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A loving forever home with a secure fence and another dog in the home She wants to be your "All-American Girl! Carrie Underwood is so sweet and adorable. She is a bundle of tender kisses and has energy for days. She has been a great sister to the newest foster puppies that have come and gone, teaching them the art of playing with toys. Carrie's favorite thing to do is play chase with her K9 buddies. She runs fast and does figure 8's around the resident dogs, who don't even try to keep up with her. Her second favorite activity is napping with the resident Labs. She adores the older resident dogs and has learned great napping skills from them. She continues to work on her leash skills. Carrie has been quietly working on coming out of her shell and has undergone a transformation since arriving at her foster. She loves to curl up in the lap of her FM for naps and bedtime snuggles. She still has her moments of shyness around Foster Dad, but will now come voluntarily to the couch to sit beside him for attention. She's definitely gained lots of confidence. Carrie will need a home with another dog, preferably one who enjoys the same activity level. Carrie still has some shy moments but she is ready for her furever home, and she will steal the heart of anyone who wants to add a sweet yet energetic member to their family. Thank you to the following generous donors currently supporting Carrie's care: Amanda S. Learn more Paw Crossed Animal Rescue fulfill their duties through rescue, advocacy, rehabilitation, rehoming, education, and collaboration. This organization takes every opportunity to educate its community about animal care and animal welfare. All Paw Crossed pets available for adoption, including labs and lab mixes, are either spayed or neutered. All their pets are dewormed, tested for FeLv cats or heartworm dogs , and are up to date on most of their vaccines. Healthcare is included in the adoption fee of their pets, so adoption fees vary from pet to pet. The fees will reflect the cost of caring for your pet prospect when they were with the rescue. So choose Paw Crossed Animal Rescue to adopt your lab or lab mix and get the process started today. Rescue Benefits for You Choosing to adopt over buying a puppy has numerous benefits for your lifestyle and wallet. Patience is important. Even after you pay the adoption fees, pets can be expensive. Start saving before you adopt in case emergencies arise. You may also need to pay for training classes or additional veterinary services. Getting Your Application Approved Adoption applications help the rescue match the best pet to the best family and ensure every animal will be well cared for. Labrador Retrievers Need Time Labs will thrive in environments where socialization and companionship are plentiful. Keep them engaged and entertained as much as possible. Leaving this breed for an extended period could result in the development of separation anxiety. Will You Have Space? Labs can range from medium to large-sized dogs. Puppies Can Be Destructive Lab puppies can be menaces when ruining items such as shoes, carpets, and anything else that they can bite. Train them from an early age to discourage these behaviors. Labrador Retrievers Are Easy To Train Labradors are an intelligent breed of dog, and they have an innate desire to please their caretakers, which allows them to be very amenable to training. This gives them insulation against the cold, makes them strong swimmers, and keeps them cool in the summer. Due to the natural oils in their coat, you can over bathe them. If you wash them too often, this will lead to flaking, dry and itchy skin. They also have particular grooming needs. Many of these dogs have already been in unfortunate situations before they arrive in your home, so you must be prepared to care for them and meet all their needs. Moreover, you may also check our lists of other rescue centers that you can try:. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Anyone on the search for reputable Bernedoodle breeders in NY knows how difficult and time-consuming this task can be. As fellow Doodle owners, we understand the struggle. For this reason, we decided to look into all the different Bernedoodle breeders in New York and single out the best ethical breeding programs in your state. Although not as popular as Goldendoodles or Labradoodles, the Bernedoodle has become one of the more popular Doodle breeds in recent years. The Bernedoodle combines the calm and gentle temperament of the Bernese, and the goofy personality and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. Responsible breeders only use fully health tested parent dogs in their programs that are cleared of any serious hereditary conditions. Although an expensive extra step, this is the only way to guarantee that the puppies come from healthy and strong bloodlines. See Also: Click the image Moreover, ethical breeders also offer genetic health guarantees that cover serious and life threatening conditions that the parents have been tested for. Typically, these health warranties cover the first one or two years. Although not all reputable breeders are affiliated with certain organizations, it does give you some added sense of security that the breeder follows responsible breeding guidelines and standards. You might even be able to find discussions on your local Reddit communities. As a family breeder, Lakeside Doodles raises all of their puppies right inside their home. As an added bonus, their puppies get used to all sorts of regular busy household activities, sights, and sounds. All of their parent dogs have passed their health and genetic testing. In addition to that, they also test their parents for coat type and shedding levels. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They follow the Puppy Culture program to give the pups the best start in their care. In addition to that, they implement the Early Neurological Stimulation method ENS , and introduce the puppies to new people and places, regular grooming, and crate training. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us We are a family breeder located on a 6 acre hobby farm in the beautiful hills of Western NY. After a mini goldendoodle became part of our lives, we knew we had to be a part of the doodle world. We have searched long and hard for the perfect dogs and are so excited to introduce you to our Bernedoodles. Our dogs are members of our family and we can't wait to help you find a new member for yours. We believe in bringing you the best dogs that are healthy, loving, loyal and family oriented. Specializing In: Currently we are specializing in traditional tri, phantom tri and parti tri colored F1 and F1b Standard and Mini Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles combine the athleticism and intelligence of the Standard Poodle with the calm, laid back and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. With good breeding, the resulting puppies are beautiful, playful, affectionate, loyal, sweet and sometime quite comical. They are low to no shedding and tend to be allergy friendly. Full grown, our Standard Bernedoodles will weigh between between 80 lbs. Our Miniature Pups will weigh between lbs. My Bernedoodles are usually black, brown and white in a vaiety of color patters. I am also looking at adding a blue Merle to my pups. I love all Bernedoodle colors and work hard to breed puppies that are beautiful and have great temperaments. Some can have the taller but more slight build of the poodle, others have the stockier build of the Bernese. Their coats come in a variety of styles as well. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat, which are low to no shedding. Some can also have a curlier coat more like the poodle. Generally, the curlier the coat the less likely it is to shed. With little to no shedding, Bernedoodle coats can get matted. They need to be brushed regularly and clipped every few months. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. I currently do not breed F2 Bernedoodles. They are all about people and are happiest when they're spending time with their families: playing, cuddling, and making us laugh. The puppies are raised in our home, being snuggled daily by our children, and come with a 12 month genetic health guarantee. Here are some tips for finding reputable Bernedodole breeders in your area: 1. Reputable breeders will have their information easily visible online. Good breeders will have all their information available on websites or through social networking sites like Facebook, where reviews from past customers are also readily available for you to read before deciding on which breeder is best for your family! Avoid dealing with puppies from backyard breeders or those in puppy mills! And ask them everything you want to know about the breeder. This is the best and easy way to check the breeder is reputable or not. Visit The Breeders: Before you cut any deals with a breeder, ask them if you can visit their place. A trustworthy breeder always allows you to visit their place if they have nothing to hide. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in New York, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in NY? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppies in New York. If you are looking for the best Bernedoodle Breeder in New York, you can consider one of these breeders. Other Bernedoodle Breeders.

Boxer puppies for sale St. Louis, Missouri Boxer puppies for sale St. Louis, Missouri Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale St. Louis Missouri? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in St. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies St. Louis for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. FAQs about the Boxer puppies for sale St. Louis Missouri Do boxers make good service dogs? Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Louis MO St. Louis is the second-largest city in Missouri, United States. It sits near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, on the western bank of the latter. As of , the city proper had a population of around ,,8 while the bi-state metropolitan area, which extends into Illinois, had an estimated population of over 2. Wiki St. Louis Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. One of our sweethearts, Moxie, is ready to find her perfect match and settle into her forever home. Moxie is an absolute gem - she's great with kids, loves to socialize with proper introductions , enjoys her daily walks, is fully potty trained, and has the softest coat we've ever seen. We truly believe she is one of the most beautiful girls at CARE. Moxie has been in the foster home for the past 25 days, and her foster Mom has noticed some incredible changes in her behavior and personality. For one, her reactivity on walks has significantly reduced. Previously, she was always on high alert, which hindered her ability to enjoy her walks. Now, she spends more time smelling the flowers, rolling in the grass, and checking in with her handler frequently. Moxie has done exceptionally well with a baby and would thrive in a home with older children. She can switch from being playful to calm in a heartbeat, and a house with a perfect balance of both would suit her well. She also started crate training Moxie, and she's taken it beautifully. She gets high-value treats in her crate and has even fallen asleep independently inside the crate with the door open. Furthermore, she's non-destructive in a home and loves enrichment activities like lick mats, cardboard to tear up, and Benebones smothered in peanut butter. Meeting new people and children has been a breeze for Moxie, and she's never shown any signs of resource guarding. She also loves playing with toys and has a particular affinity for water - she couldn't wait to jump into her pool after her walk. Moxie would make an excellent addition to any loving home. If you're looking for a furry companion who's loving, playful, and well-behaved, look no further than our sweet girl Moxie.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today 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. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

There are so many outdoor exercises and games that help in achieving their daily exercise routine perfectly. One such exercise is swimming. When can Golden Retrievers swim? Golden Retrievers do not have a specific time or age to begin to swim. Although, some are born with a phobia for water, a condition known as Aquaphobia. When this happens, it takes the dog a much longer time to adjust and even start to go close to water. To achieve this, start by putting it in small water bodies like pools, bathtubs, and shallow parts of the stream. Then, you should place your palm under its belly and chest and allow it just to swirl around and move its legs. Can Golden Retrievers puppy swim? Golden Retrievers puppies can swim. Swimming comes naturally to them. They may, however, require extra practice that goes a long way in helping them learn and get comfortable and relaxed around water. In addition, they may not have the flexibility in their body or be confident enough to swim independently, which is why extra care and attention should be given to them in the first few months when they start swimming. Can a two-month-old Golden Retriever swim? No, two-month-old Golden Retrievers can not swim because, at two months, they are only just being introduced to the water body to make them acquainted with the water. Golden Retrievers at two months can only swim if they have been introduced to water at a very early stage which is unsafe for them. While in water, extra care should be taken, and some safety precautions should be put into consideration. Golden Retrievers are good listeners and brilliant dogs. They may learn how to swim just after two swimming lessons. Take breaks in between swimming lessons Do not make the mistake of letting your puppy get tired on the water. Always give it short swimming lessons to make it want to go for more of the water. If you always stress them, they might develop a hatred for water, anxiety attacks, or may even become aquaphobic because the water scares them. Always consider the health of your dog Most two-month-old puppies are prone to fall sick due to weather and irregular temperatures in the environment. In addition, at two months old, they are mostly not strong enough to swim. Do not attempt to teach your golden retriever puppy to swim if they are sick or do not have the physical strength and energy in its body to swim. You may be too eager and want your dog to be a swimmer right away, but it is best to keep calm and teach your dog how to swim at the right time when it is old enough. Why are some Golden Retrievers scared of water? Due to the general assumption that all Golden Retrievers swim, most people become too eager to see their dogs swim. Well, you may have noticed that your Golden Retriever has a phobia for water, and you want to know why. They may run away from every form of water and even bathing. Some of the reasons why this happens: 1. It is a new experience for them Just like humans, dogs get anxious about the feeling of water over their bodies. When water pushes their fur, it makes it sticks together, thereby making movement uncomfortable for them. In addition, they may feel strange, so they want to get out and not stay another second. They were introduced into the water too early. Golden Retrievers that were often forced to swim at a very early age may grow up to hate water. Many younger dogs find it hard to swim and need time to grow and get strong enough to be in the water. Your curiosity and eagerness to watch your dog swim might just be the reason why it may never swim. They had a traumatic experience If your dog has had a bad experience with water, i. It may take them a long time, and they may never even swim again. Is it safe for Golden Retrievers to swim every day? Yes, it is. In fact, swimming as an outdoor activity helps Golden Retrievers stay healthy and fit. It helps it get the necessary energy it needs to carry out normal day-to-day activities effectively. It also helps burn body fat and energy a lot faster so even physical exercises do not. If your dog enjoys swimming, then let it swim. You, however, should rinse your body immediately after swimming, especially if the water swimming in was salty. What are the health benefits of swimming for Golden Retrievers? Swimming for you may just be one of the many exercises you do, but it has a lot of benefits for your dog. They include : It helps in reducing age-related illnesses such as weakness of the elbow and legs, i. Swimming as an exercise helps in burning fat in your heavy or overweight dogs. Adult goldens naturally do well in the water, but what about puppies? Can Golden Retriever puppies swim? Golden retriever puppies have a natural instinct that makes them good swimmers. Many Golden Retriever puppies can hit the water for the first time and learn how to swim very quickly. It is best to take precautions and stick near your puppy when they first start swimming to make sure they stay safe. While swimming is a natural instinct for a golden, it still takes a bit of learning and practice for a puppy to figure out how to swim. Many take naturally to the water and will learn to swim with very little encouragement. In fact, a golden is a natural swimmer because they were bred to retrieve birds and other game in the water during hunts. In the past, Golden Retrievers were bred to help retrieve waterfowl that was downed during a hunt. To do this, they would need to have strong swimming muscles to get out into the water, get the animal, and bring it back to their owners. Thanks to this breeding, most Golden Retrievers are just naturally strong swimmers. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! When take your puppy out to the water to swim, you can enjoy some peace of mind compared to other animals. There are a lot of genetics at play that help your dog to be a good swimmer, including strong legs, the ability to keep their energy up, and an inherent instinct for swimming. If you have a new golden retriever puppy, you may first want to know how old they should be before introducing them to the water? At this point they have developed enough to begin to be able to handle the water. Then you can take the time to help them adjust to the water and teach them how to swim and be safe. You may find that just a few times on the water is all your puppy needs to take off and want to spend all afternoon swimming. Other times your puppy may need a little more guidance and help. He took to swimming like…well, like a Golden Retriever! How to Keep Your Golden Retriever Safe on the Water Even if your dog does know how to swim, there are a few things that you can do to help keep them safe. Remember the Sunscreen Humans and dogs are quite similar when it comes to sun exposure. While we can agree, there are big differences between the species, there is one similarity in that the sun can be as harmful to the skin of your dog as it is to your own. This will make it easier to swim in the water as they are learning, and will keep them afloat if they get tired. They are not used to this new activity and may not have the endurance to spend that long in the water. If you let them overexert themselves or swim for too long, they can get overly tired. This increases the risk of drowning. Short little spurts into the water are best. This allows your dog to get used to the water and swim a bit, building up her endurance, so she can swim for longer and longer as time goes by. So cute! Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Short swims also allow your golden retriever puppy to develop a sense of their own level of endurance. They will begin to learn just how much effort it will take to swim a specific distance. A young puppy will learn the same thing over time. These steps include: Take your puppy to a small, calm lake or swimming pool. You and someone else should go into the water in case something goes wrong. Gently guide your puppy into the water. Let the puppy feel the water a bit before turning back towards the other person you brought with you. Keep them close to the shore or steps of the pool. The best way to do this is to have one of your hands on the stomach and the other at the base of the tail. This is a good time to talk gently to your puppy and be positive and upbeat. Once their legs are under, you should notice that even while holding them, your dog is moving their legs and paddling. This is the time for praise and positive reinforcement to let the dog know they are doing well. The other person on the shore should call for your dog to come to them. You can release the dog a bit, adding a bit of balance as necessary. When you feel they are comfortable and ready, release completely and let them swim the rest of the way. Continue with this. Take them back out into the water and let them swim back to the person on the other shore for as many times as it takes. Conclusion Your Golden Retriever puppy is sure to love spending time on the water with you and the rest of the family. There are a few simple precautions you can take to make sure that your puppy will be safe when they bounce into the water. But if you learn how to watch them, protect them from getting too tired or too burnt, and you teach them how to swim, your puppy will have the time of their lives. Swimming comes naturally to any retriever that comes from good breeding. Even though the majority of sporting dogs seem to love swimming almost more than eating, you should keep in mind that the enthusiasm level your retriever exhibits for water will be heavily influenced by its first encounter with it. Start as early as conditions allow. You can introduce a retriever pup to water at a very young age, provided weather conditions are right. I just about lose my mind when someone brings me a 6- or 7-month-old pup for training and tells me the dog has never been in the water. But understand that a pup that has developed confidence in and around water at, say, two or three months old is going to be way ahead in its training progress. California retriever owners have an advantage over their counterparts in northern climates when it comes to ideal retriever training weather: more sunshine and more warmth. Keep it shallow, keep it fun. This is really important. Too many dogs have been introduced to water at the end of a dock or by getting tossed from a boat. Do that with your pup and yes, it will swim. But will it like it? Um, not so much. Get near the edge of your shallow pond and toss some fun bumpers on land, right next to the water. If your pup is pumped up and having a good time with that, the next step is to toss the bumper just a couple feet into the water. The bumper should land where your dog has to enter the water to grab it, but its feet can still touch bottom. Timid and skeptical? Or bonkers and asking for more? But if all is going well, you can go to the next step. Time to actually swim. For a dog that is loving the water and is fixated on retrieving, the initial toss of a bumper into a little bit deeper water can seem almost anti-climactic. For some dogs, it seems to barely register to them that their feet are no longer touching bottom. Others might hesitate for a moment, but then that drive to retrieve takes over and they just do what comes naturally. Keep up the fun bumper routine for a few more sessions. One on land, one in the water. One on land, two in the water, and so on. But sometimes, for some unknown reason, a pup is just not taking to water. You can solve for this; it just takes some patience. I call the dog to me, and if it resists, I literally pull him in with me. My hope is that eventually I can be standing in waist-high water while the dog is moving along with me and learning to swim like a champ. Successfully introducing your retriever to water, like so much of its training, requires you to think strategically and exercise patience. Some retrievers are scared of water and that can make it hard to teach him to swim. In this post we teach you how we go about when teaching our golden retriever puppies how to swim. Once she becomes comfortable, then you can bring her out to the lake or the sea shore and coax her to try it out. How to introduce puppy to water The first thing that you must remember is that your dog must be trained or must be obedient enough or at least, possess the basic obedient skills before you take him to the waterfront. He needs to know that there is nothing to be afraid of, so take him to the waterfront and make him stand in shallow water. It is a good idea to introduce him to water from a young age. And as he grows up, he becomes more comfortable with getting into water and even diving into the same to fetch items. You need to train your dog to come to you when you call out to him, so that when he is in water, he can come towards you once he hears your summons. Rather than pull the leash, it is safer this way. You can introduce your pup to water when he is just eight weeks old. And once you get him used to water, transitioning from a walk along the shores to a fully fledged swim should not take that long. You can also bring another person as well. Now gently lift your golden retriever in your hands, walk into the water, and then gently submerge your pup but make sure that you have your hands under his belly. Your pup is a little panicked at this stage; so you need to talk to him gently, coo in his ear if necessary, but make him feel relaxed. Now, when your golden retriever starts paddling his legs, praise him and use positive reinforcement to make sure that he understands. It is important that you do not force your retriever to swim or stress her out, she must learn to love the water on her own Now gently release your pup and point her towards the shore and see if she can make her way towards the same. Continue the same process and extend the duration each day until she starts swimming with pleasure. Congratulations, you have managed to make your golden retriever take to water. But here are a few safety tips that you may want to review, before you end up throwing your retriever into the deep end of the pool. If you have a dog that is very afraid of the water, an alternate approach would be that you start out by first finding a unpopulated place with calm and shallow water. Get your dog used to the sight of the ocean or lake by walking your puppy on the beach. Try to get close to the water and encourage your puppy to get her paws wet. When the puppy is comfortable, you can start steering your dog towards more deeper waters. Remember to have the leach on while doing this exercise, so that you more easily can steer the puppy. It is also not necessary that the puppy swims the first time while you are doing this exercise. The most important part of this exercise is that you show your dog that the ocean is not dangerous. Our puppy Umbra loves long walks by the ocean! Safety Tips: Do not throw your dogs off the pier or into the deep end: if your pup has still not learnt to swim properly, then he can end up drowning. That is why it is important for you to teach your pup all the basics of swimming so that she is prepared for the same. Invest in a flotation device for dogs: This is a good idea and a nice move; you can invest in a flotation device that helps keep your pup afloat as she tries out the basics of swimming. These flotation devices are designed to help your dog to learn swimming and at the same time, stay afloat. For example if you plan to teach your pup how to swim in a fast moving river then it makes perfect sense to try out the flotation device, and anchor the same safely. Bring a buddy: Introducing another dog that loves swimming may well be the trick that will get your retriever into the water. Most dogs follow other dogs and seeing one enjoying swimming is bound to cause your pup to try out the water. But make sure that the dogs get well with each other and do not fight as that somehow defeats the purpose. Swimming pools: These are often the best location to start training your pup. Slow introduction: chances are that your pup is somewhat terrified of water. Given this you may want to help calm down your retriever, talk in soothing tones and introduce her slowly to water. So you need to lead by example, so get into the water slowly and start paddling. Then coax your dog gently to try out the same as well. You can also use a flotation device so that in the event of anything going wrong, he has a safety net. Rewards: One of the most effective ways to train your dog is to offer him a reward after praising him for acceptable behavior. Now, you can employ the same trick at the swimming pool and coax your dog to get into the water. And once she does, use positive reaffirmation to show that you are pleased with her behavior Be supportive: It is important that you are supportive of your pup; remember that she is panicking right about now, and you need to soothe her fears down. Once they start to panic most dogs raise their front paws to get out of the water. This often results in pushing them down further, so make sure that you are supporting your pup during the initial training period. Try placing your hand under her belly, this should help support her as she starts to use her front paws. You can also place a hand under her rump for additional support. Your dog will require additional support until she becomes better versed with the basics of swimming. Four paws: Chances are that your golden retriever will only use her front paws to paddle, so you need to encourage her to use all four paws when swimming. Once she gets the hang of it, encourage her to retrieve small objects. Soon, you should be able to get the message across and your pup would soon know the meaning of these water words. Check the weather as well as the currents: It is important that you check the weather and currents of the local body to assess if it is safe taking your dog out for a swim. Do note that rip tides can be quite powerful and it is never a good idea to take your dog swimming in inclement weather either. It is important that you assess the local conditions including the current tide as well as the weather before you take your dog swimming, And make sure that you go along to supervise her swim, so that you can always jump in after her and rescue her if needed. It is important that you take care to check all the local conditions before you take your retriever for a swim. Next, Feed And Reward Your Dog Now that you have managed to teach your golden retriever to swim, there are a few things that you need to take care of right away: Wash and pat: It is important that you use lukewarm water to wash and pat her dry. Now, she can adjust to the room temperature and feel comfortable. Hot food: Make sure that you have selected a nutritious brand of food for your dog. It is important that she nourishes her body soon and hot piping food should do the trick. Do remember that meat happens to be the main source of nutrition for your dog so select food items which feature the same. Consult a vet: You can always consult the vet about the best food items to purchase for your dog. Small portions: Do remember that your golden retriever is still a pup so you need to feed her in small portions. If you are not sure about the schedule, you can, consult a vet and the number of times that you would be required to feed your dog, in the course of a single day. It is a good idea to go in for stainless steel bowls for both water as well as dinner. The one reason that you may want to opt for stainless steel bowls is on account of the fact that they come less bacteria. Health treats: You can also provide your pup with some health treats. It is important that you do not force her to get into water as that can serve to increase her anxiety levels. Just follow the steps listed here and you should be able to teach your dog to swim in no time at all. And in due course, you should be able to take your pup for a swim. Just remember that it is important that you support your pup all through the various stages and ensure that she does not have to panic and that you are with her, during this process. And make sure that you assess the local conditions, prior to heading to office. Soon, your pup will not bark on seeing the water or start whining the moment she ends up in war. But as mentioned earlier, these are just during the initial stages and soon you should be able to watch your golden retriever have tons of fun, swimming in the water. Related Articles.

We have compiled some of the best breeders in Texas to make the process easier for you. After thorough research, we can ensure that all these golden retriever breeders in Texas are verified, reliable, and strictly adhere to American Kennel Club AKC and US Department of Agriculture guidelines. Weatherby Goldens They are owned and operated by two retired U. Coast Guard officers. Their dogs are imported from Europe and belong to champion bloodlines. Weatherby Goldens breeding facility is spread across 15 acres of land, wherein their dogs and puppies can play and run all day. One of the best features of their property is an old 6-car garage that they have converted into temperature-controlled homes with plenty of room for dogs and pups to run and play. Their dogs are healthy and well-exercised. They have received their vaccinations on time, have been dewormed and declawed, and have been Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA -cleared for elbows, eyes, and heart. Their puppies are raised with love and attention and are socialized from birth within their 3-acre wooded property in Bulverde. All pups go to their forever homes with a thorough month puppy guarantee that covers congenital or hereditary defects, severe hip and joint issues, and other life-threatening and altering conditions. They have a strict sanitization policy to eliminate germs, and all pups are examined by a veterinarian before they go to their forever homes. Each puppy undergoes deworming, vaccination, Early Neurological Stimulation, tactile and noise desensitization, potty training and kennel training, area training, and microchip insertion. Address: The Colony, TX Splendor Goldens This breeder is a boutique breeder whose dogs prove to be perfect indoor and outdoor pets. Their pups run and play with their four children and accompany the breeder as the ideal hunting , ranching , and camping partners. Their English Creams belong to champion bloodlines of potent European pedigrees. These pups are well-socialized from birth to become the perfect family pets. All pups are thoroughly checked by certified and experienced veterinarians, dewormed, declawed, and vaccinated. Their pups and parent dogs are genetically sound, screened for hip and elbow dysplasia through OFA, for cataracts by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and heart defects. They are proud breeders of puppies that have competed and won in ring shows, obedience, and hunting competitions. Their puppies are well-socialized and raised with a lot of love and care. As soon as the weaning process begins, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in the living room. They are exposed to ambient noise, such as children playing, television, music, kitchen noises, and the like, to make it easier to adjust to their new homes. Jet is a fabulous Corso Mastiff that loves all humans. Cane Corso experience is preferred. A brisk walk or better yet, run of at least a mile in the morning and again in the evening will sustain their health and muscle tone. They make great companions on long walks, hikes, or bicycle rides. Jet's breed was bred to work and is happiest when given a job to do. He knows sit and walks well on a leash fairly well but need a an owner committed to committed training. A wooden privacy fence is a must. Due to his size, he will need a home with older children as he is a big guy at almost lbs. He has a sweet nature but thinks cats and horses are a little too interesting. Apply for Jet at ww. The mom and dad are unknown but we believe Joey will be a medium breed adult. At 6 months of age, he currently weighs in at 40 lbs. He has normal puppy energy but also relaxes easily. Toys and water re his favorite. Joey is great with all dogs and all people. Joey carries a serious expression but is a happy playful, fun loving active pup. He will do best with fenced yard to expend his puppy wiggles. He, like all young ones, will need continual training with housebreaking and house manners. He has been neutered , microchipped, is up-to-date on vaccines and is on heartworm and flea preventatives. To apply for Joey, please go to www. Could yours be the one? Justin and his 4 siblings were found as strays in Wood County. The mom and dad are unknown but we believe Justin will be a large breed adult. At 7 months of age, he currently weighs in at 40 lbs. Justin has medium more energy needs and loves to play. He is a more dominant personality than his siblings Joey and Journey and would be best in a home with a confident dog in the family. Justin loves to cuddle and loves all people. To apply for Justin, please go to www. Our puppies are raised in a nursery in our home not in a crate or kennel. We are a hobby breeder but we have Champion blood lines imported from Russia and Hungary. These puppies will grow up to be beautiful dogs. We spend a lot of time with our puppies socializing them and exposing them to the things that are experienced in most of your homes daily. We paper train which makes the transition much easier on our new owners. We put our puppies in a play area aka: our ninja course numerous times a day to allow them to play and mingle. The course teaches them to maneuver through tunnels, slides, etc. A puppy contract will be provided to guarantee health. We believe in being there for our puppies new families anytime they need guidance or assistance with their new puppy and hope to build a long term relationship with them. We want our puppies to go to loving homes where they will be raised indoors and be a part of your family as they are ours. These puppies will grow up to be loving and smart, obedient dogs. They are very easily trained. Golden Retrievers are family dogs. They believe in pleasing their owners. For information please email [email protected] or text I will call you upon request. If we do not respond within 24 hours please contact us again. Please check you spam folder for email also. We look forward to hearing from you. If you text me your email address I will email you our process for our puppy buyers and what we offer to you. I will also text you pictures. We do not post many here since our pictures were used in a puppy scam a few years ago. We will be glad to answer any questions for you. I look forward to hearing from you. Please do your research and don't be a victim of the scammers. Have a blessed day!!!!! Golden Gems of North Texas.

