french bulldog puppy argues bedtime

We do not use Australian Shepherds in our program. We introduced Merle into our program in .We are very proud of our Merle Bernedoodles. You can see several examples of our amazing Merle Bernedoodles below. Where does the merle gene come from and how it got in the poodle gene pool? I get this question all the time. I have done a lot of study of the merle gene in the poodle gene pool and believe that it was not caused by introducing another breed into the gene pool but, in fact, it is a mutation that occurred naturally. Merle is probably the most mis-understood and hotly debated dilution gene in the poodle. Many believe it must be a recessive gene because it doesn't affect the appearance of red, apricot and red or diluted colors such as blues and silvers. In addition, it can be hard to see or not evident at all on black and brown dogs cryptic. Not only is its appearance illusive to breeders but it has confused scientists and it is still not completely understood. The merle pattern has been studied many times and the last study released in emphatically stated that merle was caused by a mutation in the gene called SILV or PMEL.The research was believed to be so solid that tests were offered to breeders to identify Merle in their dogs. However, as of March the company who owned the patent for the test, Idexx, stopped offering tests as they discovered the scientists identified the wrong gene. SILV is not responsible for merle. The gene they decided was merle SILV actually turned out to be for a form of piebaldism- not merle. One theory is that piebaldism may be issue when connected to merle- or it may be piebaldism itself that is the issue. Another theory is "The Misidentification Theory. However, it is said - rightly so - that merles have often been misidentified as other colors. Then there is the "The Cryptic Merle" theory. This theory is actually a subcategory of the Misidentification Theory. Merle is what is called a "modifier. If merle acts on a black coat, the result is blue merle. If it acts on a chocolate coat, the result is red merle. And so on. The final theory I have is that that merles have been in the breed and that mere is a "natural" occuring pattern in the breed, and that merles have often been misidentified as other colors. When I called AKC to register Chuck and asked about the color code to give him they said to give him code and This refers to a a red and white dog with black markings. This leads me to believe that when looking at the color pedigree 5 or 10 generations back you would not know if the dog was actually a merle or a parti meaning merle could be in the pedigree without proper identification. Merle can affect all coat colors. The merle forms of brown and black are usually called "red" though this is not correct; red and merle are genetically different and "blue" as patches of blue are formed throughout the coat. Merle is a dilution gene just like the blue, chocolate in a traditional color but without the color of blue DNA. Merle has its own colours and DNA; a blue merle is a dog who has blue patches on its body, red and some are chocolate or "cookies and cream". Dogs who are recessive red can still be affected by merle, but the patches are either hardly seen or, if the dog is a clear recessive red, are not visible at all. Combinations such as brindle merle exist, but are rare. In addition to altering base coat color, merle also modifies eye color and coloring on the nose and paw pads. The merle gene modifies the dark pigment in the eyes, occasionally changing dark eyes to blue, or part of the eye to be colored blue. Since merle causes random modifications, however, both dark-eyed, blue-eyed, and odd-colored eyes are possible. Color on paw pads and nose may be mottled pink and black. Color on the nose may be black, blue, or red. You can see a perfect example of a chocolate merle in our stud Chuck. Merle Bernedoodles What is a Merle Bernedoodle? What are the most common Merle patterns in Bernedoodles? How is a Merle Bernedoodle produced? Merle is a term used to describe the pattern of a dogs coat. Merle is a dilution gene, that is, it lightens whatever the coat color would otherwise have been. The lightening is not spread evenly over the coat, but leaves patches of undiluted color scattered over the dog's body. Also, the lightening seems to work primarily on the black pigment in the coat. Merle refers to the pattern in the coat and is not a color as such. The white and gray patterns that appear on a black make them appear to have a blueish cast. These are called blue merles. Merle is a color combination in dogs' coats. Although most breeds that can have merle coats also typically have white markings such as around the neck, under the belly, and so on , and often tan points typically between the white and the darker parts of the coat , these are separate colors from the merle; some dogs do appear completely merled with no white or tan markings. Merle can also alter other colors and patterns besides the usual red or black. Utah Bernedoodles. If black, puppy has markings outside of the normal pattern for a parti puppy. Markings can range from silver, light tan, to dark brown, to red. These markings are found over the eyes, on the sides of the face, on the chest, on all four legs and feet, and under the tail. There is no white on the puppy or the white is very minimal. Unlike a phantom puppy, there is white present somewhere on the puppy. It is most common to only have white on the chest and sometimes the feet. These puppies most closely resemble a bernese mountain dog in their color patterns. It is more rare to get the white on the face with perfect berner markings, so please understand if leaving a deposit, you could be waiting a very long time for a puppy like this. The two non-traditional tri-colors we produce are sables and brindles. A sable is when the outer hair is a darker shade than the hair underneath. These puppies are a different color when they are shaved down. They commonly have places where their hair tends to stay darker like on the ears or tail. They may or may not have phantom markings and can have varying amounts of white. Brindle is when the puppy has stripes of different colors on their body. If all these colors werent confusing enough as it is, you can also have a sable brindle combination where the puppy has the stripes, but the hair underneath is still lighter too. These puppies will have varying sizes of patches. Several colors of hair create the "blue" and "red" color that these babies are known for. One puppy could appear to be several colors as its base coat. No two babies are ever the same!!! The phantom merles have those distinct phantom markings that we love so much! On average, these babies will appear to be three or more colors! These babies have large patches of distinct white, not just small spots of white hair mixed in which is common in merles. These puppies can appear to be five or more colors. The are the most unique color out there and are something extra special!!! A little about merles: Standard sized merle bernedoodles are especially hard to find. They are one of the few colors that are auctually harder to find in Standard size than mini. The reason being that standard sized merle standard poodles are difficult to find. The merle color is very uncommon in all poodle sizes. They can usually be readily found in toy and mini sized poodles. The toy poodle is then bred to a