german shepherd rottweiler puppy mix

Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. 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. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. The bottom line How to Train a 6-month German Shepherd Once you bring home a 6-month-old German shepherd for the first time, the first thing that you should do is to take him for an introductory walk. This helps the pooch familiarize with the surrounding, and to make it easier when you take him for a talk or backyard play. When training a 6-month-old German shepherd, you should start by teaching him basic training commands like sit, stay, come, and kneel. These are useful GSD commands for different situations, and you can use treats as an incentive during the training exercise. Reward your dog when he does what you ask — this will encourage them to keep trying because they want that reward again! How much should a 6-month-old German shepherd eat? You should serve your German shepherd puppy about two to three cups of premium puppy food per day. The quantity served may vary depending on the size and age of your pup but in general, this is roughly how much to feed him each day. A good rule of thumb when deciding how much to give your puppy is to determine their weight and size. For instance, if your pup weighs around 20 pounds then you should feed him two cups of food per day. If he weighs 40 pounds then this will translate to three cups. If your 6-month-old German shepherd has a sensitive stomach then you may want to consider feeding them wet food. Wet puppy food has a high water content, which will help their digestive tract maintain the right balance and prevent inflammation of the colon. In addition, wet food also contains healthy prebiotics that promotes healthy digestion. How much water does a 6-month-old German shepherd drink? A 6-month-old German shepherd needs sufficient water to drink. You should provide a water bowl that is large enough so that your pup can drink sufficient water. If you are out of the house and cannot give them constant access to fresh water, then it might be best for you to invest in an automatic water fountain. A water fountain ensures there is a continuous flow of clean drinking water throughout the day. How much exercise does a 6-month-old German shepherd need? A 6-month-old GSD needs about thirty minutes to an hour of exercise each day and they should be given some form of mental stimulation as well. One way you can do this is by teaching him or her tricks that will help stimulate her brain. How to Potty train a 6-month-old German Shepherd? A 6-month-old pup requires a lot of time and attention to potty train. The easiest and most popular potty training method is using urine and feces training pads. If you are not sure how to groom your GSD puppy, hire a professional pet groomer at a fee. A pet groomer is specially trained to groom puppies and adult dogs. You will need dog shampoo , towels, conditioners, or other products that might be needed depending on the type of hair coat your pup has i. You will also need a leash and harness for outdoor walks. If you live in a wooded area where dogs are likely to get lost, you can have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian. While 6 months might be considered too soon to be microchipped, it will come in handy later when the dog grows older so consider getting one done now! See the best undercoat rake for German Shepherd 6-month-old German shepherd behavior and temperament: Are they aggressive? You can even invest in an invisible wireless fence to keep them contained. When buying a German shepherd puppy , you should first check with a licensed breeder. Make sure that you find a reputable fully-licensed breeder who has the time and space needed to care for GSD puppies. Ask the breeder if they have any 6-month-old puppies available. Breeders should be able to tell you how many dogs are currently in their care and what types of breeds they typically raise so that it is easy for you to make a decision about where to buy and if there are several puppies to choose from. They should also have a contract that spells out your responsibilities as the owner before you sign it so there are no surprises down the road. See the distinction between King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd The bottom line German shepherd pups are little bundles of energy! But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community.

To create this hybrid, the parents must be one purebred Border Collie and one purebred German Shepherd. Both of these breeds are certified by the American Kennel Club so breeders should be able to provide paperwork for both parents. This energetic, intelligent, loving breed is becoming very popular with people who want a solid working dog or a loyal companion. As they are crossbreed, the characteristics they inherit from each parent will be different in each puppy. The overall appearance of this breed tends to lean more towards the German Shepherd parent. With their muscular large bodies, they are often mistaken for purebred German Shepherds. Their floppy ears and Collie tail will give them away as crossbreeds. Although a Shepherd is their most common appearance, each puppy will inevitably be different in appearance. No matter how they look, these dogs will have strong muscles and high levels of stamina, great for herding cattle. Fully grown, they should be around 21 to 27 inches tall and weigh around 70 to 80 lbs. If they lean more towards the Collie parent, they may be shorter and weigh less as Collies generally only weigh around 40 lbs. Colors Their coat will probably be a solid tan color with black patching and points. Coat They will have a straight, dense, medium-length coat, as both parents do. If they take after their German Shepherd parent, it will be a double coat. This means that it will be noticeably thicker especially in the winter months. If they are working dogs, this double coat will be great for working in cold weather. The best way to make an educated guess about their temperament is to look at their parent breeds. Highly energetic and extremely intelligent, these dogs are very eager to learn. Despite this, German Shepherds are not naturally aggressive and are actually very loving dogs that are loyal to their families. It is true that this loyalty can lead to them being protective and so they will often bark at anything strange in their territory. Border Collie Temperament A Collie was also bred as a herding dog and is one of the most common dogs used by farmers in the United Kingdom to manage their flocks and herds. Like GSDs, Collies are also energetic and very intelligent; ranked number one across all dog breeds. The downside is that they always need something to do otherwise they get bored very quickly. They are more playful than the German Shepherd but may have more issues with separation anxiety. With both these breeds in mind, we can definitely say that this hybrid is well above average in energy and intelligence. They make fantastic working dogs as this provides them with a job to do and plenty to keep their mind active. They will want to be with someone most of the time. Leaving an energetic and intelligent dog alone is a recipe for destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture and barking. If you do just want this dog as a companion animal, be prepared for lots of exercise, playtime, and training sessions. These dogs can be protective so plenty of socialization from an early age will help. Lots of different people coming in and out of their space is very important. This will reduce the likelihood of them becoming defensive to new people. If they are the only dog in the house, be sure to socialize them with lots of other dogs to prevent guarding behavior over you and your family. Both parent breeds are comfortable around other animals, especially livestock or cats. They can live happily with other dogs and having a doggy friend may help keep them entertained. This mix is a great family dog as long as it was socialized with its family from a young age and not left alone with young children. All family members should be consistent with training to prevent the dog from receiving mixed messages and diluting the effect of training. As with all dogs, it would be unwise to leave young children alone with them. This breed is usually a food-focused dog which makes it easy to train with treats. Some mixes may also respond to toy-focused training which would be great if your dog is going to be a working dog or even train in agility or obedience. They will require a lot of socialization with people to reduce any guarding behaviors and aloofness. Naturally, this breed is not an aggressive breed but it is always good to socialize a puppy with other puppies to teach them canine manners. The Border Collie Shepherd Mix should be easy and enjoyable to train because they are so intelligent. If they are companion animals, you should definitely look into interactive feeders, plenty of toys for chewing and other games. For games which will stimulate your mix, fetch will be an important one. They need exercising for at least two hours a day, time in the garden, playtime, and other forms of mental stimulation. If they are working dogs they may get most of this on the job but as a companion animals, they will need this provided in other forms. Grooming should be completed a minimum of two times a week; especially if they have a double coat from their Shepherd parent. They should also have all the normal care that a dog requires: Ears cleaned Claws cut Treatment for fleas and worms Checked for ticks especially if they are out in fields or long grass on a regular basis Someone best suited to owning this breed is either at home most of the day or works with this dog. These mixed breed dogs are a very high-energy hybrid. This means a fenced-in backyard is a must so they can go out when they please and work off some energy. These dogs are not suited to living in apartments or houses without gardens. If they are working as a herding dogs, they will be able to run off a lot of that energy doing their job. If they are a guard dog or companion animal, they will need to be out of the house exercising for at least two hours a day. You should walk your dog a minimum of twice a day for at least one hour each time. These dogs are great off-leash as they are highly intelligent and should master recall pretty quickly. It means they can run off steam while running circles around you. Agility classes are also an excellent way of burning off steam and excellent as a form of mental stimulation, especially for this breed as they have a great body type for agility work. Grooming and Shedding If your dog does have a double coat, you can expect seasonal shedding. This is where they shed loads of fur twice a year in the Spring and Fall to make room for the new coat growth. Even if the coat is not double, these dogs will still shed quite a bit throughout the year and so will need brushing a minimum of twice a week. With lots of treats and positive reinforcement, grooming should be a good bonding time for you and your pup. You should take your dog to be professionally groomed a few times a year, especially around shedding season if they have that double coat. This will help prevent matting and keep their coat super healthy. Feeding and Diet The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix, when fully grown, should be fed one and a half cups of good quality dry food twice a day. This can also have wet food mixed in with it. Good quality dry food will have a very high percentage of protein. Things to avoid in dry dog food are any type of food dye, rendered fats, and corn or wheat gluten. People with working dogs often swear by a raw food diet. This is where the diet is made up of unprocessed meats, bones, fruit and vegetables, some dairy, and eggs. Known Health Problems All dogs are prone to certain health conditions and age-related issues. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Border Collies are the canine superstars of training. They are superior at obedience, agility, and herding. This especially bright workaholic enjoys being trained and kept occupied with activities. Working brings them happiness, but lack of work sparks unhappiness as well. They are eager to please and work hard. If you have enough time to devote to long obedience and agility training sessions, you are in for a firmly trained companion. Border Collies need a lot of exercise. Both breeds are strong and fast, so a Border Collie and German Shepherd mix will definitely be a strong and athletic pooch. No matter which breed traits dominate, any Shollie is a dog that loves and needs exercise. In cases when the Border Collie side of the crossbreed is more expressed, the owners will need to start putting their running sneakers on more often. Mental exercise is extremely important too so make sure you have enough mentally demanding tasks and games. Border Collies are affectionate dogs, perfect for families with children on the older side. Although relaxed among people they know, strangers can make them shy a bit. They are steady, confident, and courageous. The loyalty to their families makes them delightful protectors. Being overprotective of his family can make a German Shepherd dog a bit untrustworthy towards strangers. Photo by Vivienstock on Shutterstock Does that mean that a crossbreed afraid of strangers has more Collie Traits and the one barking at them is more of a GSD? Keep in mind that any dog can be a good dog. They can be a good fit for families with children and even with other pets. Leadership Border Collies require that you show interest in their training and give a lot of affirmation and encouragement. Keeping their attention is pretty easy if you have prepared a variety of training activities. German Shepherds start their training early in their lives. Work ethic? These guys are on point. A Shollie is a dog that needs a consistent leader to show him what to train and how to do it and reward him if he does that right. If that happens there is a great chance that checking your training regimen is the best place to start. Health