sporting activities like hunting. These Goldens range in color from dark golden to red, with shorter to mid-length coats. They have a smaller stature than other Golden Retrievers, with adult males standing at inches and females at inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 50 and 65 pounds. Field-bred Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you while fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be an excellent match for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot provide daily exercise. See our Field-bred Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Red Goldens get their name from their distinctly red coat. That is often a deep, bright red that distinguishes them from other kinds of Goldens. Their hair is often thinner and longer than other types of Goldens, as well. They tend to stand smaller in size, with males topping out at around inches and females .Adult males can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds. With most red Goldens actually being Field-bred Goldens, they are highly driven and motivated to work. These dogs will have high energy levels and benefit from being given tasks to assist with. Check out our Red Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Show Golden Retriever Show Golden Retrievers are a style that is bred to meet exact breed specifications to be shown in competitions. With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite remarkable in appearance. They are large-boned and thick in stature, with a wider, more broadhead than average Goldens. Show Golden Retrievers have all the same wonderful characteristics as other types of Goldens, being friendly and well-natured. However, since Show Goldens are bred to meet very specific breed standards, they are often costly. They are ideal for owners who are looking to exhibit their dogs in competitive dog shows. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality show Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There is some debate about whether mini Golden Retrievers should really be considered a type of Golden, as they are technically crossbreeds. Since mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they have no actual breed specifications. Their coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variations in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches tall, males and females. Their weights can vary as well, typically staying anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for anyone who desires certain personality traits of a Golden Retriever without the medium-to-large size. With that said, mini Goldens do not always take on the friendly, happy-go-lucky nature of purebred Goldens. Since they are crossbred, they can have attributes of other breeds. Purebred Black Golden Retrievers do not exist but can essentially be created by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breeds. The coat, height, and weight of a black Golden will vary because it is actually a mixed breed. Since many Goldens are bred with Labradors, they would likely be of medium-to-large build, with males or females anywhere between 50 to 75 pounds. Some Goldens may even be mixed with Newfoundlands, which would result in a much larger dog, weighing 80 to pounds or more. Determining which type of Golden Retriever is best for you depends on your unique lifestyle. All kinds make a great family pet, but some have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for specific homes. Each Golden Retriever puppy has a different cost too, so make sure you know the golden retriever price before deciding. To know which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult with a reputable breeder or trusted veterinarian! Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale and from our high quality golden retriever breeders. Both can show moderate signs of being territorial, but more so in females due to their motherly instincts. What is the best color for Golden Retrievers? Standard gold has been shown to be more popular out of the colors of Golden Retrievers. Each color type has specific characteristics. A lighter shade tends to look more white in the light while the darker Golden Retrievers consist of more deep reds and blacks. The most obvious difference lies in the shades of color. Aside from color differences, the head of an English Golden retriever is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are leaner and taller. What color is a Canadian Golden Retriever? All of them have their signature styles in either light, dark, or natural golden coat colors. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. It has been a favorite for 30 years and counting. From their physical differences, to personalities, and even potential health issues, each type of Retriever has their own characteristics, based on their breeding history. In this article, we will explore the main differences between American and English Golden Retrievers. Lord Tweedmouth bred these two dogs for hunting and retrieving, and they are believed to be the originators of the Golden Retriever breed. They can learn up to commands, including words and phrases. Goldens make great pets as well as service, guide, and therapy dogs. Thanks to their hunting and retrieving history, Retrievers thrive when playing outdoors. Whether you throw a stick or a ball, your furry friend will get it back for you and be entertained for hours. Retrievers have webbed feet yes, just like a duck, but much more subtle , which make them exceptional and enthusiastic swimmers! American vs. English Golden Retriever Both American and English Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, playful personalities and natural curiosity. Still, the two types of retrievers are considered distinct from each other based on their subtle, but specific, differences. But since it has evolved for hundreds of years in the United States, the American Golden Retriever has experienced a few physical and potential behavioral changes that make it different from the other types of retrievers. But because this particular retriever has been bred in the United Kingdom, it has developed unique features. The English Golden Retrievers are excellent search and rescue dogs. Recognition from the American Kennel Club vs. You can also find more standards from international dog clubs, such as the International Canine Kennel Club. These organizations are non-profit clubs created to provide expert information and advice on dog breeds and their health and training. As such, the standards from these two kennel clubs play a major role in the agreed-upon differences between American Golden Retrievers and English Golden Retrievers. Because of these differing standards—and the quest of breeders to meet these standards—these two types of dogs have evolved with unique features. Neither club recognizes sub-types of dog breeds, so they both list the Golden Retriever as a breed but with differing standards. In the United States, they are differentiated based on their physical appearance and colors and are called English Golden Retrievers or American Golden Retrievers. English Golden Retriever vs. English Golden Retrievers have a beautiful cream color, while American Golden Retrievers have a more lustrous golden color that can vary in shades from honey to tan. In general, the only acceptable colors for Retrievers are light colors, such as Retrievers that are almost light, to darker shades of red. Their coat textures are also a bit different. They have feathering around their ears and other parts of their bodies, with a water-resistant undercoat. On the other hand, American Golden Retrievers have much longer and thicker coats with moderate feathering. The American Golden has an arched head structure and a broader skull, while the English Retriever has a larger and more balanced head. They both have wide foreheads, but the American Retriever has a longer and deeper one than its English cousin. Eyes Their eyes also have slight differences. The American Golden Retriever has round eyes and fitted rims, with various shades, from medium brown to dark brown. Ears American Retrievers and English Retrievers also have slightly different ears. The American Golden has ears with a front edge that extends a bit above their eye level, so the tips of their ears are at cheek-level. Size and Weight Another noticeable difference in terms of physical characteristics for the two types of Golden Retrievers is their size. American Golden Retriever males are between 23 to 24 inches, with an average weight of 65 to 75 pounds. Females are usually 20 to 22 inches, with an average weight of 60 to 70 pounds. English Golden Retriever males can be 22 to 24 inches, while females grow to between 21 and 22 inches. Retrievers, as a breed, are notorious overeaters! Across breeds, a good way to measure obesity versus an ideal or healthy bodyweight is to look at body fat percentage. English vs. American Goldens live for 10 to 11 years, while their English counterparts live for around 12 years. Besides lifespan, all Retrievers are prone to a few common diseases and genetic disorders that you should watch out for. Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever.

