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What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. Your Golden Retriever will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, your Golden Retriever will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight. Then your Golden Retriever will slowly stop adding more weight. The above discussion is general, and it applies to both male and female Golden Retrievers. However, male dogs usually grow at a different rate compared to female dogs A male Golden Retriever will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, a male Golden Retriever will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 44 weeks. A male Golden Retriever will then slowly stop adding more weight. Similarly, a female Golden Retriever will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, a female Golden Retriever will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 44 weeks. A female Golden Retriever will then slowly stop adding more weight. See the growth graph of a Golden Retriever below. As you can see in the Golden Retriever growth curve below, the Golden Retriever grows really fast in its early weeks, and then its growth levels off till it reaches percent of the adult weight. This Golden Retriever growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a Golden Retriever shown above. The calculator assumes that your Golden Retriever is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight. Weight of the Golden Retriever. Weight in the dark green region is typical, though weight in the light green region is also possible Adult Golden Retrievers typically weigh between 55 to 75 pounds. Above is a graph that shows how much a Golden Retriever should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your Golden Retriever falls in the graph for its age. It is totally fine if the weight of your Golden Retriever falls in either the dark green or light green region of the graph. However, weight in the dark green region is more typical for Golden Retrievers. If the weight of your Golden Retriever falls outside both the dark and light green region for its age, then you should consult a vet. Also, you can use the Golden Retriever weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of Golden Retrievers, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and weeks. The calculator will also tell you if your Golden Retriever is within the normal weight range for the Golden Retriever. This Golden Retriever weight calculator uses information from belpatt. What is the Height of the Golden Retriever? The adult Golden Retriever is 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. This is the average adult height of the Golden Retriever. This is How to Tell Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. Doing this with your Golden Retriever will give you a clearer picture of how your Golden Retriever is growing. Our tool will also let you know if your Golden Retriever is growing normally. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your Golden Retriever will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your Golden Retriever will become overweight or underweight. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in Golden Retrievers. You can compare your Golden Retriever growth trajectory against these references to see if your Golden Retriever is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool. The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your Golden Retriever, is to use a dog weighing scale. Having a scale for weighing your Golden Retriever will make it easy for you to weigh your Golden Retriever regularly without any trouble. The scale that we recommend for weighing the Golden Retriever is this high durability and affordable W. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your Golden Retriever. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your Golden Retriever. This method is illustrated in the picture below. However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your Golden Retriever if your Golden Retriever is very heavy or if your Golden Retriever is the type that would not stay still while being held. Starting at 4 months, your Golden Retriever will gain 1. At 5 months of age, your Golden Retriever will grow at a rate of 1. Then at 6 months, your Golden Retriever will gain 1. See the growth rate chart of the Golden Retriever below Age Months. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:. How big will she get? What is the average height of a golden retriever? Height is not often measured by veterinarians, therefore there exists insufficient data to determine the stages of height as a Golden puppy advances to adulthood. But each dog breed has an average height and weight recorded at full size, and the American Kennel Club, or AKC, has set breed standards in connection with those measurements. The average height for a fully grown Golden Retriever is about 22 to 24 inches. Females are generally shorter than males. How is this measurement taken? This gives you the current height of your pooch. The average age a Golden Retriever is fully grown is about 1 year old. This is usually when most dogs reach adulthood, but smaller dogs tend to get there faster. Small breeds, such as the Chihuahua, go through puppy stages quickly and hit adulthood around 9 months old. Within a matter of weeks, they begin to use their senses to explore the world around them. Each growth stage has an average height and weight range, as well as common personality traits connected to it. Check out our Golden Retriever puppy growth chart to see the average weight of a Golden Retriever puppy from 2 months old up to adulthood. The chart breaks down the average weight range for male and female Golden Retriever puppies, displayed from 2 to 9 months old. Also listed is the average height and weight of adult male and female Goldens. But while the Golden Retriever may become full-grown in looks, the breed is notorious for remaining forever a puppy — in attitude and antics. Once you have your Golden home, you may want to check out our other resources to help keep your puppy healthy and looking good. We also have a series of buying guides to help you select the best ear cleaner for dogs and the best pet grooming clippers. You can also use our puppy size estimator to find out how big your Golden Retriever may get. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. This is the space between the shoulder blades. In terms of height, this will go a little faster. While there is just one recognized type of Golden Retriever, there are variations in the breed depending both on where they were bred as well as what they were bred for. Differences are reasonably minimal, but British Goldens are generally on the smaller side, while Canadian ones will be found towards the top end of the scale. Working dogs, on the whole, tend to be lighter than those bred for showing. However, all variations should fall within the ranges given above. Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash There are also some differences based on gender. Males are often between inches and pounds, while females are inches and pounds. This can give you a relatively good idea of what to expect. As larger dogs, they take a little longer to hit their adult size — especially in terms of filling out and building their muscles. These dogs tend to put on weight easily if fed too much or not exercised enough — so keep an eye out for that. Although your dog will shoot upwards with almost alarming speed in the first six months of their lives, their growth will slow after this. Your pooch may look a little gangly and puppy-like until they have achieved their adult weight at around 18 months to 2 years. Check out these guides on best dog food for puppies here. While classified as medium dogs, Golden Retrievers tend to be on the larger end of that scale at 21 to 24 inches and 55 to 75 pounds. Where they fall in those ranges will depend on such factors as their gender, genetics, and nutrition. Photo by Michelle Huber on Unsplash These dogs tend to get to half their full weight around 4 and 5 months and their adult weight at roughly 18 months. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. They will likely continue to increase in weight for some time after that. The table above can give you some idea of what to expect along the way. However, it may indicate that you need to make some changes in their diet, for instance. If they go significantly beyond these numbers, then you will need to consult your vet. Hopefully, the information included here has proven useful in helping you to understand how big Golden Retrievers get and exactly how they grow. Pin It! Golden Retrievers grow up to be around 55 to 75 pounds, which males typically a bit larger than females. Of course, this is quite a wide range. Ending up with a pound dog is far different than having a pound dog. Some dogs may vary their weight somewhat in their adult life. Males usually stand at 23 to 24 inches, which females are around .If your dog is only .English Cream Retrievers , an especially light variety of Golden Retrievers, have a similar size to traditional Golden Retrievers — the same is true for F lat-Coated Retrievers. However, some dogs actually gain more weight during their twilight years due to a decrease in activity. It really just depends on your canine. What does a 3-month-old Golden Retriever weigh? At three months old, a Golden Retriever usually weighs about 22 pounds. Like most breeds, Golden Retrievers grow very quickly in the first few months. They go from only weighing a few pounds to weighing much more. After all, they have to reach their adult weight and hit puberty in only a year or so. Previously, the dogs were affected mainly by where they were in their uterus. Puppies with better positions got more nutrients and were therefore larger. However, genetics takes over after birth, and the puppies all begin growing at their own rate. When the puppies reach 3 months old, they have been growing independently for long enough to make some guesses about their adult size. Before then, any guesses are really just that — guesses. How big is a 6-month-old Golden Retriever? Usually, by this point, Golden Retrievers will weigh around 44 pounds. The smallest one may only weigh 22 pounds, however. Puppies can range quite a bit at this age. The bigger dogs are finally starting to be obviously bigger than the smaller ones. However, these dogs will continue growing for another year. When is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Like other large breeds such as also the English Setter , Goldens will continue to grow until they are around 18 months. Of course, there is some variance for this. Some dogs may stop growing a month sooner, while others may continue to grow a very small amount for another month or two. Many dogs will reach their full height at around a year of age but may will continue filling out until they reach about 18 months. This is largely because they are no longer contributing tons of calories to growing larger. This leaves some extra calories for muscle and fat gain. If a dog gains quite a bit of muscle after they technically reach maturity, they may continue to gain weight for another six months. As you might imagine, more active dogs typically gain more muscle. You should not feed your dog extra in an attempt to make them grow bigger or reach their full size faster. This can make a dog grow faster than they would initially. To avoid future health problems, it is essential to keep your dogs at a healthy weight and feed them the appropriate amount of food. Is a Golden Retriever a large- or medium-sized dog? While the Golden Retriever is much larger than some other dogs, it is technically only a medium-sized dog. Medium-sized dogs technically weigh from 20 to 60 pounds and stand from 15 to 25 inches tall. All Golden Retrievers will fit into this category when it comes to height, though some may be slightly above it in terms of weight. Still, the AKC classifies them as medium-sized dog. This is likely because the large majority of these dogs will fall soundly into the medium category. Even those that technically weigh more than a medium-sized dog will still fall into the medium category if you go on their height. In other words, the Golden Retriever is usually considered a medium-sized dog. However, they are relatively larger than some other medium breeds. