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Retaining the calm and gentle nature that has made them the most popular dog in the world! Not hyper-active like so many plaguing the breed today! Our dogs are intelligent, loyal, protective, large and beautiful. We breed champion lines with a 20 year history of excellent health and are guaranteed for health and hips. My dogs are personal pets and are NOT kenneled. They run free with family and children on our 10 acres in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada. From a distance, you may think that all German Shepherds are the same. However, experts will confirm that the bloodlines of these masterful dogs along with the environment they are raised in makes all the difference. That is why the Perfect German shepherd dogs and puppies we have for sale are simply superior. The German shepherd is a caretaker; they lie down and watch the perimeter. They are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world with an I. Hyperactivity only confuses the poor animal, causing them anxiety and stress. This could bring about severe health issues from cancer to torsion and many more. It also diminishes every quality that the German Shepard has. Their calm and gentle nature is critical, not only to keep them healthy, but to allow them to distinguish between a perpetrator and a child. If live anywhere near Nevada City or Sacramento, California, and are interested in our German shepherd puppies , please call anytime, we prefer to speak with you in person. We have answers. They may try, but the reality is that finding the perfect food for your dog right away is extremely difficult to do. Reputable German Shepherd breeders in Sacramento will always recommend that you contact a veterinarian directly if your pup is showing any signs of food allergies. In fact, it is much more likely that you will come across a smaller, backyard breeder or even a large puppy mill misrepresenting their business online. Puppy mills in particular often fall into the trap of inbreeding which can cause a lot of issues for future owners down the road! The breeders and businesses in our network are never working with the goal of producing the cheapest German Shepherds for sale in Sacramento. Rather, top-rated breeders tend to off a more boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards and even puppy transportation to the most convenient airport for both parties. Can I find a German Shepherd for sale in Sacramento near me? Of course. Our network is expansive and contains hundreds of the top rated puppy breeders from all across the country. No matter the color, size or location of the dog you are looking for, we definitely have you covered! How do I know that my puppy will be healthy? The top-rated German Shepherd breeders in the Uptown Network offer nose-to-tail health checks for all of their puppies, which includes a thorough examination of the entire dog and their health history! Is it enough to walk my dog, or do they need more exercise? Most dogs need more than a quick walk around the neighborhood every day to stay happy. For dogs, getting plenty of exercise can improve their daily moods, reduce destructive behavior and wear them out so that quiet time is easier to come by late at night. In order to ensure that our customers avoid all of the trouble that comes with backyard breeders we have employed an expert team to screen each and every application that is received! Because of the strict vetting process that our team has developed for filtering applications the breeders you will see below are some of the best in the country! Your new puppy could be just a few clicks away! What should I expect from my new German Shepherd puppy? You should expect an affectionate, loving puppy that wants to be around their family all of the time. What are some of the most intelligent and easy to train breeds? German Shepherds can be extremely intelligent! They were bred to be working dogs and have the memory to understand tasks and complete them alongside their owners. Goldfuchs 97 highest score in protection. My name is Thomas Sauerhoefer. I am a breeder of German Shepherds since in Germany. I came to America ten years ago from Germany. My goals are to help people obtain higher quality dogs through my breeding program and importing services and to offer the highest quality dogs for Schutzhund, show, family, and companion. I grew up with dogs all my life. When I was 10 our family got a wonderful boxer, and when I turned 16 we got a Rottweiler named Arko. A close friend of the family took him for schutzhund training because we needed a protection dog for our company. My interest and fascination with the sport of schutzhund took off. At age 18, I bought my first dog, a German Shepherd. I had fallen in love with the breed for their looks and intelligence. I started my career in Schutzhund and Marysville dog training with Vasko, a German Shepherd with working bloodlines. After I got her titles and breed survey, I bred Banja to Vasko and had my first litter of pups. I kept a male pup from this breeding and named him Kim. I trained Kim to a SchH 3. I bred three more litters with Banja, always with good results. One of the best training helpers in Germany was a member of my club and saw my love for the sport and talent for training dogs. He taught me everything about Schutzhund helper work. By the time I was 24, I started training dogs for other people, both working and show lines, because they also saw my talent for training. Now I do Sacramento dog training and breeding. I have excellent contacts with my friends in Germany to help you get the exact dog you are looking for at a very fair price. I have special connections with some great kennels in East Germany! To see dogs that are available now from Germany click on Show or Working. We offer Sacramento dog training for all breeds. Click here to see a video of Riggor vom Heidelberger Schloss, one of the top working prospect German Shepherd puppies that has come out of the Zwinger vom Heidelberger Schloss German Shepherd Puppy breeding program. More videos can be seen on the Progeny page of German Shepherd puppies and young adults that are progressing well in various working sports. These dogs make great family companions as well as show and prospects. Their bloodlines are full of top placing conformation dogs that perform well in working events as well. Sacramento German Shepherd Puppies and Training is available for all breeds. These dogs come from driven working lines and make phenomenal police and protection dogs. Schutzhund Training Sacramento dog training by the best! Thomas Sauerhoefer has nearly 30 years experience training, handling and doing helper work in Schutzhund. He has successfully titled over dogs in his 30 year career. Thomas has the experience to help with behavior problems as well. Call or email German Dog Training Center now, to decide what Sacramento dog training program you need. We have Sacramento German Shepherd Puppies for sale!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. If you find it cute that your little German Shepherd puppy is biting your hand, think again! GSDs grow-up to become strong and muscular dogs. However, once a GSD pup grows , its biting habits are not cute at all. Trust me on this one. Little pups that bite on hands or chew on toys are doing so because they are developing teeth. Recently, we got a new addition to our GSD family, a cute male named Bobby, and surely Bobbly likes to bite everything. We did order a set of tug ropes for him and it is working. Here is the model that we ordered from Chewy. They chew on toys because their gums feel irritated and to make the pain go away, they bite and chew on things. This behavior during the teething period is very normal and not much of a problem. Another reason that GSDs bite a lot is that they did not receive proper training as pups. When people start to appreciate or encourage GS biting or nipping, they are making it develop this into a habit. Your dog will start to bite at visitors and household items. This is a problem that needs to be controlled right away or else someone will end up getting hurt. If you let your GSD bite and nip, you are letting it take over. Biting and nipping is also a play game for GSD pups. They like to bite other pups in the litter, and this is usually harmless. However, when a pup gets hurt unintentionally, it makes a loud sound. This sound is an indication for the pup that it is hurt, and it is time to stop. There are several ways you can train your pup not to bite or nip. If your pup is biting because of teething, it is not a problem. The first step is to tell your dog that biting is not acceptable. You will do this with the help of voice commands , body language, and