labrador lab puppy

The retriever is very obedient, loves water, bonded to their owner, easy to train, soft mouth can carry raw eggs in their mouth with out even braking them. They are ranked one of the top pets that are welcome into homes across the country. They are the perfect family dog. Their average weight runs around 65 LBS. These dogs are great with kids and they can adapt to about any where. You won't be disappointed with the Golden Retriever English Cream, they will steal your heart with all the love that they have. We here at Southern Farms Golden Retrievers have worked hard to breed top of the line Creams to get you the best pup for your family. We look forward to hearing from you on the day you decide to add one of these wonderful, highly intelligent dogs to your family. Marley Maxwell This is Marley. Full of energy, runs around the farm and does alot of sniffing around when loosed. We have a great Pyrenees Jasmine we use on the farm and if she gets a little aggressive with her she will just lay down. No fight in Marley Maxwell. Looks saids it all. Full of energy, very obedient, stylish. He is a dog that knows his master and stays very close by his side. I am very proud of this dog. Bella My Golden Retriever Bella, she too is a masters dog. She will be right there by your side and is very, very obedient to commands. When it comes to our Pyrenees Jasmine Bella holds her ground. Annie This is Annie, she is a beautiful English Cream retriever. Loves water, loves to play and loves a lot of attention like all the Golden Retrievers. Hanna This here is Hanna. She is an English Cream that is full of energy. Loves to play, loves the water and plenty of attention. We have the perfect pup for your family Pups are sold with limited papers. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Kentucky Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Kentucky? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Kentucky? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. This is a gentle dog and if you acquire your Golden Retriever puppy in Kentucky, you will be delighted to find that your new pup is easy to train because this dog is smart. In time, your furry friend will be loyal, a friend to you and your family, and love to hunt. This is an excellent dog breed for the blind. She or he will be your companion and do quite well in houses or apartments and on the farm. Golden Retriever breeders in Kentucky will provide you with a beautiful puppy, easy to potty train, and will be active with lots of energy. They are swimmers and retrievers as well if you hunt for ducks or other wildfowl. These dogs sense emotions and can comfort you when you are feeling down. They love to please you and appreciate company while enjoying the run. Intelligent and engaging, Golden Retriever puppies are usually available in different sizes, colors, and shapes. Canadian Golden Retrievers are stockier having a light golden to white coat that is thinner than the American and English Golden Retriever pups. There are a lot of dog breeding businesses having deplorable puppy mills and scams. Find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder , such as the ones reviewed here. Your puppy should have undergone a thorough health assessment so that you know when you buy your puppy, he or she is happy and healthful. Golden Acres Farms Golden Acres Farm: Golden Retrievers in Kentucky The farm has two new buildings with fences so that you can see where the puppies and dogs are raised—all on 50 acres. A climate-controlled building is available for the dogs and puppies to go in and out as they like and they can play and romp in the fenced area. The farm is in Adair County about 7 miles from Columbia in cattle farming country on a dead-end road; and, the dogs love to bark at the cattle! Golden Acres Farms assure you that your new puppy will go home with you in the best of health. When you know which puppy you want, make a Puppy Deposit either online at their website or in person. You can also make a Puppy Reservation for a deposit when you are placed on the Reserve List. She also says that the puppies are well taken care of and loved! Emily will go back to Golden Acres Farms in the future and recommends this breeder highly. Welcome to Goldenstar Goldens Louisville, KY We have been breeding and raising goldens in our Kentucky home for over 35 years while showing in conformation, agility and obedience. The show quality goldens we breed all have four genetic clearances hips, elbows, hearts and eyes. Puppies are placed in loving pet family homes. We call them the velcro dogs… because they always want to be with you. Bobby lost his battle and I lost my husband of 30 years on September 20, .The last six months took ever ounce of my soul trying to be a good caregiver, and the last 21 days where …well there just are no words. So please bare with me as I try to find my life again. I can tell you that my dogs have been my salvation through all of this. They have given me purpose and filled a very sad heart with love. I would not be here without them. My golden family has grown to eight!!! These two have kept me on my toes to say the least, but they have also been so good for each other… Bella Stanley x Emmy joined the family in , and then in Skye joined the family. For what seemed a very brief moment I had eight goldens that I loved and cherished…then the most heart breaking thing happened… May 16, , I lost my precious heart boy, Toby! I will share the story on his page…. I am devastated! He and I were on a cloud that day… January , first time ever I have sent one of my girls Gabi out with professional handlers to enjoy the show ring. I was fortunate to get her first two points and put an International Champion title on her. Well, I have not been let down. She also has 20 Grand Champion points to date!!!!! Shows were cancelled and it took time to be able to get him out again. Deacon had all but three points to finish his title when I had the opportunity to send Deacon and Skye out with Carrie once again. Even winning grand champion points before coming home. Deacon even took a Best of Breed. The day Skye and Deacon both had Major wins!! Deacon finishes his championship. .Skye is close behind! Enjoy our site and our pictures. Road trip!!!!! Knoxville, TN November,

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink.

Photo by stevefrenchthegermancorso IG An important thing to note when buying a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is to avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders altogether. These places sell puppies mainly for profit without considering their welfare and health. These are some of the places where you can find Cane Corso German Shepherd mix puppies for sale: Greenfield Puppies — For more than 20 years, Greenfield Puppies has connected puppies with caring, loving families. They have a breeder background check feature to ensure that the puppies experienced humane treatment and were produced through healthy breeding practices. Many mixed breeds, including German Shepherd Cane Corso mix puppies, are available on this website. Lancaster Puppies — Advertising puppies for sale in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, Lancaster Puppies offers a convenient way to pair puppies with their future owners. With listings of purebred and mixed puppies on their website, you might be able to find a Cane Corso German Shepherd hybrid puppy breeder near you. PuppyFinder — Puppyfinder is a directory service that connects dog lovers around the world with breeders, private sellers, and rescue organizations. They have over 1, purebred and mixed-breed pups available for sale and adoption. Visit this site to find out if Cane Corso German Shepherd mix puppies are up for sale. Aside from the sites mentioned above, you can check out our list of top Cane Corso breeders and German Shepherd breeders because they may also be breeding this cross. Nonetheless, mixed dogs are more likely to be in rescues and shelters than purebred dogs. Hence, adoption is a more suggested alternative if you want to own a German Shepherd Cane Corso mix. They are committed to helping neglected, abandoned, and mistreated dogs heal and recover in their care. You have a higher chance of finding healthy Cane Corso German Shepherd hybrids in this rescue. Forgotten Friends — Forgotten Friends carefully screens adoption applications to ensure adopters and their foster dogs are perfect matches. With them being a mixed breed rescue, you are highly likely to find your German Shepherd Cane Corso pup here as well. You can also review our list of German Shepherd rescues because some purebred organizations are also housing this mix. While they can be a good family pet, they can also be a handful for some people. To help you decide whether or not owning a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a good idea, we have gathered some of its pros and cons. When combined with its nature as a working dog, you get a family pet and a dog suitable for service work. Their protective streak, vigilance, and alertness help them protect their owners from perceived threats. Fairly easy to maintain: German Corsos are fairly easy to maintain when it comes to grooming. Although they tend to shed throughout the year, it is usually manageable. As for their health upkeep, you only need to bring them to the vet once in a while and provide them with enough activities as they enjoy training and exercise. Meanwhile, these are the cons of a German Corso that you should also take into consideration: Prone to aggression: German Corsos without proper training and socialization are prone to aggression towards other animals. While they are not likely to attack people directly, they might still cause danger to children and other dogs smaller than them. For this reason, they require dog owners who have experience in handling guard dogs. Not suitable for apartment living: This hybrid is a large working dog that constantly needs activity in wider spaces. When cooped in a small space, they tend to get bored, leading to destructive behavior. They also tend to bark a lot, which could be a nuisance even for owners themselves. Do not get along with cats and smaller animals: As dogs with high prey drive, powerful jaws, and hunting and herding instincts, they are mostly incompatible with cats and other pets of small sizes. This is why proper socialization with other pets is important. Weighing the pros and cons is essential before ultimately deciding whether the German Corso is the right dog for you. When you choose to purchase one, this will also help you prepare for what lies ahead. Both the German Shepherd and the Cane Corso are now viewed generally as excellent guard or service dogs. But they are, in fact, both essentially herding dogs. Both these parent breeds of the German Shepherd Cane Corso Mix would have been seen herding not only cattle, sheep and goats but even ducks, hens and geese. Indeed this is still the job of some Germa n Shepherds, although the Cane Corso is now rarely used for herding. This may explain why both these dogs are good with small animals. You can therefore expect a German Corso to get along with other animals including any feline friends. It also explains why both these dogs are very good guard dogs linking to their previous role in guarding these herds. All dog lovers will agree that both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd are wonderful breeds and do share some personality traits and characteristics, but there are also differences. So the following offers a general guide to the temperament of the German Corso with the caveat that a specific dog could favor either of the founding breeds more strongly temperament and behavior. It is therefore also advisable to refer to a breed guide to research both of these founding breeds to get a full overview of the kind of personality a German Corso may have. Just like German Shepherds and the Cane Corso you can expect the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix to be a gentle, exuberant and joyful dog at home always ready to play and attempting to be at the center of any family activity. The German Shepherd Cane Corso will also be highly affectionate dog and tactile. This dog will always want to by your side or lying next to your feet at every opportunity. The German Corso will inherit the hunting and herding instincts of its parent breeds. So this dog will never be happier than when chasing after a ball or Frisbee or running around with its human pack playing tug and searching games. The German Corso will be a large dog who is highly protective and tolerant towards children, although as ever, all play and interaction must be carefully supervised, particularly with very young children. Both parent breeds have a bone-crunching bite-force along with sheer size and bulk and consistent socialization strategies will help prevent any accidents. Although a friendly and playful companion the German Corso will quickly be able to switch on its protective instincts immediately when necessary. This dog is very likely to be suspicious of strangers This dog is also going to be very energetic although the natural excitability of the Cane Corso is likely to be softened by the more even temperament of the German Shepherd. The short answer for this high energy breed is plenty. Both parent breeds are very active and this dog will require around a couple of hours a day. This means the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix will be an athletic and outgoing companion happy to accompany their owners on walks, jog, hikes and they will be able to trot along beside a cycle for miles. The Cane Corso influence adds to this a need for plenty of mental stimulation as they are a working breed who are constantly looking for something to do or chase. If possible, walking should be combined with as much physical and mental stimulation as possible. These German Shepherd Cane Corso Mix should be kept fully stimulated and this will require a good level of physical and mental exercise. This trainable and intelligent dog will enjoy obedience drills as part of an exercise regime. The German Corso should also ideally be allowed to run off the leash during walks. The good news is that a well-socialized and consistently trained this hybrid dog will be biddable and should have good recall. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the first couple of years. This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints as the dog grows. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet. The Cane Corso and the German Shepherd are both large dogs that like to be very close to their human family. This has been intensified by the fact that both have had the traditional role or function of guarding and protecting at close quarters in the history of their development. This means that wherever you go in the home, the Cane Corso German Shepherd will not be far behind. These dogs make a for a wonderful family pet and will be happy if close to their humans. This means these dogs can cope readily with new settings and change in routine if taken on holiday. Although Mastiff breeds generally become anxious if there is a change in routine, this trait is not shared by the Cane Corso. So as long as you have a big enough vehicle your German Shepherd Cane Corso Mix dog is likely to make an excellent travelling companion. The German Corso will be very eager to please and will want to be at the center of all family activities. They are likely to be very tactile, playful and gentle with children of all ages although, as with all dogs, they must be closely supervised. An additional bonus is that this dog will be very protective of all the family, particularly children. It is even better if a prospective owner has experience with large and powerful breeds. Alternatively this dog will prosper most with an owner who is willing to invest time in puppy socialization and training classes to ensure their dog is confident and entirely biddable both within and outside the home. This is not a dog that does will do well at all when left alone, as both founding breeds tend to shadow their owners. So the German Corso will best suit owners who can provide company most of the day, otherwise this devoted pooch is likely to suffer from separation anxiety. An owner will also need to be fit and strong enough to handle this dog alongside ensuring leash training has been consistently put in place. The Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix will have only minimal grooming requirements, and is only likely to shed a couple of times a year. The coat will generally be short and sleek coat will only need brushing around once a week. Although if the German Shepherd Dog heritage includes the long-haired Shepherd then this coat may be longer and require more frequent brushing. But during periods of very hot weather, the coat acts as a natural aircon system for a dog. So more regular daily brushing is recommended to remove dead hair and allow airflow through the coat. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather. German Shepherds and the Cane Corso have a reputation for being clean, but there is a chance that Cane Corso favored dogs may sometimes drool. The German Corso is going to not only be large, but will also be very high-energy. The Cane Corso also has the reputation for being something of an escapologist so a German Shepherd Cane Corso Mix will need tall fencing and secure gates in place. Apartment living is impractical for the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix who will need constant opportunities to burn off excess energy and are also likely to cause damage in a confined space. The lifespan of the Cane Corso is between years. While German Shepherd Dogs generally have slightly more longevity and can expect to live up to 13 years. Hybrid breed dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs. But it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix as it still possible that they may be inherited. The history of Cane Corso or the Italian Mastiff dates back to the 1st century when large Mastiff-like dogs were used for war and hunting purposes. These dogs are purebred, and they produced a group of modern-day Mastiffs like the Cane Corso, Italiano, and Rottweiler. Intelligent, trainable, and loyal are the traits that always make the Cane Corso puppy grow into an excellent watchdog, guard dog, and family pet. They were developed as working dogs, used for herding and guarding sheep. German Shepherds were and still are admired for their intelligence, easy trainability, stamina, and boldness. They were used for herding, as security, for search and rescue, as guides for the blind, and they fulfilled many other roles as well. Nowadays, the German Shepherd is still a very popular dog in the States, all thanks to its intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards dog owners. Parent Breeds As Working Dogs Both German Shepherds and the Cane Corso have been bred as working dogs with their main purpose to guard and protect families and their property. Both breeds were also used in hunting and as cattle herders. Thanks to decades of selective breeding, their crossbreed puppies now have wonderful traits to inherit. Dogs with such important roles had to be smart, decisive, confident, dominant, intuitive, and have a strong desire to be leaders and work alongside people. Both breeds were even used in civil wars and conflicts in the forces or as messengers. With lots of proper training, the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix can be successful in police work, search and rescue, service work, helping people with disabilities, etc. These doggies need to work. The same goes for the German Corso. Still, there are some traits we can still predict, thanks to the insight we have on the parent breeds. The German Corso is supposed to be a big dog with much strength. Males are always larger than females and very muscular. Other physical traits can vary. Genetics can influence whether a dog will have a round or elongated head, whether the muzzle be short or long, if the ears will stay erect or be floppy, and what the body shape will be like, etc. The German Shepherd dogs have a medium-length, double-layered coat. Therefore, you can expect your hybrid puppy to have a short to medium-length double coat. Both parents come in a variety of colors. Cane Corsos can come in blue, black, fawn, or brindle. GSDs are usually tan or tan and black. They may come in solids like blue or red, without the black markings. With the prevalence of solid darks, the German Corso may be black, tan, or brindle. Puppies that pass proper training and socialization in time are more likely to become great additions to any family and loyal sidekicks. German Corsos are very loyal and dependable canines. However, they have a tendency to attach themselves to one family member. Since both parents were working dogs in the past, it is important to find an occupation for your German Corso too. Another nasty habit bored German Corsos have is their tendency to bark a lot. Trust us — they can bark for hours! Also, this is not a breed for first-time dog owners. They will be too energetic from time to time, and that requires a family with spare time to exercise them and have them deplete their energy bar. The Cane Corso and German Shepherd are known for their high prey drive. Also, the German Corso may have hunting and herding instincts that kick in from the past. The Cane Corso parent gets along with other large dogs just fine, but the GSD parent is a problematic one, and it often expresses aggressive behavior. Still, socialization is imperative in all cases. Since both parent dogs get along with kids just fine, you can expect their hybrid puppy to act the same. But, supervision when playing is important, especially if the kids are small. If you have kids in your household, you should discourage chasing habits. They should be socialized from a young age to adapt well to other dogs and animals. The best time to start training your puppy is around the month milestone. Insisting on training and repeating commands too many times might result in your puppy becoming frustrated. It affects the training long-term. All the training done before the age of 10 months should be done through games, so make sure your pup is excited and interested to play. This will be an excellent basis for the upcoming training and a great opportunity to create a lasting bond. As the puppy grows up, some age-appropriate and breed-appropriate training should be done. You should also become more strict and confident and always use a stern tone that dogs notice and understand. You may want to do a certain type of training depending on the type of work you want your German Corso to do. When training your Cane Corso German Shepherd mix, you should know that your voice is your biggest tool for training. The second is a scolding voice you use when the dog misbehaves. For the dog to understand all the tones, they must associate a certain tone with an action, i. There is actually no need to threaten your dog during training. Ignoring what the dog does or withdrawal of affection works like a charm. They always stop the unwanted behavior to please the owner and get love and attention in return. Commands you use during training should be short and easy to understand. It may lead to frustration and unwillingness for all future training attempts. These are dogs that value affection and love. Maybe the dog is unsure of something or afraid. The German Corso needs lots of exercise daily to remain a happy and healthy puppy. At least one hour of meaningful physical activity is needed a day. Take them on daily walks, give them space in a fenced yard to run around freely. And never let them get bored. This means this hybrid is not hypoallergenic and not the best choice for allergy sufferers. If your puppy has a short coat, you should brush it once a week. In the meantime, deodorizing dog wipes will quickly help you keep them clean and fresh. When it comes to clipping nails or trimming hair, you can do this yourself or ask a professional dog groomer to step in. High-quality dog food is advised for all dogs, and this mix will need three to four cups of dog food each day. The starting point should be feeding twice a day. The best choice you can make is to buy high-quality dog food rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. What most dog owners forget is to include probiotics in their daily nutrition as well. Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix: Common Health Problems Getting a hybrid puppy is a lottery; you never know which health issues the puppy will inherit from both parents. Take the German Corso, for example. Both parents are prone to bloat, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. The Cane Corso side of the family is also prone to eye problems like ectropion and entropion. On the other hand, the GSD is prone to hemophilia, epilepsy, cataracts, and degenerative disc disease. Also, a healthy lifestyle and regular vet checkups reduce the risk of these mentioned diseases, even one of the nastiest of them all — mange! A healthy Cane Corso German Shepherd mix may have a life expectancy anywhere between 9 to 13 years. Rescuing and adopting from a shelter is a rewarding experience for all dog lovers. It depends on the availability, the breeder, and any unique traits the puppy has. Finding a reputable and responsible breeder for German Corso is crucial as these dogs can have a personality that can be difficult to handle. A German Corso should be a smart dog, loyal to its owner, affectionate, brave, and confident. Never buy from puppy mills or backyard breeders. They only sell puppies to make a profit. Reputable breeders keep the puppies and dogs in a clean and safe environment. With continuous training and socialization, the German Corso can be an ideal choice for the right dog owner. The most important factor you should consider before getting a German Corso is the amount of time you have available because you will need to pay lots of attention to socializing and training, If you believe you can make it, who are we to stop you from getting this awesome puppy? Mastiff Lab Mix: why it will win over your heart 14 photos Although the mixed breed itself is very new, both parents of this dog are old breeds. Cane Corso can even be called ancient! They descend all the way from molossus dogs raised in Ancient Rome and used extensively for hunting, guarding, and protection. Later the breed itself was sculpted in Italy where it got its name. Today Cane Corso, albeit not the most well-known breed out there, has spread literally all over the world, with thousands of fans in all countries. The shepherds put a lot of effort into developing a breed that had the best qualities to do the work at hand, which was herding cattle as well as guarding and protecting the farm. By the 18th century, the German Shepherd was already a formed breed that was widespread all over Germany, loved for its wonderful working qualities, as well as their intelligence and devotion to the owners. Let alone the fact that this is a gorgeous dog! Throughout the th century the breed was further improved and developed until the dog that we know today was finally created. German Shepherds are a younger breed that first originated in Europe. However, it is full of potential and is attracting a fair amount of dog lovers all over the world. Appearance Source: Instagram In terms of appearance, this dog will take from both of the parent breeds, although each individual pup may look a bit different from the rest, as it all just depends on what traits the pups inherit. But in general, you can expect a medium — to — large dog weighing up to lbs and standing as tall as cm. They have shorter coat than German Shepherd but longer than Cane Corso. The coat color is usually black and red or black and tan depending on the colors of both of the parents. It can even be purely black. A working dog first and foremost Both German Shepherds and Cane Corso have been bred for centuries as working dogs whose main job was to guard and protect their families and their property. Both breeds were also used in hunting and at farms as cattle herders. Decades of selective breeding have fostered some wonderful qualities in both breeds. The dogs had to be intelligent, decisive, confident, have leadership qualities but not be dominant, have good intuition, and a desire to work along with people. Both of these breeds worked in the civilian world as well as during wars and conflicts. With proper training, Cane Corso German Shepherd mix can and will be very successful in police work They took part in wars, hunts, police work, search and rescue, and many other activities that only a few breeds out there can manage successfully. With proper training, Cane Corso German Shepherd mix can and will be very successful in police work, search and rescue, service work, helping people with disabilities, etc. They can also be a successful farm dog. This dog is genetically conditioned to be extremely smart and active and they need to keep that giant brain of theirs busy, as well as their body. If you live on a farm or are planning to train your dog and work with it regularly, this is great. If you need a lower maintenance dog, this may not be your breed. Cane Corso German Shepherd mix and family Along with their exceptional working qualities, both German Shepherds and Cane Corso have evolved to live close to their people and be part of their everyday life. They are very well attuned to their owners and sometimes seem to be able to read their minds. A Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is not only a working dog but a companion as well. Both German Shepherds and Cane Corso are extremely attached and devoted to their owners. It is absolutely critical for these dogs to live heart to heart with their owners, taking part in everyday life. This is not a good outside dog that you can keep on a chain in the yard. This dog that will need to live in the house with you, will follow you everywhere and be interested in everything you do. Despite the large size, these dogs are excellent with kids. Of course, you have to be careful letting particularly small children play with such a large dog as the dog can accidentally knock the kid off their feet. Training your Cane Corso German Shepherd mix: main principles and approaches Training is absolutely critical in raising a polite, well-behaved Cane Corso German Shepherd mix Because this mix is naturally a great working dog, I wanted to talk a little about how to go about training this dog. Training is absolutely critical in raising a polite, well-behaved Cane Corso German Shepherd mix that you can be proud of and that will be a pleasure to have around. But how to approach the training correctly? Every breed has its own nuances when it comes to best training approaches, and this is true for Cane Corso German Shepherd mix as well. The best time to begin training your pup is when they are around 10 months old or so. You can start earlier, of course, with more basic commands and rules that you want your dog to follow around the house. This is when you will teach your pup to sit, lie down, fetch, go to their crate and behave well on the leash. If you insist on training or repeat a command too many times, the dog may get frustrated which will negatively affect further training. All the training -or pre-training — that you do before the age of 10 months or so should be mostly in the form of a game so that your pup stays excited and interested. This will be a good basis for further training as well as a wonderful time for you to bond with your dog. Psst, while you are reading this post, I just wanted to say you might also like these other articles:. The most important factor when you get one of these dogs is discovering a reputable breeder. Often when you get crossbreed like this, these dogs can come from poor situations due to backyard breeding or puppy mill situations. When this happens, the puppies are usually very unhealthy with questionable temperaments. The dogs are typically kept in less than favorable conditions, which can rack up much more vet costs down the line. And by purchasing from these types of breeders, you are supporting the continuing of this practice. So, always make sure to screen for a reputable breeder. Both parent breeds are excellent guard dogs. Both parent breeds are from Europe. Cane Corsos are brachycephalic, while German Shepherds have long snouts. They might be goofy and friendly with their family, those they consider a part of their pack. However, when it comes to outsiders, they will be highly selective on who they deem worthy of hanging out. These dogs are brilliant, picking up on training concepts with ease. Because they care so much about what their owners think, they are generally incredibly obedient and eager to please. Your assurance means more to them than anything else. So they are very likely to listen to you if you tell them the situation is acceptable. However, they can be a little stubborn from time to time. When it comes to the looks of the German Shepherd and Cane Corso , these hybrids look like very amiable dogs. But they can sometimes be a little temperamental with strangers. And they might be selective about who is allowed to have their attention. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. Some dogs in this crossbreed might be silly and outgoing, not really taking an issue with strangers at all. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They work equally as well with single owners. However, due to their size and energy levels, we do not recommend them for older adults. These dogs make loving, loyal companion animals who fiercely devote themselves to their family unit. They do surprisingly well with children, taking on a parental role most of the time. And due to their high energy levels, they can make fantastic backyard playmates. As with any canine, supervision is necessary with smaller children. These dogs take a while to grow into their feet and can knock down younger children by accident. We recommend this breed for ages 6 and older. We also want to point out that if you adopt an older dog of this breed, you definitely want to make sure they match with every person in your home. This mix does incline to attach itself to one group of people, or a person. If the dog is rehomed, it might take a long time for them to warm up. Some dogs might exhibit territorial aggression or not get along and same-sex pairs. However, you can curb this tendency if they are exposed to new situations early on. These dogs might have a high prey drive, often making them incompatible with cats and smaller animals. You will need to keep a close eye on any interactions with smaller pets as they have powerful jaws. Even if they are playing, it can end up badly for a smaller pet. At home, these dogs will be lovable companions. Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd are excellent hunting and herding dogs, and a Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix will love running after any small animal it can find. Your other pet will meet a sad fate if the German Corso gets its crushing jaws around it. So, try not to keep any other pets around when you have a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix in your house. The German Shepherd can learn various instructions quickly and has no trouble remembering its training when needed. The Cane Corso is also a fast learner and likes it when its owner gives it work to do. Poorly socialized dogs grow to fear other dogs and people, and that makes them aggressive. Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix exercise requirement The German Shepherd is a super-active dog breed that requires ample daily physical activity. The Cane Corso is comparatively less active but is still a hardworking dog with plenty of stamina. Combine them, and you get a mix that needs at least an hour and a half of exercise every day. However, the exercise requirement depends on the age. A fresh dog is too full of energy and excitement and may chase after people. Only take the leash off after the dog has calmed down a bit. If it takes after the Cane Corso, grooming it will be a breeze. Cane Corsi have a short coat and shed minimally, and brushing them once a week is enough. In contrast, the German Shepherd has a fluffy double coat and sheds a lot. Avoid bathing your German Corso too frequently. Stick to damp towels and perfumed wipes and bath them a few times a year. Checking their ears is crucial if your German Corso inherits the floppy ears of the Cane Corso. Floppy ears hide earwax buildup and infections, and their hygiene can get overlooked. The German Corso is likely to inherit the heavy shedding from its German Shepherd side. But since Cane Corso and German Shepherds are pretty similar in height and weight, we can safely say that a typical German Corso will need at least 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food daily. Note that the German Corso is prone to getting overweight, so avoid fatty foods and stick to lean protein with some carbs. Keep human foods away and avoid giving this dog snacks and candies. Experts believe these diseases exist because this dog has been inbred a lot to keep its lineage pure and in line with the AKC standards. A Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix will likely be healthier than its German Shepherd parent, but it can still inherit one or more of the following health problems. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is common among large dogs and is prevalent among Cane Corso and German Shepherds. Hip dysplasia is when the hip socket fails to develop correctly, causing hip joints to rub against the bone instead. Hip osteoarthritis is painful and can lead to paralysis of the lower body. Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia as it also affects large dogs. The elbow fails to develop correctly in the affected dog, causing joints to rub against the bone instead of their socket. Bloat Bloat is common among broad-chested dogs and happens when the dog is unable to expel its stomach gases. Eating too much too fast can cause gases to get trapped inside, leading to bloat. Bloat is painful and uncomfortable to the dog, and it can lead to a fatal condition called gastric torsion. Degenerative disc disease It is a genetic disease of the spine that affects German Shepherds more than other breeds. Being degenerative means that this condition worsens with time and can end with total paralysis. Your Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix may not have it, but if they do, you can reduce the symptoms by proper diet, weight management, and physical therapy. Epilepsy Epilepsy is another German Shepherd disease that is hereditary and has no cure. Dogs with epilepsy experience random seizures—especially under stressful situations. Hemophilia Inbreeding is prevalent among German Shepherds, and one of the byproducts of this practice is hemophilia. For a dog with hemophilia, minor bruises and small cuts can become life-threatening injuries. Such dogs have smaller lifespans than toy breeds, and you can expect this mix to have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Although it may sound brief, it is standard for dogs their size. They also require ample living space, and many owners have trouble keeping them in their homes once they grow up. Their medical history may be unknown, and they may not have proper training. Although adoption is a rewarding and inexpensive option, buying from trusted breeders ensures you get a healthy, young, and well-behaved dog. Unfortunately, there are many shady breeders mixing breeds to produce dogs that look intimidating and dangerous. For all those reasons, we recommend sticking to registered breeders. If you need a robust, tenacious, and loyal guard dog that will make a fun and playful pet, look no further than the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix. The German Corso is an excellent mix of tenacity, intelligence, and strength. What is the best mix with Cane Corso? Cane Corso Labrador crosses make brilliant dogs. Is a Cane Corso bigger than a German Shepherd? The Cane Corso is only one or two inches taller than the German Shepherd. But due to its heavier build, the Cane Corso outweighs the German Shepherd by about 20 to 30 pounds. How big do German Corsos get? German Corsos can get as tall as 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh over pounds. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The breed made its way to Italy during the Middle Ages, where it became a popular breed. They nearly became extinct after World War II, but were saved by dedicated breeders. They were used for herding sheep and as guard dogs. The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a hybrid of these two breeds, often known as a designer breed. They inherit the herding instincts of the German Shepherd and the guarding instincts of the Cane Corso. These dogs make great family pets and are often used as service dogs. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked in animal shelters. If you are looking for a herding or guard dog, consider adopting a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix. You will be getting a loyal and loving pet that will make a great addition to your family. The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix will typically inherit the short, dense coat of the Cane Corso, which can come in a variety of colors including black, brindle, fawn, and blue. These dogs are loyal and protective, making them great guardians for the family home. Black is a common color for this breed, and it can have various shades. The coat may also be solid black or have small patches of white or another color. Other coat colors that are commonly seen in this breed include brown, tan, and white. The coat may also be a mix of two or more colors. Markings on the coat, such as black spots or streaks, are also common. Temperament Cane Corso German Shepherd Mixes are large, powerful dogs with strong protective instincts. They need firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age to prevent them from becoming aggressive. If you are considering this breed, be sure to do your research and only buy from a reputable breeder. Avoid any breeder who cannot provide health clearances for the parents. These puppies may have temperament issues due to inbreeding and poor socialization. Generally speaking, the temperament of this mixed breed is likely to be a combination of both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd. The Cane Corso is known to be a loyal, loving, and protective dog, while the German Shepherd is often considered to be noble, obedient, and eager to please. When these two dogs are combined, you are likely to end up with a devoted, loving, and protective pup of its family. Like with any puppy, it is important to start socialization early on to ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, however they can also be stubborn and strong-willed. They respond best to positive reinforcement and continuous training throughout their lives. Socialization is key, as is training your dog how to properly interact with people and other animals. Without enough exercise, this breed can become destructive. Daily exercise is a must for this breed and should include at least one long walk or run. Other activities such as playing fetch or Frisbee are also effective ways to burn off excess energy. It is important to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation in order to avoid these problems. Some ways to do this include: training, obedience classes, agility courses, puzzle toys, and interactive toys. Grooming Requirements Brushing This breed requires some special care when it comes to grooming. As a heavy shedder, this breed will require daily brushing as they are prone to developing mats and tangles in their fur. Keeping on top of this will ensure you reduce the amount of hair around your home. Ears Their ears should be checked regularly for earwax buildup and cleaned as needed. This can be done by using a cotton ball dampened with warm water and gently wiping the inside of the ear. A good rule of thumb is trimming their nails every two weeks. Teeth The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is also prone to dental problems, so regular brushing of their teeth is essential. This breed should have their teeth brushed at least three times a week, using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs. Overall, they are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, with a little extra care, you can keep your dog looking and feeling its best. Health Conditions The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a large and powerful dog, and as such, health conditions common to large breeds are something to be aware of. Elbow and hip dysplasia are two orthopedic conditions that can affect this breed mix, although health clearances for both parents can help to lessen the chances of these problems occurring. Gastric torsion, or bloat, is another health concern common in large dogs and one that owners should be familiar with. With proper care and attention to health concerns, this breed mix can be a loyal and loving companion for years to come. Nutrition Requirements When it comes to dietary requirements, the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is not too different from other dogs. They will need a good quality dry dog food as their main source of nutrition, supplemented with a food rich in protein and fat. Organic food is always the best option for this breed, as it will provide them with all the nutrients they need without any artificial additives. However, if you cannot afford organic food, then a good quality dry dog food will suffice. As well as their main source of nutrition, your Cane Corso German Shepherd mix will also enjoy the odd treat of raw meat or table scraps. However, these should only be given in moderation and should not make up the bulk of their diet. Make sure that the treats you choose are healthy, nutritious, and not full of empty calories. When it comes to water, this breed should always have access to fresh, clean water. If you are feeding them dry food, then it is important to increase their water intake accordingly. In general, the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a healthy breed of dog with few dietary requirements. However, it is important to socialize them from an early age so that they know how to interact properly with other dogs. Otherwise, they may become aggressive or territorial. It is therefore important to introduce them to other dogs in a controlled setting and under supervision so that they can learn how to behave properly. If you adopt this breed as a puppy, you should focus on early socialization and make sure to expose them to several types of people, environments, and situations. This will help them grow into well-adjusted dogs that are friendly with humans and other animals. Due to the size of this mixed breed, they may accidentally knock over small children. This is due to the fact that both parent breeds are known for their high levels of drooling. Common reasons for drooling are heat, humidity, excitement, or nausea. If your Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is drooling more than usual, it could be due to one of these reasons. If your dog is drooling excessively and you cannot figure out why, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. Excessive drooling can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition, so it is always best to err on the side of caution. This means that they may bark excessively, which can be a nuisance for neighbors. The most common reasons for their barking include: — To protect their family and home — When they are bored or lonely — While excited or playing — When they are anxious or stressed If the dog is barking excessively, it is important to consult a professional trainer to help find a way to reduce the barking. There are many ways to do this, such as positive reinforcement training, behavior modification, and desensitization. With the help of a professional, you can find the best method for your