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Teaching Proper Socialization One of the main reasons why it is not recommended to get a puppy under the age of 7 or 8 weeks is because puppies at this age still need a lot to learn from their mother and littermates. The role of the mother dog is not only to give birth and nurse the puppies but also to teach her puppies their first few life-lessons that include self-discipline and social interaction. As her puppies begin to play with each other and tease their mother, the German Shepherd mother becomes an active teacher and role model. If the puppies bite her or their littermates too hard, she disciplines the offending puppy by swinging her tail and even growling at the mischievous puppy. The mother will keep delivering the correction, week after week until the pups fully understand to control the strength of their bite. Timid mother dog may make her puppies cowardly, as can an overly aggressive mother. Ideally, what you want to see is a German Shepherd mother dog who is calm, stable, and confident. Pierantoni, M. Albertini, and F. Pirrone 1. They compared two groups, consisting of 70 adult dogs each. One group had been separated from their litters at 30 to 40 days, while the second group had been separated from their litters at 8 weeks. The veterinarians concluded that the chance of behavioral disorders occurring in the first group was significantly higher than in the second group. The behavioral disorders explained in the study include destructiveness, excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, noise reactivity, food or toy possessiveness, and attention-seeking behavior. It Is Illegal in Some States The second reason why you should avoid buying a puppy under 8 weeks old is that in 26 states, it is illegal to buy a puppy that is deemed too young 2. Of those, 22 states state that all puppies must be 8 weeks old. The remaining three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that all puppies must be at least 7 weeks old before they can be sold. For example, in the state of Kansas, in order to be legal to sell puppies, breeders need to make sure that the puppies must be 8 weeks old and weaned 3. A puppy that has been weaned too early can develop many behavioral problems that will follow him throughout his life. Some of the signs that your German shepherd puppy has been weaned too early include aggression, excessive biting, destruction, possession, and separation anxiety. In addition to behavioral issues, the puppy can also develop health issues such as malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Going After an Older Dog If a puppy that is too young is risky, then what about adopting an older puppy? Some people may be tempted to adopt an older puppy hoping to skip the tasks involved with the younger pup, from housetraining to car riding. If you select the right pup, you may be able to avoid some of these situations. However, bear in mind that older pups are less accepting of new people and new situations. That said, older pups can make a terrific companion if you know where and how to select them. Where to Get a German Shepherd Puppy? Thanks to their popularity, German shepherd puppies are available in so many different places that deciding where to look can be stressful. Here are some of the most popular places to buy a German shepherd dog: Breeders Buying a German shepherd puppy from a breeder is still your best bet for obtaining a healthy, lovable German shepherd. As is true in all professions, there are good breeders and bad breeders. So what are the differences between good breeders and others? Their reputations are such that customers come to them. They also temperament test every puppy to ensure the best possible placement. You should ask lots of questions too. Asking the right questions can help you to winnow the bad breeders from the good ones. Furthermore, there are lots that you can learn from established breeders. They can tell you more than you possibly imagined about the breed. The common assumption is that these dogs are abandoned because they have problems. However, this is not always the case. According to some statistics, German Shepherds are one of the most common breeds found in shelters. In the right home, these dogs can make great companions. This is why you should not be dissuaded from considering shelter when choosing a puppy or dog. Breed Rescue Groups If you are willing to accept a grown dog instead of a puppy, breed rescue can be the right place for you. Breed rescues are organizations that work with a single breed or a couple of related breeds. They are run by volunteers, comprised of experienced breeders, trainers, and owners of that breed. Thus, you can be sure that these people know what they are doing. As for the fee, it is a steal often just the cost of the veterinary care. Pet Stores The last and the worst option for getting a puppy is a pet store. No reputable breeders in their right minds will send the cream of their litters to pet stores. If they do send their puppies here, the puppies are usually undersized or poor conformation. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Territorial boundaries Are German Shepherds naturally protective? Yes, German Shepherds are naturally protective. They can get aggressive towards intruders and strangers. They have a natural guarding instinct. Will my German Shepherd protect me without training? Yes, luckily, this breed is capable of protecting its owner and family even without training. Loyalty and possessiveness are in the blood of German Shepherds, and they can go to any extent to protect their owners. As a German Shepherd owner, you must know about the difference between an aggressive and a dangerous dog. Is a male or female German Shepherd more protective? Although both genders of this breed are protective and loyal, males are more dominant in this trait. You will notice that both male and female German Shepherds are famous for barking at strangers to protect their homes. Male German Shepherds are more aggressive as compared to female German Shepherds. In this way, male dogs increase their protectiveness for the family as well as for the home. How to train a German Shepherd to be a guard dog? If you adopt a German Shepherd with the intention to make them a guard dog, you need to start training them from puppyhood. By doing this, your dog will understand the difference between regular and suspicious activity. Socialized puppies are never afraid of strangers or intruders. To socialize your pup, take him along and allow him to meet different people for multiple experiences. Make sure to have a firm grip over the leash of your German Shepherd to keep it safe from any bad experience. Enrolling in an obedience class Enrolling your German Shepherd in a dog obedience class is always a good approach. In this way, you can make a German Shepherd obedient and quick to respond to your commands. If you are willing to put your dog under guard training, control will be imperative. Positive enforcement or encouragement is crucial when your dog is learning to attack or bark at intruders. Make sure to provide treats to keep it motivated. Bark on command If your dog is not aware of this command, it may bark at every stranger. This way, you can order your German Shepherd to attack suspicious people. Dog alertness at home Install some sort of alarm in your home so that the pup will get to know when someone is trying to enter the home illegally. Practice this situation by turning on the alarm. Wait for your dog to bark at the intruder. When your pup is doing it correctly, serve it with a treat. In this way, your German Shepherd will learn the behavior to bark at intruders even without the presence of an alarm. Make sure that your pup is not learning to chase while you are teaching it about guarding. Chasing is not a good practice because it may harm any stranger who is not suspicious. Consider hiring a trainer to teach your dog how to be a guard dog. Territorial boundaries Walk your dog around the perimeter of your home. Your dog needs to learn to bark at strangers once they enter your property. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the country. They are renowned for their strength, agility, and fierceness, as well as their ability to protect their families. The best age to buy a German Shepherd puppy is around seven to eight weeks. This ensures that the pup is not taken from its mother too early, but still has enough time to integrate into being a part of your family. Read on for more tips on when the best age is to bring home your new German Shepherd pup. If you try to adopt or purchase a German Shepherd puppy earlier than seven weeks, you will likely encounter several problems. The first of these problems is like the legality of purchasing a dog at such a young age. The District of Columbia is the only state or district in the country that allows puppies to be sold at the age of six weeks. The second problem that you will likely encounter if you try to buy a German Shepherd puppy earlier than that seven-week mark is a lack of puppy socialization. The American Kennel Club states that puppies begin their socialization period at the age of six weeks , while an article from Psychology Today written with help from a prestigious dog breeder suggests that socialization begins even earlier — as early as three weeks old in some breeds. This socialization period is important because it allows puppies to learn essential behaviors from the other puppies in their litter as well as from their mother. When puppies begin to play and bite with their siblings and their mother, they will learn that these behaviors are not okay because their family members will bite at them or bark, which will teach the puppy that those behaviors are not okay. If your puppy is rehomed too young, they will miss out on these important lessons and will be disobedient. While the puppy will have to be separated from its mother, eventually, this process should not be allowed to happen too early. If pups are taken away from their mother too young, they will suffer from behavioral issues that are deeper than just poor socialization. Due to factors such as lack of maternal soothing, premature weaning, and separation anxiety, puppies who are removed from their mothers too early are prone to fear and aggression. In a study conducted in the journal Veterinary Record as quoted in the Psychology Today article , it was determined that pups who were taken from their mothers before the age of 40 days around 5. Finding the right timing to bring home a German Shepherd puppy can be tricky. There are a few factors that make it difficult to properly raise a German Shepherd puppy if you bring it home after that eight-week mark. The reason that people buy puppies so young is that they want their dog to be able to become a well-socialized part of the family unit. The second reason you should get a German Shepherd puppy before it passes eight weeks old is that it makes obedience and work training much easier to accomplish. They will need to be able to perform commands and tasks through nudges, picking up items with their mouths, and calling for help or assistance in order to help their owner. This is why training organizations teach puppies as young as possible so they can be competent service animals for people with disabilities. German Shepherds can easily be trained as seeing-eye dogs as well as animals that help people with epilepsy or neurological disorders. The author of the Psychology Today article believes that if puppies are left in the litter for too long, they will begin to build a sort of hierarchy or to peck order among themselves. Because German Shepherds have that reputation for aggressive behavior, you want to mitigate this potential as quickly as possible. Summary The best age to adopt a German Shepherd puppy is between the ages of seven and eight weeks old. This is the age suggested by the American Kennel Club as well as psychological researchers. It is also illegal in most areas of the country to rehome a puppy before the age of seven weeks, save for the District of Columbia. No breeder should be selling a puppy younger than six weeks old. At the same time, you should not let the puppy remain with its litter after the age of eight weeks to avoid aggression and to make training easier. Best age for buying a GSD? People say that the best age is Months so he can be trained and took all the vaccines. .Others say buying a pup months is the best way the dog get used to his living place and the his family! I don't know which is right and which is wrong. Now with that being said let me clarify that by saying that you really need to match the age of the German Shepherd you bring home to fit you and your home and your needs. Maybe you have needs for an older dog because you don't want to go through all the puppy teething, housetraining, etc. I would have to say though that maybe a first time owner would do better with an older, calmer German Shepherd. Check with your local rescues and shelters for potential companions. Then again, maybe you do want a puppy instead of an older GSD - maybe you have other pets and kids that you want the puppy to grow up with that might not accept an older German Shepherd easily. And you're willing to go through weeks of teething, housetraining and the whole nine yards. And that's all right too. Truth be told, you really need to assess your own situation and your needs - not necessarily your wants - about what will be the best pet for you - an older GSD or a GSD puppy. Both can make good pets in the right home and both have very specific, but different, needs. But for a first time owner an older GSD would be a great choice. Either way, training and socialization will be very important too. So take your time, think it through and good luck getting your new German Shepherd. How to begin with training a puppy and get a running start. Everyone has to have their first puppy and, just like with having a first child, there is a lot of learning involved. What age should you start training a German Shepherd? Whether you have a puppy or an older German Shepherd. I have learned that starting as soon as you bring your puppy home. This will prevent behavior problems from developing. Some people start at 8: weeks to 12 weeks or four months to six months of age depending on how old the puppy was when they purchased. I put together a beginner