hand signals. When you stop playing with your pup the moment it bites, it will associate no play with biting. Repeat this practice whenever your GSD bites or nips. It will help your GSD learn that biting and nipping is not appreciated. Put your other finger lightly beneath its chin. Your pup will not be able to bite you and in this uncomfortable situation, it will try to get your fingers out of its mouth. This is an effective technique that will make the puppy feel uncomfortable and it will avoid biting you. Remember, you will have to repeat this technique several times until your pup completely hates taking your hand in its mouth. Pull your hand backward and pinch your pup in the neck. Do not pinch too tightly. This will make the pup associate pinching with No, and it will soon stop biting you. Be Consistent in what You Teach If you are trying to train your dog to behave and stop biting and nipping, make sure you are doing it with consistency and repetition. While training a GSD, you will need to repeat your technique several times until it starts to learn. Your GSD needs to know that biting and nipping is not acceptable and will upset you. You will also need to become the leader of your dog, not a friend of the same level. When the dog accepts you as a leader, it starts to follow the rules you set and the commands you give. Do not let your puppy bite on your hands during the training process. Reward Good Behavior If your dog is doing well and following your orders, do not forget to offer it a treat. Food treats are a kind of reward that you offer your dog only when it learns something. Make sure you have enough treats with you when you are training your pup. This way your GSD will learn that no biting means a yummy treat. You can also sign-up for our newsletter to get an expert opinion on GSD behaviors. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

Overall, boxers love people and children. As long as they're properly socialized, they get along great with other pets. But boxers do sometimes have aggressive tendencies that need to be kept in check. Same-Sex Aggression The most common problem with aggressive behavior in boxers is territorial and dominance aggression toward other dogs of the same sex. This is especially true with female boxers. Although they generally get along fine with male dogs, female boxers tend to pick fights with other females. Boxers also tend to hold grudges; once one becomes angry with another dog, he might consider that dog to be a lifelong enemy. On-Leash Aggression Boxers need to be exercised regularly; unfortunately, being on-leash sometimes brings out their territorial nature, causing them to behave aggressively toward other dogs they meet. Boxers also sometimes become more protective and defensive of their owners while on leash. A head collar with a loop that goes over the muzzle can give owners more control and help to keep this sort of aggressive behavior in check. In the event that it goes too far, such a collar can help the owner to regain control of a fighting boxer without getting in the middle of the fight. Prey Instinct The boxer was originally bred from crossing a bulldog with a bullenbeisser, which is a German hunting dog. As such, the boxer inherited a strong instinct for catching prey, which leads the breed to display aggression toward small animals such as squirrels, rabbits and birds, and even sometimes larger animals such as sheep and deer. Dealing With Aggression Boxers are highly energetic dogs who require daily walks and other forms of exercise to help them release pent-up energy and stay calm. They are strong-willed and need owners who are both willing and able to be strong, dominant leaders and establish firm boundaries for acceptable behavior. Early socialization with other animals and people can help avoid aggressive tendencies as the boxer gets older. If your boxer shows aggressive tendencies despite your best efforts to contain them, consult a veterinary behavioral expert for help in getting the aggression under control. More Articles. Aggressive Behavior in Boxers: Fact or Fiction? Written by Dr. However, many people perceive them as aggressive. But is it true that they are aggressive without reason, or is this a misconception? Boxers are predisposed to display aggressive behavior. On the other hand, lack of exercise, socialization, training, traumatic experiences, and health challenges can make them aggressive. So, keep reading to learn more. Are They Aggressive to Humans? Boxers can be aggressive to humans they are not used to seeing. They have a friendly temperament and can become best friends with humans. Like other dog breeds, they will assume a defensive position and become protective when they see their parents with strangers. However, their training and breeding can influence aggressive behavior towards babies. Toddlers Boxers are great with toddlers and bond better with them if they grow up in the same household. However, you should monitor the interaction between boxers and toddlers. The child is still too young to read the cues from the dog thoroughly, and the dog may still be learning to interact with the child. Older Kids Older kids and boxers get along very well. Naturally, these older kids are more developed and can be trusted to relate well with dogs. The jovial temperament of boxers makes them great companions for older kids, especially when raised as puppies in the same household. They are familiar with these adults in the home. Familiarity over time tends to reduce any tensions. On the contrary, if the adults in the family are unfriendly toward dogs, you can expect your boxer to be hostile toward them. These breeds will defend themselves if they feel threatened rather than cower. Strangers Boxers react negatively and become protective when strangers appear at your front door. Lack of exposure as puppies makes them suspicious of everyone besides their parents. They will try to protect you if they feel you are in danger. They display their loyalty through aggression. This aggression can either be mild or intense and is a factor dependent on their training and level of exposure to people. They can either bark and retreat or attack the stranger in rare cases. If you ever experience the latter, you need to hire a canine trainer. Guests Guests will receive a similar treatment to strangers showing up in the house. However, boxers trained to be social when they were puppies will be friendly to anyone, including guests. Nonetheless, nature and nurturing play vital roles in the behaviors of dogs, and this affects how they treat humans. When nurtured by trainers and confident pet parents, they can adapt to new traits that are friendly to even guests. They often display severe hostility in this situation. This aggression could escalate to attacks if you trained the dog to be a guard rather than a pet. In this case, they are only friendly to family members and will defend their territory whenever a strange face shows up. On the contrary, boxers bred and trained as pets will only bark and rarely attack. Training can make them friendly towards family and friends and hostile to intruders or burglars. Outside Your Home Boxers are not suited for the outdoors. They can exhibit territorial dominance, extreme aggression, disobedience, and wild behaviors that are difficult to contain by pet parents. The best place to keep boxers is within the home. Most boxers require additional training to behave well outdoors. Are They Aggressive to Other Animals? Many boxers exert dominance and aggression over other animals. In extreme cases, this aggressive behavior will have them killing, fighting, or hurting others. Breeding, training and lack of socialization as puppies influence the level of aggression shown toward other animals. Other Animals in the Household Boxers are aggressive to other animals, including other dogs within the house. You can correct this trait through training from an early age so they can learn to cohabit with other pets. When it comes to cats, birds, rodents, and reptiles, boxers have strong instincts to hunt them, owing to their genetic makeup. Germans bred them for hunting, and this trait will linger until they have undergone intensive training. Animals They Encounter Outside Outdoors, this breed may show hostility toward other animals, including other dogs. They may also show friendliness depending on their mood and other factors like health issues, lack of exercise, social anxiety, and training. Boxers that are trained to be friendly or social with other animals, and people will not show aggression outside unless they perceive a situation as threatening. If your pet is always aggressive, a visit to a veterinary doctor and then a pet trainer can be the start of a rehabilitation