standard sized female to create the Moyen or medium sized poodle. This poodle as the mother cannot safely be bred to a bernese mountain dog. She will be far too small. If this moyen poodle is the father, the puppies will be a larger mini or very small standard size. These are not Large standard sized puppies that we are hoping to have. This merle moyen poodle should be bred again to a standard poodle in order to bring as much size as possible to the offspring, and then that puppy could safely breed for standard sized puppies. It takes several generations to safely and correctly breed for True Standard sized babies. It takes many years to create the perfect poodle to make these babies happen! We maintain the right to refuse sale to anyone we do not feel comfortable placing a puppy with for any reason. This right also extends to people who have already left a deposit with us, in which this is the only case that a deposit will be refunded. We want only the best for our babies and if we believe you may not be a fit home for one of our babies for any reason, we will exercise this right. Thank you for understanding. Copyright Kandissweetpuppies. All Rights Reserved. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. Low maintenance coat with wave and considered minimal to no shed. F1b is a Bernedoodle bred with a Poodle. F1b Mini Bernedoodles will have a higher success rate for no shed, and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. We microchip puppies prior to going home. Microchipping is a very easy, affordable process that a veterinarian can easily do. Males tend to be larger than females, but beyond that, there is not a major difference between the genders. The differences are quite subtle, and both males and females make amazing pets. We think temperament is more important than gender when matching dogs to owners. If your Bernedoodle is very active outdoors, you will likely find a shorter clip easier to maintain. But many owners enjoy the look of them in a fuller coat. A curly coat is less likely to shed but more likely to become matted if not brushed regularly. Daily brushing will be required, as well as professional grooming every weeks. So be specific and show the groomer photos of how you want your dog to look. Also Avoid bathing your Bernedoodle too often, as it strips essential oils from the coat. There is no such thing as a fully-hypoallergenic dog; Bernedoodles tend to be allergy-friendly. Most people with allergies to dog dander i. Every Bernedoodle has a different coat. The curlier the coat the less it will shed. Most Bernedoodles have the wavy type coat that is low- to non-shedding. If you are allergic to dog saliva you will most likely be allergic to Bernedoodles. You will know if you are allergic to saliva if your skin will break out in hives when a dog licks you. We always suggest that if allergies are involved, customers should meet some Bernedoodles if they can. This has happened very rarely. Yes, you can find a copy of our contract here. We live on 30 acres with a pond, 20 acres of that is fenced in to give our females plenty of room for exercise and roaming, swimming, we keep them supplied with bones from the local butcher to keep them occupied for hours! We do have a kennel area, heated and cooled, where they spend the nights and for times we leave for a few hours. Our puppies are raised in our nursery area and brought into the house or to the front yard daily [weather permitting] for playtime and socialized by any of our 6 little girls:] they also have a doggy door for outside access. They will be up to date on shots and deworming, they will have a shot record, a vet certificate, a signed health contract, and a small food kit. Our puppies will range in coat types from curly to wavy.

Black and cream Black and silver Along with their color, German Shepherds have two different types of coats. The first is a medium coat, and the other is a long coat. Despite the length, the coats are always double and have a denser guard layer with a softer coat underneath. Do German Shepherd puppies change color? Black German Shepherds are usually purebred — they are not a separate breed. Most purebred German Shepherds are solid black as puppies and tend to have a three-mix color at the later stages of their lives. There are many ways to test if your German Shepherd puppies are purebred. Some of them are: 1. DNA test This is the best and most accurate way to determine if your dog is purebred. The first step is purchasing a kit. You can get one from Amazon. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight, short hair that lies close to the body. The long-haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds that are family pets. Behavioral characteristics German Shepherds are usually associated with aggressiveness. They are very calm, obedient, and friendly to their family. Most interestingly, whenever their family becomes threatened, they become protective. This makes them perfect for watchdogs. Asking questions Make sure you ask enough questions about your German Shepherd from your breeder. Also, ensure your questions are directed to a breeder with lots of experience in the field. Another essential tip is to request relevant proof about your German Shepherd before you adopt one. They also have blue eyes. The Blue German Shepherd comes in three different variations. They are; blue and tan, blue and sable, or blue and black. The blue German Shepherds are relatively very rare and a puppy could cost a bit more than average GSDs. You might even get placed on a waiting list. The fawn color is another extremely rare color of German Shepherd. Although they were noticed a long time ago, they are still relatively very rare. Instead, they come in a mixture, especially when a white German Shepherd is bred with another color. This occurrence is due to a genetic mutation. The fawn color is classified as stable color. Members of the stable colors are basically several reds though a little lighter. A way you can see it is something close to the color of the fur of a deer. The fawn color goes very well with other colors to form the signature German Shepherd pattern. Other rare colors of the German Shepherd include: Liver. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Final Thoughts Is it black color of a German Shepherd really making it different? Yes, a black German Shepherd is one more officially recognized variation of this breed. People used to think that this unusual color is a result of an undesirable genetic mutation. Others believed that it is a crossbreed variation. Fortunately, both concepts turned out to be false. The only true thing is that this variation is pretty rare. In fact, it possesses the same qualities and levels of protection and loyalty as the dogs of other colors. Such dogs are good as a working variation too, so they are successful in the police, military, and social services. The history of black Shepherds started in Germany. That was a separate working line coming from Berger Picard. Some Words About the History Black color is a result of two black dogs bred together. Or it can be the offspring of mating black and tan dogs. Even if most puppies are born black, a black German Shepherd puppy retains the color while growing. Black is recognized as a standard color by the AKC and other kennel clubs. The history of black Shepherds goes back to the entire history of the breed. The retired captain Von Stepanitz saw the Shepherds as