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By Chris Poodles are a fantastic breed of dog — they are intelligent, loyal, and adorable. These dogs are some of the most popular species in America for a good reason. How many puppies can a Poodle have? There are two parts to the question of how many puppies a poodle can have. The first is how many puppies are in a poodle litter. This answer varies, depending on the size, health, and age of your dog. Poodle litters can be anywhere from a single puppy to upwards of ten—these dogs have been known to surprise breeders with their litters! With the number of litters in mind, a standard poodle can generally have anywhere from twenty to thirty puppies in her lifetime. A miniature poodle will have twelve to twenty puppies throughout her breeding career, and a toy poodle can birth four to ten puppies total. These numbers vary, of course, but they are accurate estimates. There are different shades of black coat. How Many Puppies are in a Poodle Litter? As a general rule, the smaller the dog, the fewer puppies she will have. Toy poodles tend to have between one and three puppies per litter, rarely going above three. Most toy poodles give birth to one puppy at a time and are more prone to health issues after breeding. Miniature poodles can have three to five puppies in a litter. Miniature poodles are pretty sturdy breeding dogs. Of course, full-size poodles can have larger litters. These poodles have the largest litter size and have been known to birth from two to fourteen puppies. More than five litters can hurt a dog and increase their chances of post-birth injury and unhealthy puppies. However, if your dog is healthy and well cared for, it will be able to breed up to five times with ease. This rule is especially true for smaller dogs, whose bodies are more fragile and sensitive to pregnancy. Factors That Affect Litter Count Of course, many factors affect how many puppies are born in each litter. These are generally related to the genetics of both parent dogs and the atmosphere surrounding the pregnancy. A healthier, happier dog is more likely to give birth to more puppies because she is surrounded by love and peace. While these factors affect each litter individually, they are only guidelines for taking the best care of your breeder dog. However, it will improve the overall health and happiness of both mothers and babies. Choosing the best dog food for Poodles is tricky — got to look after that coat! Breeder Which breeder you choose can increase the health of your dog. A reputable breeder will have all the information you need to make a decision. You need to be able to trust the breeder with these things. The healthier and happier a mother dog is, the greater her odds of delivering large and healthy litters. Most dog breeds go into heat about twice a year, and it lasts for a week or more. The process can affect how many puppies are in the litter. Does a dog have to be in heat to get pregnant? Yes, but it is a little more complicated than you might think — see our article on dog heat that explains everything you need to know. Some breeders will couple the dogs a few times over these days to ensure that the result is successful. After two heats, a poodle will be fully grown and ready to give birth. The ideal age for a mother is between two and four years old. Dogs become less able to have puppies as they grow older, much like humans. It can also affect how many puppies are in each litter and how many litters the breed dog can have. A healthier sire will decrease risks in pregnancy and birth. The healthier a dog is, the more puppies she could potentially have. A professional breeder knows this and pairs sires and dams based on mutual age, health, genetics, and sometimes even personality. A Miniature gray Poodle enjoying the outdoors. Some breeders can also run tests for potential fur color and ancestry. Good genetics will not only increase the health of the puppies but could also increase the litter size. Healthier poodle mamas will be able to have more puppies and more litters without risking their health. Time of Year Believe it or not, the time of the year that the puppies are born can impact the size of the litter. This phenomenon is one of the great mysteries of breeding dogs, but the trend continues year after year. If your dog is going into heat for a winter litter, be aware that it may be smaller than her spring or summer heat. Plus you will need to consider a heated whelping pad. Final Thoughts Poodles, depending on their size, can birth up to ten puppies in a litter. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Conclusion How many puppies does a poodle have the first time? When a poodle has puppies for the first time, they can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies. It all depends on the size of the poodle and how well nourished it is. Most poodles will have six to eight puppies. Many things go into having a healthy litter of puppies. The mother needs to be well taken care of before and during her pregnancy. She needs plenty of good food and exercise. The father also needs to be in good shape so that he can provide plenty of healthy sperm for conception. Why at the first time do poodle have fewer puppies? When a poodle is bred for the first time, they may have fewer puppies than subsequent litters. There is no definitive answer as to why this occurs, but there are several possible explanations. Additionally, the pups may be less viable than those born later on, due to developmental issues or problems with the placenta. Another possibility is that the sire male may not be as experienced either, and as a result his sperm may not be as fertile. How many puppies can a poodle have in a litter? When it comes to having puppies, most people think of dogs like the Labrador Retriever or the German Shepherd. But what about smaller dogs? Can they have puppies too? The answer is yes — and the poodle is a great example. In fact, poodles can have quite a few puppies in a litter — anywhere from one to twelve. How many puppies can a dog have in their first litter? Many factors go into how many puppies a dog can have in their first litter. The size of the dog, the breed of the dog, and the age of the female all play a part. Generally speaking, smaller dogs will have fewer puppies than larger dogs and younger females will have more puppies than older females. But there is no cut and dry answer to this question. For example, a poodle may have six or seven puppies in her first litter, while a golden retriever may have twelve or more. There are too many variables to give an exact number. How many times can a poodle get pregnant Dogs are known for being able to get pregnant multiple times in a row. For poodles, this is especially true- they can get pregnant as many as six times a year! This is because they go into heat very frequently- usually twice a year. How many puppies can a Standard Poodle? There is no definitive answer to the question of how many puppies a standard poodle can have. Some standard poodles have had as many as twelve puppies, while others may only have six or seven. There are several factors that contribute to the number of puppies a standard poodle will have, including the health and age of the dog and the size of the litter. Generally, standard poodles will have more puppies if they are bred by a professional breeder than if they are bred by an amateur. How many litters can a standard poodle have? A standard poodle can have an average of six litters in her lifetime, but some may have more or less. The size of the litter depends on the size of the dog and the time between pregnancies. Poodles usually have six to eight puppies in a litter, but they can have up to twelve. Puppies are typically weaned at around six weeks old, but some may stay with their mother longer if there is enough milk to go around. How many puppies can a miniature poodle have? Many people may not know how many puppies a miniature poodle can have? The average number of puppies in a litter is 5, but a miniature poodle can have as many as twelve. It is important to be aware of this when considering getting a miniature poodle, because they require a lot of care and attention. If you are not prepared to care for twelve puppies, it may be best to consider another breed. How many litters can a miniature poodle have? Miniature poodles are considered a toy breed and typically have one to four puppies per litter. Some may have as many as six or eight, but this is considered large for a miniature poodle. Toy breeds are not recommended for anyone who is not prepared to handle the additional work of caring for multiple puppies. Many people are surprised at how much work goes into taking care of a small litter of puppies. Not only do you have to feed and water them every few hours, you also have to clean up after them. How many puppies can a toy dog have? Many people are curious about how many puppies a toy dog can have. The answer to this question is that it really varies depending on the breed of toy dog. Some toy dogs can have up to 12 puppies at a time, while others may only have four or five. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before breeding your toy dog, in order to get an accurate idea of how many puppies they are capable of having. How many litters can a toy Poodle have? Toy poodles are considered pregnant when they have a noticeable increase in their abdominal size and they will give birth days after mating. Although toy poodles are not bred for their large litters, it is important to monitor the health of both the mother and her puppies. How long do toy poodles stay pregnant? Toy poodles are pregnant for 63 days on average. Some may have as few as 57 days while others as many as 70 days. Pregnant toy poodles will have a noticeable increase in their belly size about 3 weeks into the pregnancy. About two weeks before giving birth, their water sac will break and the puppies will be born within the next twelve hours. On average, toy poodles give birth to six puppies, but some may have up to twelve. Poodles are a breed of dog that can have up to six puppies at a time. But how often should they have puppies? Is there a limit to the amount of times they should breed during their lifetime? How long does it take for a small dog to have puppies? In fact, there is no general consensus on how long it takes for a small dog to have puppies. Some sources say that a small dog can have puppies in as little as six weeks, while others claim that it can take up to twelve weeks. The truth is that the time it takes for a small dog to have puppies depends on a variety of factors, including the breed of the dog and the size of the litter. Some smaller dogs may have their puppies sooner than larger dogs, but there is no guarantee. How long is the gestation period for a poodle? Most vets recommend that a pregnant poodle be seen by a vet around day 50 to ensure the health of both the mother and her puppies. Around day 55, the vet may perform an ultrasound to check on the number of puppies and their development. Conclusion Determining how many puppies a poodle can have is difficult because it depends on the size and breed of the poodle, as well as the health and age of the dog. Typically, poodles can have six to eight puppies, but this may vary depending on the individual dog. If you are considering getting a poodle as a pet, be sure to do your research to find out how many puppies they are likely to have. Final Thoughts How many puppies can a miniature poodle have? Expect 5 to 7 puppies for a Miniature Poodle. Toy Poodles are the tiniest of the Poodle breeds, with the fewest number of pups in one litter. Expect about 3 — although singleton litters meaning a litter with only one puppy occur quite often. How many puppies can a miniature poodle have in a litter? A typically standard Poodle litter may contain up to seven puppies, whereas a Miniature Poodle litter will average around five, and a Toy Poodle litter will have about three. Factors That Affect Litter Count Several factors can affect litter size in miniature poodles, including the health and genetics of the parents, as well as nutrition and environmental conditions. Litters of six to eight puppies are considered average, but some litters may have as many as twelve puppies or as few as one. How long is a poodle in labor? A pregnant dog will typically go into labor within a few days of her due date. However, some dogs will not go into labor until they are a few days overdue. Once a dog begins to show signs of labor, the process will typically last for 12 to 24 hours. How long does it take for a small dog to have puppies? Small dogs tend to have shorter pregnancies than larger dogs, so they typically go into labor sooner. Most small dogs will give birth within 12 to 24 hours of showing signs of labor. How many times can a toy poodle give birth? Toy Poodles are the tiniest of the Poodle breeds, and they typically have the fewest number of pups in one litter. However, it is not unusual for them to have three or four puppies. Some Toy Poodles have as many as six puppies, but this is rare. Toy Poodles can give birth multiple times, but the average is two to three litters. Does the male or female dog determine the size of the puppies? The gender of the dog does not determine the size of the puppies. It is the genetics of the parents that determines how many puppies a dog will have. Some dogs may have a larger litter if they have a genetic disposition for it. However, the average litter size for tiny dogs is four to six puppies regardless of the gender of the parents. Expect about three puppies from a Toy Poodle litter. Miniature Poodles will have an average of five to seven puppies, while Standard Poodles typically have six to seven puppies in a litter. Some dogs may only have one or two puppies if they suffer from dwarfism. In general, the size of the litter is determined by the genetics of the parents and not by their gender. How long is the gestation period for a poodle? The gestation period for a poodle is typically around 63 days. Submit to Stumbleupon Opens in new window Crystal the standard poodle had 16 puppies in her first litter, a number owner Kelli Hewitt of Lancaster, Minn. The puppies shown here are 9 weeks old and are healthy. The Hewitts believe the birth has tied a record for the largest standard poodle litter. Another poodle named Charlie from British Columbia previously gave birth to 16 puppies in , with the owner, Deborah Bridgman, saying she was up for 23 hours helping with delivery, according to a report from The Province, a newspaper based in British Columbia. The record for the largest litter for any dog breed goes to Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff who had 24 puppies in by Cesarean section, according to Guinness World Records. The owners, Damian Ward of the United Kingdom and Anne Kellegher of Ireland, said the dog gave birth to nine female and 15 male puppies. Forum News Service photo submitted by Kelli Hewitt Though Tia lost four puppies, all of the Hewitt puppies from Crystal survived the natural birth and are healthy, Hewitt said. The mother is doing fine as well. The family watched over the poodle as she gave birth over a hour period, doing everything they could to make the puppies comfortable, making sure they were properly fed and ensuring they survived. The Hewitts, who started breeding dogs five years ago under the name Rockadoodles, are used to having a lot of puppies running around since they are licensed through the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, but they have never had this many in one batch. Crystal was bred via artificial insemination to a miniature poodle named Rusty of Rockadoodles, making their offspring moyen, or medium, poodles. The Hewitts also cross poodles with sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, golden retrievers and other breeds. Not only that, but they have a big family of their own. Hewitt and her husband, James, have 10 biological children and 18 adopted children — 15 from Haiti, one from Ethiopia, one from China and another from Ukraine. Twelve are adults with