The biggest health concern in German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. While GSDs from 50 years ago had a lot fewer issues with their hips, due to irresponsible breeding now every fifth dog has hip dysplasia. Obesity, over-exercise, and injuries can all contribute to hip problems, but the issue is an inherited one and sooner or later it will become clinically significant. Hip dysplasia is a common disease in Border Collies as well, but the main difference is that it develops in older dogs that had pretty active lives and their joints simply wore out. The photoreceptors in the eye start dying out and what starts as night blindness can result in complete blindness within 12 months of the onset of symptoms. German Shepherds are more susceptible to cancer than most other dog breeds. Most frequent neoplasia cases in GSDs include hemangiosarcomas, melanoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcomas. The condition makes the left side of the heart become overly loaded with blood and can ultimately lead to heart failure. Generally speaking, both breeds are pretty healthy. The diseases they are recognizable for are inherited. If there is a health certificate from their parents they are free from such diseases you can be at ease. The life expectancy for a Shellie is somewhere between 10 and 14 years. In both cases, the coat consists of an outer layer and a soft undercoat. The rough type is medium length and the smooth one is a short coat. Photo by Christin Lola on Shutterstock Their grooming requirements are pretty basic. Weekly brushing is enough to prevent matting and distribute the coat oils equally all over the body. German Shepherds are dogs with a medium-length coat with a softer inner layer and hard outer layer. Brushing them every days is enough to remove loose hairs. During shedding season they need to be brushed more frequently. So basically your Shollie is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just a medium-coat that might need an extra brush once in a while. Size Expect your Shollie to be between inches cm with a weight of around pounds kg. Border Collie is a middle-sized dog breed. Adult males have inches cm height and females have inches cm. A full-grown dog of this breed weighs between pounds .German Shepherds fall under the medium to large-sized dogs category. The breed standard for adult males is inches cm and for females is inches cm. They can weigh somewhere between 50 pounds kg. Border Collie and German Shepherd mix dogs have higher chances of being middle-sized dogs, while some male individuals with more significant GSD anatomic trains can be considered a large breed. Cost Depending on your location, it may not be so easy to find a Shollie in your local shelter. These dogs are perfect for a house in the suburbs or the farming fields. Share your experiences with your Shollie in the comments down below! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Is The Shollie For You? The special thing about these dogs is their spectacular looks, more similar to a purebred than to a designer breed. They have aspects of a German Shepherd, with beautiful coats, large and athletic bodies, and expressive eyes. The only things that betray them are the less hairy tail and the floppy ears, both inherited from the Border Collie. Most of these dogs have a tan colored coat, but you can also find black and, in some rare cases, white Shollies. Of course, that thick, long coat will need regular brushing to avoid tangles and poor skin health. The German Shepherd is a highly active breed, developed for work and activity which means they require regular physical exercise. Thus, the combination of these two breeds results in an explosion of high energy! As an owner, you need to make sure your Shollie gets the activity and physical exercise she requires. Just take a look at these beautiful dogs and how they enjoy themselves playing: And the best way to do that would be to adapt an active lifestyle yourself no, this dog is not suitable for couch potatoes like you, Josh. While being playful, Shollies also do quite well on their own, so you can leave them alone at home for short intervals without worrying about them destroying furniture or getting too lonely. So, what activities can you give a Shepherd Collie mix to keep her happy and healthy? Something as simple as giving your dog some fresh air at regular intervals throughout the day should be more than enough to keep him satisfied. How often exactly? According to doctors of veterinary medicine like Amy Moore and Charlotte Cummings, a Shollie requires at least 2 walks every day or a minimum of 2 hours of activity on the daily. Both the German Shepherd and the Border Collie are known for their affectionate nature. A Shepherd Collie loves playing with her owners and will often eagerly await the next time you pick up the ball for a fun round of fetch. Despite being naturally loving and sweet towards their owners, however, the Shollie can manifest a wary side. How can you prevent this type of behavior in your Shollie? Exposing your pup to crowded, high activity environments early on. But it will make them more capable of controlling their impulses when a guest or visitor walks into your home. Police and military forces all over the world commonly use the aid of German Shepherds for a variety of tasks that would otherwise be impossible for people to perform! Sniffing out bombs, illegal substances, and other security threats are just some of the nifty tricks that German Shepherds can be taught. Border Collies, on the other hand, are known to be some of the smartest and most trainable dogs around. This breed quickly takes a number of tasks and jobs with simple repetition. With this type of lineage, you should know that the Shepherd Collie is just as smart. This dog breed loves mental exercise and will often look for something to stimulate her ever active mind. So as her owner, you should be ready with a few cognitive puzzles, games, and tasks that will help give your dog the mental exercise that she needs. For instance, before taking him out for your next walk, think about the place you plan to visit. Instead of going for the typical trail you always follow, consider other areas with more varied smells, sounds, and sights. Something as simple as exposing your dog to new sensory experiences can give them that well-deserved dose of cognitive training. What about dogs that are frequently left at home? As much as possible, I advise you bring your dog along with you when you run errands or go out because this can also give him a chance to stretch his mental muscles. Just hide the kibble in areas of your house where your dog is free to explore, and it will keep your Shollie thoroughly entertained for hours on end. So, how do you go about teaching your Collie Shepherd Mix to alert you in case of an intruder or threat? The first step would be to teach them to stop barking on command. Once your Collie Shepherd perfects this, you can then start teaching her when barking would be acceptable behavior by simulating an intruder or threat. Ultimately, what you want to teach your dog is the ability to discern between harmless guests and potential intruders by showing them the way that threats would behave. So your Shollie should know not to bark or alert you in these instances. Watch this video for more advanced tactics on stopping people aggression in dogs. Some dogs are more predisposed to certain health problems just because of their build and lineage. Responsibly bred Shepherd Collie Mixes will live up to 15 years of healthy life with little to no incidences of disease or illness! Of course, the parent breeds do have their own health problem predispositions that can be passed on to the mix. For instance, German Shepherds are notoriously prone to hip dysplasia. Border Collies, on the other hand, are known to be commonly afflicted with epilepsy. What a Shollie really needs is an owner who can keep up with their high energy, their wit, and their affectionate nature. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Adopting an older dog will decrease the price tag. Lancaster Puppies in Columbus, OH. Owners will have a lot on their hands when grooming this hybrid dog. It is a heavy shedder, making it hard for owners to clean up while trying to keep their coat healthy. The German Shepherd Border Collie mix sheds more often as it grows old, so owners must brush its fur daily to remove dander and dead hair. Here are some of the most recommended grooming equipment to maintain the coat of the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie: Slicker Brush Slicker brushes are great combs to remove tangles and mats on long-haired dogs. The slicker brush can save owners time when brushing the coat of the German Shepherd Border Collie compared to regular combs. Detanglers Before using a slicker brush, owners will notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix has a lot of tangled hair. Dematting sprays can relax and soften the hair to make it easier for owners to untangle the knots. Owners must resort to this solution if the tangles are hard to remove despite the use of detanglers as dogs are not fond of sharp objects. Owners must avoid buying shampoo based on the odor or the low price. Owners must be aware of its coat type and skin to help them find oils and specialty ingredients that will be beneficial for the Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd. Grooming Wipes The German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie is an energetic dog that will be dirty when it finishes playing outside the house. Wet wipes are essential for dog owners that want to prevent mud and grass inside their residence. Microfiber Towel Human towels do not absorb all of the water on a dog. Because of its heavy coat, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix will likely be dripping wet despite a heavy rinsing. Microfiber towels can help remove water on a Border Collie German Shepherd cross better than human towels. The legs and hips of Border Collie German Shepherd will deteriorate as it ages. The hybrid dog will experience problems at an earlier rate depending on its activities as well. It may also be born deaf if one of its parent breeds already have hearing problems. Epilepsy The Border Collie breed is widely known for its tendency to suffer from epilepsy more than other dog breeds. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix may inherit this health problem as well. Epilepsy happens when the dog is experiencing episodic seizures. Fortunately, it is a rare disease among dogs. Degenerative Myelopathy When owners notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix is starting to walk funny on its back legs, it can be a symptom of Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease currently has no cure. Irresponsible breeders are the most likely reasons for the health issues of a German Shepherd mixed with a Border Collie. Owners must make sure that they are adopting a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid dealing with a sickly puppy. If the hybrid dog is exhausted from more training than usual, owners can go for 4 cups a day. Bloat and diabetes are two main health problems that can affect a Border Collie crossed with a German Shepherd as both parent breeds may also suffer from them. It is essential for owners to avoid overfeeding this hybrid dog and prevent nutritional imbalances. In such scenarios, products such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can be a solution to regain the proper balance of nutrients. Dog owners and lovers must also keep in mind that they need to seek food for the best large breed dry dog food instead of best dry dog food for small dogs. Whatever you do, make sure you steer clear from the worst dry dog food. Try to learn more about the difference between poor-quality and premium-quality chows by checking our best dry dog food guide! The dog food must include joint supplements because large dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint ailments. To avoid this, give them kibble that is rich in calcium since puppyhood. Pooches that have entered their golden years will maintain their health properly only if given the right amount of the best senior dry dog food! Dog food must also contain a moderate amount of calories to avoid obesity, which is a common problem among large breeds. The dog food chosen by owners must also have large kibble to avoid letting the dog eat too quickly, which may result in life-threatening conditions like bloat. Here are a few of the most recommended large breed dog food in the US: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula The Blue Buffalo Life dog food is perfect for the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie because it is full of ingredients rich in antioxidants like kelp, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Deboned chicken is also its main ingredient. This brand does not have wheat, soy, or corn. Wellness Core Dog Food The nutritious proteins included in the Wellness Complete Health dog food for large breeds is beneficial for the German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie because it has all the nutrition it needs. This brand contains deboned chicken, salmon meal, and deboned whitefish, which gives the dog food a delicious flavor. It also includes flaxseed, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides for different probiotics for the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. Dog for Dog contains vitamins and minerals to give your Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd the nutrition it needs. This whole-grain brand also contains glucosamine, which helps keep joints healthy. Owners on a budget will find this product affordable. It also helps prevent nutrient deficiency with its vitamins and minerals. The brand also comes with glucosamine and chondroitin, which is good for joint health. Eagle Pack Natural consists only of natural ingredients with no artificial colors and preservatives. It also includes eight probiotic strains to keep the hybrid dog healthy. Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Large Breed This brand is beneficial for large dogs because it can supply them with many complex carbohydrates to sustain their energy levels. It is also helpful for the joint because of it contains glucosamine. This brand attacks specific health issues like joint problems or bloating that a German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie may cross. This brand contains joint supplements, probiotic supplements, and fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. It is a natural and grain-free product with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, as well as premium proteins. This brand is a grain-free product that will give your hybrid dog enough nutrition for its daily activities and exercises. There are a plethora of good choices for them out there, but make sure to find some of the best dry dog food , for example, Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Puppies and senior dogs have different food requirements, so go through the best puppy food brands in case you own a little munchkin and best senior dry dog food for grandpa and grandma pups. A checkup with your vet will help you opt for some of these. Both of its parent breeds are also very active. This hybrid dog does not do well indoors and needs to have a lot of time running and playing with its owners. An owner of a German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie must commit their time to engage this dog in activities if they want to avoid it from becoming bored and destructive. This dog will become aggressive and timid if it does not participate in mental and physical activities. Its daily exercise requires about 60 minutes of running and playing outside of the house. If you happen to raise a Border Collie German Shepherd mix as a calm and independent dog, 2 hours of separate walks daily can keep it satisfied. Where did the German Shepherd Border Collie mix come from? So their history is the combined history of those two breeds! Based on their heritage, it may be assumed that the hybrid was the result of a desire for the ultimate large dog. One that has athletic ability, agility and a protective yet playful nature. There, early Collies were bred to do much the same thing that they do today. Herd and protect livestock. Sheepdogs such as the Border Collie have been in existence for centuries. Modern Border Collies are still excellent working dogs, especially on ranches. Formed to create the ultimate herding or guide dog. In a climate where working outside often meant braving cold weather and damp conditions, the Shepherd dog had to be tough. The GSD eventually became a refined herding breed known for its stamina and work ethic. The AKC formally recognized the breed in .Later, Shepherds became associated with military, police, and service work. All sectors in which you can find them working in today. Nor what color or length their coats will be. Along with the standard colors that are associated with the parent breeds. Adding another level of possibility is the fact that hybrids may look like a mix of their parents. Height and Weight The German Shepherd and Collie mix has the potential to be a medium or large-sized dog. If the pup takes after its GSD parent, then it may mature to somewhere between 80 and 90 pounds. If she takes after her Border Collie parent, then she may only get to about 40 pounds or so. Most pups will fall somewhere in between. You can expect German Shepherd Collie crosses to reach roughly inches at the shoulder. This is a soft undercoat is below a rough top coat. Or it may come out somewhere in between! No matter which parent it resembles more, a Shollie will require weekly brushing. These needs will increase when seasonal shedding occurs. This is a high shedding dog, that will leave fur and dander around your home. They are unfortunately not suitable pets for a home with human dog allergy sufferers. Bringing a hybrid dog into your home, especially a large one such as the German Shepherd x Border Collie? Are German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive? German Shepherds are often found in the police and military sectors. This line of work has made the breed a bit notorious for being aggressive, and unfairly so. German Shepherds should not all be viewed as aggressive dogs. Police and military dogs are highly trained and intelligent animals. Border Collie German Shepherd mixes are naturally very inquisitive dogs. They do not enjoy sitting without a job to do or a game to play. This can sometimes result in destructive behavior. Especially if a Collie is kept cooped up and without toys or other enrichment activities. With all of this in mind, it is likely that a German Shepherd Collie mix will need to be kept as a working or sporting dog. Unless you will be able to exercise him frequently and provide him with things to keep his busy brain focused. Although a hybrid puppy may be an equal mix of its purebred parents. There is also the possibility that the puppy will take after one parent more so than the other. German Shepherd and Border Collie Health Any type of dog, purebred or hybrid, may be afflicted with inherited or age-related health conditions. Such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. German Shepherd and Border Collie mixes, however, are particularly prone to the conditions that their parent breeds often develop. One thing to note is that both German Shepherds and Border Collies are both prone to hip dysplasia. So Shollies may be especially at risk of developing this condition. This can help to determine what health problems their offspring may be afflicted with. Additionally, be sure that the breeding stock have good hip scores. Shollies can make great family pets for active homes that are interested in positive reinforcement training. For starters, Shollies are medium- to large-sized working dogs that have pretty high exercise requirements. Weight gain is especially concerning for this hybrid, as it is prone to developing hip dysplasia. They need to have something to occupy their intelligent minds, or they may turn your home into a giant chew toy! Border Collie German Shepherd Mix Puppies There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to bring a Shollie puppy into your home. Absolutely not! If you get a Shollie puppy, their naturally intelligent and highly trainable nature means that you can socialize it to other animals and people. Make sure you meet both parents and are happy with their temperaments and health tests carried out by the breeder. Socialize your pup thoroughly and you could end up with a wonderful companion for many years to come. This guide is dedicated to all the owners of this outstanding breed! They have a thick double coat that helps them adapt to cold climates and will be the perfect guard dog for a family with a fenced-in backyard. They are energetic dogs so they should have long walks every day. They love water so be sure to take them along next time you go for a dip in the pool or at the beach! The German shepherd is a very intelligent and obedient breed. The Border collie on the other hand is known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds as well as easy to train and quite skilled in herding. They were first mixed in the s and have been a favorite ever since. Physical appearance: color, size, coat length The German Shepherd Border Collie Mix has long legs that allow it to sprint at great speeds just like its parents! It usually weighs somewhere around 70 pounds. They can vary in height depending on what height each parent was at full maturity which varies by breed. Males should be larger than females though! As for coloration, it may vary, but both parents and many of their ancestors tend to be black and tan or sable which is a yellowish brown color in color. The fur also tends to vary from short and smooth, similar to the German Shepherds, to longer and wavy like the Border Collies. However, it is not uncommon for these dogs to have medium-length fur as well! Special traits: Some traits of this breed are very similar to both of their parents. They are intelligent, active, athletic, friendly, loyal, and protective just to name a few. It will also have some unique characteristics that are particular to itself alone. They will always retain their herding instincts but may or may not be good herders in your home! You can train them easily with lots of patience and encouragement. They are certainly not on the small side so would certainly deter any unwelcome person from entering your home without permission! Dogs are extremely agile and have very sharp senses. This mix is very athletic and loves to run around. They need a constant supply of high-quality nutrients to ensure their proper growth and development as puppies and throughout their lives. It is important that the diet you choose for your dog supplies him with the right balance of all necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. In general, you will find that most good quality commercial dog foods provide just that — especially those aimed at working breeds such as GSDs and BCs. As is true for all living creatures which depend on other organisms plants or animals for nourishment, food provides the basic ingredients required by the body cells to carry ing out the necessary functions. This type of mix breed has a thick double coat, but it also sheds. Shedding may not seem like a big deal, but these dogs are perpetual shedders which means their shedding persists throughout the year. The downside to this is that you will have to brush your dog regularly in order to manage the constant shedding. Generally, double-coat breeds require brushing two times per week, while single-coat breeds only need to be brushed once a week at most. It has an intense drive to work with people, and in addition to having the boldness of the German shepherd, this dog is equally curious and exploratory. This means that they are hardworking, will try to herd your children if they become too boisterous, and need plenty of exercises to keep them out of mischief. They are more than willing to please their owners, so if you want an obedient dog that will follow your commands easily then this may well be the breed for you. If you are looking for a medium-sized dog that will protect your home as well as make great company, then this is definitely one breed that might suit you perfectly! This breed is a healthy one although some diseases are common for this breed. Make sure to always check out if the parents of your dog are free from these problems. It is very important because if both parents have good hips but you get offspring with bad hips you will never know when they will start developing issues with their joints which is very painful in our opinion. So it is better to be safe than sorry. This mix inherits the majority of its traits from both breeds. Herding dogs tend to have hip problems more than most other types of dogs so that may be something to look out for. However, they rarely inherit epilepsy or eye problems which are common in German Shepherds and Collies. It can lead to arthritis of the hip joints, which is very painful for the dog. If your dog suffers from dysplasia, there are many things you can do to help him cope with it. This includes pain medication, regular exercise, weight control, and sometimes even surgery. It is most common in large breed dogs with deep chests, such as the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. Again, treatment includes pain medication, regular exercise, and weight control for your dog. The condition occurs when food and gas form an obstruction somewhere along the digestive tract. If his stomach flips over, then that bloat becomes life-threatening pretty fast. This is a dog that really wants to please its owner, so establishing yourself as the boss pretty early on in life will go a long way toward having him become your best friend later on down the road. Early socialization for this kind of pup is crucial if you want it to grow up to be a well-rounded dog. They are intelligent, agile and athletic. Their energy needs to be occupied with exercise every day. The best way to channel their energy is through physical activity or training with your dog. No matter what age your German shepherd Border collie mix is, they will be able to exercise. It does not matter if you have a puppy or an adult, they will benefit from exercising daily. German Shepherd Border Collie Mixes need 30 minutes of exercise every day to maintain their physical and mental well-being. If your dog is still growing, he will require more than 30 minutes to keep them from getting bored or frustrated. You can take your dog out for a walk, run, jog, swim or play a game of fetch with them to fulfill their daily exercise requirement. If your dog is left home alone, he can destroy furniture, urinate, bark or howl to keep himself entertained. They have no hereditary problems with their joints and muscles. Their life expectancy is between 12 to 15 years. Reaction In Different Types of Weather Conditions: If you are looking out for how your German Shepherd Border Collie mix reacts in different weather conditions then here you will find different responses in different weather conditions which you must know, if you are looking out for a family pet. They are very active but not the kind of dog who loves to roam around in summer. They may find their way through much shady areas or even better if you can keep them in your house or indoors, where they will have access to open water for drinking. If you are living in a place that is hot all around the year with no chance of thunderstorms or rain then it is better not to look out for German shepherd Border collie mixes as they are very sensitive towards heat. They have a thick coat of fur, so they can adapt themselves to cold weather as well. Their sense of curiosity and playfulness will keep them going throughout the day during winter. They love to run around with their family members or alone. You must provide them with a safe and warm shelter so that they can have a better sleep at night. They will also be keenly looking out for the things which you throw for them to play with. They are very loyal and affectionate