perfect working dogs , so he decided to improve their standards. His dog, Horand, started the new variety of the breed, which was called the German Shepherd dog for a while. As the breed was improving, it spread far beyond Germany and reached the US in .The breed was recognized by the AKC in .There, the first black Shepherds appeared as a result of gene combinations but not a mutation as many still believe. The only difference is that black Shepherds are rare, so they are rather expensive if you want to acquire a puppy from a breeder. The litter usually consists of puppies, but some of them may not be black. Appearance These dogs resemble wolves, so they look pretty aggressive. Such a dog has a prolonged muzzle and accurate square face. Their necks are long, sitting low when they are running. Their ears are semi-pointed and their foreheads are rounded. Their ears become upright when they are 20 weeks old. Their eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and their nose is black. The legs are thick and strong, and the body is heavy and muscular. These German Shepherds have a straight back and a bushy tail. The body contours are usually straighter than in regular dogs. The coat of a black Shepherd is medium-length. It has two layers. The outer layer is straight and thick, while the undercoat is soft. There are also long-haired black German Shepherd dogs whose fur is fluffy and wavy. The dog will need a proper grooming schedule to reduce the consequences of shedding. However, the color is only one — solid black. It comes from two parents whose recessive genes make this combination. That is why breeding two black dogs offer more chances to receive a completely black litter. These dogs belong to large breeds. The males weigh pounds 29 — 41 kg , and their height is 26 inches 0. The females weigh a bit less — pounds 23 — 34 kg and reach 24 inches 0. Temperament Despite their severe appearance, these dogs are very loyal and pretty family-bound. They are sure that their job is to protect their owners. They are very watchful and start barking as soon as they feel there is a sort of danger around. Socialization is very important for a black German Shepherd puppy to help it interact efficiently with people and other animals. These dogs are very energetic, and they prefer physical exercise to anything else. The black German Shepherd temperament is characterized by agility, continuous activity, and amazing endurance. They need a lot of mental stimulation too. These dogs can behave destructively if they are left alone for a long time. So, it is essential for them to be close to people and get the correct training. If you want to prevent your puppy from incidents and escaping, make sure that the wall of your backyard is over 6 feet 2 meters. These animals need more than an hour of intensive exercise per day. Jogging or long walks will suit them very well. They also enjoy swimming and hiking. Mental and playing activities may involve retrieving a toy or a newspaper or ball fetching somewhere in the backyard or park. Black German Shepherd dogs are very intelligent. They learn easily and always want to impress their owner. House training and obedience can start at an early age. Socialization training should also start as early as possible. They need to learn how to deal with family members, friends, strangers, and other animals. They can live years. These dogs are prone to the same health issues as other Shepherds and large breed dogs. Hip dysplasia is the condition when the thigh bone fits loosely into the joint. Some dogs suffer from pain and become lame on their rear legs. There is one more severe condition these dogs may suffer from. It is a CDRM. The abbreviation means Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy. It is a disorder in the spinal cord that can lead to paralysis of the hind legs. Such a degenerative joint condition as osteoarthritis is common for senior dogs. It can result in disabled joints that cannot move. Surgery and medical treatment are needed in this case. There is also a syndrome of cauda equina. It affects the back and can result in lameness and severe pain in the back, hips, and tail. You also need to go to the vet regularly to notice the very first signs of any disorder. Versatility Black German Shepherd dogs have a set of traits and qualities that allows them to work in the police, military, and rescue teams. These dogs are very popular in the USA nowadays. They are very intelligent, obedient, fearless, and loyal, and these traits make them extremely fit for these jobs. They can also become great service dogs. The dog has a pretty stable temperament, so it can withstand the most dangerous and difficult situations without getting into a panic. It can become a reliable guardian, a leader for the blind, and a companion for a disabled person. It is an amazing guard dog with its severe look, immense alertness, and courage. Though these dogs look aggressive, they are pretty caring and loving, so they become great family dogs, and they can live in any type of household. They are funny, friendly, and get along easily with little kids and teenagers. If properly socialized, they get on well with cats and other animals. No, it is not. There is not any big difference between the black dogs and their counterparts of other colors. The most prominent difference is the coat color. Another difference is that their back is straighter than in other varieties. However, they have the same well-being needs and are prone to the same disorders as other German Shepherds. How much does a black German Shepherd cost? Since these dogs are rare, they cost more. If you want such a black dog, but it is too challenging for you to pay so much money, you can look for one in the local dog shelter. Adopting an adult dog also has a lot of advantages. Do black German Shepherd puppies change color? If your dog starts changing the color from black to brown or another, or if some white hair appears on its coat, this dog is not black but a regular one. A black German Shepherd puppy can be born black, gray, or even white, and then get its solid black color at the age of 8 weeks. To be on the safe side, you can take a puppy home when it is ten weeks old. However, some patches of white or brown on the paws or chest may appear. They may darken or not, but it does not mean that your dog is not purebred. White spots are often seen in black Shepherds, so you do not need to worry. Another way to avoid worries and confusion is to ask the breeder for certificates. How big can black Shepherds grow? These dogs can grow a bit bigger than other varieties of German Shepherds. The adult males are inches tall cm. The females are inches cm tall. The average weight of male dogs is pounds kg and pounds kg for females. These animals become mature at the age of 18 months -2 years on average. How does color influence temperament? These dogs look magnificent and more aggressive. In fact, they are as friendly and loyal as Shepherds of other colors. The temperament is almost the same. They are perfect working and family animals. How rare are black German Shepherds? German Shepherds typically have a single coat pattern, which is black and tan. But there are German Shepherds that are entirely black. The gene for fully black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds, hence this is not the result of crossbreeding. However, it is significantly less common than the typical color. Every year, only a few black German Shepherd puppies are born worldwide. Do you ever wonder why there is never a black German Shepherd in your area? Well, it might have something to do with the extreme rarity of black German Shepherds. Only 6. Final Thoughts These pups are very loyal and loving. They are great companions and protective family members. However, they need a lot of grooming and continuous care and exercise. You will love to spend time outdoors with your black German Shepherd because it is energetic and cute. It is pretty easy to train such puppies because they are very intelligent. A fascinating black dog is exactly what you need. This amazing creature is loved by many despite its severe look. That is a great benefit because such dogs are always alert, and they do not bear ill-willed strangers. So, you will feel safe and protected. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Brown Black and silver Not only is there a variety of colors your German Shepherd can be, but there are a few different textures their coat can be. Hair length can vary from short to long. Additionally, their coat can be dense and thick, medium-thick, fluffy, and thick, or they can have long, thick hair. Lastly, most of the hair will be in certain areas such as the ears, neck, tail, chest, and the back of their legs. Even if you find yourself with a black German Shepherd puppy, the likelihood that she will grow up to be pure black is very slim. You will most likely end up with a black and tan dog since black and tan is a recessive gene and one of the most popular colors. The genes of German Shepherds work very similarly to humans. The species has two pigments called eumelanin and pheomelanin. The two pigments interact with other genes and are responsible for what color the German Shepherd ends up being. When other genes interact with it, though, eumelanin can result in different colors. These shades can include yellow, off-white, or black with a blue tint. Pheomelanin Turns to Red Phaeomelanin defaults only to red, but it can differ in the shade of red. When different genes are introduced, the coat can turn deep brown to light brown to very pale gold or even a brighter yellow color. The most popular color of red is red sable. Since black German Shepherds are very rare and make up only 6. Although they are the same species, there are a few differences between the black German Shepherd and other dogs of the same species. They also can have a straighter back. Lastly, they usually have a thicker coat, especially at the back of the neck, between the front and back legs, and near the ears and tail. Despite these physical differences, they also have lots of similarities to the standard species. Some similarities include a strong build, erect ears, a fluffy tail, a double coat, and lastly, they are both heavy shedders. This is because of how rare they are and how elegant and striking they look. This will ensure the pup will be healthy and has been cared for properly. Another easy way to find a good breeder is to look at breeders registered with the American Kennel Club. If you are hoping for a black German Shepherd or just curious, it is important to know what color the parents have to be to birth a black puppy that grows up with the same color. The most likely combination is to have both of the parents be a solid black. This will give you the highest chance of having an all-black German Shepherd. One other way to get a black German Shepherd is for both parents to be black and tan or have one parent black and the other black and tan. While these two are less likely to result in a black puppy, there is still a chance. If both parents have a solid black color recessive gene, then your pup will be born black and stay black. A big misconception revolving around the black German Shepherd is that they have health issues because the color is seen as a fault. While the species is known for certain health issues, the issues have nothing to do with the black color. Another misconception is that black German Shepherds have different temperaments. This is also another myth. These dogs have the same temperament as the standard variety: loyal, friendly, active, alert, and intelligent. While they can be aloof at first, they will quickly warm up to you as you bond with them. For a complete overview of black German Shepherds, we have an excellent article for you right here: Final Thoughts All German Shepherd puppies are not born black. They can be born either black, white, or gray. The puppies can stay these colors for up to eight weeks, and then they usually change color after the eight-week mark. Different genes will interact with the pigments eumelanin and pheomelanin, which can result in 13 different coat colors. To birth a black German Shepherd, both parents have to be either black or black and tan. They will both also have to carry the recessive gene for an all-black coat to have a black puppy. Lastly, if you have a black puppy, that does not mean they will have health issues or different temperaments. These are both big misconceptions. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

We have answers. Am I limited to choosing local Boxer puppies, or can I look elsewhere? You can look wherever you like! One of the great things about our network is that ALL the businesses and breeders we work with know all about Boxer San Jose puppy travel. So no matter where you live or where the breeder is located, they can put your puppy on a plane to your nearest major airport. How does your screening process for breeders work? You can take a look at those standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover all aspects of animal breeding and care - breeder knowledge, ethical standards, cleanliness, legal compliance, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other dog breeding networks? At Uptown, we carefully examine and screen all of the applicants to our network - and we only work with the very best out there. What is a puppy mill like for dogs? A puppy mill is like a factory, churning out as many puppies as possible for maximum profit. A Boxer for sale San Jose bought from a puppy mill could have expensive medical conditions and behavioural problems. Are there any Boxer puppies available for me to buy right now? Where do Boxer dogs come from? The origins of the Boxer breed lie in the late s. They were bred from a mix of dogs, including the Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser. They were first imported into American around , and they quickly became popular. What should I expect from the average Boxer? But as friendly as they are, Boxers also make effective guard dogs. How does the Uptown Puppies process actually work? We get applications from some of the best Boxer breeders from all over America, and we only admit the very best to our network. You can take a look through our list of approved businesses, browsing through Boxer puppies San Jose and upcoming litters. The process is quick, efficient, and stress free. How big a breed are Boxers? It's usual for a male boxer to be around 25 inches and to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches, and generally weigh from 50 to 65 pounds. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee. Those interested in meeting the dog can come out to our meet and greet event. We no longer do application approval onsite. Anyone adopting has been previously approved and set up to meet prior to the event. She has been an absolutely lovely pup around kids of all sizes and ages, dogs, and cats as well! She will make her future forever home so lucky. Below is a report from her foster. She adapted right away to our routine. We get up around and let the dogs out to do their business. She gets breakfast around AM and is a great eater. She then plays in the yard for a few hours before taking a long nap on the couch. She has dinner around PM and then goes outside one more time before bed. She has not had an accident in our home since we have had her. Mrs Maisel loves to play but is respectful when other dogs need a break from go go go energy. She is calm when meeting members of the household and when on walks and responds very well to a no command. She would also do well in a home with runners and hikers, her tongue hangs out of her mouth after a good long play or activity session. Mrs Maisel is an option for a home who has had prior experience with dogs, especially those who have prior experience with larger breed dogs. If there are children in the home, they should be over the age of 8 and knock-over proof as Mrs Maisel can get excited and play bowling alley with little ones.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Although spaying or neutering is not compulsory, it is highly advisable to spay your French Bulldog. This will help to decrease its chances of getting certain kinds of cancer. It also prevents the risk of unwanted breeding between your French Bulldog and any nearby dog. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? French Bulldogs have the potential to be aggressive. However, they are not usually aggressive unless they are trained that way. It is important to note that they may show aggression towards other dogs or smaller animals. Owners should watch out for signs of aggression and nip them in the bud. What is the life expectancy of a French Bulldog? With a proper diet and nutrition, French Bulldogs can live for up to eleven or thirteen years. Can French Bulldogs eat raw meat? French Bulldogs can eat raw meat such as chicken, liver or kidney. They could also eat canned, dry food. What is the difference between a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are quite similar but different at the same time. English bulldogs are bigger while the French Bulldog is considerably smaller. French Bulldogs also have upright pointy ears whereas the English breed has folded ears. Do I have to worry about fleas with French Bulldogs? Just like all other breeds, French Bulldogs can get fleas. If they do get fleas, this can be solved by getting flea medicine or using a flea comb to get rid of the fleas. How do you deal with separation anxiety in French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are very prone to separation anxiety. To curb this, owners can crate train their dogs or provide them with chew toys. What is the best way to train your French Bulldog? Crate training is one of the best ways to train your French Bulldog. It helps to create good and positive behavior in your Frenchie and could be a fun place for it to rest. Are French Bulldogs children-friendly? French Bulldogs are not the best option for kids. However, if they grow up surrounded by children, the risk could be lessened. They should not be left unsupervised around kids. How big are French Bulldogs? The French Bulldog is about 11 or 12 inches tall and weighs an average of pounds. Are you interested in purchasing a French Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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. 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. 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! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military.

Table Of Contents Cutting Dog Nails Cutting dog nails can be turned into a quick and easy task by following these simple steps. Golden retriever dogs who get lots of exercise on cement surfaces may wear their nails down enough with a do-it-yourself dog nail grooming program that they don't even need clipping. But dogs who are older and less active, or who don't spend much time on concrete, will need regular nail care. Dogs should walk silently. If you can hear your dog's nails click against the floor or pavement, it's time for a pedicure. Consequences of Not Cutting Dog Nails A Golden Retriever dog's paw is an arrangement of four flexible, strong toes and five tough pads. A dog that's walking properly should be walking squarely on those pads. If the task of clipping dog nails is neglected and his nails grow too long, the only way the foot can compensate and retain balance is for the toes to spread apart, causing the foot itself to become flattened and spread out. That can eventually destroy the entire structure of the foot, effectively crippling your dog. Neglecting regular nail care can lead to serious dog toenail problems, too. Very long nails can grow back into the dog's pads, causing your dog enormous pain. A dog ingrown toenail is no laughing matter. Clipping dog nails regularly is important because nails that are allowed to become long are also more prone to splitting. Split nails are very painful to your dog, and often require surgical removal of the remainder of the nail to permit proper healing. Golden Retriever Dogs with long nails can have difficulty walking on hard or slick surfaces. Those long nails will also scratch your wooden floors and get caught in carpeting, which can sometimes rip out a toenail ouch! Dewclaw removal for a puppy is sometimes done if he's heading for a career as an active hunting dog. But most Goldens keep their dewclaws, so you'll need to trim them whenever cutting dog nails comes up on your agenda. Since they don't touch the ground, they can never wear down through exercise. Neglected dewclaw nails sometimes grow in complete circles and can even penetrate into the toe pad. The key to trimming dog nails without crushing the nail and leaving ragged edges is to use specially designed dog nail clippers. Dog toenail clippers come in two basic styles. One type has two blades and works like a special pair of scissors pictured on the right. The other style pictured on the left has an oblong opening that the nail fits into and a single blade that cuts the nail when the handle is squeezed. They're called guillotine nail clippers because they make a sharp, clean cut like a guillotine. Either variety works quite well for cutting dog nails. You can also find electric dog nail clippers on the Internet, or possibly at your pet supply store. You can even Dremel dog nails if you'd like try grinding instead of cutting. Each method of cutting dog nails has its pros and cons. When cutting dog nails, you want to trim just the end -- the hook-like part of the nail that turns down. Try to avoid cutting the "quick," the pink area in the center of the nail. This pink interior, called the quick or nail bed, contains blood vessels and nerves. These blood vessels extend about three-fourths of the length of the nail, and are surrounded by the tough nail. If the nails are kept short by frequently cutting dog nails, the tiny veins stay short. If a Golden Retriever dog's nails are allowed to grow uncontrolled, the veins and nerves keep growing. If you've let your dog's nails get much too long, you'll have to shorten them gradually. Carefully clip off just a fraction of an inch every few days. Cutting dog nails gradually like this will allow the veins and nerves to slowly recede. If your Golden Retriever