some in college, Hewitt said, and an 11th grandchild is on the way. The children help with the business, Hewitt said, adding they put a lot of love and care into the operation. The puppies get a lot of attention and playtime with our kids. They would tie strings around the pups to tell which ones were on which schedule, she said. Some of the dogs they previously raised have gone to homes as therapy animals for traumatized children and those with special needs. An ultra sound is inconclusive until around 30 days and a x-ray will not show anything till around 45 days when the calcium in the puppies bones solidifies. This leaves very little time to get prepared. So let's discuss some important Poodle pregnancy facts. This is Curly, who is 19 months old and 51 days pregnant. Let's first clear up some myths and look at some Poodle pregnancy facts. A female Poodle may become pregnant: Any time after her 1st heat, no matter how young she is At any age, no matter how old she is, as long as she is still entering heat.Starting at about week 2 it will become firm. By week 4 it will be noticeably swollen. Her mammary glands will become enlarged Some inverted nipples that you may not have even noticed will "pop out" She will clean herself more thoroughly than usual Nesting behavior may begin. Some dogs will gather toys and other articles from around the house, showing maternal instincts toward them. She may also drag pillows, blankets and other soft materials to a quiet corner of a room to build a 'nest'. Her appetite should increase There may be minor to moderate clear discharge. This usually begins by week 4 or 5. Litter Size The average size litter for a Toy Poodle is: 3 pups The average size litter for a Miniature Poodle is: 5 pups The average size litter for a Standard Poodle is: 6 pups Do keep in mind that these are averages. It is common for a Toy Poodle to have just 1 puppy and while it is rare, she may have up to 5. The largest Poodle litter ever recorded is.Charlie named for Charlie's Angels was in labor for 23 hours, giving birth to 10 female puppies and 6 males. And believe it or not, this was an unplanned breeding. The sire, Magnum another standard Poodle broke through 2 wooden fences to get to Charlie when she was in heat. Caring for a Pregnant Poodle Once you suspect that your Poodle may be pregnant, you will want to have this confirmed. There are several ways that the veterinarian can do this, at different stages: A blood test can test for pregnancy and will be most reliable by day .An ultrasound can pick up fetal heartbeats by day day .An x-ray should be performed to determine exactly how many fetus are growing so that you will know how many to expect. This is not done until late in the pregnancy, usually after day 45, since bones are not sufficiently calcified until this time. Moderate daily exercise should continue throughout the pregnancy while excluding any more intense activity. Walking will allow the dam to maintain muscle mass and keep her body in top shape in preparation for labor. Her appetite will increase by week 2 or 3 and by week 5 nutritional needs nearly double. While food should not be denied, the focus should be on offering a well-balanced, healthy diet. Adding an egg once per day as well as a scoop or two of cottage cheese is a good way to offer a bit more protein. Pregnant dogs should not be given any extra calcium via supplements as this can predispose a dam to the dangerous health condition of eclampsia a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that can happen when the dam is nursing. The home environment should be as stress free as possible and the pregnant Poodle should be allowed to retreat and rest as she pleases. You may wonder how much weight a pregnant Poodle gains. For example, a toy Poodle that was 8 lbs. A standard Poodle that was 55 lbs .While the majority of delivers are without complications, you will want to be prepared for any situation. You will need: 1. A thermometer 2. Sheets, towels or clean newspapers 3. Floss or thread 4. A whelping box - This can be a cardboard box, lined child's wading pool for standards or even a canine bed Perla beds work quite nicely 6. Heating pad 7. Having an assistant be there with you is always a good idea. How to Know it is Time All dog breeds carry the puppies on average for 63 days; however a Poodle pregnancy can last anywhere from 59 to 65 days and still be considered normal. You will know that labor is to begin in approximately 24 hours when your dog's internal body temperature drops. For this reason, at least one week before the due date, start taking your Poodle's temperature twice per day. While some digital thermometers will beep, if you are using a standard type, leave it in for 3 minutes. At this time, you should be prepared to remain with your Poodle, set her up in the whelping area and separate any males dogs in the house so that they cannot reach her. If your Poodle does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below F, you will want to alert the veterinarian. Stages of Labor There are 3 main stages of canine labor. Stage 1 During the first stage of labor the cervix will dilate and contractions will begin. This element of Poodle labor can be painful and a dog may express this by: Acting restless. Final Thoughts Does Size Matter? Although toy, miniature, and standard Poodles are all the same breed, they have some differences. There are also mixed breeds and non-official Poodle classifications, such as Goldendoodles. On average, larger breeds tend to have more puppies than small breeds. Depending on the official breed, here are how many puppies a Poodle can have. A brown Mini Poodle sitting on a lap. Poodles are one of the greatest lap dogs. Standard Poodles Standard Poodles are the largest recognized breed. On average, standards will weigh pounds and reach an average height of inches. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! See Poodle Puppies Available Generally speaking, large dog breeds tend to have more puppies than smaller breeds. Standards will have an average of seven puppies per litter. Although standard poodles can have more per litter, they have a shorter life expectancy, roughly years. Pregnancy can be demanding of dogs, especially later in life, so they may not give birth to as many litters as smaller breeds. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles are one size smaller than standard poodles. They weigh an average of pounds and typically weigh between pounds. These small or medium-sized dogs will have fewer pups per litter than the Standard Poodle but more than a toy poodle. Usually, you can expect a Miniature Poodle to have five puppies. Because Miniature Poodles are smaller, they have a greater life expectancy of about years. The curly black coat of a Poodle at the beach. These small dogs will only reach about pounds and will be under a foot tall. As with Miniature Poodles, Toy Poodles will live an average life span of years. Unlike Miniatures, Toys will have around three puppies in each litter. Because the litters are much smaller than other Poodle breeds , they are rare and more in demand. As a Poodle gets older, its litter size will get smaller. Even if the mom is in her prime years, her health will play an essential role in litter size and health. If the female Poodle is unhealthy prior to pregnancy or once she is pregnant, there tend to be fewer puppies. Poodle owners need to ensure the mom is healthy. Poodles should always get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation through play, and nutritious foods for optimal health. Overweight or unhealthy poodles will yield smaller litters. After a male Poodle reaches five years old, his sperm count starts to decrease. Ideally, the Poodle dad will be at least one and half years old and under five years old. Not only does this give the mom a greater probability of a big litter, but a better chance of having puppies at all. Additionally, the health of the male dog may affect its sperm count. A male dog may struggle with infertility if it has diseases such as arthritis. Cavapoo dog resting in the sun at the park. A female Poodle will usually go into heat for the first time within the first year, sometimes as young as six months old. Once she enters heat , she will be able to get pregnant. However, it would be best if you waited until the Poodle is two years or older to breed for her safety. You may have heard that a female dog should give birth at least once in her life. At most, breed one female Poodle three times. There are a couple of methods Poodle breeders use. Some breeders will breed every other heat, while others will breed twice in a row before giving her a break. Additionally, you should not breed a female Poodle after she is years old. Although she can get pregnant, it will be harder on her older body. Make sure they are ethical, and put importance on the health of their dogs. A young Veterinarian doctor listens to the heartbeat of a happy gray Poodle Frequently Asked Questions Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding how many puppies a Poodle can have. What is the largest known Poodle litter? Despite the average Poodle litter being puppies, one Standard Poodle gave birth to a whopping 16 puppies. Charlie, the female dog who gave birth to the large litter, was very healthy at a prime age. The healthier the pup, the better the chance of a large litter. How long is a Poodle pregnant? Dogs will be pregnant for an average of 63 days, which is similar to that of a Poodle. She may have a pregnancy that lasts as little as 59 days or as much as 65 days, both of which are normal. Get ready; a decreased body temperature signals that she will likely be in labor within the next 24 hours. How often do Poodles go into heat? On average, toys and Miniatures will go into heat times per year. Standard Poodles will likely go into heat once or twice each year. How do you know if your Poodle is pregnant? At what age do Poodles calm down? Dogs have similar pregnancy symptoms to that humans. You may notice that your Poodle is taking more naps or seems tired more than usual. Exhaustion is one of the first signs your Poodle is pregnant. Depending on where she is at in her pregnancy, she may have a smaller appetite or even vomit. Throwing up is similar to morning sickness that human mothers experience. Note that human pregnancy tests do NOT work for Poodle or any dogs. They measure HCG which is a hormone that dogs do not produce. On the other hand, she may be hungrier and show a desire for more food. As her hormones fluctuate, her appetite will likely fluctuate. A pregnant Poodle may have some behavioral changes. She may want to snuggle up to you more often, or she may want more time alone. If you notice weight gain, this is a signal to take her to the vet. You may notice her gather blankets, pillows, or other bedding to create a nest-like area. You may need to give her some space and keep her away from any children until she gives birth. Larger dogs have larger litters, while small-sized dogs will have smaller litters. Poodles are a highly sought-after dog, so breeders hope for a large litter. Healthy poodles between 1. Similar Posts. Whether this is your first litter of puppies or you have been breeding dogs for decades, every litter is a unique and wonderful experience. Today we will look at everything related to Poodle conception, pregnancy and birth. Table of Contents Do female Poodles have periods? Poodles — and all female dogs — do not have periods that are comparable to human cycles. During this heat cycle your Poodle will have discharge, probably be irritable and, of course — be able to get pregnant! If a dog is spayed, she will have her uterus and ovaries removed and as a result not go into heat anymore. How long do Poodles stay in heat? A regular heat is about weeks long. Your Poodle is not fertile during the entire time however. During the first days your dog is not fertile, only after 1. The heat goes along with the much-dreaded discharge. Many Poodle owners opt for doggy diapers when their Poodle is in season to keep their floors and furniture clean. How do I find a good baby daddy? Depending on your breeding goals, you will be searching for the perfect match for your Poodle. If you are planning to breed a pure-bred Poodle litter like Parti Poodles , choose a registered and health-tested Poodle as the sire. The American Kennel Club will help you get in touch with other Poodle owners. If you are planning to have a Doodle litter, the choice of dad might for example be: a Schnauzer for Schnoodle puppies a Bernese Mountain Dog for Bernedoodle pups a Golden Retriever for Goldendoodle , Mini Goldendoodle or F1b Mini Goldendoodle offspring an Old English Sheepdog for Sheepadoodle pups You should always make sure that both parents have passed breed-specific health tests so that the babies can have the best possible start into a long and healthy life! How can I tell if my Poodle is pregnant? If you hope that your Poodle to be pregnant, she has probably been in season and has been around an intact male. Whether you chose a purebred Poodle daddy or a different breed to create adorable Doodle babies, you probably cannot wait to know if the pregnancy took! If you want to know for sure, visit a vet on days from the probable day of conception. Your vet will be able to do an ultrasound on your Poodle just like on a human momma-to-be! If you do not want to take your dog to the vet, there is no way to accurately tell until about 5 weeks after conception, at which point pregnant Poodles start to visible gain weight and might show nesting behaviors. How many days are Poodles pregnant? This might vary by a couple days however. Smaller dogs tend to give birth a bit earlier than larger breeds If you are breeding Miniature or Toy Poodles, or crosses such as a Mini Goldendoodle or F1b Mini Goldendoodle , your dog may already give birth after days. He can take an x-ray to determine how many pups she is carrying. This will help make a better plan for the whelping. How many puppies will my Poodle have? The number of pups you can expect will depend on the size of the parents. As a general rule, large breeds have litters with higher numbers of pups than small breeds. Standard Poodle If the mom of your litter is a Standard Poodle, expect around 7 puppies. Fun fact: in , a Standard Poodle named Crystal made history when she gave birth to 16 puppies! Miniature Poodle For Miniature Poodles expect around 5 puppies. Toy Poodles Toy Poodles are the smallest type of Poodle and will have the smallest number of puppies in one litter. Plan for around 3 — though also singelton litters meaning a litter with only one single puppy happen regularly. Are Poodles good mothers? Most Poodles are good mother dogs. How well prepared you are You need to set the mom up for success and make puppy raising easy for her. Get her a spacious and soft whelping box. Clip the hair on her stomach so that the pups can nurse easily. Ensure that she is healthy and had prenatal veterinary care. How safe mom feels Being pregnant with, birthing and caring for a litter of puppies is a big task! Your Poodle mom needs to feel safe and cared for in order to be a great mom. If you have any other dogs, they should not be allowed to access the whelping box or disturb the female. She needs a lot of peace and quiet. Your support Prepare to spend a lot of time and effort supporting your Poodle as she is raising her pups. She will need a lot of specialized nutrition , especially as she is nursing. You are responsible for making sure nobody disturbs her — this also applies to small kids in the household! How often should I breed my female? First of all, it is a myth that every female dog needs to have at least one litter. Do not breed your Poodle just because you think this is required. Female dogs can live a long and healthy life without ever having puppies. Only if you are ready to raise a litter responsibly and with a lot of time and effort you should breed. If you decide to do this, three times should be the maximum amount of litters your female has. Every pregnancy and whelping will wear on your Poodle. While Poodles have a long lifespan , you should not breed a dog over the age of 8 or 9 years old. Even though your female could still get pregnant, this is too old to have puppies. Some owners breed their females 5 or 6 times. Do not do this! It is not fair to the momma dog and borders on puppy mill practice. It is a much better approach to have few litters, but to make them the best they can be. The Bottom Line Supporting your Poodle through pregnancy, birth and puppy raising can be a wonderful experience. Only commit to it if you are ready to spend time, money and effort though. Always make sure that the parents of any litter have passed breed-specific health test and never breed more than 3 litter off of one female! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Labrador retrievers are beloved family members. But too much of a good thing—food and treats—can lead to many potential health problems. If your Labrador Retriever is starting to get a little pooch in his belly your might be thinking how much should my lab weigh? But there are many factors that enter into what determines a healthy weight for your particular lab. And female labs should weigh between 55 and 70 pounds and be between .But keep in mind that even healthy labs may fall outside of these guidelines. There are many variables that enter into why a dog is a particular weight, including the following: Genetics. The parents and family tree of a lab determine his potential size and structure. Diet and nutrition. In order to reach his potential, a lab requires the proper diet for his stage of life and activity level. A lab who is a couch potato will generally require fewer calories than one who is active. Female labs usually weigh less than male labs at the same life stage. English vs. American Labrador Retrievers Although there is no recognized separate breed of English and American labs , in reality there are distinctions regarding their breeding. English labs are bred for the conformation ring and generally weigh in at the higher end of the desired range for labs. And they may weigh even 20 more pounds than American labs without being overweight. American labs, aka field-bred labs, are bred from working lines, in order to hunt. They are leaner and more muscular than English labs. There is no definitive guide stating that labs of certain colors weigh more than others. But their breeding and function enters into whether a lab will weigh more. Black Labradors. Black labs are found in both English and American labs. But an English-bred lab is likely to weigh more than an American lab is. Chocolate Labradors. They are more likely to be from conformation lines than those from working, field lines. So chocolate labs are more likely to be at the higher end of the weight spectrum. Yellow Labradors. They are found in both show and field lines, so there is no likelihood that a yellow lab will weigh more. Other colors. Although not a recognized color, red fox labs are generally American, field-type labs. What Is an Ideal Lab Weight? Muscle weighs more than fat does by volume. Body condition and general health determines what your lab should weigh. Labrador retrievers usually reach their full height between nine and 12 months of age. There are nine different levels that are measured. And you gently palpate the dog to feel how much fat covers those areas. In the first three levels of the chart, a dog is determined to be too thin. Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones are prominent. And there may even be muscle wasting. There is no to little discernible body fat. And there is an obvious waist and abdominal tuck. In the ideal range, levels four to five, ribs are palpable without excess fat. The waist is easily noted when viewed from above. And there is an evident abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. In the last four levels of body condition, steps six to nine, the dog is too heavy. And the dog has a discernible but not prominent waist when viewed from above and an apparent tummy tuck when viewed from the side. The last three steps range from the ribs barely being palpable to massive fat deposits over the body with no abdominal tuck and even abdominal distension. So you really need to determine where your dog is along this scale. If in doubt, check with your vet to determine whether your lab is an appropriate weight for his age, size, and activity level. So expect them to keep weighing more during that period. Factors regarding how large a lab will get include: Genetics. Generally larger parents and lineage means larger lab puppies. Paw size. Of course, as a lab gets older, he should grow. During the first six months, a lab has rapid rate increases, including growth spurts. On average, a puppy will gain about two or so pounds per week. So a five-week-old puppy will be about 10 pounds and a week-old puppy around 26 pounds. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Also the last meal of the day is several hours before bed time. The principles are the same. How much should my 9 week old puppy weigh? Your best guide to whether or not your puppy is growing properly is how he behaves and feels, rather than what the scales say. As a rough guide, many 9 week old lab puppies will weigh between lbs or a couple of pounds either side of this. Check out our puppy growth FAQ for more information. Puppy weights may also vary quite considerably between the two different types of Labrador field and show and even between individuals from the same litter. Potty training a 9 week old puppy Nine weeks is often the point at which people start to worry about potty training progress, or rather, lack of it. Perhaps you are taking your Labrador puppy outside after every meal, and every time he wakes up, but he is still making puddles all over the house. So what is going on? Nine week old pups have very poor bladder control, and short memories. He is still very much a baby and will need your help in this department for some time to come. Your role is to restrict his access to areas where mistakes are most likely to happen, through the use of baby gates or some other kind of temporary barrier. You will also need to take him outside before his bladder is over flowing which might be every twenty minutes at certain times of the day and to generally ensure that every wee goes in the right place. Check out our complete guide to potty training for more information. This is such a common concern, and often arises for the first time at about nine weeks. The puppy is settled in his new home, his shyness has worn off, his confidence is back, and he is ready for some fun. Concerns arise, simply because most people do not realise just how ferocious Labrador puppies seem when they play. Puppies bite hard and make a lot of noise and this is usually quite normal. Check out this article on puppy aggression to reassure yourself that you have not bought a vicious wild animal into your home. How much to feed a 9 week old puppy Many puppies, especially Lab puppies, are very greedy and wolf down every morsel you provide for them. Puppies like this will eat far more than they need and quickly become obese if you let them decide on quantities. You also need to bear in mind that every brand of puppy food is different. You can then add a little more to each meal if the puppy is not gaining weight steadily, or reduce the meals a tiny bit if he is getting too plump. However, if your puppy normally eats heartily and suddenly goes off his food, all food, then he may be unwell. Have a chat with your vet if you are concerned, especially if your puppy misses more than one meal. On the other hand, if he is quite happy to eat an alternative menu, the chances are he is simply exercising his right to an opinion. I strongly recommend you ignore this, and simply take his bowl away. You can offer the same meal later when the puppy is more hungry. If you are interested in feeding your puppy on a more natural diet, you may enjoy our guide to raw feeding: Raw feeding for dogs. And provided that you use modern methods, which are great fun for dogs of all ages. Fortunately this is not a problem at all, because a nine week old puppy does not need a walk. What he needs is space to trot about and play. And your yard or garden is probably suitable for this. So, you have all the time in the world, in which to introduce your puppy to his collar and lead. Let him wear a collar for a short while each day. Clip the lead on from time to time and let it trail. Distract him with food and cuddles. Occasionally pick up the end and encourage him to follow you. Just drop your email address into the box below: Socializing your 9 week old puppy We have known for several decades that puppies need to be exposed to different types of experiences before they are three months old , in order to become confident and fearless. Yet far too many puppies are kept at home, away from the world in those important first few weeks. Socialization is all about raising a friendly confident dog, and proper socialization helps to avoid problems like fearfulness and aggression. That means taking your puppy to lots of different places, carrying them in your arms or a carrier, to avoid contact with potential sources of infection. Enrolling your puppy in a well-supervised, modern force free training class can be a great way of building social confidence too. Studies have shown that puppies enrolled in classes before 20 weeks of age are less likely to be fearful than puppies kept at home. The same goes for houses you regularly visit with only dogs that you are confident have been recently vaccinated. Leaving a 9 week old puppy alone during the day is not a good idea. At this stage of their life they have only been in your home for a short time, and are still settling in. They need constant supervision for toilet training, and are probably still learning to be happy in their crate. Can I bathe my 9 week old puppy? But Labradors being Labradors, there is bound to come a point when you have a sticky or messy pup on your hands! Just use a gentle shampoo designed for puppies, and try to make the process fun for your little one. You might find the kitchen sink or a large plastic bowl is a lot less scary than the great big family bathtub.

TikTok Bring a little chaos into your life. Here at Chaos Corner we are dedicated to raising well socialized and loved bulldogs who will make a great addition to your family. Our puppies are raised around kids on our small family farm outside of Iowa City, Iowa. We understand that adding a puppy into your life is a big decision. We want to be here to answer any questions you might have and help aid you in this process in any way we can. Please feel free to contact us! Process for adding a puppy to your family. Read and understand our health guarantee. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions! Meet your potential new family member via FaceTime or video chat. Place a deposit for the puppy you are interested in. A majority of our puppies should be ready for their new homes at 8 weeks of age. Our Health Guarantee Our puppies come with a health guarantee for your peace of mind. Please click on our health guarantee tab above, read it over, and ask questions if you have any. We cannot guarantee a puppy will be available for purchase at 8 weeks of age unless a deposit has been received on that puppy. The deposit is non refundable unless your puppy meets with an accident of any type while in our care. Should this happen you will receive an option for a replacement puppy or a full deposit refund. We require 10 business days for proof that the check is cleared. This deposit option is only available for puppies 6 weeks and younger. If meeting is not an option, we prefer ground transportation and have a trusted service we can recommend to you. You also have the option to fly into the Cedar Rapids or Des Moines airport to fly back home with your puppy. There is an option of a flight nanny if you choose to contact someone providing those services. About Chaos Corner Bulldogs is dedicated to raising loved and well socialized dogs who will make a great addition to your family. Get in Touch Reach out to us with any questions you might have or if you are interested in beginning the puppy purchasing process. Things to do with your English Bulldog Iowa is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Iowa that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Iowa that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Iowa, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Iowa, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Iowa, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Iowa, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Iowa has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Iowa. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Iowa is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Iowa? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T.

Have a great suggestion for a Boxer name? Then you came to the right place! This section is strictly for Boxer names, Most of these names have been submitted by owners who have thought of fantastic names for their own dogs! The name that you choose is important.You will be saying it 10's of 's of times! You want the name to fit your puppy or dog.What do we mean? Well, studies have shown that canines respond most to the 1st syllable in words. For example, if you say to your puppy, "Sit down right now", that pup is going to pay the most attention to the "Si" sound.He or she, when well trained, will recognize the "si" in "sit down right now" as the cue to do as you are asking. Therefore, an owner does not want to choose a name that has the same first syllable as words that they would commonly use on a daily basis. For example, most owners will be saying "No" quite a bit, especially when training. Therefore, one may not want to choose a Boxer dog name that sounds similar.You can register you Boxer dog with up to 5 words with the AKC however do keep in mind that he or she will most likely only respond to the first word. For example, you can name your male Boxer: Sir Prince of Persia, but if you were to use that long name all of the time, your dog will usually only pay attention to the "Sir" or at the very most beginning sounds of "Sir Prin" So have a look at this exclusive list and use the Suggestion Box if you have a name you wish to add! Boxer Names that start with the letter A Abigail. With our best fur friends by our side, we live more in the moment. Big White Dog Photography helps you turn the moments of your adventures throughout Spokane and North Idaho into epic portraits and magical memories. Do you need a kickass adventure? We can hit the trails, go paddleboarding or find an amazing view. Take me on your adventure anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Travel fees may apply. If you need an end-of-life session, you take priority on my calendar. I am a twice-certified grief coach and a pet loss grief companion, ready to support you. Bring the adventure home Adventures are made infinitely better with a dog next to us. Big White Dog Photography documents your journey together with kickass images that leap off the walls of your home. Dogs doing dog things in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene You and your dog are badasses. Your adventures are epic. The artwork in your home should be, too. Just no. Oh my dog, no. Tell your story your way Big White Dog Photography specializes in telling the amazing story of you and your dog doing dog things in the Inland Northwest. Together we create an incredible experience for you and your dog at a gorgeous location around Spokane, Washington, and North Idaho. We are surrounded by beautiful parks, scenery and landscapes that serve as the perfect backdrop for the adventures you share with your best fur friend. We turn your fantastic memories into incredible art, keepsakes and decor for your home. Adventure Day Session We can go for a walk in the park or a hike in the hills. Angela is in a league of her own and we were lucky to work with her! She is professional, genuinely kind, and a blast to work with.