process. Male boxers are generally more outgoing and aggressive than their female counterparts. This outgoing nature can make them exert dominance over their territory and become confrontational. Conversely, females are most aggressive when nursing their puppies and when they spot other females within their territory. They are more introverted and prefer the indoors. However, both genders are playful, fierce, and affectionate. As a pet parent, frequently observing your boxer for excessive displays of aggression is a good idea since underlying health challenges, lack of care, exercise, and other factors can influence such behavior. Always keep your vet doctor on speed dial or a trainer even if your pet is healthy. What Can Cause Aggressive Behavior? Some factors that can cause aggressive behavior in boxers include breeding history, tendency to exert dominance over their territory, socialization, and training. Breeding Germans originally bred boxers to be aggressive and strong. However, times have changed, and modern breeds are no longer vicious. They are now domesticated and serve as companions to humans while also playing the role of guards. When sourcing boxers, go for breeds that just got out of their litter and are between eight to ten weeks old. The most submissive will be too weak, and the most dominant will be challenging to tame. Having boxers that fall right in the middle of the dominance scale makes training easier. Socialization Aggression can be a product of social anxiety and fear. You can avoid this by bringing in the dog as a puppy and exposing them to different social situations. You can tackle this with training and by taking them to doggy daycare and off-leash dog parks where they can learn to be in packs and interact freely with others through the help of trainers. Training Dogs are intelligent by nature. They can learn and unlearn many concepts, but you must be conscious of your chosen teaching approach. The proper training can influence positive behaviors in them and curtail aggression. Conversely, a lack of adequate and responsible training can encourage aggressive behaviors. They are protective if they think someone is trying to hurt their parents or puppies or invade their territory. Your boxer is being protective when: They react to and focus on new changes like sounds and sights in the environment. Bark at perceived threats. Stand in between you and the perceived threat. Maintain their usual composure when the threat turns out to be harmless. On the contrary, they are aggressive when they: Bark continuously even after a perceived threat is averted. Growl and display their teeth aggressively. Assume a rigid and battle-ready posture. Display readiness to advance toward the threat. Identifying these signs can help prevent them from going wild on strangers, other animals, and family members. The signs include the following: Raised furs. They are known for being very loyal, and that can sometimes turn into aggression. If you are worried that your Boxer may become aggressive or if there are already signs of aggression, there are some things you can do to correct the behavior and help make your Boxer a loving pet. Can Boxers be aggressive? Boxers can be aggressive, but if they are bought from a legitimate breeder and are raised, socialized, and trained properly, they are not likely to be aggressive. Past negative experiences, lack of exercise, and feeling threatened can manifest in aggression, though these issues are easily corrected. If you are considering getting a Boxer and want to know if he or she could become aggressive, be sure to read on to learn more. Poor Breeding Some dogs are bred from animals that are aggressive or have genes that make them more likely to be aggressive. There are also certain health problems that can make a Boxer more likely to become aggressive. Lack of Socialization Dogs that have not been properly socialized with people, children, or animals may become aggressive out of fear or if they are territorial. Lack of Training Some dogs need to be trained to keep their aggression at bay and to learn how to act in certain situations and with new people. If a Boxer is not trained properly, he could become aggressive in new situations and around new people. They may guard their toys, bed, and even people. They can also have food-aggression issues. This problem is known as resource guarding and is a natural reaction in some dogs or can be something they develop over time if they are not cared for properly. Unneutered Male Males are more likely to become aggressive than females, especially if they are unneutered. Boxers that show signs of aggression typically become less aggressive after they are neutered. Past Trauma or Negative Experiences Dogs that have been abused or have had past trauma and negative experiences may become aggressive in situations that remind them of these experiences. Female-Female Aggression Many Boxer females can become aggressive when other females are around. This is especially true if the female is in heat, has puppies, or is pregnant. Overly Protective Nature Boxers are guard dogs, and they tend to be overprotective by nature. This can something show up as aggression if they feel that their family or they themselves are being threatened. High Prey Drive Boxers have a high prey drive, and this can cause them to see smaller dogs, cats, and other animals as prey and act aggressively toward them. This can usually be resolved with proper training. How To Stop Boxer Aggression If your Boxer is showing signs of aggression, the sooner you intervene, the more likely you are to stop the behavior before it gets out of hand. Here are some tips that can help. Create a Safe Place Make sure your dog feels safe. Many dogs show aggression out of fear and confusion. Talk calmly to your dog when he starts to show signs of aggression to distract and calm him. Instead, redirect him and offer positive reinforcement to help keep him calm and let him know his calm behavior is rewarded. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to have a health problem ruled out or treated. Socialize Them Proper socialization is important for every dog breed and especially Boxers. Make sure your dog has plenty of socialization with other pets, animals, and people. You can find trainers who specialize in dealing with aggressive behavior and can help you correct it. As opposed to a costly lawsuit should your dog attack someone, hiring a professional will be money well spent. Your Boxer likely stares at you because he wants to anticipate what you will do next so he can go with you. Boxers bond with their owners quickly, and your Boxer may want to be by your side at all times. If your Boxer is older, he may be staring at you due to vision problems or another disorder. Are Boxers Good With Cats? Boxers can be good with cats as long as they are introduced to them early in life and have plenty of time to socialize with them. When you introduce your Boxer to a cat, always monitor them closely to make sure they get along. Conclusion Boxers are great dogs and make great family pets. They can, however, be aggressive if they are not properly trained and socialized. Related Posts:. No breed description will describe all boxers or will even accurately and totally describe one. However, some traits do apply to many boxers. Boxers tend to be silly, playful dogs who act like puppies for much of their lives. They are clownish dogs who seem to take particular delight in making their human family laugh at their antics. However, their puppy-like behavior is not always a source of amusement for everyone. Boxers love to be with people — as much as possible and as close as possible. They are not an aloof or independent breed. Their social nature and their typically high energy level make them well-suited to joining in family activities. If your boxer needs to be home alone for many hours each day, he will likely need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when you are home to keep him happy. Boxers cannot be left outside unattended without access to the indoors for any considerable length of time. Not only are they intolerant to heat and cold, but they also have been known to escape yards in an attempt to find their people. Boxers are family dogs in both their social nature and their physical needs. Boxers have a reputation for enjoying the company of children, and, indeed, many of them are quite tolerant around children. Boxers are large and bouncy and are not always the best judges of their size and strength, so special care should be taken with an exuberant boxer around small children. Always keep in mind that rescue dogs often have unknown histories, so it is a good idea to take extra precautions with any rescue dog, including boxers, around young children. Many boxers enjoy playing with other dogs, but their rough style of play and method of approach may be off-putting. Many boxers are selective about which dogs they want to be around, so introductions to new dogs should generally be controlled. Although boxers are not typically an aggressive breed, their enthusiasm and forwardness can escalate into reactive behavior or can trigger undesired responses from other dogs who do not understand them. Boxers are strong, can be stubborn, and can pull hard on their leash if they want something! A boxer is a joyous, funny, athletic dog who loves nothing more than being part of the family. However, boxers are not for everyone. Boxers require special consideration when it comes to the amount of exercise and activity they need, their social nature, their limitations in warm or cold climates, and their often-expensive veterinary care. Most purebred dogs that end up in shelters find themselves there because their people did not like the things about them that were, in fact, typical of their breed. The same traits that make boxers so much fun for one person may make them challenging or frustrating for another. Do your research, and if possible, spend time with some boxers before deciding if the breed is right for you.