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Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Labradors are generally available in three distinct hues: black, yellow, and chocolate. After seeing a white Labrador, I thought the white color was absolutely gorgeous! I started researching them, only to find out how expensive they are, and began wondering why that is the case. White Labs are so expensive because they are uncommon and in high demand. You can expect to pay a premium price for a white Lab puppy. There are a handful of factors that lead to the high cost of white Labs. Additionally, there are such things as Albino Labs, and you should know the differences between them and regular white Labs. In this article Reasons For White Labs Being Expensive There are a handful of reasons why white Labradors are so expensive; more so than the more common black, yellow, and chocolate coats. Once you understand them, it is up to you to decide whether targeting that beautiful white coat is worth it or not. Here are some of the reasons why white Labradors cost more than other Labrador puppies. These dogs are identical to all other Labs, but their parents had the genes necessary to produce fur that appears white. However, a yellow Labrador litter cannot ensure white Labrador pups, which contributes to their rarity, and helps explain why white Labradors are so expensive - they are difficult to come by! Albino Labradors are entirely white Labradors. However, the odds of breeding one are slim. Albino Labs are white-haired and have pale skin. They may also have red eyes, but some albinos retain some pigmentation and have pale blue eyes. Albinism results from a gene that disables coloration, and it is an uncommon condition in dogs. It is not a desirable feature because of the associated health issues. Fortunately, a white Labrador is virtually never an albino Labrador. While this may occur randomly, some breeders have a standardized method for doing this. However, this procedure is costly and time-consuming. Breeders must first buy testing kits to determine the breeding dogs' genes. The canine gene pool contains just two primary color pigments. Therefore, breeders must test dogs continually until two with a sufficient level of Pheomelanin are identified. Even then, no assurance exists that the Labrador puppies will be white. This procedure can take months of trial and error. A Labrador's price reflects the efforts of the breeder in bringing you a healthy puppy. Today, white dogs are becoming more popular , creating a niche demand for a relatively uncommon variation. Unfortunately, as a consequence of their specialized appeal, white Labradors are very costly. White Labradors are also excellent companions and working dogs. And, as with most Labrador Retrievers, White Labs are wonderful hunting dogs, particularly for retrieving duties. Owners may use them in a variety of settings, which increases their appeal. Owners invest tens of thousands of dollars in the canines before the tournament. If you purchase a Labrador that was bred from one of these dogs, you will pay a premium price due to the high value of its parents. They Are Expensive To Maintain Labrador Retrievers are prone to bacterial diseases, including parvovirus, rabies, and distemper. Most of these diseases are avoidable through immunization, which is not free. Additionally, these dogs are susceptible to certain diseases. Obesity, otitis externa, and degenerative joint disease are the most prevalent diseases. Preventive medication is also required to eliminate ticks and fleas. If you're considering buying a teen or adult Labrador, you should consider the owner's frequent medical appointments to prevent health problems before scorning the price. Are White Labradors Purebred? White Labradors are purebred dogs. They are the offspring of Yellow Labradors, not a separate dog breed. So, it is feasible to enter a white Labrador in shows. However, you must ensure that your dog is purebred in every way. For example, blue-eyed Labradors are a sign of weak genetics and indicate that they are not purebred. The natural eye color of pure Labs is Dark brown. They may have blue eyes due to albinism, but albino puppies are not eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club. So, having one that checks all the right boxes is another contributing factor as to why white Labradors are so expensive and hard to get! White Lab puppies can stay white throughout their entire lives. However, most white Labrador puppies are Yellow Labradors that are born with a white coat variation. As a result, their hair gradually darkens to more of a yellow shade over time. However, these white Labrador Retrievers should not be confused with Albino or Leucistic Labrador Retrievers, which are white dogs with light undercoats. Should You Buy a White Labrador? Due to their sociability, white labs are great family pets. They are kind and enjoyable to be around. This breed is extroverted, making them a great travel companion. However, if you can find one up for adoption, that might be a more compassionate choice. They have an acute sense of smell, which aids them in searching and doing other everyday chores. Also, they are excellent retrievers, as their name implies. White Labrador retrievers are known for their soft mouths and can carry nearly anything without harming or breaking it. White Labs Make Excellent Support Dogs While Labradors would happily retrieve anything, what certainly sets them apart from other breeds is their insatiable drive to do so. This quality, combined with their obedience and want to please, enables them to succeed as support dogs. Labrador retrievers are also renowned for their intelligence. And White Labs are no exception. Because of their intellect and disposition, they make excellent therapy and detecting dogs. A White Labrador Is Great For Active Individuals Labrador retrievers need plenty of exercise , including long walks, visits to the park, and regular play sessions. The good news is that you will also be getting plenty of exercise! As a consequence, you'll achieve a higher level of fitness than you anticipated while spending time with your dog. The companionship these dogs provide is priceless, making them an excellent choice for those who like spending time with their pets. Labrador retrievers also like cuddling. This snuggling helps them relate with their owner while also giving the attention they need. Indeed, this breed thrives and performs best when they have a relationship with you and your family. Labradors live, on average, ten to twelve years. Activity, environment, and nutrition all affect their health, the care you provide them is critical. Make sure they receive proper nutrition and plenty of exercise to help them live longer. To make sure your white Labrador lives a long and healthy life , feed them an appropriate diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise, as obesity shortens dogs' lives. Also, keep your white Lab up to date on all shots and scheduled veterinary checkups. Final Thoughts By now you should understand why white Labradors are so expensive, and why you should do proper due diligence before getting one. It would be best to deal with a reputable breeder or shelter when searching the market for a white Labrador, which increases your chances of finding the healthiest canine partner imaginable. You'll want to ask the seller whether they have conducted extensive testing for all known heritable health problems associated with their white coat. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Due to the demand on our puppies and our waiting list can sometimes get long, we ask that you are committed on waiting on your puppy before making a deposit. We hope it is worth the wait for you :. This deposit is nonrefundable. We are happy to move you to other litters if needed though. We know normal life sometimes requires changes in timing. They are sold with limited registration no breeding rights. All of our puppies are trained and include a full year of pet health insurance to cover any unexpected puppy accidents :. We want your experience to be perfect!!! You may pick up the puppies when they complete training or we can deliver your puppy to your home. Delivering your puppy to you is an additional cost depending on how we deliver. Contact us for further questions. Please email us at puppies snowypineswhitelabs. All of our puppies are wormed regularly and receive their first round of vaccinations before leaving our kennel. The puppies are kept on a nutritious diet from the time the weaning process begins until the time they leave our home. See our photo gallery for past puppies. Snowy Pines offers a full replacement guarantee against genetic defects in our puppies for five years!! We have one of the longest guarantees in the US!! We are that confident in the superior bloodline of our dogs. If a positive diagnosis by a licensed veterinarian of a genetic defect is made for your puppy, we will replace the puppy with a puppy of equal value and of the same sex as soon as one becomes available. Within 14 days from the date you received the puppy, we request that you have the puppy s examined by a licensed veterinarian to ensure its good health. No refunds will be issued. We do not require our families to buy a special vitamin as we feel our superior bloodline and genetics provide the best foundation for a healthy English Labrador. Free for the first 30 days. Any genetic faults must be accompanied by a written statement from two vets We do require families to feed a good brand of food. We are happy to recommend several brands. The pick order for each litter is determined by the order the deposits are received. Puppies can go to their new homes when they are eight weeks of age. Illinois State sales tax will be added to the purchase price. All Puppies are born in our home, and spend their whole time with us inside our home. Puppies come to you with AKC Limited Registration papers, AKC certified pedigree, a letter from us to your veterinarian with all pertinent medical information your veterinarian will want. Puppies are socialized around dogs, other puppies, and humans. Puppies are also introduced to different kinds of sounds. PayPal charges three percent for the transaction. We do not accept personal checks, money orders or bank checks for the balance due. Balance due options are: PayPal. Needs to be transacted at the latest a few days before we are to meet so PayPal verification is received. Credit Card. You can pay using a credit card through the PayPal link below without opening a PayPal account. Cash can be exchanged in person at time of delivery. This price goes towards the total purchase