These retriever cousins are both active and friendly sporting dogs full of adoration, energy, and good humor! But do you know what sets them apart? 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 Published on May 17, Sometimes when you're scrolling through photos of adorable puppies or sweet rescue dogs , it's difficult to know which one might be your perfect pooch pal. However, the more you know about a particular breed's general characteristics, health, and environment for his best life, the greater chance you'll have choosing a terrific pet! Many people wonder about the differences between golden retrievers vs. Labrador retrievers because they're kind of doggie cousins. The American Kennel Club AKC classifies dogs into seven categories, based on the type of purpose the dogs were originally bred to have. Goldens and Labs are from the sporting group and as retrievers, are often exceptional outdoor companions, exercise buddies, and family members. She says when deciding between a golden retriever vs. Lab for your family, keep in mind there will always be breed stereotypes, so the more you can learn about a pup or rescue dog's background, the better. Labrador retriever deliberation: either one could be a great doggo for you! But Myers adds that if you're a slightly less active person, a golden might be a better match. They're super pets for families with children , especially when socialized at a young age. They both do well with other pets , too. As retrievers, they're usually good swimmers, because they were bred to fetch waterfowl for hunters. But it's still important to train them in this sport to keep them safe. Both breeds live approximately 10—12 years. Myers says goldens and Labs share health concerns such as allergies , and joint problems like knee and hip dysplasia. Individually, Labs are prone to obesity , and golden retrievers to congenital heart defects and cancer. Although they're retriever cousins, Labs and goldens are from separate parts of the world. Labrador retrievers originated on the island of Newfoundland in the most eastern province of Canada, Labrador. Interestingly, there are actually three different types of golden retrievers , hailing from Britain, the United States, and Canada, respectively. When you see these dogs cozied up by one other, especially a yellow or golden Lab and a golden retriever, there's a slight sporting dog family resemblance, but also key points to help tell them apart. Noses are still boopable on both! Both retrievers are double-coated breeds, so they'll 'blow coat' at least twice a year. But if there was a medal given for shedding , Myers says there's a clear winner. Is a golden retriever the same as yellow Lab? But if you've read this far, you already know that. However, there is a mixed breed known as a Goldador that has golden and Labrador retriever parents, so a pretty yellow color might come from both of them. So Myers says a good hooman for a Lab doesn't have knick-knacks on coffee tables. His rudder-like tail helps him propel him while swimming, so it's strong! Golden retrievers usually have fan-like tails, which might also pose a threat to anything delicate in their wiggly wake. Golden Retriever vs. We truly don't want to say one breed is better than the other: it simply depends on which one fits your personality and lifestyle. With Myers' help, we've created a little cheat sheet. You could be more of a golden retriever lover if you're: Willing to be the sun, moon, and stars to this pet, because she'll be the same for you! Appreciative of a good-natured pooch simply happy to exist, even if she might not have many ideas of her own. Not planning to leave her alone for long stretches of time during the day. Able to provide a solid training foundation so she can be an eager helper in the family and stay mentally and physically stimulated. You might prefer a Labrador retriever buddy if you: Really desire a canine best pal and loyal companion—but can say no to extra begs for treats. Understand how smart he is and keep him engaged with physical and mental opportunities. Are able to manage his need for balance between activity and downtime. Can train him for useful work such as hunting , fishing, farm chores, and so on. Was this page helpful? Golden Retriever vs Labrador? Labrador vs Golden Retriever? But we are here to help you choose between these similarly wonderful breeds. The result of this original cross breeding and later modifications is the Golden Retriever, a dog famous for its devoted, big-hearted personality and rich golden coat. The Golden was bred to be a sporting dog. This means that it is adept at finding and retrieving birds and other game brought down by hunters. As a Retriever, the Golden is bred for a soft, gentle mouth and an obedient, highly trainable temperament. Like other Retriever breeds, they were often used to retrieve waterfowl, and still retain their love of water. Golden Retrievers can vary in appearance depending on where they were bred. There are differences in British, American, and Canadian Goldens. The British type is generally larger and more muscular than the other two. There are also some coat variations among the three types too. The Labrador Retriever When it comes to sheer numbers, the Lab has ranked 1 in popularity among all dog breeds for many years. The Labrador was first developed in Newfoundland Canada from other local dogs like the St. The Lab was used as a working water dog, to help fishermen retrieve nets and haul gear. Their love of water and expert retrieving ability made them ideal waterfowl retrievers for hunters who brought the breed to the U. But these days there are two different types of Labrador Retriever. They differ in both looks and temperament. The American type Labrador Retriever is sensitive, intelligent, and active. The English type is generally larger, calmer, and less energetic than its American counterpart. Although it can also be a little sillier! Both types of Lab are famously friendly, playful, and outgoing. Besides being a popular family pet, they are also frequently trained as service dogs. As are Golden Retrievers, and Golden Lab mixes too! So as you can see the Golden Retriever vs Labrador histories are fairly similar in terms of their working purpose. But although they have quite similar histories, what about their stature? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Size Both Golden Retrieverss and Labs are popular choices for people interested in medium to large sized dogs. Generally, at an average of 24 inches tall and 75lbs, the Lab is a slightly larger dog than the Golden, who istypically just half an inch and 5lbs lighter. While breed standards are exacting for show quality dogs, remember that a pet quality dog can be larger or smaller than the breed standard, depending on the individual animal. The overall body type of Golden vs Lab reflects the size difference between the two breeds. The proportions of the Golden tend to be elegant and symmetrical. Labs are generally more solid and sturdy than overly refined. Labrador vs Golden Grooming Coat type, grooming requirements, and amount of shedding often play a large role in the Golden Retriever vs Labrador decision making process. Many people think Labs require less maintenance. Is this true? The Golden Retriever has a medium length double coat, consisting of a water repellant top coat and a soft undercoat. They have longer feathering fur on the neck, legs, and tail. They are sometimes bred for longer, silkier coats than what is described in the breed standard. Many owners like soft, flowing coats while breed purists say that as hunting dogs, should have more moderate coats. All Golden Retrievers, regardless of coat length and texture, require regular grooming. The undercoat grows denser in cold weather and sheds in warm weather. Use of an undercoat rake can help remove loose fur from the undercoat. For the top coat a good quality slicker brush is a must-have. Some also like steel tooth combs. I recommend brushing these long haired lovelies at least twice a week. This also involves trimming some of the longer fur with scissors, specifically thinning shears. Areas that require regular trimming with scissors include the ears, feet, neck, and tail. The coat of a Golden Retriever should never be shaved. Besides maintaining the coat, basic grooming needs for a Golden also include baths, nail trimmings, and ear and teeth cleaning. Remember that drop eared dogs are prone to ear infections. So how does Golden Retriever grooming compare with Labrador Retriever grooming? Also like the Golden Retriever, the Lab does shed its undercoat in warm weather. However, while their coat length is short, they do have a double coat that needs maintenance. Labs require an undercoat rake to remove the dead hair from the undercoat. You can then use a slicker brush for an overall grooming. Nail trimming and ear cleaning should also be a regular part of your grooming routine. Labs generally need to be bathed less frequently than Goldens, although if they are a fan of rolling in muck this can ramp up. Golden Retriever vs Labrador Shedding Both Labs and Goldens have double coats consisting of a top coat and an undercoat. The undercoat will shed in warmer weather in both breeds, but does one dog shed more than the other? Golden Retrievers can shed quite a bit all year round. Besides normal, everyday shedding, their undercoat grows thicker in the winter and sheds in the spring. The best way cope with shedding in a Golden is with a good brushing every few days; once weekly brushing may not be adequate. Besides regular brushing, your dog will need regular grooming sessions with an undercoat rake, especially during shedding season. This will only be at the beginning. Once you start doing it regularly, a once weekly raking should be fine. Grooming your Golden outdoors can be a good way to reduce the amount of hair in the house. How does Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding compare? Labrador Retriever shedding Labs shed as much as, if not more than, the average dog. Fur in the house can be controlled by outdoor grooming sessions. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming. Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab , due to their light color. Neither of them are low shedding dogs. Golden Retriever vs Labrador Colors The Labrador Retriever breed standard recognizes three solid coat colors: black , yellow , and chocolate. No other color variations are acceptable in show quality Labs. The yellow and chocolate colors can both vary in shading from light to dark. Golden Retrievers are, of course, golden in color. The breed standard describes it as a rich, lustrous golden that can vary from dark to light, although very light and very dark are not accepted in show quality dogs. Some have lighter colored fur on the areas where the coat is long and feathery, such as the tail, neck, and legs. Yellow Labs and Goldens can have very similar coat coloring, but their coat types will be true to breed. Comparing Temperament Traits The words commonly used to describe the temperaments of both Goldens and Labs are the words we use to describe very good dogs! Both breeds are friendly, reliable, affectionate, gentle, trusting, and kind. But many potential owners wonder about the differences between Lab and Golden Retriever personalities. Meeting the parents, good training and socialization practices from puppyhood into adulthood are the best ways to ensure that you get the kind of dog you want. Labs and Golden Retrievers are both very trainable and obedient, which is good news for novice owners. Canine behavior experts explain the minor temperament differences between Goldens and Labs in terms of degrees. Generally, Golden Retrievers are said to be a bit softer, gentler, and more sensitive than Labs. While both do well in families with children, Labs tend to have the advantage in adapting to households with boisterous, lively, and loud young children. Many Golden Retrievers prefer a slightly more calm and tranquil home environment. An active family with young children may prefer an energetic Lab, while a retired couple may welcome a gentle Golden instead. Health Problems in Golden Retrievers and Labradors Like most purebred dogs, both breeds can suffer from inherited health problems. What are the main health issues potential owners should know about in both breeds? Genetic Diseases Golden Retrievers can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye and heart problems. Labs also can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and a condition known as exercise induced collapse. The cancer incidence rate in US jumped in the s, suggesting a recent genetic mutation. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is an important long-term project that studies cancer in Goldens. Researchers have made great progress in understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors for cancer. Two types of cancer are especially common in Golden Retrievrs: hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessel walls, affecting the spleen and heart and lymphoma cancer of immune system cells, affecting lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Obesity Labrador Retrievers are at an increased risk for obesity compared to other dog breeds. Recent genetic research, led by the GOdogs project at Cambridge University, has found a genetic mutation that affects appetite and obesity in Labradors and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Dogs with 2 copies of the gene are on average 4 kg heavier than non-carriers. The affected dogs also score higher on food motivation tests. Weight management is important for all dogs, but especially for breeds at higher risk for obesity. When looking at Golden Retriever vs Labrador health as an overall picture, the Labrador probably comes out on top. The high risk problems in Labs are often avoidable through health testing. With Goldies these tests still need to be carried out, but there is the added life limiting risk of cancer. If you are looking for an energetic, intelligent, and outgoing dog to keep up with your active lifestyle, particularly if you have children, the Lab might be the perfect dog for you. You will have to watch their weight, and make sure that you get your puppy from fully health tested parents. If a loving, kind, and gentle dog is more your speed, be sure to consider the Golden. Golden Retrievers also need fully health tested parents, but there is the added risk of cancer in Golden Retrievers to consider. Then maybe a Goldador is what you are really looking for! References Simpson, M. Raffan, E. Like a More Tranquil Environment. Goldens tend to have a creamy white to a light blonde, which can vary, and go to almost a reddish hue. Labrador Retrievers have distinct colors: yellow , chocolate, and black. Besides that, male Golden Retrievers are a bit smaller than Labrador Retrievers. The male Golden grows between 23 and 24 inches tall, while the females can be between .The male Labrador grows between .Weight-wise, male Labradors are a bit heavier, between 65 to 80 pounds, and females weigh between 55 to 70 pounds. A male Golden Retriever is between 65 and 75 pounds, while the female is between 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens also have a longer snout, while Labs have a medium muzzle. Finally, both animals have water-repellent coats or water-resistant coats, making them perfect swimmers. Life Expectancy: Golden Retrievers vs. Nevertheless, Golden Retrievers are known to live just a bit longer than Labrador Retrievers. For example, you can expect to have a Golden for 10 to 13 years and a Labrador for 10 to 12 years. But, if you can take care of your beloved pet, therapy, or service dog, you can expect them to live a long and healthy life with you. Living with a Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Grooming Having healthy dogs also means having dog hair all-around your house. And both Labs and Goldens are notorious shedders. Both of them have a double coat, which means that twice a year, they shed considerably. Maintaining their double coats and reducing fur all over the house means regular grooming and brushing. Their topcoat is water-repellant, while the undercoat is super soft. Golden Retrievers have been bred to have soft, flowing coats, but many purists maintain the stance that since Goldens are hunting dogs, they should not have such a coat. Use an undercoat rake and a slicker brush for the topcoat. Test out a few different brushes so you can find the ones that your adorable pup likes. You should also bathe them regularly, trim their nails, and clean their teeth and ears. When it comes to Labradors their coat is easier to maintain because their topcoat is shorter and more coarse, and their undercoat is soft and protects them from the cold weather and water. Since Labs do not have feathering like the Golden Retriever we do not recommend trimming them to keep the integrity of the coat. As with any double coated breed you should never shave them as it can make it harder for them to regulate body temperature. As for grooming, use a rubber curry comb and shedding blade to clean out the fur and remove any shedded hair. But they still need nail trimmings, as well as ear and teeth cleaning. But does a Golden shed more than a Lab? Golden Retrievers experience everyday shedding and have thicker undercoats during the winter that shed a lot in the spring, and a lighter coat in the summer that they shed in the winter. Labradors have shorter hair, but they shed just as much as a Golden Retriever. If you have any concerns or are pressed for time to groom your dog, always consult a professional groomer to help you along the way. The only difference is that a Golden might require a bit more daily grooming than a Lab. They love being active — running, retrieving things, and swimming. Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of exercise each day. Labradors are similar, in terms of their need for play, but like a more tranquil environment. You can take both Labrador Retrievers and a Golden on regular walks, play retrieving games with them, and jog with them. Both these dogs love being with their families and spending time with the people they love the most. Mental exercise, also known as enrichment, is just as important as physical activity. Enrichment lets your dog use its natural abilities such as smelling, hearing, and sight. A physically exercised dog needs rest, and a mentally exercised dog needs sleep. Their temperaments are friendly, affectionate, and gentle. But, these two specific breeds have some overall minor differences. For example, some experts say that Goldens prefer a more energetic household, while Labradors love a tranquil home environment. While these are minor differences, and both dogs make great family pets, you should consider your lifestyle before adopting one or the other. Intelligence and Trainability The average dog is quite intelligent, but few dogs compare to Golden and Labrador Retrievers. They are both extremely intelligent breeds and are eager to please their favorite people. Neither of them is difficult to train, so if you need to, they make excellent guide dogs, service dogs, sport dogs, and rescue dogs. They have some differences in terms of their intelligence, with Golden Retrievers being the fourth most intelligent breed and Labrador Retrievers the seventh most intelligent dogs. So think about your needs and how you want to train each dog before making a decision. Barking Dog owners know that when you have a dog, you should get used to some barking. While the two dog breeds both bark, the Labrador Retriever is known to bark slightly more than the Golden Retriever. However, the right training and cues can help cut down and even eliminate these errant barking issues. Health Problems: Labs vs. Golden Retrievers Being a dog owner means caring for your cute pups in every way, and that also includes keeping them healthy. Both dogs have a higher risk for cancer, obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia than some other breeds. Labradors are more prone to Entropion, a problem where the eyelids roll inwards and irritate the cornea. They can also have a malformation of the elbows and knees and laryngeal paralysis which could partially paralyze their voice box, causing difficulty in breathing and making them sound muffled when they bark. Golden Retrievers could have elbow dysplasia caused by growths in their elbow joints, seizures, and some skin issues. Genetic Diseases Some of the diseases we just mentioned are genetic diseases. For example, the elbow dysplasia that Golden Retrievers experience is a genetic illness, including heart and eye problems. Cancer In recent decades, veterinarians have noticed a jump in the cancer rate for these two breeds, especially Golden Retrievers. This can be helped with great genetics on the dam and sire of the puppies. Obesity While Goldens are more likely to develop cancer, Labradors are more prone to obesity. Overall, Labrador health problems are at a lower rate than Golden Retriever problems, but at the end of the day, every dog could have their challenges. You can prevent such health problems with proper testing and regular check-ups. Behavior Problems: Labrador vs. Golden Retriever Both Goldens and Labs have more energy than any other dog breeds, so managing their activity levels is key to preventing behavior problems. To avoid these problems, you should keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated and avoid reinforcing their bad behavior. The Golden Retriever vs. The sweet and peaceful nature fits well if your kids are young. Golden Retrievers are similar, but their high energy levels means they can sometimes become overly excited. If you have extremely young children, wearing out their energy through exercise and training them to respond well to your directions will be the key to helping them adapt to your home. Allergies Even though both Goldens and Labs belong to the Retriever breed, you could be allergic to one and not the other. Because neither dogs are hypoallergenic, you should take an allergy test before deciding on adopting a Lab or a Golden. Quite the opposite! The Costs of Raising a Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever Initial Buying Costs When you decide to buy a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever, you will have to prepare yourself for some expenses to bring your new adorable puppy into the house. Day-to-Day Living Costs Your new dog needs quite a lot of attention and care, including toys, food, maintenance items, and more. Labrador Retriever? With so many similarities and differences, picking one dog or the other is quite tricky. So how can you choose between a Golden Retriever vs. You can talk to them more about what they love about their dogs, their breeders, as well as get tips on training the dogs. You will get information from different sources rather than simply talking to one person in a dog park. The Snowy Pines Difference Retrievers, with their enchanting personalities and happy smiling faces, make amazing pets. So look through our selection of the cutest puppies on earth and choose your next best friend. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It can be tough to decide which is the better dog for you when it comes to Labradors vs. Golden Retrievers. For starters, Golden Retrievers and Labradors are fairly similar in size, and they are both highly intelligent and love to be around humans. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds that make them better suited to certain homes and lifestyles. Read on to find out what makes a Labrador Retriever different from a Golden Retriever and which is the best dog for you! Main Differences Between Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors The main differences between Golden Retrievers and Labradors are: Golden Retrievers are originally from Scotland, whereas Labradors are originally from Canada. Golden Retrievers are fairly light for their size, whereas Labradors are much heavier. Golden Retrievers have a slimmer ribcage, whereas Labradors have a much broader chest. Golden Retrievers have a long, feathery outer coat, whereas Labradors have a short, oily outer coat. Golden Retrievers range in color from light cream to fox-red , whereas Labradors come in a variety of colors. Golden Retrievers are very clingy and dependent on their owners, whereas Labradors are more independent. Golden Retrievers love competition, whereas Labradors prefer not to be in competition with others. Golden Retrievers are more cautious in new situations, whereas Labradors tend to go full-throttle into any new situation. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers suit different kinds of owners and living situations. They both require a lot of love and attention and will bring you plenty of joy! Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors: Introduction Golden Retrievers and Labradors are two of the most well-loved breeds of dogs in the world! In fact, the Labrador ranks as the number-one favorite breed, and the Golden Retriever comes in at third place just behind the German Shepherd in second place according to surveys conducted by the AKC for .These dogs are both loveable, can fit into big and small families, do well with other animals and small children, and are full of personality. However, as I touched on earlier, there are some key differences between the two breeds to keep in mind. Labradors: Origins Dogs have been selectively bred for various reasons by humans for millennia. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador are no different—each breed was originally developed for a specific purpose. These dogs were bred as gun dogs. More specifically, they were bred to have very large yet soft and gentle mouths to carefully retrieve prey their owner had shot. This makes them very useful for duck hunting, quail hunting, rabbit hunting, and fox hunting! Labrador Labradors were originally bred in Canada in the mids by fishermen and hunters who took to the rivers and lakes to hunt birds, fish, or other small mammals. Similar to the Golden Retriever, Labradors were also bred to have large, soft mouths so they would not damage the prey they retrieved for their owners. For many years, Labradors were mainly bred as water gun dogs. They are strong swimmers and were often used to dive into lakes, rivers, or marshes to retrieve prey from the water. However, due to the way each dog has been bred over the years, they have slightly different average weights. Golden Retriever Goldens typically weigh in at 55 to 75 pounds on average. They were bred to be lightweight and agile in order to move faster and chase after prey their owners shot down on hunting trips. Labrador Labradors typically weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds on average. This is because they have been bred to have denser bones that make them heavier. Labradors: Build Goldens and Labradors look fairly similar in height. However, Goldens are typically described as being more graceful and slimmer-looking than Labradors. This is because the two breeds have a slightly different bone structure in their chests. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have slim, narrow chests. They were bred to have this slim chest because the underbrush in the Scottish Highlands is very dense and can be difficult to run through. Their narrow, thinner build allowed them to cut through the dense underbrush and chase after fallen prey quickly. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, were bred to chase after prey in the water. They have much broader chests compared to Goldens, which makes them look quite stocky. This is not purely an aesthetic difference! One is long-haired, and the other short-haired. This is not a mistake in their breeding. These dogs were selectively bred for their long and short coats as they perform specific functions! Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a dense undercoat to protect them against the freezing weather of the Scottish Highland winters. Interestingly, though, their long outer coats have very little to do with keeping them warm. Labrador Labradors also have a dense undercoat to protect them from the freezing Canadian winters and icy cold water. On top of their undercoat is a thick, short outer coat of fur that is slightly oily to the touch. This oily outer coat acts as a barrier against water. Labradors: Coloration There tends to be a lot of confusion over the coloration of Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Some people believe the breeds are so similar that they come in the same colors. In reality, though, the two breeds each have their own distinct range of coat colors. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a small color range with no visible markings in their coat. There are no black, gray, brindled, or spotted purebred Golden Retrievers. As Goldens get older, their coat color gradually deepens into a darker golden or fox-red color, and they do not go gray! Labrador Purebred Labradors only come in three different colors. They can be a light creamy yellow color, brown which is also known as chocolate , or black. Labradors do not have any visible patches, spots, stripes, or markings in their coats. The coat color they are born with is generally the color they will stay. However, they will develop gray hairs that are focused around the muzzle and eyes as they grow older. Some dogs are incredibly needy by nature and will need you to be home a lot, while other breeds are much more laid-back and independent. They need their humans to be around often, and they are happiest when they get regular physical attention in the form of cuddles, games, walks, and puzzles. Unfortunately, this also means Goldens are prone to developing separation anxiety if they are not trained carefully or their routine is interrupted and they suffer some kind of trauma. Keep in mind, too, that these dogs are incredibly intelligent, and they can become equally destructive if they feel abandoned or are allowed to become bored. Labrador Labradors are far more independent dogs compared to Golden Retrievers. They are happy to make their own fun and games, run outside by themselves, and generally will not develop separation anxiety as easily as Goldens or other similarly clingy breeds. However, they are also highly intelligent and can still become destructive if they are allowed to become bored and are not exercised regularly. Labradors: Trainability And Competitiveness Both breeds of dogs were bred to be very active and intelligent and to perform specific jobs for their human companions. As a result, both breeds are highly trainable and task-oriented. However, the way each breed tends to go about completing these tasks, especially when met with competition, is very different from one another. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are highly competitive by nature and love a challenge. They are people pleasers and will constantly try to find ways to gain your approval. This means they will try to out-compete other dogs for your affection and attention, especially if you have given them a task to do. Fortunately, this is all in good fun, as they are happy pack animals and do not display aggression in more competitive settings. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, do not like competition and can become fairly grouchy and upset if they constantly have to compete with other dogs for your affection, attention, or task completion. Unlike Goldens, these dogs prefer to work alone when they have been given a job to do and will eagerly demand their praise whether you have time for it or not. Labradors: Overall Temperament Before deciding on which breed you want to bring into your home, one of the most important things you need to decide on is which breed matches your lifestyle the best. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have very different personalities and fit better into certain homes and family structures. Golden Retriever Goldens have very cautious temperaments. They do not run head-first into a situation before carefully thinking about and trying to solve the problem in their heads. While their Golden Retrievers are weighing up the pros and cons of a situation, some less patient owners often get tired of waiting and force their dogs into a position where they have not decided if they are comfortable or not. This can make Goldens more anxious and unnecessarily cautious over time. They will enthusiastically run into just about any situation before deciding whether it is safe, scary, or appropriate to do so. This works wonderfully if you live an active life and will be taking your Labrador on all your adventures. This is something they are instinctively happy to do! If you have a more reserved and laid-back personality, though, this behavior can be exhausting. Labradors Do Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed the same amount? Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed roughly the same amount of hair. Both breeds shed lightly throughout the year and will have a serious shedding season during spring as they lose their very heavy winter undercoat. Both breeds will need to be brushed two to three times a week to prevent their undercoats from becoming matted and compacted, which can quickly become very painful for the dog. Depending on the color of your dog and your decor you may see more or less fur in your home. For instance, my first dog was a black Lab mix and I had black interior in my car. I noticed very little fur in the car but lots of fur at home. Which breed is easier to train, Labradors or Golden Retrievers? Goldens and Labs are both very intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. Both breeds are used as working dogs as well as service animals , as they are easy to train and will stick to their training. Can you mix Labradors and Golden Retrievers? Labradors and Golden Retrievers have been bred with one another for decades. A mixture of a Golden and Lab will give you a Goldador! These dogs combine the best of both species into one package. To read more about this hybrid dog, check out my dedicated article on the Golden Retriever Lab mix! A lot of service dog schools are mixing Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers to try and get the best traits of both dogs for the perfect working service dog. They are both very intelligent, energetic, trainable, and love their families fiercely. There are several key differences between the two breeds you can refer to when determining which one better suits your own lifestyle and preferences. To recap, the differences are: Their origins.

Close share Copy link Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it's easy to see why - their friendly demeanor and loyalty make them a beloved family pet. From choosing the right type of food to managing portion sizes and incorporating healthy treats, understanding your Golden's nutritional needs can help ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend. A breed like Golden Retrievers known for their lustrous coats and high energy need the proper nutrients to maintain shiny fur and healthy joints. Why Huntaway? Whole Ingredients Our dog food is a biologically appropriate balance of venison meat, offal, and bone. Our recipe also includes healthy fruits and vegetables such as swiss chard, kelp and beets. For dogs that are prone to dental disease and cancer, having ingredients like parsley can help support fresh breath, and polyphenol rich vegetables can reduce oxidative stress or inflammation in the body. You can read more about our ingredients. In addition to being a wonderful balance of foods for your dog, venison is a hypoallergenic and novel protein. A novel protein is a variety of protein that has not dominated our food system for a long time like beef, pork, chicken and turkey. For Golden Retrievers who suffer from allergies, this can be a great option since their immune systems are less likely to have a reaction to a novel protein over a conventional one. Simple to Portion Our raw dog food comes in 3 ounce cubes. This makes portioning easy for your pup. Additionally, there is an option for subscriptions to make sure you never run out. You can choose between Small, Medium and Large boxes, set to arrive every weeks. Earth Friendly Our wild venison are an invasive species in New Zealand. They disrupt the local environment and farm land, and currently do not have any natural predators, resulting in the population growing rapidly. By mindfully harvesting this species, and making sure no part of the animal goes to waste, there is a reduced amount of stress on the surrounding ecosystem. You can read more about our sustainable practices. Please note that this is a starting point, and should be adjusted based on activity level. For puppies or lactating dogs, please consult your vet for guidance. To serve, put portions in the refrigerator to thaw for around 12 hours. Similarly to other raw meat, handle with care, keep Huntaway separate from your other food, and make sure to wash surfaces and bowls thoroughly with soap and warm water after your dog is finished eating. Any food that is not consumed within 30 minutes should be discarded. If you're thinking about introducing Huntaway to your Golden Retriever, scroll down to purchase or email us at hello huntaway. The adventure starts here! Open media 1 in modal Huntaway. Nutritional requirements of a Golden Retriever What exactly should the diet of a Golden Retriever consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your Golden Retriever, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Golden Retriever, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. Golden Retriever raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Golden Retriever, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. You can do this with a little guesswork, or you can do the math. Calcium Replacements If your dog is too small to consume bone or you have a dog who struggles to crunch through bone, you can give a bone substitute. Seaweed and coral calcium have a bit more calcium, but the same rule applies. The best bone replacement for raw diets is bone meal. Give 2 teaspoons bone meal powder per pound of food for adult dogs. Feed 2 teaspoons per pound of food for adult dogs. These organs are essential. You should also try to get kidney, pancreas, spleen, lung, eyes, brain, sweetbread and green tripe. When raw feeding dogs, you need to remember that not all proteins are made the same. Some are richer in vitamins and minerals than others. And the organ that supplies the most, pound for pound, is the liver. This will supply most of his vitamins such as vitamins B and C and many of his minerals including copper and folate. The main mistake raw feeders make is only adding liver. There are many other organs you should feed your dog … and your job is to source as many of them as you can. Taurine deficiency can cause heart disease. Glandular therapy is based on the principle that organ meats support the corresponding organ in your dog. For example, pancreas is rich in enzymes. If your dog has pancreas disease, he will have trouble making enzymes. So feeding pancreas will supply him with the enzymes he needs. Another example is brain. Your dog needs DHA for healthy brains and nerves, especially puppies. And brain as an organ meat is rich in DHA, so it supports healthy brains and nervous systems. If you have trouble finding these organs at your butcher, you can buy them in powdered form. If you buy tripe, try to get green tripe from grass-fed animals. If the animal is fed corn, then pass on the tripe, as it will be too rich in unhealthy omega-6 fats. Adding Organ Meats Because organ meats are so rich in nutrients, they can cause digestive upset if you add too much, too soon. But not all fats are created equal! There are two fat properties you need to consider with the raw diet for dogs: Saturation this just refers to the number of double carbon bonds