dog. Adaptability to Weather The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a versatile breed that can adapt to hot or cold weather. They are a hardy breed that is resistant to both extremes of weather. Their breeding means that they are well suited to hot weather as they have a short coat that does not retain heat. They also have a high tolerance for heat and can stay cool in hot weather thanks to their black skin. However, they will still need access to water and shade to prevent dehydration. They will also need a warm coat to protect them from the elements in cold weather. They are a hardy breed that can tolerate cold weather, but their short coat means that they will feel the chill more than breeds with longer coats. A good quality coat will keep them warm in cold weather and help them to stay healthy. This can be even longer if they are well-cared for and have no health problems. This occurred in , making it one of the newer breeds on the list. This price can vary depending on the breeder, the litter size, and the overall demand for the puppies. The price of this mix is even lower if you purchase from an animal shelter. Because the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a popular breed, there are often many of them available for adoption. Adoption fees are typically much lower than purchasing from a breeder, so this is a great option for those on a budget. If you are looking for a specific color or coat type, be prepared to pay more. This is because blue is a rarer color for the breed and therefore commands a higher price. Similarly, their rarity may cost puppies with long coats slightly more than average. No matter what your budget is, there is sure to be a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix puppy out there for you! This mix is perfect for families with children and other pets, as they are typically very good-natured. However, because of their size and strength, proper training and socialization are a must. If you think the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is the right dog for you, be sure to do your research before bringing one home. This includes finding a reputable breeder or adopting from a shelter. Once you have your pup, enjoy all the love and companionship they have to offer! How much exercise does a German Shepherd Cane Corso mix need? However, it is generally accepted that they were originally used for herding sheep and cattle in Germany. Today, this breed can still be found working with law enforcement but has become more popular as a family pet. It is believed that the Cane Corso was used by Roman Legions to hold and detain prisoners of war until the Roman soldiers returned from battle. However, it also has been speculated that this breed helped hunt down runaway slaves during ancient times which would explain why they are so good at tracking people today. The history of Cane Corso dogs dates back to ancient Rome and to this day, they still share many of the same qualities. Cane Corso dogs were originally bred in Italy as a fearless and intelligent dog that was meant for protecting livestock from predators or intruders. Today, these traits make them excellent guard dogs who are best suited to work with experienced handlers because their protective instincts can sometimes get the best of them. Appearance You will see a totally different dog when you look at a German Corso. The size might be the same but the rest of the appearance is unpredictable outcomes of the GSD Corso cross. When it comes to coat and color you can expect the German Sheperd Cane Corso mix dog to be black and red or black and tan depending on the colors of both of the parents. It can even be purely black. The German Corso is a great family dog. They are extremely loyal to their families and have an excellent temperament around children. Training them at a young age will allow you to enjoy this for many years as they can live up to 15 years with the right care! If your dog has a short coat that is very easy to groom. The normal routine for this breed of dog is weekly brushing with a bristle brush or hound glove followed by the use of an undercoat rake. There are a few situations when you should immediately bathe your dog. Bathing a short-haired dog should be done every six months while bathing a longhaired breed should only happen every few months. You must trim their nails and clean their ears if your dog has floppy you need to keep them clean to avoid infection developing inside. Sporadic grooming outside of this schedule would be required if your pet was allowed to roam outside, or if it was constantly getting into areas with burrs and other debris. And as such they need a lot of active stimulation so when bored or left alone without any stimulation, German Shepherds Cane Corso mix are known to become destructive. Because of their parents these dogs are one of the most intelligent breeds they learn new commands and tricks very quickly, as long as they are taught with a positive approach using lots of treats and praise rather than punishment. Given the natures of the parent breeds, The German Corso is not only intelligent and can be trained easily, but they are very protective of their owners as well. Therefore, training this type of pet will not only make it a good guard dog, but also an obedient one as well. Both Corsos and Shepherds are naturally distrusting of strangers Both breeds are suspicious of strangers and may bark in an attempt to warn the family. This is especially true with a Shepherd Corso who will protect his home at all costs. Vetstreet stated that 45 minutes of exercise each day are enough for Cane Corso Dog, including 15 to 20 minutes of formal training. Regarding your German Corso has exercise requirements between those of a German Shepherd and a Cane Corso, count on giving your dog an hour to an hour and a half of meaningful activities daily. They are very intelligent, but can be stubborn. If you have a big yard or live in the country where they will not need to interact with many other animals on walks, this may be the dog for you! These dogs also require plenty of exercise due to their large size — make sure there is room in your home for an active animal before adopting one! It would be great to hear about any stories involving owning one of these pets — please share yours below! He is a hybrid dog, a cross between the German Shepherd and the Cane Corso. The German Shepherd Cane Corso Mix is expected to be a wonderful family pet, especially is he is well trained and socialized early. He can also be one of the best guard dogs considering the characteristics and traits of its parent breeds. Therefore, they should be very easy to train, but like the Cane Corso parent, they should be paired with someone who is calm and firm when training them. We also recommend plenty of exercise and socialization to help prevent your dog from being unruly or fearful in different situations. By studying the history of its parent breeds, you can get a good idea of how your German Shepherd Mixed with Cane Corso will turn out. The history of Cane Corso or Italian Mastiff dates as far back as the 1st century, when large Mastiff-like canines from the Greek islands were used for war and hunting purposes. The extinct Molossus produced a group of modern-day dogs, such as the Cane Corso Italiano and the Rottweiler. Like German Shepherds, Cane Corsos are still hard working dogs, used in military and police duties. They were also commonly used as watchdogs, for hunting, and sometimes as family companions. Intelligent, trainable and loyal, the Cane Corso makes an excellent guard dog and family pet. They were developed as working dogs, guarding and herding sheep under the leadership of Captain Max Von Stephanitz. German Shepherds were and are to this day, admired for their intelligence, trainability, boldness and stamina. They have gone on to occupy roles in herding, security, search and rescue, guides for the blind, military and police work. Today, the German Shepherd remains a very popular dog in the United States thanks to his intelligence, loyalty and many other appealing qualities. So stick with us. The German Corso, like his purebred parents, is a very large and strong dog. Males tend to be larger than females and can be very muscular. Other physical characteristics will vary considerably. Genetics influence whether their head is elongated or round, their muzzle shortened or long, their ears floppy or erect and their body shape rectangular or square. But how big does a German Corso get? Therefore, it is safe to say that a full grown Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix will grow to be around 24 to 28 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 70 and pounds. Therefore, you can expect your hybrid dog to have a short to medium-length, double coat. The two purebred parents come in a variety of colors. Cane Corsos can be blue, black, fawn or brindle in color. On the other hand, GSDs are usually tan or tan and black. They may also come in solid colors like blue or red with or without black markings. With the prevalence of solid dark colors, the German Corso may be black, tan or brindle. Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Behavior and Temperament Like his parents, the German Corso is intelligent and eager to please, but also very quick to protect his family. It is important to use lots of positive reinforcement methods when training dogs that are prone to being overprotective and showing aggressive behavior. Puppies that undergo proper training and timely socialization are more likely to develop into good family dogs and loyal companions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bruno brunothegermancorso on Apr 10, at am PDT German Corsos are also very loyal and dependable canines, which makes them suitable if you are searching for a devoted companion. They will be loyal to their family, and with proper care and attention, they can make great family pets. However, they may have a tendency to favor one family member over another. Since both parent breeds were bred for working purposes, your German Corso will love to have something to do. If left alone to do what he wants, he may dig holes and chew your shoes and furniture. He may also spend many hours barking. This means he may not be a good candidate for apartment living. Moreover, this is not the best breed for first time owners. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Behavior with Other Pets Both the Cane Corso and German Shepherd are known to have a high prey drive and in most cases, they may not get along well with cats and other pets. Cane Corsos are particularly known to be aggressive towards small animals. The German Corso may also have hunting and herding instincts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by? Some will even play with other dogs at dog parks. On the other hand, GSDs can be friendly yet sometimes aggressive towards other dogs. Therefore, it can be difficult to predict where your German Corso puppy will fall when it comes to tolerance for other dogs. However, you cannot downplay the importance of socialization at a young age. Both German Shepherds and Cane Corsos get along well with kids as well. With children in your household, try and discourage any chasing habits. When you add a German Shepherd Cane Corso puppy to your family, you want to ensure that she is friendly and loyal. From a young age, the German Corso should be socialized with cats, other dogs and animals to ensure he becomes friendly to them. Training Training a German Corso is extremely important. These pups will require training immediately when you bring them home. However, the German Corso is not the best dog for novice owners since they require a pack leader. If a German Corso is properly trained in a comfortable environment, he should not show any signs of aggression. Use positive reinforcement training methods and ensure you socialize them continuously. Exercise Needs A German Corsos will require plenty of exercises each day to remain happy and healthy. These dogs require at least one hour of meaningful physical activities each day. Adults are extremely active and will require plenty of exercise. However, German Corso puppies should not be over-exercised. Daily walks are very important and they also need plenty of space in a fenced-in-yard to play and run around in. Set aside time for training and exercise sessions such as playing and running. Interactive dog toys and games of fetch will do the trick. Total 4 layers of orange petals can hide.But in order to provide more fun for lovely puppies, we set up .But your dog.This means that the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix is not hypoallergenic and hence, not the best pet for allergy sufferers. Using deodorizing wipes for dogs is the quickest and easiest way to keep your dog clean and fresh. A professional groomer can help with other maintenance tasks, such as brushing teeth and clipping nails. High quality dog food is recommended for all dogs and the German Corso will require three to four cups of dry dog food each day. Feeding him twice per day is the recommended starting point. The exact amount required will vary depending on their age, size, weight, and activity level. High-quality kibble rich in protein is generally the best choice. Moreover, give your mixed breed dog plenty of fresh water to help keep him hydrated and cool at all times. Crafted with real salmon as the first ingredient, paired with whole ingredients like manhaden.Complete and balanced goodness for adult dogs. This recipe is made using 10 or fewer key ingredients that are easily recognizable, perfect for.Both the German Shepherd and the Cane Corso are prone to bloat and hip dysplasia. The Cane Corso is also prone to eye problems like ectropion or entropion. On the other hand, German Shepherds are also vulnerable to hemophilia, epilepsy, cataracts and Degenerative Disc Disease. Bear in mind that a healthy lifestyle and regular vet checkups can also help reduce the risks. Some mixed breed dogs find themselves in animal shelters through no fault of their own. Rescuing a dog can be a very rewarding experience for dog lovers. The rescue center will help you decide whether or not a particular dog is suitable for your lifestyle. You can start your search for a Cane Corso GSD Mix by checking with breed-specific rescue centers to find if they have this mix available for adoption. Going through a reputable breeder for German Shepherd Cane Corso Mix puppies is vital as these pups may have certain personality traits that could be difficult to handle. Responsible breeders will only use dogs that show good character. A German Corso mixed breed dog should be intelligent, loyal, affectionate, brave and confident. Image Source Remember, puppy mills and backyard breeders only sell puppies to make money. When searching for a breeder, watch out for red flags such as premises selling puppies below the age of eight weeks and promises that puppies are always available. Good breeders keep their puppies and dogs in a clean environment. When getting your Corso Shepherd from a breeder, ask for a thorough health examination. Good breeders will also let you meet the parent dogs to ensure they are of good health and temperament. Conclusion Also known as the German Corso, the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix is an intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dog that has the potential to be a great family pet. However, they are not ideal for beginners. This is an energetic breed that requires consistent training and exercise to shape them into a faithful canine companion. With continuous training and socialization, the German Corso can be a wonderful dog for the right owner. The most important factor to consider should be the amount of time you can commit to socializing and training your German Shepherd Cane Corso. If that is something you can offer your pup, then the German Corso can be a great choice for you. Checkout Our Favorite Dog Products 1. With features and tools that dig out dirt, hair and allergens everywhere your pet gets.