price of your puppy. Deposits are non-refundable unless we do not have the sex you requested in your chosen litter. If that happens, you have the option to take a puppy of the opposite sex if one is available, or you can have your deposit go towards the future litter of your choice, or you can have your deposit fully refunded to you. As you will find with most reputable breeders, the majority of our puppies are sold with Limited AKC registration. We will sell Full Registration under certain circumstances after discussion with the buyer at a higher price. Sales tax must be added for the State of Illinois. All labrador retriever puppies will have their first set of puppy shots, be dewormed every two weeks as is veterinarian recommended , and be well socialized with people, different kinds of sounds, and other dogs while at Bullis Lake. Our puppies come with a Health Guarantee. Puppy picks will be made by pictures posted on the website at 6 weeks of age. Delivery is when the puppies are around 8 weeks of age. Our buyers come from all over the United States. I usually meet buyers at a convenient location near Carbondale or Murphysboro. We prefer not to hold puppies after the delivery date when their litter mates have all gone to their new homes. Many of my buyers have utilized this service. Contact Sunny with www. You can choose whether to pay with your credit card or with your PayPal account. You do not need a PayPal account to pay with your credit card. Since we cannot control food choices and environmental changes with new families, we feel this is the best way to combat allergies, dry skin and growth issues. We feel so strongly about this product that we will increase your Health Guarantee by One Year if you continue NuVet Plus Vitamins on a daily basis for your puppy through the two year period of the Health Guarantee plus the bonus one year extension with NuVet. Does your pet have any of these symptoms? We whelp and raise all our puppies in our master bathroom, kitchen and outside at times during the day and back in the bathroom at night from weeks. These puppies are not kept outside for any extended period or overnight, period. They are constantly supervised while under our care. Our labs range in color from snow white to very-light cream. They love to play fetch, stay by your side, and they can be trained to hunt. We breed both the English and American type of Labradors and our litters are a combination of the two. Our primary concerns in order of importance are: Health, Temperament, Socialization, and then Coat Color. We Live Stream the puppies from the birthing process through 7 weeks of age! Click here for our videos Your puppy comes with limited registration. Full registration is possible for established breeders and show prospects. We are very careful to insure our puppies go to fantastic homes, while insuring that there is no possibility of adding one single dog to the unwanted dog population. We interact with our puppies constantly. We introduce them to Bio Sensor and Early Neurological Stimulation at 3 days and continue until they are 15 days old. As they get older, 4 weeks we allow them in the kitchen, family area, and in the back yard. They are well socialized with adults human as well as other adult dogs in a warm and loving atmosphere. We can hold them in our arms, on their backs and cradle them like a baby. We pride ourselves on producing sound, soft, teddy bear-like puppies that grow into wonderful house pets, service and therapy dogs. We don't have a kennel. Labradors are very affectionate and social creatures. BUT, if kept isolated, they can develop habits such as digging, chewing, barking, and generally destroying anything in sight. We socialize and handle our puppies several times throughout the day and exposed to all the normal and sometimes, not-so-normal goings-on of family life. We try to expose them to as many different sounds as possible so that when they come to your home, some of these sounds are familiar. We also begin using a crate as a group and individually as soon as age appropriate. When it is time to go to their new homes, our puppies are very close to being potty-trained, but are in no way house-broken, they will let you know when they need to go outside, but they can't hold it for too long. We regularly get reports of successful potty-training as well as "sit", "shake", and "lay-down" at eight to nine weeks! We offer a "head start" for our puppies in a loving environment. We grow very fond of our puppies and it's very hard to see them leave, but we know that we have found what we think will be the ideal forever home for our pups. We love getting pictures and updates of our puppies. And we encourage all puppy owners to keep communications open and send lots of pictures as they grow. All our puppies are up to date on shots and worming. They will be micro-chipped, preregistered with the American Kennel Club, and come with a written contract that they are clear of inherited hip problems for a period of 30 months. And since our dogs are tested before breeding, it enables us to also cover over genetic defects for the life of your puppy. We also test the heart, verify full detention, and normal patella. Registration is AKC Limited. Inquire for Full Registration. The color will be registered as yellow. Our primary concerns in order of importance: Health, Temperament and Socialization, and then Coat Color. They are excellent family pets as well as companions for single people and small groups of people due to their intelligence and trainability. Owning a white Labrador, however, can be very expensive. The price of white Labs may also increase due to the great demand for them. But why do they cost so much? Depending on region, lineage, and age, white Labrador Retrievers can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Due to the rarity of white Labs, which drives up demand, respectable breeders devote a lot of time and money to producing and developing healthy, well-behaved puppies. This includes information on the variables that can affect the price, including location, pedigree, and age. There are several reasons why white Labradors are expensive: Rarity: White Labradors are in high demand since they are rare and distinctive. The cost of white Labradors increases as a result of the great demand. It is less common and more challenging to discover Labrador Retrievers with white coats since the color results from a genetic mutation that is not always passed on. Reputable breeding: Reputable breeders devote much time and money to producing healthy, well-behaved puppies. This covers socialization, veterinary care, and genetic testing. The cost of the puppies produced by reputable breeders may rise due to their obligation to maintain their good name. Pedigree: White Labradors with a purebred pedigree are valued highly and are more expensive. White Labradors with pedigrees are frequently utilized for breeding and show contests, which can substantially raise the price of these dogs. Age: Due to their great demand and the extra care they need in their early years, puppies are typically more expensive than adult dogs. Overall, owning a white Labrador Retriever can be expensive, but many people consider the love, devotion, and companionship of a white Lab to be worth the cost. The price of white Labradors is significantly influenced by consumer demand. The cost of a particular breed or color will rise when demand for that breed or color is high. This is so breeders and vendors can charge more for a product in high demand. Due to their perceived rarity and uniqueness, white Labradors are in high demand, which raises their price. There may also be a waiting list for white Labrador puppies at reputable breeders, adding to the high demand and cost. Breeders may raise their prices to keep up with rising demand, which might make the breed even more pricey for prospective purchasers. Hereditary Testing: Genetic testing is required to ensure that the breeding stock is free of any genetic diseases. The breeder may incur high costs as a result. Veterinarian Care: Breeding dogs need frequent, often expensive, veterinarian examinations and care. Feeding and Maintenance: Feeding and maintaining breeding stock and the puppies born from them can be costly. Breeders must spend money marketing and advertising their puppies to prospective buyers. Breeding a white Labrador might be expensive because of all these expenses. The price for breeding a white Labrador can vary from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the breeder. Finding a trustworthy and reliable white Labrador breeder might be difficult, but by doing the following, you can improve your chances of doing so: Read consumer reviews and compare the many breeders in your neighborhood. Find breeders who have a solid reputation and a long history of breeding. A trustworthy breeder will be delighted to show you around and respond to your inquiries. Inquire about references; a respectable breeder will be pleased to provide you with names of satisfied clients. These organizations, which have tight rules for members, might serve as a reliable sign of a trustworthy breeder. Health Checks: Reputable breeders do health checks on their breeding stock to ensure they are free of hereditary problems. A trustworthy breeder will give you a contract and papers, such as registration papers, health assurance, and a sales agreement. By following these instructions, you can improve your chances of locating a reliable white Labrador breeder who will give you a healthy, well-behaved puppy. Depending on your unique needs and tastes, you can decide when is the best time to purchase a white Labrador Retriever. However, a few factors must be considered before buying a white Labrador Retriever. First, purchasing a white Labrador Retriever puppy can be the perfect choice if you are willing to take on the additional duty of training and rearing a puppy. Puppies typically cost more than adult dogs because they need more care and attention when young. Second, White Labrador Retrievers often give birth between the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Given that the breeder will have a litter of puppies available, now might be the ideal time to purchase. It also pays to find out if there is a waiting list for puppies when thinking about a particular breeder. If you are interested in purchasing a white Labrador Retriever puppy from a particular breeder, it is wise to enquire about the wait time. Reputable breeders may have waiting lists for their puppies. Make sure you can afford the expense of owning a white Labrador Retriever before purchasing because purchasing a white Labrador Retriever can be expensive.