Share 0 Shares Time has flown by these past few months, and now your Golden Retriever pup is five months old! It probably seems like it went by in a blur and they were a handful just a few weeks ago. Now your pup is rapidly approaching the point where they transition from their puppy phase into canine adolescence, which is like the teenage years for dogs, and it starts at around 6 months of age. Your cute little puppy is about to become a teenager! How much does a five-month-old Golden Retriever sleep? Your pup is likely doing very well with potty training , and they probably sleep comfortably through each night. Because of your devotion to training, your pup is paying attention to you and learning from you. This phase will eventually end. Puppies follow a similar growth pattern as humans: puppy, teenager, adult. They experience behavioral, physical, and social development during these phases. And your pup will require consistent training using positive reinforcement. What was once a ball of fluff is now a tall and lanky pup. Your golden will probably have long legs that seem out of place with the rest of its body. Some of their teeth will probably be missing, as well. Keep taking your pup out and letting them have positive experiences with different places, people, and animals. Image source: Oscar. On average, 5-month-old goldens weigh lbs. This is because Golden Retrievers are prone to health problems like hip dysplasia and other joint issues. Five-month-old puppies should get around 18 hours of shut-eye per day. This is a little deceptive. This can actually overstimulate them and leave them overly tired, which will cause them to act up, bark, bite and bounce off the walls. So, to avoid an overly- tired and wild puppy, you should help them to take a nap and get the rest they need. You may want to give your pup a soft chew toy to chew on as they drift off to sleep. Another tip to help your pooch fall asleep more comfortably is to eliminate outside distractions. These may sound like unnecessary measures, but they go a long way to help ensure that your pup goes to and stays asleep. Your pup is able to take a 5 or 10 minutes walk and still have energy left over, when they would have been completely exhausted from a small walk when they were younger. Your pup will love getting out in nature, so take your pup to hiking trails, parks, or really anywhere you can let them enjoy the great outdoors. Put them on a long leash 15 or 20 feet so that they can run and play, getting the exercise they need. There are so many more things to sniff at and explore! Heck, even an empty parking lot will give your pup a safe place to run around and explore. Get a flirt pole toy for your pup. These are poles with toys attached to them with an elastic string. Instead, use gentle motions like circles. You can also play hide-and-seek with your pup. It engages their big brains and makes them think and get creative while also giving them a chance to exercise. This requires two people. One needs to hold the puppy while the other hides, and once the person has chosen their hiding spot the person holding the puppy can let them loose to find their owner. Some golden puppies are hide-and-seek masters, while others really suck at the game. They usually trot or gallop, while we walk more slowly, so they have to slow down to match our pace. They also typically zig and zag around, which is a lot different from walking in a straight line on a leash. So they frequently stop to sniff and investigate things. Of course, no matter which sort of exercise you choose, you should pay attention to your pup and let them decide what they can handle. If your pup flops down to take a break, let them. It can be one of the activities that make your pup form the strongest bonds with you, and it can be fun, too. They like treats! For instance, if your puppy is jumping on people when they come into your house, then put your puppy in their crate or behind a gate before you answer the door. After a bit, you can work with your pup to eliminate these behaviors by doing things like teaching your puppy to go lay down when you answer the door or playing more gently with kids. By this age, your pup is likely at least familiar with the idea. Maybe there was something distracting in their environment. Maybe your pup was too tired to properly learn something right then. Just try to enjoy the ride and make it fun for both you and your pup. If you have questions about how much you should feed your pup throughout the day, or think your pup may not be getting enough to eat, then you should ask your veterinarian. Some goldens are prone to food sensitivities, and their poop is a good way to find out if your pup is having issues. If you think you may need to switch foods, talk to your veterinarian. You can check out the post for the best puppy food for your golden pup. Your puppy is losing their puppy teeth, which makes their gums really painful and uncomfortable, which is what causes them to chew and bite. Make sure you have lots of chew toys around for your pup during this time. It may make your home look a bit messy, but having a ton of toys and chewing sticks or bones all over the floor is better than having your puppy chewing up inappropriate things. So, find a big soft toy for them to fall in love with. If you find that your puppy likes to chew on things that make a crinkly noise, find them some toys that crinkle. I signed up for Bark Box for my dogs and they love all the treats and toys that come in it each month. They generally send a good combination of soft toys that squeak and toys that crinkle, as well as puzzle toys to keep their minds occupied. When you leave, you should put your pup either in their pen or in a crate. But you should keep going anyway. Your reward will be a well-adjusted and fully- developed and grown dog that will make an awesome lifelong companion! If you get discouraged, find a way to have fun with your puppy. It will not only lift your mood but teach your pup to trust you. At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. 