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Kentucky would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary There are several shelters in Kentucky where you may locate a German Shepherd to adopt. Adoption, of course, comes with a slew of processes, duties, and criteria. The above list should save you a lot of time while looking for German Shepherd rescues in Kentucky. In this manner, you may be sure that you are adopting the best German Shepherd. Other States. Kentucky was purchased from a breeder as a very young puppy. He was a small bundle of cuteness. Like all german shepherds, Kentucky grew and became a typical teenage German Shepherd. Strong, happy, playful and full of energy. Lots and lots of energy. His family realized they could not provide him with the home he needed to grow and develop into the wonderful dog he was capable of becoming. He is a very smart guy with a thick, shiny coat and a friendly, curious nature. Kentucky lived with 2 young girls in his former home and gets along well with children. He is eager to learn his doggy socialization skills so he can become truly impressive. Kentucky will thrive in a home willing to provide him with the structure and training he needs to develop. As cute as they are — puppies demand a large investment of time, patience, and training. They are inquisitive, have endless energy and get into just about everything. They dig, chew, and seemingly never stop! Think long and hard about your lifestyle. If you are not willing to invest the time and training to ensure your Kentucky matures into the wonderful dog — then please consider an older dog. The Tier Haven family is comprised of volunteers, adopters, and donors who have a passion for these working breeds and all of their quirks. We are brought together by the dogs that steal our hearts while chewing the shoe collection. Originally an all-breed rescue Tier Haven shifted to focus on working dogs with the rise of breed specific legislation which was leading to larger numbers of German Shepherds, and other working dogs, being euthanized. We are rooted in Kentucky with a strong passion for enacting change within the state which has ranked last in animal welfare for many years - even if change is one dog at a time. The Tier Haven Family is committed to giving these dogs a second chance and we are all honored to be part of their paths to a better life. While the Tier Haven Family is large we are still a small organization with a core group of volunteers who keep things flowing. These volunteers are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of the working dogs who find themselves in Kentucky shelters. Tier Haven believes in individuality and giving our individual dogs the space to be dogs and move foward in a productive manner regardless of past trauma. This can take time though and Tier Haven is a dedicated no-kill organization which means we often have "long-term" residents either due to medical or behavioral needs that are on-going. As a non-profit Tier Haven relies on our adopters and donors to continue moving forward with our mission - our adopters give us the gift of space to help the next dog while our donors give us the support to ensure each dog is given the best possible care while waiting for an adopter. Tier Haven is a foster based organization which means we do not have a central facility where our dogs are housed. This means we cannot allow drop in visits and have a specific adoption process which must be followed in order to meet our dogs. It also means that as a no-kill, foster based, rescue we are limited in the number of dogs we can care for at any given time and have a separate policy for owners seeking to surrender their dogs, which you can find below our adoption process. There are many ways to support Tier Haven and a number of them you are probably already doing! A Kroger Community Rewards - select Tier Haven IV as your charity of choice and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to our group. B IGive - Simply download the IGive Button to your desktop to be alerted when your online shopping is donation eligable. C Amazon Smile - shopping through amazon smile allows you to keep your prime benefits and select a charity to support! Tier Haven is an amazon smile partner and grateful for all our amazon smile donors. Use member to be placed in our team and have your purchases benefit the dogs. G Monetary donations can be sent via Paypal to Tierhavenrescue gmail. Adoption Policy Tier Haven requires an adoption application to be completed and processed prior to meeting or adopting any of our dogs. As a completely foster based organization Tier Haven relies on the application to help ensure that adopters are meeting dogs that are suitable for their household and that the dogs are meeting adopters committed to their individual needs. We do not have a central facility nor do we allow drop in visits on our foster homes for respect of their privacy and time. The application is completed via email and you may email Tierhavenrescue gmail. We rely on your application to assist in matching you with a suitable dog and ask that you provide us with as much information as possible about why you're seeking a Shepherd and your expectations for the dog. When submitting an application please contact your vet clinic and provide them with a release of information and also inform your personal references that they will be contacted. Once your application is processed you will be contacted by a volunteer to discuss potential dogs and arrange a meet and greet. Since we are a foster based group we only allow up to three 3 dogs on each meet and greet to keep it manageable for everyone. Meet and greets are often held at public locations to respect the privacy of our foster homes and they are scheduled at the discretion of the foster homes. Tier Haven relies on the adoption fee to continue helping future dogs therefore we are unable to reduce the fee for any reason. Each adoption is on a 10 day trial during which the adoption fee is refundable should the dog be returned for any reason. Even beyond our trial period we require our dogs to be returned to our care should they ever need rehomed for any reason - we are here for our dogs for their lifetime. If you have any questions about our adoption process that haven't been covered here please email them to us at Tierhavenrescue gmail. If you would like to discuss alternatives to rehoming such as training, dog day cares, and behavior management please email us at Tierhavenrescue gmail.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides. Feeding your German Shepherd with low-quality dog food will cause malnutrition and lead to overeating and health issues like poor skin, gastrointestinal issues, and osteoarthritis. That said, not all protein and fats are created equal. And so, do also consider the sources of such nutrients. Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age. That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. For evening meals, it would be best if you feed your German Shepherd a few hours before bedtime. Mealtime Length Finally, as much as possible, set about a maximum mealtime length of 15 minutes. That amount of time would be sufficient enough for your German Shepherd to eat its fill and will help prevent your dog from becoming a picky eater. However, to get your puppy used to eating dry food, you would want to introduce dry food starting at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. To do so, soften up dry food by mixing it with milk replacer, and offer it to your puppy 3 to 4 times a day. As your puppy gets used to eating the food, gradually decrease the amount of milk replacer until the puppy eventually adapts to eating solid food. Your puppy should get used to eating dry and solid food by around 8 weeks of age. For a large breed like the German Shepherd, you should start transitioning into adult food starting at around 12 to 24 months old. Make sure to do this switch slowly over a one to two week period by mixing and gradually increasing the adult food with the puppy food to avoid or minimize gastric upset. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion. Therefore, to keep your senior German Shepherd in shape, you must consider a low-calorie, high-fiber, and moderate protein and fat diet. Usually, you can keep on feeding your senior dog with a decreased amount of its adult food or with specially formulated food for older dogs. But, considering older dogs may already have medical conditions that need to be addressed, your best bet would be to consult with a veterinarian to come up with the ideal diet for your senior German Shepherd. As a general guideline, do not provide your dog with supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. Water Aside from providing your German Shepherd with food, also always remember to give it enough water to hydrate. If possible, provide your German Shepherd free access to clean and fresh drinking water to prevent dehydration. And as always, if you find yourself needing help, you can always consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

View All Articles in Labradoodle Breeders Location Depending on your geographical location, you can expect to pay more money in certain areas. Naturally, the Labradoodle price is usually tied to the overall cost of living in that area. Of course, you might be tempted to adopt a puppy from a different state. Any of those can add a few hundred dollars to your total Labradoodle price. Breeder Stock Another factor that influences the Labradoodle cost is breeding stock. Breeding different generations of Labradoodles requires a certain set of parent dogs. For example, F1 or first-generation Labradoodles are often less expensive than F1b or F1bb Labradoodles. See Also: Click the image Demand Needless to say, the high demand can also hike up the price of Labradoodles, especially in more populated areas like major cities. The best reputable breeders have waiting lists that filled 6 months in advance, sometimes even up to a year or two. This in turn means that breeders will charge higher rates to keep up with the demand while not overbreeding the mama dogs. Size, Color, and Coat Type Another thing you should keep in mind is that certain sizes, colors, and coat types can cost you some extra money. For instance, some breeders charge more for Mini Labradoodles compared to Standard Labradoodles. Usually, the most hypoallergenic Labradoodles are found in F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb generations, which also require more genetic testing to achieve. See Also: Click the image Breeder Reputation Lastly, reputable breeders also charge premium rates for their Labradoodle puppies. Ethical, reputable breeders put a lot of time, money, and effort into breeding and raising healthy and well-rounded pups. All of this reflects in the Labradoodle price. Professional breeders have learned all about health and genetic testing. See Also: Click the image In addition to that, reputable breeders know the importance of early socialization , training, and other enrichment methods. Ethical breeders also follow breeding guidelines set by established organizations we mentioned above. Many of them are also affiliated with the organizations and continuously keep educating themselves on the best breeding practices. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting a puppy from a professional, ethical breeder? Of course, there are many backyard breeders who have the best intentions in mind and only want to share the joy of this adorable crossbreed. However, oftentimes, these breeders might not conduct all the necessary health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Nor can they provide proper health guarantees for their puppies. Additionally, many backyard breeders do not choose new homes for the puppies as carefully as professional breeders. When a litter is born, they just sell all the puppies on a first come first serve basis. How much are Labradoodles when adopting from a backyard breeder? Puppy Mills Finally, we have the worst of the bunch — puppy mills. Unfortunately, these breeders only work for their own financial gain. More often than not, they neglect the wellbeing of their breeding dogs and puppies. Beware of pet stores, as well, as they often source their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills usually overbreed their mama dogs and keep them on tight schedules to produce more and more puppies. Meanwhile, the dogs and puppies are kept in unsafe and unclean environments, often in small cages and kennels. Moreover, these pups often come with serious health conditions. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting from a puppy mill? Above all, we urge you to avoid these breeders at all costs. As a general rule of thumb, larger, Standard Labradoodles require more calories per day compared to smaller, Mini and Medium Labradoodles. All of them are tried, tested, and recommended by Doodle owners. Training Training and early socialization both play a key role in raising well-rounded Labradoodles. Vet Visits One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is taking your pup to regular vet visits and wellness checks. And to be prepared for those unexpected vet visits, we recommend you choose a trustworthy pet insurance company. During the first year, you should make sure that your puppy is up to date with all of its vaccinations and preventative care for worms, fleas, ticks , and heartworm. Grooming You might already know that Labradoodles are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming and coat care. Time Investment Like any other pet, Labradoodles require a lot of time and effort from your part. Other Costs In addition to all the Labradoodle costs we mentioned above, there are other everyday items that your dog will need. These include food and water bowls, dog beds, dog crate, a collar and a leash, toys and chew toys, and poop bags. So, you know with absolute certainty that the Labradoodle is the right pup for you. But how can you find quality Labradoodle breeders? As fellow Doodle owners, we know how difficult it can be to find ethical, reputable breeders in your area. Why Are Labradoodles Expensive? Ethical Labradoodle breeders charge higher prices for their pups, as they carefully screen the breeding dogs through extensive health and genetic testing. In addition to that, they provide their clients with genetic health guarantees and implement various forms of enrichment methods when rearing the puppies. How Much Does A Labradoodle Cost: Final Thoughts Adopting a dog is not just a huge emotional commitment, but also requires you to think whether or not your finances allow you to take care of another living being. Hopefully, this article has managed to answer all of your questions about the Labradoodle cost of adoption and the ongoing costs throughout their lifetime. Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation. A close up face image of Labradoodle puppy Max The price depends on many factors and can vary from breeder to breeder. While this might seem like a hefty price to pay for a puppy, the low prices that you find on social media or other ads are usually from puppy mills that try to over-breed these beloved animals in inappropriate and unethical ways. Low-quality living conditions notwithstanding, puppies from such places have a high probability of suffering from ailments and issues caused by genetic mutations occurring from rapid breeding. Labradoodle costs around the world In Australia the average prices for non-shedding Labradoodles ranged from AUD. There were some niche breeders that charged much more. Depending on how unique the coat color is, the price will vary. Parti-colored Labradoodles like Tuxedo Labradoodle or Phantom Labradoodle cost significantly more than a solid-colored cream, black, or gold Labradoodle. Sometimes, depending on your location, you may have to shell out extra dollars if you specifically want a multi-colored Labradoodle. Coat texture is another influencing factor. Shiny, sleek coats are more attractive and an indication of a superior bloodline. Hence, they are going to cost more. Curly and wavy-haired Labradoodles will be more expensive than straight-haired ones as they are almost non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Blue-eyed Labradoodles can be even more expensive, owing to their rarity and beauty. Labradoodle Size As they are crossbred, there are no specific breeding standards for Labradoodles. Most breeders classify Labradoodle puppy sizes as standard, medium, and miniature. Toy, teacup, miniature, and maxi are some other terms used to describe the size of Labradoodle dogs. The smaller the puppy size, the higher its price. This is because of the increased demand for smaller-sized dogs. Some breeders have their own standards and classifications when it comes to dog size and weight. While some breeders consider pound dogs as petite, others see them as miniature. Micro and petit are other terms that are used, both interchangeably and independently by different breeders. Usually, petit dogs fall in the pounds range, and micro dogs under 10 pounds. Age Typically, most people prefer buying a young puppy rather than a full-grown dog. Hence, prices are higher for puppies than dogs. For instance, a 6-month-old puppy is going to cost less than a 6-week-old one. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Generation Type Another determining factor is the percentage of each parent breed in the Labradoodle puppy. F1B generations have a purebred Poodle and an F1 generation Labradoodle as their parents. While this is a rarer generation, they are cheaper as their chances of being hypoallergenic is lesser than that of others. Generally, F1B Labradoodles are the most expensive generation as they have the highest chance of being hypoallergenic. Location and Demand The Labradoodle breed is one of the most popular crossbreed dogs, a close second to the Goldendoodles. This has significantly increased their value and demand. Dog breeders of bigger cities will have a large client pool and higher earnings. They usually have a hard time keeping up with the demands and hence have to increase their price. Breeders from rural areas have comparatively lower demand and charge less for their puppies. Nevertheless, the demand for low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs is high everywhere, regardless of the size and popularity of a place. While it might be cheaper to buy your Labradoodle puppy from a rural breeder, you might still have to beat your budget to travel the extra distance or to have the puppy transferred to you. Although the low prices advertised at puppy mills might be tempting, getting a Labradoodle puppy from a reputed breeder is always a better option. Besides being spayed, neutered, and vaccinated, puppies from reputed breeders will also be appropriately socialized. This will make it easier for them to adapt to their new home. Most reputable breeders establish their prices based on their experience, investment, knowledge, credentials, and reputation with previous customers. Some breeders even incorporate training from a young age, and some puppies are potty trained at just eight weeks old. Reputed breeders also have health certificates and genetic records of both parent dogs in place. These certificates are proof that your Labradoodle is in the best of health and hygiene. Other Costs Associated With Labradoodles The preliminary cost of a Labradoodle will be substantially less than the total expenses involved throughout its life. Additionally, you might have to spend more on training foods and treats. Grooming The grooming needs of Labradoodles may vary depending on the type and length of their coat. Although Labradoodles are almost hypoallergenic, they need regular brushing and bathing. Medical Costs Most crossbreed dogs are usually less prone to ailments and diseases. Their larger gene pool also reduces their risk of inheriting diseases. One of the most common health issues with Labradoodle is hip dysplasia. And the surgical procedure to fix this is expensive, which is especially necessary for older Labradoodles. Besides this, there are other health care costs like vaccinations and regular veterinarian check-ups Ohio State Veterinary School source. It safeguards you against any unforeseen situations that may arise in the future with regard to its health. Training and Boarding Costs Although Labradoodles are very intelligent and highly trainable, it is advisable to enroll them in a professional training program to ensure their all-round development. It also helps address their excessive barking and jumping, which is common in Labradoodles. Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that can turn destructive when left alone for a long time. So whenever you go on trips, you will have to leave them at a doggie care center. Can Labradoodles smile? Ideally, you should purchase an adjustable crate whose length you can adjust as and when your puppy grows. Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs who need toys to maintain their mental stimulation and to keep them from getting destructive due to boredom. You might also have to make a one-time investment on a good quality bed as they often tend to chew and scratch at it. Labradoodle Adoption Price While you may want to get your Labradoodle puppy from a shelter, the chances are slim as Labradoodles are highly sought-after breeds that are usually kept in tight breeding groups. This is usually done to cover the cost of medical and maintenance care. Adopting a puppy from a rescue shelter is a noble idea, but you must also prepare to deal with any possible future problems with their health and temperament, as rescue dogs usually have health and behavior problems. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish rain coat Avoiding Disreputable Breeders The pet business has now emerged as one of the biggest industries worldwide. Unfortunately, this has also birthed unethical puppy mills, backyard breeders, and online pet stores, who have little to no knowledge about raising and nurturing puppies. Often, unsuspecting pet lovers trying to save some money fall prey to these tricks and end up with an unhealthy puppy with health and temperamental issues. This leads to them spending a lot of money on the treatment and maintenance of these puppies down the road. So, is there a way to distinguish between good and bad breeders and avoid paying exorbitant prices by accidentally supporting these puppy mills? Start by doing plenty of research on the breeder and consciously avoid backyard breeders, pet stores, and online stores. Additionally, look out for these red flags: Unusually low-priced puppies. The breeder refuses to show the living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Adult dogs are kept in harsh conditions and small cages. Puppies seem reserved, edgy, and nervous around people. The breeder has no health certificates of puppies and its parent dogs. Breeder refuses to provide any paperwork. Here are some standards and conventions practiced by trustworthy breeders: They breed puppies indoors and will take equal care of the parent dogs. They offer ample space and freedom to their puppies and dogs to run, play, sleep, and do everything they desire. They periodically clean and groom the dogs. They promote a healthy bonding of puppies with their mother and littermates. They try to gauge if you are capable of raising a particular dog breed. They offer tips and tricks on puppy care and maintenance. They have health and vaccination certificates from a licensed veterinarian. They offer proper legal protection like providing a guarantee for puppy replacement after around 1. Going through previous testimonials and customer reviews is another way of determining the credibility of a breeder. Find out how long the breeder has been in the business. Have a proper conversation with them and get all your puppy-related questions answered before you decide to get your puppy from them. With their love and affection, these bundles of joy can not only turn your bad days into wonderful ones, their high intelligence and alert minds also make them great guard dogs. Before purchasing a Labradoodle puppy, make sure to research the breeder and never get puppies from breeders who cannot provide health certificates for the puppies and their parents. 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. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are thinking that a Labradoodle might be a perfect addition to your family, you are right. They are friendly and intelligent dogs, and many have a low-shedding coat, which means they can be a good choice for families dealing with allergies or asthma. But exactly how much will it cost you to bring a Labradoodle home? The cost of a Labradoodle actually varies significantly depending on the specific dog and where you get it. We will go through all the things you are likely to have to pay for within the first six months of bringing the puppy home, and what you can expect to spend on the care and upkeep of your Labradoodle throughout their lives. The Cost Of Adopting A Labradoodle How much it will cost you to bring a Labradoodle into your household will vary significantly depending on where you get the puppy from. Whether you are looking for a standard Labradoodle or one of the small breeds that are the result of breeding a Labrador retriever with a miniature or toy poodle, also makes a difference, with the smaller dogs being more expensive. Why Are Labradoodles So Expensive? Labradoodles tend to be expensive because they are such desirable dogs. They are a mix of a Labrador retriever and a poodle, designed to be the perfect service dogs. Labrador retrievers have long been known as excellent working dogs because they are intelligent and motivated, which means they can be trained to complete the required tasks, and they also have a friendly and loving personality, so they know how to behave in public. This is essential when service dogs are able to enter public spaces that will be full of people, children, and other animals. However, the problem with Labradors is that they shed a lot. This means not only that they can be challenging to clean up after at home, but that they can be a health hazard in restaurants and places that need to maintain sanitary conditions, such as hospitals. Enter the poodle. Instead, the hair gets caught up in their coat and needs to be brushed out regularly. They are also highly intelligent, even more so than Labradors, which means they have a great ability to learn new tasks. They are also very loving, having been bred as companions, though they are a bit more wary of strangers than Labradors are. So the idea is that you combine a Labrador retriever and a poodle to get a Labradoodle, which has all the characteristics to work as a service dog and also has a low-shedding coat. But, since breeders are often catering to a specialist market, they do need to be careful to control for the characteristics they want. They need to be very careful to breed for the low-shedding coat since a Labradoodle naturally has an equal chance of inheriting a high-shedding Labrador coat and a friendly personality, as well as intelligence and an ability to learn. This is a lot of work for the breeder, so they charge more. The smaller pups cost even more because they are harder to breed due to the size difference between Labradors and small poodles. However, if you do come across a Labradoodle that does have the high-shedding coat of a Labrador, you might be able to get them a bit cheaper, as they will be harder to sell as service dogs. But be warned! It is almost impossible to tell whether a Labradoodle will have a low-shedding or high-shedding coat until they are at least 12 weeks old. With so much variation in the price of Labradoodles, it can be hard to know whether you are getting a good deal, or if you are being ripped off. Below are the main factors that affect the individual prices of Labradoodles and will push the price above or below the standard. These factors should help you determine whether a Labradoodle is being priced appropriately. Location Yes, just as housing costs more or less depending on where you live, the same is true of Labradoodles and all other dogs. Size As we have already said, size makes a big difference, and small Labradoodles that are the result of breeding between a Labrador retriever and either a miniature or toy poodle are significantly more expensive. This is because they are harder to breed, and they are also highly desirable pups. A mini Labradoodle can cost twice as much as a standard-sized version. Coat Type Labradoodles have three different coat types, which are classified as flat, wavy, or curly. Flat coats are most like the high-shedding coats of the Labrador, while curly coats are most like the low-shedding coats of poodles. Wavy coats fall somewhere in between. It will be no surprise to learn that curly coats are the most popular, and that dogs with these coats are more expensive. You might get a Labradoodle with a flat coat at a discount because they are shedders. This is easier to predict if you are breeding two Labradoodles that both already have the desired coat characteristics, but is very difficult to determine with first-generation Labradoodles. Coat Color Labradoodles come in a much wider range of colors than Labrador retrievers, and many of the more exotic coat colors are highly prized. Dogs like the Phantom Labradoodle and the Tuxedo Labradoodle are very coveted, and this can add significantly to the price of the dog. Breeder Reputation The fact of the matter is, when you are buying a dog from a breeder, you are putting a lot of faith into the assumption that everything they are telling you is true. They are the ones telling you that the parent pups