dogs who love to be with their family members at any cost. If you live in a thunderstorm-prone area then taking care of a German shepherd Border collie mix becomes a very difficult task as they will not stop barking every time there is a thunderstorm around. They are very responsive if their family members are around. If you think that there is no way out for them to understand their surroundings which makes them act weirdly, then it is better to keep them indoors during thunderstorms. They are to be chewed slowly and carefully. First off they are very smart, so training them should be relatively easy unless you opt not to! They will also learn new behaviors quickly and therefore can easily be taught tricks as well. They also inherit protective qualities from both breeds which makes them great guard dogs. They are strong enough to do their job but still gentle enough with children. And because they love being active they make excellent jogging or hiking companions too! However, one downside is that this mix does tend to shed quite a lot year-round and a fair bit more during shedding season typically late winter so be ready to vacuum often! Well, then again there are so many reasons why this crossbreed rocks. These dogs have been the targets of many people who would like to own one. There has been a lot of debate going on about this breed and whether it is good for you to get them as a pet or not. They are faithful and trustworthy companions. German Shepherd Border Collie mix adapts well to their environment, making them easy to get along with other household pets such as cats, dogs, and other animals. The German Shepherd Border collie mix is intelligent enough that training them would be easy to do. This mixed breed has an affectionate personality that makes them perfect for families who would like a dog that gets along well with kids and elderly people alike. Another interesting fact about these dogs is that they can be great watchdogs. They are very good at sensing people who would mean harm and will not hesitate to sound the alarm of any suspicious activity going on around your homes or properties. If you want this type of breed as your pet, make sure that you have enough space in your property where they can run around freely and get adequate exercise every day to keep them healthy and fit. Without proper exercise, they may become too energetic which could lead them to develop chewing habits because it makes them feel relieved from the stress caused by a lack of activities. Cons of having German Shepherd Border Collie mix These very loyal mix dogs tend to get easily attached so much so that if something happens and they lose their owner or the person they got attached to, they might get anxiety and develop depression. Owners have heard their pets howling in the middle of the night as if they were crying because of something that happened. They need a lot of attention from their owners which means you need to be with them most or all of the time. Just like all types of dogs, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix needs proper training so make sure to provide them with what they need to live a better life. Final Thoughts: German Shepherd Border Collie Mix makes great companion animals, but you will need plenty of space for them! They need room to run around and burn off some energy which means your yard must be big. If you live in an apartment then this might not be the right pet for you. However, if you live on a farm or somewhere with plenty of room, they will be very happy! These dogs also need to be trained early and often. They are smart breeds which means they can easily learn bad behaviors as well. Early training will help curb bad behaviors before they start appearing so train them now rather than later. Having these dogs in your lives can be both beneficial and cause some problems so make sure to weigh both sides before finally making a decision. It is wise to do research first about this breed before actually getting one so that everything would go well with you and your new pet. In the end, have in mind that if you take good care of these creatures they will return you with all their love and loyalty. Be prepared for some shedding too! These mixes shed pretty much all year round so there is always hair around the house. A brush or comb should take care of most extra fur though! When fully grown male dogs can reach anywhere from inches tall at the shoulder whereas females can reach inches tall at the shoulder. As for weight, those numbers are about lbs and lbs respectively! These dogs will be larger than either parent so you will need plenty of space for them to roam around! Border Collies and German Shepherds are two of the most popular breeds in the world. When their genes combine, you get a beautiful dog that both look like one of these wonderful breeds, but also has some of the best qualities from each breed infused into their adorable tangled coats. Their intelligence and hardworking nature make them great choices for families with older children who can appreciate how much work it takes to train and care for such an intelligent dog. But even though they tend to be calm dogs when fully grown, puppies can be very active — especially during the first six months after which time they tend to settle down and become much calmer. Post navigation. German shepherds were initially bred in Germany in the 19th century and were officially recognized as a breed in .Border collies are primarily sheepdogs that were officially recognized in the British Isles in the 19th century. Both dog breeds are considered highly intelligent, trainable, and agile. This is why German shepherds have been widely adopted as working dogs and are often seen in military and police roles. Border collies frequently compete with great success in sheepdog trials and are considered among the top sporting dogs. Exactly when the Shollie emerged and precisely what breeders were trying to achieve with the new breed is unclear. But the result tends to be a relatively large and athletic dog that is highly intelligent and protective. Thanks to these traits, the Shollie makes an excellent family dog. It is important to remember that, unlike with purebred dogs, when you mix dog breeds, the results are always a bit unpredictable. Shollie Appearance You can expect Shollies to be fairly large dogs with a lean and athletic physique. According to the breed standard, German shepherds tend to measure 22 to 26 inches tall, with males generally an inch or two larger than females. Border collies are a bit smaller, measuring from 18 to 22 inches. Nevertheless, you will rarely see a Shollie that measures less than 20 inches. They typically weigh around 70 to 90 pounds. While these big dogs are gentle, their substantial size means they can misjudge their strength and could accidentally hurt children or older, more fragile individuals. Shollies can be almost any color combination of their parents, including black, brown, golden, and white, and they are almost always a mix of at least two different colors. They often have attractive mottled patterning. Border collies have a warm undercoat with a protective outer coat that tends to be longer and can be either smooth or shaggy. German shepherds also have a warm undercoat with a longer overcoat. You can expect a Shollie to have a similar double coat, probably with quite long hair. This puts them at a fairly high risk of overheating in hot temperatures. They also tend to shed a lot, and their hair can easily become matted if not brushed regularly to remove shedded hairs that have clung to their coat. Shollies look their best when they receive daily brushing. Most Shollies will have brown eyes and a face with a fairly long muzzle. They can either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the floppy ears of a border collie. Shollie Temperament: Athleticism Both German shepherds and border collies are working dogs bred for herding, so they are bred to be active. You can expect their Shollie offspring to have a lot of energy and need quite a bit of exercise. Shollies need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, preferably split into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day. They will appreciate being taken to off-leash dog parks where they can run around without being restricted by the leash. In addition to this, these dogs will love to accompany their family on outdoor adventures, such as hiking trips and walks. They are agile and intelligent and will be able to look after themselves on hiking trails. Shollie Temperament: Trainability Both border collies and German shepherds are highly intelligent, and their offspring tend to inherit this characteristic. They learn quickly and are highly adaptable. Shollies can generally figure out what is needed from them quickly in new situations. Bred as training dogs, Shollies also tend to be easy to please. More independent and stubborn breeds might know what you want but still not give it to you; this is not the case with the Shollie. They can easily become bored if they do not have tasks to keep them occupied. This is why it is always a good idea to teach them tasks, even if they will be living as a family pet. They will also benefit from complex toys like puzzle games to keep them occupied when left alone. If they are left alone for too long without something to stimulate their brain, they may just find their own entertainment. This tends to be the destructive sort of chewing and digging. Shollie Temperament: Independence Shollies tend to want to be part of the family. They will quickly bond with the people they spend a lot of time with and become protective of them. They will often be on alert when other people or animals approach and can display territorial behavior if they feel threatened. They tend to have an affinity for children and enjoy playing with them, though they should always be supervised around small children. Threats to their little people, in particular, can bring out their protective instinct. Are you worried your dog is overly possessive? Watch out for these important signs. These dogs have a tendency to become anxious or depressed if they are left alone for long periods of time. They are not the type of dog you can leave alone at home for several hours while you are at work. Considering a day care service for your dog? Read our tips for choosing the best day care for your dog. When you are at home, be prepared for plenty of love and affection from your Shollie. These dogs will love to be close to you, whether that means sitting at your feet or snuggling up with you on the couch if you let them. They can live anywhere from 13 to 15 years, which is an impressive lifespan for such a large dog. But, as is the case with many large dogs, they can also suffer from joint issues, in particular hip and elbow dysplasia, which is when the joint socket becomes malformed. The best way to avoid this problem is with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Ensuring that their calorie intake matches their energy output is key. Overall, Shollies are among some of the healthiest dogs that you will come across. Should I Get A Shollie? Whether or not a Shollie is the right dog for you depends on a variety of different factors. Consider the following questions when determining whether or not to adopt this crossbreed. Where Do You Live? They will do better in a place with a large backyard where they can keep themselves occupied. Shollies need a lot of exercise. They need a minimum of one hour of exercise each day, preferably spread out over a number of short sessions throughout the day. Do you have the energy to walk your dog every day? Shollies are very social animals, and they can become depressed and anxious if they are forced to spend a lot of time on their own. Is there generally someone at home at your place, or is the house empty for several hours at a time when everyone goes to work? Will your dog get the companionship that they need in your house? If not, be prepared for lots of destructive behavior when your Shollie is left alone. Are You Committed To Training? Luckily, Shollies are intelligent and eager to learn, which means even new dog owners should be able to train them fairly easily. But Shollies are also working dogs, and they often need the mental stimulation of having a task to do to keep them occupied. This means training them is not just about controlling their behavior; it is also about keeping them occupied. This is why it can be useful to teach your Shollie tricks. Is this something that you will be willing to do? If not, perhaps a smaller and more passive breed is better suited to your lifestyle. Do you live somewhere that is likely to be too hot for them? There is no escaping the fact that Shollies are shedders, and dealing with dog hair is a fact of life when you have one of these dogs. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you might want to consider a different dog. Do you have someone who can take in your Shollie when you travel? Alternatively, do you have access to a large kennel that gives them plenty of room? Your dog will suffer if they need to stay in a small cage for a few weeks while you are away. Can You Afford A Shollie? Dog ownership, regardless of the breed you choose, can be surprisingly expensive. While you may already realize that the cost of their food will add up, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, Shollies are excellent dogs, as they are intelligent and trainable pups with a friendly temperament. They are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, love, and affection, so they are a big commitment in terms of time, but otherwise they are relatively low maintenance. Are Shollies aggressive? Any dog that has been through traumatic situations can become aggressive. So, if you are adopting an older Shollie that may have come from a difficult home, speak to the adoption agency about any behavioral issues that they might have and how to properly handle them. How much is a Shollie puppy? How much a Shollie puppy costs will depend largely on where you get them from. You may be able to find a Shollie at a local shelter, in which case you may only need to cover the administrative costs of the service. Do Shollies bark a lot? They can be trained not to bark when it is not necessary, for example, when people pass your home. If your dog starts barking a lot for no apparent reason, it can be a sign that there is something wrong health-wise. Which is better, male or female Shollies? Whether you should get a male or female Shollie depends on your priorities. Females tend to be a bit smaller, and they are also more focused on tasks if you want a working dog. Males tend to be more easygoing and less likely to engage in excessively protective behavior. The Verdict On Shollies When you are a first-time dog owner, you are often told to steer clear of the more athletic dog breeds, as they tend to be a handful and need an experienced hand. But if you are looking for a pup to accompany you on all of your adventures, this can be disappointing. If the above sounds like you, then a Shollie, a border collie and German shepherd mix, might be the right pup for you! Shollies are very energetic and athletic dogs that will quickly become part of the family. You will probably want to take them with you on all of your weekend adventures. What you do need, however, is the time and space in your home to take on this boisterous new member of the family. Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