The Cocker Spaniel may also experience hip and elbow dysplasia like the Golden Retriever. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Keep in mind that the following information is based on its parent breeds. These are all predictions that vary from case to case depending on genetic makeup. In terms of physical appearance, the Cocker Spaniel comes in a variety of coat colors, so the forever puppy may not always be golden. It could be a mix of blue, black, brown, and white. The ideal attributes a Golden Cocker Retriever should have is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than the Golden Retriever. We can predict the height of the Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix will range from 20 to 24 inches 51 — 61 cm. As we mentioned above its weight will range from 30 to 45 pounds 13 — 20 kg. The health concerns of a Golden Cocker Retriever are also based on its parents. Both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are capable of experiencing seizures associated with epilepsy and hip and elbow dysplasia. On the Cocker Spaniel side, however, you have more serious illnesses to worry about like glaucoma and cancerous tumors. On the bright side, both parent breeds have a good life expectancy, so your Golden Cocker Retriever will live a long and happy life of at least 10 years! Want to see how this mix grows up? For owners who really want a teacup-sized Golden Cocker Retriever, there are some toy ones on the market. And then you mix it once again with Cocker Spaniel to get an even smaller dog. A dog with dwarfism may look cute and small but it causes them a lot of pain throughout their entire lives. The height of a standard Goldendoodle reaches 20 inches 50 cm. The weight ranges from 50 — 90 pounds 22 — 40 kg. Additionally, the coat of a Goldendoodle will be much curlier than the Golden Cocker Retriever thanks to its Poodle parent breed. Before buying one, consider if a Golden Cocker Retriever is your best match in the long run. How will this dog fit into your daily schedule and hobbies? Does This Mix Shed? Both parent breeds have long-haired coats that invite moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year. Do I Need A Backyard? Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. Purebred Golden Retrievers sometimes need two sessions. A fenced backyard or a playpen is also essential to keep your Golden Cocker Retriever from wandering off. Both parent breeds have a long history of being hunting dogs with a strong prey-drive. If your Golden Cocker Retriever sees or smells a small animal in the distance, it will run as quickly as it can to track it down. Dogs are just fine. For example, any sign of stubbornness or independence can lead to harder training. Start training as early as possible as puppies are easier to handle than adults. The temperament of a Golden Cocker Retriever should be: Happy. Golden Cocker Retrievers borrow traits from both of their parents, normally with a medium length golden coat, floppy ears and a smaller stature than the Golden Retriever. Friendly, intelligent and energetic making a great family dog that will want to be involved in all your daily activities. They also go by the name Dakota Sport Retriever. Size: The Golden Cocker Retriever stands from 14 to 19 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between pounds, though the average weight is pounds. Coat: Considered a long haired breed but they do shed less than the average Golden Retriever. The most prominent colour is gold, but can come in all colours and patterns. Character: The Golden Cocker Retriever loves water and to play fetch. They are playful outdoors and calm while inside. This breed is very gentle and loving. Temperament: A soft-tempered breed, people-oriented and forms strong bonds with their owners. Care: Should be brushed on a weekly basis and bathed when needed. Their ears can be trimmed twice a year to avoid matting. Training: The Golden Cocker Retriever has a strong desire to please and is not difficult to train. Activity: Loves to play and should be exercised on a daily basis. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel parents. The mixed breed does shed, so aim to brush the coat daily if possible, being on the lookout for any potential mats. Golden Cocker Retrievers usually have no problems getting along with kids. This is a gentle and playful mixed breed that will happily become play buddies with your children This is not a dog who does well being left alone for long periods of the day. But digging into the background of their parent breeds can tell you a lot about where the dog comes from. Developed in Scotland, the Golden Retriever has always been renowned for their high intelligence and ability to take on agility and obedience-based tasks. When it comes to the Cocker Spaniel, this breed comes from Spain where they began as a hunting dog with a special expertise at tracking down and startling fowl. The Golden Cocker Retriever has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 30 to 45 pounds and range in height from 20 to 24 inches. A total family dog, the mixed breed will quickly form loving bonds with the humans in their life—and will also very much want to be in on the act with any day-to-day tasks and activities. This is not a dog who does well being left alone for long periods of the day. Even better, at the end of a long day of healthy outdoor action, the dog will love to cuddle up together as you relax and recuperate on the couch. Golden Cocker Retrievers usually do great around children. Golden Cocker Retriever Health Golden Cocker Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. If you jog, bring the dog along! If you have access to a safe off-leash park, even better. If you have a safe fenced-in yard, add some interactive toys to the environment and let the breed explore and investigate. As with any dog who loves the outdoors, check that their nails are trimmed and in good shape, and examine the paw pads for any signs of damage. Doing this every two weeks should suffice. The coat is straight, medium in length, and usually described as being dense to the touch. The Golden Cocker Retriever does best in slightly warmer than usual weather. This is a gentle and playful mixed breed that will happily become play buddies with your children—just remember to make sure both parties are socialized correctly during the early days. In general, Golden Cocker Retrievers are fine around other household pets. But be sure the boundaries between the dog and existing household pets are laid down early. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Golden Cocker Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. However, you may want to try Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This lovable and playful dog is the perfect family dog and brings joy to any home with their cute looks and adorable nature. Because the Golden Cocker Retriever is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what kind of dog you are going to get — you never know what they will look like or what their temperament will really be. However, based on Golden Cocker Retrievers as we know them and taking a look at their parent breeds, we can make assumptions about this wonderful breed. Read on below to find out more about Golden Cocker Retrievers are whether they could be the right dog for you. Perfect for first time pet owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever is an active and intelligent dog, with both parents belonging to the sporting dog group classification. They are also known for being loyal and they love to play outside, too. Golden Retrievers originate from Scotland and were used as gun dogs to retrieve game that was shot down both on land and in water. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. The origin of the Golden Cocker Retriever was not widely documented and it is thought that this breed could be a designer breed that was created in the later s and the early s. Characteristics Of The Golden Cocker Retriever As we mentioned above, because the Golden Cocker Retriever is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what your pup might look like and what their temperament might be. However, we can guess based on past litters. Both of the parents — either a Golden Retriever or a Cocker Spaniel — can be the sire or the dam in this cross breed. This contributes to the varying size and appearance of many Golden Cocker Retrievers. Regardless of some of the finer details, this breed is known for being an intelligent and friendly breed. The litter size for a Golden Retriever mix can be anywhere between 4 to 12 puppies. This means that they are said to maintain the look of a puppy, even as they grow up. It can be difficult to know exactly when they reach their adult life, but it is estimated anywhere between months. Mental maturity can take up to three years. A Golden Cocker Retriever is normally smaller than a Golden Retriever and usually weighs around pounds and measures between inches. They are a medium sized breed and are broader than a Cocker Spaniel with a long, smooth coat, floppy ears and a head which is slightly bigger than a Spaniels. Coat The Golden Cocker Retriever coat is normally medium in length and is smooth. It will have some featured fringes around the legs, ears and stomach which will need to be brushed daily to prevent any matting. Some puppies inherit more genes from the Golden and therefore have a double coat, meaning the fur may be denser and require more thorough grooming. We will go into more detail about grooming your Golden Cocker Retriever dog later on. If the Cocker Spaniel parent is brown, black, white or merle, then this can be passed to the pup. Temperament The Golden Cocker Retriever is a loyal and loving dog and is the perfect companion. They have a natural playful instinct that makes them fun to be around, and they love to chase and run around. Both parents have a sporting background which means your Retriever will love to be outside playing with you. Because they are so friendly they can make the perfect playmate for older children, but know to gentle around younger children too. They will want to be with you at all times, so they are not the right pet to have if you are going to be out for hours at a time. They will do best in a busier household where they have people around for most of the day. Luckily, these dogs are easy to train and, most of the time, undesirable behaviors can be trained out of them. This can include barking as well as behaviors brought on by anxiety if they are left alone for too long. Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Golden Cocker Retriever is normally between 11 to 14 years. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Cataracts — you might suspect your dog has cataracts if they are constantly bumping into furniture. Cataracts can be cured with surgery. Hypothyroidism — this can be caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone and may produce signs that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness and lack of energy. It can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Daily Life We have covered what the temperament and the characteristics of the Golden Cocker Retriever are and how many of their traits depend on what they inherit from their parents. Now, we can take a look at what living with this dog is like. Luckily, no matter what features your Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel hybrid inherits from their parents, daily life with them is pretty much the same. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to confirm how much you should be feeding them based on their exact weight. Try to feed your Golden Cocker Retriever high-quality dog food two times a day. If possible, you should try to put them on food that is formulated for medium to large dog breeds, again based on their weight. Hybrids When you take a golden retriever and mix it with a cocker spaniel, the outcome is a truly adorable golden cocker retriever, also known as a Dakota sport retriever or a cogol. These hybrid dogs are called forever puppies because they maintain a puppy-like look to them even when they are fully grown. The golden cocker retriever is a hybrid or designer dog intentionally created to combine the best qualities of the cocker spaniel and the golden retriever together. The golden cocker retriever maintains the look of the golden retriever in a smaller package with longer hair. The golden cocker retriever is an excellent family dog, provided you can meet its needs. Read on to find out if the golden cocker retriever is the dog for you. Parentage Of The Golden Cocker Retriever When mixing two breeds together, like the golden retriever and the cocker spaniel, there is no guarantee of exactly how each puppy will look and behave in every litter. Understanding the history and personality of both parent breeds will also give you an idea of how your golden cocker retriever will behave later on in life as it develops its personality as an adult. The Golden Retriever The golden retriever as we know it today, originated in Scotland in the mid to late s and early s. The golden retriever was bred to be a sporting dog with a soft mouth. Its job was to chase down prey, usually waterfowl, after the owner had shot one down. Once the dog located the prey, it would gently pick it up in its mouth and bring it back to the owner. The area in which they had to do the retrieving was often marshy, so the dogs were bred to have warm coats and be excellent swimmers. For a more detailed look at how the golden retriever came to be, check out our dedicated article on their history. Golden retrievers are highly loyal, dedicated, easily trainable, and loving dogs. It is important to note the golden retriever is also very high energy and requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation. The Cocker Spaniel Cocker spaniels originated in Europe as sporting and hunting dogs. They were used to flush out birds from bushes and low lying brush for the hunter to shoot them down. There are many different types of spaniels, but the cocker spaniel was so named because that specific breed specialized in hunting woodcocks. Cocker spaniels were popularized by the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp and U. The cocker spaniel is an easily trainable dog who loves spending time with the family in all activities. However, they are high energy pups who require a lot of time and effort from their owners in order to stay happy. The Golden Cocker Retriever The golden cocker retriever takes on the best of both breeds and looks a lot like a shrunken version of the golden retriever with the long floppy ears of the cocker spaniel. The golden cocker retriever is a very high energy dog and will require a lot of energy from you as well. The golden cocker retriever stands at 20 to 24 inches and weighs 30 to 45 pounds on average. This makes them a medium-sized dog. They are inquisitive dogs who love being involved with their humans and their environment. Golden cocker retrievers are great dogs to have if you have children. They love the company and energy small children bring to the home and will get along with them very well. The golden cocker retriever is an intelligent dog which will require mental as well as physical stimulation from you in order to be happy. Trainability Thanks to both of the parent dogs, the golden retriever and the cocker spaniel, the golden cocker retriever takes to training very well. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy the effort it takes to learn tricks and tasks. Training should be consistent and based on positive reinforcement as the golden cocker retriever takes harsh words and negative punishment to heart. Health Concerns Golden cocker retrievers are a mixed breed, which means they have a wider genetic pool to draw from. This means they are genetically healthier than either of their purebred parents. However, because the golden retriever and cocker spaniel share some common health concerns, they can appear in the golden cocker retriever too. Be on the lookout for: Hip dysplasia Entropion eyelid condition Hypothyroidism Taking your golden cocker retriever to the vet every year for a check up and their vaccines is incredibly important. Prevention is always better than treatment. Your vet can catch small issues developing in the early stages and provide preventative care before the problem becomes life threatening or painful for your dog. The golden cocker retriever seems like an ideal medium-sized dog for any family. However there are some care needs you need to consider to determine if this is the dog for you or not. The golden cocker retriever is an incredibly high-energy dog. They require a minimum of an hour of exercise a day, preferably split over two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Physical exercise can take the form of play sessions with you, walks, going to the dog park, swimming time, hikes, obedience training, and playing fetch. If you have trained your golden cocker retriever well, taking them to an off-leash dog park and allowing them to run around and explore all the different sights and smells is an excellent way to stimulate them. Golden cocker retrievers need mental stimulation during the day, which is separate from their physical exercise. Toys, slow feeders , lick mats , snuffle mats , and puzzle games are all excellent options to boost their mental stimulation. The golden cocker retriever has a beautiful coat that sheds a lot thanks to the golden retriever and cocker spaniel parents. They will need to be brushed every second or third day depending on the individual dog. If your golden cocker retriever loves swimming, their coat will need to be dried and brushed after every swim. There are two different kinds of cocker spaniel , the American and the English. Both kinds can be crossed with a golden retriever to make a golden cocker retriever. The biggest difference between the two cocker spaniels is their size. The American breeders focused on producing small, sleek companion cocker spaniels, while the English breeders focused on breeding larger cocker spaniels with longer legs. Therefore, the English cocker spaniel is taller and slightly broader than the American cocker spaniel. Parent Breed. Goldadors are very social, intelligent, easy to train and are an excellent family companion. Our Goldadors can be anywhere from lbs. Country Retrievers With the many requests for Country Retrievers also known as Comfort Retrievers or Golden Cockers , we spent time researching the cross over the past 2 years. This year, in , we are excited to introduce our first Country Retriever puppies! Country Retrievers are a smaller version of the Golden Retriever, with the combined friendliness, loyalty, and sweet temperaments of both breeds. Throw in a dash of the comical, playful spirit of the Cocker Spaniel, and the Comfort Retriever is lovingly referred to as the Forever Puppy. Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family pets. They are playful but gentle with children. They get along well with other pets, and are friendly to family and strangers alike. The intelligent Golden Retriever is very versatile. They excel in obedience training. Our Golden Retrievers can weigh between 55 — 75 pounds. Cocker Spaniel The Cocker Spaniel is a very gentle, easy-going, yet lively companion. Cocker Spaniels love their people families, love to snuggle, play together, and give a good laugh with their antics. They repay the loving they receive in multiples of loyalty and affection. Our Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of colours and can weigh from pounds. Genetics play an important role in the health and longevity of your puppy, but environmental factors play a greater role. Things like over and under stimulation, exercise, quality of food, home environment, etc… greatly affect the health and lifespan of your puppy. The quality of the nutrition your puppy receives directly affects his health, so we strongly recommend that your pup is fed top quality dog food. To protect each dog from negative breeding experiences and puppy mill conditions, the signing of a non-breeding contract is required. Our entire business is made to ensure that no dog is kept in unethical, inhumane conditions, and we are careful in screening potential puppy families to ensure each puppy goes to the best possible home. Follow Us. If you love the amazing personality of a Golden Retriever and the small size and loyalty of a Cocker Spaniel, you may love a Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix. What do Golden Cocker Retrievers look like? These Golden Cocker Retrievers come in several sizes, colors and looks. They come in all the same coat colors as a normal Cocker Spaniel but commonly come in white, red, golden and tan. First generation cocker golden mix dogs have more floppy ears. When breeding a second and third generation, there is usually a higher percentage of Golden Retrievers in the mix. The golden retriever mixed with cocker spaniel puppies can often be referred to as "Miniature Golden Retrievers" or "Golden Minis". These puppies can look very much like a "Mini Golden Retriever" and have many of the same personality traits. When they are puppies you can see the Cocker Spaniel showing up in their eyes. They look almost angry, but it often fades with age. Here is a male Cocker Spaniel mix at 7 weeks old and again at 3 months old. The size depends on the parents of the puppies. In a first generation cocker spaniel golden retreiver mix you need to look at the size of the Golden Retriever used. The general rule of thumb is the puppies will be in between the sizes of both parents. However every now and again we see puppies that grow up to be bigger than both parents. To get a good idea of how much the puppies will weigh as a golden cocker retriever full grown we often use this weight chart predictor from thegoodypet. It has been the most accurate we have found to predict adult weight. Many people wonder if this mixed breed is a good family dog and easy to train. Yes, a Cocker Spaniel mix with Golden Retriever can make a great family pet. The Golden Cocker mix is a loyal and smart companion. They also are dogs that are easy to potty train. Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix puppies tend to be food driven so we often train with kibble instead of treats. Issues with a Golden Cocker Retriever mix? The most common problem I see in the Cocker Spaniel Golden mix is some litters are more mouthy. They nip at anything moving which sometimes includes hands. Most are not, but it does happen every now and again. Remember that Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to be working dogs that kept livestock together by nipping at their heels. They also love to chase moving objects which is fantastic if you like playing fetch with your puppy but can scare children that don't know how to behave around a puppy. Two purebred parents will have more of a Cocker Spaniel look. Make sure to ask what they expect the full grown Golden Cocker Retriever to weigh. It will only be an estimate and there are no guarantees but it is good to get an idea. Also ask what kind of health testing was done on the parents of the litter. We normally have Cocker Golden Retriever mix puppies available or coming soon. Check out our puppies HERE or fill out the form below and we will get back to you. First Name.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check with local veterinarians' offices, animal shelters, pet supply stores, and other area pet business for referrals to dog rescue organizations in your area. Contact one local dog rescue group for referral to other area groups. Some dog rescue groups work with all dogs, while others are breed-specific. Most rescues groups have established networks with other area rescues. The organization's website also provides links to rescue organizations. Although the majority of dogs looking for new homes through rescue groups are adults, sometimes rescue groups have puppies to place. Most German Shepherds looking for homes through rescue groups do not have papers. If registering your puppy is important, or if you intend to enter it into competitions, you will need its title papers and health records, so a rescued dog may not be right for you. Many dog rescues will require a thorough application process in order to assure that you will be a good fit for the dog. Be prepared to disclose your address and whether you own your home, as well as your employment status and your philosophy when it comes to raising a dog. You will want to make sure that the dog's temperament works well with you and your family. Ask whether you can get the dog checked out by your veterinarian. You will want your vet to check the dog's general health and for serious conditions, such as heart murmurs. Be sure to ask about the dog's health while the rescue has had it and if it is up to date on shots and healthcare. A good rescue should actually offer this information upfront. Get a history of the dog's healthcare up to that point. Has it had its first vaccination, had heart worm treatment, and parasite control? These should have all been done before the age when a puppy is adoptable. While many rescue organizations cannot tell you much about the dogs they place, because the dogs have been rescued off the street or they have been given up anonymously, sometimes they have a bit of information. Get all the information you can about the dog's past so that you can assess their general background and health. Dog rescue organizations are usually run on a shoe-string budget. While they depend mostly on volunteers, they do need funds to transport and care for dogs. Your adoption fee will most likely help to pay for the rescue of other dogs in the future. Final Thoughts How To Buy a German Shepherd When buying a German Shepherd, know what to look for in a reputable breeder, find a breeder specializing in German Shepherds, evaluate the breeder, consider the price and your budget, and choose the sex, type, color, and coat of the German Shepherd puppy. Checklist to buy a GSD 1. Know What To Look For in a Reputable Breeder The German Shepherd is a popular dog breed, and the growing demand for this breed has registered a corresponding growth in the number of breeders. But the increase in the number of breeders has also raised eyebrows about how some dog breeders meet their purpose. So, what should you look for in a German Shepherd breeder? When buying a German Shepherd, look for a breeder with experience and credibility. Check the litter and their living conditions. When researching how to buy a German Shepherd, the first thing to know is there are different types of breeders. While some people breed dogs with the good intention of providing healthy pets to those seeking to own a dog, others breed them with the primary purpose of profit-making and, in some cases, in deplorable conditions. Freedom from discomfort: the dog has a favorable environment for shelter that includes appropriate bedding, favorable temperatures, and extreme light and noise protection. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: the dog has the required vet visits for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, including recommended vaccinations and tests. Freedom to express normal behavior: the dog has enough space and facilities and can express it through stretching, jumping, running, and playing, and can interact with other dogs as desired. Freedom from fear and distress: the dog is treated in a manner that does not cause psychological stress. This could be done by avoiding overcrowding and providing overall safety. Dogs bred following these five freedoms will have a more enjoyable and successful life once placed in the care of an owner or family. Following these freedoms also distinguishes ethical breeders from unethical ones. As a prospective dog owner, you must acquire all the information that confirms your future pet has been bred following these five freedoms and, thus, by an ethical breeder. But how exactly do you find that breeder? I discuss some of the most reliable ways and others that will need you to do a more thorough search and breeder evaluation. National Kennel Clubs National kennel clubs are a reliable source of information for buying German Shepherds. You can access information on each listed dog regarding their age, sex, weight and height, personality, AKC DNA test number, energy level, shedding, and trainability, among other features and traits. Here, you can access the breed parent club website in this case, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and a breeder referral name where you can get help and information. Kennel clubs are resourceful when looking for a German Shepherd in other countries. In the UK, for example, the Kennel Club operates an Assured Breeder Scheme in which you can find a comprehensive and current list of Kennel Club Assured Breeders and other breeders with pedigree puppies. Only KC-registered puppies are advertised on the platform. So, you will find all the information you need about the particular breed you are interested in. In the US, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America has a Classified Ads section on their website where you can search through breeder and puppy ads to find what you are looking for. Also, the club advises that one of the best ways to find quality German Shepherd Puppies to buy is by contacting the German Shepherd regional breed clubs. The clubs have plenty of training, sporting, and dog show initiatives during the year. Some regional or state clubs provide services for GSD rescue and referral. For example, on the Treasure Coast German Shepherd Dog Club website, you will find information on breeder referral and rescue, and you can contact them by email to send details of your inquiry. Charitable Organizations Charitable organizations that deal with dogs carry out rescue, care, and rehoming services. They are optimal options for finding a German Shepherd when you want to rescue or adopt. There are plenty of German Shepherd charitable organizations that can provide reliable information on buying or adopting a German Shepherd Dog. On the Meet Our Dogs section of their website, you can search through available GSDs to determine if you would be interested in adopting. According to the organization, their adoption fees are extremely low and will not cover half of the costs incurred on the rescued GSDs. Dog Blogs and Websites Outbound links that direct you to GSD breeders or puppies for sale on blogs and websites are also options. As with the Google search, you also need to evaluate the reliability of the linked breeder and the quality of the German Shepherd puppy using the ethical breeder guidelines. Consult Vets, Groomers, Trainers, and Owners Veterinarians, groomers, and trainers are experts in their own right — considering that they interact with German Shepherds on a day-to-day basis. They may also work for breeders and will, therefore, know which ones have high breeding standards. German Shepherd owners who have a positive experience buying their pet from a reliable breeder would also be dependable sources of information on where to buy a GSD. In all cases, ensure that there is no conflict of interest with people advocating for breeders on other factors rather than quality. You should now evaluate the breeder on various breeding issues before buying a German Shepherd. Evaluate The Breeder To make out if a breeder is ethical , observe their environment and question them about the following breeding aspects: Experience in breeding German Shepherds: Enquire if the breeder has been in the breeding career for long or just starting. Those who have been in the breeding practice for a long time will explain their experience with instances of success and give you verifiable examples of people they have sold German Shepherds to. Breeder credibility: It is expected that a credible breeder will be registered with the national kennel club and be a member of local or national breed clubs. Bloodline and dog health: Health conditions and genetic defects are easily passed on through the bloodline. Enquire whether the parents are registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA and if the litter has had its first round of vaccinations seek specific details about the vaccinations. Also, check to see if they have been dewormed. Learn More on How To Choose a German Shepherd Breeder… Choosing a GSD Breeder: HOW TO Breed temperament: Enquire about the typical traits of the breed to find out if the breed will be good for your family context, whether your newly acquired GSD will be good with children or if the breed gets along with other dogs, and if it will do well in an apartment environment among other specifications. If you have done your homework, you will already know the answers to these questions — and so should the breeder! Dog appearance: Ask to see the entire litter and the parents. The general appearance of the German Shepherds should indicate that they are healthy and well-nurtured. The breeding space should not be smelly and unkempt, and the German Shepherds should not be crowded in small kennels. These negatives could be the first indications of a puppy mill. Also, enquire about the possibility of returning the German Shepherd should you be unable to keep him for any reason. While these aspects will give you the necessary information to weigh up the reliability