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They are prone to take naps during daytime, but are alert and protective by disposition. Sometimes they tend to display independent and stubborn behavior if not properly trained from puppyhood. Care Exercise Considering their big size and high level of energy, the golden pyrenees need lots of activities daily. Take them out for brisk walks and jogging every day to assure they stay healthy and in good shape. These dogs love to play like fetching games etc. Allowing them to play and run around in an open but safe space would help relieve their energy. Grooming Most golden pyrenees dogs would shed a lot, and hence it is not the right dog for those who are looking for a low-shedding breed. Brush them every day, and quite frequently, if you think your dog is shedding too much. These dogs are also prone to developing that typical doggie odor, and hence try keeping it clean and hygienic. Bathing is advisable whenever you get that unpleasant stench. Health Problems Generally a healthy breed, they have no known breed-specific problems, but do keep an eye for any general dog health issues. Training Socialization training is a general requirement for all pet dogs. The golden pyrenees dogs are often obstinate and would try to act according to its own whims. Hence, a consistently firm training is required. However, if you act diligently to prove yourself its pack leader, the intelligent and easily-trainable dog would learn to be obedient right from its puppyhood. A professional training class should also help. Interesting Facts Some golden pyres are known to gain a weight of up to pounds. These dogs are accustomed to cold temperatures. But they can also withstand heat for short time periods of time provided they get enough shade and water. Moreover, this large, intelligent breed is matched in size by its big personality. The Golden Pyrenee is a pup with a lot of energy and love beneath its large and fluffy exterior. This dog is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Great Pyrenees, this second parent being the reason its size is no surprise. Golden Pyrenees appear to be designer dogs, majestic and elegant, especially as they grow into their personality. They need the space to get their exercise for a fit and longer-lasting life. This puppy has the sweet and loyal heart of a Golden Retriever and the size and strength of the Great Pyrenees. This mix makes it an excellent fit for watchdog duties and families with kids. Since it requires such an active lifestyle, runners, hikers, or bikers may appreciate the new workout buddy, keeping them and the dog in shape for a healthy life. You may like: St bernard golden retriever mix. Golden Pyrenees history. To understand more about the Golden Pyrenees, it is necessary to take a closer look at the parent breed. Great Pyrenee. Elegant, imposing, and majestic, the Great Pyrenees is a large dog of medium substance that is slightly longer than tall. The thick coat of the Great Pyrenees gives the impression of heavier bone and stature. This breed was developed to guard flocks on steep mountain slopes and so must combine strength with agility. The dog moves smoothly, with good reach and drive. The weather-resistant double coat consists of a dense, wooly undercoat and a long, flat, coarse outer coat, imparting great insulation from the Pyrenean cold. The expression of a Great Pyrenees dog is elegant and contemplative. These dogs served as the foundation of the modern Pyrenees. Serious importation of the breed to America occurred in the s, and by the Great Pyrenees received American Kennel Club recognition. Golden Retrievers. Beloved family pets, Golden Retrievers are loved worldwide for their playful and affectionate nature. As one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world, the ancestry of this golden breed can be traced back to the Border Country between England and Scotland, where Golden Retrievers were bred for hunting purposes. Their soft-mouthed retrieval methods were loved by hunters as these dogs could retrieve fowl without causing any damage. The Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, who used other Retriever breeds to develop the golden-haired beauty we know and love today. Originally called Flatcoats, the breed was named Golden Retriever in and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Today, along with being ideal family pets, Golden Retrievers are also used to guide, track, and detections. Pros: The Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix is a great family pet because of its natural playfulness and loyalty to its human owner and his family. The Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix has a thick fur coat that you can brush until it is silky smooth. This mixed breed is also a worthy companion in your play activities and regular jogging or walking exercises. Cons: The Golden Pyrenees breed is known for its affectionate nature, but it can be very destructive. The Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix is not a good choice to have around very young children especially if the dog has not been trained yet. The Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix is a large dog and is not suitable for small spaces such as small apartment buildings. You may like: Shar pei golden retriever mix. The Golden Pyrenees come from two parents that are well known for high intelligence that is normally exhibited throughout the breed. This mix makes for an odd possibility of expected traits. Golden Retrievers are generally outgoing and sometimes overly friendly with people and other animals. The purpose of the breed is to retrieve. These tendencies contrast with the Great Pyrenees, which meant being a watchdog and staying wary of strangers and other animals. The expectation for the Golden Pyrenees can typically be across, with the better characteristics winning out: enthusiasm and loving. These dogs are quite intelligent and have large personalities. This can be a lovable feature, but it makes them more challenging to train than other more obedient breeds. These tendencies make the dog a better match for owners that are well-versed trainers or have a lot of determination. It needs to be watched when it comes to having this bulky pooch around the kids due to its lack of understanding of its size. They like to believe they are lap dogs and may accidentally knock over very young children because of their sheer size. Are these dogs good for families? The Golden Pyr has a temperament that makes it a perfect fit for families. It is very loyal and loving and will often protect its small companions if it feels danger approaching. It is not always the best fit for families with very young kids since it is so large. Also, it would never do anything to harm a child purposefully but may accidentally due to its sheer size. Does this breed get along with other pets? This breed has been known for its loving nature towards everything, other dogs, any humans, and even cats. They have a very playful nature. Get them accustomed to strangers and other animals as young as possible to train them to be an approachable dog and agreeable with other animals in their space. You may like: Great dane golden retriever mix. Coat, Grooming, and caring Golden Pyrenees. The parent dogs of this crossbreed will greatly impact the coat. If your Golden Pyr takes after the Great Pyrenees parent, their coat will be heavy and wool-like, while the Golden Retriever parent will contribute a silkier, smoother coat. Whether you groom the puppies or the adult Golden Pyrenees, you should take care of the coat first. The coat has a very thick, wool-like consistency. Put extra attention to this coat because it usually gets covered in sticks and debris and sand and leaves. Clean and brush it regularly to keep it soft and smooth as silk. Here is a list of the tools that you will need for grooming your dog: Pin Brush. This mixed breed is a cross between two very definitive dog breeds — one a retriever or hunting and the other a guardian. This mix receives parts of both parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has been around since the early s, their presence documented in the accounts of a Scottish lord. This parent breed was designed to retrieve waterfowl without tiring and has also grown to exhibit an upbeat and overtly happy demeanor. The Great Pyrenees, however, tends to take a much calmer and quieter approach to life. These dogs were bred as mountain-top flock guardians. They appear unassuming at first but can snap into action fluidly to meet a potential threat. The product of these two well-known breeds, the Golden Pyrenees, has no breed standard as they are only crossbred. There are no breeders actively breeding these dogs. Their breed history is the combined history of their two parent breeds. The mixed breed can take on any trait or temperament from the two parent breeds, or any combination of them. On average, though, Golden Pyrenees tend to be less energetic than their Golden Retriever counterparts and more engaged than your typical Great Pyrenees. This Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees mix will be highly intelligent. This is a fantastic trait to have, as it means the dog will be easier to train. However, this also means that the pup will need more mental stimulation. If dogs are bored, they can become destructive towards objects in the home. Thankfully, they can glean that mental stimulation from their humans. Their Golden Retriever parent typically passes on a friendly and outgoing personality. We all know the look of that goofy, constantly wagging tail. Goldens are known to have no discretion when it comes to asking for pets or playing. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is very aloof. They tend to be quiet, calm, and watchful. This makes them fantastic with kids, as long as they are trained early on to understand their size and strength. They were bred for protection and can be a wonderful family guard — they will protect a farm and livestock, and they will also have the inclination to protect your children You will need to fine-tune these protective behaviors early in your Golden Pyrenees. Unchecked, these dogs will not learn boundaries and how to accept guests without extreme suspicion. Make sure to socialize your puppy properly. What does a Golden Pyrenees look like, you ask? Well, they can be any combination of the traits of their parents. The only characteristics that could come from both sides are the warm, brown eyes and lots of fluff. This crossbreed could be medium to long-haired, with colors ranging from stark white to deep honey gold. Both dog breeds express long, fluffy ears and big, broad heads. Another trait that occurs in most if not all the Great Pyrenees mixes is a double dewclaw in the hind end. The dewclaw is the claw that rests higher on the paw than the others, a remnant of what would have been the thumb. Some dogs have these on the front, some on the back, or some on both. Regular nail trims are necessary to keep the dewclaws from curling onto themselves. Nail trims also keep the dewclaws short so that they cannot snag on furniture or other objects. Ripped nails are highly preventable. The Great Pyrenees is known for having double dewclaws in the hind end, rather than only one. These dewclaws were originally there for assistance in scrabbling up the mountainside. The extra appendages can be removed early in life via surgery if there is no bone connection between the dewclaw and the leg bones. The only reason that these would be removed is if your dog has a talent for getting the claw caught on things and ripping the nail. These are not typically removed in puppyhood, and not all dewclaws can be removed. This should be a decision made by a veterinarian and should be solely based on whether there is a bone-to-bone connection between the extra digits and the leg itself. This procedure has been widely proven to cause chronic pain to the animal for the rest of their life. The Lifespan of a Golden Pyrenees Unlike other mixed breeds, the Golden Pyrenees does not seem to have gained any extra length to their lifespan. Both the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees have an average lifespan of years. Large breed dogs tend to have shorter lives due to the increased strain on their hearts in comparison to their smaller counterparts. A mix of the two seems to continue that trend and will not outlive their parent breeds. If you are looking for a dog with longevity, this may not be the breed for you. This is a mix of two large breed dogs; there is no opportunity for a different outcome. As such, a Golden Pyrenees should always be on a Large Breed diet. A Large Breed diet is any dog food that is specially formulated for large breed dogs. They contain the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support quicker and more dramatic bone growth, larger muscles, and a higher body mass. Big dogs need more from their diet than little dogs. A Large Breed diet can sometimes even alleviate growing pains. Most brands have a Large Breed diet option. Your veterinarian will probably recommend Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Purina, as these three brands have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. It has also consistently been the easiest to find in pet stores. I cannot stress that enough. Grain Free foods have actually been proven to cause heart problems such as cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs, and they specifically used Golden Retrievers for the study. Stick to the brands and types of food recommended by your veterinarian so that your Golden Pyrenees or any other large breed dog can live a long, happy life. Large breed dogs are notorious for early onset arthritis and joint problems. You can start over-the-counter glucosamine chondroitin as early as 6 months to 1 year of age. Glucosamine chondroitin has no negative side effects so it can only help your dog strengthen their joints before they start to have problems rather than maintaining them after problems are noticed. A Golden Pyrenees is, without a doubt, going to need plenty of outside time. They may be medium to high energy, depending on how much of their energy comes from the Golden Retriever parent. However, the Pyrenees in them will make them want to patrol what they consider as their territory. If that is a backyard, they will probably prefer to be outside. These walks will also give your dog mental stimulation in terms of new sights and interesting smells. Walks are necessary unless you are releasing your dog into a yard or fenced area for an off-leash time. The trainability of a Golden Pyrenees Puppy With this crossbreed, you have a high chance of an easy training experience. Golden Retrievers are very rewarded motivated and the Great Pyrenees is known for its high intelligence. It stands to reason that training should go relatively well. There are, however, some specific behaviors that should be watched for and trained out early. These behaviors typically are inherited from the Great Pyrenees. The first of these is guarding behaviors and suspicion of strangers or guests. This can be caught and trained out early on. A second behavior that can be trained out of Golden Pyrenees while they are young is alert barking. They will let you know, in a very deep and loud voice, that someone or something is approaching. Even if that something is only left falling outside. Desensitization training and positive reinforcement for quiet responses are crucial. A third behavior that is inherited from the Great Pyrenees is nighttime pacing. This may not be something that you can train out. If you start to see this behavior in your puppy, consult a behaviorist who has a background in working with Great Pyrenees. This means that he wants to be outside patrolling and is anxious that he cannot do so. You may find that these dogs will do well as service animals. With a history of Golden Retrievers as guide dogs added to the calm energy of the Great Pyrenees, they have unlimited potential. They could be trained as guards or alert dogs, as well. There is not very much information on either of these two parent breeds as protection animals but if you partner with an experienced trainer, that is also possible. If you do decide to pursue guarding or protection tasks with your Golden Pyrenees, take extra caution to make sure that your dog can still assimilate into life as a house pet. They have the potential to do really well in guard dog training but it has to be taught young and they have to be guest and child-safe. Potential Health Problems of Golden Pyrenees This mixed breed has a chance of inheriting several health problems from their predecessors. One of these is early onset arthritis or inflammation in the joints. As a large dog breed, they are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a physical deformity that worsens over time where the head of the femur the long bone that connects to the hip does not sit correctly in the socket of the pelvis that it is designed to fit. This gets worse with age and cannot typically be fixed. This is not the only type that could be affected. These dogs also have a higher chance of experiencing patellar luxation. This is the fancy name for when the kneecap pops out of its designated groove. This can sometimes be fixed with surgery but the surgery is usually less successful in larger breed dogs. For some reason, Goldens are known in the veterinary field for this issue specifically and that chance passes on to their offspring. Golden Retrievers could also share their tendency towards hypothyroidism. This is a complication with the thyroid, a gland that produces different hormones. When thyroid levels are too low, the body starts to slow down and becomes less functional. Another issue that would require chronic medication is allergies resulting in skin issues. Dogs can experience two types of allergies: food or environmental. If they encounter allergens the thing that they are allergic to , symptoms include itchy skin, stomach problems, and weepy or crusty eyes. Sometimes they itch to the point where they are causing themselves body-wide skin infections. Every dog is different and responds to different types of treatment. Seek out a veterinarian if your dog is itching beyond what you feel is normal. The final health problem that could possibly plague a Golden Pyrenees is entropion. This is when the eyelashes curl inward, scratching the cornea, or the surface of the eyeball. This needs to be surgically corrected or it could cause constant irritation, injury, and possibly blindness. There is one health concern to note that is not hereditary but these dogs would have a higher chance of contracting. Since these dogs desire to be outside most of the time, they are more at risk of heartworm and tick-borne diseases. A heartworm is a literal worm that is transmitted via mosquito bites and grows in the blood vessels of a dog until it blocks them completely, killing the pet. These are treatable but they are also preventable. In terms of what this dog would cost you, the vet bills are going to be the most expensive. Big dogs require bigger doses of medication which costs more money. Also, it would really benefit you to look into pet insurance. These dogs are going to eat you out of the house and home. Golden Pyrenees have the potential to grow to the size of a small horse and need to eat like one. Be prepared to look into the rewards programs at big-name pet stores to find savings on dog food. Refer this post to know how much it cost you to buy and raise a Golden Retriever Puppy. Is Golden Pyrenees Right for You? Would I recommend a Golden Pyrenees as a pet? I honestly would. I think that they have the potential to be fantastic family dogs as long as they are trained properly. They could also make excellent working dogs — working as service animals, alert dogs, guard dogs, or in certain cases, protection dogs. These are not cheap dogs, by any means. If you are operating on a low budget, I would not recommend these guys. Purchasing food alone for these dogs would beggar you. Vet bills would throw you into bankruptcy. I would also say that these Golden and Pyrenees mixes would not be ideal for an apartment situation. They want to be outside and have distinct territories and apartments may not fulfill that need. Also, if you have dark-colored furniture these are not the dogs for you. They will shed all over everything and light-colored fur will appear very obviously against dark couches. Overall, a Golden Pyrenees seems like a well-mixed breed to bring into the family. They are typically lower energy than the Golden and more outgoing than the Pyrenees. Just make sure you keep them on their year-round prevention, give them enough outside time, and train them properly when they are still young. These dogs could turn out to be great pets! Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. The Golden Pyrenees is not purebred. It is a crossbreed of the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. The parent dogs are quite different in physical and personality traits. However, crossbreeding a Golden and Pyrenees brings out the best of these dogs in the resulting puppy. This dog is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and loves to please. Goldens are outgoing and will get along with family, strangers, children, and other dogs and animals. Besides, you can quickly train a Golden Retriever using its favorite treats to reward desired behavior. These are some of the great traits Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth, desired when he crossed several breeds to create a fast, energetic, and loyal dog — the Golden Retriever. Goldens were initially water and land retrievers, and they made faithful and obedient hunting companions. The popularity of Golden Retrievers has spread widely since then. Today, Golden Retrievers take the 3rd position in the most popular dog breeds list. Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees is a snowstorm at first glance. Its snow-white fur gives it an air of majesty, even though some Pyrs can come with markings. The Pyr is a good dog and is known for its patience and affection with family. However, a Great Pyrenees can also be a blazing fire if someone threatens their family as they have acute guarding and protective skills. Weighing the Pros and Cons At some point in history, Great Pyrenees dogs decreased in numbers with the decline in sheep predators. But their arrival in North America and their registration by the AKC in helped revive this royal breed. Appearance, Coat, and Colors Being a crossbreed, it is difficult to precisely predict what your Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix will look like. The crossbreed will adorn the majesty and elegance of the Pyr and show the symmetry of the Golden Retriever. In addition, your Golden Pyrenees will display the regal expression of the Pyr with an incorporated aspect of the kindly yet alert and confident expression of the Golden Retriever. First, your Golden Pyrenees pup will have a weather-resistant double coat that could be coarser like the one of the Pyr or take a softer texture after the Golden. The fur may be straight or wavy depending on their Golden parent or flat after their Pyr parent. The length of the fur may vary from medium to long. The Great Pyrenees and the Golden Retriever have heavier feathering on the neck, back, and tail. These aspects are likely to reflect in the Golden Pyrenees puppy. The Golden Pyrenees puppy coat can be golden in color after their Golden Retriever parent or pure white like their Great Pyrenees Parent. Alternatively, the puppy could come with a mixture of white and golden dark or light or bear reddish-brown, gray, tan, or badger markings from the Pyr parent. The head is proportionate to the body. Muzzle: The muzzle will tend more to a well-balanced length and head skull as with the Pyr parent or show more of the straight Golden muzzle that blends smoothly and firmly into the skull. Eyes: Medium-large eyes with the friendly and intelligent expression of the Golden Retriever. The eyelids fit closely. The color of the eyes is dark brown like that of the parent breeds. Nose: Black from both parents, with a possibility for a brownish-black nose from the Golden Retriever parent. Ears: Small to medium-sized ears, carried flat and close to the cheeks. Tail: Long, extending to the hock. It may be well plumed as that of the Pyr. The tail carriage may vary from low to level and have a moderate upward curve. The tail might also extend over the back like the Pyr. A male Golden Pyrenees will grow to around inches .A male Golden Pyrenees grows to approximately 65 to lbs .We have collected the best large breed dry dog food to help you choose the best options for your pooch, but we also have tips on how to recognize the worst dry dog food. It goes without saying that you should avoid overfeeding the dog with snacks once they have eaten their main meal as that can quickly lead to obesity. Feed your Golden Pyrenees with general dog food that is high quality and that is meant for their weight range and size. While they are young and still growing, you can offer them some of these best dry dog foods for small dogs or one of the overall best dry dog food brands on the market. Small breeds are known to have a refined taste, so you can bet your dog will enjoy those flavors, too. Give them plenty of physical exercise in order to keep their weight at a normal range. In case you think they need more from their diet, consult with your vet, and introduce a supplement if they agree. Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Exercise Requirements Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults may only be moderately active because of their large size. They tend to sleep most of the time. Thus, two hours of regular exercise is desirable to keep them in shape. Keep your dog fit and active through long walks or runs at the park or in the neighborhood. A one- or two-hour walk each day should be sufficient for burning extra fat for a breed that has a tendency to gain weight. The problem with Golden Pyrenees, or golden pyres as some call them, is that they tend to grow up to pounds heavy. Thus, you should break this habit through constant regular exercise. Take care not to expose them to heat for a long time. Give them enough water and shade too during exercise if possible. This is because they are accustomed to the colder areas of the world. Take exercise breaks too in the form of intermittent naps. This should be good enough for Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults that are used to being a couch potato. These dogs love to play outdoor games such as fetching games. They can also join you and other family members in your swimming sessions. You may also run around with them in a large and open but entirely safe place. The importance of exercise is to keep them at a healthy weight range. Your dog is most likely to get sick if they put on excess weight. If you do not want swimming or jogging long distances, you can have a variety of play activities instead, from chasing a ball to playing tug of war. The most important thing is to do your play activity early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is not too hot for your dog. Overall, I recommend the following exercises for maximum benefit: Jogging. Lifespan Sociability The price of a mixed breed dog is partially determined by the average cost of its parents. A Golden Pyrenees puppy is generally less expensive than its parents. The pedigree of its parents also determines the price of a puppy. A show quality dog costs more than a pet store puppy. They have strong mothering-type instincts. Combining the traits of the two breeds that are the parents for the Golden Pyrenees equals a very loving and attentive dog. The dog practiced extreme care and loyalty for the flock and was aggressive towards suspected dangers. This trait often carries over in families with children. They are better suited for colder environments. The Great Pyrenees was a European mountain dog, and throughout decades of genetic preferences, they grew thick and long coats meant for protection in high altitudes and cold temperatures. The dog should be kept cool, though, especially during hot periods of the year. It is especially given to overheating and even heat stroke if left in warm conditions for long periods. Getting the dog blown out every spring is another fitting way to keep it cool. They need extra grooming to keep them looking silky and golden. The short, soft undercoat combined with the long, straight hair on the outer coat tends towards matting. The hair initially helped to protect the two dog breeds, helping to control their interior temperature. It does shed quite a lot, especially during spring and early summer. The Golden Pyrenees requires more grooming than most, needing a brush every day to keep the coat looking healthy and golden. This mix makes for an odd possibility of expected traits. Golden Retrievers are generally outgoing, sometimes overly friendly with people and other animals. The purpose of the breed is to retrieve. These tendencies contrast the Great Pyrenees, meant to be a watchdog and stay wary of strangers and other animals. The expectation for the Golden Pyrenees can typically be a cross, with the better characteristics winning out: enthusiastic and loving. These dogs are quite intelligent and have large personalities. This can be a lovable feature, but it also makes them more challenging to train than other more obedient breeds. These tendencies make the dog a better match for owners that are well-versed trainers or have a lot of determination. When it comes to having this bulky pooch around the kids, it needs to be watched due to its lack of understanding of its size. They like to believe they are lap dogs and may accidentally knock over very young children because of its sheer size. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It is very loyal and loving and will often protect its small companions if it feels danger approaching. It is not always the best fit for families with very young kids since it is so large. It would never do anything to harm a child purposefully, but may accidentally due to its sheer size. They have a very playful nature. Get them accustomed to strangers and other animals as young as possible to train them into being an approachable dog and agreeable with other animals in their space. Their food should be of high quality but can be a general kibble. Since this breed is genetically accustomed to cold temperatures and a high level of activity, they gain weight quickly without the right care. Watch them to make sure they avoid overeating and stay in the best shape for a long healthy life. On average, the dog should get around minutes of activity per day. This is why they are generally not suitable for apartment living, as having a yard or acreage to roam around in will supply them with the bulk of their needed activity. It is recommended that an owner be prepared to walk an average of nine miles with them each week to keep them fit. In order to train them well, they need a strong pack leader they can respect. The first part of training is convincing them that you are the pack leader and not them. They need a firm, calm owner to work with them. If more than one person is working with the dog, be sure that everyone agrees on the training protocol. Some owners rely on the expertise of a professional to guarantee a solid training regimen. They need to be brushed every day, even more during the seasons such as late spring and early summer, as the temperature increases. Golden Pyrenees may develop a doggie odor if they are not kept properly groomed. Although brushing them out frequently may help, it is also a good idea to give them a bath whenever the odor begins to develop. The best tools to use for the coat of this particular dog is a pin brush, a comb, and a deshedder to release the undercoat and keep them cool during warm months. Great Pyrenees often struggle with bloating, although proper exercise and a healthy diet help alleviate this stress. They also suffer from hip dysplasia, luxated patellas, as well as bone cancer. Any of these may carry down the line to the Golden Pyrenees puppies. This is not a guarantee that a Golden Pyrenees will suffer from these, but the owner should learn about and watch for early indicators. Lastly, due to their thick fur coats, Golden Pyrenees may struggle with skin irritants and other problems. This especially applies to humid areas around the world. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. 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. He was born at the end of January in Saskatchewan. Charlie is a laid-back, easy-going and very friendly dog. His best friend is my year-old boy; they are the perfect match. He has a temperament of a Great Pyrenees ; he likes to watch the world go by, but when he is outside playing ball he is as gentle as a Golden Retriever. Charlie is not a very active dog. We go to the dog park as many times as we can in the winter and most days in the summer he runs around for about 30 mins and then is looking to mom and dad to go home. Charlie lives with two cats that he gets along with great, one snake , and two Great Danes named Stella white Dane; she is deaf and Dexter, a mantle Dane that just came to us in January of .I owe them both a world of gratitude. Without knowing the training tips I have learned my home would be a scary place to visit and live. He is a Golden Pyrenees who we found at our local shelter in NC. He is so sweet and is famous in our neighborhood as everyone loves him. When I found him, he was 40 pounds at 1. He had been a stray for those 1. When we brought him inside, he did not know what to do with stairs so I had to carry him up and down the stairs to teach him. Let's say he has blossomed since we brought him home, and he now weighs pounds. He is the best dog we've ever had and would highly recommend his hybrid. Does not have a mean bone in his body. He is the picture of both breeds; he's very good with children, even at such a young age, gentle, intelligent and quite lazy. He weighs 30 pounds in these photos, and gets bigger by the day. His coat has the texture of a Golden, but hasn't completely filled out like a Pyrenees. He's got a very low energy level; two minute walks a day will suffice for him. He eats about two cups a day and maintains a very healthy weight. Our vet expects him to be around pounds as an adult with a projected height of 30 in. He's trained very well thus far and excels at demanding tasks. Fen adapts well to new people and situations, and is currently working toward getting his Canine Good Citizen certification. Saint Berdoodles perfectly combine the playful, obedient, eager-to-please side of the poodle with the gentle, calm, affectionate, and loyal side of the Saint Bernard. We have very happy buyers from our past litter, and two of the puppies from our last litter are now therapy dogs! Our puppies are extremely smart, easy to train, sweet, and are fully potty trained within their enclosure which should make potty training at home a lot easier! All puppies will be dewormed, health checked, and UTD on their shots. Baron male : Baron is a playful puppy with a very sweet temperament. He is black with tinges of brown, a white chest, white back toes, curly hair, and will be medium build between pounds After losing our sweet Millie Big-Butt, we decided to get a puppy. Teddy has received two-thumbs up by our vet in terms of his health and demeanor. After losing our sweet Millie Big-Butt, we decided to get a puppy. We are over the moon happy with Nova. Already sits on command and fetches most of the time. She is a beautiful puppy with a great temperament. She has caught on to potty training quickly too. Thank you soooo very much. From the moment the family handed her to us in a very simple exchange, she has been a very sweet, very healthy, exuberant pup. Thank you for raising her on a farm we are farmers and exposing her to all the good that comes from that type of life. We would highly recommend autumn creek ranch to anyone looking for a healthy, happy, ready for the world, pup! Thanks again! We had a lengthy car ride home from picking her up and she settled right in for the ride. She is smart as a whip and learning fast. We are enjoying every minute with her and love her very much! With a regular routine and high-food drive, Hamilton has learned so much in just one week; he is already house trained, sleeps in his crate with minimal fuss at night, and is excelling on sit, stay, lay down, paw, off, and no commands. We are so proud of him and so happy with our choice to get our Golden Retriever from your family farm! From our first communication to taking Hamilton home, you have been informative and timely with your responses to my many questions. The puppy selection process was clear and fair, and pick-up was seemless. And as a researcher, I really appreciate all the scholarly research you provided on why fresh food diets are best. Ham is thriving on his fresh food diet! We were very intrigued with the farm raised dogs, knowing they were coming from a good home meant a lot. The Golden Retriever is another very old breed that originated in England during the 15th century. This popular dog breed is also considered one of the oldest purebred dogs today. The origins of the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix are somewhat murky, while it is known that the breed was developed in the United States in the s. This mixed breed is a large, muscular dog with a thick coat of fur that can be either white, cream, or gold in color. They are intelligent, friendly, and outgoing dogs that are great in the family home. Appearance The Golden Pyrenees is a large and impressive dog with a strong body and a noble bearing. The head is fairly large and rectangular, with a wide muzzle and soft, floppy ears. The eyes are brown or hazel. The coat is thick and dense, with a moderate to heavy amount of shedding. This mix does well in colder climates, as the thick coat provides insulation against the cold. The Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees is a large dog that stands between that stands about 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh anywhere from pounds, depending on their size and age. They are a handsome and dignified dog breed. The other double coat colors can be yellow, brindle, tricolor, white, red, cream, sable, grey, Golden, and black. The temperament of the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix is comparable to that of both parent breeds. They are highly energetic, playful, and affectionate. They love to play fetch, chase balls, and run around. However, they do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods of time. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation. On the other hand, the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix is more individualistic and calm than the Golden Retriever breed. What are their training Needs? Training your Golden Pyrenees is very easy. Start training when they are puppies. Puppies learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. You can reward them with treats, toys, praise, or even just attention. Start teaching commands such as sit, stay, down, come, and heel. When they understand the command, teach them how to perform the behavior. Once they master the command, add another one. Sit simply means stop doing whatever you are doing. Stay means stop moving. Teaching your dog to obey these commands is best done through rewards and praise. To train your dog to walk nicely on a leash, start by taking them outside and walking around the block. To train your dog to go potty outside, take them outside and let them do their business. Then, pick up any waste and throw it away. Repeat this process until your dog understands where to go when they need to relieve itself. Once your dog has mastered these basic commands, you can move on to more advanced ones. Are they Aggressive? No, the Golden Pyrenees are typically not aggressive. They are naturally protective of their family members and will protect them if necessary. This is why they make excellent guard dogs. If you treat them right, they will be happy to give you lots of love and companionship. The Golden Pyrenees are large dogs with a reputation for being lazy. They are one of the larger breeds, sometimes weighing up to pounds! They need about one hour of exercise per day to stay fit and healthy. They spend most of their time sleeping, leading to them being overweight, but it can easily be fixed with regular exercise, such as taking your pup on long walks or running in an area outside your life! Sixty to ninety minutes of walking each day can help reduce weight gain for pets, especially those with a tendency towards gaining more pounds than necessary. Mental Stimulation Mental Stimulation is essential for most dog breeds. It helps them think clearly, remember things, and keep their minds sharp. It also keeps them from getting bored and restless. The best way to stimulate your dog mentally is through play. Playtime should be fun and engaging. The Golden Pyrenees is no exception and likes to engage and enjoy several brain activities, including: Playing fetch.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Luckily for you, we decided to take some work off your hands and do some research into all of the countless Bernedoodle breeders in Oregon. And we can definitely understand why. The Bernedoodle is a mix of the sweet-tempered Bernese Mountain Dog and the highly intelligent Poodle. And thanks to their Poodle heritage, these pups make perfect companions for people who suffer from allergies. Ethical breeders conduct extensive genetic and health testing on their parent dogs to ensure that their litters come from strong and healthy bloodlines. This helps detect any genetic defects that the offspring may inherit. This exceptional Bernedoodle breeder in Oregon takes great pride in their program. Their dogs and puppies are like family to them. Their three mama dogs sleep in the bed with the breeder, and they also have a guardian home program so each parent has their very own loving family. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They put great emphasis on socializing the puppies from an early age to children, adults, and also other dogs. In addition to that, they take their pups to car rides, introduce them to regular grooming and nail trims, teach them basic manners, and start the pups on crate training and potty training. If a reservation fee is placed, the balance is due when you choose your puppy. This only applies to families that are going onto the waitlist not to puppies that are openly available. We do not accept payment at pick up. We do not accept PayPal or Venmo. We send out an email letting you know that choosing will begin, including details of the litter. You need to respond as needed and do so promptly. Check the pictures and videos of the litter you might choose from and have your top three picked out. When we contact you directly via text or call, offering you a choice, you have 2 hours to make your decision. We understand a family's excitement for their potential new family member, so as soon as there are updates to be had, we will send our announcements as posts on our Instagram and Facebook pages. The LK team will go through our waitlist when puppies are available of a certain size and generation to the families on that same size and generation waitlist. You may not be on multiple lists. If you want to know more about the Waitlist Process, watch this video. We will post birth announcements to our Instagram page. We are blessed to provide you with high quality Bernedoodles and Labradoodles with a focus on temperament and genetics. Both Bernedoodles and Labradoodles can be exceptional therapy and service dogs, family pets and your new best friend. They are smart, loyal, and want to please. There is a lot of research and work that goes into selecting a dog for our breeding program. We research as many generations of their bloodline that we can for potential health risks, behavior, temperament, size, and lastly color genetics. Did you know that temperament is genetic? Careful selection of temperament comes first followed by health, size, color, and so on. When considering one of our pups for your home, we ask that you submit our Puppy Application to guide you towards the right temperament for a happy forever home for you and your new pup. Check out our Meet the Pack page to find out more about our wonderful parents. Thank you for visiting Mountainside Doodles! We are so excited to see individuals connected with their new best friend! This nonchalant Bernedoodle would be endearing to friend and stranger alike, and their wisdom and whimsy would be a joy to be around. Bernedoodles are a hybrid between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. The Bernedoodle loves people - especially its family - and flourishes when around them. Some words that are typically used to describe a Bernedoodles are affectionate, goofy, and chill. She currently weighs 58 pounds, which should be near her mature weight. Yose has passed all of her relevant Bernedoodle health-testing, and had her first litter of Bernedoodle puppies for sale in November .Like most F1 Bernedoodles, she also has a wavy coat - and is genetically clear, along with passing her Pennhip and OFA elbow prelims. As a Bernedoodle, she both enjoys a fun romp with her doggie friends, but can also revel in relaxing, like many other Bernedoodles. Her first litter of Oregon Bernedoodle puppies will hopefully be born in January of .Klaire Klaire is an F1b mini-Bernedoodle, although she may get mistaken for a cow from time to time. She has a curly coat, is fully furnished, and is clear of DM. She traveled from Colorado to Oregon, and she has passed all of her relevant mini Bernedoodle health-testing. Stay tuned for more details and photos as she grows, but her guardian family says that she is sturdy and bold. Her first mini-bernedoodle litter should be here in January of .His guardian said his coat reminds her of a certain perm she got back in the day. He will be a papa of both standard bernedoodle puppies and mini bernedoodle puppies, along with our mini goldendoodle puppies. Remi is a gregarious and laid back, preferring to lounge on the grass with his doodle sister. He is a merle phantom bernedoodle, and has passed his genetic screening and his Pennhip exam, along with his OFA eye and cardiac testing. He will be the sire of our standard bernedoodle puppies, where some of them will inherit his merle coloring. We look forward to the jovial and pleasant bernedoodle puppies that Remi will sire! So one Bernedoodle, or two Bernedoodles? Has the Bernedoodle won your heart yet? Here in Oregon, we were drawn to these lovable and goofy hybrid doodles because they are a great family dog; fabulous with kids and a medium energy level. If you too think the Bernedoodle would be a great fit for you, click on the button below to see both our Bernedoodle puppy and mini-Bernedoodle puppy details. However, if you are desiring a puppy who is higher energy - and exceedingly joyful - consider a Goldendoodle or mini-Goldendoodle from High Desert Family Doodles. Research: First and foremost, make sure that the breeder is reputable and has a good track record. There are many ways to research this, including reading online reviews and talking to other dog owners who have purchased Bernedoodles puppies from them. Health: Second, you want to make sure that the Bernedoodle puppies are healthy and well-cared for. Ask the breeder about the health of the parents and grandparents, and whether or not the puppies have been to the vet for a checkup. This means they should be introduced to a variety of people, and other animals, which will be beneficial for novice owners. Puppies from a reputable breeder are going to be more expensive than those from a backyard breeder. But, in the long run, a puppy from a reputable breeder is going to be healthier and have fewer behavior issues. Meet the Parents: If possible, you should meet the parents of the puppies before making your final decision. This will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of temperament and appearance. But if you need more convincing, here are just a few reasons why a Bernedoodle might be the perfect pup for you. Coat: Bernedoodles come in three different coat types: wavy, curly, and straight. Temperament: Bernedoodles are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also very loyal and affectionate with their families and get along well with children and other pets. Size: Bernedoodles come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Standard Bernedoodles can weigh anywhere from pounds, while Miniature Bernedoodles usually weigh in at pounds. Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest of the bunch, weighing in at 12 pounds or less. Health: Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed, and are not known to suffer from any major health conditions. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. But with proper care and regular vet check-ups, your Bernedoodle should enjoy a long and healthy life. When it comes to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Oregon, price is often a major consideration. While there is no definitive answer when it comes to how much a Bernedoodle puppy may cost, there are a few things that can help you budget for your new furry friend. However, depending on the specific breeder and bloodline of your puppy, the price could be higher or lower. In addition to the cost of the puppy itself, there are also a few other expenses to consider when bringing a Bernedoodle into your home. These include things like shots, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. All of these costs can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget when deciding whether or not a Bernedoodle is the right breed for you. When it comes to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Oregon, price is certainly something to consider. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Oregon, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Oregon? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppies in Oregon. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Oregon Hope you Like this post, so these are the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Oregon that we have added to our list. And we believe there are many but we will thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If you are looking for the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Oregon, you can consider one of these breeders. We hold ourselves to high ethical standards to be reputable and responsible breeders. Our mission is to breed amazing temperament and genetic soundness into our puppies. Our strong foundation of breeding dogs is what sets us apart, and what further distinguishes us is the hours of love and devotion poured into your future puppy. The first eight weeks of your puppies life can determine their temperament for their entire life. Our Philosophy We plan on producing large standard F1 bernadoodles, minis and micros. Bernedoodles are intelligent, fun and loyal and a wonderful addition to any family. How to Own You may be asking yourself, how do I get one of these amazing puppies? The best news about our program is there is NO waitlist. You do not have to fret about being so far down a list that getting your companion will take years. Our quality and level of care is easily translated onto our social media pages. We post many video and photo updates of all our puppies so our families get a clear idea of exactly what your babies first 8 weeks with us entails. Not Your Typical 'Kennel' We are not your typical kennel with rows of dogs contained in runs. We are a family who spends each day down in the field with our frolicking berners and letting them swim in the stream. Every puppy has a name and is known individually. Our puppy parents receive weekly updates leading up to pick up to be part of the growing process. Our dogs and puppies get the individualized and personalized attention and care that every dog deserves. We also have a guardian home program for our breeding dogs to ensure they have their forever homes prior to retirement. For information on how to become a guardian, view our guardian home page! We love to maintain relationships with all our puppy parents and are always a lifetime resource for help and support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Rose City Bernedoodle Family!

Articles As a dog lover looking for their first dog, you definitely want a small and adorable pooch that will show you lots of affection. If this sounds like you, you should consider getting yourself the Brindle Pug. So, what exactly is a Brindle Pug? A Brindle Pug is a rare version of the Pug breed that comes with a patterned brindle coat instead of the usual fawn or black coat. Many Pug lovers prefer the Brindle Pug because it is not as common as other Pug colors. Are you considering purchasing the Brindle Pug, but you are not sure whether this is the right Fido for you? In this article, I will share everything you need to know about the Brindle Pug, including how much they cost, their health issues and lifespan, their temperament, and so on. What Is A Brindle Pug? A Brindle Pug is a breed of Pug that comes with a brindle coat. Contrary to what most people think, brindle is not actually a color. Instead, it is a pattern consisting of black and a lighter color, resulting in a beautiful striped coat. In most cases, the coat of Brindle Pugs contains a mixture of black and silver. However, they can also have a mixture of black and fawn or black and apricot. This means that Brindle Pugs have a similar appearance to other Pugs. They have a flat, wrinkled face, large eyes that seem to bulge out of their sockets, a small body, short legs, and a curved tail. When fully matured, a Brindle Pug will be about 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and will weigh between 14 to 18 lbs. The size of your Brindle Pug will also depend on whether it is male or female. Male Brindle Pugs are usually bigger than females. Are Brindle Pugs Full Blooded? Some pet owners express concerns about purchasing Brindle Pugs because of the assumption that Brindle Pugs are not purebreds. So, are Brindle Pugs full-blooded Pugs, or is the brindle pattern caused by genes from other breeds? DNA testing has shown that it is possible for a Brindle Pug to be purebred. However, brindle can also be caused by crossbreeding, so you need to confirm the genetic purity of a Brindle Pug before buying. Speaking of DNA testing, did you know that it can be done by ourselves without having to take a trip down to the vet? And, of course, it is a much cheaper DIY. Check out the best dog DNA test kits for more information. Are Brindle Pugs Rare? Brindle Pugs are very rare. There are two reasons why Brindle Pugs are so rare. First, the brindle gene itself is not very common. Second, the AKC does not officially recognize brindle as a standard color or pattern on Pugs. This means that most official breeders deliberately avoid breeding brindle puppies, thus making them even rarer. Image from Instagram: samiethepugg As a result of their rarity, people looking for unique, exotic-looking pets find Brindle Pugs to be very appealing. In addition, a lot of people find the brindle coat to be interesting compared to black or fawn. As a result, there is a lot of demand for Brindle Pugs, which means that a Brindle Pug will cost you more than other Pugs. Generally, purebred Brindle Pug puppies will cost you more. However, you should be very careful since some breeders might try to pass off a mixed breed Brindle Pug for a purebred and charge you a high price for it. The price of the puppy will also be affected by where you are purchasing the puppy. Aside from the cost of purchasing a Brindle Pug puppy, you should also prepare for the costs associated with taking care of your four-legged friend. These include feeding costs, veterinary costs and medications, grooming supplies, toys, and so on. That said, they still experience most of the health issues that standard Pugs are highly susceptible to. Eye Problems Most people love Pugs for their large, bulging eyes. However, the size of their eyes can be a cause of potential problems. Due to their large size, their eyes are at a high risk of getting pricked or scratched by various objects. They are also prone to conditions such as dry eye and corneal ulcers. Breathing Problems Dogs with flat, mushy faces, such as Brindle Pugs, tend to suffer from a condition known as the brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this condition usually have breathing conditions due to the narrowed nasal passages and trachea. Therefore, you should take care not to exert your canine too much, especially in hot conditions. Obesity All Pugs, including Brindle Pugs, love food very much. If you are not careful with them, they can easily overfeed and become overweight, something that can exacerbate their breathing problems. Therefore, you need to watch their diet and food portions very carefully. When it comes to feeding your Brindle Pug, we recommend dog food from Pet Plate. In addition to being highly nutritious and being made from all-natural ingredients, it comes in pre-portioned packages. Read more about our exclusive review on Pet Plate right here. Lifespan You can expect your Brindle Pug to live for about 12 to 15 years. Do Brindle Pugs Shed? This means that you should invest in a good de-shedding brush, such as the Pet Neat Grooming Brush. The good thing about Pugs is that they enjoy physical contact, so your brindle Pug will definitely enjoy all the attention you give during brushing. Best pet grooming tool! A durable shedding tool! With the.Healthy, shiny pet coat! Rid your four-legged friend of undercoat and loose hair effortlessly, and keep at bay allergies.Check Price on Amazon Bathing In addition to brushing, you also need to bathe your pooch regularly to prevent a bad smell and odor. Once every 2 to 4 weeks is enough. Bathing your Pug too often can result in skin problems. To avoid this, you need to carefully clean the skin between these folds and wrinkles. You can easily do this using pet wipes. Other Grooming Tips There are a couple of other things you need to do to keep your furry friend clean and tidy. Here is what you can expect from your cute little canine buddy. They will follow you everywhere, sit on your lap whenever they get a chance, and will expect to be touched and stroked whenever your hands are free. Do this, and your furry companion will always be happy. If you leave your Brindle Pug alone for too long, you might come back to find that they have chewed on your shoes or carpet. They Are Quick Learners Despite the regular assumption that Pugs are dumb, nothing could be further from the truth. Pugs are smart animals that you can easily train. However, they can also be quite stubborn, so you need to be patient yet firm with them during training. Pugs are also very observant and will quickly learn how to read your moods and emotions. Since they are smart dogs that can easily get bored, you can also expect your Brindle Pug to get into lots of mischiefs. They Are Very Friendly Pugs were born to create love, not war. Therefore, you can expect your Brindle Pug to get friendly with everyone, from your kids and your friends to the other pets in your household. Unfortunately, their friendly nature means that they will not make good guard dogs. In reverse Brindle Pugs, the darker color is usually more prominent, giving the dog the appearance of having light stripes over the darker color. This is exactly the opposite of a regular Brindle Pug. The lighter color, for the case of a regular Brindle Pug, is more prominent, giving the dog the appearance of having a light coat with dark stripes. What Colors Are Pugs? Pugs come in a wide variety of colors, such as black, fawn, apricot, silver, and white. However, according to the AKC, there are two Pug colors: black and fawn. All the other colors are still considered to be Fawn Pugs. When a Pug has a mixture of black and any of the other colors, it is considered to be a Brindle Pug. What Is A Panda Pug? Panda Pugs are Pugs that have both black and white color patches on their coat, which makes them resemble pandas. Their resemblance to a panda makes them very cute, plus the fact that some of them have blue eyes. However, Panda Pugs are also very rare. However, it can be a little difficult to find one because they are so unusual. A brindle pug is a type of pug that has a patterned coat rather than a solid color. A brindle pug will have a light brown coat with black markings. A reverse brindle pug has a slightly darker appearance and is the opposite of the brindle color. Instead of a light brown coat, a reverse brindle pug has a black coat with light brown markings. Common Health Problems of Brindle Pugs Brachycephalic Syndrome — is a common respiratory problem in short-nosed dogs because their airways are pushed closer together. This medical concern can make it more difficult for the dog to breathe and increase their heart rate. Encephalitis — This condition results in painful inflammation throughout the brain. Hip Dysplasia — Can cause the pug to develop irregular joints in their hips. This can lead to leg lameness, difficulty standing, and mobility concerns. Most of the time this can be treated with the help of medications or surgery. Obesity — This dog breed is prone to excessive weight gain because of their vast appetite. Obesity in pugs can cause many problems including lethargy and trouble breathing. Cherry Eye — Pugs are susceptible to cherry eye. This condition causes a small gland to slide out of place under the eyelid and slightly block a portion of their eye. While not considered to be painful, it can be very uncomfortable and itchy. Because of their docile and forgiving temperament, brindle pugs also make great pets for first-time dog owners. While a good breed, some brindle pugs can be a little sensitive to being left alone. This could result in them having separation anxiety. Are Brindle Pugs Good with Kids? Are They Good Family Dogs? Brindle pugs can make great family pets. They are loving and very caring toward children. However, they need to be properly socialized. Despite their small size, brindle pugs do shed a lot. This breed will lose a lot of hair throughout the year but has a heavy shedding period two times during it — summer and winter. Brindle pug owners will need to make sure to brush their pet often to remove this loose hair. Brindle pugs are rare. Due to their rareness, it can be a challenge to find a brindle pug breeder. Because brindle pugs are rare they can be somewhat pricey. You can use the following tips to ensure you buy from a responsible one. Research — One way to tell if the breeder is reputable is by researching them. Check if the breeder has a website and if previous customers have left reviews about them. Visit Their Home or Breeding Facility — This way, you can tell if they keep their dogs in good living conditions. The canines should have clean and open places to sleep and play. While here, the breeder might also ask a little about yourself and your residence. By doing so, they can ensure their brindle pugs will go to a good home. You can check these to make sure the dogs are up-to-date on their shots and that they are healthy. Brindle pugs are smart and loyal dogs who make great companions. But this is not likely because Brindle is just a recessive gene that has probably always existed in Pugs, but has cropped up in purebred Pugs from time to time. This is likely the case for the Pug, where the AKC breed standard only recognizes fawn and black Pugs, while the FCI breed standard allows for fawn, silver, black, and apricot. Brindle may be rare in Pugs, but it is completely possible that purebred Pug is born brindle. And many people adore this pattern. According to research , dog coat colors and patterns are determined by genes, like the bits of code in a computer program. These genes can affect the distribution and appearance of the brindle pattern. The A gene can create sable, tan points, or agouti. The brindle pattern is composed of black stripes from a dark pigment called eumelanin on a red base from a red pigment called phaeomelanin. Other genes can affect the color and intensity of these pigments. For example, certain genes can lighten the black stripes to gray or liver color, or darken the red base. Also, white markings or spots can show up on a brindle coat. History of Brindle Pugs The brindle pug has been around for centuries, with evidence of their existence dating back to the s. They were originally bred in China and were considered a prized possession by Chinese royalty. The pugs were then brought to Europe in the 16th century by Dutch traders, where they quickly became popular with the upper class. The first brindle pug was registered with the American Kennel Club in .Today, brindle pugs are still a relatively rare sight and they are not recognized as an official coat color by the AKC or FCI. Nevertheless, they are still beautiful creatures and their coat color is not associated with any health issues. However, the Pug breed is known for being unhealthy, which is why many enthusiasts are introducing the Retro pug , to breed them back to safer proportions. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Brindle Pugs, like other Pugs, are small dogs. They typically weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand about 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, muscular build with a short, sturdy frame that is slightly longer than it is tall. Coat and Color Brindle Pugs have a coat that is short, smooth, and glossy. Their coat colors can range from light to dark brindle, which is a pattern of stripes that can be black, brown, or a combination of both. The stripes are usually on a fawn-colored background, but they can also be on a silver or apricot-colored background. Some Brindle Pugs may also have a white blaze on their chest. Their ears are small, thin, and velvety, and they fold forward, framing the face. Brindle Pugs also have a curly tail that is usually carried tightly over the back. Overall, the Brindle Pug is a charming and distinctive breed with a unique combination of physical characteristics that make them a popular choice for many dog lovers. Personality and Temperament of Brindle Pugs Brindle Pugs are known for their playful, affectionate, and charming personalities. They are friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for families with children or other pets. They are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, which makes them easy to train and socialize. One of the most distinctive traits of Brindle Pugs is their loyalty. They tend to become very attached to their owners and will follow them around the house. They are also known for their love of attention and will often seek out affection from their owners. Despite their small size, Brindle Pugs have a big personality. They are known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. They are also very curious and will explore their surroundings with enthusiasm. When it comes to temperament, Brindle Pugs are generally very calm and laid-back. They are not known for being aggressive or overly energetic. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. Overall, Brindle Pugs make excellent pets for those who are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and playful companion. They are easy to train, adaptable, and have a charming personality that is sure to win the hearts of anyone who meets them. Health and Lifespan of Brindle Pugs Common Health Issues Brindle Pugs are generally healthy dogs, but studies show they are prone to certain health issues that are common in the Pug breed. One of the most common health issues in Brindle Pugs is Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome , which affects their eyes. This syndrome can cause problems such as entropion, cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal ulcers, and dry eye. These eye problems can be painful and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Another health issue that Brindle Pugs are prone to is epilepsy, which is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are also common in Brindle Pugs, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and other health problems. Luxating patella, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates, is also common in Brindle Pugs. Skin problems are another health issue that Brindle Pugs may experience. They are prone to allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and other skin problems. Additionally, Brindle Pugs are prone to skin infections and hot spots, which can be painful and require veterinary treatment. Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome in Pugs Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome BOAS is a medical condition seen in dogs with short noses and flat faces, like pugs. Because of their unique head shape, certain parts of the airway are squished or flattened, which can lead to difficulty in breathing. The main issues seen in this syndrome include: Stenotic nares: This means the nostrils are too narrow, making it harder for the dog to breathe through the nose. Elongated soft palate: The soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long and blocks the windpipe, making it harder for the dog to breathe. Tracheal stenosis: The windpipe or trachea itself is narrower than it should be. Everted laryngeal saccules: Little pouches in the throat can turn inside out due to the increased effort to breathe, further blocking the airway. Signs of this syndrome include noisy breathing, snoring, difficulty exercising, and on very hot days or if the dog gets overly excited, they can even collapse from lack of oxygen. Treatment can include avoiding situations that over-excite the dog or increase its need for oxygen, keeping the dog at a healthy weight, and avoiding heat stress. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct some of these problems and help the dog breathe more easily. Always remember to consult with a vet if you notice any signs of this syndrome in your pug. How long does the Brindle Pug Live? The lifespan of a Brindle Pug is typically between 12 and 15 years. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. By providing your Brindle Pug with proper care and regular veterinary checkups, you can help ensure that your furry friend lives a long and healthy life. Care and Maintenance of Brindle Pugs Diet Requirements Brindle pugs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. A diet that is high in protein and low in fat is ideal for them. They may need special diets for skin problems and allergies as these are common in pugs. Other health issues, like their tendency to gain weight also affects their ideal diet. It is important to avoid overfeeding brindle pugs as they have a tendency to gain weight easily. Feeding them small meals throughout the day is better than giving them one large meal. Fresh water should always be available to them. Exercise Needs Brindle pugs are a small breed and do not require a lot of exercise. However, they still need to be exercised regularly to maintain their physical and mental health. Short walks around the neighborhood or playtime in a fenced yard is enough to keep them active. It is important to avoid overexerting brindle pugs as they are prone to respiratory issues. Avoid exercising them in hot and humid weather conditions as it can cause heatstroke. Grooming Tips Brindle pugs have a short and smooth coat that is easy to maintain. Brushing them once a week with a soft-bristled brush or pet grooming glove helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny. Bathing them once a month with a gentle shampoo is sufficient. It is important to keep their wrinkles clean and dry to avoid any skin infections. Regularly check their ears and clean them with a damp cloth to prevent any buildup of wax or debris. Trim their nails once a month to prevent them from getting too long. Overall, brindle pugs are a low-maintenance breed that requires basic care and attention to keep them healthy and happy. Training a Brindle Pug Training a Brindle Pug can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. Pugs are not extremely intelligent, but they are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, like any breed, Brindle Pugs have their own unique traits that should be taken into consideration when training. One important aspect of training a Pug is socialization. Pugs are known for being friendly and social dogs, but they can also be prone to separation anxiety if not properly socialized. It is important to expose your Brindle Pug to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop confidence and reduce anxiety. Another important aspect of training a Brindle Pug is consistency. Pugs can be stubborn at times, so it is essential to establish consistent rules and boundaries early on. This includes setting limits on where the dog is allowed to go in the house, what furniture they are allowed on, and what behaviors are acceptable. Positive reinforcement is also an effective training method for Brindle Pugs. Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime can help reinforce desired behaviors and encourage your dog to repeat them. It is important to avoid punishment-based training methods, as these can be counterproductive and damage the bond between the owner and the dog. Overall, training a Brindle Pug can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. By focusing on socialization, consistency, and positive reinforcement, owners can help their Brindle Pugs become well-behaved and happy members of the family. Brindle Pugs and Families Brindle Pugs are a popular breed of dog that are well-suited for families. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them an ideal companion for children and adults alike. Here are a few reasons why Brindle Pugs are great for families: Small Size: Brindle Pugs are a small breed, typically weighing between 14 and 18 pounds. They are easy to handle and can be comfortably housed in small apartments or homes with limited space. Lively Personality: Brindle Pugs are known for their lively and playful personality. They enjoy interacting with their owners and are always up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Low Maintenance: Brindle Pugs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They shed moderately, but regular brushing can help keep shedding under control. Good with Children: Brindle Pugs are generally good with children and make great playmates. They are patient and gentle with kids, and their small size makes them less intimidating than larger breeds. Overall, Brindle Pugs are a great choice for families looking for a small, affectionate, and easy-to-care-for pet. With their lively personalities and gentle nature, they are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Where to Get a Brindle Pug When it comes to getting a Brindle Pug, there are two main options available: adoption or finding a reputable breeder. Adoption Options Adopting a pug, possibly a brindle one, can be a rewarding experience. Pugs are known for their distinctive looks, gentle personalities, and loving nature. The adoption process may vary slightly depending on the organization, but generally, it involves these steps: Step 1: Research Before making a decision, understand what it means to adopt a pug. They are a brachycephalic breed, which can come with some health challenges. Be ready for snorts, snores, and the potential for some additional health care costs. Step 2: Choose a Rescue Organization The next step is to choose a rescue organization to work with. Here are a few reputable options to consider: 1. Austin Pug Rescue — Based in Austin, Texas, this group focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of pugs in need. Pacific Pug Rescue — This rescue group serves the Pacific Northwest, focusing on abandoned and neglected pugs. Pug Partners of Nebraska — This group rescues and rehomes pugs in Nebraska and the surrounding areas. They also provide a list of other national rescue groups. The form may ask about your lifestyle, work schedule, living conditions, and any other pets you have. They use this information to match you with the right dog. Step 4: Home Check Some organizations require a home check. They want to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for a pug. Step 5: Meeting and Adoption Once your application has been accepted, you can meet potential pug matches. Remember, adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. Look for breeders who are members of the Pug Dog Club of America or other reputable breed clubs, as these organizations have strict breeding standards and codes of ethics. Also consider contacting the International Retro Pug Club for healthier pugs. When researching breeders, ask for references and visit their facilities if possible. A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with information about the health and temperament of their dogs. Keep in mind that purchasing a dog from a breeder can be more expensive than adoption, and you may have to wait for a litter to become available. With the right care and attention, a Brindle Pug can make a wonderful companion for years to come. The cost of a brindle Pug puppy can vary depending on the breeder, location, and demand. It is important to do research on reputable breeders and not to purchase from puppy mills or pet stores. What is a reverse brindle Pug? A reverse brindle Pug is a Pug with a dark coat and lighter stripes. The stripes are not as prominent as in a regular brindle Pug. The reverse brindle Pug is also known as a black brindle Pug. How are brindle Pugs created? Brindle Pugs are created through breeding. It is a genetic trait that is passed down from the parents. If one parent is brindle, then typically about half of the litter will be brindle too. Are brindle Pugs rare? Brindle Pugs are quite rare, and they are certainly less common than fawn or black Pugs. Some people may want them for their rarity, while show dog enthusiasts may consider their color a fault. Are brindle Pugs hypoallergenic? No, brindle Pugs are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately and can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Do brindle Pugs shed? Yes, brindle Pugs shed moderately. Regular grooming can help minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. What is the rarest color for a Pug? The rarest color for a Pug is white. White Pugs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and are considered a fault in the breed standard. White Pugs are also prone to health issues such as deafness and blindness. Final Thoughts The Brindle Pug may not be as well-known as other pug colors, their striking coat patterns and charming personalities make them a great addition to any family. One of the most notable features of the Brindle Pug is their coat. The brindle pattern is a mix of dark and light colors that create a unique and eye-catching look. While the exact colors can vary, most Brindle Pugs have a mix of black, brown, and tan in their fur. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Uncovering the mystery of the brindle pug puppy The appeal of a brindle-coated pug dog The attraction of brindle pug puppies is two-fold. First there is the general attraction in a cute pug with this attractive quality to the coat. The brindle markings are an interesting look in many dogs and they offer a whole new look compared to the deep black or fawn animals. On top of this, there is the potential rarity of the animal, which increases the appeal for those looking for an exotic animal. It is going to be more difficult to find brindle pugs for sale compared to black or fawn ones, and the reasons for this will soon become clear. This is understandable when we look at the issues of mixed breeding. There are so many cross breeds and designer pups these days that there are many cross breeds with pug as part of the genetic package. These genetic mixes mean that other coat types and color genes can come through from the other side. This is why we often see a brindle pug chihuahua mix or a pug crossed with a Frenchie. As a result, there is that assumption that a brindle pug is not a pure pug. In some cases this will be true. However, there are exceptions to the rule. There are still pure breed brindle pug dogs out there, even if some dog owners are adamant that there is no such thing. Test for medication sensitivities. The reason for these results simply comes down to the fact that these pugs have a long history and there is still a small percentage of animals with genetic links to their brindled ancestors. It is a rarity, but it is not a deformity. Despite this, some owners will still face some issues with their brindle pug. Purebred pug or not, there are still some issues with this coat color when it comes to showing these dogs The American Kennel Club. Along with a number of other organisations, have clear breed standard for all dogs. There are strict rules on the physical features and markings of pugs. For example, a fawn pug needs to have that mask, the trail on the back and the thumbprint on the forehead. In fact, it is only fawn and black pugs that are eligible under the AKC guidelines. This means that brindle coated pugs — even if they are pure — are as ineligible as apricot pugs and silver ones. What to expect from these dogs in terms of physicality So if a brindle dog coat is significantly different from that of a fawn or a black pug, does that mean that there are any other physical differences to keep in mind? The gene for the color of the coat should have no effect on their size, build or other physical features. If a brindle pup happens to be healthier or sicker, bigger or smaller than its siblings. The difference comes when you have a brindle pug mix instead of a pure pup. As the dog gets older, physical traits of the other breed will begin to develop further and you will need to research the potential health risks associated with that parent. This could also mean a different grooming regime than normal if the fur type is slightly different. There are always those owners that will insist that one color is calmer, friendlier or smarter than the other, but these reports are often contradictory. Temperaments are generally pretty similar and personalities alter from dog to dog. The same is therefore true with a pure brindle vs a pure fawn or black. Again, the difference comes when we have the mixed breeds rather than the pure breeds. The personality traits, behavioral issues and the intelligence could be heavily influenced by the second parent. This means another area of research for new owners. This is where online training resources like Doggy Dan the online trainer are so helpful. Further Reading: How to Train Your Pug Puppy Taking care of brindle-coat pugs These factors with the physicality and personality mean that the considerations for taking care of brindle pugs are pretty much the same. A true brindle pug is so much like other purebred pugs in terms of its needs that experienced owners have nothing to worry about, they want the same exercise, home environment, pug food and general love and care. If you know how to handle a pug, you can handle a brindle. Again, mixed breed pug dogs are a different story. The exercise needs, grooming needs, housing requirements and ideal family set-up could be different. Image Source: Pugs of Instagram Finding brindle pug puppies for sale Hopefully you can now see why it is more difficult to find a breeder for a brindle dog than a black of fawn one. The first issue is the rarity of the pure brindle pug because of the genetics and prominence of other coat types. Then there is issue that some of these brindle dogs are not pugs but pug crosses. This is why all buyers should visit the home, see the litter and get to know the parents. This is the best way to be sure of the genetics of the pup and the reason for the brindle coat. The other issue with looking at a pure brindle dog is the brindle pug cost. The rarity of the pure brindle means that breeders are sure to charge a much higher brindle pug price than for a standard coat color. Those that are looking for a brindle animal but want to avoid the issues with breeder and these high costs may prefer the option of brindle pug adoption. Adoption through shelters offers the chance for new owners to save the life of an abandoned pet. The fees to do so are considerably lower than the price of a puppy. Uncovering the mystery of the brindle pug puppy The good news here for those keen on a brindle pug puppy is that there is such a thing as a pure brindle pug pup. There is a small number of dogs born with the rare gene instead of the more typical coat colors. However, there will still be many brindle dogs for sale that are actually hybrids, so all hopeful buyers need to be vigilant and do their research. Aside from the issue of the AKC standards for showing, there is no major problem in buying a brindle pug dog if one happens to come up for sale and is from healthy stock and a good home. At their core, the pure brindle pugs is no different to the others. They have the same needs, personalities and traits and can be lovable, wonderful pets. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pugs truly have a distinct look to them. Brindle Pugs are the same. When people think of Pugs, most think of two colors; fawn tan or black. So, what exactly is a brindle Pug? Well, it all comes down to the pattern of their coat. What is Brindle? A big misconception people have is the word brindle refers to a specific color. When, in fact, brindle is a pattern. Many dog breeds can have a brindle pattern in their coat. These breeds include greyhounds, boxers, and terriers. Guinea pigs and even horses can have this mysterious brindle pattern as well. So, a brindle Pug could look speckled like a fudge brownie or like an Oreo. Brindle Pugs are elusive and remain a mystery to this day. Brindle Pugs are hard to find, even on Google. Their rarity is what makes them so exclusive and challenging to find and buy or adopt. Or, perhaps it is because the United States finds it difficult to classify them. Brindle Pugs colors do not fit in with the traditional Pug colors. This confuses the public and makes them even more desirable. No one knows precisely where to place brindle Pugs. Who knows, maybe the confusion over their coats make them exclusive. Their exclusivity makes them more attractive, and adoptions are on the rise. This includes buying a car, a house, and adopting their precious furry friend. Most adopters wanting a Pug will assume the Pug will be tan or black. Out of all the Pugs, 65 percent are fawn color, and 22 percent are black color. Few adopters will know brindle Pugs even exist because they are the rarest. Only about 1 percent of Pugs are brindle. Because brindle stripes are rare in Pugs, they could be considered exotic. Once an adopter is aware brindle Pugs exist, they could become more attractive and want a Pug that is so unique. After digging myself, it is clear this exotic looking Pug might not be the most sought after the litter. Are They Really Purebred Pugs? There is a significant concern with the legitimacy of brindle Pugs. The confusion of brindle Pugs all comes down to if they are purebred or mixed. Some dog groups and associations do not place brindle Pugs in the Pug category. These groups are uncertain they are purebred. The American Kennel Club who believes there are only two types of pure Pugs- fawn and black colored. Yet, brindle Pugs can be purebred with two Pugs that have a brindle gene. Some believe the gene that creates the unique brindle pattern has always been with the Pug. Those that believe brindle can be a gene believe brindle Pugs can be purebred. Others believe the brindle pattern is not in the Pug but is a result of cross-breeding. More common than not, brindle Pugs are not purebred. Instead, a Pug and another animal are bred to get that brindle color. Brindle Pugs cannot enter shows in the American Kennel Club. Still people have become obsessed with them. Brindle Pugs are deserving of the same love they are waiting to give. Here is all you need to know about the rare cuties. Weight of Pugs Brindle Pugs are small and round, like any Pug, and weigh around pounds. Their weight depends on their gender, not the color of their coat. Male brindle Pugs typically weigh more than females. Bundle of Personality Pugs are one of the most sought after breeds in the world, and rightfully so. Brindle Pugs are no different. They love attention from their owners and are extremely loving. They love following around their owner and become quite attached. Brindle Pugs love sitting on the couch with you while getting as many pets as possible. On the flip side, brindle Pugs hate to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long, they will experience separation anxiety. A good way to combat their stress is to practice distance while at home. Brindle Pugs might chew up your shoe or shred some toilet paper to let you know they were not happy you left. Brindle Pugs are also known to be playful and are rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs. It is vital to give Pugs different toys to stimulate their brain during playtime. A toy with treats in it is good too, so dogs can stimulate their brains to solve a complex problem. Once your brindle solves the problem, they are rewarded with food or a treat. It is so important your brindle Pug is entertained and not bored with the same old toys. Pugs, in general, love to be loved and given affection. They are not a guard dog, but they will always be by your side and be your best friend and your number one fan. So, brindle Pugs are fun, loving, and super attached but are they intelligent? Pugs are very intelligent and can be trained with consistency. Pugs were always loved and adored by the most royal people throughout history. Are you surprised? Royal people had a deep love for the loving and loyal Pugs. They owned Pugs of the two traditional colors, black and fawn. So, how did these royal Pugs make their way from China to America? China These sweet pudgy dogs were first discovered in China around 2, years ago. China royals and emperors loved Pugs. Pugs were only known to be royal dogs in China and were untouchable for ordinary people. The only way people, who were not royal, could own a Pug was to receive one as a gift. Pugs were more accessible when they entered Europe. When Pugs arrived in Europe, they were mostly a dog for royal people. European dynasties owned Pugs, and even Queen Victoria owned many in her lifetime. Of course, when royals owned the tiny breed, the British people wanted to get their hands on them as well. Over time it was more common for anyone to have a Pug. Now, Pugs are loved across the world and are not just royalty, but are for everyone. Just royal people may not own all Pugs, but they still act like royalty. Whatever the history is, the brindle Pug is here today and is truly unique. However, this Pug is not just something to awe over. There are complications of this unique breed. Health Risks of Brindle Pugs There is no denying the beauty of this small breed. With that being said, their physicality could be a risk factor as they get older. One common health concern for all Pugs is overeating because they are fast eaters. This can lead to weight gain if not monitored. These bowls are found at any pet store, but here are some great ones on amazon. Even though their eyes are quite cute, they could cause health issues in their lifetime. Their eyes are prone to get scratched or irritated because they bulge out of their face. Their eyes can also get corneal ulcers and dry eyes. A veterinarian is a go-to person for any eye issues. They will know the best treatment for these specific eye issues for a brindle Pug. Breathing and Overheating Brindle Pugs can have breathing problems and are prone to them due to their smushed snouts. Again, who knew such a cute feature Pugs are known for can be quite harmful. These issues are caused by their nasal passages being so tiny. Brindle Pugs also get very overheated in the sun. Overheating can trigger their breathing issues if they sit in the hot weather for too long. This means their brain tissue becomes inflamed. Vets do believe this disease could be genetic. Purebred brindle Pugs can experience more health concerns than those that are mixed. This is something to keep in mind with choosing a brindle Pug. Purebred or not, any dog owner should take their dog to the vet within one or two weeks of adopting. This ensures the dog is updated on their shots, and any red flags can be brought to light and diagnosed early. The lifespan of brindle Pugs is around 15 years. Brindle Pugs can live longer when their health issues are addressed and cared for. Well, it is good to assume you will be putting more money and time into your new furry baby. Brindle Pugs tend to be more expensive because the brindle pattern is rarer. Now, some variables could affect this price. If someone is looking for an adult brindle Pug, that price could be lower. Brindle Pugs are usually purchased through a breeder because they are so rare. Rarity Tends to be Expensive People want brindle Pugs because their pattern is unique. They are different from the standard two-color Pugs often come in. Because of this, breeders can get more money when they are breeding brindle Pugs. If you do come across a purebred brindle Pug this is rare , it is probable to cost you more money as well. It is also their vet bills, food, treats, toys, cage, etc. The process of finding the perfect food for your pet can be filled with a lot of pressure. Of course, a healthy food option is the best food option. Check out how to read a dog food label here. Here are some options to consider when buying puppy or dog food for your Brindle Pug.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time! They are also known for their distinctive "bat ears" and squishy faces, compact and muscular body and a broad head with a flat forehead. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes which makes them appealing to different tastes. French Bulldogs can be found in colors such as blue, lilac, and merle, which are considered to be rare and unique colors. At Country Club Frenchies, we are a reputable and responsible breeder based in Georgia, dedicated to breeding quality French Bulldogs. We have strict breeding practices in place and only breed dogs that meet certain health standards. We are transparent about our breeding practices and are happy to provide information about the parents of our puppies, as well as any relevant health certificates. We have a wide variety of French Bulldog puppies for sale, with a variation of colors including blues, lilacs, merles and tri-colors. Our French Bulldogs are well socialized and have great personalities, easy to train, and make great companions. We also offer stud services for other reputable breeders in Georgia. We understand that bringing a French Bulldog into your home is a big decision and we are happy to provide all the necessary information about French Bulldog care, training and health. Our dogs receive the best care and nutrition, and we also provide information about genetics and how to keep your French Bulldog healthy. We also believe in the option of adoption, and we encourage people to consider adopting French Bulldogs from shelters and rescues, who are waiting for a loving home. French Bulldogs are low maintenance and don't require a lot of exercise or grooming, which makes them a great option for people who lead busy lifestyles. If you're interested in bringing a French Bulldog into your home, please visit our website www. You can gain further insights about us by exploring our informative blog posts. The height of French Bulldogs reaches 12 inches and weigh between pounds. Coat: Frenchies are born with a variety of coat patterns and colors. French Bulldogs are average shedders. You can expect extra fur on your carpet in the Spring and Fall when they lose they undercoat. Color: Frenchies are born with a variety of eye color, mask color and paw color. Nose: French Bulldogs feature a flat face and may snort, snore or make other subtle noises. Fact: French Bulldogs are also called Frenchies. Fact: They are a non-sporting dog breed Fact: Frenchies have mild friendly temperaments, making them great family dogs Fact: French bulldogs have a life expectancy of years Fact: French bulldogs have large heads and short legs. Due to their build, they are not good swimmers. Be sure to keep your Frenchie away from pools and ocean water. Fact: Frenchies should not be exercised in overly warm temperatures. Fact: French Bulldogs should be groomed regularly. Are they good with kids? What are their temperaments like? While French Bulldogs are great at warning you when someone is at the door, they do not tend to be frequent barkers. Frenchies are quite intelligent, but can also be a little bit emotional. They understand your tone and can be quite sensitive to yelling. If they are scolded, it is not unusual for them to mope around the house or feel uncomfortable. Keep this in mind when correcting your French Bulldog. As a general rule, French Bulldogs are great with children. Their temperament lends well to companionship as they are fun, playful, and a great size for children. Despite this, children should always be supervised when around puppies, regardless of breed. Frenchies tend to connect with or form a special bond with a member of your family. You are so lucky to share this type of bond with a French bulldog. French Bulldogs can make the perfect family companion. If you have cats or dogs, they will often acclimate well if introduced as a puppy. Frenchies can be territorial if male but can get along with other males with proper training and socialization. Patience is required with your young French Bulldog pup. Frenchies are stubborn, but they are trainable. While extensive grooming is not necessary, French Bulldogs do require monthly maintenance of their fur. Monthly clipping of your dogs nails will also be necessary. As dogs do not often enjoy their feet being touched, this may require a trip to the groomer. You will also want to brush your pups teeth several times a week to ensure healthy gums and prevent tooth decay and other issues down the road. Clean your pups ears regularly to remove dirt and dust. Baths should also occur monthly or as needed. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Florida A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. French Bulldog Rescues In Florida French bulldogs make excellent pets and deserve all the love and care they can get. They are small and adorable and have one of the best personalities among all dog breeds. This is why they have become a favorite breed for people who are looking for a new dog. For the people living in Florida, getting a french bulldog as a pet requires a bit of consideration. While they are quite playful, they do not do very well in hot climates as Florida has. This does not mean that you can not get a french bulldog as a pet if you live in Florida. It just means that you should take extra measures to ensure that they are comfortable, such as keeping a cool house and walking them in the late evenings when it might be cooler outside. If you are willing to make these concessions and are actively looking to adopt a french bulldog, this is the best place to start your search. We have curated a list of the best french bulldog rescues in Florida. We also provide you with the necessary information you need to know on how they work, how to adopt, as well as how to contact the rescue. These rescues are charged with taking care of these dogs and finding a good home for them. If you are in Florida and are looking to adopt a French Bulldog, this list is for you. Florida English Bulldog Rescue Odessa, FL This rescue is a nonprofit bulldog rescue dedicated to finding new forever homes for bulldog breeds. They have been rescuing bulldogs since .They have helped more than 1, dogs get new homes, and each of the bulldogs gets rehabilitation so that they can be a functional part of their new home. The thing about this particular nonprofit is that they do not focus on french bulldogs. In fact, on the surface, it looks more like their primary focus is English bulldogs. But they have stated that they are open to different bulldog breeds, including the French bulldog. The main difference between an English bulldog and a French bulldog is their size. Florida English Bulldog Rescue seeks out neglected and abused dogs and provides them with rehabilitation and new homes. They also provide a safe home for bulldogs who have no option but to leave their homes. They always have a bulldog ready for anyone who wants to take one home. You can view their available bulldogs here. If you are passionate about helping bulldogs get a better home, you can also help the organization through donations and sending supplies. They are always looking for volunteers.

Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Go to the park, to as many dog-friendly stores as possible, take your dog on errands with you, go on car rides together, etc. Take your German Shepherd puppy with you wherever and whenever you can. And when I say take the GSD puppy with you, I mean take it in with you - do not leave it in the car while you're in the store. German Shepherd socialization will occur whenever your puppy is introduced to new situations, new people and animals, and new places. They need to actively participate in socialization for it to really work - that means you must let them safely interact with new people, places and things. This is definitely a great step in building the German Shepherd puppies confidence and building a much more stable temperament - making it more capable of coping with new and unusual experiences. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and these early GSD socialization lessons, being around new and different stimuli, will make your adult German Shepherd much more stable and confident - and this is exactly what you want. Your new German Shepherd puppy has spent the first few weeks of it's life with his mother, litter mates and breeders family. Additionally your new GSD puppy may have gone on rides to many new places such as the veterinarian, short shopping errands, and on short training rides - these are all GSD socialization experiences. It has probably heard many different kinds of noises: people, horns of cars, birds chirping, children, sounds of traffic, etc. If your German Shepherd puppy was raised in a farm type locale the puppy has probably seen, heard and smelled many different types of animals, larger farm equipment, etc. One of your new jobs as the German Shepherd puppy's new owner is to add to all of those past experiences with many other new ones. Ask the breeder what kind of socialization has been done with your puppy and take it from there. The more new and exciting experiences that your make your German Shepherd a part of, the better. I can't stress enough how important it is that you continue to socialize your GSD puppy during the first several months of its life and from then on. Discovery of new experiences and teaching the puppy to deal with them positively and confidently is highly important to its development. Many studies have been done that show the critical socialization period for a puppy is from eight to sixteen weeks of life. During this period it is essential that the German Shepherd puppy safely and positively experience as many new things as possible. Some of these experiences will be a little stressful, but you must support your puppy during these times and encourage them throughout the entire critical GSD socialization process. Out of nowhere a small piece of trash paper blew by both of us, quietly startling her. She watched the trash as it continued to blow up against the curb, changed direction and blew closer toward us. Curious, she wanted to check out the new object that was moving around on the curb in front of us and now moving toward us but unsure as how exactly to react to the new object. It was obvious to me that she was curious enough to want to check it out, but also fearful enough that she wanted to run away from it. I waited to see what she would do. She watched the object as it moved around, sometimes backing up slightly, sometimes moving toward it. I allowed her the time to observe the paper and waited to see exactly what she was going to do about it. It seemed longer, but I'm sure that it was only a few minutes until she decided to slowly approach that piece of trash paper. What a brave girl. Eventually she pounced on the paper and give it a good shake and chewing before I finally took it away from her! I praised her profusely. Not for tearing up the paper but more importantly for approaching it after her initial fear response. She met her fear of this new and strange object face to face and overcame it. In future experiences with new and strange objects she would now be more confident. Over time and with more and more positive experiences like this one, Cera grew up to be a very emotionally strong, good-tempered and confident GSD. As the owner you play a major role in providing this confidence for your new German Shepherd puppy. It is extremely important to socialize your German Shepherd starting at as young an age as possible to make them more comfortable with other people and dogs and able to feel comfortable and confident in strange environments. It can really come in handy when meeting new people or maybe even meeting your new baby. Puppy obedience classes, also referred to as Puppy Kindergarten , are an incredible means to introduce your puppy to the world outside of your home. This is both a prime GSD socialization experience as well as a wonderful training and bonding opportunity. Puppy obedience training classes are set up in such a way as to teach the German Shepherd puppy the actual commands, but also to teach you, the owner, how to train the puppy very specific behaviors and manners, now and in the future. Your dog will quickly discover the link between your commands and the desired behavior. It is entirely possible that you can train a GSD puppy at home as well but compared to all the great GSD socialization lessons your German Shepherd puppy can gain from the puppy classes, there really is no comparison. In fact, I highly recommend them. Return from GSD Socialization to German Shepherd Puppy I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they chose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas. Check Price on Amazon 3. Take Him Outdoors Your young German Shepherd puppy needs to experience his whole new world, see many different sights, hear a range of sounds, and experience stimulating smells. Taking your German Shepherd puppy to a market that welcomes dogs will help socialize him in a low-engagement capacity. This is a stepping stone to better, more engaged socialization. German Shepherds can become shy if you skip this step. When you take him to a store or a shop, you allow him to process new environments while feeling secure. Watch how the trainer exposes the pup to simple things like experiencing the shopping cart corral and walking along a bench. Sit obediently in one place. Have him sit close by as you have your coffee. Taking treats with you is a good idea so you can reward your puppy for obeying your commands. Upon developing the discipline to sit relatively quietly, your German Shepherd will become a social superstar, ready to be admired and cuddled by your friends and family. Have Friends and Family Come