in a fat Omega family whether the fat is an omega-6 or omega-3 fat Saturated Fat There are three main types of dietary fats: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. The meats you feed your dog will have a combination of all three, but mainly saturated and polyunsaturated. In the wild, grazing animals would normally eat grasses, while most birds would eat grasses, seeds and insects. Grain-fed animals will contain more saturated fat than their grass-fed counterparts. Poultry is naturally higher in polyunsaturated fat and lower in saturated fat. Feed low fat meats and add polyunsaturated oils. Avoid coconut oil, which is saturated fat. Omega Fats There are two main types of polyunsaturated fats: omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats. Both fats help control the immune system and inflammatory response. Omega-6 fats tend to increase inflammation and omega-3 fats reduce it. Just as grains change the amount of fatty acid in meats, they also change the omega fats. While wild animals eating grasses contain equal amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, animals fed grains contain a lot more omega-6 fats. Here are some tips to balance the omega fats in raw diet for dogs: Trim the skin off poultry. It can contain 30 times more omega-6 fat than omega.Pork has a lot of fat in the meat and can contain large amounts of omega-6 fat. Make sure you feed both poultry and ruminants such as beef, lamb and goat. Add a source of omega-3 fats. My favorite sources are ahiflower or hemp a good source of a healthy fat called GLA and green lipped mussels a sustainable and clean alternative to fish and marine oils that carries several beneficial omega-3 fats. Broccoli, kale and especially broccolo sprouts are a good source of cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Blueberries have a special affinity for the brain and nervous system, and cranberries add bladder and kidney benefits … but most berries are a good choice. Research shows that vegetables reduce the risk of cancer in both humans and dogs. This is because fruits and vegetables have important immune benefits. All fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols , which are bioactive substances that play a role in health and immune function. They pass through his small intestine to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria that live there. Polyphenols have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been extensively studied for their role in preventing and treating chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Their immune benefits come mainly from short chain fatty acids … which are byproducts when bacteria consume polyphenols. They feed the wrong types of gut bacteria and are linked to chronic inflammation. To boost the vitamin D content, feed whole raw fish, egg yolks, vitamin D rich mushrooms or green lipped mussels. Green lipped mussels will also increase manganese levels, as will oysters and shellfish. This last step will make sure your dog gets enough of the two micronutrients that are most likely to be lacking in a raw diet. The problem is, many food animals are raised indoors and might be deficient in vitamin D. So there should be a source of vitamin D in the raw diet. Here are some of my favorite food sources of vitamin D for the raw diet for dogs: Mushrooms: When mushrooms are exposed to sunshine, they can product vitamin D, just like animals. Egg yolks: Yolks from pastured hens raised in sunshine and eating a proper diet are rich in vitamin D. You can feed eggs several times a week. Mussels: Green lipped mussels and other mussel species are rich in vitamin D. Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines and mackerel are all rich in vitamin D, as is cod liver oil. Manganese Manganese is an essential trace mineral that activates important metabolic processes in the body. It also helps the body detoxify harmful free radicals. If your dog is deficient in manganese, it will usually show as weakened ligaments and connective tissue that can cause joint issues such as cruciate tears. If your dog is very active, you may need to feed a little more. And if your dog is more of a couch potato, you may need to feed a little less. If you can feel the ribs, but not see them, your dog is at a good weight. Pound for pound, puppies need more calories and nutrition than adult dogs. Remember, puppies need to eat more calcium and less fat than adult dogs too. Puppies need to eat more to support their growth. We also discuss everything from how much to feed and how often. Plus, what types of meat to give your puppy, and how to make a balanced diet. Whilst most dogs nowadays feed on commercial kibble, there is a growing interest in raw food for puppies What Are the Available Raw Foods for Puppies? These may include grains, vegetables, legumes, and other animal proteins as we will see. However, dogs have associated with humans for ages. As a result, they can now digest many additional types of food. Despite the fact that the dog has adapted to eating a wider range of food, his digestive system is still ideally suited for processing carcasses. The aim of raw feeding, therefore, is to give your dog a diet made for them as a carnivorous animal. Dogs have the powerful crushing jaws, strong stomach acids, and short meat-eaters digestive tract to process a completely natural raw diet. Raw Food for Puppies: Rules and Principle If you choose to feed raw, you need to understand the principles involved and follow some basic rules to keep your puppy safe and healthy. Even for animals perfectly designed for crushing and swallowing bones, there are certain risks involved. And it is important that we minimize those risks in any way possible. Because whichever way you decide to feed your dog, it makes sense to reduce any risks to an absolute minimum. One way to do this is to buy an off-the-shelf raw food. But many raw feeders want to make their own food at home. It is a good idea to follow these feeding practices if you are going to raw feed your dogs. This is doubly important with puppies. As part of this process, the pathogens in meat will increase naturally over time, unless it is frozen. So be sure to freeze meat soon after purchasing or refrigerate it below 4 C and use it within a couple of days. Older dogs can often cope with pathogens that would make humans ill. Puppies, however, are more vulnerable. Only feed them the freshest meat that you would feed your own family. Handling raw meat, especially chicken, is always risky. Raw chicken especially is typically contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella. You can reduce this risk in a number of ways. Careful Storage: Store raw meat in covered containers, separate from your other food and well away from foods eaten raw like salads. We like these fridge containers from Amazon with clip-on lids. Of course, you can use any container with a lid that is dishwasher proof or can be washed in hot water. Dedicated Cutting Boards: Cut up raw meats on dishwasher safe dedicated chopping boards. Remember that you should use these boards for nothing else, but cutting raw meat. Use dedicated knives too, and wash both in a dishwasher or very hot soapy water. Protect Your Hands: Wear disposable latex gloves to handle meat and throw them away when you have finished. Then wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. The Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommends 20 seconds at least, of handwashing after. The major benefit is clean teeth—a result of the abrasive cleaning actions of processing bone. The main risk is tooth damage. This can include serious fractures of the teeth requiring expensive dental treatment and involving pain for your dog. Fortunately, this risk can be largely avoided, by the following: Avoid Weight-bearing Bones of Large Animals Avoid feeding your puppy weight-bearing bones of any large animal, such as cows, sheep, etc. Weight-bearing bones are the bones the animal stands on. They include the long bones in the legs that carry all of its body weight. It is, however, OK to feed leg bones of small animals to most dogs. Think about the size of animal a small to medium-sized dog might be able to catch and consume on his own. If your dog is medium to large-sized, this may be a rabbit, for example. That should be the largest size of animal to feed whole to your dog. Very tiny dogs may need even smaller bones. Rule 4 — Feed Your Puppy a Wide Variety of Meats Puppies need sufficient nutrients to keep them healthy and provide for their rapid growth. The best way to provide those nutrients is to offer a wide variety of nutritious food. It is very tempting to just feed what is easily available at the time. Many raw feeders are overly reliant on chicken because it is easy to obtain, but this is not sufficient, especially for puppies. If you make sure that your puppy has access to the following raw ingredients, at least once or twice each week, he should be able to access the nutrients he needs: Eggs Green tripe stomach of herbivore Oily fish Beef or lamb ribs with plenty of meat on them White fish Chicken backs, necks, wings and feet Pigs trotters Kidney, heart, lungs of cow, pig, sheep Liver tiny quantities Eggs make a great raw food for puppies. Some dogs will eat the shell too, which is fine. You may have to whisk the egg slightly the first few times you feed, to get the puppy started. There is no truth to the myth that pork is poisonous to dogs. It is fine to feed puppies pig feet, meat, and organs. Can Puppies Eat Vegetables? Dogs in the wild eat the stomach of their prey and some of its contents, which may include digested vegetation. They may also consume fallen fruit, berries, and so on at certain times of the year. Tripe is the stomach of a herbivore — usually a cow or a sheep. On the other hand, humans typically eat white tripe. Feeding green tripe and whole prey animals whole rabbits, fish, etc. It will give your puppy access to the range of nutrients he needs. Ensure that these are pureed mashed or liquidised. It is no use giving green vegetables whole, as your dog cannot digest them effectively. Some people like to feed fruit and vegetables carrots, for example to their raw fed dogs as snacks. This is not a problem provided you are aware of which common human foods are toxic to dogs. Onions are, for example. How small an item you can feed will depend on the size of your puppy. For example, take a Labrador puppy of three or four months old. He may be able to swallow a chicken wing whole if you feed just the last two joints. So it is best to feed the whole wing of a big chicken, or to feed a larger portion such as the back of the carcass. That way he has to work on the wing to break it down before he swallows it. They are more likely to do this if they think you are going to take their food away. So let your puppy eat in peace. This can lead to the puppy gulping down larger quantities of bone than he can digest, instead of breaking it up with his teeth. Raw meat is very valuable to dogs. Feed Your Puppy Enough Bone! Many people rely on ground minced meat and steak. But feeding puppies ground up beef or steak is not a suitable diet. They need bone and connective tissue in their diet. But he needs to chew on actual bone to benefit from the dental hygiene aspects of a raw diet. A dog that eating enough bone will produce firm stools that crumble when dry. Too much offal will also produce loose stools. It might be best to cut back a little. But as soon as he is big enough to manage to tear chunks off by himself, let him do so. Raw-fed dogs drink a lot less than kibble-fed dogs do. However, water is still essential. Always ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. This is especially important when your dog has consumed a lot of bone. He will drink as much as he needs. Your dog will be fine with a regular water bowl, provided you keep it clean and well filled How Much Raw Food for Puppies? As always, when feeding puppies, be guided by your dog, rather than a set of scales. You should be able to feel ribs, but not see them. And your puppy should have a waist. So if you have a labrador puppy, feed him according to what he might be expected to weigh as an adult around 60lbs. This would amount to just over 1 lb of food each day. Each puppy is different and will grow and eat at his own pace. It is difficult to overfeed using raw food for puppies. So if you want to give your puppy a little more because he seems hungry, then by all means. Just keep an eye on that waistline, and cut back for a few days if he starts to get plump. Thin Puppies If you think your puppy is looking a little thin, despite being fed as much as he wants, think intestinal worms. You should deworm him regularly with a puppy deworming medication from your vet. You can also find them on online veterinary pharmacies. At the time of writing, fenbendazole is considered very safe. You should always check with your vet before deworming your puppy or dog for the first time. Deworming Your Puppy The thought of deworming your dog may sound gross to you, but it is a necessary evil. Dogs can become infested with different kinds of worms. The most common is the roundworm, but they can also have tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Besides weight loss, a worm-infested pup may also vomit or experience diarrhea. Be sure to see your vet to check their feces and choose an appropriate dewormer. Panacur is the dewormer I use for my puppies. The active ingredient is fenbendazole, and there are a range of products based on it including the popular brands "Drontal" or "Panacur". After deworming, your dog may pass the dead worms in his feces, looks like spaghetti. Some dogs may also experience vomiting. Other dogs with heartworm may be at risk of pulmonary thromboembolism after deworming. But try not to worry; your pup should be good as new soon after. Divide the daily ration into four portions for puppies under three months old. Do three portions for puppies between three and six months of age. And for pups six month to 1 year old, do two portions. Spread these meals out over the day at three to four hourly intervals. If your three-month-old puppy only wants to eat twice a day and is thriving, then that is OK. Adult Dogs and Fasting Adults can eat once or twice a day. It is up to you and your dog. In fact many experts believe that occasional fasting is beneficial for you dog. However, do NOT fast a dog on kibble, then allow him to gorge on extra rations the next day. Kibble is not designed to be consumed in large quantities, and your dog is not designed to process it that way. Lots of new foods all at once may trigger a tummy upset. Start with one food. Chicken is usually well tolerated. Feed a meager amount at the first meal, and if all is well, slightly more at the next. After a couple of days, add another food—eggs for example, or tripe. The rule is: small quantities at first, increasing gradually at each mealtime. Of course meal variety is important. And this gradual introduction will allow his stomach and digestive system to get used to his new way of eating. Raw Food for Puppies on a Budget We all want the best for our dogs. So it is likely that after reading this, you really want to start using raw food with your pup. Except, you have one issue: your budget is pretty low. Shop for cheaper animal parts: This was an eye-opener for me! Parts like chicken feet, chicken necks are less expensive and may fit in your budget. Use dog-safe vegetable peelings: Be sure to only pick fruits and veggies safe for dogs. Good luck with using raw food for puppies. References VetStreet. Khuly, Dr. Becker, Dr. Barchas, Dr. Craig, J. We at Bonsaviour strongly believes in a Raw Natural Diet for True Health of the Dog, We offer help and advice on the correct diet for the In-Whelp Pregnant Bitch, naturally rearing healthy puppies, adult dog diet and the older dog diet. Dogs fed naturally as nature intended with the addition of vital herbal minerals and vitamins will keep your dog in excellent health and ailment free throughout their life. Bonsaviour has practiced the Natural Diet for the dog for more than 25 years. Dogs in the wild would naturally kill their own prey, this is the reason why raw meat and raw bones is a natural diet for the domestic dog as like their ancestors. Domestic dogs and wolves have exactly the same strong digestive tract, the prey, example the rabbit the dog will eat the cereal content of the stomach, the prey would of raided the farmers crops thus why the cereal is part of the dog's diet, the fur would be the roughage, we replace this with bran it helps the anal glands to empty naturally. Commercialized unnatural dog foods can cause health problems in dogs especially as the dog ages. Feeding your dog raw foods the natural way as nature intended combats these problems. So how could they have possibly survived. In the wild a dog will catch it's food and devour nearly all of it, the flesh good source of protein , fat a good source of energy , bone good source of calcium , muscle and organ meats, and the stomach with its contents a good source of enzymes, minerals and pre-digested plant material consisting of herbs and grasses. Dogs, both domesticated and wild, are members of the carnivore family. Anatomically, they are built for it. No one describes this more eloquently than Juliette de Bairacli Levy in her book, The Complete Herbal Book for the Dog A Handbook of Natural Care and Rearing: The dog is a meat eater, from the teeth fashioned for tearing and crushing, the powerful jawbones and muscles, the small, very muscular stomach, the short intestines and above all the very powerful digestive juices peculiar to the carnivorous animals - digestive juices that can dissolve even lumps of bone. In health, the dog's juices, both of mouth and stomach, are strongly antiseptic, and thus high meat and even flesh from diseased animals food which would kill a human being in a day, can be eaten without any harmful effects. Levy's philosophy of raising dogs is called Natural Rearing and it means just what it says raising the dog in such a way as to reproduce the way they would exist in their natural state. Natural rearing diets, such as Raw Food, also known as, Bones And Raw Food , are based on fresh foods such as raw meats, raw bones, raw vegetables and herbs. Because dogs in the wild would not eat every day, one day of fasting only for adult dogs per week is also recommended. This allows the animal to cleanse its body of toxins. Cooking breaks down many of the proteins and amino acids in raw meat, thus destroying much of it's nutritional value. The dog being not only a hunter, but a scavenger as well, will be able to exist on a diet of cooked food, but it will not be in optimal health. Raising your dog on poor diets will eventually have its effect - disease, immune deficiencies, short life span, the list is endless. Thanks to the works of Juliette de Bairacli Levy, Dr. Ian Billinghurst, Wendy Volhard and Dr. Kerry Brown, Dr. Tom Lonsdale and Kymythy Schultz a step in the right direction back to nature has been taken. Their books have been and invaluable source of information for all dog owners. The answer to that is simple, because it is the best, most natural food you could feed your dog. I would suggest breeders make good use of such flesh foods as the following paunches of all animals the raw, uncleaned paunches of healthy grass-fed animals can be fed with much benefit to all breeds of dogs. I learned this from a gypsy in the Forest of Dean: this man had bred many famous greyhounds, and he told me that such fare was the finest of natural food tonics. Tripe is the stomach of animals. These animals i. The food the animal eats i. It is again swallowed and then passed through the reticulum and omasum into the abomasum, where it is then further broken down by the gastric juices, amino acids and other digestive enzymes. So how can something so disgusting, be so good. These same gastric juices and enzymes not only aid the animal in digestion, but