of a breeder, it is expected that an ethical breeder wants the best for the dog they are selling you. They should ask questions to ensure that the dog is in good hands. These questions will single them out as ethical breeders and several other characteristics that show they care about their breed. Characteristics of Ethical German Shepherd Breeders When buying a German Shepherd, an ethical breeder will stand out in the following aspects: They will be knowledgeable about the German Shepherd breed. This will be manifested in their comprehensive knowledge of the breed standard, nutrition, exercise, temperament, and grooming. The ethical breeder will answer questions on any of these aspects precisely and without getting impatient with you. They will not sell you the German Shepherd puppy before they are eight weeks old. Puppies younger than that are still heavily dependent on their mother, and it would be too soon to separate them. Note, however, that the best age to bring home a puppy is at weeks. They will give you references. For example, reliable vets and other people who have bought puppies from them. They will also be ok referring you to other breeders for a comparative experience. They will ask you about your lifestyle and family. They want to ensure that the German Shepherd puppy is going to a loving and caring home. For example, the vaccines and tests that have been done. They will also give you specific details on training, nutrition, and vet care. They will be keen to guarantee the safety of the German Shepherd. By asking you to sign a contract, giving you tips on good care for the dog, promising to call to find out how the puppy is doing, and soliciting you to ask any questions, you might have, even after taking the puppy home. They will give you information to register the German Shepherd with the national kennel club and with other national and local breed clubs. While ethical breeders will stand out in these aspects, unethical breeders will show shortcomings in their care for the breed. Shortcomings of Unethical German Shepherd Breeders The most common representation of unethical dog breeders are those found in what is dubbed as puppy mills in the US or puppy farming in the UK and Australia. But backyard breeders are also considered part of this category of breeders. The breeder will be reluctant to show you their kennels and breeding facilities except for the puppy you are interested in. If breeders show you their kennels, you will notice that the dogs are enclosed in neglected and overcrowded kennels without enough space to sit, sleep, stand, or stretch. The breeder will not ask about you, your lifestyle, your family, or the reason you are interested in a German Shepherd Dog. The litter and their parents will appear malnourished, indicating they have scanty access to healthy food and fresh water. The dams may be continuously bred at the expense of their health. The puppies will be taken away from their mothers early, often before they are six weeks old. The breeder may not have the patience to answer your questions about their breeding standards and the lineage of their dogs. Both puppies and adult dogs may show signs of disordered behavior, such as fear of the breeder, a sign they may be maltreated. Consider The Price and Your Budget When you think of buying a German Shepherd, the buying price is one of the key aspects you should consider. So, how deep will you need to dig into your pocket to bring your GSD puppy home? What is the price of a German Shepherd? Prices are determined by lineage, litter size, color, breeder qualifications, breeding costs, and location. Puppies with the highest prices are from a top pedigree or are show quality. My in-depth article, How Much is a German Shepherd? Instead, if you go by breeder websites from a Google search, you will find a wide range of price differences. Alternatively, if you decide to adopt from rescue centers, you will certainly pay a lot less. These are extremely important because they take care of the specific characteristics you want to find in your new puppy. Show, Working, or Companion German Shepherd? Being clear about why you want to own a German Shepherd is key in making the buying decision. This is also important so you can inform your breeder whether you are looking for a family dog, a competition, a show, or a guard dog. You can learn the differences between working line and show line GSDs in this article. Even though an entire litter will have the same bloodline, knowing the purpose of acquiring a dog will inform your choice to go for ethical breeders keen on issues related to health, temperament, and other traits that would be good to keep in mind when making a purchase. While Male and female German Shepherds are similar in many traits, they are also different in a number of them, which might affect your choice when buying. Consider what you want the dog for and your experience when determining whether to purchase a male or female German Shepherd. If you want a guard dog, go for a male because they are more dominant and aggressive. Please note, these are approximations as individual dogs will vary. Males will portray a masculine build as opposed to the delicate features of the female. Female GSDs will be in heat twice annually. If you do not intend to breed your pet, you should consider spaying her. Female GSDs live longer .These traits may not be vividly pronounced in young puppies, but it is important to bear them in mind. Whether you choose to buy a male or female pup will depend on your circumstances, such as experience, lifestyle, and purpose for the dog. You can check out this article, Male vs. Female German Shepherd. It has loads of info to help you decide which one will be best for you. Read more about the German Shepherd colors here. You may not be able to choose from the entire range of colors, but you know the extent of the variety that you can have. White German Shepherds are stunning-looking dogs, and if you are interested in this unique color, head over to my article all about the White German Shepherd. This is particularly important if you were looking for a show dog, as a white dog is disqualified from showing in many countries, and you will need to check the breed standard for your area. You will also need to decide on the German Shepherd coat and whether you want a standard coat length or the less common long-haired variety. Whatever you choose, German Shepherds are heavy shedders. Ask the breeder for a detailed list, and this will help in picking up the right and pure-bred German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts Buying a German Shepherd is a dream that many dog lovers have, but that may be hindered by a lack of information about important buying knowledge. To learn how to buy a German Shepherd, here is a summary of the key points: Consult national kennel clubs and national and regional breeder clubs to identify reliable breeders who are ethical, knowledgeable, and care about their dogs. Before purchasing, weigh up your buying choice on factors such as the sex of your German Shepherd, the coat color, traits, and the reason you are opting for the breed. Consider adopting a rescue dog where you can go to meet the dog and find out about his traits beforehand. Good luck with getting your quality German Shepherd, who I know you will treasure for many years to come! Related Posts You May Like:. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Where to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy There are several things you need to keep in mind when searching for your new German Shepherd puppy. Most importantly, you will want to buy from an ethical breeder. An ethical breeder is someone who is knowledgeable about the breed, active in German Shepherd groups, organized with specific questions and answers and is not associated with a puppy mill, which mass produces puppies for profit with no regard for their health and well-being. You will want to avoid at all costs an unethical person, organization, or place. They will say whatever they think you want to hear in order to convince you to buy from them, even if it is untrue or exaggerated. It may be hard to turn away from a puppy if you have already started dealing with a seller whom you realize is unethical. But keep in mind that any purchase from an unethical seller only encourages that person. Signs of an Ethical Breeder So, what exactly should you look for when you set out to vet a breeder? They try to match your personality: Reputable breeders care that their puppies are placed in the best homes for them. They want you to spay or neuter: Ethical breeders are very careful when they choose two parents to breed a litter. In order to ensure the continued health of the breed, as well as of the puppy itself some otherwise healthy dogs might have genetic traits that make breeding unwise or dangerous , they will ask that you agree to have the puppy neutered or spayed. They ask you to sign a contract: This contract may include a guarantee against health problems, as well as a clause that stipulates you need to notify the breeder if you find yourself unable to care for your dog any longer, among other things. They are lifelong learners: They are knowledgeable about diseases and genetic problems affecting German Shepherds, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. They keep themselves up-to-date on the latest information and treatments. There are also several things an ethical breeder might give you. These may include: Health documents: Many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip trouble prior to selling. Registration papers: Ethical breeders will have already registered with, or else will provide you with an application to register with, The American Kennel Club. Eating schedule: How much food has the breeder been feeding their puppies? When do they feed the puppies, and what type of food do they use? A trustworthy breeder will be able to provide you with an eating schedule so that you can continue this important routine for your puppy uninterrupted. Signs of an Unethical Breeder On the other hand, an unethical breeder may: Be ignorant: They might know very little about the history of the German Shepherd breed. More importantly, they might be ignorant of ailments and genetic defects common to German Shepherds. They might deny that German Shepherds are prone to any afflictions at all, which is not true. Be uninvolved: Is your breeder a member of any dog clubs or associations? Are they active in any canine sports? Anyone who does not love the dogs they breed or sell should be avoided. Be evasive: Will your breeder let you see the puppies? Be disinterested in you: A reputable breeder will ask you lots of questions before agreeing to any sale see below. They may also be expecting many questions from you. The best thing to do is to weed out such unconscientious people as soon as possible. If you know what to look out for, you might save yourself time and headaches. Be wary of any ads that: Cite American Kennel Club registration as a bonus: Reputable breeders will provide you with AKC papers or an application automatically. There is nothing special about a breeder who touts themself as having AKC-registered pups. That is only what they should have. Anyone who boasts of AKC registration may be trying to prey on ignorant buyers who are impressed by the mention of an official-sounding organization. Extra large! Best to stay away altogether. Tell you that you can meet both of the parents: This one is a little tricky, but worth mentioning. It is unlikely that a breeder will have both the perfect sire and the perfect dam in their own kennels. There might be an understandable explanation, however. If nothing else in the ad alarms you, it might be worth contacting the breeder and asking. If you receive them, move on. How to Find an Ethical Breeder Now you know the signs and what to avoid, but where do you begin to look for the right seller? Start with whom you know: Reaching out to trusted members of your own network is one of the best places to begin. Talk to dog-owning members of your circle to learn how they found their pups and ask if they have any advice. Even if they themselves are not German Shepherd owners, they might have helpful tips or know someone who does. Cold-calling a veterinarian who has not been recommended is not a good idea, but a vet trusted by someone close to you is more likely to be reputable and may know ethical breeders. Visit a dog show: Many conscientious breeders raise German Shepherds who become show dogs. If a dog is a show dog, odds are, its owner takes good care of it. After all, these dogs are being judged as the best-of-the-best. Attending a dog show as an audience member will give you the opportunity to see for yourself how the breeder interacts with their dog. You can get a feel for how they treat their animals before making contact. Filter by state and then scroll until you find one who breeds German Shepherds. Places to Avoid It may go without saying, but Craigslist should not be part of your search. Unfortunately, many puppies listed on the site are part of puppy mills, which you should never, ever support with your money. The same holds true for pet stores. Finally, stay away from any websites that offer to ship you a dog inexpensively. The next step is getting to know this person and their German Shepherds better, so you can take home the perfect pup for you. When you meet a breeder, you will want to ask them: Have You Tested the Puppy? As noted above, many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia and should be able to provide you with a report from the OFA, SV, or PennHIP. The only way to know for certain that a puppy is healthy is to have it tested. A puppy will need a few rounds of shots, but it should have had its first round before it goes home with you. A German Shepherd puppy should have specific vaccinations by a certain age. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available. German Shepherds are highly intelligent, loyal and loving. For example, shepherds require consistent mental and physical exercise and prefer not to spend long hours alone. If you travel regularly, a shepherd might not be the best breed for you. Additionally, German shepherd puppies require consistent socialization early on and throughout their lives. This ensures problem behaviors do not have a chance to develop. In other words, buying a German Shepherd requires commitment on the part of the owner. Yet, that commitment pays off in years of loving and loyal companionship. Are you considering adding a German Shepherd to the family? Experienced GS breeders have in-depth knowledge of the breed and are committed to producing top quality pups. Like all purebreds, German shepherds are prone to genetic disorders. Shepherds, for example, are at a high risk for hip dysplasia. Ultimately, choose a breeder that you can trust, that has references and a clean facility, and that has years of experiencing breeding German shepherds. Problems arise when shepherds do not have an outlet for their intelligence. Fortunately, training and regular physical and mental exercise will ensure your GS pup is happy and engaged. Start by having a training plan in place prior to purchasing a German Shepherd puppy. Obedience classes too can be a helpful bonding experience that will keep your puppy engaged and build trust. Additionally, plan to provide regular exercise for your dog. German shepherds love long walks and opportunities to expend pent-up energy. Dog sports and agility classes are one choice for helping your shepherd burn some of that unused energy. Yet, German shepherds do not behave like this. They show loyalty to a particular person but are suspicious or indifferent to strangers. This shyness can develop into aggressive or territorial behaviors if the dog is not properly socialized. Be prepared to introduce your shepherd to different situations, people and other animals as a puppy and continually throughout its life. In fact, some experts recommend introducing your GS puppy to up to new people and 50 different locations within the first 12 weeks of life. A German shepherd that has not been properly socialized may wrongly assume a delivery man or lawn mower is a threat. Yet, that hard work pay offs; shepherd puppies provide years of loving companionship and serve as a loyal and devoted family members. But before you make the leap, make sure you understand the unique needs of the breed. First, choose a reliable German shepherd breeder with a track record of producing top quality dogs. Then, be prepared to provide consistent mental, physical and emotional stimulation throughout its life.