Before you choose the first food that you find, think about the following. That way, you can make sure your dog gets the nutrients they need. Protein-Rich Food Your dog needs quite a lot of protein to support its bones, muscles, and joints. If your dog is more active, it could use more protein. They still need a good amount of it, though. High Fat Content Another essential nutrient for dogs is fat. Some foods have a higher fat content, which should be okay except for some dogs with more sensitive stomachs. It can also help maintain the health of the skin under the coat — this is especially important if your dog has a thick undercoat like many Huskies. The Right Carbohydrates Dogs also need a good amount of carbohydrates. Many dogs can eat grains, like oats or rice, and some do well eating foods with wheat. Plenty of Vitamins Your dog also needs vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Vitamins C and E are particularly useful since they can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, respectively. The fatty acids are easy to get in foods with fish as the main protein, but other formulas should have it. Food Flavor Another thing to look for is the right flavor of dog food. Some dogs will eat anything, so it may not matter what you buy. However, other dogs can be quite picky, so they may only eat one or two unique flavors. This can take some trial and error. Consider buying small bags of a few different foods and seeing which one your dog will eat, if any. You can also try different flavors of the same food to find something that works. Package Size You should also consider how much you can afford to spend on dog food at a time and the number of dogs you have. If you only have one dog, you can get away with a smaller bag. But if you have more than one German Shepherd Husky, you have to consider your options. On the one hand, you can get a smaller bag and pay less each time. It has all of the nutrients your dog needs without any fillers. Be sure you buy a bag so that your dog can try it. What type of dog food is best for my Shepsky? German Shepherd x Siberian Husky mixes are very active dogs. They need sufficient protein and carbs as well as vitamins and minerals. How much should I feed my Shepsky? If they finish the serving and seem hungry, you can add a little more. Huskies tend to stop eating when they are full, unlike many other dogs. We have partnered with Chewy. Click below and you'll be taken to their exclusive discount page. Claim Discount Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Chewy affiliate, I earn commissions for qualifying purchases. The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. So, it is safe to say that these dogs are built to be active but also need to be around people or other dogs in order to be satisfied with their lives. They also have high exercise requirements! One of the most common complaints about the Gerberian Shepskys is that they are barkers. This makes them not-so-popular with the neighbors. You should ideally begin when your puppy is still young. You can read it here. Moving on… The German Shepherd Husky Mix is known to be a chewer and to have a powerful jaw which, if not channeled correctly, could mean the demise of your furniture. I recommend that you use some good-quality chew toys that last long. These dogs make great pets and working companions for humans. The following are the traits: Loyal The dogs are as loyal as they come and will never disappoint you. Intelligent These dogs have higher cognitive abilities than some other breeds and catch onto things rather quickly, making them easy to train for difficult tasks. Make for Good Guard Dogs They make for excellent guard dogs—a trait inherited from both of their parents. Family Dogs These dogs do well with families and mix well with children and other pets. Active and Powerful These fur-balls are full of energy and need regular exercise and at least one walk per day—or else they indulge in negative behaviors such as barking, chewing, mouthing, etc. Affectionate These dogs are really loving and affectionate and will demand to be pet all day long! Certain health problems are commonly seen in the German Shepherd Husky Mix. These include the following: Elbow and hip dysplasia Easily preventable, this condition leads to unstable or loose joints in dogs. Eye conditions Following are certain eye conditions common to the German Shepherd Husky Mix: Juvenile cataracts: The onset occurs when the dog is older than 6 years of age. Read more about this on PetMD. This condition is acute and develops over a course of time and ultimately causes visual impairment by affecting both eyes. There are some other uncommon issues that the German Shepherd Husky Mix faces. These include eye problems, dwarfism, joint dysplasia, digestive issues, allergies, and eczema. A product of the two most popular breeds, this dog is a great companion and service dog for individuals and families. What are your thoughts on the German Shepherd Husky Mix? PetDT was founded by Jacquelyn Kennedy, a dog lover and pet admirer. She built the website to provide pet owners with information, experiences, and opinions on breeds, temperament, personalities, health, nutrition, products, and care. A beautiful tri-color, looked a lot like the canines in the pictures above. Someone had set her over the fence of the play yard at shelter one night or early morning before anyone was there. Never could figure why. Shelter thought they did it to avoid surrender fee. Since the shelter had no records of her the vets could only guess her age which they figured somewhere between years old when we met her. Sadly I recently had to put her down do to some health issues. She, Niki was the best dog I have ever been around let alone had in my life. Beautiful with a wonderful smile. So happy to be with whoever. Everyone made over her and commented what a nice dog. Niki liked to lay around and took all the loving, hugs and kisses we gave her. Very patience and gentle. Hardly ever barked. Never growled or showed her teeth at or to anyone. Not one mean bone in her body. Receptive to everyone, little kids hugging her around the neck to strangers petting her wherever. She was on the small size for this breed, 50 pounds. When we went for walks she was not interested in other dogs although many of them barked to get her attention. Just a beautiful kind loving friend GOD placed in our lives and us in hers.