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Address — Grove St. You can often find French Bulldogs in breeders throughout Massachusetts. However, it would cost you a few thousand bucks more. Thus, it makes adoption an ideal option to consider. Moreover, it would benefit you by saving a lot of money. Moreover, these dogs usually come with complete vaccines and registrations. With such a big save of money, you can use it for the well-being of your adopted dog. You can buy grooming tools and toys, as well as its food. Still, you need to find one that suits your personality and your capacity. For this reason, you need to find a good French Bulldog rescue or shelter. A good rescue has excellent programs for the benefit of animals A good rescue or shelter should have active and preventive programs against overpopulation. Moreover, they need to exert effort in applying differential licensing. For this reason, you can see a good rescue or shelter if it rewards owners of neutered animals with benefits. A good rescue values neutering or spaying Aside from overpopulation, spaying and neutering help prevent other health issues. Thus, all adopted animals need to get spayed or neutered. You can see a good rescue or shelter if it complies by neutering all animals before entering their new homes. Thus, you can see a good rescue if it prioritizes the well-being of every animal it accommodates. You can see these if they have a specific adoption process and a set of adoption policies. All these things direct the well-being of the animals. A good rescue is well-maintained and clean. Cleanliness plays a vital role for a place to be a comfortable haven for animals. For this reason, rescues or shelters need to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of their surroundings. Moreover, it mirrors a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue French Bulldog? In general, French Bulldogs are well-tempered and friendly pets. However, one thing to note is that they can be quite stubborn. Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good rescue French Bulldog. Observe the dog The first thing you need to do is observe the dog, and most rescues or shelters have a certain room where you can do so. As soon as it gets comfortable, you may start observing. A good French Bulldog would be a little aloof but not aggressive. This attitude will pass as soon as it lives with you. A promising sign will be if it approaches every time you call but still keeps a short distance. One thing to note is that shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. A good French Bulldog likes to get petted. Most shelter and rescue dogs have issues with such. It will pass as you get to know each other. Play with the dog French Bulldogs may not be as playful as other breeds. However, playing is still a vital interaction you need to test out. Thus, you need to take note of how well the dog interacts while it plays. While these dogs like to play, they can get tired quickly. It also makes sense since they sleep more than they play. Walk with the dog French Bulldogs get tired quickly, but you can still take it for a short walk. As you do so, observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything in the road. A good French Bulldog may like to walk, but not much. As I said, these cute pets may love playing and walking, but they can tire quickly. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. A good French Bulldog can deal with other pets, but they can also be territorial. While they can be friendly, most french bulldogs may get aggressive, especially to unfamiliar faces. You can teach it to interact and deal with others with proper training. Summary Massachusetts offers a few dog shelters where you can find a French Bulldog to adopt. As always, the process of adoption entails quite a handful of tasks and requirements. For this reason, it would be best to prepare yourself for such hassles. Further, we made this list of shelters to help you save a lot of time finding French Bulldog rescues within the state of Massachusetts. As always, it would be best to remember how crucial it is to look for the qualities that a French Bulldog Shelter should have. Other States.

While predominantly considered a single breed, it is bred in four distinct varieties based on coat type and colour; the long-haired black Groenendael , the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, the short-haired fawn Malinois, and the long-haired fawn Tervuren. The breed descends from a common type of shepherd dog found throughout Western Europe that includes such modern breeds as the Bouvier des Ardennes , Dutch Shepherd and German Shepherd. A common sight in the service of Belgian shepherds for centuries, it was not until the end of the 19th century that a breed club was formed and attempts were made to standardise the breed. In addition to its historical role as a herding dog, Belgian Shepherds have been used as assistance dogs , companion dogs , detection dogs , guard dogs , guide dogs , police dogs , and search and rescue dogs. The breed has a long history of being used by military forces, serving in both World Wars; they continue to be used by a number of militaries in a variety of roles to this day. Appearance[ edit ] The Belgian Shepherd is a medium-sized athletic breed with a body built for endurance, they typically stand between 56 and 66 centimetres 22 and 26 in with bitches being on average 4 centimetres 1. Corbeel, bred his fawn long-haired Belgian Shepherd pair "Tom" and "Poes", one of their progeny was a long-haired fawn bitch named "Miss" who was purchased by a M. European Groenendaels in particular can whelp Tervuren-coloured pups; in most of the world these can be registered as Tervurens, whereas in the United States these pups would be disqualified from registration. The Malinois is gaining in popularity while the Laekenois remains comparatively rare. Air Force Malinois atop an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Iraq in Health[ edit ] Belgian Shepherds are considered to be a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, although skin allergies, eye problems and dysplasia are seen. Pet love is good love. These adorable adoptable pets are looking for a home. Sept Ruben is a sweetie pie goofball who is learning what it's like to live in a home, go on walks, and play! While he's 3 years old, he is quite puppy-like in his demeanor, galloping around like a bunny chasing his ball and doing somersaults. Ruben likes human company and enjoys everyone. He gave a 3-year-old a kiss! He likes attention! He's great at meeting new people. He will come up to say hello, tail-wagging. He will not jump on people, either. Ruben wants to be part of the action and likes people around him even if they aren't actively engaging - but he won't protest if you throw him his ball or tug of war toy! He will often come up to you to investigate what you are doing. Chopping carrots? He'd like to try one please verdict: not a fan of raw carrots yet. All joking aside, he is not picky with his food. He heartily eats his meal and loves to try new treats; No Hide chews are his favorite right now, with crunchy treats at a close second. He's a good walker and can easily walk a mile and a half on a not-too-hot day. His pace is moderate he's not a real New Yorker quite yet and he appreciates the exercise. Ruben trots along happily with a sniff here and there, always does his business outside grass preferred , and likes to say