Over Once your German Shepherd puppy has settled in after a week or two of bringing him home, he should be comfortable enough to entertain visitors. Having a friend come over by then is a good idea. German Shepherds love you unconditionally, but giving treats sure accelerates this love. Having your friend load up on treats before entering the house is a great idea to promote friendliness. Smile at your friend and hug them with open arms. Keep your body language open around your friend. Dogs can sense any nervousness. Have your friend call your pup by his name within a few seconds of being seen by the puppy. The name provides instant familiarity. They will be the familiarity anchor when you take your pup out to meet other people. If your familiar friend is present, your German Shepherd will feel less anxious around people he sees for the first time. An outdoor introduction is placed after an indoor interaction because there are more stimuli outdoors. If you have friends who have dogs, even if not of the same age, you can still arrange to visit or have them come over so they can be around each other. If the other dog is senior, make sure he belongs to a smaller breed, as he may not appreciate the energy of a young pup. The above section covers how to socialize your German Shepherd when he is a puppy. A German Shepherd is considered fully grown at 18 months. This transition from a young dog to an adult can be challenging. Just like teenagers have their socially awkward phase, young dogs do as well. To socialize a one-year-old German Shepherd, you must gradually expose him to indirect social stimuli by taking him on walks, having guests over, and making him feel secure about his status with you. A confident German Shepherd is one ready to go to a dog park. Maybe you got him from the shelter. By playing up the expression of contentment and satisfaction, you give your German Shepherd easy clues to tell when things are okay. Once your dog can see you smile, be relaxed, and use a calm tone in the presence of new people, he too can begin to relax. I quickly realized that I needed to relax more when exposing her to new situations. If you master your mood, you can socialize a German Shepherd well into adulthood. Now, you feel like he should be able to deal with people. To socialize a two-year-old German Shepherd, ensure you are entirely relaxed around company. Your dog may bark aggressively in some instances and act unbothered in others. Whenever he behaves right, reward him. This combination of social cues and positive reinforcement will socialize him. If people have a sudden adverse reaction to the dog because he is barking or snapping at them, he will associate people with discomfort. Instead, you can take him on walks on relatively desolate routes. Dogs do not bark out of bravery, they do so upon detecting threats, and this combination of aggressiveness and insecurity can make them highly antisocial. So, how do you socialize an aggressive German Shepherd? To socialize an aggressive German Shepherd, you must focus on making him feel secure and at ease. Understand that aggression comes from fear and self-preservation. Persisting positive treatment and reinforcing a calm demeanor can help make him a lot less aggressive. Here are a few things you can do to further a drop in aggression. Make a list of possible triggers that seem to get your dog anxious. This could be anything from people who wear beanies to people of a certain height. Knowing how aggressive your German Shepherd gets in the presence of each trigger will help you expose him to said trigger more gradually. Control the environment. Whether you use a harness or a crate, you should have mechanisms in place to control your German Shepherd. Slowly expose your dog to a trigger. Have a friend with a beard appear near his crate without trying to interact with him. Your German Shepherd will start barking but should be ignored. Once he stops barking, you can not just cuddle him but can give him a treat. Repeat the above steps until your dog is desensitized to the trigger. This will take a lot of patience, but eventually, he will be unbothered by the trigger, which will now come undone. Training an aggressive German Shepherd requires a lot of care and is better left to professionals, especially if you start to get nervous when he growls or snaps at people. How to Socialize an Older German Shepherd Getting an older German Shepherd to be more social should not wait because the later you socialize, the harder it is to pull it off. To socialize an older German Shepherd, slow down the socializing clock and take each of the following steps across four weeks each: introduce outside objects indoors, reward indoor exploring, invite friends over, take him outside on walks with gradually escalating levels of crowding and stimuli. Some people believe it is harder to socialize an older German Shepherd. It is incredibly hard, practically impossible, to socialize an older German Shepherd quickly. As a rule of thumb, assume he will take a month or five weeks to learn what a puppy would understand in a week. If an older German Shepherd is aloof and unbothered but not too interested in people, it might take a few weeks — and a few dozen treats to socialize him. By gradually bringing him closer with each walk, you will be able to slowly expose him to other dogs by taking him into the park. From four months to twelve months — A German Shepherd within this age range might take three weeks to enter the dog park without getting stressed or anxious. It might take anywhere between three to eight months to get them to feel comfortable around other dogs. You must be prepared for your GSD to bark endlessly. He might even try to tug you as he leaps forward. Finally, make sure to keep your composure and not be upset when he starts being aggressive. In contrast, when you stay calm and ignore his aggressiveness, the behavior gets discouraged without punishment. GSDs are intelligent , which means they will soon learn two things: Aggressiveness is useless. He gets attention by being calm. First and foremost, one of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to start socializing their German Shepherd. This is the critical period when your puppy is most receptive to new experiences and will be more likely to form positive associations with new people, animals, and environments. Another mistake to avoid is forcing your German Shepherd into social situations that make them uncomfortable. Pushing your dog too far too fast can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. On the other hand, another common mistake is sheltering your German Shepherd too much. This includes introducing them to new people, animals, and environments in a safe and controlled manner. The final mistake committed by people is not being consistent with their socialization efforts. Socialization is an ongoing process that requires regular exposure to new experiences and environments. Here are some engaging and enjoyable socialization activities that you can try with your German Shepherd: Puppy playdates: Arrange playdates with other puppies around the same age and size as your German Shepherd. This will help your pup learn how to interact with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. Dog-friendly outings: Take your German Shepherd to dog-friendly places like pet stores, dog parks, and outdoor cafes. This will expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells while also giving them the opportunity to interact with other dogs and people. Training classes: Enroll your German Shepherd in a training class, such as obedience or agility training. This will not only help them learn new skills, but also give them the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and people in a structured environment. Hiking or walking: Take your German Shepherd on hikes or long walks in different environments, such as the beach, mountains, or city streets. This will expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells while also providing great exercise and bonding time for you both. This will help them get used to traveling in the car and also expose them to new environments. Playtime at home: Play games with your German Shepherd at home, such as fetch or hide-and-seek. This will not only provide great exercise and mental stimulation, but also help build a strong bond between you and your pup. Socialization walks: Take your German Shepherd on walks in different neighborhoods or areas where they can interact with new people and dogs. This will help them get used to different types of people and dogs and also provide great exercise and socialization opportunities. These approaches work really well in making the process more engaging and successful as well. Final Thoughts: The Importance of Socialization German Shepherds are big dogs with incredible bite strength and single-mindedness that can turn into stubbornness if not managed. You have to teach them how to behave. Dogs are socially conscious, and when your German Shepherd is socially compatible with other dogs and people, his self-esteem and happiness will both improve because his canine cousins and people will be happy around him. Related Posts You May Like:. Training Socialization is a critical part of having a well-mannered pet. It is also an important part of raising a happy dog. Although dogs generally have the same socialization requirements, working dogs like GSDs might need extra care and attention simply because they grow to be larger animals with stronger personalities. How should you socialize a German Shepherd? How to Socialize Your German Shepherd The best way to socialize your German Shepherd is to give them many different types of experiences as early as possible. Expose them to different sounds, textures, situations, and environments. You should also give them opportunities to interact positively with different people and other animals. Otherwise, they could grow up to be fearful and incessantly suspicious of unfamiliar things in their environment. Such dogs will not only be unhappy and constantly anxious but could also develop fear-based aggression. Unsocialized German Shepherds are unenjoyable, difficult to care for, and possibly unsafe to own. Remember that GSDs grow up to be large and powerful dogs. They could cause serious harm if their lack of socialization causes them to behave improperly or lash out. Having a properly socialized GSD means being able to bring them places without fear of hurting others. You can trust them to tolerate guests and be friendly with other dogs and animals. Additionally, socialized dogs are unafraid of the vet or being handled by professional groomers. Ultimately, socialization allows you to have an enjoyable, fuss-free companion. Puppy socialization is most critical within their first six months of life and is most impactful around the 3-month mark. With proper handling and careful exposure to different experiences, they can still undoubtedly learn how to enjoy and interact with their surroundings. The best time to start socialization is as soon as you take them home. That means giving them many opportunities to have positive experiences with their environment. Here are some of the most impactful things you can do to raise a socialized pup: Take them to different places Giving your puppy the opportunity to have positive experiences in different environments enables them to avoid developing fears of the unfamiliar. When taking them to different places, try to also expose their paws to different textures like tile, soil, grass, metal grates, and concrete. Expose them to different situations Take your puppies on car rides and let them walk through crowds and places with plenty of traffic. Expose them to different types of loud noises and walk them beside bikes, cars, motorcycles, and scooters. Try to make every experience a positive one so that they understand that everything is just a normal part of life. Attend training classes Enrolling in a puppy foundations class enables you to learn the best ways to raise your German Shepherd. But it also gives you the additional benefit of being in close contact with other pet owners and their dogs. Involve different people A properly socialized dog knows how to respond to the presence of people. The only way they can master this is to involve different people in their socialization and let them learn through experience. Introduce them to different animals German Shepherds are not only good with other dogs but also with cats and other animals. By interacting and having fun with other animals, they learn to behave properly around them. How to Socialize an Older German Shepherd An older German Shepherd will have already accumulated negative experiences and developed their own ways to cope with fear and anxiety. They may already have dislikes and preferences that would be challenging to change. Nevertheless, socializing an adult GSD is not at all impossible. The most crucial step of socializing an older German Shepherd is to gain their trust. They need to respect you and understand that they can look to you for leadership. The only way to accomplish this is to spend some time with them, develop a relationship, and enable them to associate you with positive experiences. You just have to ensure you have better control due to their size and strength and have the patience to progress slowly so as not to overwhelm them with experiences they were previously wary of. German Shepherd Socialization Problems Lack of socialization is the most common reason why German Shepherds develop behavioral problems. Here are some issues you might experience with an unsocialized GSD: Defensive Aggression Fear-based aggression is one of the most severe consequences of not socializing your German Shepherd. They are uneasy in many situations and respond through defensive aggression. This might include snarling, lunging, charging, and biting. So when they lack positive experiences with their environment, they tend to bark more frequently in an effort to scare their perceived threats away. Destructive Behavior Anxious and nervous dogs tend to be more destructive. They could also develop obsessive-compulsive behaviors like digging or nipping at themselves. Hyperalertness German Shepherds are naturally alert and protective. This leads to a dog that is unable to turn off, is unceasingly vigilant, and seems to be constantly stressed. Final Thoughts The main goal of socializing your German Shepherd is to have a safe, well-adjusted, and pleasurable companion. Socialization also enables them to be happy and confident dogs that engage positively with their environment, other people, and other animals. If you want to learn more about raising a properly socialized, happy, and well-mannered German Shepherd, check out these 10 tips for successful GSD training. These are just a few examples of ways you could socialize your German Shepherd puppy. If there are other events and areas you know you would like to take your dog as an adult, then make sure to start introducing them to these places when they are young. Here is a comprehensive check-list of different places, people, and objects to introduce your puppy to. Should my German Shepherd puppy be fully vaccinated before socializing in public? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. When searching this topic online you will find several different answers. Puppies will require three sets of puppy vaccines, spaced 3 weeks apart from each injection. When you take your puppy out in public before they have received adequate protection from all three vaccines, their body is still at risk for contracting infectious illnesses. Many puppies that contract the deadly parvovirus, are in fact puppies that were taken in public after receiving just one or two vaccines before their vaccination routine was complete. Infectious disease can be anywhere, and it is never worth the risk. While you wait for your puppy to be fully vaccinated, you can still engage them in positive socialization experiences. For example, you can: Invite other people to your home. Take them on car rides. Hold them in your arms at pet stores or events, and let other people greet them. Take them to the vet for their routine care. If you begin the vaccination process at weeks of age, your pup can be fully vaccinated by 16 weeks. This leaves you plenty of time to adequately socialize your German Shepherd puppy. Some ways that you can begin to socialize an older dog are: Take them for walks: Taking your dog for frequent walks can teach them so many things. On your walks they may see new surroundings, new people, new animals, and experience new smells. Each walk they go on will give them more experience to relate to, and will in turn boost their confidence. Invite people over: A dog that is not welcoming of others in your home can be dangerous. By showing them friendly interactions with you and others in your home, they will slowly ease into the idea of new people in their environment. This will also help to show them the difference between a welcome visitor and a hostile intruder. Introduce them to other dogs carefully: If you are adopting an older dog, you may not know about their previous experience with other dogs. First, start by introducing them to other pups while they are both controlled on a leash. If this goes well, you can start with short supervised interactions. After these steps are successful, you can slowly work up to dog-friendly environment and parks. Introducing your Shepherd to other dogs when they are a young puppy will be significantly easier than when they are adults. When possible, start introducing them to other dogs and puppies once they are fully vaccinated. By doing this at a young age, you are setting them up to be a well-socialized dog who enjoys the company of other dogs. What if they were not socialized as puppies? What if you adopted an older Shepherd with a tough past? Friendly encounters: When possible, try your best to introduce your nervous dog to friendly dogs. Neutral areas: If your German Shepherd has never met another dog, you will not want to initiate this introduction in your own home. Shepherds can be protective of their home and may become aggressive if they fear their home is being threatened by another dog. Meeting in a neutral setting that neither dog has a tie to is best. Muzzles: If you fear that your dog may become aggressive with another dog, consider putting a basket muzzle on your dog. This will protect other dogs and people from being bitten, without causing your dog any discomfort. Leashes: Any time your dog meets another dog for the first time, keep both canines on a leash. This way you can control the situation if anything goes wrong. Know their limit: If your dog seems anxious, overwhelmed, panicked, aggressive, or shows any other signs of concern — take a step back. Try again another day. Once you have followed these steps above, you should continue to repeat this process until your German Shepherd has become comfortable with other dogs. Each GSD is different and will require a different process than others. While this is an incredible quality in a family dog, it can be quite dangerous when this trait is not controlled. Making sure that your dog is well behaved around new people is one of the most important steps in the socialization process. Some ways to appropriately introduce your Shepherd to new people include: Invite family and friends over. Get them use to people ringing your doorbell. Take them to other houses. Take them to public settings. Stop and talk to people on your walks with your dog. Ask others to interact with your dog on walks have the person talk to your dog, pet it, give it treats. If there are any specific settings or people you would like them to interact with, make sure to introduce them to your dog as early as possible. If your dog goes to a dog park before they are properly socialized and fights with another dog, they are going to associate that experience with other dogs in general. Controlling these situations when possible will help to socialize your dog in a positive way. Start with the basics, and work your way to more challenging situations. A correct pattern of socialization might be to first take your dog on walks, then invite others over, then introduce them to another dog in a controlled environment, then finally work up to social settings with other dogs. Make sure to not skip important steps. Watch your attitude: Socializing your German Shepherd can be a frustrating process. Each dog will progress at their own rate and will need to be surrounded by an encouraging environment. Try your best to be calm, supportive, and kind in new situations for your dog. Offer them praise: If your dog is doing things correctly, you want to make sure to offer them the praise that they deserve. Did it do well on your walk today? Offer it a healthy treat when you return home. Did it play nicely with the new dog they met on your walk today? Make sure to give it extra pats and tell them what a great job they did. These things matter to your pup and will encourage them to continue this behavior. Work at their pace: Quickly forcing your German Shepherd out of their comfort zone is not the answer in proper socialization. For example, if you know your dog does not do well with other dogs, your first instinct should not be to set them loose in a crowded dog park. Introduce these stressful triggers in small doses. Your dog will appreciate it, and it will prevent any setbacks in your socialization process. Try your best to not scold, hit, or punish your dog in any way when they are not socializing in a way