have undergone extensive health screenings and that they have controlled for desirable characteristics. For this reason, reputation is very important among breeders, and you should always do a little bit of research on your breeder before purchasing. If you do find a good breeder with a reputation for producing happy and healthy pups, you can expect to pay more. They are at the top of the market, so they can afford to demand more money. Plus, good practice is usually more expensive to deliver. Additional Expenses When Buying A Labradoodle Puppy There are other expenses related to bringing a new puppy home beyond the price of the puppy itself. When you but a Labradoodle puppy from a reputable breeder, the price usually includes: Initial vaccination shots. While this is not actually required, it is highly suggested since it covers vet bills and emergency treatments for injuries. Most of these are optional except for emergency treatments. Owners who need service dogs should be prepared to spend more on special training classes. Dog Walking: Getting a Labradoodle means you get an active dog. For times when you cannot take your dog for a walk or play with them, you can hire a dog walker instead. Medical Emergencies: Expenses for medical emergencies are preferably avoided but are to be prepared for anyway. Accessories and Clothes: If you enjoy dressing up your Labradoodle, you would also want to buy different clothes and accessories for them. There are a lot of places that sell these, so you can either save or splurge. Again, these expenses can arise at specific points in time and can be optional. They also depend on you and how you want to spend on your Labradoodle. You can actually look for this popular breed from breeders or rescue shelters. Given that Labradoodles are well-loved and highly coveted, the chances of you finding this breed are pretty high. Here are some reputable breeders where you can find Labradoodle puppies for sale: Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles — This reputable breeder was from Connecticut and is now based on a acre family farm in West Wisconsin. They specialize in standard-sized Labradoodles that are guaranteed to be in good health. They offer a two-year health guarantee against hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other genetic conditions. You can visit their website to check for available pups. Interested buyers are assured that their puppies undergo proper health testing and screenings, as well as microchipping and vaccinations. Their pups are also socialized early and are subject to a weekly training program. They specialize in breeding mini and medium-sized Labradoodles. You can find more breeders in our article on the 10 best Labradoodle breeders that are based in different states. While browsing, be sure to read our puppy buying guide so you can safely buy your Labradoodle online. An alternative to shopping for a Labradoodle is to adopt one from shelters, rescues, or adoption sites. They have been trusted and have been working hard for Labradoodles since .You can visit their website to learn more about their adoption process and see the available Labradoodles looking for their forever homes. Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc. They are dedicated to protecting Labradoodles and educating owners and dog enthusiasts. Labs and More — This rescue organization based in San Diego, California, has rescued more than 12, dogs since .They rescue large dogs and mixed breeds, including Labradoodles. You can visit their website, where they have a guide before adopting for those interested. Head over to our 10 best Labradoodle rescues article to find even more options and increase your chances of finding a Labradoodle. You can also visit your local shelter to look for Labradoodles up for adoption. Money-Saving Tips for Labradoodle Owners Knowing that taking care of Labradoodles costs a significant amount, any Labradoodle owner would want to save a few bucks in any way they can. To help, we came up with some cost-effective ways to care for your pooch. Here are some ways to cut down on expenses for your Labradoodle: Groom your Labradoodle at home. While professional groomers can save you time and provide proper grooming thanks to their training and skills, there is no doubt that they can charge quite a bit. Learning how to do basic grooming yourself, especially since this hybrid has a low shedding coat, can surely save you some money. Grooming sessions at home can also serve as quality time with your canine companion. Make dog food yourself. Store-bought dog food and treats are convenient, but the cost adds up. You can try making dog food at home, instead. Not only does this allow you to control what exactly you are feeding your pet, but it can also be cheaper. Buy good-quality items. Getting items that are of good quality and durable can be more expensive at the time of purchase but will actually save you money in the long run. Take your Labradoodle for regular vet visits. Emergency treatments and procedures often cost more than regular vet visits and can help you avoid an unhealthy puppy. Knowing what items to invest in and what to avoid can significantly reduce the cost of owning a Labradoodle. A little creativity and strategizing will go a long way. The expenses for this designer breed are far from cheap. However, you should know that this is nothing out of the ordinary since many popular crossbreed dogs also have similar costs. If you are one of the many people interested in Labradoodles, I hope this guide has helped you decide whether owning one is worth all the investment. We would love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below! Owners of Labradoodles are also welcome to share their tips and experiences on the different Labradoodle costs. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Our New Puppy Checklist gives you an easy way to keep track of items you already have and ones you still need to pick up. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! Everything that goes into making a good breeder adds value and factors into the price you pay. We recommend working with a quality breeder when getting a Labradoodle. We explain ways to identify reputable breeders and questions to ask in this article. Caring for the Puppies This goes beyond simply making sure the puppy has food and water. What kind of food are the puppies being fed? A good breeder will be able and willing to tell you this it also helps you prepare for bringing your puppy home. Puppies are like human babies — they are prone to getting sick early on. Smell the puppies! The puppies smelled clean and freshly bathed. Are the puppies receiving the proper vaccinations when they should be? Puppies have a schedule of preventive vaccination and immunizations they should be getting in the first year of their life. What about once you take the puppy home? Socialization and Stimulation Dr. This is so true! And it starts early on. From birth, the puppy should handled and all of their body parts touched paws, mouth, tail, stomach, ears, arms, and legs. This includes laying them on their back. Once a few weeks old, they should be getting exposed to people in a controlled environment our breeder has three kids, which are great puppy socializers. They should be exposed to different surfaces, noises, and encouraged to explore their surroundings, while not startling them too much or endangering them. Giving them this foundation makes training your puppy easier down the road and also makes them a much more adaptable pup. Be sure to head over to this article for valuable tips on continuing socialization after you bring your puppy home. Responsible Breeding Practices A quality breeder puts the overall well-being of their puppies far beyond the money they make from breeding. Get ready to fill out some paperwork! This goes back to their commitment to the overall well-being of the dogs they home. Visit this page to find a Labradoodle breeder near you. Quality Of The Breeding Stock Determining the quality of the breeder is pretty easy, while understanding the quality and genetics of the breeding stock takes a bit more research. Breeding Stock Genetics This part is expensive but is critical to the breeding process for Labradoodles, because certain health conditions often appear within the breed. If a breeder starts with a sire father and dam mother with poor genetics or disease and health problems, what effect will this have on their litter? This part is usually overlooked or neglected by non-reputable breeders because it involves costly genetic testing and screening done by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals source. Our breeder offered an month replacement guarantee, which was really great see below. We checked the social media accounts of different breeders we were considering to see what others were saying. Talk to the breeder in advance. See how knowledgeable they are about the breed. Come with some good questions that you know the answers to, and compare their responses. Ask the breeder what all goes into the cost of their Labradoodles. Ask them what they do with the puppies regarding socialization. Related Questions: Should I visit breeders before making my decision to purchase a Labradoodle? We highly recommend that you schedule a visit to see any and all breeders you are considering getting a Labradoodle from. Will the breeder require a deposit for the puppy? They may also ask you to pay another portion of the total cost once the puppy is born, to help with costs of caring for them. Why are Labradoodles such a popular breed? Labradoodles are popular and highly regarded for many reasons, including their great personalities , family and allergy-friendly nature, and their low-to-no shed coats. After all, they do become part of the family, right? Grab your copy today! Related Posts:. However, some pups exchange hands for even more, if they have something which makes them especially desirable examples of what that might be coming up! You may also see Labradoodle puppies advertised for far less. This should be a red flag. A good breeder spends a great deal of money to produce a healthy litter. The costs of breeding a healthy litter include: Health screening for the parents. Travel and accommodation to meet a suitable stud dog. Veterinary costs for mom and her litter. Extra food. Whelping supplies, such as a whelping box, heat mats, and bedding. Time off work to look after mom, and start socializing her puppies. Backyard breeders, puppy mills, and online sellers may offer puppies at bargain prices, but only by cutting their own costs first. So their puppies are more likely to leave home with inherited health problems that require expensive treatment later. Or with behavioral problems like separation anxiety or stranger-directed aggression, which are difficult or impossible to overcome. Lots of people are overwhelmed by the upfront cost of a well bred puppy. Adopting a dog from a shelter is one way to find a dog for less, but without supporting unethical breeding practices. And some regions even have dedicated rescue organizations which specialize in rehoming Labradoodles and other Poodle crosses. This is a much less expensive route and adoption fees often cover things like initial vaccinations and microchipping. Such as whether they carry any late-onset inherited diseases, or are reactive to certain triggers. What Factors Determine Labradoodle Cost? There are a number of factors which may make people willing to pay more for a Labradoodle. Breeder Good breeders are rarely in it for the money. Even if they sell their puppies for a more money than they spent on them, the profit divided by the number of hours they spent caring the dam and her litter works out in cents! All breeders have their own personal philosophy on pricing pups. They might have a reputation and a waiting list which means they can charge more than the competition. They might also charge highly to deter people from buying their puppies on impulse. Provided you ask politely, a reputable breeder will be happy to explain how they arrived at the cost of their puppies. But a breeder who refuses to discuss how they set their price at all may be attempting to cover up the fact that their puppies have been very poorly raised and are not worth the asking price. Breeding Stock Breeders who invest in meticulous health screening of their sire and dam may pass the cost of that onto their buyers, and they have every right to do so. Puppies from thoroughly health tested parents cost more upfront, but they are likely to cost less in lifetime veterinary fees. Labradoodle puppies from parents with show or field titles may also be advertised at higher prices. The puppies of Labradoodles that have been backcrossed with a purebred Poodle will have a greater chance of inheriting the Poodle coat. Other factors There are other things which might affect Labradoodle costs too. For example, in cities and urban areas, miniature Labradoodles might command higher prices than standard Labradoodles. Some factors have nothing to do with the dog at all. For example, many reputable breeders avoid producing litters around Christmas time to avoid buyers passing them on as gifts to other people, or buying them on impulse without really thinking it through. Low quality breeders on the other hand, tend to push their prices up at this time of year. The Cost of Owning a Labradoodle in the First Year Whether you go a shelter or a breeder, adoption fees and purchase price are only the beginning of what it costs to own a Labradoodle. The first year will typically be the most expensive because this is when most major expenses occur. Such as Having the dog spay or neutered. Training classes. Accessories like a crate, bedding, toys, collar and leash. Labradoodles have a high frequency of joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which may require expensive monthly prescriptions to manage. Bringing a puppy into your life comes with the responsibility to keep him healthy and happy. From food to medical costs, from toys to grooming, there a number of regular expenses that come with owning a dog. Food is such an essential part of ensuring your dog is healthy and there is a wide range of commercial dog foods available. You can spend tens, or hundred of dollars per month! Always choose a good quality food that lists animal protein as the first ingredient and avoid brands that include meat by-products, fillers, and artificial ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions. This article on feeding a Labradoodle puppy can guide you. Feeding your dog a healthy diet and ensuring an active dog like the Labradoodle gets enough exercise will go a long way to reducing medical costs. However, any dog can develop health issues that require treatment that can run into thousands of dollars. Health problems that the Labradoodle can be susceptible to include: Hip and elbow dysplasia.