hello to all dogs, great and small on the walk. He is still learning about NYC noises like the ambulance but he may pause and take it in stride. Ruben is endearing and makes people smile on our walks. Did he get a summer cut? Is he part lion? He also likes to show off his dark blue tongue, which makes me and everyone smile. Sept Meet Delilah! This kitty is a wonderful DSH who is 2 years old and weighs 9 pounds. Sept Meet Ringo, the 6-year-old, pound ball of joy with a heart full of happiness and a tail that never stops wagging. This charming Spitz mix is a true embodiment of boundless positivity and contagious enthusiasm. Ringo's enthusiasm is palpable. With a tail wagging like a propeller and a perpetual grin on his face, he transforms even the simplest moments into delightful adventures. His infectious energy fills every corner of the room, and his zest for life is a constant reminder to find joy in the little things. Outdoors, Ringo's excitement reaches new heights. His grin somehow manages to widen as he soaks in the wonders of the world around him. While Ringo enjoys his toys indoors, his heart's true desire is belly rubs. His love for people knows no bounds. His friendly demeanor shines as he confidently approaches strangers with a smile, radiating warmth and welcoming interaction. Ringo's presence is a reminder of the incredible joy and love that dogs bring into our lives. With his ever-present grin, boundless energy, and heart full of affection, Ringo is not just a pet; he's a cherished companion who brightens every moment and fills every day with happiness. Sept Meet Corky! Corky is a 11 month old, approximately 35 pound Coon Hound mix pup, who is full of love, and always happy to meet other dogs and people, and eager to play and cuddle. He is great with children, dog friendly both in the home and on walks, and crate trained. A perfect day for this sweet, handsome boy includes exercise outside, lots of squeaky and chewy toys, play time, and lots of cuddles. Corky's superpowers include being very intelligent, a fast learner, full body tail wagging, and clearly has mastered "puppy eyes. He responds very well to positive reinforcement and is comfortable at home being a part of your daily activities, or playing with the resident dog. Some of Corky's favorite things are his rope toy, squeaky balls and squirrel, and his dog puzzles. If you're looking for a super sweet, lovable, medium size dog who is great with children and will climb into your lap when it's time to chill and cuddle, Corky will make the perfect companion and family member! Corky is currently being fostered in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. To adopt this pet, please visit www. Sept Meet Tia! Tia is the lady of the house and the lover of humans! She is a 3 month old 3lb Domestic Shorthair kitten. Her foster family says she is their go-to girl to be the first to greet them in the morning and the last to say goodnight before bed! Tia loves playing with her sisters and giving sweet meows to let us know it has been too long since her last cuddle. Tia does love playing hard to get, but always looks for her humans and littermates to make sure they are feeling wanted and loved. She will give you the best kisses and love nibbles! If you are looking for a calm, polite, and gentle kitten Tia is your girl! She has all of the makings of being the perfect lap cat. Tia is being fostered in Hoboken, NJ. Kittens are only adopted in pairs or to homes with other friendly, social pets. They are very social by nature and need to be with other pets for their socialization. Sept Behold, people of Staten Island, and let your hearts be touched by the tale of our goddess, Athena, a wondrous girl, gracing the halls of the Staten Island Care Center for over days now. Once a timid soul, Athena stepped into our shelter with uncertainty veiling her spirit. But lo and behold, time has woven a tapestry of trust and affection, revealing a gentle heart that now embraces both staff and volunteers. For five moons and more, Athena has waited with paws poised and hope ablaze. In the yard, she engages in merry games of fetch, her joyful spirit echoing through the air. But fret not, for after the chase, she seeks your embrace, nestled upon your lap, a living testament to serenity. Her love for back scratches is known throughout the realm. Yet, the time has come for Athena to seek a realm to call her own — a realm without younglings under the age of 13, a lhome under the stewardship of an experienced owner. Fear not, for she arrives housetrained and has ventured beyond the care center as part of the borough break program, and the reports bear witness to her noble nature. She gifted kisses, wagging tails of happiness, and tranquility that comforted all who came near. So, noble souls, heed the call of Athena, for she seeks not just shelter but a haven of love and belonging. She stands as a testament to resilience, and with her, a lifetime of companionship, joy, and unwavering loyalty awaits. Visit the care center, and let your heart be forever intertwined with hers. If you are not ready for a 'new baby' please adopt an adult or senior who need you! In addition, we cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of a puppy. Sept Meet Zena! Zena is a gorgeous girl who is approximately 5 years old. She was found outside by a Good Samaritan who took her in. Zena is great with other cats and has previously been in a foster home with children. She is so sweet and calm and loves the volunteers! Sept Meet Rocky Bertha! Hey there, pal! But lemme tell ya, my size ain't got nothin' on the size of my heart! Just like ol' Balboa, I've got a heart that could fill the ring and then some. I am coming on my th day here at the Care Center and would love to find a new home to spend the next rounds of my life! In my past, I hung out with the little ones, but truth be told, I reckon I'd shine brighter in a home with just grown-ups. You see, sometimes I forget my own strength and can play a tad too rough. Ain't meanin' no harm, just havin' a good time, ya know? Are you a go-getter, an adventurer? Well, guess what, so am I! I'm all in for a stroll, a jog, or even a mountain climb — name the game, and I'm game, my friend! Now, I gotta confess, I can get a little too amped during walks and give that leash a tug, but no sweat, we'll fix that up together. Toys, oh man, you bet I love 'em — especially those Kongs stuffed with the good stuff. They help keep me focused and burn off some steam. And here's a fun tidbit: My previous crew was real proud that I'm a pro at keepin' the indoors clean. Yup, I'm house-trained, and I ain't shy about showin' off my "sit," "down," and "paw" skills. So listen up, if you're lookin' for a dog who's treat-crazy and picks up new tricks like lightning, I'm your gal. But here's the deal — I'm searchin' for a palace where I reign supreme, no other four-legged critters, got it? I wanna soak up ALL the love, and dog parks ain't really my scene — I'd rather be right by your side, sharin' the adventure. So what do you say, champ? Do I sound like the one you've been waitin' for? Swing on down to the Staten Island Animal Care Center, let's have a meet and greet, and see if we're a knockout combo. Can't wait to see ya, friend! With her infectious energy and heartwarming personality, Bridgett is truly a bundle of joy. Bridgett's friendly and outgoing nature is immediately evident to all who meet her. Her exuberance for life is simply contagious, lighting up the room with her presence. Whether it's a new canine companion or a person of any age, Bridgett has an uncanny ability to forge connections and bring smiles to the faces of everyone she encounters. The yard becomes Bridgett's playground, especially when kids or other dogs are around. Her playful spirit shines as she joyfully frolics alongside them, sharing in their excitement and creating cherished memories. Crate training comes naturally to Bridgett, showcasing her adaptability and willingness to embrace routines. This skill is not only convenient for her human companions but also reflects her desire to be a well-mannered and cooperative member of the household. House training is a work in progress for Bridgett, a testament to her ongoing commitment to learning and growing. With her positive attitude and eagerness to please, it's clear that she's dedicated to becoming the best version of herself. As Bridgett continues to develop and flourish, her endearing qualities are sure to bring even more delight to her loved ones. Her boundless energy, friendly disposition, and eagerness to connect make her an ideal companion for families, individuals, and anyone seeking a loyal and affectionate friend. With Bridgett by your side, every day is filled with joy, laughter, and