mini-guide below- to help you get started with a new puppy. You want to get your puppy on the right training schedule. How to housebreak a German Shepherd puppy? It works. Morning The first thing that you should do is let your puppy out of its crate and take it directly outside to go potty. An eight-week-old puppy needs to eat three to four meals each day. Your puppy should be given a bowl of water with its meal and be permitted to drink as much as it wants. Give your puppy about ten minutes to relax after it has eaten and then go back outside for potty. Before its next meal, your puppy should be taken out every hour in order to prevent accidents and should be placed into its crate whenever it will not be directly supervised. Crates are great for everyday use as they keep your puppy out of danger when it is not by your side. Afternoon Your afternoon will mirror your morning almost exactly. Your puppy will need to be taken outside if it has been crated, fed its afternoon meal and then taken outside again. When not being supervised, your puppy should be gated off into a completely puppy-proofed room or crated. Your puppy will get a meal, go outside, and be placed in a safe room or crate when not supervised. Throughout the day, use your puppies name in connection with positive things. This will help your puppy learn his name more quickly. Having a puppy in the house is fun for everyone in the family. Your job is to make sure that the puppy is given a predictable, structured environment to grow up in. German Shepherd Puppy Training: Training a puppy at a young age will prevent bad behavior from developing into big-time behavior problems. Some of us start at eight weeks, others start at 10 to 12 weeks old. Laying out the groundwork for leash training a puppy. With step by step video training guide. Video one; Leash training your puppy will be one of the first things you and I will need to do with our new German Shepherd puppy! Learning can be a challenge for many of us. Today I like to share a video with my friend Tonny and his new puppy Named Nora at 10 weeks old. This her first leash training exercise. What I have learned from my own experience; I like to practice this exercise 2 or 3 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time every day- when training young pups at this age. Sometimes we as humans expect too much too fast and can forget what we learn from owning our last dog. We forgot puppyhood. I know I have made this mistake before. I have learned after training multiple German Shepherd puppies , how to spend a good enough amount of time working them by training shot training sessions to get the best results. Tony and his wife Shannon are teaching her how to walk on a leash in the street under real-world distractions. If you have never trained a puppy before learning these training skills will be challenging for anybody just learning. But done let it stop you from practicing. With just a little bit of time and patience, you and your puppy will come a long way together. I have learned this is the most important part of training our puppy and will build and strengthens our bond together for starting our new journey. Once your puppy is showing that they are understanding what the heel command means, now we can start to add in the sit-stay command. This is a command we will use every day with our puppy. Watch how Shannon works with her puppy in this video. Nora will get a little distracted when she is walking by me and her husband Tony. Dog training is all about doing things together as a team. Building trust and leadership with your new best friend. Always start off with your attention training and practicing around your home and in your yard. A little bit of practice goes a long way. I would love to hear about all your success. I will be sharing more training videos with you soon! Best of luck with your training. About the author: Dennis is the founder of German Shepherd Behavior. I have owned this breed for over 25 years and looking forward to sharing my German Shepherd journey with you. The new owners are very gentle with the puppy and simply talk softly to him and give him pats and toys as he gets settled in. Sadly, the Puppy Mill Project states there are more than 10, puppy mills operating just in the United States alone. Puppy mills keep breeding pairs of dogs in often horrific conditions and take the puppies away from their moms much too soon so they can breed another litter of puppies. The Humane Society states that there are some warning signs you can watch for to indicate you may be getting your puppy from an unethical breeder or even from a puppy mill: The breeder is willing to release the puppy to you at a very early age before the age of eight weeks. The breeder will not allow you to visit their kennel and see their operation or meet the parent dogs — they only sell at off-site locations or over the internet. Here again, this question is a topic of often intense debate between different breeders. As one canine biologist explains in Psychology Today , the very earliest any puppy should be allowed to leave the litter and go to their new home is 79 days seven weeks. But many other breeders feel that even seven weeks is too early, as the GSDCA article cited earlier here states. There are a variety of reasons why letting a puppy leave the litter sooner than seven to eight weeks is considered a bad idea. The puppy is still too little and fragile Some breeders believe a primary reason to keep puppies with the mom and littermates longer is that puppies are very little and easily injured. However, because the German Shepherd is a large breed dog and has a sturdier body to start with, some breeders may be apt to release GSD puppies closer to the eight week age range. In contrast, smaller and toy dog breeds that are very delicate may need a bit longer to grow up before going to their new home. The puppy needs to learn social skills Another common reason why many breeders feel that puppies should stay with their litters and mothers at least until they turn eight weeks old is that the puppy will learn important social skills. The best trainer for any German Shepherd puppy is typically going to be the mother dog. As well, GSD puppies will have the chance to play and learn from their littermates and get comfortable with having people around by watching their mother interact with the breeder. Some theories suggest that this initial period of dog-to-dog socialization needs to happen before the dog-to-people socialization so the puppy can learn to be a dog first and then to be a companion to humans next. This benefit is simply that the German Shepherd breeder is experienced working with this dog breed and can give your puppy some early expert training and socialization with people. The difference here would be bringing home a puppy that is already used to a collar and lead, puppy pads, and some initial potty training commands, playing with toys and being handled by people. The rehoming process is always going to be stressful enough on its own that you want to be sure your puppy has the most confidence possible before coming home with you. Set aside time to just be with your puppy Your puppy is going to be a bit nervous or even frightened at first — this is normal. Rehoming is a big change. You can make it easier by just carving out time to sit nearby, praising your puppy, offering pats, and talking softly. These guidelines can ensure that your new German Shepherd puppy feels at home right away living with you. The idea of having a German Shepherd puppy as a pet will be the right choice and you will not regret it as they are known for their ability of strength, agility, intelligence, and protective nature towards their owner. You should also know that the best age to adopt a German Shepherd puppy is when are seven to eight weeks older but at the same time, you should also know why you should not adopt them just after their birth. German Shepherd pups are just like human children, they too are highly attached to their mothers. They too learn many things from their mother and taking them away from their mother just after their birth will impact them adversely. There are plenty of reasons why you should not take German Shepherd pups just after birth their mother which you should also know before adopting them. Taking German Shepherd pups too sooner will affect both the child as well as the mother so you should avoid adopting them too sooner. German Shepherd pups do learn many things from their mother which play a very important role in their personality development and ultimately in survival in this world. The mother of a young German Shepherd puppy is also responsible for teaching them during the initial socialization period because they can learn animal behavior and social skills when they are about 3 to 5 weeks older. A mother is the first teacher of not only a human child but also of a young German Shepherd puppy. With the help of their mother, the German Shepherd puppy can scan and properly play behaviors and communication skills with other dogs and animals. They also understand the impulse bite inhibition from their brothers, sisters, and ofcourse their mother. However, some research also shows that the puppies who are taken away from their mother at very early stages of their lives show some problems in behavior and temperament when they become adults, here their temperament will include aggression, and fear, and will become difficult to train. This is the reason German Shepherd pups should not be taken away sooner after their birth from their mother. Basic Socialization Learning Basic Socialization is one of the major reasons for not taking away German Shepherd puppies from their mother under the actual age recommended or just after their birth as German Shepherd pups learn the initial phase of socialization from their mother. It is well said that mothers are the best teacher for children at the initial stage of life as is the case with puppies. German Shepherd pups learn many basic socialization techniques from their mother and they teach them to interact with other dogs or animals and also self-discipline. No doubt mothers play role models for their pups, they play crucial roles in behaving well with other animals. They also play the role of savior for some time as a result their pups feel safe if they see their mother near. On the other hand, socialization is also important for German Shepherd puppies as according to Dr. Sally Foote, one of the best veterinarian and behaviorists, the socialization period in puppies generally lasts from between 6 and to weeks of age. State Of Legalization Legalization is another process why you should not adopt German Shepherd pups at a very early stage of their life as many states do not allow the purchase of German Shepherd pups that are under 8 weeks of age. However, there are some states like Maine, Wisconsin, and Virginia that allow the purchase of pups that must be at least seven weeks of age. This very law is very impactful and good for the pups as it prohibits the greed of backyard breeders or other irresponsible breeders whose only purpose is to earn profit through illegal breeding. So you should also think twice before buying German Shepherd pups and go through the legal process implemented by the government. German Shepherds are considered to be the best companion of their owners and they are known for their protective nature towards their beloved ones. They are also popular for their strength, intelligence, and loyalty which makes them the perfect breed to be pet by lovable owners. Every dog lover will enjoy German Shepherds as a pet and their dream will come true if they bring this new companion home. However, there are a few things that you should also look at before buying a GSD puppy if you want full service of this breed. Here are 5 key points that you should look at before buying a German Shepherd: 1. Research On Reputable Breeder One of the most important things before buying a German Shepherd puppy is you should do proper research on breeders. They should be experienced, genuine and follow all government rules and regulations. You should also do inquiries about the parents of German Shepherd pups and look after their appearance and temperament. You should also understand that there are many breeders whose main purpose is to earn profit while some breed with good intentions. So always do some research before having German Shepherds as your pet and do a proper investigation of the breeders. Find The Reputable Breeder If you have done some research about the breeders before the purchase of a GSD puppy then you must be able to find a genuine and reputable breeder. Finding a suitable breeder will allow you to get the original breed and will prohibit the false breeder whose only aim is to earn profit. Always choose a breeder who has already completed all the certifications of German Shepherds and also done necessary health issues. The health certificate must include German Shepherd dogs who must not have any symptoms of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disorder, and their mental temperament. Evaluation Method Every new dog owner must go through an evaluation method before buying a German Shepherd. The evaluation method includes, you must evaluate the breeder and asking your query regarding the breeding of German Shepherds. You may ask the breeder the following queries: Their Breeding Experience.

Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Advertisement Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. They will help you redecorate your floors Do you have a hardwood floor? Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. Playing around is no game The German Shepherd is a very active breed and needs lots of physical stimulation and playtime. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies who are also busy bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. The coat will be dense with length that can vary. They are a joy to have at home because the Germanees are sweet-natured and kind dogs. Both parents, the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, are very similar dogs. Imagine a slightly smaller but more energetic German Shepherd and you have the Belgian Malinois. These are high maintenance dogs that require a ton of physical and mental activity on a daily basis. This cross is not recommended for your typical family. They require serious work. As for physical appearance, these dogs can vary. Both parents have high energy, so you can expect nothing less from the Weimshepherd. They are quick, athletic and powerful dogs. Make sure to introduce training as early as possible for this mutt. Providing them with the a proper outlet is the only way to raise a happy and healthy Boxer Shepherd. Thanks to the Springer Spaniel side, these dogs get along with kids of all ages, other dogs and even cats. In fact, the more the better! But if you can handle this, the Spanierd is an excellent German Shepherd mix for any family! Because of the size of the Great Dane, the Dane Shepherd is fairly large, making them excellent watchdogs and an amazing companion. Depending on the lineage, these dogs can have a short or medium coat. Chances are the Dane Shepherd will have a double coat, so except to deal with heavy shedding during spring and fall. Just the massive size of these dogs can scare away potential intruders. Both parent breeds are large, and so is the Airedale Shepherd. The overall body shape resembles a German Shepherd, but they retain the muzzle and ears of the Airedale Terrier. These dogs are inevitably courageous dogs that play well with children. Despite their large size, they make fantastic family dogs, companions, watchdogs and more. Socialization is a must, while obedience training can be fairly easy. Their calm, confident demeanor paired with their recognizable looks makes them wonderful family pets and undeniably cool sidekicks. One even lives in The White House , so you know they're a big deal. Whether you're celebrating National German Shepherd Day May 10 or just need a pick-me-up with some smiling pups , you've come to the right place! Luna the Longhaired German Shepherd Luna's long mane looks absolutely stunning against the rocks. Plus, with a smile like that, this pup can steal anyone's heart. Who doesn't want to be lounging by the pool with a cup of coffee and getting some online shopping, er, work done? Just look at her stunning black coat and long tongue! Duke Enjoying a Pupsicle This German shepherd knows how to do summer right with a delicious homemade dog popsicle. Save some for us! Krut the Adventure Doggo What's more relaxing than hiking with your dog next to a beautiful waterfall? Krut's Instagram page is full of gorgeous pictures of his mountain adventures that have us itching for a weekend camping trip. Cliff's Boop-able Nose Now this is a snoot we need to boop! Cliff's Instagram always shows the smiling pup on tons of outdoor adventures. No wonder he's one of the happiest German shepherds we've ever seen! Koa's Beach Day This has everything you need in a cute German shepherd picture: a gorgeous background, floppy ears, and an adorably fluffy puppy with her tongue out. What more can you ask for? After only a few short minutes of brushing , it's like you have enough fur for a whole new dog! German shepherds have thick, double layered coats that are prone to shedding , so it's even more important for their owners to keep a regular grooming routine. You may just need to book an afternoon for the task. Sebastian the Birthday Boy Time to light the candles! Sebastian's first birthday bash included a matching bandana , banner, and birthday hat, as well as some adorable custom cookies. All he needs left for his big day is a dog-approved birthday cake. Flash's Floppy Ears German shepherds are known for their signature perked-up ears. But in their first few months, German shepherd puppies sport floppy ears until around the time they finish teething. So German shepherd puppy owners: take all the photos with those adorable floppy ears while you still can! But Odin here is clearly proud to be a German shepherd K.And based on his Instagram posts, this good boy gets the job done right. These good boys are clearly enjoying their day outside at the park and we couldn't be happier for them. Ace the German Shepherd Service Dog German shepherds are incredibly smart, making them wonderful service animals! When your job includes going to Disney, how could you not look as happy as this guy? Apollo Soaking up the Sun Apollo might be the coolest dog we've ever seen. From the effortlessly stylish sunglasses all the way down to his customized shoes, we know this good boy is living his best life. Was this page helpful? Personality Of The German Shepherd Puppies Their extreme loyalty to family members, combined with their intelligence and created a perfect companion animal. Whatever your lifestyle is, when you establish the right communication with him, he will fit into your life perfectly. If you provide a life that matches your dog's energy level and know his unique needs, you can have a great relationship with a German Shepherd for many years. This popular dog breed is famous for his loyalty. Of course, every dog has a unique character. They can get along well with other people when properly socialized. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, they love to play games with their cousins. However, when they see someone they don't know, it may take some time to make sure they won't hurt you. This loyalty also helps them become very obedient to their owners. This obedience comes in handy when you need to train your pup. They are intelligent and learn relatively quickly. They are capable of learning commands in a very short time. Because they like to spend time with their caretakers and they are always ready if the way is to learn new tricks. They are extremely intelligent and famously trainable. Their intelligence means they don't suffer fools — or wimpy owners — which means consistent training from an early age is not optional. Those brains will find plenty of destructive alternatives if not put to work in constructive ways. Source: vetstreet. In fact, it should not be forgotten that they were primarily bred just for this great personality trait. They form a strong bond with you shortly after they start living with you. As a requirement of this bond, they are ready to protect you from every danger. For a while, these features were misunderstood and led to their recognition as a dangerous breed. But fortunately, we now live in a society where the majority adopts modern approaches to what the breed means. Most of the time, they can coexist with other domesticated species without any problems. They also see them as family members and are friendly towards them. German shepherds are very good with children. They enjoy spending time with them and keeping an eye on them. They can make great family dogs in a family setting with a balanced and consistent demeanor. These good traits make them one of the most popular family pets in the USA. Mixed Breeds By Meg Marrs 11 min read March 13, 70 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The German shepherd breed is generally considered one of the most intelligent, dedicated, loyal, and family orientated companions available in the doggy world. Throwing in a mix to this breed just strengthens and enhances these naturally appealing traits. Golden Shepherd German Shepherd x Golden Retriever Mix The golden shepherd is a golden-haired beauty that will definitely win your heart with those soulful eyes. This golden retriever and German shepherd mix is an affectionate sweetheart who thrives on one-on-one interaction with her owners and especially adores the tiny human variety. This makes the golden shepherd the perfect family-with-kids choice. Both retriever and shepherd parents love to eat, so make sure you keep this marvelous mix at a healthy weight. The best of both doggie worlds are all rolled up into this one adorable and energetic bundle of joy. This pug and shepherd breed is an extremely loyal companion, loves his human family, exhibits impressive intelligence, and serves as an alert guard dog. Labrashepherd German Shepherd x Labrador Mix The Labrashepherd also known as a Sheprador is a calm, loving and even-tempered animal with a touch of the shyness from the German shepherd parent shining through when he is presented with new situations. Labrador retrievers have a kind and happy demeanor which definitely shines through in this canine cross. This German shepherd Labrador retriever mix is gloriously beautiful and loves a good play session in the park. Siberian Shepherd or Gerberian Shepsky German Shepherd x Siberian Husky Mix A post shared by German Shepherd Husky Mixes germanshepherdhuskymixes This exquisitely handsome boy is a German shepherd husky mix that will have you falling over your feet when he looks at you with that one baby blue. Love at first sight for sure. And the bonus? He loves you just as fiercely. Make sure these energized pups have plenty of exercise, puzzle toys, and activities to provide mental stimulation. Shollie German Shepherd x Collie Mix A unique combination of the collie and German shepherd gives us this gorgeous designer breed. She is amazingly even-tempered temperament, very eager to learn, and easily trained through basic obedience training. Be prepared to groom the German shepherd collie mix every day though, as those locks are relatively high maintenance. Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd German Shepherd x Rottweiler Mix Shepweilers are immensely protective of their owners, family, and surroundings and make excellent guard dogs. Well-muscled, protective dogs who can always be found at your side? Sounds good to me! The German shepherd poodle mix needs your constant companionship and will follow wherever you may lead. The poodle breed genes are relatively dominant in this dog, resulting in the somewhat curly fur coat. What a striking and intimidating doggo. This breed is a cross between a domesticated German shepherd and a genuine wolf. Please keep in mind that these animals are illegal to own in certain areas, so please research carefully to avoid any heartbreak should you not be able to keep him legally. Designer breeders for a cross as unique as this one can be challenging to come by. With a sensitive temperament and above average hearing, you have a guard dog of indisputable qualities. These dogs are natural hunters, so it will be wise to keep him separate from other small pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters. He is super-friendly but an excellent protector. He does, however, require intensive training, as he loves a challenge and can often be considered a little stubborn. This dog is an interesting mix of German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. This is one amazingly beautiful animal. They possess the best of both breeds in strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. And such a cutie to boot! Almost like having a teenager in the house, these shepherd-type dogs will test your patience and push the boundaries, so training is vital. These shepherd pit sweeties are sure to appreciate a game of fetch with their favorite human! Innocence aside, the German shepherd pit bull mix is a powerful animal with a high energy level and training is thus non-negotiable. German shepherd pit bulls need a firm, strong, but loving owner and handler. New Shep German Shepherd x Newfoundland Mix A post shared by Sadie Sanderson resolutedogtraining This breed is an interesting mix of the Newfoundland and German shepherd, forming a giant powder-puff who loves water! Well, space of course! This is a giant dog and needs plenty of room to run off all that excess energy. This behemoth is a loyal, loving, and protective, yet intimidating watchdog, probably due to its sheer size. But be honest — what a cutie pie! But beware, do not leave this puppy to his own devices — you might not particularly like the end results! He craves constant attention and will happily be your permanent side-kick. These canine cuties would benefit from an active family. There you go German shepherd lovers and fans. Please leave a comment on what you think the best German shepherd mixed breed out there is, or share your own cross-breed companion that we might have missed! And, if you have your own GSD or GSD-mix at home, make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds as well as our piece on the best dog food for german shepherds too! What are the specific guidelines for adopting a German Shepherd mix? Good breeders will only sell to a family with a yard and German shepherd experience, as German shepherd mixes need plenty of space for these dogs to run around freely to get exercise. German shepherd mixes as well as purebred German shepherds should also be owner primarily by those who have experience with the breed, as German shepherds are naturally prone to anxiety and need an experienced, confident handler. The breeder should meet our breeder checklist, have been in business for several years, and their puppies should be well socialized. How much does it cost to adopt a German shepherd mix? Are there any health issues associated with German shepherd mixes? If a German shepherd mix is not from a good breeder, then there may be health problems. German shepherds are prone to a number of different genetic health conditions. The most common health concerns include hip, elbow, and joint dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, narcolepsy, and eye problems. Are German shepherd mixes active? While canine crosses can take on any combination of traits from either of their pooch parents, German shepherds require plenty of daily exercise. GSDs have a high activity level and need to be kept busy mentally and physically. Not all German shepherd mixes will need vigorous exercise per day, but you should have the capacity to take on an active furry friend just in case. What is a German Shepherd mix? A German shepherd mix is a breed resulting from the combination of the German shepherd with other popular dog breeds. These dogs are medium to large in size, and can vary in appearance based on what breeds they inherit traits from. German shepherd mixes do not always look entirely like the German shepherd, as they could also take after their other dog breed parents. How should you train a German shepherd mix? The best way to approach training a German shepherd mix is to provide lots of training sessions focused on positive reinforcement. These pups can be fairly sensitive and eager to please. Thankfully, most GSD mixes are super smart and can master just about any trick with a little time and practice. Some of the best German shepherd mixes around. Which one was your favorite? Have you ever met any of these cuties in real life? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it!