dog's nails are light colored, you'll be able to see the vein when you look at the nail from the side. If your Golden Retriever happens to have a few dark nails, your job is a little tougher. It helps if you hold a flashlight beam directly under the dark nail to help you see the lighter line of the vein when cutting dog nails. If you're still not sure where the quick is, clip just a bit off the tip of the nail. Wait a few days and then clip some more. It's much safer to trim a small amount of nail often, than to take big cuts off neglected nails all at once. Uh oh. Now you've done it. That last little cut nicked the quick, and now the toenail's bleeding. What do you do now? Don't panic, and don't put yourself on a guilt trip. You're probably more upset than your Golden Retriever dog. Most of the time, a minor cut to the quick will stop bleeding on its own. To speed up the process, you can dab a bit of styptic powder on the nail. If that still doesn't stop the bleeding, applying the powder along with some gentle pressure for a few minutes will do the job. That can make trimming dog nails quite an ordeal. The easiest way to get your dog used to having his nails trimmed is by playing with his feet when he's a puppy. Some breeders make it easier for you by clipping their puppies' nails weekly until they go to their new homes. That makes it a cinch for you to keep cutting dog nails on a regular basis, without a fuss. Don't despair. It's never too late! If your dog is fussy about having his nails cut, first handle his feet during your play sessions and even after brushing him. Use lots of praise, and keep these sessions really short. You don't need to handle all four feet each time. Handling just one, with lots of praise, gets the point across. As your dog gets less tense when you handle his feet, help him get used to the nail clippers. Let him smell them, and tell him what a brave dog he is. Don't try to use them yet. After a week of this nice, easy contact, brush your dog, praise him, let him sniff the clippers, and then clip one toenail, cutting off only the sharp point. Praise as you cut, then quit for the day. The next day, do two nails, and two the day after. If this goes well, you may be able to do a whole paw the following day. Praise with each little snip. Reward him at the end with some soothing brushing and a fun game. Maybe it'll take you several pedicure sessions to get them all done, but who cares? Clipping dog nails this way was easy and painless for all concerned. Most groomers and veterinary clinics will be happy to help you out. The small fee they charge is priceless compared to your Golden Retriever's health. Some dog owners prefer to use a nail grinder instead of clippers. Again, these are easy to use by simply slowly grinding down the nail. They may be the preferred choice for people less confident with the sharp and quick motion of the clippers. First things first, get acquainted with what the nail actually looks like and what you need to be aware of. Dummies has a great diagram for what the inside of the nail looks like here. Each claw is made up of the nail itself, which is insensitive and can be trimmed without causing pain, and the sensitive quick that contains the blood supply. Trying to cut a moving target will not end well! Be liberal with treats and praise so they know that this is a good experience and that they have nothing to fear. Start with the nails on the hind legs as these are likely to be less sensitive and should ease your dog into the procedure. Place a very small piece of nail between the clippers and cut from the underneath side. Be quick and smooth in the movement so as not to agitate your dog. A guillotine clipper will cut straight across while you have more freedom to cut how you like with scissor clippers. Immediately tend to the bleeding by applying styptic powder on a cotton swab to cauterize the bleeding. Remember to treat your dog and provide lots of loving attention. Finish the task with a treat and plenty of praise! You May Also Like. Tom Thorpe Blog Trimming the nails of the dogs is an essential part of their grooming routine. Aside from that, you will prevent the occurrence of scratches over your legs and on the surface of your floorings. So, religiously cutting down the nails of the Golden Retriever is a must. But, how will you able to do that if you do not know how to cut Golden Retriever nails? In this blog post, we will have you covered. We will guide you with the step-by-step procedure on the appropriate way of cutting Golden Retriever nails. Here are also some of the tips that you may consider before and during the nail cutting process. Check them all out below! Some dog owners are finding it a hard task, yet it should not be that way. One way of identifying the proper ways on how to cut Golden Retriever nails is to know how frequently do you need to do it. Well, this generally varies from one dog to another. Once the nail grows long — this is only applicable for cutting the nails of the Golden Retriever that always run around hard surfaces. Their nails are being trimmed down and maintained short because of the hard surface. Hearing the clicking of the nails on the ground — once you hear it, automatically, it means that the nails of your Golden Retriever already needs cutting Once every two weeks — perform a frequent regular nail cutting to the Golden Retriever if they usually love to put their paws on soft surfaces or carpets Once a week — do this if you want to intentionally shorten the nails of the Goldens even if they are always running on soft grounds Things to remember when cutting the nails of the Golden Retriever When you do the cutting of the Golden Retriever nails, always keep the following tips in mind: Length of the nails to be cut — the ideal measurement of the nail to be cut is about 2 millimeters of the quick. Quick is the part of the nail that is usually pinkish and located in the middle part. It generally holds the blood supply on the claw area. In case your Goldens has white nails, finding the quick spot is very easy because of the color. However, if you are in doubt, it is better to check or ask your veterinarian or dog groomer whether the nails of your Golden are already long enough and ready for cutting. Moreover, in case you cut one nail or two every day, it is important to keep them in short length. Ways of Cutting the Golden Retriever Nails: Tools to be Used In cutting the nails of the Golden Retriever, you need to be aware that there are types of nail clippers for Golden Retrievers available for use. Using it features great and easy maneuverability and, at the same time, cut Golden Retriever nails without cracking down the toes of your Fido. The appearance of the scissors for dogs looks similar to a pair of pliers. Additionally, scissors nail clippers may also offer excess force required for large dog breeds with bigger and thicker nails. Some pet owners who are cutting the nails of their doggo find it easier to use compared to the scissor type. The cutting of nails using the guillotine nail clipper is actually straight across. Yet, one of the downsides of using this type of nail clipper is that there is more pressure applied over the toe of the dog. In contrast to the scissor-type, the guillotine is highly ideal to cut nails of small to medium-sized dogs. These dogs have nails that fit perfectly and exactly on the clipper hole. Moreover, a guillotine nail clipper is good to use when