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. A five-month-old Golden is approaching the end of the puppy stage and is about to enter the next developmental phase: canine adolescence. Around six months of age is when puppies typically hit the teenage phase. Life has gotten so much easier than when they were a two-month or three-month-old pup. Your hard work training your puppy has paid off and you may even be surprised by how well they listen to you. But you might also see some hints of adolescent behavior creeping in. The bad news: Canine adolescence typically starts around six months of age, so you may be seeing some of the changes this stage brings with your five-month-old. Just like humans, puppies become teenagers as they undergo the process of growing up into an adult. Like every other age, your puppy needs patient guidance and support, consistent management to set them up for success, and positive training to educate them on how to behave. You might even notice their color change a bit as they lose that puppy coat. Plus, they might look like a kindergartener with some of their teeth missing! More on teething later. Continue giving them positive experiences with the things, environments, and situations that they will be in as an adult dog. Most Goldens tend to be highly social, and need help learning that not every person and dog is their next best friend. More about exercising your pup later. Each puppy is unique though, so there might be some that are above or below that range. The most important thing is that your puppy is a healthy weight for their size. A more petite Golden might weigh less and be perfectly healthy, just like a tall and heavy-boned Golden might weigh more but still be at an appropriate weight. Always consult your vet to make sure your puppy is developing properly. Even though your puppy is getting bigger, they still need lots of sleep. Adequate sleep is so important to ensuring that your puppy is physically and behaviorally healthy. Overly tired puppies can act like unhinged hooligans who are really unpleasant to be around. Helping them stay asleep by confining them in a quiet location is a good idea. You might find that giving your puppy something to chew, such as a frozen kong or toppl , can help transition them from awake to asleep, as chewing and licking are naturally soothing behaviors for dogs. Oliver playing with his favorite keys toy at 5 months old. As mentioned previously, you likely will see an increase in energy around this time. That leisurely stroll in the neighborhood that used to wipe your puppy out is now just putting a dent in their energy reserves. One of the absolute best ways to exercise a five-month-old Golden Retriever is to hit a local trail or natural space with your puppy in a harness and 15 or foot leash. They were originally bred to hunt in the wilderness and this taps into the heart and soul of a Golden much more than a typical neighborhood walk on a 6-foot leash ever could. They love being in nature, getting to sniff around and move their bodies with more freedom. The longer leash gives them more space to explore, while still keeping them safe. If you have a yard, there are some fun ways you can utilize that space to offer your pup some exercise. Most Goldens love playing with a flirt pole toy , where they can chase and grab the toy on the end of the bungee. Keep it light and fun by dragging the flirt pole in a circle or gentle curves to protect their growing body. Hide and seek can also be a super fun game to burn some of that puppy energy, while also making them use their brain to find their human. One person can hold onto the pup, another person can hide, and then release them to go on a search and rescue mission. Some pups are better at this than others, so the hidden person can also make some noise to help the puppy out. Playing some of these games before you attempt a walk in your neighborhood can help set your five-month-old Golden up for more success on the leash. Walking on a leash is actually pretty unnatural for dogs. For one thing, their typical gait is usually a trot, which is faster than our walking gait. Dogs also naturally zig-zag around and do not move in long straight lines, which is what we usually are asking them to do when walking in our neighborhoods. Burning off some energy before you take them out on leash can help them walk without pulling or tying you up in the leash. If they need a break, let them take one. Training a Five-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppies do not come pre-programmed with all the skills and knowledge they need to live alongside humans peacefully. This is why training is so important! Training is an ongoing process, but so worth the commitment. The great thing is that training is super fun and an amazing way to build a positive bond with your puppy. As you raise your puppy, there are two principles to keep in mind: 1 — Reward behavior you want to see more of. What gets rewarded gets repeated, so keep your eyes open for all the good behavior your puppy does and reinforce them for it! Keeping treats easily accessible in little ramekins around the house makes it easier for you to reward your pup when they make good choices. Puppy kept their feet on the ground while you were carrying plates full of human food to the table? Give your puppy a treat! Puppy laid calmly as the cat sauntered by? The simple act of rewarding behavior you like can go a long way to build good behavior that develops into lifelong habits. On the flipside, your puppy will likely make some poor choices if you let them. Thinking proactively helps your puppy be successful and prevents them from developing frustrating habits. Then work on training skills your puppy needs to handle those exciting situations, such as keeping feet on the ground while greeting guests and settling on a mat while you watch the kids play outside. Continue to give your puppy plenty of opportunities to potty outside. In addition, you can also work on:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun!

Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Curly coat: Dense, thick curls that have no odor and are non-shedding. The Labradoodle can come is a palette of beautiful colors, such as gold, apricot, caramel, white, black, red, chocolate, blue and parti-color. Curious about how to groom and trim that luxurious coat? Check out this video: 2. Medium: 20 inches 50 cm tall; up to 45 lbs 20 kg in weight. Miniature: 16 inches 40 cm tall; up to 25 lbs 11 kg in weight. No responsible breeder will guarantee that their Labradoodle puppies will definitely grow to be an exact size. Both are high energy dogs who love to fetch and swim. Both make wonderful family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labradoodles tend to have shorter coats. The Goldendoodle has a longer, shaggier coat inherited from the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly dogs, but Goldendoodles are highly social and not afraid to run up to anyone, while the Labradoodle can be stand-offish, taking time to get used to strangers. You can compare the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle some more in this video. Bonus: Even More Doodles! These are two other popular Poodle mixes that are similar to the Labradoodle. You can learn more about the Australian Labradoodle here. This Poodle and Schnauzer mix hangs with the small-sized dogs, reaching 15 lbs 7 kg in weight. It makes a great companion or service dog. Learn more about the Schnoodle here. Though not aggressive, Labradoodle temperament can vary. Agility, quick thinking skills and a lustrous coat of hypoallergenic curls have made it an outstanding show dog, as well as a favored breed by those who suffer from allergies. The noble Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are highly popular in North America and the UK, especially for their use as service dogs for the disabled. Highly intelligent and sharp as a whip, this breed is in-tune with feelings and actions, learning quickly, displaying loyalty and taking on the role of caretaker. As a Retriever breed, the Labrador has a reputation for being a phenomenal hunter and water dog. They love to swim! This is a big dog, weighing in at up to 80 lbs 29—36 kg. Its coat is short, dense and water resistant. It can come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Watch those leather loafers! Because of their size and energetic personality, plenty of space is recommended for a Labradoodle to blow of steam. That means small apartments and long hours in a crate do not benefit this stimulated hybrid. Take your Labbidoo out for a jog or let her splash in your swimming pool if you have one. Homes with a fenced in yard are ideal for your dog to have some off-leash time to run about and frolic freely. Add in some early socialization to help curb bad habits and control over-exuberance when meeting with children or other dogs. Ear infections: Floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, leading to painful infections. Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness. Elbow dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint. Epilepsy: Seizures that result from an unknown cause. Diabetes Mellitus: A disease in which the body suffers from a shortage of insulin. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Feeding Specific nutrition requirements differ from dog to dog based on needs and size. For the Labradoodle, use high-quality dog food and divide 1 to 2. Avoid feeding throughout the day, because they have been known to suffer from gastric torsion like the Labrador Retriever. The thickness and length will determine the sort of grooming needed. Longer coats will need trimming every six weeks. Second, soaring popularity has lead to an infection of puppy mills popping up like nasty sores. These are to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the price is cheaper. Do your breeder research thoroughly and visit the premises where the puppies hail from. With puppy mills wreaking havoc, Labradoodle rescues have become more prevalent. Check out these websites for listings:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. This is a pretty great list of attributes. No wonder people love Labradoodles so much! What About Undesirable Traits? Be that the nervousness of some Poodles. Or the destructive chewing habit of some Labradors. But with so many positive traits, it makes sense that the Labradoodle was first bred to be a guide dog in service. In fact, Labradoodles continue to be in high demand as service dogs worldwide. This is because of their friendly, happy, intelligent, loving temperament. Does Coat Color Impact Temperament? The Labradoodle hybrid dog breed as a whole is still quite young and has not got a great deal of temperament or genetic history. They will try to take advantage of the demand. They do this by passing off poorly-bred or unverifiable puppies as true Labradoodles. Here, it truly will be up to you, the owner, to thoroughly research any Labradoodle breeder you want to work with. Or perhaps you want to adopt a Labradoodle from a rescue shelter or charity. Rescue golden Labradoodles may have none, some, or all of the characteristics of any dog who has been abandoned or given up for any number of reasons. In this case, taking the help of expert dog trainers can ease the transition for you both. Golden Labradoodle Health There is no evidence to date that suggests the golden Labradoodle coat color is directly associated with any breed-specific health issues. But, both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle dog breeds have known heritable genetic health issues. It is impossible to know in advance how two sets of genes will mix to influence a particular puppy in any litter. Reputable breeders will always ensure prospective parent dogs are health-tested for all known genetic diseases. This helps to avoid breeding puppies with genetic or other health defects. What are these Health Problems? Then you can ask your Labradoodle breeder for verification that both parent dogs have been cleared of all known genetic health issues. But, we will also look briefly at these problems here. Make sure your potential breeder does these health tests. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This condition is where the hip or elbow sockets form abnormally. It is a painful issue that can lead to difficulty walking, and arthritis. Labradors are prone to this, especially if they are overweight. Fortunately, breeders can carry out x-rays on potential parents to assess the quality of their joints. Testing for eye problems is important. Especially as PRA causes vision loss and eventually blindness. The severity of this can vary. But it involves muscle weakness and inability to move after intense periods of exercise. Cardiac Problems Heart issues are another common health problem in Labrador Retrievers that can be tested. Many larger breeds are prone to this. It is a fatal condition. The CHIC database for Standard Poodle dogs states that all breeding stock should be pre-tested for the following genetic health conditions. Hip Dysplasia We have looked at this briefly above. But Poodles are also prone to hip dysplasia and malformed joints. So, it is even more important that both parent breeds get tested for this problem. Hip scores are tested. So eye exams are another important test to ensure the healthiest puppies. This breed is also prone to eye issues like cataracts. There is no specific test for this. But eye examinations are still important. DNA tests are available for this. So, ensure your breeder tests for this disease. Epilepsy Another potential problem Standard Poodles can face is idiopathic epilepsy. Sebaceous Adenitis This is a skin disorder that has been seen in Poodles. There is no DNA test. So make sure parent dogs have no history of skin problems. Sebaceous Adenitis can cause blistering, itching, hair-loss, and infections. It is a hormone disorder that unfortunately has no DNA test. So, once again, breeders must know the family history of the dogs they want to breed. Not All Problems can be Tested For Not all genetic or idiopathic of unknown origin health issues can be tested for in advance. So, it is also important to learn as much as you can about the individual health and temperament history of each parent dog involved in breeding your puppy. If at all possible, arrange with the breeder to meet and interact with each parent dog. This will help you get a good idea of the temperament your Labradoodle puppy might inherit. Do this and also verify that all testable health issues have been performed on each parent dog. This will give you the best possible chance of bringing home a healthy, happy golden Labradoodle puppy. Golden Labradoodle Grooming All Labradoodle puppies will have a puppy coat for at least the first six months of their life. An adult Golden Labradoodle dog can have three different coat types: fleece, wool, or hair. You might wonder how this could be possible! But the answer boils down to the amount of genetic influence each purebred parent dog has over each puppy in a litter. And these two purebred dog breeds have very different coat types. It sheds seasonally and year-round, to hear most Lab owners tell it. Rather, it means that shed hair gets caught in the surrounding coat and must be brushed out manually. Dog Allergies If you have an allergy to dog dander, you will want to select a Labradoodle with a coat type more like the Standard Poodle parent. But, it can be hard to know in the first six months of life what coat type a given Labradoodle puppy may have inherited. So, if it is very important that your Labradoodle puppy grow up to have a non-shedding coat, ask the breeder about DNA coat testing. Golden Labradoodle with Fleece Coat This Labradoodle has fairly equal influence from each parent dog. It tends to arise most frequently in F1b litters one hybrid Labradoodle parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog or F2 and later litters both parent dogs are hybrid Labradoodles. If your puppy grows up to have a fleece coat type as an adult, the coat will be very soft to the touch. Just like angora goat fleece. The coat will either be wavy or have soft spiral curls. If your puppy grows up to have a wool coat type as an adult, the coat will look and feel much like a Standard Poodle coat. It will be wiry and dense with tight curls. The wool coat needs a lot of grooming to brush out shed, dead hair before it can turn into skin-damaging tangles and mats. Owners often take wool-coated Labradoodles for professional grooming and clipping every six weeks to keep coat growth manageable. Often puppies with hair coats come from F1 generation litters one purebred Labrador Retriever parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog. If your puppy grows up to have a hair coat type as an adult, the coat will look like a straight or wavy much longer and shaggier version of the Labrador Retriever coat. This hair coat type is fairly wash-and-wear. Plus lots of vacuuming to keep your home from being blanketed in dead, shed dog hair. And if you have dog dander allergies this is not the coat type for you! Your Golden Labradoodle We hope you have enjoyed learning more about all the factors that contribute to creating the most wonderful of hybrid dog breeds, the golden Labradoodle! Are you sharing your life with a golden Labradoodle now? Or are you thinking of adding a Doodle dog to your family? Please post a comment below to share your questions and experiences with the whole community! Take a look at a few of them below! Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. Are Labradoodle Golden Retriever mixes good pets? Generally, this hybrid mix will be confident, playful, loving, and energetic, as all three parent breeds share these qualities. However, appearance and temperament can vary depending on which parent the puppy takes after. Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix History The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix takes the popular trend of mixed breeding a step further by combining a purebred dog with a hybrid dog. All three parent breeds were originally developed to work in the water, hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Today, each of these dogs makes excellent service dogs. Considering the consistency in their background and working dog roots, you can bet that a Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix will be an energetic dog who loves the water. Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Appearance The appearance of a mixed breed can be less predictable as puppies can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. Size Golden Retrievers and the Labradoodles are typically about the same height and weight. Both breeds tend to be in the toinch height range. Weight for both dogs is typically between 50 and 75 pounds. Coat Type The type of coat you can expect in a Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix is a little more complicated. The Golden Retriever is famous for their lustrous golden coat from which they get their name. It consists of a soft, top layer that can be long and wavy or nearly flat and a dense water-resistant undercoat. Grooming and Shedding Labradoodles are prized for the low-shedding coats that come in one of three types: hair, fleece, and wool. Hair-coated Labradoodles take after the Labrador. The fur is straight with a coarse or wiry texture that will shed. Fleece coats are softer, with loose curls that are mild to non-shedding. The wool coat has a slightly coarse feel and is non-shedding. It has a tighter curl similar to that of a poodle. Although there is a standard Golden Retriever color, they also come in shades of light cream, dark gold, and red. Labradors typically come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. But the Poodle comes in a range of colors, from blue and silver to apricot and red. Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Temperament Each of these parent breeds comes from a lineage of working dogs. Golden Retrievers and Labradoodles share other exceptional traits, like being friendly, loyal, and playful. Although rarely aggressive, any dog has the potential to react when they feel threatened, which is why socialization and training are important. Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Training and Exercise The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix is intelligent, eager to please, and typically bonds quickly with family members, excellent qualities for success in training. You still want to keep training sessions short and use only positive reinforcement methods. Despite being naturally friendly, early socialization will reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and could diminish their natural urge to hunt and chase. This high-energy dog requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Their working background will allow them to excel at running, retrieving, swimming, and playing games. The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix will need a minimum of 60 minutes of daily exercise to burn off some of that seemingly endless energy. Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Health Mixing dog breeds can reduce the risk of inherited health issues due to genetic diversity. However, dogs can still be at risk for health issues that affect the parent breeds. A responsible breeder will always prescreen their breeding dogs for health issues and be able to show health certificates upon request. Even so, not all health problems are inherited. Diet, exercise, and general care, also play a role. Golden Retrievers are prone to and should be tested for the following health problems: Hip and elbow dysplasia Eye issues including PRA blindness Subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS Cancer Labradoodles are prone to genetic health issues that affect both Labradors and Poodles and include the following problems: Hip and elbow dysplasia.

PDWRA has been receiving an increasingly high number of surrendered pugs, so please consider either of these options to give these pugs the future they deserve! Please see our Adoption section to find out more about the requirements to take into account for adopting, also to apply. Fostering We are in URGENT need of more foster homes due to the increasingly high level of surrendered pugs, many requiring dedicated healthcare or rehabilitation prior to adoption. Please read our Fostering section for all the details and considerations, also to apply. As with many rescues, the volume of pugs being surrendered has risen greatly, many in poor health, over and above the suitable homes available for them. We will be focussed on doing the best for those in our care, in order to Re-Open as soon as possible. Please read our Surrendering section for further details. Volunteering There are a number of ways that you can volunteer to support PDWRA, including: Home checking, by assessing adoptive or foster applicants in your near locality, according to rehoming requirements. Transporting involves the collection, delivery and safe transportation of a PDWRA pug to its new home. Fundraising, in a variety of ways including at Events, or organising your own, to raise much needed funds for the pugs in our care. There are also vacancies for specific, dedicated roles in the charity, that you can apply for. If you would like to find out how you can get involved or to apply to volunteer, please see our Volunteering section. Lynn lives in the lovely South West of England with her husband Geoff, and their family of five male pugs. Phone lines open everyday from 8. We're a happy, friendly team and would love you to come and visit us at the centre to see our fantastic facilities and all the waggy tails of our doggy guests. We can care for up to dogs in our 52 kennels, and we make sure our residents get plenty of enrichment in our on-site training barn. We also have full vet suite. By public transport: Closest rail station is Shoreham-by-Sea , which is a five-minute drive away. As the centre is located on main roads it's recommended to drive to the centre, but it is possible to catch the Coastliner bus to Adur Recreation Ground from the station. Pass through two roundabouts, remaining on A.Limited parking and disabled parking available on site. Local supporter relations If you are interested in donating In Memory, have questions about our Canine Care Card service, leaving a Legacy or if you would like to book a guest speaker for your Community Group, then please get in touch with your local Supporter Relations Officers Lisa Herbert and Jennifer Cruse , or call on .Supporting us thank you for wishing to donate your pre-loved items to us, so as not to cause any disappointment, we ask for you to please check to see whether we have storage space by ringing our contact centre on .Signage outside will make it clear where you can drop off your donations. We rely on your kind support to continue our vital work, please donate today. How rehoming works.