All puppies will be vet checked, vaccinations and deworming will be up to date, dewclaws removed and microchips inserted. Puppies will be released to new homes at 8 weeks of age and will require purchase agreement and payment before release. Pedigrees and registrations of parents are available along with parents on site. Parents health records, dna testing and OFA certifications are available to view. Limited registration is provided with the initial fee with the option of full registration with breeding rights for an additional fee. Contact Willow Creek to be placed on a waiting list for your pick of the next litter of puppies. Limited Registration Limited AKC registration papers will be included with purchase, it is the buyers responsibility to pay the registration fees and complete the application provided. Full Registration Full AKC registration will be provided with purchase if breeding rights are desired. This will allow the buyer to register any offspring from their future breeding stock. This will include an additional charge. Willow Creek Delivery Willow creek labradors are available for purchase to families throughout the United States. Photo Gallery. ChancePedigree We are small private kennel - we have a few litters each year. Our breeding program is very exclusive and we breed to only Champion titled sires with all health clearances. Our puppies are bred with the interest to maintain the AKC breed standards, optimum breed health and temperaments. We have a distinct interest in preserving excellent quality dogs that meet the breed standard and preserve the instinctive working lines they were intended to be used for. Conformation - Quality - Ability - Temperament Are of the utmost importance in our breeding program. Puppies are available to approved homes only. Any puppy sold with full registration will be co-owned by us. To be placed on a wait list, please call LaRena Puppy picks are made at 6 weeks of age. All puppies are microchipped with lifetime enrollment. ALL Puppies are sold with Limited AKC Registration If you desire to show in conformation or intend on breeding this puppy, please contact us for information about co-ownership opportunities and requirements. Our puppies are available to companion, performance and show homes only. Puppies are available after they reach their 8 week birth date. No exceptions. This is important to the health and socialization of the puppies. We do offer a Puppy Training Program for an additional fee. Crate Training. We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us. How to Reserve a Pup Limited vs. Full Registration: All pups are sold with limited AKC registration papers pets , unless you specify that you would like the option to breed or show in conformation Full Registration. We do also require a written contract for full registration, ensuring that any dog bred is being bred to the same standards that we breed. We hold our breeding to a higher standard than most, therefore, you will find we also hold our new puppy owners to a high standard. Please be prepared to care for a puppy to your best ability with high quality food and supplement, and provide the best environment possible for your puppy to thrive and live a long, healthy life. Reservations: Because our pups are in great demand, most have deposits on them and are sold before they are born or soon after. It is wise to reserve early after reviewing all of our kennel information and data on each particular litter. You may request pictures via email of the parents of each litter, and the pups. You may choose a litter, and color and gender of the pup. We schedule people to pick out their pup AT 8 weeks old in the order in which their deposit was received. Please call ahead or email us for pricing on the particular litter you are interested in. Some show litters may be priced differently. The deposit is refundable if what you reserve is not produced, or it is fully transferable to the next available puppy of your desire. Please enjoy the web site which was created to assist you with this all too important decision of adding a new family member. You will find information on how to go about choosing a breeder that is right for you as well as information on how to go about selecting a puppy, what we have planned over the upcoming months, what mommies are expecting soon, letters of reference, and many, many fun and exciting pictures. Since Endless Mountain Labradors has continued to bring the tradition of experience and excellence in our line of work. We trust you feel like "family" as you browse our website and get to know us better. Contact Us Limited vs. This age is to allow growth plates to close and your baby to mature to look as he or she was bred to look. We hold our breeding to a higher standard than most, therefore, you will find we also hold our new puppy owners to a high standard. Please be prepared to care for a puppy to your best ability with high quality food and supplement, and provide the best environment possible for your puppy to thrive and live a long, healthy life. When we decide to breed our girls, we do so in hopes of getting a pup for ourselves that represents our ideal Labrador. Because of this, we may keep 2 or more out of the litter. We never breed any of our dogs to just sell the entire litter of pups and we are very particular about where our pups are placed. We may ask you a lot of questions about how your puppy will live with you, so please do not be offended if you are seriously interested in obtaining one of our dogs. If you are interested in possibly attaining one of our dogs, we encourage you to email or phone us, as we would love to speak with you further. In addition, a limited dog cannot compete in conformation shows. All puppies sold on Full Registration will contain EverOak somewhere in their registered name. Any dog sold on full registration will be required to be shown in conformation, hunt tests, etc. No one is allowed to LINK to any of our pages without prior permission.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Reset to default 7 This can lead to serious problems. I am currently working with a 9 month old German Shepard x wold hound who is now biting hard enough to break the skin. This is largely do to the fact that when he would play bite, the owners would tell him no and 2 seconds later keep patting him on the head. I'm sharing this story as I'm showing that you need to get a handle on it now before your dog starts biting, not play biting even if it seems like the dog is playing. If it hurts when they bite, it is no longer play biting. The main thing your son needs to do is to watch for when the dog starts getting too excited. He is only to play and interact with her when she is calm and not hyper. As soon as she starts getting mouthy or excited, your son is to say "Uh oh" and go into another room that your dog does not have access to. This needs to happen the second your dog gets too excited. This does several things: Teaches the dog that play will only happen when both parties are enjoying it You dog will start to recognise that if she gets too worked up, play will cease. In her mind "Oh no. He's not playing with me anymore. I guess I got a little carried away". Teaches your son to read your dog's body language better So what constitutes "too excited"? If your dog starts jumping up ask for a sit and ignore the jumping , mouthing the hands, lots and lots of barking a bit of bark is OK as your dog is communicating that they are happy and wanting to play , biting at clothes. Another thing that you can all do is not to play with your dogs head or ears when playing. This can signal to dogs that it's super play time and a lot of dogs will turn around to you and start mouthing you hands. There is no point tell your dog no when they mouth or bite you and then continuing to play with them. It has taught them nothing except mouthing the human's hands gets more play time. You son needs to be more confident around your dog. Small children usually use high pitched voices, squeal and running away when a dog is interacting with them and all this says to a dog is I'm a super fun playmate who runs with you and barks back in excitement. This can cause the dog to get even more excited. I like to tell my client's children to be a tree. A tree does not make noise or run around when a dog approaches them. The dog learns that a tree is nothing exciting so doesn't bother to chase or bite the tree. Ask your son with either your husband or yourself supervising to enter the room with you dog and stand up tall with arms by his side. Ask him to be calm and then either one of the adults will play with the dog. Then he can leave the room. If the dog gets too excited by your son, your son can leave the room while you stay in the room with the dog, waiting for her to calm down before play can begin again. Here is a really good link that will hopefully provide some helpful tips. If you have a German Shepherd who plays rough, you might hesitate to stop him because you might be interrupting his fun. For the most part, you would be right not to stop the play. That means you need to know when to step in and limit how rough they can get during play fighting. Otherwise, they will be incompatible with smaller breeds or children. Recent research has shown that both veterinarians and the public believe that different dog breeds differ in their sensitivity to pain. The results of this survey included the German Shepherd. In contrast, veterinarians disagreed with this view, claiming that body size was just a minor indicator of pain sensitivity. But whatever your view, German Shepherds love to play rough. Once you learn where the boundaries are, you must be assertive and step in no matter how much fun your pooch might seem to be having. You do! The solution is different for each context and is detailed in the respective subheading. German Shepherds are intelligent and receptive to training. Remember, they have the strength to herd livestock yet have historically aided in nurturing and securing them. The non-negotiable aspect of this is proper socializing. Fortunately, I have a complete guide on how to train a German Shepherd puppy. Pro Tip! Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite gender. For the happiest dogs and the safest homes, opposite-sex dogs almost always get along better. Many same-sex combinations will fight as they want to be the dominant pet. Get comfortable putting your German Shepherd in an effective timeout a few times. Since GSDs are intelligent, it will take less than four timeouts before understanding where the limit is. An effective timeout means marking the behavior at the precise moment it occurs, and the duration should be no more than a minute for adult dogs and just a few seconds for puppies. Letting your German Shepherd know that there are limits is not the challenging part. The challenging part is figuring out where the boundaries are. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. How can I get my German Shepherd to stop being so rough? Odin and Mike share food My German Shepherd has recently turned 2 years old, but he has always been rough while playing. It's just that it has really gotten so rough that I limit my play with him and our cat WON'T play with him. I know he's gotten larger and more intense, but for a while this didn't seem to matter. One place he's still his old self is around his meal times. He was never too excited about most food and even the cat enjoys his food more than he does. When I play with him his prey drive is so intense that sometimes he collides with furniture or me and sometimes he jumps up and i have been scratched down the side of my mouth, neck and arms. I always have bruises especially on my legs. There are games I used to like to play with him that I no longer can just to save myself from more injuries. He's never broken my skin even when his teeth get me, it just hurts for a while particularly when he hits bone. I recently played with him out in my back yard and that went much better, but I don't have a fence and so I need to keep him on a long lead attached to a tree or big shrub. The lead sometimes gets in the way and I have to keep from getting tripped up in it. He can open the door with brute strength if the door isn't locked. I try to give him some vigorous play time then go for a walk to try to tire him out. To no avail. It's been a a very cold and snowy winter, but we still got out to play outside, we both like the snow. I wouldn't dream of allowing him around little children although he's interested in them and has never hurt anyone else. He has had a time or two when kids have gotten close to him and he's only interested in kissing them or nudging them. The cat avoids him at home even when he brings a toy to the cat, but the cat doesn't play dog games and whenever he's out of the bathroom Odin has to be restrained. He's caught the cat more than a few times and pins him or tries to pick him up by an ear or his tail. I'm sure he knows the cat isn't a toy, but I don't want to find out for sure. I've seen what he does to his toys. The cat is 1 year old and agile, but the dog very fast and keeps catching him. I thought the cat would be better able to get away if he got scared. I'm sure we will be putting the cat up for adoption soon. The dog is very territorial, and actually guards the cat at night. The cat sleeps inside the lower bathroom with the door closed securely and Odin goes down and sits outside of the bathroom for a while every night. While I"m not sure if he wants to hurt the cat, I don't want to allow it to happen. Any suggestions? Total German Shepherd: Your boy needs 2 things for sure - dog training and exercise. And plenty of it. Please do yourself a favor and sign up for a dog training class to help get him under control and talk to your trainer about the kitty situation especially. You don't want the dog to hurt the cat, I know, but he needs to learn to respect the kitty and to be calmer around it too. And training can help with this too - but it won't happen over night. Lastly, exercise. Both physical and mental. Your boy is screaming for it. He has loads of pent up energy and that's exactly why he's so wild. He's just trying to deal as best as he can but he's still not a full grown boy yet so many of these behaviors you've described are actually pretty normal - just juvenile. Think of it this way - you've got an older teenager on your hands and he's just bored out of his mind. And with no way of dealing with it and nothing to do he's just cutting up. Typically dogs will calm down with age but that's a ways off for you at this point. If you have access to any kind of fenced in areas to play with him in - like a fenced in tennis court maybe - take him there, maybe with a dog friendly friend who can deal with your boys antics and then just wear him out. And plan on plenty of time too - maybe an hour or even better so bring lots of tennis balls, water and other favorite toys to play with. And this will need to be a regular occurrence too - he needs exercise and will not calm down until he gets enough of it. Do you have a doggie daycare in your area? How about some responsible teenage neighbors who are dog friendly that he could play with? Is there a dog friendly pool or lake in your area - swimming is terrific exercise - assuming your boy can swim. Do you know a long distance jogger he can run with? Mix it up - do dog training activities - play games , go swimming, try other games, fetch, frisbee, jogging, hiking - whatever you both like best. Just make sure that you have plenty of water and don't feed him an hour or so before AND after your long play sessions. You'll know when you're getting him tired - long after you will be tired I'm sure, but once you find the magic length of time for him that will make it easier on you to replicate the process over and over. But most importantly of all, once you get to the point where your dogs exercise requirements are being met, you will notice a big change in his behavior. He will be calmer, happier and easier to deal with too. And your cat will like that too. So please be patient and good luck!