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Shipping is available if you are not within driving distance. Welcome to North Georgia Labradoodles! We are a small family breeder of Labradoodles located in Northeast Georgia. We are a mother and daughter team and have been breeding top quality dogs for years. We aquired our first labradoodle in and fell head-over-heels in love with the Labradoodle temperment. We raise our sweet Labradoodles right here in our home where they can get the love and socialization that they need. Our dogs share our home, occupy our couches, our laps and our beds. Our dogs are not simply a business, they are cherished members of the family. We focus on raising beautiful, loving, healthy, intelligent, allergy and asthma-friendly companions for you and your family. All puppies are raised in our home with individual love and socialization. Our parents are health tested and our puppies come with a one year health guarantee. North Georgia Labradoodles breeds standard-sized, multi-generational Labradoodles. Our puppies are bred for temperament, health, personality and — of course — looks! Yes, these puppies are incredibly adorable, but beauty is not the only thing that makes them special. Their cuteness, combined with their inherent intelligence and gentle temperament, makes these puppies completely irresistible. We think that starts with the parents. We health test before choosing our breeding dogs to ensure the healthiest puppies possible. We test using PawPrint Genetics. Click below to view the testing and results. That means we health test our dogs to the highest standards offered by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America and abide by their code of ethics, as well as our own. We hand raise our puppies in our home as part of our family. They are well socialized with children, our cats, and various other pets. Our puppies health and happiness are of utmost importance to us and we strive to place them in wonderful forever families that will provide them with love, training, exercise and socialization to ensure a lifetime of happiness for all. Our 3rd party temperament testing helps greatly with this process. We operate on Kingdom principles meaning we operate out of love and integrity and stand by our genetic health guarantee and are here for a lifetime of support for your and your new puppy. We are honored to serve by placing quality companion puppies in your home. Each pedigree submitted is researched and verified to ensure authenticity and health testing. The Australian Labradoodle has been bred for generations back for temperament, health, structure, and coat quality. Click here for current puppy pictures and pictures from previous litters. Mini and Medium Pups available for June and July pick-up! This helps us match your family with a puppy that best suits your lifestyle. Our puppies are a part of our family and the health and maintenance over their lifetime mean a lot to us. So much attention to detail and every decision made and guidelines strictly followed, all with the end result in mind of creating the highest quality labradoodles on the planet. Weirdest coolest thing ever when you have never had one of your pups. We had airedales — opposite of Jia- aloof as can be. Reads you, knows you; you read her; you know her. Total human in dog form. Best thing ever! You have a gift of breeding the best tempered companions, and companions are vital on all the twists and turns that life brings. I fully believe you took something God planted in your heart and honored Him. So grateful we were lucky enough to have one. You have been faithful to Him in this calling, and I know He who promised is faithful to you! Labradoodles are not only endearing and full of personality, but they also offer a host of benefits that make them the ideal choice for those new to dog ownership. Easy to Train Labradoodles are known for their intelligence.Read more » Continue Reading.This is great advice, as crate training your Labradoodle early will make things easier as they get older. Health Tested. What does that even mean? One of the biggest parts of being a reputable breeder is health testing. While yearly vet checkups are important there is so much more that goes into making sure.Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? When you adopt a puppy, no matter what they of puppy they are they will need to be trained. As such, many to-be-dog owners look to see if their particular breed is easy to train before they plan on adopting. You may have fallen in love with the adorable face and curls of the Labradoodle, Visitors, treats, decorations, and more can all cause stress and harm to our Labradoodles. We want our four-legged friends to enjoy Halloween as much as we do, so make sure you follow these Halloween safety tips for Labradoodles. Hide away the candy.Our Labradoodles, however, will feel the heat even more so than we do. So, what can we do to keep our Labradoodles safe and healthy.Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Labradoodles are a wonderful breed. Read on to learn more. However, reality is a bit.In fact, they have three! If you just adopted a labradoodle puppy, they could have a fleece, wool, or hair coat. Below we explain the qualities and characteristics of all three. Fleece A fleece coat is soft and easy to manage. Thanks to its.How to Exercise Your Labradoodle Labradoodles can live a long time, up to 16 years on average. However, to ensure you spend as many years as possible with your Labradoodle, you need to take care of its health. That means feeding them well and exercising your pup regularly. But each breed of dog has different exercise requirements, so how can.But have no fear. Here are.Doodle Grooming Warning…this is going to be long and I am not a professional by any means but I have experience with grooming all our doodles! Grooming is key in the life of your doodle! I think of grooming as a bonding time between me and my dog. The goal is to start young so they.Hazel's Story How we came to get Hazel is a crazy story. If you have been following us for a while you may remember my first female poodle Sophie black and white. She failed her health testing so per her health guarantee we would get a replacement puppy. Her breeder rarely has litters but by chance had some.You can breed many generations F1, F1b, multi-generational but no matter what the results are essentially the same. There is no breed standard so.I want the best for my dogs nutritionally, health wise, life wise, and improving our breeding program. Everyone had great things to say about it.Our original start: Have you ever wondered how we chose our name? The C comes from my name Casey and the.She is an English Cream Golden Retriever and we are completely in love. With our decision to retire Bella we decided to go ahead and start looking for our next mama. After much thought we decided that we wanted to looking into adding Goldendoodles.Hybrid Vigor…. Did you know that with a crossbred dog you get added benefits? I had read about hybrid vigor when I was researching at our start. Then in college it is something we talk about regularly in all of my livestock production classes as a way of bettering our herds. Our Nursery Phase I…. We must always be willing to change things and discover.Picture Perfect…. One of my favorite things to do is take pictures of the puppies. I just want to give a little insight into what all.There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…a time to weep and a time to laugh. Ecclesiastes We experienced both of these seasons in a short time. My papa passed away on a Sunday and the next.Choosing Our Dogs…. If you have ever purchased a dog you might know how long of a process choosing the right one can be. Just like many of the people who have purchased from us have said they have searched for maybe months or years for a reputable breeder before us, we also have been through the same.Bella was our first baby. From there it all.Contact Us. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Commerce Georgia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We breed multigenerational Australian Labradoodles and American Labradoodles. Our goal is producing loving Australian Labradoodle puppies and American Labradoodle puppies to add to your family: with hypo allergenic qualities, beautiful wavy fleeces and curles and exceptionally smart. A smart dog is a happy dog, they are easily trained which adds to the enjoyment of your new family member. We have chocolate Australian labradoodle puppies for sale, chocolate parti Australian labradoodle puppies for sale merle Australian labradoodle puppies for sale and many other color Australian labradoodles for sale. Our puppies will be smart like their parents who know both hand signals as well as voice commands. Many of our past puppies have become service dogs for Epileptic Seizure Services, Hospice Services, and other Service related settings. Why do our dogs make such Great Service Dog Candidates, our wonderful Rocky passes his wonderful calm demeanor to all of his puppies. Also, many people love the look of our Merle labradoodles - They are absolutely stunning. We tend to have clients in the Chattanooga, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama areas that have a found interest in our Miniature Australian Labradoodles and clients in Florida are particularly interested in our Merle Australian Labradoodles. Of course clients in Dallas Texas and parts of Illinois have added our Standard size Australian Labradoodles to there households. Whether clients are on vacation or simply enjoying the local park, It's exciting when we hear reports from our owners that they ran into another Australian Labradoodle that turns out to be a Lord and Lady Labradoodle all over the country. And clients never cease to tell stories of how people they meet rant and rave over there Lord and Lady Australian Labradoodle. Serving Atlanta and the South East for 12 years! The Australian Labradoodle is different from all other labradoodles In the mids, The Australian Guide Dog Association received an inquiry from a blind lady requesting a guide dog that would not cause her allergies to flare. To achieve a hypoallergenic dog they needed to breed their proven Labradors to a dog that was already non-shedding, hence the Standard Poodle. The resulting Labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other, continuing the multi-generational tradition without ever having to go back to the parent breed of the Labrador or Poodle. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred on for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle, as the attributes of the infused breeds were not included in their ancestry. We have also produced many therapy and service dogs in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Our puppies are birthed in our home and raised in our acre farm in the suburbs of Atlanta. Labradoodle puppies for adoption Atlanta Georgia. Australian Labradoodles near me Thank you to all of our Families.

Categories Dog Fun , Dog Training Pugs are small charming yet affectionate dogs with a pinch of mischief. They can be quirky, but their playful personalities are hard to resist. Pugs can swim and will instinctively dog paddle when put in water. Due to their short snouts and flat face, Pugs may have a more difficult time breathing with their heads tilted up in the swimming position. For this reason, they should always use a life vest when swimming in water. There are plenty of videos of quick-swimming Pugs on the internet. However, most Pugs do not enjoy being in water. However, these dogs were literally bred to swim by retrieving game from water. On the other hand, you have bulldog-type breeds, such as the Pug, who have a much more difficult time in water. So why is it that Pugs struggle with swimming, while other dogs excel? For the Pug, there are both physical and temperamental reasons why they may struggle. All of which, play a huge factor in their ability to swim. Dogs with these physical traits are called Brachycephalic dogs. Dog breeds with brachycephaly can potentially experience many health concerns thanks to the short nasal passage. In fact, breathing can become even harder in certain, unnatural positions. The genetic odds are stacked against them. With this physical characteristic, Pugs will need to tilt their heads upward while in the swimming motion. And as you can guess, swimming with a tilted head can make it more difficult to stay afloat. And, we tend to agree with them! After all, they were originally bred to be lap dogs for the Chinese elite. And according to Pet Helpful, they like to spend much of their day sleeping. They require relatively little physical activity compared to other dogs. Sloan would rather hang out on the couch than go for a swim always! Slow and short walks around the neighborhood work best. Sometimes even I struggle to swim for a prolonged period of time. Can you imagine dog paddling for 30 minutes? Pug Health UK recommends just one daily walk for a Pug. However, splitting it up into 2 short walks tend to work best with these dogs. Some Pugs will be more active than others. And if you do bring your Pug for a swim, make sure to give the dog many breaks in between sessions. Pugs have short legs with a long body In addition to the short snout, the body shape of the Pug is not ideal for swimming either. They have a relatively short set of legs and a barrel-shaped elongated body. Both of which, can hinder swimming in the Pug. For instance, Corgis have even shorter legs and a longer body. However, the difference is that Corgis have powerful legs that are needed to herd cattle and sheep. So unfortunately, without the power, the unusual body shape becomes a disadvantage for your Pug. Can Your Pug Swim? Not all Pugs have a difficult time swimming. So to really gauge how well these dogs do in water, we decided to survey real Pug owners. We asked this question in the Pug Subreddit and other online dog forums and gathered some answers. It was a scary sight and we never brought her again. Then he sank like a rock. Heh, I was there to save him in time. But he has somewhat learned to swim for short distances only. When were outside, he likes to jump in the pool when he gets hot. You should definitely consider getting a life vest. We let him swim for a few minutes at a time. In fact, there are plenty of capable pugs that love being in water. The key is to properly introduce them to water and swimming. If you want to swim with your Pug, it will require a lot of consistency and patience. Here are the best tips for getting your Pug to go for a swim and have fun! If anything, for peace of mind. Plus, it allows you to give them a little more freedom to roam around by themselves. We suggest getting a small or medium for your Pug. However, make sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing. Introducing Pugs to Water Perhaps the most crucial step is the introduction. If your Pug is scared of water, good luck trying to get them to go in it. And according to the AKC , the earlier you start this process, the better. You can do this by bribing them with treats and giving positive praises when they get inside. The second step is taking your dog to the exact spot he or she will be swimming at. From there, let your Pug sniff the water. If possible, you can try to get them to touch the water with their feet. If possible, find a sweet spot where the Pug can still stand up if needed. But because Pugs are relatively short dogs with short legs, it may be hard to do this in a pool. In this case, you may want to go to the shore of a nearby lake. By now, the life vest should be on your Pug. Along the way, always make sure to give high praises. Also, if your Pug has a favorite toy or enjoys playing fetch with a ball, make sure to bring it. Throw the ball out and in some cases, the Pug will go after it based on instinct and old habits. In this step, you just want them to get comfortable playing in the shallow end. The best way to get your dog into the deep end is to swim with your Pug. If your dog sees that its owner is enjoying the deep end, the dog will be more likely to join. You may need to get them more comfortable in the shallow end with a few more sessions. But if your Pug does join you in the deep end, make sure to give them high praise as encouragement. With these simple tips, your Pug will be swimming in no time. It may be difficult in the beginning, but persistence is key to successfully training your dog to swim. Posts you may like:. Do all dogs know how to swim without teaching them and are the chemicals in my pool bad for him? A: Hi Tony, great question. It is very important to be aware of water safety in regard to your Pug swimming, though it can be a fun summer activity. You do not mention how