the unwavering companionship of a true canine treasure. If you would like to adopt this dog, please email www. Sept Greetings, I'm Clemm, a hound mix pup with a heart full of adventure! My handsome black coat and soulful eyes make quite the statement, don't you think? I'm all about exploring the great outdoors, whether it's hiking trails or chasing after toys in the yard. But when the day winds down, I'm all about snuggling up and sharing quiet moments. I've got a bark that's bigger than my size, and a heart that's even bigger. Ready to join me on a journey of fun and friendship? Let's make memories together! Clemm is currently located in Mahwah, NJ and is eligible for foster to adopt. Please visit us at www. Sept Meet Robby, a nine-year-old, 9-pound, wonderful Chihuahua mix. He is friendly and gets along with other dogs well! Sept Meet Missy! Orange you adorable? Rather shy at the moment, Missy is just waiting to bust outta her shell and show you her true colors. She also likes to climb and jump onto things. What a silly goose! She definitely enjoys cat treats and will sometimes eat them right out of your hand, if she safe enough. Pretty bold for a timid tiger! Missy gets along well with humans and other cats, but appreciates a gentle approach. Missy has a heart of gold, and with time and patience, this deserving kitty will be able to let the love shine in and reflect it right back on you. Sept Meet Zippy! Zippy is the sweetest dog you will ever meet! He is a 1-year-old, 50lb Shepherd mix who loves kisses, pets, and being close to his people! Zippy is practically perfect in every way because not only is he a lover but he's also a scholar. He's learning very fast and wants nothing but love from his people. If he meets you, he will give you x snuggles. He's also really good with cats and other dogs. Zippy loves walking in the park, playing with squeaky balls, and chewing his benebones. And a fun fact about Zippy is he loves water even more than treats , but he would choose kisses or pets over anything else. He truly just wants love! Zippy is fully house trained and he has not had any accidents. He's also comfortable sleeping alone, which was surprising based on how much love and attention he wants. After being in his foster home for only a few days, he learned how to sit, stay, and leave it. Zippy is young and athletic so expect he would be needing an active lifestyle, continued training, and plenty of mental stimulation from his family. If your family is looking for a happy loving dog who is the goodest boy, please apply to adopt Zippy today! Zippy is currently being fostered in Hoboken, NJ. Sept Meet Buzz! Buzz is a 3. Buzz is a joyful, playful, and silly pup. He loves to wrestle with his siblings, run after squeaker toys, and practicing commands for treats. Buzz has only recently been cleared to go outside, but has been potty-pad trained on our patio. We are now beginning to work on leash training with him! He is also crate trained, and knows the following commands: Sit, Come, Off, and will give you a kiss if you ask for it! We would consider him a wonderful companion dog, but he would do wonderfully with other dogs or family members who would want to run and play fetch with him. He isn't always energetic, though, he loves to sleep for hours when given the opportunity! Buzz is being fostered in Brooklyn, NY with his brother! To adopt this animal, please visit www. Sept Hey folks! I'm Tony, and let me tell ya, I'm grrreat and ready to find my forever home but i've got a few requirements, so listen up, 'cause I've got a story to share. First things first, I'm a guy who knows what he likes. I'd prefer to hang with adult humans or those 13 and older who can roll with my quirks. I'm all about takin' things slow, so those sweet, gradual introductions to new faces and places would really make my day. Safety first, you know? Now, when it comes to learnin', I'm all ears — seriously! I've got a heart eager to learn, and I need someone with patience to guide me through the ropes. I'm in, but it's gonna take some time and TLC. Playtime, oh yeah! I'm up for it, and boy, do I love my toys. I've got energy to burn, and I'm all about the positive vibes. You won't see me sweat when it comes to being held or getting a bath — I'm a cool customer. Life took me on a little adventure — I thought I'd found my forever pad, but turns out, I'm back at the care center, it was not my fault or my adopter, life happens, you know how it goes. No worries, though — these fine folks at the Care Center are like family. I'm used to their kindness, and now, I'm lookin' forward to meetin' you! After spendin' most of the last half-year here, I'm ready to settle into a cozy home once again. So, you with me? Let's make this happen — swing on by the Staten Island Animal Care Center, and let's start this journey together! Sept Meet Peaches, a 3-year-old, pound, wonderful pitty mix. She is friendly and gets along with other dogs well! Sept Meet Prince, a 5-year-old, 7-pound, male Chihuahua. He recently got his ticket out of the shelter and is already getting quite a bit of attention for his beautiful brindle coat and undeniably endearing underbite! His look is definitely one of a kind! Prince is a curious, energetic and friendly guy who gets along well with every human, dog and cat he meets. He loves to be pet all over, and particularly appreciates scratches on his head and behind his ears. He is a big fan of snuggles and smooches. He regularly burrows up in his favorite dog bed or in the softest blanket he can find to take an afternoon snooze. He is potty trained and will use pee pads. He enjoys long walks outside, and is a champ in a carrier and in the car. He rarely barks, but will let out some adorable squeaks to ask for attention when he is craving pets or to be picked up. He does not have separation anxiety. He prefers to be left out to roam at home, but does not mind napping quietly in his pen while his humans are out. If you are looking for a tiny companion who is outgoing, sweet and snuggly, Prince is your guy! A smoochy Casanova, Jeb clearly knows how to love, but he also knows how to have a doggone good time. The best combination of two winning traits! He trots like a gentleman on a leash, never pulling ahead and always letting you lead the way. With a medium-range energy level, Jeb can go from couch potato to playful pup at any given time. You set the tone and he will follow your lead. Jeb likes to run around, play with toys, chase balls, and roam around the yard. Jeb wants nothing more than to shower you with love and give you as many kisses as your skin is willing to withstand. His love knows no bounds, and his appreciation for your kindness and loyalty will be paid back triple-fold. Sept Meet Nickolas! Nickolas is housebroken and crate-trained he loves his crate. He is learning leash skills and doing well walking and enjoying all the new smells. He has been sleeping through the night in his crate as well! Since Nickolas has been doing so well and housebroken, his foster family has been taking him to work to socialize him more. He is a joy to have around the office, laying around, chewing on bones and just hanging with everyone. His foster family has also started on other commands like sit, stay, and lay down! They expect him to pick up fast as he loves to make you happy and seems very smart. Treats and toys are also great motivators for him. Nickolas is currently in a foster home in Ewing, NJ. Sept Meet Cranberry! Cranberry is a 3-month-old Australian Shepherd mix. This adorable little lady is waiting for a place of her own to call home! When Cranberry sees her people, her entire butt wags with joy and all she wants to do is kiss you all over! Cranberry loves all people and dogs, and she wants to join you on whatever you are doing. She loves the outdoors and will go anywhere! Cranberry is crate-trained and most recently has mastered sitting for treats. She loves any and all food! She is ready to find my forever home and will be happy to show you how fun puppy love can be! Cranberry is being fostered in Marlboro, NJ. Sept Meet Blueberry! Blueberry is a 3-month-old, Australian Shepherd mix. Blueberry is adorable in every way. Her front paws are white with cute little black dots on them and when she looks at you, she has these puppy dog eyes that will make any heart melt! When Blueberry gets excited, she wags her entire butt with joy. Pet her long enough, and she will gladly roll on my back so you can see her spotted belly too. Blueberry loves all people and dogs. If you are going somewhere, Blueberry will gladly go too! Give her a toy and she will show you how to have a good time. Blueberry is crate-trained and most recently, has mastered sitting for treats. She is super-smart and