The Jack A Poo cross can make an excellent choice for dog enthusiasts looking for a cross breed that is small in size and will be happy in an apartment or small home. While Jack A Poos are a small hybrid dog, they require lots of mental and physical stimulation. For me this is a pro- I love that he can keep up on long hikes and enjoys a variety of dog sports such as canicross, scentwork, flyball, agility, tricks etx however some people would see this as a con not wanting such a high maintenance dog. Natasha shared that Jasper jackapoojasper is an extremely clever dog. Again, for me, I love this as I have been able to teach him all sorts of tricks and behaviours. He needs a lot of mental enrichment not just physical activity to stay happy. Some popular members of the Doodle family such as Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Cavapoos and Cockapoos can cost a hefty price. This can be dependent on the breeder, the color of the coat, eye color or generation of Doodle. The Jack A Poo is one of the cheaper members of the Doodle family. While some Jack Russells may have a negative reaction to other dogs, there are plenty of JRTs who are well socialized. The same can be said of the Jack A Poo. Some members of the cross breed could have issues with dogs that they meet at the dog park or on their daily walk. Natasha revealed that Jasper jackapoojasper can be difficult around other dogs. The overly social ones, they love other dogs SO much but despite lots of sensible early socialisation from well meaning owners they can be a little rude. There is the other group which I see much more of, the reactive ones. They are prone to issues from BOTH breeds — not just one. This includes but is not limited to PRA, IVDD, luxating patella, cushings, addisons, Bon Willebrands, legg-calve-perthes disease, tracheal collapse, dental disease etc. Again, not all Jack Russell Terriers bark a lot but there are plenty that do. This trait can be inherited by a Jack A Poo. Are Jack A Poos easy to train? Yes and no. They are very intelligent and can learn many things from basics to quite advanced tricks and behaviours. However they are often not very food motivated and have an independent character so are not always the easiest to train. How long does a Jack A Poo live? On average but every dog is different no matter the breed. How big do Jack A Poos grow? This depends on the size of the parents really. Both Jack Russell Terriers and Poodles come in different sizes. Most adult Jack A Poo a seem to fit into two categories- those with a toy smallest Poodle parent end up on average kg as adults, those with a miniature medium Poodle parent seem to be kg as adults. Does a Jack A Poo bark a lot? Both breeds that make up the mix are naturally vocal dogs, particularly the Terrier side. Do Jack A Poos get on with cats? However some of this can be mitigated by early calm socialisation teaching the puppy to ignore the cat. How often do Jack A Poo need to be groomed? As a mixed breed, Jack A Poos coat types vary greatly so it really depends on this. Those with shorter or more wiry coats will need less grooming than those with longer or curlier coats. They will likely need daily brushing at a minimum, regular nail clipping and tooth brushing as they are prone to bad dental health. Some of the curlier or longer haired ones may need regular trimming or clipping, which you can learn to do yourself or pay a groomer to do for you. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Jack-A-Poos are at the top of the spectrum for energy and needing exercise. This is good news to combat their tendency for weight gain. They are versatile at either apartment or house lifestyles, due to their smaller size. They do enjoy time outside for mental and physical stimulation, and long walks and games agility, catch, etc. That smaller size could also make them vulnerable to wild predators. Their sense of adventure and wanderlust could send them off running into unfamiliar territory, as well. Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also a good idea to promote good dental health. You can ask your vet to show you how to do any of these tasks. Dividing the food into two or three meals during the day, as opposed to unlimited access, will help your dog not to overeat. You may need to take them outside to go to the bathroom before that, especially if they are very young or very old. Every dog is different with how quickly they need to go to the bathroom, but the more vigorous exercise should wait till after the safety period. Colors include white, black, brown, tan, gray, and blue—and coats can be a mix of these colors. Noses are always black, and eyes are always brown. Grooming is fairly low-maintenance, only necessitating brushing once a week and bathing as needed. Professional grooming every so often may help the dog look their best, too. In general, Jack-A-Poos are pretty tolerant to both heat and cold, but there are a few differences. Poodles do not have an undercoat, which means they tolerate heat more easily and cold less easily. Jack Russell Terriers do have an undercoat. Many small dogs do well with coats or sweaters when it is extra cold or snowy in the winter, so that may be helpful for your Jack-A-Poo, too. As with all dogs, Jack-A-Poos will do best if they have early socialization and training. This will emphasize the loving, loyal traits of your dog, and it can minimize the hunting ancestry. With early socialization, Jack-A-Poos can be great with children and other pets. However, without that early socialization, they may become aggressive. However, you may want to try Jack Russell Terrier or Poodle breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Black, black with markings, white with tan, brown, brown and white, golden, chocolate, grey, blue Jackapoo The Jackapoo can be a variety of colors! The Jackapoo is very individual in its coloring which is why they are fast becoming a popular mixed breed dog, along with their sweet nature and attractive looks of course! They are not recognized by any of the large international organisations like The Kennel Club as they are a mixed breed. Ease of Training The Jackapoo is highly intelligent and therefore easy to train, but training should be started young, in a firm and consistent manner. The Terrier in them means they may have a bit of a stubborn streak so firmness is essential. They are a very active dog with bundles of energy so do need lots of physical activity on a daily basis. So even though this is a small mixed breed, it may not be a suitable choice if you are an apartment dweller, unless you have the time to get outside to work off all that energy! Being easy to train makes the Jackapoo a good choice for first time dog owners — the new addition to your family will be just eager to please you. Having the Jack Russell Terrier characteristics, the Jackapoo will be off hunting when he gets the chance. Henry at work helping out in the office! Grooming The coat of the Jackapoo may be either smooth and straight, or rough and curly. You can get a FURminator specially for small dogs. We highly recommend this unique brush from Amazon to keep your dog in tip top shape. Dogs that do not have their teeth brushed regularly may feel tooth pain, and are at risk to cavities, as well as mouth infections. A good way to tell if their nails are too long is by listening to them clicking against the ground as they move. If you hear clicking, it may be time to break out the clippers. Health Considerations Like people, dogs can get sick, and can be affected by all sorts of health issues. It is important to know about the possible health risks a dog faces when buying one, as well as provide the proper health care. Just because a condition is associated with a particular breed does not mean that your dog will be afflicted with the disease. Health problems that can be present in a pure bred dog can often be bypassed as a result of cross breeding. Henry the Jackapoo who features on this page is currently suffering from hair loss, bless him. Jackapoo Here is a list of some common skin conditions in dogs: Itchy skin or pruritis, where your dog is forever scratching Allergies — reaction to pollen and environmental issues Hair loss — parasites or thyroid could be the problem Dull coat — could be due to a lack of Omega-3 and Omega-6 In all cases, a trip to your veterinary clinic is ESSENTIAL! In Conclusion If you are looking for a loyal, playful and affectionate dog with bundles of energy then the Jackapoo could be for you! And of course, as with any new dog being added to your family, do go to a reputable breeder. Resources and Further Reading We highly recommend researching before you choose your breed or crossbreed! Click on the images for more information. Good luck with your hunt for the dog for you and we hope you find the perfect Jackapoo if you have fallen in love with this breed. Post navigation. It is a cross between the Jack Russell and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Here he is on a walk. I had stopped to see how he'd react to the many distractions of the park a small herd of deer had run by, causing many of the dogs in their gardens to go crazy! But instead of straining to meet the other dogs are chase the deer which would make any JRT huntsman proud , he stops and looks up at me! I was worried about him being too feisty or energetic but he seems to be very Poodle-ly in personality rare for this mix by what I've been reading and quickly accepts others as alpha. He does okay with young children, opting for the "You guys have fun, I'll just sit back and watch. He enjoys walks, belly and ear scratching sessions, and chilling with the Neapolitan Mastiff next door although I think their friendship is pretty one sided.He is 3-quarters Poodle and a quarter Jack Russell. Very clever and easily picks up tricks. Abby is Lexy's sister. Jackapoo puppies A Working History The Jackpoo has been being produced accidentally for decades, but has only recent taken off as a designer dog breed. Their history to now is really the origins of their ancestral breeds. Jack Russell Terriers were bred in England in the mids. Bred to be used as hunting dogs, mostly for fox, rabbit and other small game. Quick enough to keep up with other hunting breeds, but small and sturdy enough to flush and capture small game. The Poodle has a longer history, dating back over years. The Standard Poodle originated in Germany, where it was bred to be a retrieving dog for duck hunters. The Standard Poodle, a full-sized dog, was bred down to the companion Miniature Poodle. The first Toy Poodle , an even smaller version, was bred in America in the early 20th century. What Do They Look Like? Like any mixed-breed dog, there will be some variance in Jackapoo appearance from dog to dog. Your Jackapoo puppy could inherit more characteristics of the Poodle, or more of the Jack Russell Terrier. This is typically a small dog, weighing around lbs and measuring inches. Their adult size will depend a little on whether it was bred from a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle. Coat color is usually black, brown, tan or white, or a mix of multiple shades. Some longer tufts of hair around the face and snout are common. Do Jackapoos Shed A Lot? Did you know that the Jackapoo is often considered hypoallergenic? However, many allergy sufferers report being able to spend more time around low-shedding breeds, like the Jackapoo! They will however need regular grooming and clipping to keep their fur coats tidy and mat-free! Temperament Traits Generally speaking, the Jackapoo will inherit the intelligence and pride of the Poodle, and the active, hardworking nature of the Jack Russell. Some break the mould and bear a very strong resemblance to one parent over the other. But what results is always an active, high-energy crossbreed that loves to have a job to do. Jackapoos require frequent exercise, and love to play outside. They also can be big barkers, if not trained otherwise. Jackapoos are not typically aggressive, so long as they are trained and socialized from a young age. The Jack Russell Terrier can be somewhat stubborn or aggressive with other animals, so again, socialization is very important. They can be a bit noisy, but tend not to push or jump up. And are likely to be too small to knock over a kid too. Training The trainability of the Jackapoo depends on which parent breed comes through stronger. The Poodle is famous for its obedience and trainability, while the Jack Russell can have a bit more of a stubborn side. Both parent breeds are extremely intelligent, so training usually goes well. Some Jackapoos can have a stubborn, prideful streak, which can sometimes complicate training plans. Patience might be required. Your Jackapoo should be trained frequently, using positive reinforcement training. If need be, you can hire a professional trainer — but most Jackapoos can be trained at home. The Jack Russell in your Jackapoo might cause the dog to bark frequently. This can usually be addressed through training, but nonetheless is something to keep in mind. Socialization and Exercise This is a very high energy dog! Your Jackapoo will need plenty of exercise every day. Socialization is very important for all dogs, but particularly for the Jackapoo. If they are not exposed to plenty of other animals, dogs, children and strangers, the Jackapoo can become stubborn or even aggressive. Health Fortunately, most of the common health concerns of the Jackapoo are mild. Dry skin, allergies, and ear infections are common in this breed, but easily treatable. Concerns like deafness, patellar luxation, arthritis, cataracts, thyroid disease and others are also possible be less frequently seen. They have a life expectancy of years. Ask the breeder to show you health test certificates for both parents, and where possible meet them both too. The puppies should be lively and alert, and the parents should be friendly and have an obvious strong bond with the breeder. They are likely to have a better idea of what a dog