Kenya Labradors is solely dedicated to "breeding excellence" to offer you the highest quality family pets and champions of conformation, hunting, agility, and obedience. I specialize in English-type chocolate, fox red, and black Labs of exceptional intelligence and overall brilliance. I invite you to browse our website for photographs, pedigrees, and short stories about these amazing dogs! Kenya Labradors is lovingly owned by Christie Valdez. Our home is 20 acres in the gorgeous Santa Margarita Valley on California's central coast. With all this land, I could have chosen any breed of dog.Why did I choose Labradors? I train, breed, and show only English-type Labrador Retrievers because I believe no other dog will suffice. These fabulous dogs fulfill my every criterion for the perfect canine companion. They are magnificently built for stamina and field hunting. They are off-the-charts bright, eager to please — affectionate, easy to train, and full of personality. Kenya Labradors are filled to the brim with so much love, devotion, and intelligence — sure to become an essential member of your family. Labradors were and continue to be the obvious choice for me. I started breeding Labradors after discovering one special dog. Read my story. From there, I began a fantastic journey to produce the best quality Labrador Retrievers possible, specializing in chocolate, fox red, and black colors with English-type conformation. Kenya Labradors are beautiful, bold-looking dogs and incredibly athletic. They love to swim, play catch, and retrieve but can just as quickly kick back to watch movies with you on the couch. Kenya Labs are super friendly "people dogs," wonderful with young children and the elderly, and for announcing to welcome visitors. Please Contact Me for a Phone Appointment. I don't post my phone number on this website because I am often working with the dogs and paying proper attention to numerous phone calls became too challenging. Establishing our first contact by email allows me to set aside a time on the phone when you will receive my full attention. I appreciate your understanding on this. Simply click on "Contact" or fill out the quick form at the bottom of any page. Unless I am at a dog show or hunt trial, I will get back to you typically within the day. I look forward to meeting you! That's a BIG title, and with good reason! The Labrador is the most popular dog breed by registered ownership in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries. They are also widely used by police and other official bodies for their intelligence and desire to please. Sorry, No Shipping When your puppy is ready to go home, I highly recommend the safe and reliable transport service of Trinity Pet Nanny. Click on the name to email and arrange for your puppy to arrive healthy and happy! You must be physically present to purchase a Kenya Labradors puppy. Our dogs are not crossbred to make designer breeds or for non-AKC-recognized colors like silver or white. When looking for amazing English-type Labradors bred according to strict AKC standards, you'll find that I take great pride in doing that one thing well. Come and see for yourself. You might fall in love! Santa Margarita, CA .It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies!

German Shepherds are a very good breed and are known for being alert, loyal, and energetic. They have an outgoing, friendly nature that makes them fun to be around. However, in Asheville NC, these puppies may not be able to stay with you long because of the high cost of boarding. You can find German shepherd puppies for sale at almost any pet store , and they can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of one thousand dollars. Most people who are interested in owning one of these dogs purchase them from puppy mills. Puppy mills are typically places that breed dogs for profit and do not take care of them or provide them with adequate shelter. You could also be purchasing a puppy that has been used for breeding purposes. Although you will most likely pay more for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, it is important to research the dam and sire before purchasing the puppy to ensure that the dam has been carefully tested for health problems and is free of disease. You should be prepared to pay an outrageous price for these puppies because they are very rare and because breeding them is difficult. There is a high chance that the puppy you are purchasing has a genetic predisposition to be sickly or defective. Because of this, breeders usually only allow show champions in breeding their dogs. German Shepherd breeders that only allow champions or dogs that pass all conformation standards would be the best choice to go with when purchasing a German shepherd dog for sale in Asheville NC. German shepherd puppies for sale in Asheville NC will be full of health problems if they are born there. The chances of a litter of healthy puppies are extremely slim, which is why it is so important to choose a reputable breeder. You should never pay money for puppies from a pet store. German Shepherd puppies that come from puppy mills or uncertified places are often sickly and unhealthy. Ask the breeder about the health history of the breeding pair you are considering. German shepherd puppies for sale in Asheville NC are usually bred at a commercial kennel where they live in puppy mills and are used for breeding purposes. Puppy mills are places that are often dirty, unkempt, and overcrowded. It is impossible to find an apartment complex that is large enough for a large dog such as a German Shepherd puppy. Your best option would be a home that allows the puppy to have more space to play and roam. It is important to ask the breeder about the kind of diet the German Shepherd puppies are receiving. A German Shepherd puppy should be offered a well-balanced diet, including plenty of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Do your research and only purchase German shepherd puppies that are being cared for responsibly. Dogs that come from puppy mills are prone to several illnesses including ear infections, allergies, and broken bones. Before purchasing any puppy, be sure to research its health history thoroughly. Ask the breeder to show you the medical reports and certificates. German shepherd puppies for sale in Asheville NC are great pets and great companions. Your new best friend will be with you for many years, so make sure you are making the right decision when purchasing a puppy. With proper care and love, your new best friend can become a faithful friend or a loyal life companion. They are loyal, protective, and have a love of kids. German Shepherd puppies can grow up to become sweet, loving, lively adult dogs. How to adopt German shepherd puppies Asheville, NC is the perfect city for finding these unique animals. German Shepherds were originally bred and raised in Germany. They have a short coat that is beautiful and long. They make very good watchdogs because of their strong sense of smell. They also do not shed much. These dogs can live for up to twelve years if cared for properly. How to adopt German shepherd puppies Asheville, NC has German Shepherd breeders who raise these dogs lovingly and responsibly. Puppies are tested for temperament before they are brought into the world and usually go into foster homes before they are fully grown. Breeders do not leave their purebred puppies in cages. They are given up to families that need them. German Shepherd puppies come in different colors including white, tan, chestnut, black and brown. You can choose a color that is best for you or that fits your family. German Shepherd puppies come with a health guarantee, so you are sure that your puppy is healthy and happy. Their grooming takes only minutes a day and you can brush and bathe them daily. You will notice that after they have had a bath, they are so clean and you will not find any dirt or grime in their fur. German Shepherd puppies are extremely smart and eager to please. They can be very demanding when it comes to working. They are very affectionate and do not need much exercise. They have an active and playful nature and are very playful. They are very protective of their owner and they can become extremely aggressive if they feel that someone is infringing on their territory. If you have small children living with you then you must make sure that there is always adult supervision when your German Shepherd puppy is around children. They are very jealous and will attack anyone that attempts to get close to the dog. This behavior can last for several minutes but sometimes can take longer. German Shepherds are very loyal and will follow their masters to the best of their ability. This dog will respond very well to training. Training sessions should be conducted when the puppy is still a puppy because they are very responsive at this time. When your puppy is older, the training process becomes more difficult but it can still be done successfully. If you decide that you would like to bring a puppy into your home then you may want to go to an animal shelter to look for one. Some shelters allow pet owners to adopt the puppies free of charge and others require a minimum deposit. When looking for Asheville German Shepherd puppies for adoption, you should make a deposit and meet with the shelter in person to determine if the puppy they have available is suitable for you and your household. You should also ask the shelter if they have any recommendations on local breeders in your area so you can go and visit them and if possible meet the breeder personally to ensure that you will be getting a healthy and happy puppy. They have a long and strong back and good agility, which make them excellent in any kind of environment. They also have a thin hair coat that can become dry and brittle. Their coats need to be brushed regularly but you should not brush too hard as this can cause damage. As long as you can keep your puppy clean and well-brushed he will stay healthy. German Shepherd puppies can become territorial, once they are fully grown. So you must socialize and train your puppy to accept all members of your family. It is also a good idea to get your puppy used to other animals and different smells. When your puppy does begin to go out, there are certain things that you can do to help him develop these skills. For example, you can take him out every couple of days to the park and introduce him to different people and dogs so that he will become more comfortable around them. You should also take him to the vet so that you can get any health problems fixed up early. The last thing that you will want to do before bringing your puppy home is to get him used to his crate. You should take him to the park and let him go through it with you, making sure he goes through it quietly and without a fuss. He will also learn to understand that his crate is his sleeping area. You should also let him stay in his crate for at least one hour after dinner to accustom him to how long he should rest. Share this:. Hi everyone! I am looking for a family that would love me as much as I will love them! I was unfortunately in a car accident a few months ago that left me with some gait instability. At first, I was paralyzed in my hindlegs. But I underwent two spinal surgeries and after some long, hard recovery, I am now able to walk short distances! With some help with my balance, I can go even further! Not to toot my own horn, but I quickly became a neighborhood favorite! My other challenge is occasional bladder and bowel incontinence. When the accident happened, at first, I lost complete control of both, and needed to be expressed. But I appreciate you being understanding about my recovery. When I pee, I need a little help from someone holding my waist as I walk around the backyard to relieve myself. When I poop, I usually need a sling under me for mild support. I love everyone I meet dogs, cats and children! I do fine when left home alone. I wander the house and am smart enough to know not to go into rooms I am told not to be in, not to jump onto any furniture, and not to chew up any toys. But I prefer spending most of my time with my family if possible. And I enjoy that time even more if we spend it together outdoors. I am smart, adapt quickly, and learn new rules and routines well. Please give me a chance! Please contact my family today at to arrange to meet me. Contact the foster parent or Mountain Pet Rescue at pets mpravl. Please note that visual breed identification of companion animals has been proven to be unreliable, so for most of our animals we provide a best guess at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each of our animals as an individual and do our best to describe and place pets based on personality not breed label. September 14, , pm.