you would like. Take a step back, and figure out another way that you can make this work. Basic Obedience Training A german shepherd puppy trained by a dog trainer in a green environment at a sunny springtime. German Shepherds are incredibly obedient dogs that love to please their owners. By teaching them basic commands, you are giving them purpose, and fulfilling their needs to serve their people. By giving them new challenges and commands to learn, you are helping to keep them mentally fit. Some basic obedience training includes: Sit. Digital Marketing German shepherd puppies are energetic, smart and curious about the world around them. These dogs love human interaction and need positive experiences to thrive. Socialization helps your German Shepherd puppy grow into an adult dog who is comfortable in new situations. Socialization is all about exposing a puppy to different experiences, including but not limited to different people, animals, environments, sounds, surfaces, or objects. A well-socialized German Shepherd puppy will grow up to be incredibly well-behaved and socially accepted with well-channelized instincts. So how do you socialize with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will introduce you to everything you need to know on how to socialize a German Shepherd puppy. Puppy socialization explained In essence, socialization helps them learn what to expect from the world around them and gives them the tools they need to navigate it as they get older. This includes new people, dogs, and animals, learning how to interact with new environments, and being exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, and sights. Puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be healthy, obedient pets that make great additions to any household. The importance of socializing a GSD puppy Socialization is an important part of dog ownership. It helps your dog adjust to different situations and learn how to behave appropriately in various environments. This means that every interaction they have with their environment can have a significant impact on their development as a dog. Keep it positive While exposing your strong-willed GSD to a stimulus for the first time, always remember to keep things ultra-positive, encourage curiosity and allow plenty of space and time. When should I start socializing my GSD puppy? Your German Shepherd Puppy is at the critical socialization phase during the first three months of their life. This is when they are like sponges and are most open to new experiences. The exposure your puppy will get during this period will decide the kind of dog he will grow up to be and can also prevent possible behavioral issues in the future. The potential problems of an under-socialized German Shepherd Dog An under-socialized dog may become anxious or distressed when left alone, and it may bark excessively or chew furniture. It may not be well-behaved around other dogs and it could bite someone if it feels threatened. As a result, an under-socialized dog can be a nuisance and difficult to manage, and they are more likely to develop undesirable behaviors in the future, such as excessive barking or aggression towards other dogs and people. Socializing a GSD puppy at an early age will help your puppy display calmness as a response to novelty, which is of utmost importance in social situations. While introducing your pup to a new stimulus, remember to — — Reward frequently for good behavior — Avoid overstimulation — Keep hyper behavior in check by taking frequent breaks — Give your puppy a choice to back off in case of discomfort — Always end on a positive note 1 Socialize your German Shepherd puppy on different surfaces While introducing your puppy to new surfaces, ensure ease and safety. If your dog is unwilling to step onto a certain surface, use treats and toys to encourage movement and have your dog on a leash. Puppies can be apprehensive of certain surfaces like metal. Take it slow, ensure repeated, positive exposure and never force or drag your puppy.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. E-mail Share by e-mail Every dog likes the occasional treat! Dog treats come in all shapes, sizes, and ingredients, and can be store-bought or homemade. Your dog will rarely say no to a treat, and if they do it may be a sign that they are unwell. German Shepherds are known to be predisposed to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, so keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight is important. Why are we using treats? Entertainment and motivation during a trening session are the most common reasons for giving a treat. Treats can be very motivating during training sessions, particularly because German Shepherds are so smart, they notice if there is no treat and can decide to stop listening. If using treats for training, you want to choose small, low-calorie treats that your dog enjoys eating. Treats can also have health benefits, such as dental chews. Dental treats that are VOHC certified are beneficial in reducing the rate of dental tartar buildup and can be used as part of a healthy diet to maintain good oral hygiene. Entertainment is another common reason for giving a treat, for example, if you need to go out and your dog will be left alone for a few hours, having a chew can keep your dog busy until you return. We strongly suggest against chews such as raw hides or pig ears as whilst cheap, can cause problems such as blockages in the intestines and tummy upsets. A chew toy smothered in peanut butter xylitol free or a thin layer of cream cheese would be a perfect alternative if looking for a homemade chew toy. Homemade vs store bought When making dog treats at home, you can control portion size and use flavors that your dog loves. Buying from the store offers a lot of conveniences, but homemade treats are easy to make and have the added benefit of no artificial preservatives or flavorings. You can control portion size and use flavors that your dog loves. There are many recipes that are easy to follow and free online with a little searching. After freezing your dog will enjoy a snack that lasts for a few hours whilst you are busy doing other things. Lickimats smeared with a layer of frozen yogurt and berries or other ingredients are another great treat your dog can enjoy at home to keep them entertained whilst you are working or out of the home. Store-bought treats If your puppy is still very young, be careful about the size of the treat since they tend to gulp down treats. Food allergies can make your dog quite unwell, so are best avoided if possible. Store-bought treats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and calories. Try and look for lower calorie treats if you give lots of treats to your dog during the day. If your puppy is still very young, be careful about the size of the treat. Young puppies tend to gulp down treats and if the treat is large, it can be a choking hazard. Some of our favorite treats are: Greenies Dental chews. Peanut Butter Smart Sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide chews. They will keep your dog chewing busily for some time and are a tasty flavor. These snacks have around 50 calories per treat so only give occasionally. Stewart Pro Treat Beef liver Freeze dried dog treats. Particularly good if your puppy is already on a raw food diet. Its small bite size and low calorie per treat make this a good option for daily training activities. Dogswell hip and joint Jerky. With beef and chicken as flavor options, this treat is more than just a snack. Summary There are many treat options available for your German Shepherd Puppy. Choosing low-calorie, yet flavorsome treats will encourage your puppy to respond well to training commands. German Shepherds bond highly to their main handler or trainer so treats are often central to creating this strong bond. There will be the perfect dog treat out there for them that they will love! The best treats are low calorie, small in size, and tasty to your puppy- look for meat-based flavors to really get their enthusiasm up. Can German Shepherd puppies have treats? Yes, German Shepherd puppies can have treats as part of a balanced diet to help with training, and socialization and to keep them entertained around the home. Remember to reduce their main meal to account for the treat calories. What are good training treats for German Shepherds? Royal Canin Educ treats are low calorie, vitamin-packed and tasty and will help with training your German Shepherd. What treats do German Shepherds eat? A German Shepherd is not particularly fussy and will eat most treats offered, both store-bought and homemade. The trick is to find the treat your dog is crazy about which can take a little time to work out. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. All of these take time in the early days. However, as the puppy matures and reaches adulthood, looking after a German Shepherd gets a little easier. Nonetheless, a young adult will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. Without anyone to fulfill this role, a German Shepherd will not be happy in your home no matter what kind of care you provide. You should only get a German Shepherd if: Your house has a backyard. Or you have enough space and enough dedication to take him on lots of walks to expend his pent-up energy. You have a family or regular company. German Shepherds mimic their owners, and if you are asocial, your dog might turn inwards and become aggressive to other people and pets. You have enough time to dedicate to your dog every day. If you leave him for extended periods every day, your dog will develop separation anxiety. Avoid getting a German Shepherd if you cannot be around him. You are an active person. If you enjoy outdoor activities, like walking or hiking, and love socializing, a German Shepherd will complement your life. More importantly, your new dog will be happier with you. You can afford their monthly expense. Monthly costs for food, treats, vet fees, toys, etc. Prior to this, you have the initial costs of a crate, bed, leash, harness, travel crate, playpen, etc. But if it is, then you will have a lot of fun and a fulfilling experience caring for your GSD. To care for a German Shepherd, you must feed him a highly nutritious diet, exercise him daily for 1. Ongoing training, twice-weekly grooming, and vet check-ups are all part of caring for a GSD. An adult dog needs to be fed twice per day to discourage bloat and ensure proper digestion, whereas a growing puppy will need feeding times a day at regular intervals. Your dog will need 1, to 2, calories per day depending on his weight. If you adopt a senior German Shepherd, he will need only 1, calories at a weight of 90 lbs. However, in most cases, owners looking for a guide to care for a German Shepherd have adopted a younger puppy. This UK study found that one disorder of GSDs recorded by vets included obesity, alongside joint issues and arthritis. I prefer going with breed-specific products made by trusted brands. You can then switch to the adult variety. Do you want to learn all about the best diet for German Shepherds? This is good because it allows you to anchor the command and familiarize your dog with the norm of going outside to go potty. German Shepherds will usually be fully house trained by six months and may only need to pee every hours. It also has the option of single or double doors. An asocial dog is a wolf to our subconscious. Your job is to promote curiosity by encouraging him to follow you around. Have tempting treats just around the corner. Egg him on to follow you by danging attractive playable objects like a tug rope. This is also a good time to start bringing home objects that the puppy is likely to witness outdoors. This builds a bridge of familiarity between the outdoors and the indoors. If you expose him to other humans during this period, including children, he becomes friendly. A German Shepherd exposed to humans at a young age is less anxious and gets treated better as a consequence. Some new dog owners make the mistake of waiting until their puppy is grown enough to go on walks then take them to meet people. By then, the pup has already built an idea of an in-group and sees all strangers as the out-group. You should carry your puppy and get him to experience different sights, sounds, smells, and noises as soon as you get him. Have friends and family pet him before he develops a biting reflex. With enough positive exposure during this stage, your pup will likely see human presence as a good thing. Stage Three: Other Dogs Your friends will want your new puppy to visit. To socialize your German Shepherd with other dogs, you need to reward him for being quiet and calm around them. Before full immunization, carry him to the dog park and let him observe the other dogs. Reward him for good behavior and speak calmly and with praise. Remove him from the situation if he growls or barks, and calm him down. Once he is calm, try again. Sufficiently Exercise Your German Shepherd Young German Shepherds are very energetic, and if they do not get a productive outlet to release their excess energy, they can become destructive. To avoid scratched furniture and chewed-up rugs, you should exercise your GSD sufficiently for his age. An adult dog will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. As a rough guide, a German Shepherd puppy needs 5 minutes of exercise twice a day for every month of age. So, an 8-week-old puppy can exercise for 10 minutes twice daily, while a three-month-old can exercise for 15 minutes twice daily. Follow this rule until the puppy is fully grown. Common mistakes to avoid when exercising the dog are: Taking a dog on walks outside before he is fully vaccinated — A puppy should not be taken out for walks until 2 weeks after the final vaccinations which are usually given between weeks .Letting the German Shepherd jump too early — Exercising a German Shepherd puppy entails being careful not to damage his growth plates. They can safely jump after they are fully grown at 18 months old. Not making exercise fun — If you treat exercise as simply that, your German Shepherd will not have fun. He can pick up on your mood, so you should make exercising enjoyable for you both. Mental exercise is easier to turn into a fun routine. From training a GSD to do party tricks to giving him fun puzzles to solve, there are many fun ways to provide mental stimulation for your German Shepherd. When your dog is bored, he might start bothering you by engaging in destructive attention-seeking behaviors. GSDs are among the smartest dog breeds, with the average dog being as intelligent as a two-year-old human. This puzzle doubles as a treat dispenser, which automates the reward mechanism. What I like about this specific product is that it comes in different levels of difficulty. With levels 1 through 4 produced by the same brand, you can reliably amp up the challenge level as your German Shepherd gets smarter. You can check out this article for some great tips on how to exercise your pup, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. During playtimes, you and your doggo are engaged in low-effort, enjoyable activities. Games are the bridge joining mental and physical exercise to constitute play. Here are some of the games you can play with your German Shepherd: Fetch — This is good for building rapport between you and your dog, improving his response time, and conditioning him for obedience. Hide and Seek — Playing hide and seek with your dog also improves his tracking skills. You train your dog to pick up a scent and follow clues. Tug of war — Playing tug of war with your German Shepherd can be a lot of fun. However, as your dog grows, you might find the game challenging once he is 90 lbs! So, bear this in mind if you play this game with your young pup. Cups and treats — This is a game where cups are turned upside down, and a treat is hidden underneath one cup. You quickly shuffle the cups changing their position, and the GSD gets a treat for pointing out the right one. They still have their cute side of course, but they are often a whole lot more work than most people expect. And when it comes to German Shepherd puppies, while not anymore difficult than any other breed, there are a few specific things that may help both you and your furry pup through the struggle of puppy-hood. German Shepherds, in general, tend to be very loyal, loving, and protective. But they do have other characteristics that are good to be aware of before getting a puppy, in order to ensure that they are the right match for you. German Shepherd puppies can be a little shy and anxious sometimes, which, if not treated properly could develop into fear-based aggression. Socialization becomes very important for these puppies in order to keep the shyness and aggression in check. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and intelligent. So keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the doggie activities! If you like your privacy, you may want to reconsider getting a German Shepherd because these puppies will follow you everywhere. Training in this area becomes extremely critical if you want to prevent their biting from transitioning into a much more dangerous game. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly intense when it comes to playtime, so get ready for some heavy-duty wrestling. You will need to supervise any interactions with other dogs to ensure that nobody gets hurt. A German Shepherd puppy just might be the right one for you. Finding Your Puppy The first step in caring for your puppy is finding your puppy, and the best place to go for that is a reputable breeder. While you can find plenty of breeders on the internet, your best bet would be to ask for referrals from other German Shepherd owners that you know. This way you can ensure that you find a German Shepherd puppy that has been well cared for from birth, giving you a great head start. And while there will be many times for playing and cuddling during the first few days and onward, even the very first moments you spend with your puppy are extremely critical for training. Potty Training Little puppies have little bladders, which means they will have to relieve themselves every two hours or so until they are about six months old. Take your puppy to your designated potty area frequently and praise your pup if he goes in the right place. Using a specific spot, rather than just the entire backyard, will help immensely during potty training. Sticking to a schedule can help minimize accidents. A good starting point is to take your puppy outside 20 minutes after eating, as this is generally when he will need to relieve himself. You will also need to wake up two or three times in the night to check on your pup. And keep an eye on him throughout the day. If he is whimpering uneasily, he probably needs to potty. Crate Training Crate training your German Shepherd puppy will become a huge help while you are teaching him the house rules. It also helps give them a safe place they can call their own. Keep your crate somewhere in the home where there are people around to supervise, but not too public or chaotic of a place that he will feel scared or threatened. Also, make sure the crate is not so small that they feel trapped and uncomfortable. Your pup should be able to comfortably stretch and lie down if they want to. Even when your dog is in the crate, make sure he is on his best behavior. If your pup exhibits bad behavior in the crate and you respond by taking him out, he may develop bad habits. Once your puppy calms down or shows good behavior, reward him by letting him out and giving him praise. Socialization Especially as German Shepherd puppies can lean more towards the aggressive side, socialization is critical if you want to keep this aggression in check. Letting your puppy meet new people and new dogs during the first couple months of life can really make a difference in his social skills and overall behavior. Let your puppy spend quality time with the family and everyone who may frequent your home such as neighbors, relatives, and babysitters. General Training The first thing your puppy should learn during training is that you are in charge. Otherwise, your puppy will take on that role himself and you could lose control completely. German Shepherd puppies respond well to positive training techniques, so keep those treats handy! Feeding Although your German Shepherd puppy may be small, his diet should not be. Growing from a puppy to an adult dog is hard work, and he will need a strong, healthy diet in order to do it. Until 6 months of age your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day. The best way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of grub is to check his ribs. You should be able to feel them through his skin, but not see them. The most common type of puppy food is your everyday kibble, but actually, raw dog foods are the best way to go, even for the littlest of pups. About Emilyn Gil Hello! My name is Emilyn and I am currently studying English at Utah Valley University and working as a copywriter, researcher and mother. Although I have had just one dog throughout my life, my sweet Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel mix, Pup, has given me many fond memories that I hold dear. In addition, have also owned and cared for cats, fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, chickens, goats, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. Every one of these adorable pets has given me a love for all kinds of animal friends, which is something that I hope to share here at TruDog.