from a higher generation might be like compared to a first-generation one. Jackapoo Health All dogs have the potential for certain kinds of health problems. Just as with people, this is to do with an interplay of genetics and environment. With regards to genetics, hybrid vigor, a feature of mixed breed dogs, makes Jackapoos more likely to be healthier than both their pedigree ancestors. Their genes are more varied, and any hereditary conditions that might be passed down will usually only be on one side. As smaller dogs, Jackapoos also have a longer life expectancy than their larger cousins. This is because bigger dogs age faster than little ones. Like many small dogs, they can be prone to dental issues, so you need to factor oral hygiene into your cleaning and grooming routine. Their Poodle genes also place them at higher risk of skin sensitives and irritation as well as food intolerances, so take care you are feeding your pup the right kinds of food. They could also have issues with canine epilepsy , cataracts , and hypothyroidism. The early any of these is discovered, the better the potential outcome for your pup. Not only do they benefit from Poodle smarts, but Jack Russells are pretty clever fellas too. However, and it really is a big however, Jackapoos can also have a little bit of a stubborn streak. With confidence, consistency, and using positive reinforcement techniques, these pups can pick up new commands and tricks with absolute ease. In fact, Jackapoos thrive when they have something to do, especially if it not only keeps them mentally active but physically active too. Need help with training? They will need to get out and about for at least an hour a day. Remember, the Terrier nature is to chase down small animals. Just keep in mind that these dogs are excellent escape artists. Not only do they excel at digging holes, and very quickly indeed, but they can also jump up to five feet at will — so any hedge or fence around your property is going to need to be higher than that to keep them nicely contained. These coats tend to be very curly, can get quite long, and is the whole reason why Doodles were created in the first place as they are thought to be more hypoallergenic than other breeds. The Jack Russell smooth coat is double-layered , short, and very sleek. There is no excess hair around the face or any other parts of the body. It all lies in one direction and is by far the easiest of the coat types to care for. The Jack Russell rough coat is also double-layered but slightly longer and much more coarse than the smooth coat. The fur is wiry but straight and grows in all different directions for a more textured look. Obviously, it needs a little more grooming and maybe even occasional trimming. The Jack Russell broken coat, again double-layered, is a combination of the two above. This coat is also wiry and can be very long in patches. You will likely need to trim these dogs around the face, legs, and rear end. If your Jackapoo inherits one of the Jack Russell coats, they are likely to shed a little more than if they get a Poodle one. However, the Poodle coat is by far the more difficult to maintain out of all the others. Of course, your Jackapoo could also end up with a coat that sits somewhere in the middle of all of the others. Perhaps a single-layered, longer wavy but coarse coat. This one should also be reasonably easy to care for as long as you are willing to give your pet a thorough brushing every few days. This hair type can also get long quickly, so you might need to head to the groomers every few weeks. You can find them all right here. These days you can hardly navigate your way around the web without stumbling across an advert for puppies or three. Be cautious, though; not all breeders are of the same caliber. There are a lot of tricksters out there and even more facilities that focus on profit above all else. Here are the red flags to run from. On the other hand, if you think you have sourced a responsible breeder , make sure you ask about the health of the parent dogs and whether the facility includes a health guarantee with purchase. These are two indicators that you are picking up a puppy that will be in the very best of health. See Also: Click the image However, they are not going to be cheap. This kind of high-level breeding costs far more, and these expenses are passed on to the purchaser. Jackapoos make truly wonderful family dogs. These pups adore kids, and kids are liable to love them right back. Especially when they are happily running around and playing games together. Not only that, Jackapoos can be real cuddle monkeys, too, so curling up on the couch is another way to connect. Just take care you carefully supervise your young ones around your dog. Do Jackapoos shed? Jackapoos do indeed have the potential to shed, as do all dogs. The amount this occurs will depend very much on the type of coat that they inherit. With the Poodle curly coat, they will hardly shed at all. However, with the Jack Russell double fur coat, you might notice a little more hair about the place, especially with the changing of the seasons. This helps your dog to better regulate their temperature to suit their surroundings. Is a Jackapoo a small or medium dog? Jackapoos usually weigh between 13 to 26 pounds and stand at 10 to 16 inches to the shoulder. Your breeder can help you determine exactly what size your puppy could grow to based on the parent dogs. Jackapoos are darling dogs, just like both their parent breeds. They are bright, lively little ones with meltingly cute, alert eyes, feisty temperaments, and super smart natures. These dogs make perfect pets for dog-experienced individuals and active families who are looking to take Fido out on all kinds of outdoor adventures. Just take care as they could be even more eager to get out and about and explore than you are. However, the effort will be repaid in full with all the fun you will have with your beautiful Jackapoo. You Might Also Like.

July 23, 3 min read 7 Comments Hi everybody and welcome to a new tutorial on the NIL-tech, this time entitled "How to draw Labrador puppy". A puppy is a juvenile canine, whose size differs amongst types. All healthy pups grow rapidly after birth. In vernacular English, puppy refers particularly to pets while puppy might typically be utilized for other animals such as seals, giraffes, gerbils, or perhaps rats. As normal I'll ask you 2 start this challenging illustration with 2 extremely basic building lines. One circle and one oval. It could not get much easier than this! Step 2. The circle will act as a guide for the head of the puppy while the oval will be the body. It is extremely important when you draw a puppy to obtain the snout right and the huge cushioned feet. The snout will assist us as a place and scale the components of the face while the cushioned feet will direct the illustration of the legs. In this case, the puppy will be drawn seen from the three-quarter front. Step 3. Overall shapes. Another 2 important qualities of the face are the long ears so adorable and the real nose. If you get these components best you are a long method in drawing a good puppy. So sketch the ears in looking after drawing them long and floppy and the little doggy nose. Step 4. Utilizing a number of building and construction lines identify the mid-side of the head and the height of the eyes than sketching them in. Likewise the line of the mouth. Usage recommendation and this illustration as a guide! Step 5. Now a little bit of rest. Step 6. The drawing actually begins coming together when you begin eliminating the building and construction lines. Exactly what do you believe up until now? Eliminate the larger building and construction lines and see how your puppy appears. Think it or not the tough part is ended up. Step 7. Complete the illustration. You do not wish to overwhelm the illustration with lines to render the fur. So include furry lines occasionally, combine the shapes of the illustration, include information when it requires. Step 8. As you see the technique is to include a little bit of shadow to contrast the illustration and constantly include it aiming to mimic the existence of fur. Brief fur in this case. Locations of shadows assist to specify volumes. Do not include them arbitrarily however utilize them too much better specify volumes and lighting of the scene. Step 9. Keep doing it and include information in the meanwhile. The completed outcome!! We really hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you liked It, there are lots of ways you can make the United States a huge favor. Get the word out about our website to your loved ones, Link to this site or tutorial if you have a blog or site, or bookmark it and share your favorite tutorial utilizing the network social tool you choose. That would be actually cool! Do not forget to leave a comment if you seem like it. We would like to speak with you! Drawing is a skill that comes naturally to some, but most of us need a little help. Very few people can start in the corner of a picture and line by line produce a great work of art in the manner of a printer. Most great artists break down their drawings into steps. Basic outlines and simple shapes are built upon, until the canvas is filled with something spectacular. In these instructions each new section will be in red to help you focus on the part at hand. Pencil, pen and paper ready? Step 1 Take your pencil and piece of paper. Draw three circles. The central circle should be slightly bigger than the other two. The middle circle will be her torso. The bottom circle, intersecting the torso, will be her hips. Make a cross in each circle, placed towards the lower right hand side. These marks will help you to add features later on. Use your cross to place them in the right area. The eyes will go in each of the top segments. The nose will rest on the centre of your cross. Let the tongue and muzzle placement hang into the middle circle. Step 3 We are now going to add some bigger features. Working from one side of the head to the other, make sure they hang down no further than the base of the top circle. They should fall just lower than your horizontal line. The tail will wave up from the top left hand side of the bottom circle. The hind leg will rest in the middle of that circle. The right left will sit snugly next to it. You are going to make two new lines. One for the slop of his back and nape of his neck. The other will define his front. Add a last little line between those two legs. This gives him a bit more character and texture. So go ahead and draw a half cloud shape on his chest. Add in his left front leg, with a small paw pointing off to the side. Gently touch your paper to make sure your ink is dry. Step 7 Grab that pencil again! We are going to give your pup some definition. Using soft, light strokes shade in the areas shown in pink on the image. Congratulations on your gorgeous doggy drawing! Even copying to a format is a learned skill in part. After all — practice makes perfect! And with practice, anyone can learn how to draw a Labrador of their own. With thanks to Toby Mattinson Animation for the Labrador illustrations. Email Save Learn how to master a cute puppy drawing and a grown-up dog! In this tutorial, we will draw a Golden Retriever — one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the US and many other countries. Year after year, Labrador Retrievers are named the most popular breed in the U. Their easy-going personalities, gentleness, and excellent trainability make them the perfect family pet. It would be so fun to learn how to draw your best friend and end up with a cute puppy drawing! Later on, you may not need them at all. After all, it all depends on how much time one invests in getting drawing skills. Step 1 First, start with outlining the head of our puppy. You may notice that the size of a head is pretty significant. Like human babies, puppies have large heads. Consequently, all the details will come later. Pay attention to guidelines Step 3 Third, add hind legs and tail. As a result, we are done with general outlining in this cute puppy drawing. Make a cute puppy smile. Step 5 Draw cute puppy eyes, eyebrows, and big floppy ears. Step 6 Make the front legs just a little curvier, and add fingers and claws. Step 9 Our cute puppy drawing is done! We finally finished our cute puppy drawing. Grown-up dogs have different head-to-body size proportions. Also, the tail is much longer, so make enough space left for it in your drawing. Step 2 Second, add rough shapes of other parts of the body: legs, tail, and ears. We use outlines for each body part as your guide. Add a mouth and a tongue. Step 6 The head looks nice. Step 7 Make legs look more realistic. Step 8 Finally, color your Labrador Retriever. Step 9 Our drawing is finished. Naturally, after this step, you may add as many small details as you want. Other drawing tutorials. Depict two figures, as shown in the figure, using curved lines for this. Add the front of the head and the facial features. Draw two symmetrical ovals inside the outline of the head, as well as several curved lines. On the right and left sides of the head, depict two symmetrical ears using curved lines. Depict the neck and elements on the face. Using curved lines, connect the outlines of the head and torso, add points in front of the head. Draw the front limbs. At the bottom of the previously drawn torso, depict two symmetrical paws using curved lines. In the back of the torso, depict the paws using curved lines. The front partially closes one paw. Next to the previously drawn hind legs, draw a long, curved line, as shown in the figure. Correct inaccuracies. Now you need to use the eraser to remove all unnecessary lines. Color the drawing. To color the black Lab, use different shades of gray and black, and add highlights. For your convenience, I have prepared a PDF file that contains all the useful information from this lesson, as well as additional practice materials that will help you develop your artistic abilities.