Affected dogs usually present clinical signs of disease in adulthood at least 8 years of age with gradual muscle wasting and loss of coordination that typically begins in the hind limbs because of nerve degeneration. Disease progression continues until the dog is unable to walk. Small breed dogs tend to progress more slowly. In late stages of the disease, dogs may become incontinent and the forelimbs may be affected. Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk 6 months to 2 years after the onset of signs. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion with incomplete penetrance, and is caused by a mutation c. The variable presentation between breeds suggests that other genetic and environmental factors play a role in disease expression. There is ongoing research to identify other genetic factors that modify risk for DM in different breeds. In addition, similar disease presentation is observed in some animals that do not have the SOD1 mutation. Genetic testing for the SOD1 c. Based on a study by Zeng and colleagues, the SOD1 mutation c. However, breed-specific clinical investigations have not been performed for all breeds that carry the mutation. Type of Sample. Today we are going to talk about the cause, treatment options and how to prevent DM. For starters, DM is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects older dogs. It initially results in paralysis of the hind legs but eventually progresses to affect all limbs. Dogs that have two copies homozygous of the mutant allele are the ones who are at risk to develop DM. Oddly enough, not all dogs that have the mutation will develop DM and the exact reasons why are unclear. Mutations in SOD1 are associated with some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS , which is also an adult onset disease that causes muscle weakness and eventual respiratory paralysis. DM seems to express itself typically around the age of 9 years old. The initial symptoms are a loss of balance and weakness in the hind legs. Another common symptom is the scuffing of nails on the back feet while walking as the brain isn't getting clear signals as to whether or not the foot is set paw pad side down. As the disease progresses, more noticeable paralysis of the hind limbs and urinary and fecal incontinence are common. Eventually all limbs become weak and swallowing difficulties can develop. Within 11 months, most dogs are unable to walk at all. There is no treatment and no cure for DM. Physical therapy is usually recommended but there's no evidence that this aids in longevity of life, nor in quality of life. Dogs with advanced DM will need to be kept on a padded bed and will need to be turned from side to side every four to six hours to prevent bed sores. As the disease progresses they will lose the ability to urinate on their own. Urinary catheterization or manual expression will be necessary three times daily. Wearing gloves and hygiene management are extremely important when using catheters to prevent potentially life threatening urinary tract infections. If a dog begins to have trouble swallowing, it may need to be tube fed. How to prevent DM: You can't. It's a genetic disease that an affected dog was born with. But you can insure that you only buy German Shepherds from reputable breeders who test for DM or have lines that do not have DM in them a lot of working lines have kept dogs with DM out of the gene pool after the discovery of the mutated gene in .DM still isn't fully understood. Some DM At Risk dogs never do. There's speculation of other unknown factors and discrepancies in testing. It can also be reasonably assumed that because some dogs don't show symptoms of DM until 14, that many large breed dogs, like German Shepherds, die of natural causes before the disease can show itself. A note to rescuers and puppy buyers who didn't get a pup from health tested parents: There's no reason to test a dog that you're not going to breed except maybe peace of mind. But there's no reason to panic. It's not a difficult disease to diagnose. And chances are you won't see any negative affects until at least 8 years old. A note to breeders: If you're unsure if DM is in your lines, test your dogs. It's a simple mouth swab. You can also register your dog's DNA at the same time and kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. While you're at it, get hip and elbow x-rays done as well. There's nothing worse than to see a puppy you produced suffer. And their new family will not forget that the lack of testing is partially to blame for genetic diseases their dog suffers. Not testing hurts you, them, and the dog you produced. Breed with a purpose, and produce the healthiest dogs you can. If you enjoyed this article or learned something, please leave a like and share so that more people can educate themselves on a disease that affects so many dogs and so many human lives. This disease can be beaten and we all have to join together to hold breeders and buyers accountable. Thank you. Call us to schedule an appointment at You are here Degenerative Myelopathy DM What is degenerative myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy DM is a chronic spinal cord condition characterized by progressive deterioration of the spinal cord. What are the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy typically occurs in dogs older than 5 to 6 years of age, and manifests as weakness in one or both hind limbs that slowly progresses to paralysis of both hind limbs over several months. In time, dogs will eventually become paralyzed in the front limbs and develop fecal and urinary incontinence. The condition is not painful. How is it diagnosed? Degenerative myelopathy DM can only definitively be diagnosed by identifying classic microscopic changes in the spinal cord on autopsy. DM is strongly suspected in dogs where all other causes for neurologic disease are ruled out. The diagnosis of DM is made with a combination of history, neurologic examination, radiology, and genetic testing. Dogs will have a history of slowly progressive, non-painful weakness and ataxia wobbly gait coupled with muscle atrophy reduction in muscle mass. X-Rays and MRI are typically done to look for other causes of progressive weakness, including cancer and chronic intervertebral disc disease. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis usually shows an increase in protein. It is not uncommon for dogs with degenerative myelopathy to also have chronic disc disease, and deciding whether the gait abnormality is due to compression from chronic disc disease or potential degenerative myelopathy can be difficult in some dogs. Recently, DM has been associated with a genetic mutation in the superoxide dismutase gene, which acts as an anti-oxidant. There is currently a genetic test available through the University of Missouri to identify carriers of this genetic mutation. Dogs that carry the mutation may potentially have the disease; however, it is important to understand that having the mutation does not equal having DM. The mutation is very prevalent in certain breeds i. It is unlikely that dogs that do not have the genetic mutation will have DM. The genetics of DM is very complicated may differ amongst different breeds of dogs. How is degenerative myelopathy treated? Unfortunately, there is no proven effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy. The only treatment that has shown any benefit is regular physical therapy to potentially delay the progression of neurologic signs. Various supplements, stem cell therapy, and diets have been suggested but have never been scientifically proven to be effective. What is the prognosis? Degenerative myelopathy progresses at different rates in each animal, but as there is no effective treatment prognosis is guarded. Many owners opt to purchase hind limb carts to allow their dogs to be mobile when unable to use the hind limbs. Continence is usually retained until the end stages of the disease. When a dog inherits two copies of the mutated SOD1 gene from its parents, cells that send and receive brain signals begin to break down, which results in Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms. These include difficulty walking, with an unsteady gait usually presenting as the initial sign of the disease. Eventually the disease progresses, causing loss of bladder control and an inability to use the front legs. Degenerative Myelopathy occurs when a dog inherits copies of abnormal genes from both parents, although this does not inevitably lead to the dog developing the condition. However, a dog that inherits abnormal genes is very likely to go on to develop the condition over time, and is almost certain to pass on the abnormal genes to any offspring. There is no fixed pattern associated with Degenerative Myelopathy, and the condition is not believed to cause the dog any pain, but the loss of limb function is extremely distressing for both pet and owner. The symptoms do not usually present until the dog is around years old, although some dogs are affected at an earlier age. Which Breeds are Affected by Degenerative Myelopathy? When the disease was first identified, it was believed to exclusively affect German Shepherd dogs. However, it is now understood that any breed can be affected, although some breeds are more prone to the condition than others. It has been known for several years that the Bernese have this additional marker, or risk factor, that is generally restricted to the breed. This is not to say that this marker is the sole cause of Degenerative Myelopathy in that breed, or that the SOD1-A mutation is irrelevant as a risk factor in the breed. Using a simple swab from the inner cheek of your dog, we will ascertain whether or not your dog carries the genetic mutation that is likely to develop into the condition. We will also inform you whether or not your dog is a carrier of the mutation, which allows you to make an informed choice as to whether or not to breed from the dog. The dog will not develop Degenerative Myelopathy and cannot pass faulty genes on to any offspring. This means that the dog has a strong likelihood of passing on the condition to offspring, but not of developing the condition itself. Where a potential mate also carries the gene mutation, any offspring will be at high risk of developing the condition and also of passing it on. An AT RISK result indicates that the dog has inherited two copies of the mutated gene from its parents and is highly likely to develop Degenerative Myelopathy over the course of its lifetime. It will definitely pass on the mutation to any offspring. Please click below for more information:. This mutation is found in many breeds of dog, including the German shepherd dog. While it is not clear for some of the other breeds, German shepherd dogs are known to develop degenerative myelopathy associated with this mutation. The variable presentation between breeds suggests that there are environmental or other genetic factors responsible for modifying disease expression. The average age of onset for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is approximately nine years of age. Affected dogs usually present in adulthood with gradual muscle Atrophy and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs due to degeneration of the nerves. The condition is not typically painful for the dog, but will progress until the dog is no longer able to walk. The gait of dogs affected with degenerative myelopathy can be difficult to distinguish from the gait of dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis of other joints of the hind limbs, or intervertebral disc disease. Late in the progression of disease, dogs may lose fecal and urinary continence and the forelimbs may be affected. Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk 6 months to 2 years after the onset of symptoms. Affected medium to large breed dogs, such as the German shepherd dog, can be difficult to manage and owners often elect euthanasia when their dog can no longer support weight in the hind limbs. The overall frequency of this disease is unreported for German shepherd dogs. However, in one study of German shepherd dogs tested, .Testing Tips Genetic testing of the SOD1 gene in German shepherd dogs will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative Myelopathy is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner in dogs meaning that they must receive two copies of the mutated gene one from each parent to develop the disease. In general, carrier dogs do not have features of the disease but when bred with another carrier of the same Mutation , there is a risk of having affected pups. Reliable genetic testing is important for determining breeding practices. Until the exact modifying environmental or genetic factor is determined, genetic testing remains the only reliable way to detect neurological disease associated with this mutation prior to death. In order to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines and to avoid the potential of producing affected pups, breeding of known carriers to each other is not recommended. German shepherd dogs that are not carriers of the mutation have no increased risk of having affected pups. There may be other causes of this condition in dogs and a normal result does not exclude a different mutation in this gene or any other gene that may result in a similar genetic disease or trait. Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clinical characterization of a familial degenerative myelopathy in Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs. J Vet Intern Med. Canine degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy in two Boxer dogs. Vet Pathol. Vet Rec Case Rep. Degenerative myelopathy associated with a missense mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 SOD1 gene progresses to peripheral neuropathy in Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Boxers. J Neurol Sci. Dog owners usually elect euthanasia within a year of diagnosis; however, when euthanasia is delayed flaccid paralysis and widespread loss of muscle mass occur. Because common acquired compressive spinal cord diseases can mimic DM, a definitive diagnosis currently can only be accomplished postmortem by histopathologic observation of the spinal cord. A DNA test will soon be available for breeders and pet owners, along with information about what the test can and cannot tell them. The test clearly identifies dogs that are clear have 2 normal copies of the gene , those who are carriers have one normal copy of the gene and one mutated copy of the gene , and those who are at much higher risk for developing DM have 2 mutated copies of the gene. However, having two mutated copies of the gene does not necessarily result in disease. Dogs that have clinical signs or a presumptive diagnosis of DM have tested as genetically affected. A relatively high percentage of dogs in several breeds including Boxers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks have the predisposing mutation. It is important to note that there are a large number of dogs that have tested as genetically affected, but are reported as clinically normal by their owners. It may be that many of these dogs will develop clinical signs as they get older or that the mutation will never manifest in these dogs. In the future, we may identify other risk factors in those dogs that have tested as genetically affected. Wise use of this test can reduce the incidence of dogs at risk for DM in the long-term, particularly if other low frequency risk factors are identified that can more easily be reduced. It is likely to take many generations to reduce the frequency of this disease in breeds with higher frequency of the mutation. By contributing blood samples for testing this mutation, owners will facilitate further study of the disease and the genetic risk factors underlying it. Additional research funded by participating breed clubs and the AKC Canine Health Foundation will help answer questions that remain. Information about the benefits of this test, testing forms and instructions, and suggestions for using the test to reduce the frequency of DM will soon be available online in the DM section of www. Related Grants. Not only we want to know what genes our dogs carry and pass to their offspring , but we want to know how we, as breeders, can make informative decisions to better the breed. DNA based genetic testing looks at the two genes or alleles associated with a specific disease or condition. An individual gets one gene from the dam and one gene from the sire to create a pair. Other dogs who are tested "At Risk" may never develop DM and live a very healthy life. Some older dogs with one copy of the gene "Carriers" can develop the disease. The current hypothesis is that there must be something else in addition to SOD-1 mutation that genetically predicts and determines DM in dogs, and there is an ongoing research to find that genetic mutation. We have seen some programs only breeding DM-clear dogs and staying away from DM affected or carriers. While this seems like a great decision, other characteristics of a dog are more important - such as hips and elbows, temperament and working qualities. It is very important to make sure that the partner to be used in breeding is clear, though! Here we provide a table that explains how to do that: What is so scary about DM? Nancy has more than 30 years of experience in the veterinary industry and is a board-certified veterinary specialist in internal medicine. The inevitable result for dogs with DM is paraplegia—hind end paralysis. Dogs at risk of degenerative myelopathy DM affects primarily older dogs, with symptoms typically beginning at eight years of age or older. Back in the day when I was just a pup we referred to this disease as German Shepherd Myelopathy because we thought it was unique to this breed. We now know that DM occurs in many purebred and mixed breed dogs. Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy DM symptoms progress slowly over the course of months to even years. From beginning to end, DM affected dogs typically remain alert and animated. The symptoms typically progress as follows: Initial Loss of coordination ataxia in the hind legs Dragging the hind feet causing wearing down of the toenails. Weakness in front legs. Although this degenerative process is not painful, affected dogs can develop discomfort because of overuse of other body parts attempting to compensate for the hind end weakness. Cause of degenerative myelopathy DM causes degenerative changes within spinal cord axons, structures that transmit information back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. These degenerative changes begin in the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord, the portion that lines up with the end of the rib cage. This explains why the hind limbs are more severely affected. Given enough time, the disease progresses toward the head end of the body, causing loss of front leg function as well. DM is an inherited disease. The researchers discovered that DM has a recessive mode of inheritance. In order for a dog to be affected, the mutation must be inherited from both dam and sire. All that is required is a blood sample or cheek swab. This DNA test identifies dogs that are normal have two normal copies of the gene , those who are carriers have one normal copy of the gene and one mutated copy , and those who are at risk for development of DM have two mutated copies of the gene. This is because not all dogs with two mutated copies of the gene go on to develop DM. Responsible breeders utilize DNA testing for DM to help assess whether or not a particular dog is suitable for breeding purposes. If contemplating purchasing a pup of an at-risk breed, it is important to request DM test results for the dam and sire of the litter of interest. What this means is that a presumptive diagnosis of DM can only be made by ruling out other causes of spinal cord disease e. The only way to definitively diagnose DM is via a spinal cord biopsy collected through an autopsy post-mortem examination. Treatment of degenerative myelopathy Currently there is no known treatment capable of significantly altering the course of DM. When searching the Internet, one might find a number of approaches that have been tried or are recommended. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that supports their efficacy. Prognosis of degenerative myelopathy Unfortunately, the prognosis for dogs with DM is poor. The quality of life for affected dogs can be enhanced through diligent nursing care, prevention of pressure sores, rehabilitation therapies such as swimming and stretching exercises, massage, acupuncture, monitoring for urinary tract infections immobilized dogs are more prone , and the use of specialized equipment such as booties, slings, harnesses, and wheelchairs to assist with mobility. DM becomes so debilitating that most people eventually opt for euthanasia. Exactly when to euthanize is a highly individualized decision based on how adaptive, both physically and psychologically, the involved dog and human s are. Others are highly resistant to such an apparatus. For the human caretaker, in addition to the emotional toll that DM takes, there is a great deal of lifting, carrying, and cleaning involved. Everyone responds differently to this challenging situation. Letting go of a beloved four-legged family member is never easy, but it can be particularly heartbreaking when DM is the cause. Affected dogs typically have good appetites, are pain-free, and their minds remain just as sharp as ever. Letting go of a dog who acts or feels sick is usually a bit easier, simply because the process seems to make more sense. Having a canine model for studying ALS has important ramifications. Not only might more be learned about the degenerative process that afflicts people with ALS, the canine model may ultimately prove to be valuable in terms of learning more about therapeutic interventions. Questions for your veterinarian: Have other causes of spinal cord disease been ruled out? Where could I access rehabilitation therapy for my dog? Where would I find a veterinarian who specializes in neurology? What symptoms should I be watching for? If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Resources: 1. ALS Association, n. This disease is normally seen around middle age, and in general diagnosis can only be confirmed at post mortem examination. Breed surveys of some predisposed breeds indicate a fairly low occurrence rate, but most experts think this rate is actually much higher, due to the lack of post mortem follow up of the majority of suspected cases. Signs are due to the immune-mediated destruction of a part of the nerves in the spinal cord, leading to loss of these nerve fibres. The first sign is knuckling of the hind feet, and hind limb ataxia. Once the spinal cord damage progresses past this initial stage termed proprioceptive deficits , the effectiveness if any of treatment is much diminished. Hence early diagnosis is vital. Following this initial stage, hind limb reflexes are affected, then weakness in the hind limbs develops, progressing to total paralysis. Once a dog shows these signs it will almost always respond poorly to therapy. Eventually destruction progresses from the middle of the spinal cord to the upper cord and brain stem, leading to forelimb weakness and eventually interference with the muscles of breathing, causing death. Most dogs are euthanased for humane reasons before this happens. Treatment is with specific supplements and drugs aimed at interfering with the immune destruction in the spinal cord, to slow further nerve damage. The effectiveness of this treatment is variable, but is only of benefit if started as early as possible. Once nerves are lost, they will not be replaced. Degenerative myelopathy cannot be cured. A DNA test is available for predisposed pure breeds to carry out screening of breeding animals. Glu40Lys Severity: Moderate. All breeding animals should have a DNA test prior to entering into a breeding program - eg at 1 year of age. Neurologic examination of all animals at annual veterinary check-up from middle age years onwards. Offer DNA testing to all owners of puppies if his parents have not been screened. Research Citation s : Awano T, et al. Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Proc Natl Acad Sci; 8 ;

Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

One of the other considerations that go along with getting a free German Shepherd puppy is that there will be housebreaking requirements. Free German Shepherd Puppies Indiana You may be in the market to find German Shepherd puppies for sale, and looking on the Internet at free dog adoption sites can sometimes be your best bet. These are not always a scam, but you do have to take the time to find them. You could also check out your local pet store as well, but most of the time if they offer puppies at no cost, they will not be from puppies that were adopted or are going to be adopted. Also, remember that these dogs are going to have to go through training and be brought up with a set of very specific behaviors. When you look at free German shepherd puppies in Indiana, you are not guaranteed to find what you are looking for. There are many reasons why a breeder would want to offer their dogs up for adoption at no cost. They could be having financial difficulties, or they could have bad dogs that are sickly and need to be sent to live with another dog owner in the area. Most of these animals were either abandoned or put up for adoption by someone who could no longer keep them. Once the puppy has been checked over by the veterinarian, they will be to come up with an adoption fee. The fee is usually less than half of what you would pay for a dog at the local pound and sometimes even less. If they are free German Shepherd puppies for sale, there is usually no fee for the training that is needed before they are fully adaptable. These puppies need training just like any other puppy. As soon as the dog is fully grown, they are going to have to get a collar and tags. These are required by law in most places, and if you want to adopt one, you are going to have the collar and tags ready when you bring the puppy home. You can either get the collar and tags locally, or you can ask the people at the shelter if they know anyone that can help you with this. This is not a very big deal, and most of the shelters have plenty of people who are willing to help you. They also give you the option of buying a puppy that already has its collar and tags on. You can also look online to see if there are free German Shepherd puppies for sale anywhere in Indiana. The only thing to remember about finding free German Shepherd puppies is that you may come across some scams. There are people out there that are more than willing to take your money and run. When you find the puppies for sale, you need to make sure that you are checking the papers thoroughly. Different things are going to be checked for, like pedigrees and AKC records. If the puppy that is being offered for free is a purebred dog , it will have all of its paperwork in order, and it should be microchipped and have a tag that can be easily removed. There should also be an interview by the shelter workers. You will want to know what happened to the animal, and what type of health problems it had as a puppy. Ask questions if you have any concerns, and make sure that the dog you get is free from any kind of genetic defects. Most of these puppies will need to go to daycare and be cared for during the day. Make sure that you can meet these requirements, and that the daycare is located near you. It can be hard to travel long distances with a dog, so this is something that you will need to be prepared for. German Shepherds make wonderful pets, and they do make great parents. The longer you wait, the worse your financial situation will become. Get that free German Shepherd for sale today! Share this:. Find your perfect adorable puppy. Start exploring and find your perfect furry companion today! Step 2 Add to cart and complete your purchase seamlessly, securing your beloved item with just a few clicks! Step 3 Rest assured, we'll deliver your order right to your doorstep, ensuring a hassle-free and convenient experience for you. Step 4 Embrace the joy of life with your new furry companion, as you create unconditional love with the endless happiness they bring. View Our Process About Us Puppygram was established with the core mission of providing a seamless and stress-free experience for individuals looking to bring a healthy puppy into their lives. We take pride in our highly knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to assisting you in selecting the perfect furry companion. Our aim is to make the entire process easy, enjoyable, and tailored to your specific needs, providing comprehensive assistance from beginning to end. Jonathan J. Google Loved the experience. I am now the proud owner 2 healthy Golden retrievers. Thx puppyGram for making this experience a wonderful one! I will tell all my friends and family about this new store in Berkley, MI! Wonderful store and the best Staff! Lani D. Google Great place to play with some puppies. The dogs are treated so well here and the employees are very knowledgeable about all of the dogs. You get to interact with the dogs for as long as you like and you can ask to play with any of the dogs that are not out on the floor. Will definitely be coming back Pam K. Google exceptional pet store with great layout! Love the Maltese. I'm telling all my friends! U can even play with them. Ioved my time at PuppyGram! Brittney L. The owner is so nice and helpful! What a wonderful place to adopt a puppy!!! Sara J. Google The most innovative and fun puppy store we've ever been to. We came in multiple times over the last month and each time the staff let us play with puppies for as long as we wanted. The staff was kind and courteous. And we found the puppy we've always been looking for at puppyGram Berkley! We cant wait to make so many memories with our new Cavapoo Beau! Thanks puppyGram! Cant wait to come back and visit again! Nancy S. Google What an amazing experience! I came in to the store probably a half a dozen times! The staff was so pleasant, thoughtful and very educated! Thx PuppyGram Berkley for helping me add a beautiful new puppy to the family! The store has a beautiful layout where I played with the puppies for hours! Karla D. Google Gus and Alex were extremely kind, helpful and informative! I have been searching for years for the perfect puppy and company. Brian W. Google Employees were very enthusiastic about their job, were very patient with us, and were happy to work with us. Now a very sweet dog has a loving home with us. Tim H. Google Great experience all around! I will be telling all my friends and family about PuppyGram! We now have our brand new Cavapoo pup Daisy! Thx PuppyGram! Tiffani S. Google This was a wonderful experience. They worked with me and even stayed late to work out some issues. I received the vet history and they come microchipped. I would highly recommend them. Our Affiliates.