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

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Labrador Retriever is possibly the most beloved dog around, and these active, friendly pups are one of the most popular family dogs. Get ready to find your new best friend! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia 1. All puppies sold are on Limited AKC registration and are available at 8 weeks of age with up-to-date vaccinations and worming. Parent dogs are also screened for PRA and exercise induced collapse. Before they ever reach your home, puppies will have been introduced to water, whistles, birds, retrieving, and simulated gunfire. They come microchipped and with current vaccinations and worming, plus will have had their dew claws removed. Your puppy will be sent to its new home with a written warranty, along with a starter kit, including food samples and care instructions. They use the Puppy Culture program, an approach based on science, for training and socialization. They do not breed champagne, silver, or charcoal Labradors. They also do not sell on a first come, first serve basis but instead are dedicated to getting to know potential owners through a two-step process. Puppies are sold on Limited Registration, and there is usually a 6—12 month wait for one. They have a stringent screening process to find the best homes and owners for their puppies. They comply with AKC rules and regulations and offer yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. To become one of the top breeders in the Southeast, they routinely bring in show champion lines. Horizon ships to all major airports. They do not allow visits but are active on social media, so you can check out plenty of pictures and reviews from other buyers. Puppies are exposed to people and sound to get them socialized and introduced to crates to make crate training easier for you. Puppies come with Limited Registration and a 2-year genetic health guarantee. Their puppies are family-raised, so are socialized via plenty of playtime with children and adults. Parent dogs come from strong Champion Pedigrees or are Champions of Conformation, plus are given clearances for health before breeding. Puppies come with AKC registration, proper vaccinations, worming, and have their dew claws removed. This breeder also offers a lifetime guarantee up to 10 years if your pet is kept on the same food they were started on. Plus, if you find yourself unable to keep your pet at any time in the future, they can help you place it in a new home. They were so easy to work with and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a beautiful lab to add to their family! Puppies are screened for genetic and congenital issues and given proper vaccinations, flea and heartworm medication, and intestinal parasite prevention. They typically have puppies available in spring and fall. Related Read:. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Atlanta. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. There are quite a few factors that can affect the price of Labrador Retriever for sale in GA, from pedigree and breeder experience to type English or American and color chocolate, silver, yellow, et cetera. Luckily, our MatchMaker process helps us narrow down your breeder choices to those that fit your preferences and your budget. If there are no Labrador Retriever puppies Georgia near me, can you still help me find a puppy? How do you screen Atlanta Georgia Labrador Retriever breeders? Our strict standards cover breeder experience, facilities, animal care, and much more. Head on over to our Breeder Pledge for additional information. We want to give great breeders a chance to shine, and to give families a place where finding a great dog from a loving, ethical breeder is fun, fast and easy. What is a puppy mill like for Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Georgia? At puppy mills, helpless dogs are forced to breed litter upon litter of sick, improperly raised puppies to sell for cheap. Mill dogs are more likely to act out, to develop dangerous genetic diseases, to require expensive veterinary care, and to die young. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Georgia right now? All you have to do is answer a few quick questions about your perfect puppy, and our network of vetted, honest businesses and breeders will take care of the rest. MatchMaker involves a brief questionnaire that helps us learn about your puppy preferences. We know how tough it can be to tell if a Labrador Retriever Atlanta breeder is legitimate or not, which is why we help families eliminate the guesswork using our own vetting processes. This event features beautiful bikes and classic cars. Proceeds from this event benefit the Suffolk County United Veterans Project, a local charity that provides housing and support services for homeless and at-risk Veterans. It is one of the largest motorcycle parties in the region. A motorcycle poker run requires participants to sign up for the event and pay a fee to participate. The route is designed so that participants must reach different checkpoints before time runs out. Each checkpoint has a number of playing cards, and riders work to accumulate enough cards to create a winning poker hand. These organizations will be able to help you promote the event and recruit participants. The route should include a start and finish point, with three or more stops between them. 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Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! Coarse coat texture Chronic skin and ear infections Hypothyroidism is treated with lifelong oral medication, and dogs with this condition often live normally with proper treatment. Patellar Luxation A luxating patella is when a kneecap slips out of place. Patellar luxation is a common condition in small dogs, including Miniature Poodles. If you see your Miniature Poodle holding a leg up, limping, or having problems walking, they may be experiencing patellar luxation. Veterinarians can treat this condition by moving the patellar ligament to the correct location through surgery. In minor cases, this condition can be managed with anti-inflammatory and pain medications, but it will result in arthritis. Veterinarians may also suggest weight loss or joint supplements. Eye Problems Miniature Poodles can develop a few different eye conditions as they age. This condition is not curable and will lead to blindness. Cataracts are a hereditary condition that affects Miniature Poodles. Cloudy eyes are a telltale sign of cataracts, and you might notice your dog bumping into things and having issues navigating their environment, especially at night. But unlike PRA, cataracts can be corrected with surgery before your dog loses sight. Their food must be appropriate for their current life stage puppy, adult, or senior. Your veterinarian can recommend specific brands and help you make sure your Mini Poodle is getting the nutrients they need. How To Feed a Miniature Poodle Miniature Poodle puppies need to eat three or four times every day, adhering to a consistent schedule. Once they reach their first birthday, you can reduce their meals to twice a day. The best way to know how much to feed your dog is to talk to your veterinarian. You can also turn to your dog food packaging for guidance, as it will give you an amount to feed your pup based on their ideal weight. But because Miniature Poodles can have problems with their hips and knees, your veterinarian might prescribe supplements to improve joint health. Like all dogs, Miniature Poodles need obedience training and socialization, but they are fast learners and eager to please their people. Because of this, Miniature Poodles can do well in many types of homes. Miniature Poodle Personality and Temperament Miniature Poodles usually get along well with other pets. They need lots of exercise and playtime to burn off energy and keep their sharp brain engaged. Miniature Poodles can become anxious in new situations, however, so early socialization and training is important for having a confident pup. Miniature Poodle Behavior Miniature Poodles like to keep their little legs moving. Miniature Poodles also love swimming. Make time for play, and stimulate their mind with interactive toys and puzzle games. Once they have the basics down, you can teach your Miniature Poodle more complex tricks. Fun Activities for Miniature Poodles. That is one of the biggest myths in dogdom. First, ignore the silly show-ring clips. Poodles can be clipped to look like normal dogs. Look at the Miniature Poodle in the photo. That's my girl, Buffy. It takes me 30 minutes every six weeks to bathe her and run over her coat with a handheld clipper 5 blade , turning her into a shorthaired, normal-looking dog. Second, Miniature Poodles are miniature athletes. They excel in advanced obedience competition, where retrieving and jumping skills are required. They excel in agility obstacle course competition, where they dash over and under and through the obstacles with a strength and grace that is breathtaking to watch. The correct build is "square", which means their legs are long enough that their height is approximately equal to their length. Buffy has this build. These Miniature Poodles are both elegant and athletic, moving with a light, springy gait. Other Miniature Poodles are built lower to the ground, with short legs and a long back. These dogs have inherited a physical deformity called chondrodysplasia. It means they don't have the same elegance or agility as a properly square Miniature Poodle. Worse still, it means they're more susceptible to disk disease though square poodles can develop this disease, too. But whatever the build, a good Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. This is a "thinking" dog who pays rapt attention to you, learns quickly, and responds well to training. Indeed, Miniature Poodles NEED some sort of mental stimulation in order to be happy, even if it's just challenging games such as hide 'n seek, or fetching a variety of named toys. This intelligent breed should never be relegated to the backyard and ignored. Most Miniature Poodles make great watchdogs, which simply means they will bark when they hear someone at the door. Most individuals tend to be reserved though polite and non-aggressive with strangers. But there are also individuals — like my dog Buffy — "who never met a stranger. With other dogs and cats, Miniature Poodles are peaceful and accepting. Poodles also have the advantage of being the lightest-shedding, most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds. Hairless breeds have no hair at all to shed. So do Miniature Poodles sound like a dream dog? Well, no breed is perfect! Besides the frequent clipping, Poodles do need daily exercise and playtime, as they're typically lively dogs. And Poodles need a great deal of companionship throughout the day. This makes them a great choice for shut-ins or people who work from home. But if everyone is gone for many hours, a Poodle will be unhappy. They're dependent dogs, and if they get lonely, they may bark, or chew destructively. Poodles are also "pattern-oriented" dogs who prefer their routines to always be the same. They can get flustered and anxious if you change things too much. Poodles are soft-tempered, sensitive dogs, sometimes hypersensitive. If you touch them unexpectedly or startle them with a sudden loud sound, they tend to flinch. The most sensitive individuals are unhappy around small children. Similarly, Miniature Poodles can get emotionally upset if there's too much activity or conflict or roughhousing in your household. These gentle dogs prefer peace and harmony. You do have to watch your lines.But how a Poodle turns out also depends on socialization and training. When taken out to experience the world and treated like an intelligent and capable dog, a Miniature Poodle is likely to live up to those expectations. If you want a dog who.Is conveniently-sized — neither too small or too large Is graceful, yet also athletic Has a short curly coat that is virtually non-shedding the best coated breed for allergy sufferers Comes in a variety of colors Is lively and playful Is one of the brightest and most attentive of all breeds Is easy to train and housebreak Is usually polite with strangers and sociable with other animals A Miniature Poodle may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Clipping the curly coat every six weeks, without fail A careful search to avoid high-strung, neurotic lines Timidity when not socialized enough Emotional sensitivity to stress, tension, and loud voices Potential barking A Miniature Poodle may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Poodles have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. Avoiding neurotic temperaments. Whenever a breed is common, many people breed them just to make some money, without having enough knowledge of how to produce healthy, stable dogs. As a result, obedience instructors and behavioral consultants, like myself, see lots of Mini Poodles with neurotic behaviors, including hyperactivity, senseless barking, and hyperactivity. Obviously you want to avoid these dogs! A lot of people are attracted to Poodles because they're so light-shedding and hypoallergenic. But light shedding always comes with a trade-off. In the Poodle's case, it's the amount of clipping they require. To keep their curly coat short and free of mats, Miniature Poodles require clipping every 4 to 6 weeks. Without fail. Professional groomers will try to sculpture your poodle with a shaved face, a topknot on his head, and a pom pom on his tail. That's the frou-frou look that keeps so many people from choosing a poodle. Now, if you like that look, fine. But if you don't like it, take control of how the groomer clips your dog. Or learn how to do it yourself — it's really easy. See photos of my girl Buffy, at the top of the page, and just below. Short coat, whiskery face, short ears, nothing shaved, no topknot or pompoms. Many people are surprised to find out that she's a Poodle. Works for me! Emotional sensitivity. Be honest.Are people loud or emotional? Miniature Poodles are extremely sensitive to stress. They can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Miniature Poodles are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home. Providing enough socialization. Some Mini Poodles are quite friendly, but most are a little standoffish with strangers. To avoid timidity or suspiciousness, it's important to take your dog out into the world as a young puppy and indeed all through his life. Read more about socializing your Miniature Poodle. Poodles are very observant. Even Poodles who love everyone will bark when they see or hear something unusual. In fact, they're often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. You can only do that if you have the right relationship with your dog, where you are the leader and he is the follower. In other words, your Miniature Poodle must respect you. Fortunately this is very easy to do with Poodles. Read more about Miniature Poodle Training. Health problems. Miniature Poodles can live to 15 or 16 years old, but they're not always healthy during all those years. Chronic problems in Poodles include allergies, heart or bronchial diseases, joint disorders, and eye diseases. Read more about Miniature Poodle Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Your browser does not support the audio tag. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Note: Docking tails is illegal in most European countries. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can be high-strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , where the dog is led to believe it is alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous , and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Dogs may start to bark a lot without proper human to canine communication , rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. Height, Weight Height: 11 - 15 inches 28 - 38 cm Weight: 15 - 17 pounds 7 - 8 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Miniature Poodle must be over 10 inches and 15 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is less than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulder cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Miniature Poodle. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. It will be calm indoors if it receives enough exercise. It will do okay without a yard. Exercise Miniature Poodles need a daily walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. They are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving beginning, although they excel in any performance event you offer them, including agility, obedience, rally and conformation showing, and often one will leave one ring and go directly to another to compete again. Since they love water they are great dock diving dogs and love water retrieving. Life Expectancy. Vocality level 5 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Miniature Poodle is often lively, amiable, playful, eager to please, responsive, smart, and obedient—small wonder that they have remained one of the most popular varieties of dog for so long. They are often sensitive, tending to be devoted to one person, and initially reserved with strangers. They can be good with children, other pets, and dogs. Some tend to bark a lot. Upkeep All Poodles need a lot of interaction with people. They also need mental and physical exercise. Standard Poodles will need more exercise and may especially enjoy swimming. They should preferably be brushed every other day or weekly for shorter coats. Poodle hair, when shed, does not fall out but becomes caught in the surrounding hair, which can cause matting if not removed. Clipping their coat can be easier to maintain and can be done every four to six weeks. Health Major concerns: PRA, Legg—Perthes, patellar luxation, epilepsy Minor concerns: trichiasis, entropion, lacrimal duct atresia, cataract, glaucoma, distichiasis Occasionally seen: urinary stones, intervertebral disk degeneration Suggested tests: eye, knee, hip, DNA for PRA Life span: 13—15 years History Although the Poodle is most often identified with France, their earliest ancestors were probably curly-coated dogs from central Asia that assisted with herding and followed many routes into various parts of Europe. Interwoven in their ancestry are also several rough-coated water dogs. Perhaps the earliest incarnation of the Poodle was the Barbet, a curly-coated dog found in France, Russia, Hungary, and elsewhere. It is the German version, however, that exerted most influence on the modern Poodle. In France, they were known as caniche or chien canard, both referring to their duck-hunting abilities. The Poodle was also drawn into service as a military dog or guide dog. Their coat was shorn close to facilitate swimming, but left slightly longer on the chest for warmth in cold water. The Poodle found favor as an elegant companion for fashionable ladies. They became favored by French aristocracy and eventually became the national dog of France. Poodles began to find more popularity in the late s. Some of the early Poodles were shown in corded coats, in which the hair is allowed to mat in long thin tresses rather than be brushed out. While eye-catching, the upkeep was difficult, and the trend died out by the early s, being replaced by the bouffant styles. At the same time Poodle popularity in America waned, so that, by the late s, Poodles had almost died out in North America. In the s, the breed staged a comeback that eventually placed it as the most popular dog in America for decades. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

Image used with permission by copyright holder Are French Bulldogs easy to train? According to the AKC, French Bulldogs fondly known as Frenchies can be stubborn, but they are people-pleasers at heart, which makes them easy to train. Positive reinforcement is the way to go when it comes to working with this breed. By making a game out of training and rewarding with treats and praise, your Frenchie will be excited to learn. Recommended Videos Sharon Dykes , a board member of the French Bulldog Club of America, describes Frenchies as active, intelligent, alert, and playful dogs. Puppies will be ready to learn as soon as they arrive in your home, Dykes says. Puppies have short attention spans so training sessions should be short. Sessions can be broken into five minutes at a time and spread throughout the day. In addition to training at home, early socialization and puppy training classes will help your Frenchie grow into a well-adjusted adult. If all puppies in the class have had their initial vaccinations and are healthy and parasite-free, the health risks to your dog are low and the potential benefits are enormous, according to Horwitz. How do you discipline a French Bulldog? You should never discipline your dog with punishment. Not only is it cruel, but it will destroy the bond between you and your new puppy. Instead, stick with positive motivation training. This means redirecting your dog away from bad behavior and rewarding her for desired behavior. Ask once and wait for the dog to follow through before rewarding and praising. Everyone in the household should use the same cues and training techniques to avoid confusing your dog. How long does it take to train a French Bulldog puppy? As your puppy progresses in her basic obedience training, you may reach a bump in the road between 6 and 8 months of age. Her hormones will start to kick in at this point and she may try to establish her place within the pack. This is a good time to enroll your dog in more advanced training classes, according to Dykes. By the time your puppy is 1 year old, she should be well on her way to becoming a good canine citizen. Keeping training sessions fun and adding new skills will provide your Frenchie with the mental stimulation she needs to stay happy and healthy. Image used with permission by copyright holder How do you train a stubborn French Bulldog? In an article entitled Living with The French Bulldog, Dykes says that, while Frenchies have big hearts and are generous with their affection, they need an investment of time, love, and commitment on the part of their owners. Consistency is the key to success when working with Frenchies. Pet parents need to create a training schedule and then stick to it. Using high-quality treats that are reserved only for training is a great way to get your stubborn dog excited about learning. On a final note, remember that training is part of being a responsible pet parent. To love your dog is to learn with your dog say experts at the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Positive reward-based training will bring out the best in your French Bulldog while strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Editors' Recommendations. If your French bulldog is young, keep training sessions to about 5 minutes, increasing the time if your dog is older. Plan on doing 3 to 5 training sessions a day. Try to pick times when your dog isn't hungry or tired so your dog will be more focused on learning. Be consistent and patient with your dog. This command will come in useful when you need to teach your dog not to bite or chew natural tendencies for younger dogs. If your dog bites or nips you or you see your dog chewing, tap its nose lightly and say, "No bite" or "No chew. Lowell Ackerman. Have your dog stand in front of you and place a treat in your hand so your dog can see it in your palm. Firmly say, "sit" in a friendly voice while you push your dog's bottom down until your dog sits. Give your dog the treat immediately and tell it good job. Repeat this process by stepping away from your dog. Turn to face your dog and tell it to sit. Place your dog in a sit position while you put a treat in your hand. Make sure your dog knows you have the treat in your hand and put your hand near its nose. Move your hand to the floor while you say "down" or "lay down. As soon as your dog does or tries , give the treat and praise. Practice this command until your dog goes down consistently. If your young dog jumps to your attention or while playing, keep your dog on a leash to correct its behavior. As your dog starts to jump, command your dog to "sit" and reward. Your dog will learn not to jump on people. Edited by Julie Shaw and Debbie Martin. Have your dog sit and praise your dog when your dog obeys. Put your hand in front of its face like you're hand is a stop sign. Firmly say "stay" and back away slowly. If your dog starts to run to you, start again by commanding your dog to sit. Repeat the command to stay and back away again. Repeat this until your dog consistently obeys. Begin this command when your dog is playing or sniffing around a fenced area. Crouch down, slap your thighs and say "come" in a friendly voice. This will make your dog think you want to play and your dog will run over to play with you. When your dog does, reward it with a treat and lots of praise. Volume 3. Steven R. Blackwell Publishing. Landsberg, W. Hunthausen and L. This is a good way to test your dog's response to the command. If your dog begins barking and you need to silence your dog, keep a bag of treats handy. When your dog barks, take a treat out and say "quiet. It may take a while but eventually your dog will understand that you expect it to quiet down when you say quiet. Teach your dog to associate a clicking sound from a clicker device as a reward for following a command. To do this, click the device and give your dog a treat. Practice training your dog and whenever it obeys, click the device and give a treat. Eventually, your dog will associate correct behavior with the clicker sound. Once your dog is familiar with the clicker, you can wean your dog off the treats and clicking sound so that the dog just responds to the command and clicker. Training your French Bulldog 4 training tips to make your stubborn French Bulldog obedient French Bulldogs display strong unwillingness for training, making exercise stressful and frustrating for the them and the human at times. While they are playful and gentle, their stubbornness is on another level compared to other dog breeds and can be challenging to train at times. There are ways of getting your Frenchie to learn to obey your commands. Here are simple strategies to train your adorable Bulldog. Breeders usually re-home their Frenchie Bulldog as early as 8 weeks old. Immediately after bringing your French Bulldog home start with potty training your puppy. Designate a special potty area and stick to it. Take your puppy every 2 hours as Frenchie puppies cant hold their needs for longer than that when they are that young. You want the dog to start learning potty manners as early as possible to prevent future problems. If you allow your Frenchie to do their needs elsewhere it will complicate matters for you later. Frenchies are extremely intelligent and will resort to their own way of doing things if not trained otherwise. Your French Bulldog needs positive Reinforcements through Verbal and Physical Rewards French Bulldogs are highly emotional and can become sad when scolded. These dogs were bred to please, so any negative feedback hits them hard. Whenever the dog does the right thing without your guidance, reward your Frenchie bountifully. Stay positive always to build a trustworthy and positive relationship. Socialize your Frenchie with other dogs You want your pup to become fully integrated with your family as quickly as possible. Start integrating the dog into your household from the day of arrival. Frenchies love noise and activity, so let them play around and explore. On the same token it is crucial that your dog socialize with other dogs early on. You want your Frenchie to be able to play and be around dogs without aggression or issues that might come later in adulthood if not properly socialized. Use the proper Frenchie training tools Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs and this predisposes them to respiratory disorders. We would never recommend a training collar for this reason. Walking a brachy breed with a collar can disrupt airflow and even make the dogs eyes pop out of their socket or potentially cause other trachea injuries. According to the Humane Society of the US it is the safest to use a harness to restrain your Frenchie. A harness allows the dog to breath freely with little or no obstructions. Our Health Harness was designed for brachycephalic dogs. It makes for a great training tool without the dangers found in common pet accessories. The Health Harness is designed with dual D rings and double zink alloy buckles to provide a safe, no-choke, no-pull walk. The front D ring makes it ideal for training dogs that like to pull, along with those that have aggression and dominance issues. If you want your pooch to have a comfortable life, a quality Frenchie harness is an excellent investment. Train your dog how to walk besides you early on to avoid frustration in the future. Even if your dog is full grown our specialty designed Health Harness can make all the difference in the world. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet. Miniature yet with giant characters, these adorable pooches are playful, intelligent, yet extremely stubborn. We believe that if you follow these 4 simple tips of training your Frenchie you can lead a healthy and positive relationship with your pooch. How to deal with an aggressive and dominant Frenchie? Tips and advice We received the following email asking for our advice in regards to an aggressive and dominant French Bulldog We adopted our Frenchie ex-breeder Mom almost 5 years ago. For example: Before Dixie, our two females rarely fought. And my pug would at least occasionally let me hold her. Now she tries to jump down immediately or else my bully will attempt to jump up on whoever holds her and attack her. Dixie also often growls when being pet and loved on, whereas any other dog would eat up the attention. And she seems to hate feet. Just wondered if you had any tips or suggestions at all. When we picked Dixie up from rescue she was sweet and timid, compliant and cuddly. Hi Lorrie: From reading your question there are a few key points you already know and are pointing out in your question which I would like to re-affirm: Dixie wants to be the alpha and the boss, wants to control the environment and the situation. Whoever is not in line with how she wants them to behave she will show aggression. First and foremost I would like you to ensure there is nothing medically or physically wrong with Dixie that will make her hostile or change her in anyways. The following tips will be given on the assumption that there is nothing wrong medically and her behavior changed over time due to her taking a certain role in the household that she feels is lacking. It is important to go back to the beginning and ask in what way you introduced her to the pack. It seems like the introduction was immediate and without much adjustment time. You say that she was originally going to be your daughter's dog and that didn't work out. This fact alone gives me an insight into the situation. Since things didn't work out the way they were planned I'm sure you were a bit puzzled and that rubbed off on Dixie. It seems that when she was added to the rest of the dogs in your household that created imbalance. From Dixie point of view she has taken the role of the mom and leader in the household and whoever is out of line she "disciplines" them by putting them in their place. It also seems like you are scared of her reaction and avoid doing certain things that will upset Dixie which is not helping the problem. We have a few recommendations to help this situation and they will all start and end with the one concept of you becoming the alpha and leader of the pack. When leaving your home with a hostile Frenchie You need to be the first leaving out of the door not any of the other dogs. Open the door slightly just for you to be able to stand in the opening, exercise standing there in front of your dogs while your dogs are still in the house for 1 minute increase by 1 minute daily until your dogs understand and wait patiently for 3 minutes without trying to trip you or escape first. This exercise will be hard to do at first but your dogs will soon learn you are the boss. In time you will be able to open the door wider and wider without them trying to be out of the door first. Train your Frenchie here! You should start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Puppy brains are a lot bigger than we think — they soak up so much good information despite their young age. French Bulldogs can be a rather independent breed of dog. In fact, we sometimes might feel like we need them more than they need us! What age can I start to train my French Bulldog puppy? You can start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Build positive training experiences with Zigzag! We can start you off with a personalised training programme straight away in the Zigzag puppy training app , in fact, you can even use it before you bring your Frenchie puppy home as we have a pre-puppy section. Before bringing your French Bulldog puppy home, you can also get in touch with our Zigzag puppy experts with any of the many questions you may have! While blingy collars and outfits might be top of the list, there are some more sensible things you need to get your French Bulldog puppy that will help with your training. Here are my top picks for getting prepared for training your Frenchie. My favourite all-rounder is the Rapid Rewards treat pouch , it comes in many colours and looks stylish when on. The Mikki treat pouch is also good and a bit cheaper. You can go to town and choose pretty colours and designs for Frenchies! A lead — Around 2m is a good length for a lead. A training lead is a good idea as you can change the lengths of them to suit. A comfortable mat or a piece of non-slip vet bed. Treats The more smelly, the better. Have a look at the best puppy treats here. Chews and chew toys — lots of them! Our faves for Frenchies are West Paw Toppl and hollow buffalo horns for stuffing food into, and cow ears and pizzles for edible chews. Two identical toys : Excellent for swaps — your French Bulldog puppy will be super playful and enjoy the retrieving games in the Zigzag app. Originally, French Bulldogs were bred from English Bulldogs, who had a shady past as bull-baiting dogs. People enjoyed their cheerful nature and kept them as companion dogs after these awful blood sports were prohibited. When the need for these workers declined in England, their skills were still required in France, so the workers relocated, bringing their dogs with them. Relocate your training to Zigzag! When they arrived in France, they were adored by shopkeepers, butchers, and, most infamously, Les Belles de Nuit — the ladies of the night! What does this have to do with how I train my French Bulldog? Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you better train your Frenchie puppy and understand why they behave the way they do. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Frenchies are incredibly loving and enjoy being in the spotlight. They can have a lot of energy possibly even more than a lot of energy and enjoy an active home life. Lack of stimulation WILL foster self-employment; provide them with items to rip up and pull apart to keep them out of trouble. By the way, if you leave them to it, they WILL go into your recycling and have a field day. Frenchies often think they are big dogs, thus they often do well playing with dogs larger than them. They look dashing in them too! December 6, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? Quickly rising in the popularity ranks to spot number two, the French bulldog or more commonly known for their nickname Frenchie is a bundle of cute, silliness, and affection! This compact, low-activity, lap companion is a perfect fit for puppy parents that like a relaxed lifestyle! How do you know if the French Bulldog is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on French Bulldogs! When it comes to French Bulldogs, not where they originally come from! These pups actually made their way over to France from England and were actually Toy Bulldogs. During the mid s, lacemakers from Nottingham, England traveled to Paris bringing along their toy bulldogs and cross-breeding them with bull-baiting bulldogs to gain those tall erect bat ears Frenchies have today! Soon, their popularity in France spread as more Parisian women introduced these pups a staple into city, cafe-culture. What are French Bulldog Breed Characteristics? French Bulldogs have short snouts, round adorable bodies and short legs, square-shaped faces but the most undeniably French Bulldog quality.Although these characteristics breed standard, French Bulldogs come in a variety of colorings including white, cream, tan, grey, black, brown, blue, multi-color, fawn, brindle, merle, lilac, and combinations of each of these! What are French Bulldog Personalities like? These pups have silly personalities, love to play, and can settle right up next to your lap. Unlike the common yappy small dog stereotype, Frenchies are quite affectionate and even-tempered. They love their human families, seek companionship, and enjoy playing with their people. If you were looking for a pup that was thrill-seeking and had a protective quality to their nature, French Bulldogs are far more content with a walk, quick game of tug-of-way or fetch, and would probably rather play with new people and dogs than be protective. While they are relatively easy-going, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak so be prepared with obedience training and to coax your Frenchie with some treats! Much like their early days, French Bulldogs are a great choice for puppy parents living in urban, city environments like apartment buildings. Frenchies, while they love to play, are what is known as a brachycephalic breed. High activity can cause them to overheat and they will have difficulty panting to cool off. While the idea of letting your French Bulldog puppy cool off in water seems right, no swimming for these pups. If you live somewhere with a pool or close to a lake, be mindful of your Frenchie, and even keep a protective float or vest on them! All in all, a home that provides space in a room to play, or walks around the neighborhood or in a park are just what Frenchies need to burn off their energy and keep entertained! How to Care for Your French Bulldog! French Bulldogs, like many short-snouted dogs, can suffer from respiratory issues such as wheezing, snoring, and over-heating in warmer temperatures. While their short coats are generally low-maintenance, French Bulldogs can suffer from eye infections and infections in the folds of their skin. Keeping their eyes clean, regular brushing with a rubber glove, and making sure their skin is completely dry after bathing can significantly help prevent these issues! When you first bring home your new French Bulldog puppy, set up an initial visit with your veterinarian to discuss French Bulldog breed nutritional needs, preventive care, and schedule their vaccinations! Thanks to their adorable looks, French Bulldogs receive a lot of affection from their humans. Basic Obedience and Tricks French Bulldogs are fun and easy-to-train breed! However, some Frenchie parents may find bouts of stubbornness such as refusing to take another step on a walk or not coming when called! If you start to experience this with your Frenchie puppy, try to keep them on a leash while under supervision at home to have them follow you and start to establish leadership. Since these pups love a good playtime session, teaching them some fun tricks is a great way to keep them engaged while still working on listening and following your lead! Potty Train Right Away With the right consistency and patience, all puppies can be potty trained! Some French Bulldog puppies may take a bit longer to master pottying in a specific spot so start from the very first day your puppy comes home! Pick a designated spot, start bringing your puppy there every time they have to go potty, and supervise them at home, or crate them at night to prevent accidents! As companion dogs, French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety so establishing crate times during the day and at night will help your puppy start to feel comfortable being alone and boost their level of confidence. Set times for feeding, play, puppy training, and sleep will provide your puppy with routine and structure, encouraging good behaviors and fewer chances of your puppy developing bad habits. A daily schedule also makes certain things such as potty times far more predictable for you and helps to speed up the potty training process. Lastly, a set routine creates a well-adjusted puppy that will grow up confident, healthy, and happy! One of the best things about a daily puppy schedule is that you can establish one that aligns with your own! Teach them "Drop-It! One of the fastest and most fun! Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more!