The standard buckle is not convenient Verdict Black Rhino — The Comfort Collar is the best collar for Labradoodles in terms of comfort and durability. This collar comes with neoprene padding and is made for heavy-duty use. The reflective stitching is an added bonus feature of this collar. There are plenty of features and colors to choose from, and choosing the right one is essential for the safety of your beloved pooch. Here are some tips to help you choose the best collar for Labradoodles. Size and Fit To select the right collar for your Labradoodle, you must know the size of your Labradoodle. Often, a dog collar comes with an accompanying guidebook with size measurements. This way, you can ensure that the collar will fit correctly. Comfort There are several factors to consider when buying a dog collar, from size to style. Choosing a dog collar that feels comfortable to wear is important for a number of reasons. So make sure you choose a safe and comfortable dog collar for your Labradoodle. Easy to Use Apart from looking for comfort, you should also look for an easy collar to fasten. Durability Choosing a durable dog collar is important for two reasons. Dogs have natural urges to chew, such as when they are hungry or when they are teething. The second reason is that the collar may get ripped or damaged by roughhousing. So make sure you choose a safe and durable collar for your dog. Safety When buying a dog collar, consider the safety of your pet. While you are shopping for a new collar for your pet, you should choose one which is safe to use. Style and Design There are different types of materials for collars, including leather, nylon, and faux leather. Dog collars can come in many different colors and patterns. So make sure you choose a collar that complements your dog. Quality Quality should be a top priority when buying a dog collar, and it should be made from superior materials. Dog collars should be easy to open and close, and the buckle should stay securely closed. Ensure the buckle is easily adjustable and does not snag. Frequently Asked Questions What size collar does a Labradoodle need? Use the measurements to find the proper size collar. A lot of dog collars are adjustable or belt-style, making them perfect for the size of your dog. So make sure you buy a collar that is a few inches bigger than the neck size. What size collar should I get for a Labradoodle puppy? There are two basic sizes: small and medium. To determine what size collar your Labradoodle puppy needs, you must use a tape measure to measure its neck and torso. Ideally, smaller puppies will need a collar 10 inches and below size, whereas larger puppies will need 10 inches and above size. Bottom Line While Labradoodles are known to be affectionate and adaptable, they do need the training to live a happy life. As a result, they need a proper collar to contain their energy and prevent them from running loose. If your Labradoodle is prone to pulling, a collar might be a good option. It will help you to easily take your dog for walks and train them to follow your commands. In this guide, we have taken core factors into consideration like comfort, size, quality, durability, and safety to select the best Labradoodle collars. We plan to update this page regularly as better products come into the market. If you think we missed something or want to suggest anything, do let us know by commenting below. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? A new puppy joining the family is a very exciting time. You want your puppy to be the best dog possible, so it is very important to learn a bit about how dogs think and behave. Click here for a collection of choice book suggestions Do not take your puppy to public places where there could possibly have been unvaccinated dogs that could spread disease, until 10 days after its week vaccination. It should then be safe for your puppy to visit friends with vaccinated dogs. The Fun Begins… Shopping Things we would recommend purchasing: Good quality food, gentle Leader training collar teaches puppy to not pull on leash , sling bed, stainless flat-bottomed bowls, dog door, brisket or other large bones, thin liver treats which break up easily for training rewards, pooh bags for walks, pooh scooper for your yard, toys that are durable and good for chewing, stuffed soft toy be careful what it is stuffed with. Things we would not recommend: wee pads or newspaper you are only prolonging successful house-training. Preparing the yard Make sure all gates, fences, etc. It is often a good idea to have pavers under entrance gates, as this appears to be the most likely place your puppy will first look for an exit. Do not let your puppy push through in front of you to go through gates or doors. Teach your puppy first to sit and wait and then be allowed through after you. If you have vertical pool fencing, most puppies will be able to fit through for the first month or so. Wire mesh attached to the bottom of pool fencing, is a cheap temporary safety measure. When Your Puppy Arrives Lots of cuddles and reassuring hugs is the first thing your puppy will need. So make it feel loved and secure. Your puppy will not have been fed since the evening meal the day before if it has travelled by air, as it is better for it to travel on an empty stomach. Have fresh water available at all times. Your puppy will have been used to eating by itself. You can put a collar on your puppy at arrival. But your puppy has had no or very little leash training, so take it gently and at the very beginning only use one if you absolutely need to. As a general guide, smaller puppies will fit 10 inches and below while larger puppies will fit 10 inches and above. Labradoodles are very interesting dogs. And when it comes to the dog breeding industry, this breed is what you call a designer dog. That is because they are specifically bred for the exact specific reason, getting these gorgeous Labradoodles. Mixing different breeds often comes with a lot of unknown variables as to how the offspring might turn out. While Labradoodles normally have similar looks, they do vary in size, temperaments, and fur types. That is why each puppy turns out to be a unique individual and must be treated as such. Different fur types mean different grooming habits. And different sizes mean getting a collar that would fit your dog. There is no one size fits all when it comes to dog collars. They may look the same, but they should be a perfect fit for your dog. Sizing Guide Every collar brand has a sizing guide, so before you purchase one for your Labradoodle, it is best to decide the first type of collar you are going to purchase. Normally Labradoodles may fall between small to medium size collars. Labradors are normally large dogs, but the poodles are not. How the parents look and their size must always be taken into consideration before you buy accessories for your growing dog. Points To Consider So when dealing with the qualities of a good dog collar, some points need to be taken into consideration. These are comfort, durability, safety, and quality. That is why collars that are made out of metal or hard plastic are not advisable but is good only for training methodology. Quality When you look for the right quality, it must be flexible and made out of hypoallergenic materials like neoprene, nylon, faux leather, and leather. This is important because dogs are prone to skin diseases especially after prolonged use of a dog collar. Durability A durable collar should be enough to keep the leash secure and in place. It should be able to withstand daily walks, dog park plays, and rainy days. A good collar should also not easily become stinky or stains easily. That is why collars that are machine washable or those that are easy to clean in general are the best choices. Faux leather is a good choice when it comes to durability and comfort, and they are very easy to clean as well. Safety When talking about safety, the materials that the collars are made of should not be toxic to your dogs. Unfortunately, we could not guarantee that the material is non-toxic especially when dealing with generic brands that are massively sold online. The thing about quality collars is that it is assured once you purchase from well-known brands. These are brands that have been in the industry for a very long time. Different Types Of Dog Collars For Labradoodles The different types of collars that would be best for your Labradoodles are flat collars, martingale collar, a head collar, and harnesses. You can go wrong with any of these types of collars as long as you get the product with the right quality and characteristics. It is also essential when you are training your Labradoodle. Flat Collar The flat collar is the most common type that is used on Labradoodles. Normally it is constructed with a buckle or something called a snap connector. These types of collars are usually constructed with leather or nylon and comes in many colors and sizes depending on the brand. When you fit a flat collar, it should be tight but not tight enough to choke your dog. Slipping is the most common issue concerning this type of collar.

This high energy comes from their original purpose as sheep herding dogs, bred in Germany in by Max von Stephanitz. Stephanitz thought German Shepherds were everything a dog should be; intelligent, loyal, hard-working and beautiful. While no longer sheep herders, German Shepherds maintain high energy levels and muscle mass. Because of this, they are often used in police forces worldwide or as guard dogs. This breed requires proper nutrition, including protein, fats, and carbohydrates from healthy sources to maintain their health. Dog Nutrition for German Shepherds As large, active dogs, German Shepherds require lots of protein and carbohydrates to build muscle and maintain energy levels. For example, wild caught salmon dog food can provide all the protein your German Shepherd needs to maintain muscle mass. While many people give their dogs high-fat treats, other foods, such as cooked dog food , can provide the high-quality fats necessary to keep your German Shepherd healthy. These are easy to digest and provide the energy your dog needs to be playful throughout the day. Avoid foods with corn, wheat or soy as they are harder to digest and offer less nutritional value. German Shepherds suffer from various health risks, such as osteoarthritis and digestive problems. Like other dogs, they can also have an allergy to proteins , such as chicken. Try switching to healthy wet dog food if you typically use dry food. Best Food for German Shepherds with Allergies For German Shepherds with allergies, check the ingredients of all foods and treats before you buy them. If your dog cannot have one type of protein, try another, but make sure it is high-quality and ethically sourced, so your dog still receives all the benefits and nutrition it needs. Open Farm carries a variety of protein sources for your dog, such as beef, turkey, salmon, chicken, whitefish, lamb and venison. One way to help with this is to take advantage of the benefits of bone broth for dogs. Bone broth improves joint health and strengthens tendons and ligaments to help your German Shepherd remain mobile and healthy. Open Farm carries a variety of wet, dry and freeze dried dog food that meets the unique dietary needs of German Shepherds. Our food contains humanely sourced beef, lamb, chicken and fish, healthy fats from sources like coconut oil and whole grains like oats, barley, rice and millet to ensure the health of your German Shepherd for years to come. Shop our sustainable, high-quality dog food to give your dog the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. Disclaimer: This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet's own unique circumstances! Share this post. Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.