One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. I've photographed many families along with their beloved dog, often a Golden. I've had numerous Golden Retrievers in my training classes over the years, whether they be reds, English Cremes or the beautiful blonde that we so typically think of when we think of a Golden Retriever. Goldens hail from Scotland originally and are known as a hard-working breed, often employed as service animals and therapy dogs. They're also known for their voracious appetites, young-at-heart personalities and their penchant for carrying things in their mouths particularly when excited. Goldens are intelligent, athletic dogs, and are exceptional competitors in dog sports like obedience, agility, dock diving and more. Golden Retrievers gorgeous coats and perennially smiling face make them a dream to photograph, especially during their little butterball puppy stage. When Moana's that's "mow-ah-nah" dog mom contacted me for cute little puppy pics, of course I said "Yes" right after I squealed with delight and we quickly secured a session on the calendar before she got any bigger! The sun was shining, the flowers were in bloom and Moana romped and played and we caught it all. At the viewing and ordering appointment, Brenda had a hard time narrowing down her favorites because Moana's just that cute, but we eventually got there. She decided on ordering two plush blankets one for her and one for Moana's bed along with a digital negative package which is presented in a handmade reclaimed barn wood box with a metal print on the cover and a 5x7 print of each image inside along with a USB drive with all the high resolution digital image files. Doggy Daddy: Tucker I was recently contacted by the Creed family to take their family portraits and they requested that I take a few pet portraits of their very special family member, Tucker. It was only later when Moana's mom shared her Christmas mini session photo of Moana with them see below , that the Creeds asked if those were taken by Penny Whistle Photography. Brenda contacted me afterward to say "You just photographed Moana's daddy". Small world indeed and now I know where Moana gets her good looks! Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2, photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. Tracy offers special services to local Dallas - Fort Worth dog and cat breeders, creating unique images for their websites, social media and marketing purposes. Contact her to find out more about this offering.

A loving forever home with a secure fence and another dog in the home She wants to be your "All-American Girl! Carrie Underwood is so sweet and adorable. She is a bundle of tender kisses and has energy for days. She has been a great sister to the newest foster puppies that have come and gone, teaching them the art of playing with toys. Carrie's favorite thing to do is play chase with her K9 buddies. She runs fast and does figure 8's around the resident dogs, who don't even try to keep up with her. Her second favorite activity is napping with the resident Labs. She adores the older resident dogs and has learned great napping skills from them. She continues to work on her leash skills. Carrie has been quietly working on coming out of her shell and has undergone a transformation since arriving at her foster. She loves to curl up in the lap of her FM for naps and bedtime snuggles. She still has her moments of shyness around Foster Dad, but will now come voluntarily to the couch to sit beside him for attention. She's definitely gained lots of confidence. Carrie will need a home with another dog, preferably one who enjoys the same activity level. Carrie still has some shy moments but she is ready for her furever home, and she will steal the heart of anyone who wants to add a sweet yet energetic member to their family. Thank you to the following generous donors currently supporting Carrie's care: Amanda S. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.

View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26, .Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in Austin TX? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in Austin TX? Pugs are great for small houses, apartments or condominiums. While a Pug may not require as much exercise as a Husky or a Dalmation, they do have a tendency to gain weight without bi-weekly or weekly exercise. What if there are no Pug puppies nearby? Before the popularity of the internet, dog lovers were forced to find a puppy offered by a local breeder only. Luckily, the Pug breeders in Austin associated with the Uptown Puppies Network have extensive experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US which can make your experience a breeze. How does Uptown Puppies screen breeders? How much is the average Pug? Pugs for sale Austin are priced based on several different factors, factors including color, size, personality and the experience of the breeder who is selling the puppy. No matter your price range, through the Uptown Puppies network of vetted and screened breeders you are sure to find the perfect puppy in your ideal price range! Why is Uptown Puppies different from finding a dog online? Why are they so bad? You are much more likely to come across a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Puppy mill is a term used to describe any business that is breeding puppies for profit and not prioritizng the health and safety of the dogs. Are there any Pug uniquely colored puppies available? Like many breeds, Pugs are available in a large variety. For example, Pug puppies in Austin are available in black, tan, white and more. What kind of dog is a Pug? Pugs are a time of toy breed that was popularized by the Dutch royal family, and recently began to explode in popularity in the United States and the rest of Europe. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeder is a term that has been given to a puppy raiser or breeder who does not take the proper precautions and safety measures into account when breeding new puppies. What is a puppy mill? How does Uptown Puppies discourage puppy mills? When you purchase a Pug from one of the Pug breeders Austin who has been vetted by Uptown Puppies you are ensuring that the puppy was raised by a responsible breeder!

September 24, A Golden Retriever grooming routine is an important part of caring for your dog. Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this because of all the time they spend on personal grooming. It is essential to establish a puppy grooming routine which will continue throughout your Goldens life. Golden Retriever grooming is just as vital as the correct diet for a healthy coat and a healthy dog. According to one study, a single genetic line characterizes the differences of Labradors and Golden Retriever dogs. One of those characteristics is the longer, double coat of the Golden Retriever which is why the coat of this furry companion needs a different routine from other dogs. How to Groom a Golden Retriever Golden Retriever grooming is required regularly as they have double coats with very heavy feathering, which means…. The adult Goldens coat can grow from 1 — 3 inches long, with an average rate of 0. Their hair should be trimmed at least 0. Learning how to groom a Golden Retriever should start as soon as your puppy is born, to socialize them to being touched and brushed. It is highly recommended to brush their coat at least 3 to 5 times a week to assist with keeping the coat clean and preventing tangling and matting, it can be problematic if unwanted bacteria lodge in and cause infection. Daily Golden Retriever grooming should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. The constant brushing will also lessen hair shedding although it is unavoidable. The adult Golden Retriever dog sheds heavily twice a year and can be a real problem for pet parents. There are however steps you can take to reduce excessive Golden retriever shedding. The best brush for Golden Retriever grooming is a selection of more than one The basic tools required are in order top to bottom : 1 pin brush, 2 undercoat rake, 3 bristle brush and 4 slicker brush to remove matts. The pin brush should be used for the head, chest, belly, legs, tail and feathering whilst the rake works well for the back and sides. Bristle brushes can also be used but on longer adult coats, you will need widely spaced, longer and stiffer bristles. Slide a comb between the matt and the skin before trimming to prevent cutting your dog. When grooming a Golden Retriever, check the condition of the skin, particularly for allergies, sores, ticks and fleas. Grooming the nails and feet of your Golden Retriever When a Goldens nails are too long, you will hear them scrape when the dog walks on hard surfaces. The claws should not protrude over the pad and should not touch the ground when standing. During Golden Retriever grooming be mindful that only 3 to 5mm of the nail should be trimmed to avoid cutting the quick of the nail. The quick is the blood vessels and nerves that supply the nail and cutting the quick is a big NO! There are several styles of nail trimmer available. Plier type nail cutters with a scissor action suit larger dog breeds. Choose a good quality claw cutter with sharp stainless steel blades and a comfortable handle with a good grip. Grooming a Golden Retrievers ears Checking and cleaning your Goldens ears should be included in your Golden Retriever grooming routine since they produce more ear wax than other dog breeds to avoid infection. If there is, do not clean and make a vet appointment. Gently massage the solution around inside the ear. Use a cotton ball or piece of gauze to wipe any dirt out of the ear. Never use a Q-Tip! It is virtually impossible however to injure the ear drum as the ear canal has a sharp 90 degree turn before it reaches