you opt to clip dewclaws. Primarily, the dog has this wiggly behavior especially when they not used to that kind of routine. So, you have to be very careful with this. Additionally, check on things that you must have to be aware of. Generally, the individual claw of the dogs has the nail part and the quick. Cutting the nail part itself may not really cause any pain. Moreover, there is the quick part which is the sensitive one that contains the supply of the blood. So, cutting the nail of the Golden Retriever in too short length may result in cutting the quick. With that, the Goldens may experience pain and there would also be some bleeding. Because of that incident, your pooch will be scared and might feel threatened on the next nail cutting session. Yet, for me, it would be easier for you to cut Golden Retriever nails after a bath because their nails are softer making them easier to cut. That way, you do not need to exert extra pressure on their toes. Also, it is very important that the dog is calm. Keep in mind that if your dog is constantly moving during nail cutting will not give you a good result. Give it to them as well as praise them every time they make a good move. Moreover, the Goldens will also learn that nail cutting is a good experience and it should not make them threatened. The nails on that part of the dog are less sensitive. Additionally, your Goldens will be prepared and make them at ease with the nail cutting process. Do the cutting from the bottom side. Make sure that your movement is fast and smooth-sailing. This will help to keep away your Goldens from being agitated. It is better to do that most likely if you know exactly where the quick spot is and you want short nails for your Goldens. In case the nail of the Golden Retriever is quite darker or black in color, the best way to cut is straight across. Cut it little by little instead of trying to perform the 45O angle cutting method. STEP 5: After cutting each individual nail, check on it and try to see if you are cutting close to the quick. Moreover, find if dew claw is present and also trim it. Usually, the dewclaw resides in a slightly higher position on the leg and normally attached by loose skin. Dewclaw is easy to find because it does not touch the ground. Apply a styptic powder over a piece of cotton and gently swab it to the bleeding nail. The Difference Grinding of the Golden Retriever Nails Aside from cutting, trimming the nails of the Golden Retriever can also be done through grinding. For us to define the difference between the two here is how grinding the nails of the dog works: Grinding of the Golden Retriever Nails: Based on our discussion above, cutting Golden Retriever nails involves the use of nail clippers. Meanwhile, during grinding, the nail grinder is used. Compared to nail clippers, this nail trimming tool is easier to use as it slowly grinds the nails of the Goldens down. Usually, dog owners who are not confident with the use of the nail clippers prefer to choose the nail grinding method. A slower process of dog nail trimming works best over the dark nails of the dogs. A: Basically, in order to prevent cutting the quick of the dog, you must have to position the cutting blade of the nail clipper facing you. Moreover, place the cutting blade on a distance quite farther from the dogs quick so that you will able to avoid it. A: Generally, when your dog walks over a hard surface like pavements, it will help in shortening the length of its claws. However, dogs walking regularly will not maintain the required short length of their nails. A: Well, if you accidentally cut the quick of the Golden Retriever, the dog will have to bleed, and walking will make them feel uncomfortable. But, that will naturally fade as their nails grow back. A: In case the quick is cut, hurt, and exposed, immediately rush your dog to the veterinarian. The vet will apply antibiotics in ointment form or in powder to the affected nail bed. The injectable or oral form of antibiotic is also recommended to avoid possible infection because the quick is attached to the bone. A: Keep in mind that it is not good to use a nail file for humans in cutting the nails of the Golden Retriever. Final Words Three important points to take into account in cutting Golden Retriever nails, you should take it slowly, avoid the quick, and reward your dog. Moreover, always feel free to cut one nail in a day. That way you and your dog can find the nail cutting process easy and comfortable.

Thanks for submitting! It has been proven by mixing this combination of dogs it can drastically reduce many health problems. We only choose quality breeding stock for our breeding program. Our breeding dogs are genetically tested for different genetic defects through Embark. We also do OFA certification and Penn hip. It is our priority to produce only the healthiest puppies that will be part of your family for many years! We want all of our dogs to live long, happy, health lives. Miniature golden retriever personality There's a lot of reason why golden retrievers are so popular and why people want a miniature version of them. For many, they are an ideal dog breed. Friendly, easy going and clever, they make great family pets for most families. Mini golden retriever Size We use www. We cannot guarantee the size of your puppy but we do the best we can. Our Miniature Goldens range in size from lbs. Their affable nature, stunning appearance, and remarkable intelligence have made them a favorite among dog enthusiasts for generations. And now, a new variation has emerged that takes all these wonderful qualities and packages them in a smaller size — the Miniature Golden Retriever. We'll delve into the captivating world of Miniature Golden Retrievers, exploring their characteristics, care needs, and the considerations to keep in mind if you're interested in bringing one of these delightful pups into your home. These pint-sized companions are the result of carefully selected breeding, combining the beloved traits of the standard Golden Retriever with smaller breeds to create a charming and compact version. They retain the signature golden coat, the warm eyes that reflect their boundless affection, and that unmistakable wagging tail that instantly brightens any room. Characteristics That Steal Hearts Miniature Golden Retrievers embody all the qualities that have made their larger counterparts cherished members of countless families. Their intelligence shines through as they quickly grasp commands, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Just like standard Golden Retrievers, they possess a natural desire to please, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they may be smaller in stature, their hearts are as big as ever. Mini Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them excellent playmates for children and other pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards. Care Considerations Caring for a Miniature Golden Retriever is a deeply rewarding journey that requires attention and dedication. Their lush double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Weekly brushing not only helps maintain their appearance but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to keep your Mini Golden Retriever in optimal health. Regular exercise is equally important, as it keeps their minds sharp and their bodies in shape. Bringing a Miniature Golden Retriever Home Now, you might be wondering where to find these enchanting