also aid the dog in digesting and efficiently utilizing his food. The amino acids are necessary for muscular development and, the other gastric juices, I believe, are the best cleaner ever for their teeth. I caught up with pro-raw feeding vet David Hopper who runs Vet on the Corner, a small family run practice in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. David has over 25 years veterinary experience and has been feeding his own dogs a raw diet for at least 5 years. Without giving away any trade secrets I was staggered by the list of ingredients which went into the food but did not appear on the label, some of which in my opinion more at home in the chemistry lab not dog foodDavid Hopper David was in mixed practice for 25 years working with farm animals, horses and pets before specialising latterly in pets. He has used acupuncture in horses and dogs for much of that time and more recently trained in veterinary homeopathy. However the majority of his work is still in conventional veterinary practice. David tries to keep an open mind and every day learns something new — not bad after 34 years in the game! The interview was proofread by Nick Thompson of Holisticvet who added a few of his own comments. Nick is a fully trained vet with over 20 years experience, he has also trained in homeopathy, acupuncture, natural nutrition and veterinary herbal medicine. Hi David, thanks for taking the time out to discuss this very popular topic. I actually asked a couple of raw feeding groups on Facebook if they had any questions for this interview and the response was phenomenal! This is going to be a good one. Large sums of money have been spent by the Pet Food Industry on the veterinary profession over the years to sponsor education and research to the point that no one can remember any alternative to commercial diets. Following on, is there any sort of nutritional training available for raw feeding, perhaps sponsored by larger raw suppliers? I am not aware of any specific training courses but I suspect they will come with time as the major pet food firms can not ignore raw diet any longer and come on board. Having said that I have always been able to get advice from raw diet producers like Honeys. There is also a wealth of material online After being anti-raw for the majority of your career, what changed your opinion of a raw food diet, and even convinced you to rethink what you were feeding your own dogs? The conversion to feeding raw diet has been a gradual process over several years for me. At regular intervals we would get emergency phone calls from her to attend to dogs with gastric torsion. This is an acute emergency condition which will rapidly kill dogs if not surgically corrected and often recurs. Unfortunately we had to operate on many dogs and we lost several in the process. One day it occurred to me that I had not heard from her for several months. It transpired that she had started feeding raw diet instead of dry dog food and the torsions had stopped. I had heard through antipodean vets that raw diet is popular in Australia but I did not know any vets in the UK who supported it. I had access to the menus for the pet food. Without giving away any trade secrets I was staggered by the list of ingredients which went into the food but did not appear on the label, some of which in my opinion more at home in the chemistry lab not dog food? There appears to be no legal obligation for pet food manufacturers to declare all of the ingredients in pet food? I suppose the first step towards realising the importance of diet was when I noticed a tiny article in a veterinary publication about a vet called John Burn who had produced a holistic dog food. I phoned and had a long chat with this quietly spoken Scottish vet and as a result we tried this new food. Holistic diet improved many chronic skin, digestive and behavioural problems that had evaded curation by conventional treatments. It was long uphill struggle to convince clients that these conditions could be improved if not cured by diet alone. About 7 years ago a client walked into the surgery who fed her dog on raw diet. Raw diet seemed to tick so many boxes for me but it took a discussion with my wife, a vegetarian of over 30 years, to convince me to try it. We embarked on it with some trepidation and I must admit that when we first fed our dogs chicken wings I was ready to perform bowel surgery. However both dogs, one a GSD puppy the other a geriatric JRT, took to it readily and the benefits were almost immediate and they have continued ever since. Why do veterinarians oppose raw so much? Veterinarians and veterinary nurses oppose raw diets because they have no knowledge of them. Indoctrinated since students days of the merits of artificially produced pet foods by advertising and education, they have forgotten that for millennia animals have eaten raw food. Commercial dog food only became available in the 20th Century. They have also been fed old wives tales about raw food carrying bugs like salmonella and making dogs aggressive. Vets are understandably cautious about litigation and they are often unwilling to stick their heads above the parapet by recommending raw diet. More education and information for the veterinary profession and the general public is essential. I have not treated any dogs with illnesses related to raw diet feeding. There is some discussion about an overactive thyroid illness but I have not personally seen nor had any experience of this condition in dogs fed raw food. I have treated many cases related to feeding inappropriate commercial dry and tinned diets including skin, bowel, metabolic, skeletal, neurological and locomotory disorders. What do you feed? There is some confusion with pet owners who sometimes consider a raw food diet as totally meat. They do not realise the need for vegetable content and supplementation with bone flour. Occasionally pet owners also confuse a holistic artificial diet with raw food diet. Nick Thompson: There is much discussion among raw feeding vets on the most appropriate diet. No consensus beyond it has to be complete diet, not necessarily each meal , nutritious and work well for that individual. Watch this space! What is your view on supplements? Nick Thompson: I do supplement and there is evidence that modern foods, meats and vegetables have lower mineral content than 80 years ago. I also like using herbs, glucosamine products, vitamins at nutraceutical levels to give a nutritional boost beyond that of optimal nutrition. If so, how? I am unable to tell if the dog is on raw diet when it comes into the surgery however certain things give the game away on further investigation: clean teeth, no bad breath, normal faeces with no offensive smell and good bodily condition. To start buying fresh raw ingredients and mixing them into a diet for the dog is an anathema to most people with busy lifestyles so I can understand why pet owners feed commercial dry diet. It is quick and convenient rather like the fast foods some of us regularly eat. They have also been convinced by very persuasive advertising that a particular diet is the best one for their dog. We will never use commercial dry diets again if we have the choice. Do you have any advice on how to approach a non pro-raw vet? Unfortunately very few vets at the moment have any experience of raw diet so they do not recommend it. Hopefully in years to come that will change. Until then tread carefully and consult web pages like Raw Food Vets first. Whole animals rabbit, quail, etc. This is especially important for small breed puppies as they can become hypoglycemic if meals are spread out too long. Watch to see if he gets too fat or too thin and adjust accordingly. They are important because they are full of nutrients not found in muscle meat. But you want to introduce them slowly. Liver and other organ meats can cause some pretty nasty loose stools in puppies who have never had them before. If your puppy is new to raw feeding, wait until you see a good two or more weeks of solid stools before you introduce organ meats. Then add them in gradually instead of feeding one giant meal of liver. Find out here. Your puppy will benefit from some supplementation. Supplements to consider include: Phytoplankton — whole food nutrition that contains nearly every nutrient your dog needs Nutritional herbs — alfalfa, dandelion leaf, nettle and more Probiotics — friendly bacteria that protects the body from bacteria, viruses and fungi Digestive enzymes — break down and absorb nutrients from food Bovine colostrum — helps to build a strong immune system 8. He should also have plenty of fresh air and exercise. Exercise for young puppies should not be forced walks. His growing joints will suffer less stress if you take him outside for short play or training sessions instead. Keep the walks short — about five minutes per month of age until he is about six months of age. One day, you can return the favor and help another puppy owner realize how simple it is to raise puppies on raw! Plus get new recipes delivered right to your inbox. She's a sought-after speaker and loves to help dog owners give their dog a healthier, more natural life. Dana also breeds Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix and has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can be the driving force to change veterinary medicine for dogs and make their world a safer place. Visit Dana's Labradors at Fallriver Labs. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best Golden Retriever raw diet or recommend a raw food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your Golden Retriever gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. Golden Retrievers Raw Feeding Chart You have four scenarios to choose from to determine how much to feed your dog. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a Golden Retriever that weighs 65 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. Dog treats The loyalty and friendly demeanor of Golden Retrievers make them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. For this reason, you as the owner need to take care of your Retriever by learning everything you need to know about their nature and overall well-being. Understanding their nutrition not only boosts their immune system but also allows your furry friend to live a long and happy life. It all comes down to choosing the right type of food, incorporating healthy treats into their diet, and managing portion sizes as they continue to grow. What is raw feeding? A raw diet comprises raw meat, raw organs, raw bone, and sometimes fruits or veggies. This means that there is no heat involved in preparing it before feeding your dog. Since dogs are carnivores, they need a diet that is packed with adequate amounts of protein, moderate fat, and very little or no carbohydrates. This makes raw meat the best diet for most dogs, especially when you compare it to kibble. Is the raw diet safe for your Golden Retriever? The raw food diet for dogs can be the healthiest diet! A raw diet is naturally delicious to your dog because they are carnivores, and their system is well adapted to this type of food. However, it poses a higher risk of parasites and other microorganisms that are present in raw food. When preparing a raw diet for your Golden Retriever, you need to follow all the necessary precautions in terms of food quality and safety. The recommended raw diet for a Golden Retriever involves meats that have been frozen to get rid of parasites, and properly washed before being served at room temperature. Keep in mind that dogs can have allergies to the commercial foods you buy at the stores. It makes your Golden Retriever enjoy food time even more because a raw diet is naturally appealing to their taste buds. Because carnivores get more nutrients from foods that are rich in nutrients, feeding your dog with raw diet gives him a shinier coat and healthier skin. Besides boosting their immune system, a raw diet gives your Golden Retriever the nutrients he needs without fillers. What are the downsides of feeding a raw diet to my Golden retriever? First, a raw diet costs more than kibble which can make it difficult for owners to keep up with their budget. You will also invest a lot of time in feeding your Retriever a raw diet because of the safety precautions you need to take. Another disadvantage of serving a raw diet is that it poses a higher risk of parasitic infection to your furry friend. The reason why you might consider cooking the food first before serving your Golden Retriever is that it kills off bacteria, germs, and parasites. There is a high possibility that your dog could be infected by intestinal parasites if served a raw diet. Your dog getting sick means frequent visits to the vet, which can be costly in the long run. How to maintain a proper weight for your Golden Retriever Golden retrievers are known to gain massive weight over time so it is essential to fill their diet with biologically appropriate proteins, ground bones, healthy fats, and some vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. How much food you feed your Golden Retriever will vary depending on its age, weight, metabolism, amount of exercise, quality of food, and whether you would want him to gain, maintain or lose weight. When creating raw feeding recipes for your Retriever, it is essential to maintain the correct ratios of ingredients so you can achieve the desired outcome for their weight and physical appearance. You can feed your Golden Retriever a raw diet as long as you take the necessary precautions before presenting it to your dog. It all comes down to how much you are willing to invest in terms of time and money. All in all, a raw diet is ideal for your furry friend as long as you take precautions to reduce the risk of parasitic infections. Post navigation. Do they start salivating when you cook chicken or turkey? Mine do. When the holidays are here during Thanksgiving and Christmas we always cook one or two Turkeys. Part of my food regimen is a raw food diet. The majority of my dog food is given in kibble that I rotate monthly if not bi-weekly. However, we also feel it is important to give them raw meats as well. Feeding raw meat is a very controversial topic. Most veterinarians do not recommend offering raw meat to their dogs. Understandably that makes sense for many reasons. However, if done properly a raw food diet can be much healthier if you are willing to invest the time. Many cheaper brands the first listed ingredient is a meat by-product. How many people know what a by-product is? If you did would you still feed it to them? How many people know what chemicals are put in their foods? Why is there so many grains in the food? In general a dog would never eat grains in the wild. I could go on and on about kibble. The diets we advocate are meats that have been frozen to eliminate parasites, or foods that have been cooked without bones in them. Recently I saw a post about raw meats stating that they are not good for dogs. To say that raw meat is not good for dogs, is saying that the evolution of dogs to be carnivores is unnecessary because humans exist. In the future I will have many posts that discuss a raw meat diet. Specifically we will cover the BARF model of raw feeding. If it is done properly then your dog will be a healthier, and a dog that loves you more. There are also other methods to follow as well and we will try and cover them too. Why go to a Raw Food Diet? Dogs have allergies too. A raw food diet can help by eliminating unnecessary ingredients. Some dogs will enjoy food time even more, especially when they realize the alpha human is putting more time in their meals. Trust me, this one is true and is not a joke. Your dogs will smell you in their food. That is a good thing for your relationship with your best friend. Shinier coats and healthier skin Your dogs will have smaller stools. Most dogs foods are filled with unnecessary fillers. A raw food diet gives your dogs what they need without fillers. Optimum immune system Reason not go to go to a Raw Food Diet? It costs a lot more than kibble. It can be difficult to invest more time in feeding your dog. Parasites are a higher risk Diets can be unbalanced if not done properly Is a Raw Food Diet right for your home? Only you can answer this question and discover if it fits in your routine. Feeding raw meat is an investment of time and money. Many people can buy raw meat meals that are prepackaged online such as Raw Beef Pet Food. You could try other meats like Raw Lamb for Pets. You might start there to see if your dogs will like it. Natural Balance does have cheaper meats, although they are not considered a 5 star product. If you have more time, and you want to cut costs, you could also opt to join a local co-op. Co-op raw meat clubs make bulk amounts of raw meat meals at a fraction of the cost. If you really have time you can buy all the products yourself and piece it together. In the future we will discuss all these options further in depth. Anyway, feel free to follow us on our journey and our pack.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This post may contain links to products that I may receive compensation for at no additional cost to you. View my affiliate disclosure here. German Shepherds GSDs are known for their protective and loyal nature, making them excellent guard dogs. Additionally, GSDs love to work , whether competing in agility competitions or sniffing out bombs while on duty with the military. Notably, GSDs are brilliant and quick to learn basic tricks if taught correctly. Also, GSDs are known to excel in various domestication qualities such as agility and obedience. GSDs are a large breed and can live anywhere from years. Therefore, owners can be assured to have them around for a long time unless they develop health conditions that could lead to their ultimate death. Furthermore, German Shepherds GSDs possess a thick double coat that needs excellent care through routine brushing and bathing. They can do anything to be close to their masters. Ooh, did we also mention GSDs love attention? GSDs come in a variety of colors but the most commonly recognized is tan with a black saddle. What are Shiba Inus known for? Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog with short erect ears and a curled tail. They vary in height, with a fully grown breed measuring approximately 13 to 16 inches. Additionally, they have potent legs and sturdy bodies and weigh between pounds. Shiba Inus are known for their aloof personality. The Shiba Inu is a very independent breed of dog. You can quickly tell their characters through their dismissive interactions with other dogs or pets. Even though they can be stubborn and sometimes hard to train, Shiba Inus possess great alertness. They do little to no barking. This could be concerning if you're looking for a protective pet in the Shiba Inu. But their silence makes them a wonderful apartment dog. Shiba Inus can live anywhere from years and spend little time begging for attention. Additionally, their coat could be red, black, or tan and shed very little. This makes them suitable for people with asthma or other allergies. Launched in , Dogecoins initially termed memecoins were a considered a joke cryptocurrency based upon the Shiba Inu meme that was very popular on the internet at the time. Since it's inception in , Dogecoin has occasionally been taken seriously as a form of payment. There was a point where Elon Musk was willing to take Dogecoin payments to purchase his Tesla model vehicles. Elon Musk had such an influence on Dogecoin that it rallied in the cryptocurrency market creating some millionaires along the way as it was "shooting for the moon"! What can you expect with a German Shepherd Shiba Inu hybrid? A German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix may vary in size depending on the size of their parents. They weigh between pounds and are easily trained due to their sharpness. This hybrid is known to inherit their combined parents' personality traits. They tend to adopt the courageous, independent, and watchful nature of a German Shepherd GSD and the alertness, aloofness, and assertiveness of a Shiba Inu breed. The hybrid GSD Shiba Inui dogs may also have various body markings, such as black, red or white in their coat color. However, it could be tough to predict the exact color of a German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix, especially when they are puppies. Notably, their coat tends to change as they grow older. Temperament and Domestication characteristics The German Shepherds Shiba Inu hybrid has a great personality combined from both its parents. These dogs can be very playful yet loyal to their owners. Furthermore, a German Shepherd Shiba Inu hybrid can be great with the family and children but may portray their protective traits, especially on any potential threat. A German Shepherd Shiba Inu hybrid may inherit some of their parent's characteristics, such as aggressiveness, so if possible get to know the parents temperments. This makes it easy to train them. Moreover, these dogs are great at learning and enjoy pleasing their owners. But you should expect a price variation depending on the breeder, color, location, and size. A fully grown dog can roughly weigh up to pounds. However, the mixed breed's weight may also differ depending on the size of their parents. If their parents were small-sized, then the breed mix would also be small-sized. A German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix is known to grow up to an approximate height range of inches. Health and lifespans The German Shepherd Shiba Inu hybrid's lifespan is usually between 10 to 14 years old. However, this may vary depending on their parent's health conditions. For example, if one of the parents had a weak immune system or was prone to illnesses, the exact condition could quickly be passed to the breed mix. Ensure you give the dog maximum care early enough to mitigate the underlying conditions. The Common health problems - including the breed, symptoms, and treatment German Shepherd Shiba Inu hybrid may face a few health conditions. However, the most prevalent disease is problems on the eyes. They are prone to eye lens luxation, leading to glaucoma and cataracts. Also, these dogs may be inclined to other diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy, hip dysplasia , cardiac and heart problems. Additionally, the GSD Inu hybrid is known to inherit some of their parent's genetic health issues. Luckily, with proper care from the owner and regular visits to the vet, you can quickly treat these diseases depending on the diagnosis. Therefore, whenever you notice sickly behavior from your dog, ensure you visit the vet for a quick check-up and treatment. What is the ideal home environment for this mixed breed? German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix is a friendly dog who loves to live with the family. However, these dogs may not be suitable for people living alone. Also, these dog breeds can be very protective and territorial towards their home, property, and family. Therefore, owning this mixed breed requires extensive training time to keep them in line. Furthermore, these dogs are best suited to live in a house with a large yard. They can be highly active indoors and outdoors, so the home must have enough space for their exercise needs. Besides, they cherish playing within your home with you and the family. Conclusion The German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix breed is an excellent breed for those looking for a medium to large dog that is playful and loyal. This breed can be great with children while being protective at the same time. A German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix will be a wonderful addition to your family, whether you live in an apartment or even in a farmhouse. Welcome to the Pack! This means looking at breed personality traits, physical attributes, size, and any unique requirements like extra grooming. However, these days there seems to be more and more emphasis on choosing a rare mix of breeds to make your furry family member extra special. So, what about a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix? What should you expect from one, and what type of home do they suit? What do you call a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix? So, what unique name does a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix get known as? What does a Shiba Inu German shepherd mix look like? Therefore, there is lots of variation among Shepherd Inus. This means that you can expect Shepherd Inus to be muscular and have a double coat, long snout, and upright, angular ears. Since their colorings are similar, you might expect your Shepherd Inu to have red, black, tan, or cream markings. Shepherd Inus usually weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. They are around 19 to 22 inches tall, so they are considered medium-sized dogs. What traits does a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix have? Despite enjoying time with their family, Shepherd Inus are not particularly sociable. Both German Shepherds and Shiba Inus tend to bond well with their owners, becoming loyal and affectionate, with a protective streak. Although they are both confident and reasonably intelligent breeds, the Shiba Inu can be difficult to train due to stubbornness. Equally, without the right owner, training, and environment, a Shiba Inu can be prone to being aggressive. On the other hand, German Shepherds tend to be easier to train and a little more predictable, even though they are regularly used as guard dogs. They may not cope well around strangers or other dogs unless properly trained and socialized. What type of home would a Shepherd Inu suit? Shepherd Inus are not a good choice for first-time dog owners. However, experienced dog owners, especially those who have owned either or both of the parent breeds before, could find themselves with a loyal and energetic companion. Training is very important, so the ideal owner would have the time and patience required for this. Although challenging, once a Shepherd Inu is adequately trained and socialized, they can better enjoy time outdoors around other people and their pets. Another reason you might need lots of time as a Shepherd Inu owner is grooming. Shepherd Inus need regular brushing to keep their coat free from mats and dirt. Are Shepherd Inus prone to any health conditions? Being a mixed breed means that Shepherd Inus are less prone to the health conditions that might affect their purebred ancestors. Therefore, Shepherd Inus may be more likely than other dogs to get hip dysplasia, arthritis, or degenerative myelopathy, which are conditions associated with German Shepherds. Shiba Inus are considered predisposed to eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, skin allergies, and luxating patellae kneecaps. FAQ What is the best breed to mix with a German shepherd? Many breeds have been successfully crossed with German Shepherds. Arguably one of the most popular is the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are loyal, affectionate, and calm. They are very trainable and are usually good with other dogs and young children. This makes them an excellent choice for families. What is the rarest German shepherd mix? However, crosses with Shar Peis, Shiba Inus, Maltese, and Bichons are all quite unusual, potentially due to the size differences. What two breeds make a Shiba Inu? A Shiba Inu is a purebred, meaning that it is not a combination of two breeds but a breed on its own. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Lifespan Sociability The Shepherd Inu is a hybrid breed that combines two purebreds. This is usually done to bestow at least some of the beneficial traits of one breed onto the other, to create a dog that is even better suited to a particular application. Because they are not purebred, you may also find them in a local shelter. Adoption costs vary by shelter but are usually a low adoption fee. The Shiba Inu can be prone to aggression, having been used as a personal protection dog in Japan and having been bred to hunt. The German Shepherd has also been used as a protection dog so you need to take precautions to try and ensure that your puppy will be suited to family life. Because the breed is not recognized by Kennel Clubs, it can be difficult to find breeders. Ask other owners and speak to breeders of either parent breed. Look for breed groups on social media and dog forums. It was first reared as a hunting breed in around B. C although its ancestors date back to as early as B. It was bred to hunt birds and small game, flushing them out from their hiding place so that their handlers could better hunt them. Their history means that the brave and energetic dog has a strong prey drive, and this can translate into aggression. A post shared by Robert L. Mickles micks 2. During World War II, heavy bombing attacks wiped many of the dogs out, with many of those remaining falling foul of distemper, which is a viral infection. Extensive breeding programs have helped rescue the breed from the brink of extinction and the modern breed most closely resembles that of the Shinshu variety. Following the war, many people shunned items that were associated with Germany, and because the breed bore the name German Shepherd, it fell out of favor. In some countries, breeders changed its name to Alsatian. It is now one of the most popular breeds in the world and is ranked as the second most popular breed in the USA. Max von Stephanitz took some of the most successful and intelligent herding dogs and bred them to create what he described as the ultimate herding dog, in the late 19th Century. It gained official recognition in .It is still used as a working dog , although you are more likely to see a German Shepherd as a police dog or working with armed forces around the world. They are also used privately as personal protection and guard dogs. The temperament of your dog depends on which parent breed is dominant, but it also depends on socialization, training, and the temperament of the individual, as well as other factors. They can make excellent family pets, superb working dogs, and great all-around companions, depending on what you are looking for. It should be noted that this hybrid is not recommended for novice owners. The German Shepherd has long been utilized as a guard dog, while the Shiba Inu is regarded as being prone to aggression. Experienced handlers may be able to get the best from the breed but novice trainers can struggle. Are Shepherd Inus Good for Families? As such, it is not recommended to have one around young children. Although your dog may never pose a threat to your children, they can be wary of strangers. They can also be very protective of their family, which means that they can become alarmed when children are playing with others and the games get particularly loud or boisterous. If you do get a Shepherd Inu and have a family, ensure that it is well socialized from a young age and that you have a firm grasp on training. Do not use aggressive training techniques, but you will need to be assertive and masterful. Puppy and training classes are considered beneficial because they teach owners how to train the dog and encourage good behavior. They also allow socialization in an environment with other dog owners. As a guard dog, this breed is always alert. They are constantly watching and listening for signs of possible danger. This means that they may not be best suited to life in an apartment because they are likely to bark a warning whenever they hear neighbors passing or your neighbors opening their doors. The cross can be territorial and may be protective over items, people, and even areas that they believe belong to them. They may get along with another dog if they are introduced when young, but you should be very wary when introducing them to smaller animals including cats. However, it is a lively and energetic dog that does well as a working dog and performs admirably at canine sports including agility. While it might not be the best dog for all potential owners, it could make a loving dog for you. Read on to see what is required if you do take on this impressive hybrid. The exact amount you need to feed depends on age, activity level, and the current and target weight of your dog but you should expect to feed approximately two cups of good quality dry food per day. Follow manufacturer instructions when feeding wet food, and if you feed a combination diet then make sure that you adjust the levels of dry and wet food accordingly. Obesity and dehydration are potentially very dangerous for dogs, just as they are for people, so you should monitor their weight and look for symptoms of dehydration if you are concerned. You will need to provide between 60 and 90 minutes of exercise every day. Some of this can take the form of a decent walk, but you should also look for ways to let your hybrid run around. German Shepherds, in particular, are known for their prowess in canine sports and agility. In fact, they have a canine sport that was created specifically for them. Schutzhund is designed to test everything from agility to strength and the bond between the dog and handler. Because Schutzhund has been opened up and allows dogs of any breed to enter, you can enroll your Shepherd Inu mix to take part. On the one hand, you have the responsive, alert, and typically obedient German Shepherd. On the other, you have the somewhat stubborn and headstrong Shiba Inu. Depending on which your puppy takes after, you could have a dog that is difficult to train or one that picks up commands quickly and listens when you issue a command. The German Shepherd is ranked as the third most intelligent dog breed, behind the Border Collie and the Poodle. It is this responsiveness and intelligence that has seen it employed in so many service roles. Be assertive and masterful when training. It will need brushing at least twice a week throughout the year and will suffer from serious bouts of shedding at least once a year. Regular brushing removes dead hairs and can detangle knots, reducing the amount of shed hair left on sofas and clothes, but there will always be some hairs to deal with. Because your dog cannot brush its own teeth, you will also have to help ensure good dental hygiene. Brush teeth at least three times a week, ideally starting when your dog is a puppy to get it used to the process. This will usually need doing every two or three months, depending on how much time they spend walking and running on hard surfaces. If you struggle to cut nails, you can ask a professional groomer or even your vet to assist with this. Proponents of hybrid breeding claim that hybrid vigor reduces the chances of a hybrid from developing the hereditary conditions of either parent, while opponents claim that the hybrid has an increased chance of developing the hereditary diseases of both parent breeds. German Shepherds are somewhat prone to arthritis, which can be painful and debilitating. As a large breed, they are also more likely to develop joint dysplasia. Shiba Inus are more likely to suffer allergies and eye complaints like glaucoma and cataracts. Look for symptoms of the following conditions and speak to a vet if you are concerned. Minor Conditions. You may like: Akita shiba inu mix. Shiba Inu. The Shiba-Inu dog breed was originally developed to flush small game and hunt wild boar. Six breeds of native Japanese dogs can be divided. The Shiba Inu is the smallest and most ancient of these six breeds. One theory is that the name Shiba means small. These theories led to the Shiba being called the little brushwood dog. He is likely to chase squirrels, chipmunks, and cats. He needs to get good daily exercise , be it a stroll in the neighborhood or a run with his bicycling partner. In , the Japanese Kennel Club was established. Nihon Ken Hozonkai created the Shiba Inu breed standard. German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd Dog is one the most beloved dog breeds in America — and for a good reason. They are capable working dogs and intelligent. Also, they are unsurpassed in their devotion and courage. They are also incredibly versatile. German Shepherds are strong, loyal, agile, large, yet agile dogs. They belong to the herding breed category, meaning they are energetic and enjoy having a job or a place to exercise. They are well-known for their loyalty, bravery, and confidence. German Shepherds are often used in military and police as working dogs for bomb sniffing, search and rescue, and patrolling. The German Shepherd is an extremely new breed. It dates back to .Moreover, they are the result of one man: Captain Max von Stephanitz. He was a career captain in German cavalry and aimed to create a German breed that would be unmatched for herding dogs. The British Kennel Club did not do so until .The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is a loyal and protective dog that makes a great companion. This mixed breed is intelligent and easily trained but may sometimes be stubborn. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix needs plenty of exercises to stay happy and healthy. This mixed breed does best in a home with a yard or access to daily walks, runs, or hikes. You may like: Shiba inu Corgi mix. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix ranges in size from medium sized dog to large dog. Most adults weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix inherits the distinct facial features of the Shiba Inu, including the small, triangular ears and almond-shaped eyes. This mixed breed also has a thick, double coat available in various colors, including black, brown, and white. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix sheds moderately and requires occasional grooming to prevent matting. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is a relatively healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. However, this mixed breed is susceptible to some health conditions, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Regular vet checkups and exercise can help reduce the risk of these conditions. Coat and color. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix has a thick, double coat available in various colors, including black, brown, and white. This mixed breed sheds moderately and requires occasional grooming to prevent matting. You may like: Husky shiba inu mix. Grooming and shedding. German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mixes can shed a lot over the year. Brush your German Shepherd Shiba mix every other week to keep it healthy and shiny. It would be best if you bathed your dog as often as you needed to. Consider using it for everyday cleaning. Also, ensure that you check their eyes and consult your vet for any concerns about their health. Exercise needs. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is an active breed that requires regular exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. Training needs. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is intelligent and easily trained but may be stubborn at times. This mixed breed responds well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise. Suitability for kids and other pets. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is a protective breed that makes a great companion for families with children. This mixed breed does best when socialized early and often, as they can be reserved around strangers. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is good with other dogs and cats but may chase smaller animals if not properly trained. You may like: Catahoula german shepherd mix. Feeding and diet. Larger dogs may require more food. It is important to determine the size and weight of your Shepherd Inu. The Shiba Shepherd mix should eat between 2 and 3 cups of high-quality dog food. Mixed breed dogs can be fed the best dry dog food to see if they like it. Stick with the formula that they love. Your Shiba shepherd dog should have probiotics and wild Alaskan Salmon oil. Your active Shepherd Inu will need continuous access to fresh water daily to avoid dehydration. Are these mix breed barks a lot? Both yes and no. Yes and No. You can train your dog to stop barking and socialize them well. You may like: Tibetan mastiff corgi mix. How long do the German Shepherd and Shiba Inu dog mixes live? Your German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix can live between years, based on the life expectancies of their parent breeds. Their life expectancy depends on many factors, including diet, exercise, and health. The Shiba Inu German shepherd mix is a designer dog. This mixed breed inherits the best traits of both parent breeds and is known for being an intelligent, loyal, and protective companion. The Shiba shepherd mix is an active breed that requires regular exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Friendliness: Friendly with kids and other domestic pets. Nature: Loving and devoted. Shepherd Inus are attentive and protective, with a gentle but firm demeanor. They flourish in active roles that allow them to work out each day; without enough physical activity, they may become bored or destructive toward their home environment. These dogs love being around family owners because of how considerate they can be when it matters most — which makes Shepherd owners adore this breed even more! The Shepherd Inu is an excellent family dog, with the ability to recognize people who come around frequently. They are not lapping dogs or attention seekers; however, they do require some time to spend alone every day in order for their minds and spirit to be at peace! The face is usually somewhere between the two in terms of shape and muzzle length, but there are some pups where you can clearly see their German Shepherd parentage from behind those large ears or droopy tail that trails after them as they go about doing what dogs do best — hunting! There are some pups who inherit traits from both parents while others can be much clearer in terms of their inherited dispositions. This dog has an air of elegance about them with their long body and compact shape! Facial Look: The Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix has a fox-like face that would be preferable to have if you are an admirer of this dog breed. Is it red and white? Or just black with some light patches on it that may or may not be what they seem to be at first glance. They have an intense loyalty to their family and people that borders on obsession but can be trained out if need be to behave otherwise. As intelligent as they are energetic, these dogs require plenty of exercises to maintain both physically healthy sides — going for walks or runs with you each day will do wonders! If you want the best care possible for this furry friend then make sure their coat is well maintained through the bathing season! You should keep this breed of dog away from toddlers who may be too rough or inconsiderate when they play. Friendly with other Pets: A Shiba Inu GSD Mix has a natural instinct to chase after small animals without hesitation, so it would be best not to mix your new pup with cats. However, you can attempt at an early year if possible. Well, this is an exception that proves the rule because these particular dogs seem to be getting on pretty good terms here! However, they can be territorial and will warn you if another dog comes near them first-time or frequently enough to warrant attention from their owner. Despite this negativity surrounding the breed in general society has branded them as aggressive — which is rare for these animals! Exercise: These little bundles of energy are the perfect companion for anyone who needs an active, enthusiastic friend. Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix will keep you on track with their love and lots of playtimes! And while most people think that all hybrid animals need at least 75 minutes of exercise per day just like any other animal would need more than its own kind in order to stay healthy. Because of their German Shepherd ancestry, these pups have a natural inclination to get safeguarding of ones who own them. They were originally bred to be watch-trained, but make great guards as well! Food Requirements: You may be wondering what the importance of choosing good dog food for your dog is. Your pup needs qualified advice to grow and develop properly. The basic health issues of this breed are as follows: Glaucoma. Characteristics of Shiba Inus and German Shepherds When it comes to cross-bred dogs or designer dogs , they are typically bred for specific desired traits that will come from mixing two or more breeds. Shiba Inus are relatively small but strong dogs with strong senses of sight and smell, which has historically made them keen hunters. This breed is moderately energetic and requires regular exercise, but these dogs are not often the destructive type. The most common coloring for Shiba Inus is black and tan, cream, red, or red sesame, all with white markings. Additionally, their coats do not typically mat, so regular brushing is not necessary, though it will minimize the amount of fur that gets spread around your house as they shed. In terms of training, they require little guidance when it comes to housebreaking. This, however, should not overshadow the fact that Shibas are not to be trusted off-leash, regardless of training level. They should never be considered safe in an open, unconfined area. You should even be careful about leaving a door or gate open for a moment too long. Overall, Shiba Inus are quite healthy dogs. Though this does not mean they are always in perfect health, as they are less prone to a wide range of health issues. Characteristics of German Shepherds German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds around, ranking second in popularity with the AKC. Standing between 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 centimeters tall and weighing in at an average of 50 to 90 pounds .A Detailed Guide While they are known and named for their herding abilities, German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs. They are also loyal, muscular, courageous dogs. German Shepherds are such loyal animals that they will willingly put their life on the line for the ones they love. While it may take them a while to come around to new friendships, once they have deemed you worthy of their trust and loyalty, it will never waiver. The grooming needs of a German Shepherd are a bit more involved than that of a Shiba Inu. The medium-length double coat of his breed requires a brief brushing a couple of times a week. An extensive period of shedding will occur once or twice annually in which regular brushing will help prevent fur from ending up all over the house. All You Need to Know This breed is very active, which means German Shepherds require lots of daily exercise to keep them happy. If they are not given opportunities to be active enough, they will begin to act out. To keep your pup satisfied and your living room intact, take advantage of the fact that these dogs love swimming, agility, tracking, and even frisbee! The mental stimulation that is associated with these activities is necessary for dogs with their degree of intellect. Just check out this informative and well-illustrated article: Tackling obedience training and socialization at a young age will make your job as a dog owner much easier in the long run. German Shepherds will show tremendous results when trained consistently and in a positive manner. They do not respond well to negative-enforcement or punishment-based training. For most dogs German Shepherds, the biggest health concern is a case of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV , also referred to as bloat or twisted stomach. This is a sudden, life-threatening veterinary emergency. Shepherds should also be screened regularly for their hip and elbow health. To understand more completely about the joint issues that all German Shepherds may likely face at some point in their lives, especially during their older years, be sure to read the article linked below: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Characteristics of Shiba Inu German Shepherds Shiba Inu German Shepherds are highly athletic to optimize endurance and power. They are considered medium to large dogs. Depending on how much they lean towards Shiba Inu genetics or German Shepherd ones, these dogs can stand upwards of 22 inches 56 centimeters and weigh around 40 to 60 pounds .However, their faces resemble that of a fox — a trait distinct to Shiba Inus — with almond-shaped eyes that are dark brown. Shiba Inu German Shepherd mixes also bear pointed ears, a characteristic found in both individual breeds. However, beware if anyone in your household has allergies as these dogs are definitely going to shed! Although they can be found in virtually all color combinations, mixes of tan and red are the most common. So, you can expect to be vacuuming up a variety of different fur colors! You should also be prepared to deal with any negative health outcomes that this breed is prone to before bringing one home. Temperament Get ready to get some steps in! Shiba Inu German Shepherds are highly athletic dogs who require ample exercise every day. This mixed breed dog will need to get at least 75 minutes of active moment on a daily basis. This might look like taking your pup to the off-leash fenced-in dog park, bringing them along for a run while you cycle, or letting them go for a swim in the lake. Like all active dogs, make sure you take their athletic needs seriously. If they do not have a chance to release their energy, you might come home to a moody dog chewing up your furniture and acting out on you. They are also a highly intelligent breed, so they will need lots of mental stimulation. Also, leaving your Shiba Shepherd alone for extended periods will cause them to be very unhappy. A great way to provide any highly intelligent dog with adequate mental stimulation is by providing them with a puzzle toy. A great example of one such toy is this one made by Outward Hound. This toy is a full mind and body exercise for you pup, as it requires their mind to think of the solution and their paws and muzzle to unlock the tasty treat reward! Keeping your pup occupied with an interactive toy like this will also give them a sense of accomplishment, and they will love the praise that you shower on them when they succeed! While they do not require excessive amounts of attention, they do best when given a task to do, as both GSDs and Shiba Inus were originally bred as working dogs as we have previously discussed. Be sure to dedicate sufficient time to training your dog since merely letting them run around in the yard will not be satisfying enough for them. Luckily, Shiba Inu German Shepherd hybrids are not very vocal dogs. They usually will be relatively quiet unless they find barking necessary. These crosses are excellent watchdogs and loyal to their families. No harm will ever be done to you if they have a say in it! Care Keeping Shiba Inu German Shepherds regularly stimulated and active is arguably the most important aspect of their care. Having them well trained to curb their aggression and territorial nature is also necessary. Socialization at a young age will help avoid unfriendly encounters with strangers. They should also have their nails trimmed monthly to avoid pain or structural issues. This can be done at home using a professional tool like the Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder. This helps keep your dog calm during nail maintenance, which can be a highly stressful experience for a lot of dogs. If you are uncomfortable doing this by yourself, you can always take your pup to the groomers. As with all dogs, you should always take them to regular veterinary visits in order to ensure that your dog is in optimal health and to catch any potential illness that German Shepherd mixes are prone to as soon as possible. Though Shiba Inus are typically quite healthy dogs, poorly-bred German Shepherds are prone to a long list of adverse health outcomes. These include, but are not limited to:. So new, that there is no official name to this cross, though some refer to this mix as "Shepherd Inus". Designer dogs are two purebred dogs of different breeds mixed together. Some designer dog advocates claim that mixing two purebred dogs together improves "hybrid vigor". Opponents of designer dogs claim that unscrupulous breeders can easily breed together two low quality purebreds and still demand outrageous prices. This article will help to inform you of what you can expect from a Shiba Inu German Shepherd cross. You will also learn more about the pros and cons of designers dogs. In the wrong hands, these two breeds can be difficult to control and train. Germans Shepherds and Shiba Inus are beautifully striking dogs that are intelligent and loyal. They also are dogs that have a high prey drive and are prone to issues with aggression. This type of dog needs a confident handler that is familiar with the needs of this type of working breed. They are not working dogs and are actually somewhat difficult to train due to their stubbornness. Crossing an independent and stubborn Shiba Inu with a German Shepherd which is a high energy, working breed can understandably produce a dog that may not be easy to handle and train. Shepherd Inus will not do well in a backyard with nothing to do - they need regular exercise and work. This does NOT mean that owner should use excessive force or punishment. A Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix will typically be a loyal, protective, and loving member of the immediate family. However, Shepherd Inus can tend to be independent dogs that do not crave too much affection. However, Shepherd Inus are usually not friendly with strangers. Proper socialization at an early age is an absolute must with this dog. Shepherd Inus are dogs with a high prey drive. Care must be taken to ensure that these dogs are safe when they are off leash. Obedience training should be done very early. Commands such as heel, come, and stay should be the main focus of training until the dog is compliant with the commands. Both dogs have pointed, erect triangular ears and long snouts - with the German Shepherd's snout being longer. These two dog breeds also have similar coat colors. The Shiba Inu coat colors include red, black and tan, sesame, and cream. All black, white, sable, and blue are also German Shepherd coat colors but are less common and desired. A Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix typically weighs between 40 - 60 pounds with the males being heavier. In terms of height, Shepherd Inus are roughly between 19" to 22" tall. Shepherd Inus are strong and agile dogs. They have well-muscled bodies that are built for both power and endurance. These types of dogs need daily exercise and work for optimal health. Shepherd Inus have short to medium length double coats. The outer coat is straight and coarse while the undercoat is thick and plush. Normally, Shepherd Inus will fully blow their undercoats once or twice a year. Moderate brushing is required for this dog. The most serious of these issues include cataracts, glaucoma allergies, patellar luxation and occasionally hip dysplasia. Recently, much controversy has centered around the noticeably sloping backs of German Shepherd dogs entered in dogs shows. The originally bred German Shepherds did not have this curved back feature because it would hinder them from being efficient working dogs. This sloping back feature is not a desired norm of the breed and should not be tolerated. Petitions against sloping GSD backs have been successfully filed, and the Crufts competition will include stricter standards that penalize this feature. Because Shiba Inu German Shepherd mixes are new and relatively uncommon, long term health issues are not known at this point in time. The life expectancy of a Shepherd Inus is between 12 - 14 years. Because of this, anybody can breed designer dogs without any prior experience. Typical AKC pedigree breeders, on the other hand, must answer to breed clubs, breed standards, and do rigorous genetic testings and health screenings. Because of the popularity of certain designer breeds in the celebrity world, many breeders begin producing designer dogs simply for monetary gain, resulting in puppy mill like conditions for a lot of dogs. Read more about designer dog issues here. Shiba Inu fanciers and admirers typically do not endorse mixing the Shiba Inu with any other breed, period. These fanciers believe that the Shiba Inus already possess a nearly flawless natural body that is designed for optimal functioning in the wild. Proponents For Breeding Hybrid Dogs Those that endorse designer dogs believe that breeding two different purebreds will increase "hybrid vigor" or heterosis. These designer dog supporters also make claims that they can produce the "perfect" dog by choosing two breeds that best match the potential owners needs. These claims are largely unsubstantiated. While crossing two purebreds does have the potential of bringing out the best traits of both breeds, it can also, instead, bring out the worst traits of both breeds. Should I Get a Shepherd Inu? The decision to chose a dog breed is a highly personal choice that should be made with careful consideration into the consequences of your decisions. We here at My First Shiba Inu do not advocate for the breeding of designer dogs in general. Instead, we use our platform to provide as much information as possible about the issue and let you as an individual make an informed choice. Furthermore, there are many instances when our readers already have a designer dog mix and would benefit from the information we can provide about the particular hybrid being that the mixes we write about all involve Shiba Inus. Training and socializing your puppy as soon as you take them home will help ensure they get along well with people and other dogs. Without proper affection and attention, Shepherd Inus can become destructive because of boredom. Give your German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors. Discover how to train your Dog by playing games : 21 games to play with your Dog that will make them smarter and better behaved! Therefore, they should be socialized early with cats and other dogs to avoid aggression. Training This is not the easiest mix breed to train. Many people agree that they need an experienced owner to get the best out of them. This means a strong, consistent training regimen from an early age. Housetraining can be quite difficult since they are often stubborn. All you need to do is to start training them early so you can prevent behavioral issues in the future. Obedience and house breaking are obviously essential, but so are leash training and socialization. This is the best way to handle the problem of the prey drive, disobedience in public and any issues with strangers. Try teaching him his name as well. Avoid scolding or shouting at them. Those that struggle with training their new Shepherd Inu puppy can turn to an online guide, such as Doggy Dan the online dog trainer. This is a great, accessible solution for many different dog training issues. The step by step guides let owners handle the issues at their own pace. This is a great alternative to doggy obedience classes, where these wary dogs may not excel. Therefore, this is not the best breed for people with allergies. Groom your German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix a few times each week to keep their coat smooth and healthy. Bathing should be done as necessary. For everyday cleaning, consider using the best deodorizing wipes for dogs. You need to brush their teeth several times every week. Also You should clip their toenails once a month to prevent them from getting too long Finally, make sure to check the condition of their eyes, and if you are in any doubt about their overall health and wellbeing, be sure to consult your vet.