food motivated. Blueberry is ready to find my forever home and will be happy to show you how fun puppy love can be! Blueberry is being fostered in Marlboro, NJ. Sept Hey there, I'm Emory, a hound mix pup ready to shower you with love! My expressive eyes and waggly tail will melt your heart in an instant. Life's all about playtime and belly rubs, and I'm here to prove it. I've got a vivacious spirit and a heart full of affection to share. Whether we're playing fetch or lounging on lazy afternoons, I promise to keep you entertained and cherished. Let's make each day an adventure together! Emory is currently located in Mahwah, NJ and is eligible for foster to adopt. What a beautiful trio! Orion, Celeste and Nova are cuddly and playful. Orion and Nova enjoy each other's company while Celeste who is a bit smaller in size enjoys her alone time. All 3 have silky long fur and enjoy cuddle time. Orion, Celeste and Nova were born the beginning of June , are up to date with vaccines, and will be fixed and microchipped when age appropriate. They can be seen in their foster home by appointment or on the days they are at Petco Bricktown Way or PetSmart Forest Ave for adoption events. We're based in Staten Island, New York. Home visit required for adoption. Sept Meet Tora! Tora is a very independent 3-month-old black and white Domestic Shorthair. Talk about 13 going on 30! She loves spending her time playing with toys, climbing, and laying low. Tora is perfectly litter trained and eats all her food. Her favorite things are finding a good hiding spot and keeping an eye out for when the humans pull out the feather toy- it keeps her occupied for hours! The only thing she loves more is hanging out with her little sisters and keeping them groomed and in check. Tora loves to play with other cats but also loves to play alone! She is shy at first but quick to warm up. She is vocal about wanting your attention and loves hanging out on her foster family's computer chairs to wait for them! Tora is being fostered in Hoboken, NJ. Sept Hi there! My name is Ansley, and I'm an adorable hound mix puppy with a heart full of curiosity. At just a few months old, I'm already a master explorer, eager to sniff out every corner of your world. With my soft, floppy ears and soulful eyes, I promise to be your most loyal companion. I love bounding around in the yard and cuddling up after a day of adventure. Are you ready to embark on a journey of puppy love with me? Ansley is currently located in Mahwah, NJ and is eligible for foster to adopt. Sept Less adoptable pets.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. So what? That said, some pet owners do prefer purebred Labs for certain personal reasons, and that is completely fine! There are different ways to tell whether a Lab is purebred or not. The first one is by taking a look at your Labrador and assessing them based on their physical appearance. Others rely on pedigree or DNA tests to be sure. What are the qualifications for a dog to considered a Labrador? The breed standard can get pretty strict since they operate on certain rules and regulations. There are different standards for what a Labrador should look like in various aspects. But for the purpose of singular discussion, this article will refer to the standards set by the American Kennel Club. Color There are three commonly acceptable colors for a Labrador : yellow, black, and chocolate. Although there are certain discrepancies or ranges in the colors that are accepted, the standards are quite strict about those three colors. For one, black Labradors have to be all black, while chocolate Labradors can range from light to dark brown colors. On the other hand, there are more accepted colors ranging from fox-red to light cream in yellow Labradors. These colors are all accepted without disqualifying the Labrador. Color patterns or brindles not accepted and will disqualify a Lab from the breed. However, these changes are not to mistaken as disqualifications when they come from the passing of an age. However, according to the AKC, it should give a hard feeling to the touch. The undercoat should be soft and protect the dog from weather and water. Wooly and silky coats not allowed. The weight of the Labrador can range from 55 pounds to about 70 pounds at the highest. Any more than that does not fit into the standards set by the AKC. Labradors also have to have a specific neck, hindquarters, and other requirements to qualify. For a more detailed count on the matter, take a look at the official standards by the AKC here. Are the breed standards enough? The quick answer is no. Visual appearance alone is not enough for you to determine if your Labrador is purebred or not. Of course, there are certain tells, and a Labrador puppy has a distinctive look to it. But generally speaking, the sight alone is not enough of a determiner. The reason for this is that Labradors who are purebred can look quite far-fetched from the traditional Labrador appearance. This is especially true in working lines where the Labs stray away from traditional Labrador looks. How to Identify a Purebred Labrador Puppy: Pedigree Another way to determine whether you have a purebred Labrador within your midst is by looking at their pedigree. A pedigree document is an instrument that proves that your dog is purebred. This document signifies that the lineage of your Labrador is true and pure. In the AKC, the pedigree documents for a certified Labrador can be found online for up to four generations. Ideally, before you purchase a Labrador, you should ask to see the pertinent documents first, so you know you are getting a purebred Lab. However, these documents are not foolproof and only guarantee accuracy up to the honesty of the breeder. There are many cases of these documents being fake documents, so you should still be vigilant and take caution. There are countless cases of fake certifications all over the world. Similarly, people on online forums also had the same problem when they bought a dog, only to find out that the dog was not entirely purebred. To get a more accurate and honest take, make sure that you are buying from a trusted breeder. Fortunately, there are DNA tests already available for Labradors, so you can easily get one if you want to. However, before you get a DNA test, you will have to check if your location is in proximity to a laboratory or if you can ship to one. Of course, not all DNA tests are the same, and some are more accurate than others. In other databases, it could be more, or it could be less. Supposedly, a database that has more dog breeds in its system is more likely to produce accurate results. So, it all depends on the accuracy of the Laboratory or the system you will be using. Make sure to go to a laboratory with an accuracy rate that you are comfortable with. Take note that your veterinarian will be the one to do the process and not you. In the end, there are several ways you can guarantee that your Labrador is purebred. As we have mentioned above, you can visually inspect them, look up their pedigree, or do a DNA test. As of now, DNA testing is the most accurate method that you can use to tell if your Labrador is purebred or not. Your experience with your dog should not change, even if they are not purebred. Labradors are amazing companions and will stay with you for a long time yet, so you should cherish the experience. Post navigation. Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family. As dog parents, you may have personal reasons for preferring purebred Labs and you want to know as much as you can about your furry family member. In this article, we tell you all you need to know to determine if a Labrador is purebred. The Embark dog DNA kit helps ascertain everything about your pet, so you can provide them with the right mix of nutrition, environment and lifestyle, and help them live a long and healthy life. We can see traits of the different breeds in our pup. It is a wonderful tool to learn about the puppy, what to expect from a breed and how to train. Knowing what our dog is, is a great tool!!! Sarah H Collecting the dog spit was easier than I expected and the results came back pretty soon. Mikayla P Great customer service! I got the results within 17 days. We were kept updated every step of the way. I got a lot more than what I paid for. Buy Now Visual Assessment Firstly, specific visual standards must be met for a dog to be considered a purebred Labrador retriever. The American Kennel Club sets these criteria. Black Labs have to be entirely black, while chocolate Labradors should fall within the range from light to pure dark brown. Yellow Labs have more flexibility because light cream to fox red is still acceptable hues and will not disqualify them. Do purebred Labs have white