the ear drum. Repeat for the other ear using a fresh piece of gauze or cotton ball. Both Golden Retriever pups and adults are prone to ear infections as they have floppy ears and love to swim. Checking the inside of their ears during grooming will help to prevent infection. Dental care for Golden Retrievers The teeth of your dog will benefit from weekly cleaning. Use dog-specific products such as a finger brush — a hollow plastic tube that fits over your finger and has inbuilt bristles. The finger brush is easier to maneuver and prevents too much pressure being applied. Teeth cleaning can be a strange experience and you may have to slowly introduce this gradually to Golden Retriever pups. How often to bathe Golden Retriever dogs Your dog needs to bath twice a month avoiding getting their ears wet as part of their Golden Retriever grooming routine. It is highly recommended to brush their coat before you bathe to reduce the amount of hair and tangles. Bathing and grooming a Golden Retriever will assist in the removal of loose hair, making the job of cleaning up after a coat drop a little easier. A quality dog shampoo should be used for washing and if skin reactions occur, try a different product as there are many to choose on the market. Rinse off the shampoo carefully. Your dog will also require rinsing after swimming in chlorinated or salt water to avoid skin irritations. It is important that Golden Retrievers are thoroughly dried after bathing, especially the ears and tail. Golden Retriever grooming includes vaccinations and de-worming Vaccinations prevent serious disease and should start from the age of 6 weeks and continue up to the age of 5 with boosters thereafter every 3 years. You must make an appointment with your local vet to discuss a vaccination schedule. Golden Retriever insurance can help to cover these costs. All Golden Retriever pups are born with worms and de-worming is an essential part of grooming your dog. De-worming can start from 2 weeks. You should discuss an appropriate deworming schedule with your vet. Heart worms are fatal and a monthly preventative is recommended. Learning how to groom your Golden Retriever will reap many rewards for both owners and pets in years to come. They are wonderful dogs that need the extra attention, love and care of every responsible owner. A Golden Retriever grooming routine helps you to bond with your dog and assists in keeping them healthy. This trimming is usually done on the ears, feet, neck and tail for a Golden Retriever to keep them looking smart. When should you start grooming your Golden Retriever puppy? Golden Retriever grooming should begin in their puppy phase to get them used to the process. These double-coated dogs are shedders that will need regular grooming in adult life to stimulate their coats, keep shedding under control and prevent mats and tangles. A Golden Retriever's coat doesn't develop properly until around 18 months, and as a puppy, your dog will have soft hair, which will form the undercoat once the overcoat develops. Get your puppy used to grooming by brushing its hair regularly with a soft-bristled brush, then moving onto a slicker brush as it ages and its coat begins to develop. If you plan on having your puppy professionally groomed, it's recommended to take it for its first trip to the groomer at around eight to twelve weeks old so it can get used to the grooming process and the salon. Golden Retrievers have a double coat which work together to protect your pup in both the winter and the summer months. Even clipping is not advisable with your Golden Retriever as it can hinder the growth of the undercoat later in the year. Instead, keep up with brushing their hair perhaps even doing it more regularly to remove the dead loose hair and regular bathing. Ideally, you need to be looking to purchase a dog shampoo that contains Oatmeal and Vitamin E. Regular brushing will reduce the amount of matting and make each brush a bit easier and softer. Use thinning scissors and begin to trim past where your thumb is, taking small bit by bit. Taking your time this way you should eventually reach your desired length. Recommended Products. Mon, May 22, at AM Officially it is best to wait until your new puppy is 8-weeks old, and can leave their mother before you consider getting them groomed. Once the puppy has been introduced to its new home and has established relations with the new owner they can think about getting the puppy groomed. We recommend starting at weeks of age. The very first grooming appointment is an introduction to the puppy and the owner to the world of grooming. The puppy with be introduced to a bath, blow drying, nail clipping, and slight trimming. We do not recommend having a puppy be given a full hair cut the first time being groomed. The reason behind this is you are forcing the puppy to stand still and be handled for 1. This is a lot to ask of a puppy. It would be like asking a one-year old child to sit without moving, going to the bathroom, or play with any toys for 45 minutes. That is why we only do the basics for puppies first groom. We bathe them, slowly dry them, trim the nails, trim the fur from around their eyes, pads, and around the sanitary area. This is about all they can handle. The puppy will be introduced to having scissors around the face, having to hold still while the pads on their feet are trimmed. Depending on how the puppy reacts to the first grooming we may recommend doing this type of trimming one more time before the full haircut. The more comfortable the puppy becomes with being handled by the groomer and being on a table, and in the tub the better the puppy will become as they grow up. What Can You Do to Help? It becomes more difficult to groom a puppy that is 6-months old for the first time than a week-old puppy. The 6-month-old has already established fears and aggression. For example, it would be like taking a 5-year-old child and putting them in kindergarten without any discipline and experience of a pre-school and making them sit still and raise their hand when called on by the teacher. It makes the groomers job nearly impossible to have the puppy trust them and enjoy grooming. All About the Training At home grooming is also extremely essential to having a puppy become used to grooming, and to enjoy their experience at the groomers. Different types of fur require different tools. Our groomers are very willing to answer questions and show you tools that are appropriate for your puppy. One of the biggest misconceptions about puppies and grooming is when they will change from puppy coat to adult coat. Usually puppies get their adult coat around six months of age. The puppy coat on some breeds will not shed and becomes tangled in the adult coat if not brushed on a regular basis. Please ask one of our groomers if your puppy has started this stage in life or when this may occur in order to make the transition more comfortable. To schedule a grooming appointment at the Lee C. By appointment only. At Pet Keen, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! Start by letting your Golden Retriever lick some toothpaste off your finger. Then, let them lick the same toothpaste off the toothbrush. Once your Golden Retriever becomes familiar with the toothbrush, you can start brushing the teeth that are easy to reach. Praise your dog every time you do this until you can reach all the teeth. Golden Retrievers will benefit from brushing their teeth several times a week. You can also add dental chews and water additives to supplement their dental hygiene. If a dog is consistently walking and running along hard surfaces, its nails will naturally wear down against the grain. Most dogs are initially resistant to getting their nails trimmed because they have sensitive feet. Make sure to be patient and reward your dogs every time they let you touch their paws and clip their nails. Golden Retrievers typically need baths once a month. Avoid giving your dog too many baths because this can dry out and strip their skin of natural and essential oils. Look for products that use skin-soothing natural ingredients, such as aloe, oatmeal, or tea tree. When you bathe your Golden Retriever, make sure to brush their coat first to remove any loose dirt and fur. Then, soak your dog with warm water. Gently massage the shampoo into the coat and brush your dog again with a slicker brush to remove more loose hair. Then, thoroughly rinse your dog. Apply conditioner if you prefer. After rinsing your dog, brush the coat once more. Before drying off your dog, clean the ears with an ear cleaner. Finally, dry off your dog with a towel first. Then, use a blow dryer. You can top off the bath with an optional finishing spray that helps control shedding. Yes, Golden Retrievers require professional grooming. There are many benefits to taking your dog to a professional groomer. Professional groomers can help detect any skin conditions and also safely remove any tough mats. They can also check for fleas and ticks. You can also request special treatments for your Golden Retriever, such as blowouts and deshedding treatments. Do Golden Retrievers Need Haircuts? However, they will benefit from regular trimming whenever they visit their groomer. Trims will keep coats manageable and less prone to tangling. Should Golden Retrievers Be Shaved? Never shave your Golden Retriever. Shaving these dogs will strip them of their natural protection. Golden Retrievers will stay cool during shedding season as they lose more hair. Instead of shaving their fur, you can help them stay cool by consistently brushing their coats to remove loose hair. All dogs require regular tooth brushing and nail trimming. In addition, Golden Retrievers specifically require brushing several times a week and regular trips to the groomer. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.