companions. You might have searched "mini golden retriever puppies for sale" or "mini golden retrievers for sale" which led you to us. So when seeking a breeder, it's essential to prioritize ethical practices. Reputable breeders focus on the health and welfare of their dogs, ensuring that puppies are raised in loving environments. These dogs can live up to years, so be prepared for a long-term partnership filled with love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and undeniable charm make them a wonderful addition to a variety of households. Whether you're seeking a loyal companion for leisurely strolls or a furry friend to join in family adventures, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a breed that promises to enrich your life in countless ways. So, if you're captivated by the idea of sharing your life with a Miniature Golden Retriever, take the time to explore reputable breeders offering mini golden retriever puppies for sale or mini golden retrievers for sale. With proper care, patience, and a heart full of love, you're bound to find a loyal companion who will brighten your days for years to come. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies, you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Pennsylvania Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Pennsylvania? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of our golden retriever puppies for sale. How do I know which breeders to trust in Pennsylvania? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! It's written by expert owner and veterinarian Dr. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Golden Retriever owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Miniature Golden Retriever puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Golden Retrievers mini and regular-sized need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Miniature Golden Retriever Puppy Breeders in Pennsylvania I'm sorry, there are currently no breeders that we have located in this state Report a broken link or other error here. Click Here to add your information! We hope that this site helps you locate the perfect breeder near you. However, please keep in mind that while we have the largest dog breeder directory on the internet, we cannot personally vouch for any individual breeder we list. Make sure you thoroughly check them out yourself to make sure they are honest, ethical, and raise healthy, happy puppies! Miniature Golden Retriever Pennsylvania Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Local Puppy Breeders is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Copyright localpuppybreeders. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale.

Usually a German Shepherd's early growth is rapid, and before you can blink, they're huge — but not Ranger. The pup, who has his own Instagram account with an impressive , followers and counting, has big paws but a small to medium-size body as a result of pituitary dwarfism — which is associated with a growth hormone deficiency — unlike a typical full-grown German Shepherd. Ranger's pituitary dwarfism is — his owners believe — a result of an infection he had as a puppy, caused by a parasite. Unfortunately, those dogs with pituitary dwarfism are expected to have a shorter lifespan and the possibility of various health issues — luckily for Ranger, his fur parents say that he's a very healthy pup, aside from dry skin causing some fur loss likely due to his pituitary dwarfism and hormones his body isn't making. Additionally, he takes medication to regulate his thyroid. Ranger's owners are grateful to the Instagram community for giving them a platform to share Ranger's unique issues that have in turn been able to help other animal owners who have pets with pituitary dwarfism. Although Ranger is usually posing for his followers alone, he also takes great photos with his younger siblings, a German Shepherd named Jessie and a Labrador Retriever named Hazel. See some of his sweetest photos ahead; he's so cute I could cry. Share Despite all the adversity this underdog has never let any of it hold him back. Ranger is happy and healthy and can be found playing the day away with his family and sisters or enjoying online fame and adoration as the star of his own Instagram page. Poor Ranger underwent several medical complications due to hi dwarfism, but conquered the odds thanks to the unconditional love of his owners Ranger has been filmed performing his 'signature' head tilt and playing with his sisters Hazel the Labrador and fellow German Shepherd, Jessie. Shelby Mayo who is Ranger's guardian, said: 'When we originally got Ranger from the breeder, he was smaller than all his other littermates, but we figured that was because he had a parasite called Coccidia. The adorable pup is now happy and healthy and enjoys a growing following on Instagram where his family relates his adventures 'During this time Ranger remained very small, the vet had suspected that he may have Pituitary Dwarfism, a genetic mutation. Ranger playing with his toy at home. The pup lost his appetite, started to lose weight, lost almost all of his fur, and had extremely dry and flaky skin The pup in the car with his sister, fellow German Shepherd Jessie. Ranger was diagnosed after he contracted a parasite called Giardia 'At the same time another one of our followers who also has a Dwarf German Shepard told us to get his thyroid levels checked as many dwarfs suffer from hypothyroidism. And as a responsible breeder will not breed the two dogs together again.

October 19, , pm 1 I live in Alaska and am getting a toy poodle. I cannot find a local breeder that is AKC certified, so I am going to have to have a puppy shipped up. Can anyone recommend a breeder for me? I have looked at many websites, but I am hesitant to simply take them at their word since this will be my companion for the next 16 years. I am looking for a typical toy, not a teacup. I am reluctant to ship a dog from any farther away than Washington or Oregon, but would consider a longer distance if the breeder has a good reputation for shipping the pups comfortably. Any dopers want to help me out? Of course, I would love to adopt a mutt from the local shelter, but my and Mr. It must be a pure poodle. There are other non-shedding dogs that are often mixed with poodles such as schnauzers and bichons. Those kinds of mixes would also be good choices for people with allergies. This is not the case. AKC is a registry body. A registration certificate identifies the dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, born on a known date. It in no way indicates the quality or state of health of the dog. Breeders breeding show stock are trying to produce animals that closely resemble the description of perfection described in the breed standard. Many people breed their dogs with no concern for the qualitative demands of the breed standard. When this occurs repeatedly over several generations, the animals, while still purebred, can be of extremely low quality. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Toy Poodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Poodles". It's written by experienced Poodle owner and dog trainer Tarah Schwartz. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Poodle owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Toy Poodle puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Toy Poodles young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!