markings? White markings on the coat are still acceptable, but they should be small. Unfortunately, brindles, color markings, or color panels are causes for disqualification, especially if the Lab is already fully grown. Coat Your Labrador should have a slightly dense, short, and straight waterproof coat to be considered purebred. The exterior coat should be a bit stiff when you touch it, whereas the undercoat should be soft. Silky and wooly undercoats are not acceptable. Weight Range Considered as medium-sized dogs, standard purebred Labrador retrievers are naturally athletic, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds with a height of .Any measurement beyond these dimensions is outside the set standards of the AKC. Tail Structure The traditional tail of a purebred Labrador retriever is thick, and it tapers towards the end. Unlike the other retriever breeds, Labs have minimal to no feathering on their tails. Yellow and black Labradors usually have black noses while chocolate Labradors have brown noses. The only exceptions are Dudley Labradors who retain their pink noses throughout their life. Natural Instincts The Labrador retriever was originally bred to look for waterfowl for hunters. This breed has a powerful instinct to retrieve, run through overgrown terrain, and swim in the water. They also have impressive athletic and physical skills, making them excellent working dogs. Also Read: Types of Labradors Conformation Standards Labrador retrievers have a trademark broad head, naturally floppy ears, and expressive eyes. They have a strong build with a well-balanced conformation that makes them one of the best retrieving gun dogs. One of their most distinctive features is their webbed feet. The skin between their toes, together with their ottered tails, helps them when swimming. Do you want to know how long do purebred Labs live? They have a relatively long lifespan, at an average of 12 years. This is why most owners and breeders opt for a second and even third method for accuracy and documentation. Pedigree Papers Secondly, another way to identify if your Lab is purebred or not is through its pedigree document. Your reputable, AKC-registered breeder should hand this certificate to you on the day you bring your puppy home. There are many dishonest breeders out there, and a certificate is not enough to ensure that your Lab is purebred. DNA Test Lastly, given the reality that even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, there is a final method for identifying a purebred Labrador: DNA testing. You can have your Lab undergo a DNA test through local laboratories offering this service. Also, there are test kits that you can purchase online. DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine if your Labrador is purebred. You can get a sample from your dog in two ways. One is a simple swab on the cheek, and the other is through blood collection. The results will show how closely the parents and ancestors correlate to the set standards of the breed. Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle, and even-tempered.

By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. He does not have the gene to make a rose-nosed puppy. They display slightly smaller curls than some pups, but it is still not a tight curly fleece. As adults, they will have a coat similar to Tilly, their mom. This coat is easy to care for, does not mat easily, and is easy to brush out regularly. The first two pups pictured have a different dad, they are out of Riley, and the other four are from Sam. Also, note that Riley's pups have a rose nose, and the others have a black nose. These two display tight fleece. Keep short for easy management, or brush regularly to avoid mattes. The first pup had a slightly curlier coat than the others and was fluffier as an adult. You can also see the rose nose on the caramel pup 3 versus the black nose on the apricot pup 6. The black pups range in colors; the first black Australian labradoodle puppy is solid but already showing signs of silver showing through around his nose and will likely silver out as he matures. The other two black pups are phantom or sable, with adorable brown eyebrows—two caramel pups with rose noses and one apricot pup with a black nose. You can see three of each type in this litter. The pups in positions 1, 3, and 6 are tight curls, and the other three are loose. An equal distribution of rose noses, 3 rose and three black. Gypsy makes a wide range of sizes in her litter. In this litter, the Australian labradoodle puppies range in weight, at age 1, from lbs.

From there we began showing dairy goats, angora goats, and pygmy goats in 4-H, FFA, and open shows from .When my son went off to college, we decided to sell off our dairy goat herd and focus on our Pug Breeding Program. Once we were able to focus on our Pug Breeding Program more we began to search for pugs of unique colors that we didn't already own. In I quit my job, and started breeding pugs full time. My new job title is a "Stay at Home Pug Mommy". Instead we retire them and they live out the remainder of their lives here at Tipping Point Farm, playing, eating, sleeping day after day, and spending time with our family. After all, Pugs are the ultimate companion and mans best friend. They will always be there for you no matter what, whether they are trying to cheer you up, steel your food, or give you kisses. With such a large demand for our pugs, I have now brought in my mom's dogs to be a part of my breeding program, so everyone is able to have their own Tipping Point Farm Pug. My Mom owns a farm thirty minutes away from me where she lives and raises her own pugs with help from me. On February 11th, , my first pug, "Cheese", the one who started it all passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated after learning of her passing and spending so many years with such a great dog. I was heart broken, I lost my best friend. This one dog was the reason behind my whole pug breeding program. I loved this dog so much that I wanted to breed pugs so everyone could have "their own Cheese". After all, Pug love is like no other, you are their world and they become a family member. Even though Cheese is no longer here with us, I know that I am lucky enough to have got to spend so many years with her and have her daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters. When it comes to our pugs, Health is our 1 priority and then of course color! From day one, we are directly involved with our puppies, we help them come into the world and love them everyday till they go to there new family. Please feel free to call or email me anytime you have a question or are interested in a pug. Thank you for taking the time to read the Story behind our farm. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your family and to adding a new member to your family. I apologize for this and will be back to keeping up with my website for .As soon as we learned of the diagnosis, we made arrangements to meet with the surgeon. Unfortunately after the scans were taken, a spot was found on his liver which gave him a terminal diagnosis 2 months without chemo, 6 months with chemo. In March of he opted to start a chemo regiment every 3 weeks to hopefully extend his life expectancy. During the next few months him and I created a bucket list of things he wanted to do, which we were able to complete in between his visits to the hospital and chemo treatments. In August his cancer was reassessed to see if the chemo treatments had been working. The results were heartbreaking, the chemo hadn't worked and his body was full of cancer. Within a month of this heart breaking news my fathers health deteriorated, he was back and forth between hospice and the emergency room until he lost his battle to cancer on September 22, .My fathers loss has been extremely difficult, but I am now able to start focusing on my breeding program once again. As of right now we have big plans for .For more information about our plans, please contact me with any inquiries regarding current and future puppies or keep checking back for updates. We appreciate your patience and look forward to adding the newest fur-member to your family. The couple is passionate about their puppies and keeps their kennel in accordance with State of Ohio Department of Agriculture regulations. The kennel is climate controlled and the dogs are on a solid surface with hot water heat in the floor. The family breeds both Dachshunds and Pugs with a firm commitment to customer satisfaction. Creekside is committed to making sure all of their puppies are healthy and well socialized — ready for happy homes. They also offer a one-year genetic health guarantee for all of their pups. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.