High body temperature Disorientation Take necessary measures yourself or visit a veterinarian if you see these signs of heatstroke in your Labradoodle. Labradoodle Heavy Breathing at Night Did you know your Labradoodle breathes or pants heavily at night too? Apart from daytime activities that cause heavy breathing, Labradoodles also breathe heavily at night for the reasons below. A cute puppy enjoying a Vet visit Heat Labradoodles breathe heavily at night when they feel hot. Check the area where your Labradoodle sleeps if this happens. The material your dog sleeps upon may also cause it to feel the heat. Dreams As unusual as it sounds, dogs pant at night when they dream. Your Labradoodle may pant heavily when dreaming of themselves chasing something or engaging in strenuous activities. However, this should not present a problem if the dog does not whimper or display anxiety. Anxiety and Stress Labradoodles may also breathe heavily because of anxiety and stress. Labradoodles represent a social dog species that rely on humans for support. The reasons below highlight why Labradoodles experience anxiety and stress. Separation As highly social dogs, Labradoodles tend to harbor the fear of separation from you at night. Dogs that sleep alone at night tend to display this fear more than others. Age Anxiety tends to arise in older dogs because of mental and physical changes. It can lead to heavy panting or breathing. Noise Dogs generally feel scared of loud noises coming from speakers and other sources. Your Labradoodle may pant heavily if you like throwing loud parties or love listening to loud music on your speakers. Strangers Some dogs fear strangers and may suffer from stress and anxiety when you receive new guests at your home. Dogs do remember their previous owners. Quality Labradoodle rescues will try to identify potential issues and give you coping strategies. Surroundings Your Labradoodle may also suffer stress and anxiety when in a new environment. Poisonous Food Sometimes, your Labradoodle may eat something it should not. Simple things like chocolate to harmful substances like xylitol e. They may puke and display increased heart rates when they eat these food items. If your Labradoodle breathes heavily because of something it ate, we recommend seeing a vet as soon as possible. It may breathe heavily because of diseases like cancer, pneumonia, tumors, or other respiratory diseases. Visit a vet if you suspect your dog suffers from a disease. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. So how do you stop heavy breathing in Labradoodles? The points below show different ways you can stop or lessen this. Temperature Checks Check the temperature indoors and outdoors. Do not take your Labradoodle outdoors in hot weather. It may result in heatstroke. Ensure your dog remains hydrated throughout the day. Check the temperature of the areas where your dog sleeps. Change its sleeping area if you notice too much heat in that particular area of the room. Proper meals and regular exercises Avoid feeding your Labradoodle with sugar or fatty food. Also, take it for regular walks to keep it healthy and fit. Stress-free Environment Make sure your dog receives an anxiety-free environment to live in. If your Labradoodle pants heavily, it may point to stress and anxiety. Avoid touching your dog. Instead, use gentle commands or take it to its favorite spots to calm it down. Visit a Vet If your Labradoodle continues to pant or breathe heavily, make a visit to the vet to help diagnose and understand the problem. We also recommend consulting a vet in cases like food poisoning or heatstroke. Conclusion Most dogs pant or breathe heavily to maintain body temperature. Do not worry if you see heavy breathing in your Labradoodle after strenuous activities or exercises. If, however, it breathes heavily with symptoms of stress, coughing, or breathlessness, you should take it to the vet for a thorough check-up. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. To understand the difference between a puppy panting and breathing normally while sleeping, you must first know its breathing rate. While the latter takes 10 to 35 breaths in a minute, the former takes 15 to .That said, not all puppy breeds will have the same breathing rate. In other cases, it could be normal! It could be a part of the growing stage When a puppy is born, do you realize how fast it grows in the blink of an eye? In the next few months, your puppy will be as energetic as ever while continuously advancing in age. As your puppy ages, it requires a healthy diet, exercise regime, and enough sleep. Due to this reason, there are chances for the puppy to breathe heavily or pant while sleeping. When you notice your puppy panting as it sleeps, especially during its growing stage, monitoring it might be a good idea. This includes finding out how often it happens and for how long. In some cases, the panting might be temporary. Also, ensure that there are no accompanying symptoms like coughing. For instance, when a puppy goes through pain like a pulled muscle, it will start panting to endure it. Even though panting may not relieve the pain, it may allow the puppy to control it. Panting while sleeping could also mean that your puppy is getting sickly. For instance, it could be due to kennel cough, asthma, or simply congestion. Accordingly, you can assess whether you must take your puppy to the vet. It could be undergoing anxiety A major problem for your panting puppy while sleeping is anxiety. Moreover, the puppy is away from its mother, leading to more anxiety and fear. In such an instance, your puppy will always be on alert. You need to take time for yourself and your puppy to adjust to each other. Overwhelming the puppy with training or negativity too early may only lead to panting in an unhealthy manner. It could be having a vivid dream Remember how you suddenly get startled when you have a vivid dream? As you may have guessed, dogs are also prone to such dreams! All you need to do is relax and enjoy this irresistible moment! Apart from your puppy breathing fast, it may also make faint sounds and movements. As long as your puppy is panting lightly at intervals with no significant symptoms, you can watch it sleep even better while having sweet dreams! Since dogs do not sweat like humans, panting helps them adjust their body temperature. In this sense, they breathe in lots of cool air, thereby bringing down the body warmth. It could be undergoing a worm outbreak Another reason puppies pant or breathe fast when sleeping is an infestation of worms. As you already know, this outbreak is most common in dogs when they are puppies rather than adults. Moreover, it may also lead to health symptoms like coughing, breathing problems, or chest inflation. A potential worm infestation is easily treatable. Before long, your puppy will be hale and healthy! It could be having difficulty in breathing A breathing problem or respiratory problem is one of the first health issues a puppy can undergo. This could be due to pneumonia or even anemia. In any case, this issue could be highly significant or mild. Once you notice an abnormal panting of your puppy, you need to address the issue immediately. As mentioned, monitor its breathing rate and take action by visiting the vet if need be. If it does happen to be a case of respiratory problems, the doctor can provide adequate treatment to your puppy. It could be because of its recent activity How adorable is it when you find your puppy cheerful and energetic almost the entire day? Once it retires to get sound sleep, the puppy may start breathing heavily to breathe in more oxygen. However, if your puppy has had enough resting time but still pants in its sleep while inhibiting signs of discomfort, you may have to be alert. It could simply be normal! As you may have realized, babies tend to breathe faster than adults. The same goes for canines, where puppies breathe fast as they start falling asleep. Again, different dog breeds may have varying breathing rates. For instance, it could show some concerning symptoms, for which you need to be on your toes. So, what are these indicators? However, if you find your puppy abnormally panting for days, getting professional help should be your priority. 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. As with any other mammal, there can be many different reasons why a dog may breath faster than normal. The main purpose of breathing is simply to get oxygen into the bloodstream. So this means that faster breathing can be a sign that your dog is in need of more oxygen, and that is something we will look a bit more closely at just a bit later. The normal breathing rate for an adult dog is less than breaths a minute. And that number is a bit higher for puppies. And the reason for that is a result of dogs having evolved an interesting and handy way to keep themselves cool. Why Do Labradoodles Pant Asking why is my Labradoodle always panting, is a very fair question, and it is a good thing that you are truly concerned for your canine friend! We, humans, cool ourselves efficiently through glands in the skin. These glands are able to produce a liquid that cools our bodies through evaporation. But the only place where dogs have a few sweat glands is in their feet. And they are unable to control their body temperature using this method. So that is why they have developed a different cooling system that uses their mouths as very efficient radiators instead. The water evaporating from your Labradoodles open mouth as air is rapidly passed back and forward which is able to cool him very efficiently. Just as we lose water from our bodies when we sweat during our cooling process, so do our dogs. And if you have a dog that pants for a very long period of time, expect it to get quite thirsty. Normal Panting in Labradoodles When you have a well-built dog like a Labradoodle , it is completely normal for it to pant during exercise and extended periods of playtime. And that will usually continue for a short period afterward, as it is how your dog is able to stay nice and cool inside. You will also notice that panting is a very typical response to excitement or stress in a dog. What is normal in one dog might be different in another, which also includes their different temperaments and how they respond to stress. So, it is a good thing to make a note of what is normal for your doodle. Because panting can also accompany health problems, if you notice excessive panting in your dog, it can be a warning sign that something is wrong. It can be a sign for many different things, including that your dog is too hot, too stressed, in some kind of pain, or short of oxygen. Panting due to over-heating Heatstroke is not only something that can happen to humans, but it is also possible for dogs to be affected, and it is important to be aware that excessive panting in a very warm climate can be a serious sign of danger. Be especially mindful of this when playing with your dog or exercising him, in the hottest time of the day in the warmest periods of the year. Early in the morning or perhaps later in the evening is a better time for exercise during the warm summer months, or if you live in a generally warmer climate. If your dog gets an infection and the fever that usually follows, it can also be the cause of panting. And this is something that is a more and more common issue with dogs, so if you think your dog could spare to shed a few pounds check out this article. Putting your furry friend on a diet will not only make him a lot more comfortable, but also a lot healthier too. Signs of pain in dogs Dogs are very good at hiding any signs of the pain they might be feeling. This is a strategy that is very natural and something that all wild animals use too, because showing signs of pain in nature is an indication of vulnerability and weakness, and will almost certainly make the animal a target for assault or predatory behavior from other animals. But unlike animals in the wild, a dog that is unwell or in pain may have some tell-tale signs that those who know him the best might find to be out of the ordinary. Those signs can be things such as your dog being strangely still, or in the opposite, very restless. You may perhaps also notice your dog pant excessively or even start panting in situations where you have never heard him pant before. If you find that your dog is unusually restless, panting and seems to be in a generally uncomfortable situation, and is panting at a time and in a place where it would usually be relaxed, you have every reason to be a bit concerned. If you have the least bit of worry about the situation, it is best to phone your vet immediately and describe the situation and ask him whether or not you should bring in your dog for a check-up. As you can see, the reasons for panting can be very varied and it is not always easy for us to determine the exact cause. But generally, if you think your dog is panting more than he should be, you should talk to your vet as soon as possible. Remember that excessive panting can be a sign that something is very wrong. If you feel that he is acting out of the ordinary, he probably is. Give the vet a ring to make sure your furry friend can be fully checked up on. 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. Using gestures and body language are clearer ways to communicate effectively with your labradoodle in a language easily understood by both of you. Dogs, like humans, are all different. Step in, remove yourself and your labradoodle or do something that changes what is happening or about to happen. Labradoodle eyes are known for their ability to express many different things. This signifies a challenge to whomever is being stared at. This type of gaze is threatening. If your labradoodle averts his eyes he is showing deference to either the person or another dog. When pupils are dilated this is an indication that your labradoodle is afraid. Very wide open eyes where you can see the whites of the eye is also an Indication that your labrdoodle is afraid. Eyes that are darting all over the place rapidly is another sign of fear. Ear positions and posture also communicate different feelings: A labradoodle is calm when his ears are in a neutral, relaxed position. If the ears are turned forward, up and alert this means the dog is either being very attentive or in a state of aggression. Ears that are flattened and pinned back indicate a defensive and fearful emotional state. Licking the lips with the tongue flicking in and out is another sign of being anxious. Lips curled up with teeth showing, otherwise referred to as a snarl, is at times a result of the dog being in a playful state or a sign of aggression. A snarl is a warning sign. Growling sounds are similar to a snarl in that they are often emitted during play time but a growl also serves as a very useful warning sound to people and dogs that things are making your labradoodle annoyed. Barking communicates a variety of things, it could be a reaction to a charged situation, a warning given to a stranger be that human or another dog, excitement over a game, playful or a fearful bark. A common mistake made by people is to tell their dog not to bark or growl at all. Eliminating those two types of verbal communication from a dog gives a dog no option but to go straight to aggressive behaviour. Taking your dog out of the situation that is causing him difficulty will result in the dog becoming quiet again. How a dog carries themselves is the final physical communication area: A labradoodle who is carrying themselves in a relaxed and soft posture is a calm dog. Having her hackles up is a clear sign your dog is distressed, on high alert and preparing to become aggressive. When your dog rolls over she is showing that she is submissive to the situation, other dog s or human s in the vicinity. For labradoodles, being on their back is a trait they all seem to possess. Many labradoodles prefer to sleep on their backs which is unusual for other breeds of dogs. At Van Isle we feel our labradoodles do this because they are so entirely trusting of their environment.

Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Look no further than our adorable and lovable pug puppies for sale. Pugs are known for their playful, loving, and loyal nature, making them a perfect addition to any household. Their wrinkled faces and expressive eyes will melt your heart and their silly antics will keep you entertained for hours. Our pug puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, ensuring that they are well-socialized and ready to become a part of your family. They have been exposed to a variety of people and animals, so they are comfortable in any situation. They are also up to date on all vaccinations and have been vet-checked to ensure they are in the best of health. Pugs are known to be great with children and other pets, making them perfect for families with kids or homes with other pets. They are also small enough to live in apartments or homes with limited space, but still have plenty of energy to play and have fun. One of the best things about pugs is their adaptable nature. Contact us today to schedule a visit and take the first step in bringing your new best friend home! I was kept informed of what was happening and what to expect. She learnt her new name quickly, loves her toys and most of all, loves tug o war games and simply cuddling up. A wonderful experience. Received a very happy, healthy and well adjusted pug puppy. Even my vet was impressed! DAWSON We bought our first puppy from Teresia Pug Puppies Home, Teresia was so reassuring and helpful, she encourage us not to rush to a decision and was there throughout, offering help and guidance with out little pup! Would definitely recommend! We give you a bundle of joy.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Now it is time to focus more on gender and german shepherd growth rates. The official breed standard for the German Shepherd dog states that adult dogs can stand between 22 and 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. The official breed standard also specifies that adult male german shepherds often stand taller and weigh more than an adult female german shepherd. Typically, an adult male German Shepherd will stand two inches taller and weigh anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds more than an adult female german shepherd. This is exactly why a bigger German Shepherd male dog is likely to continue growing for a longer period because the skeleton can only grow so fast. It uses an average German Shepherd pup that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age. One month old A one-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 9. Two months old A two-month-old GSD puppy may weigh up to .Three months old A three-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Four months old A four-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Five months old A five-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Six months old A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Seven months old A seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Eight months old An eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Nine months old A nine-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Ten months old A ten-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 72 pounds, representing about 94 percent of the growing left to do. Eleven months old An eleven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Twelve months old A twelve-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 76 pounds, representing about percent of the growing left to do. Female German Shepherd For a female German Shepherd puppy, the weight range in adulthood typically varies between 50 pounds and 80 pounds. Puppies will be between 22 to 24 inches tall paw pads to shoulders on average. It uses an average female German Shepherd that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age. One month old A one-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 7 pounds, representing about 11 percent of the growing left to do. Two months old A two-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 16 pounds, representing about 26 percent of the growing left to do. Three months old A three-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 27 pounds, representing about 41 percent of the growing left to do. Four months old A four-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 36 pounds, representing about 55 percent of the growing left to do. Five months old A five-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 44 pounds, representing about 66 percent of the growing left to do. Six months old A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 50 pounds, representing about 75 percent of the growing left to do. Seven months old A seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 54 pounds, representing about 82 percent of the growing left to do. Eight months old An eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 58 pounds, representing about 87 percent of the growing left to do. Nine months old A nine-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 60 pounds, representing about 91 percent of the growing left to do. Ten months old A ten-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 61 pounds, representing about 94 percent of the growing left to do. Eleven months old An eleven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 63 pounds, representing about 97 percent of the growing left to do. Twelve months old A twelve-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 64 pounds, representing about percent of the growing left to do. The bone marrow will become inflamed and sore, sometimes to a level where it becomes excruciating to your dog. In most cases, panosteitis will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even longer and then dissipate. However, it may recur several times while your GSD puppy is still growing. While panosteitis lasts, your puppy may limp, whine, whimper, and exhibit lameness that seems to move from one leg to another in no apparent pattern. Panosteitis is thought to have genetic heritable origins and is unfortunately quite common in the German Shepherd breed. Treating panosteitis usually involves giving a German shepherd puppy pain medications. Unfortunately, many pain medications have uncomfortable side effects, including stomach upset, and gastrointestinal distress. But the fact is that the German Shepherd dog breed was not created to be a big, bulky dog. These dogs were created to be livestock herding working dogs. To do this, they need to be light on their feet, athletic, and rangy so they can move and navigate quickly. While some GSDs are naturally bigger than others, and males tend to be taller and heavier than females, this is not always the case. Here is more information regarding German Shepherd puppy development. Start with the Dog Breed Standard According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the German Shepherd as a breed typically stands between 22 and 24 inches tall paw pads to shoulder tops for female adult dogs and 24 to 26 inches tall for male adult dogs. No weight range is given for the official dog breed standard. However, the standard does say the dog typically measures between 8. So these can give you some good starting measurements. The American Kennel Club AKC gives a 50 to 90 pounds weight range, with about 10 pounds differences between adult females and adult males. Find out from your breeder the exact height, weight, and length measurements for each parent dog. You can also ask the breeder about how long it took each parent dog to complete its growth. The greatest influence will come from learning as much as possible about which parent dog your puppy seems to most favor in looks. Your breeder will be in the best position to weigh in on this question, both from the point of view of the parent dogs and the lineage as a whole. You can also ask where your GSD puppy falls on the size spectrum within their particular litter. While a smaller puppy may end up being a bigger adult dog, this is more the exception than the norm. For example, if you know that your puppy was the middleweight in the litter, you can expect your adult GSD to maintain that position as all the puppies grow up. The growth process is not unlike what happens as children grow up! In other words, for your puppy to grow bigger, its bones first have to grow bigger. This requires a partnership between bone and cartilage. This partnership takes place within centers called growth plates. The growth plates are located at the ends of the long skeletal bones. Inside each growth plate is an area that is responsible for generating new bone tissue. This is the most important fact to cement into your memory. As long as the growth plates are still producing new bone tissue, they are relatively soft. This is because the tissue the growth plates are producing is also soft and flexible. Only once your German Shepherd puppy has finally grown up as much as they will do will these growth plates and their tissues harden fully. You need to do two important things to protect and support your GSD puppy to reach their full adult height, weight, and size safely and healthily. In most cases, you will be guided to feed a puppy food formulated specifically for large breed puppies that will grow up more slowly over a longer period. Guard against over-exertion in play, exercise, and athletics As the American Kennel Club AKC points out, large breed puppies are known to be more vulnerable to exercise-induced injury while they are still growing. This is because the growth process takes longer, and their skeletal systems support a great deal of weight. While no official study exists to definitively say when it is safe to let your GSD make use of their considerable natural athletic ability, your veterinarian can help you assess when and how to add in additional activity as your puppy grows up. Here, you might be wondering how you will deal with so much rambunctious puppy when you have exercise restrictions! But it is important to remember that mental activity is just as stimulating and tiring to smart dogs like the German Shepherd! GSDs are intensely people-oriented and eager to please and will readily take to training sessions and obedience school. German Shepherd puppies can still exercise by trying interspersing walks or short runs with the mental stimulation of training sessions to keep your pup from over-exerting. As the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals RSCPA explains, over-exercising a growing puppy can lead to several musculoskeletal problems even as they are still growing and in adulthood. In general, you want to aim for a moderate daily activity that combines training, free play, interactive play with you, and walks of one mile or less. Tug of war, frisbee, tethered bike rides or runs, and any activity that forces your dog to keep up with you should be avoided at all costs. These issues include the following: Hip dysplasia. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.