The main problem is the marginal response to training by both of the parents. Photo by Mary Swift on Shutterstock Shih-Tzus are quite stubborn and that can make training them a hustle. If you want to achieve something, grant them a lot of attention. On the contrary, Poodles enjoy having their minds and bodies tested so will learn everything there is to know very fast. Your Shih-Poo might not be the best training candidate, especially with dominant Shin-Tzu traits. However, starting the training early and implementing consistency and positive reinforcement will eventually provide results. Their ideal exercise time is approximately half an hour walking daily, possibly in two separate sessions. Sometimes additional exercises can be added if you want them to lose weight. At least an hour of exercise is what can keep your poodle satisfied. This hour can be filled either with intense walking, a game of fetch, or other rousing games. Lack of physical and mental stimulation in Poodles can result in destructive behavior. Excessive barking, digging, and chewing are signs of boredom and excess energy. Obesity can mean that your dog is more of a Poodle in means of exercise and needs to spend time out a lot more. Shih Poos are not inherently aggressive at all. However, as with many small dog breeds, training is often neglected at the expense of a wildly barking and untrained dog. There is no doubt that a Shih-Poo can be madly in love with his family and all life regardless. Whether they are friendly with other animals and people can also reflect their early socialization. Shih-Tzu dogs are very affectionate and there is nothing more they love than following their owners from place to place even the bathroom. They are made to be companion dogs and are generally happy beings. If they think there is something out of the ordinary ex. After the stranger comes in they will be best friends with the dog in a matter of minutes. Poodles strive toward the protective temperament. They are wary of strangers and will let you know that strangers approach their house. A Poodle is an affectionate dog too, but it can take a while to get used to new people, or not get used at all. Without any distraction, they are calm when their family is around. Shih-Tzus are a bit contradictory when it comes to the following leadership. Being stubborn they might decide not to do something or go someplace. In the meantime, they are dependent on their owners and cannot spend a minute without them. When they misbehave if you try to yell at them or punish them will make things even worse because they have very sensitive feelings. Beware of their jealousy especially when you are playing with other pets or children. Provide enough stimulation early in their lives and take the leadership badge. You will need to show you Shih-Poo that you are the leader by using positive reinforcement. Make your dog feel safe around you, give a lot of attention, work on socialization, and no matter what traits are dominant, you will have an obedient furry friend. Health Because of their sensitive skin, Shih-Poos can be prone to skin and ear infections. A contributing factor can be the frequent cases of allergies within the breed. Some bad anatomical formations can produce musculoskeletal abnormalities such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia. Retained baby teeth, gum disease, and periodontal disease are also a result of anatomical abnormalities in Shih-Tzus. Another hormonal disease Poodles often develop is Diabetes. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or simply called bloat is common in deep-chested dogs such as the Poodles. The condition is very serious. You can reduce the risk of developing if you limit exercises after meals and give smaller and frequent portions of food and water. If the Shih-Poo inherits the Shih-Tzu anatomy there is a big chance for the dog to suffer from dysplasia, retained baby teeth, and any other breathing problem brachycephalic dogs have. Both Poodles and Shih Tzus have a life expectancy of around 13 years and Poodles. A Shih-Tzu cross-breed dog can live years. Depending on factors such as genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle dogs of this breed can live even longer. Do Shih Poos Shed? Yes, Shih Poos do shed and there are a lot of varieties of Shih-Poo coats. Some dogs get the straight fur from the Tzu parent while others are curly like their Poodle predecessor. In most cases, the crossbreed will be a combination of both. Shih-Poos have to be brushed daily and groomed on monthly basis. Along with bathing when necessary, you can prevent their coat from getting dry , matted, and irritated. Both Poodles and Shih-Tzus are considered to be hypoallergenic dog breeds. Their hair is less likely to shed and cause allergic reactions in people. An interesting thing about Shih Tzus is the way their hair grows in all directions — this granted them the moniker Chrysanthemum Dog. Regarding color, they can be in all variations and combinations — brindle, black, brown, white. Size Shih Tzu Poodle mixes are usually inches cm and weigh between pounds kg , assuming the dog is crossed with a smaller Poodle. Standard Shih Tzu dogs have an adult height between 8 and 11 inches cm and weigh pounds kg. There is also the Imperial Shih Tzu that can weigh less than 5 pounds 2. In most countries, they are classified as a toy dog breed. Adult Toy Poodle is about 10 inches 25 cm tall with pounds kg of body weight — Standard Poodle stands are 15 inches 38 cm in height and pounds kg weight. There are 4 different types of poodle — toy, miniature, medium, standard. The shelters across the globe are filled with Shih-Tzu and Poodle crosses. The dog is perfect for both larger and smaller homes and families with children if socialized properly. Let me know if you have any questions left regarding this crossbreed or share your experiences with the Shih tau Poodle mix! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Shih poos are a cross between a shih tzu and a toy poodle. While some shih tzu breeders breed a poodle to a shih tzu to create first-generation shih poos, it's also common practice to breed shih poos to one another to create multigenerational dogs. As cross-breeds, shih poos are not an officially recognized breed, and there is no breed standard regarding appearance or temperament. Even shih poo puppies born to the same litter may take after one parent more than the other and appear vastly different in coat texture and coloring, says PetGuide. Shih poos fall in the small to tiny range, typically standing between eight and 18 inches at the withers and weighing anywhere from eight to 18 pounds. Their coat may be long, straight and silky like that of the shih tzu, shorter and curly like that of a poodle or it may fall somewhere in between. Despite the appearance, the shih poo's coat barely sheds, making these dogs a good fit for someone with mild pet allergies. Coloring can take after either parent breed. While poodles have