old your dog is; however one will want to be particularly careful with a small puppy. All Pugs will be able to swim purely out of a natural and inbred instinct. .This does not mean that a dog will enjoy it! Sadly, some dog owners simply throw their dog in, expecting that he or she will instantly know what to do and paddle around happily. In most cases, the dog will be swimming for his life, as adrenaline kicks in for him to survive. It is best to let your Pug get used to water in a pool where their are boundaries and you will be able to retrieve him easily should he swim away. The barrel shape of this breed does present more exertion to swim than some other breeds; however you will be the best judge to see if your dog enjoys the water and it will be your job to remain close in case he tires out too far from the edge. Your dog's first time in the water will affect their feelings toward this activity. Therefore how you introduce this concept is important. To prepare, be sure that: The water temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit .To make this an even better experience for your Pug try to: Have an older, experienced dog in the water with you if possible Floating toys that your dog may wish to swim to You may coach your Pug to join you or you may hold him or her as you enter slowly. Offer him plenty of time to adjust to this new sensation. If your Pug swims for shore or the edge of the pool or appears frightened, allow him to exit and then just let him watch for a while. You may then try again. Most dogs, when given a pleasant experience will continue on to love this method of fun and cooling off on a hot day. To keep your Pug safe: Take him out of the water before he appears to have tired himself out; if you wait until he shows signs of being worn out this can quickly turn into a dangerous situation where you are trying to pull out a Pug that is scared and resisting help due to panic. Supervise him at all times - Even those that learn to be pretty good swimmers also need to have an owner close by if not right beside them in the water Remember that even though a dog is in water, he still needs water to drink. Keep your Pug hydrated before and after any swimming Pools Regarding chemicals: Just as pool chemicals can irritate a person's skin, they will affect your Pug also. This breed has very sensitive eyes and skin. Limit the time to 5 or 10 minutes and evaluate if the chemicals have given rise to bloodshot eyes. If so, remove your dog. If your Pug seems to be able to tolerate the chlorine, you may add on 5 or 10 minutes each session in the pool. If irritation does occur, gently wash out your dog's eyes with fresh, clean water using a dropper. It is highly recommended to use chloride alternatives which will keep your pool just as clean without using elements that could cause reactions to your Pug's eyes or skin. At any rate, no matter where you are swimming with your dog, be sure to rinse your Pug off very well after you are done to remove all traces of chlorine. Possible hazards of allowing a Pug to swim in a pond or lake include: Blue-green Algae Cyanobacteria poisoning - Even very small exposure to this just a mouthful of water with this sort of algae can be fatal to dogs. Sings are vomiting, diarrhea , seizures, coma, shock, trouble breathing and even with treatment, it can be deadly. Liptosprirosis - This is a disease that is carried by the urine of wild animals. Most dogs are only vaccinated by this if deemed at risk; so a Pug will not be protected unless an owner asked for this inoculation specifically and the Pug is up-to-date on shots. Contracting a wide range of gastroenteritis related illness due to bacteria and pathogens in unclean, untreated water. Ears and Wrinkles Wet From Swimming Just like your Pug's ears and wrinkles will become soaked after a bath and need proper drying, this must be done after a swim session as well. After rinsing off your Pug and patting him dry, be sure to follow the grooming rules of swiping wrinkles with a Q-tip or canine facial wipes and dry the outer ear canals so that moisture does not remain as this can lead to an ear infection. Did you find this article helpful? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pug maintenance: what to do after a swim Can pug dogs swim? Yes, pugs can swim! Just like other dog breeds, pugs can enjoy water and doggy paddle like the best of them. That said, keep in mind that dogs, like people, have individual, personal preferences. So while some pugs might love the water and getting wet, others may prefer to keep their paws dry. Are pugs born knowing how to swim? Pugs, like all dogs, are born with a natural and inherent instinct to paddle in water. But, unfortunately, that doggy paddle may be the extent of their ability to swim. While some dogs think retrievers and settlers were born to swim, it may be difficult for some pugs to keep their head above water. For example, a dog who is thrown into the pool without warning will likely develop an understandable fear of water. That way, they associate water with fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pug has a good experience their first time in the water: Make sure the water temperature is comfortable — not too hot and not too cold! Be sure the area is clear of obstacles and debris. If possible, have other, more experienced dogs, in the water. Have toys and other fun items around that your pug enjoys. Go slow. Offer them time to adjust, and to familiarize themselves with the scene. Instead, do the following to teach your pug how to swim: Get a life jacket. This will ensure safety and that your pug floats, no matter how good or bad they are at doggy paddling. Encourage your dog to enter the water on their own. Giving your pug freedom, instead of forcing them in, will make them feel more secure. Let them enter at their own pace. Entice your dog to enter. Bring a toy or ball that they like. Start in shallow water. Let your dog start with just getting their paws wet. If possible, bring a friend. Use lots of praise and reinforcement. Reward your dog for going in the water or swimming. Show your dog the exit. Learning where to exit a body of water is just as important as learning where to enter. The barrel shape of a pug requires more exertion to swim than some other breeds, so your pug may tire out faster than you expect. Be patient. Move slowly, and take your time. If your pug is scared, let them sit back and watch. Spending time in the water can be great fun when done safely. Here are some tips for making sure you and your pug stay safe in the water: Water temperature: Make sure the water temperature plus the air temperature equals at least degrees Fahrenheit before letting your dog swim. This is when their tail will droop and no longer wag or lift up. They can also get hypothermia, which is even more serious. Pug age: Puppies are particularly sensitive to potentially dangerous pool conditions, like water temperature and poisoning. Water toxicity: Water can be toxic to dogs if they swallow too much of it while swimming. A common sign is throwing up after swimming. To avoid this, play with a flat, small toy, like a soft flying disc, and feed your dog dehydrated or freeze-dried treats to help absorb the excess water in their stomach. Algae: Lakes and ponds might contain blue-green algae, which can poison your dog. Even a very small exposure to this, like a mouthful of water, can be fatal. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Dehydration: Just like with humans, a long day in the sun and in the water can cause your pug to become dehydrated. DO have fresh, cool water around so your pug stays hydrated. DO use positive reinforcement. DO have a life jacket available, if your pug needs it.

AKC Quality Standard poodles in black, blue, apricot, cream and parti-colors located in Michigan Welcome to our website.Looking for a Great Family Companion from someone who has 25 years of experience with poodles? Rivers Edge Standard Poodles have been providing families with loving, loyal companions since .We "do things" with our Standard poodles for fun and at events. Our poodles are Our Companions First and it shows in their willingness to please. We have put numerous Obedience and Trick dog titles on our Standard Poodles. We have produced and personally titled a number of other retrievers for land and water. Margot enjoyed 14 years with us and Rene' 15 years and 9 months! We terribly miss these two but are so happy to have their kids, grandkids, great grandkids etc. Longevity is something we work towards with genetics and environment. We received notice of one of their pups making it to an awesome 17 years young! It's been typical for many of their offspring to live a wonderful long life of years.Rene' was the first of our many obedience titled dogs. Adorable, charming and hypoallergenic, poodles are widely popular pets for good reason. Their personalities are good-natured, playful and affectionate. They make great family companions, are gentle with kids and are esteemed for being incredibly loyal to their owners. At Rozey K9 Farm, we specialize in offering the best standard poodle puppies in Michigan. We specifically choose our adult dogs to ensure the best breeding standards. They come from top lines that have undergone extensive health testing, and are thoroughly health tested themselves. This ensures that our animals are up to the highest standards all the way from conception to joining a new home. Come to us for pups that are very intelligent, eager to please, friendly and loving. These puppies excel in obedience, rally, agility and conformation. They make excellent emotional support, therapy and service dogs, as well as loving family companions. Many of our poodles hold therapy titles! At Rozey K9 Farm, we strive to breed well-rounded puppies suited for multiple tasks. You can learn more about the breed and breed standards here. Finding the right Standard Poodle puppy can be extremely hard work. Rozey K9 Farm Poodles provides a peace of mind and reassurance of selecting and purchasing the perfect Standard Poodle puppy or Standard Poodle puppies from the comfort of your home or on a visit to our farm. We have a great reputation as top Standard Poodle dog breeders, and our individual Standard Poodle puppy for sale listings with photos and detailed descriptions will be sure to please you and answer many of your questions. As one of the reputable Standard Poodle dog breeders with puppies for sale we also offer a health guarantee. With many Standard Poodle puppies for sale and several Standard Poodle dog breeders, we know the selection is hard, but you're sure to find the perfect Standard Poodle puppy with us. Our puppy Price is for limited registration. Deposits are non-refundable. Full AKC Registration breeding and show rights contact us for an additional fee. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Most importantly, we breed to better the quality and to preserve the fabulous bloodlines of the poodle breed. Therefore, the quality of our standard poodles, moyen poodles, and miniature poodles is of the upmost importance to us. As a result of this, they all have wonderful, gentle, and friendly personalities. Therefore according to AKC standards our parents also meet and have great build and conformation. Because of these outstanding qualities, our standard poodles excel in AKC performance and many also hold therapy titles. Consequently, we are always working above and beyond to bring out the best in all of our poodles. Poodle Puppies Our top priority, here at Rozey's Michigan Poodles, located on the West side of Michigan, is the happiness and health of our puppies. We pride ourselves in raising poodle puppies of all sizes that make wonderful companions for you and your family. Each puppy leaves here ready for a lifetime of love and companionship with their new families. Our joy especially comes from seeing our puppies bring joy and happiness to their new homes. Your new puppy is hand-raised, above all, with much love, personal care, and attention. We raise our puppies with constant positive socialization and gentle handling from birth. We especially make sure that your new puppy will exceed all of your expectations. You will, indeed, not go wrong with one of our puppies. Call us today for your new furry family member. He and Emmy one of your choc labradoodles are best friends. We moved to a house with over an acre in Valparaiso, IN and they run and play all day long. Thank you for our beautiful dogs! Tweed is five months on Thursday and he weighs 23 pounds. Many people comment on how mature he is. And, now, that he is just passed Buttons in weight, people assume he is the older dog. He taught himself how to ring a bell to go out. My old dog, Percy, took months of direct training before he understood that ringing the bell was the signal to tell me he needed to go out to relieve himself. Buttons knew what it meant, but never used the bell after we lost Percy in the spring. Tweed showed curiosity about the bell. And, when he rings it, I take him out, and he always goes to the bathroom! He is so amazing and is very closely bonded with me and our special needs 3-year-old son. Thank you so much for our beautiful boy! Has been sleeping all night since his third night and loves being by the pool with the kids. He did great at the vet and enjoyed all of the attention. Thank you for him. Mila I just wanted to let you know how wonderful my Mila is. She is the absolute joy of my life. She is the most loving baby you could ask for. She loves the grandkids and all people in general. The groomer said she is the best poodle that she has. The vet's office staff took turns all day getting to spend time with her the day she was spade. Their words were that she was the sweetest puppy ever. Buying a puppy from you one was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Mila is a beautiful little girl. She is mischievous and stubborn, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Boy has time flown. We so enjoy her. She is such a good girl. Booker is just 6 mo. She is so good with him. She is very affectionate, cuddly, and smoochy. So different from Chloe. Chloe was stoic, and very well behaved, but not necessarily cuddly. Mocha is just the opposite. She loves to give affection and get it too. It is the highlight of her day I am sure. She is also a much smaller dog. While Chole was 62 lbs. Mocha is 42 lbs. Chloe would gobble her food, Mocha, nibbles at hers. Mocha, I can leave food out and she just takes what she wants. I gave her a tiny piece of that corn bread. We do not feed her any people food at all. Chloe begged for it. Mocha could care less. You produced another winning Poodle. We are so happy we have her! Here, our dogs enjoy the fresh country air and open spaces with us. Contact us today, for more information on our poodle puppies for sale in Michigan and on how to add a wonderful puppy to your home. Call us at .We will surely be able to fulfill your request for the perfect puppy. State Inspected. Reputable Poodle breeders in Michigan limit the number of litters their dogs produce every year. Breeders should get their dogs tested for congenital health issues. This process allows them to breed without worrying about future litters inheriting breed-specific diseases. The best breeders in the state should have plenty of knowledge about Poodles to help new owners prepare for life with their new puppy. Poodle breeders prioritize placing their puppies in appropriate homes by reviewing every application submitted by interested buyers. Poodle Puppies in Michigan Poodles are a popular dog breed that many people across Michigan and the United States love. Their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic temperament make them great for families with kids. Their curly, low-shedding coat comes in several solid and patterned coat colors. Poodles need regular grooming, so you should brush them daily and take them to a professional groomer every six weeks. Many Poodle breeders get their puppies accustomed to grooming at an early age. Poodles come in several size types : Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Some breeders offer Moyen Poodle puppies, a medium-sized variant developed from smaller Standard-sized Poodles. Most Poodles live about 12 to 15 years without major health complications. Although many people keep Poodles as show dogs or family pets, others use them as therapy dogs or hunting dogs because of their trainability. Conclusion Finding reputable Poodle breeders in Michigan can be daunting to some first-time dog owners. Thankfully, many of them throughout the state prioritize the health and safety of their puppies to ensure that they find perfect, loving homes. Similar Posts.