solid coats that are typically black, white, gray, brown or apricot, shih tzu coats may be solid or come in various color patterns and combinations. Shoodle coats may mimic the coloring pattern of either parent. Personality: Often, mixed-breed dogs develop a temperament that balances the qualities of their parent breeds. Shih tzus tend to be highly affectionate and extremely charming, but possess a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Poodles, on the other hand, while equally charming with playful and comedic personalities, are highly intelligent dogs who are more eager to please and easier to train. Shih poos, as a result, are often playful, affectionate and quick-witted little charmers, although they may inherit their shih tzu parent's willfulness. Because of this, they often need a firm but patient guide in training, and might not be the best choice for first-time dog parents. What shih poos may lack in trainability, they more than make up for in love and affection. They love to play with toys and get along wonderfully with older children, although due to their small size and hair that's easy to grab and pull, they should be closely supervised around small children. While friendly and great at getting along well with other pets, especially if introduced as puppies, older shih poos might not love having other dogs around. They often do well as only dogs. Even so, these fluffy pups love being close to their people and don't tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. If work or school takes you away from home for long hours, you may need to consider doggie daycare to keep your shih poo happy. Living With: Shih poos are generally versatile dogs that can do well in small apartments as well as larger homes. They need up to 30 minutes a day of play and exercise, which can be satisfied with two or three short walks each day or minute sessions of vigorous playtime twice daily. The rest of the time, they'll be content to curl up in your lap or to cuddle up next to you on the sofa. Shih poos are highly social and love to be around people, so expect them to stick close as you move around the house. While shih poos tend to be long-lived, with some living 17 years or more, they can be predisposed to the same health problems as their parent breeds. These include allergies, patellar luxation , vision problems and endocrine disorders such as Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Shih poos that inherit the shorter snout of the shih tzu may also be prone to respiratory issues, reverse sneezing and snoring. Extra care should be taken to prevent overheating and heat stroke, says Dogtime. And like many small breeds, these dogs may be prone to dental problems and will benefit from regular dental cleanings and daily tooth brushing. Regardless of the length or texture of your shih poo's coat, it will be thick, fast-growing and prone to matting. Daily brushing and monthly visits to the groomer are recommended to keep the coat under control. Limit baths to a few times a month to prevent the skin from drying out. When bathing, be sure to prevent water from getting in the ear canals to prevent ear infections from developing. Shoodles have healthy appetites and will overeat if given the chance, which will lead to unhealthy weight gain. It's best to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule rather than allowing them to graze on kibble throughout the day. Feed your pup a high-quality food dog formulated for small breeds , and keep treats to a minimum. History: Not much is known about the backstory of the shih poo. Unlike other boutique breeds, no breeders have come forward to take credit for introducing the shih poo. Most likely this cross-breed came about unintentionally, with breeders in the U. As a cross-breed, shih poos are not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, although they are recognized by various designer breed registration clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Although purebred dogs are carefully bred over generations according to the breed standard the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed , hybrid dogs like the shih tzu—poodle mix have no official standard. This means that characteristics like height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament are less predictable than they are in purebred dogs. Different breeders may have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect shih tzu—poodle mix. Additionally, shih tzu—poodle mixes are not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. Shih Tzu—Poodle Mix Care The low-shedding coats of both shih tzu and poodles require of upkeep, and the grooming requirements for shih tzu—poodle mixes are similar. Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat untangled and to prevent mats from forming. Like poodles and shih tzu, shih tzu—poodle mixes require regular haircuts from a professional groomer. Also trim the nails every two weeks and check the ears once a week, cleaning them with a pet safe ear cleaner if they appear dirty. Excessive dirt or redness in the ears means a veterinary visit is in order. Shih tzu—poodle mixes are smart, but how trainable they are depends whether they inherited more the eager-to-please personality of the Poodle or the more stubborn nature of the shih tzu. Regardless, positive-reinforcement methods like clicker training using tasty treat rewards gets great results from any dog. Despite being indoor dogs, shih tzu—poodle mixes still need some exercise. Aim for two walks a day or one walk and one play session in a safely enclosed space like your fenced yard. More energetic shih tzu—poodle mixes with trainable personalities might also like training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. Each breed has certain inherited health disorders in their family background, and those health issues can be passed on to the puppies in a litter. Breeding shih tzu to poodles means the puppies could potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Shih tzu are prone to hip dysplasia , patellar luxation slipped kneecap , and various eye problems including cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and eyelid abnormalities. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred shih tzu and poodles and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Responsible breeders should also test their adult shih tzu—poodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the odds that the puppies will inherit genetic issues. Responsible breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies that protects the puppy buyer in case the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Many shih tzu—poodles will overeat if you keep the bowl filled, so instead serve measured meals twice a day. Ask to your veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your shih tzu—poodle mix, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult shih tzu—poodle. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article.