Location: Mount Airy, Maryland 4. They prioritize personality and breed health and strive to create well-adjusted hypoallergenic Labradoodles. Brown Australian Labradoodle puppy with blue eyes looks to his side. Their puppies are raised in-home and receive a thorough socialization experience from a young age. The breeders have over 20 years of breeding experience, and one has worked as a registered veterinary nurse. Dogs not raised on the property enjoy a guardianship program. The intention is always to give these dogs as much space as possible to live a well-rounded and happy dog life. Additionally, all the Autumn Lane dogs undergo rigorous testing before breeding. They take special care to eliminate breed-specific problems like hip dysplasia from their bloodlines. The adoption process is transparent, and all their paperwork is viewable through the website. At six weeks, Autumn Lane desexes, microchips, and deworms their puppies. They also administer the first round of vaccines. The puppies can then be rehomed at eight weeks old. To make your life easier, Autumn Lane begins potty training and crate training their puppies before they leave the breeder. However, they recognize that puppies can be challenging, especially for new dog owners. Consequently, their website offers extensive resources to help you through the early days. Contact Details:. The Labradoodle has these qualities too. This makes them the perfect family pet. Unfortunately, not all breeders care about producing healthy canines or matching their dogs with suitable owners. Here are five signs to look for when searching for a breeder. Look for a breeder that breeds only one specific kind of mix—like the Labradoodle. Choose a breeder who is unwilling to meet or speak with you about their dogs. They should be eager to answer your questions over the phone and via email. Check out each dog yourself before leaving with a pup. Avoid breeders who keep their dogs in cages or kennels. Dogs kept in these conditions can become neurotic and destructive. Beware of breeders who offer puppies at a very low price. This could signify that the breeder is not breeding for quality but profit. 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. Then, consider reaching out to Autumn Lane Doodles for puppies raised in a healthy, loving environment. Teresa Gillis and her socialize every individual puppy with other people and animals without confining them into a kennel. In addition, the puppies get temperament checks at seven weeks of age to determine which applicant families would suit them best. Like most Labradoodle breeders in Maryland, Teresa lets applicants take the puppies home after eight weeks with their most recent veterinary records. The puppies start their crate and potty training at about six weeks. Knowledge of the Breed Seasoned breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience raising Labradoodles to produce healthy litters that meet breed standards. Consider asking your breeder lots of questions if you need some insight on how to keep your dog in top condition. Breeders with connections to several Labradoodle organizations, like the Australian Labradoodle Association of America, should also give buyers a great impression of their passion for this designer breed. They Prioritize Application Evaluations Responsible Labradoodle breeders in Maryland should evaluate each submitted application and screen potential owners to see if their home is the right fit for their pups. Approved applicants usually hear back from breeders via email or a phone call within a few days. Limited litters allow breeders to dedicate equal attention to each puppy. Lifetime Support The best Labradoodle breeders in Maryland can keep in touch after new owners take their pups home. Warning Signs of Puppy Mills Since Labradoodles are a popular mixed breed for avid dog lovers, some people prioritize breeding litters for profit instead of health or quality. As a result, puppy mills keep their breedable mothers in cramped, dirty living conditions while churning out one litter after the other. Some common red flags to look out for include: Refusing to answer your questions Selling their pups to pet shops Selling Labradoodles that are less than eight weeks old A breeder with limited knowledge of the breed Giving the puppy to you in a distant, disclosed location How Much Do Labradoodle Breeders in Maryland Charge for Their Puppies? When comparing your top options for breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in Maryland, you might notice that their price ranges vary. Several factors can impact A collar for each puppy. For instance, Labradoodles with a multigen lineage, rare coat color, and excellent health coverage can cost less than first-generation dogs with common coat colors. On the other hand, you may also try to find an available puppy from nearby places. Check out our lists of reputable breeders from neighboring states:. We only breed Australian Labradoodles. We are intentionally small, exclusive, and family-owned. It is our focus to protect the health and future of this breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to quality, not quantity. We have a limited number of litters a year and take great pride in breeding these outstanding family companions, for a therapy dog temperament and a teddy bear personality. They are intelligent, intuitive, allergy and asthma friendly, with non-shedding coats. They are affectionate, lovable and make devoted family members. Our puppies are born in our home, in a warm and loving environment with many hands to help. Puppies have started potty-training and crate training before they go to their new families to help with a smooth transition. Puppies are well socialized with children and other dogs, playing, romping and exposed to many different stimuli, so they are emotionally well adjusted. All puppies are vet checked, dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies are placed with temperament testing to ensure the best match with each family. Our dogs live in our home or with our trusted guardian families, living their best lives. In addition, they also have their DNA profiles run for positive identification. All our dogs live in our home or with our trusted guardian families. They all achieve the Canine Good Citizen award by 18 months of age. They are our constant companions, well loved and living their best life as we think they should. These admirable qualities among many others make them perfect family pets. They are active, smart and desire to be engaged with the humans they love and live with. They are very eager to please, making them well suited as spoilt family members, therapy dogs and assistance dogs. They are very loving, smart and the make best friends ever. Their eagerness to please and soulful nature makes them ideal as a family pet or for therapy work. They are full of cuddles, fun and faithful. They display a keen intuition about the emotional state of family members. They are non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Coats can be wavy, straight or curly. Our Guardian Program Our breeding dogs are the heart and soul of what we do, and to ensure we are doing the best for them, we want all our dogs to live in wonderful happy homes as treasured members of the family. Our guardian program is a partnership between us and chosen families which allows our dogs to live freely in loving homes with their forever people. Sonali took the time to get to know our situation and make suggestions that ultimately turned out to be right on target. Our family received very personal attention so that our dream puppy could become a reality. We love that big fur ball so much! He has been really easy to train, listens well, and has adapted to our family very nicely. Our experience with Cornerstone was flawless. Olive is such an incredible puppy and we are so blessed to have her. The puppy preparation info and class were very helpful.

Often occur with allergies and intolerances. Patellar luxation Patellar luxation is the term used to describe a displacement of the kneecap, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. Hip dysplasia HD Hip dysplasia HD is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Denture malocclusions Malocclusions of the dentition often occur in dogs with short muzzles. Shortness of breath Difficult breathing can be recognized by the dog's rattling and sometimes accelerated breathing rate. Overweight Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame! Heart disease Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication. Breathing problems Dogs with shortened muzzles can often experience respiratory problems. FAQ How big will my pug and bichon frise mix puppy be? Pug and Bichon Frise mixes typically reach inches tall and weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. Pug and Bichon Frise mixes have a soft, fluffy coat that can be either straight or wavy. They can have a mixture of Pug and Bichon Frise coloring, or they can be solid colored. How much exercise does a Pug-Bichon Frise mix need? Pug and Bichon Frise mixes need moderate exercise, and a daily walk or play session should be sufficient. They can live in an apartment as long as they receive enough mental and physical stimulation. What is the life expectancy of a Pug-Bichon Frise mix? The life expectancy of a Pug-Bichon Frise mix is years. Are Pug and Bichon Frise mixes good with children? Pug and Bichon Frise mixes are good with children and other pets if socialized from a young age. They can be shy around strangers. Therefore, introduce them slowly to new people and situations. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. With their wondrous willingness to please their masters by giving them company, the Pushon makes an adorable companion dog. They love attention and enjoy being praised for anything good that they do. Pushons seek for contact. They are also good with children, and by virtue of their playful nature, they have enough energy to spend some quality time with them. These little dogs are brave hearts and seldom display timid or shy behavior. Care Exercise Give your dog some time to walk and run outdoors every day. Since housetraining this breed might be tough, you can also utilize the everyday routine walk time for your dog to eliminate. They love to play. Let them play with your kids and other pets. They are exceptionally friendly with cats. Keep its leash away during playtime. Grooming Pushons are low shedding dogs; however, their hair grows rapidly and hence, they need to be brushed regularly, at least times a week. This is even more important for individuals born with a double coat as against some with single. Those that have wrinkly faces should have their folds cleaned from time to time with a soft wet cloth, so as to ward off chances of skin infections. Bathe them no more than once a month. You can also seek for quarterly professionally grooming sessions. Health Problems They tend to have dermatological issues like dry skin, and might be allergic to many a thing including spider bite and bee sting. They are also prone to upset stomach, since they are in a habit of picking up and eating anything they find. Training The playful and smart nature, along with its willingness to please has made your pushon an ideal dog to learn tricks. Teach your dog the trick to salute. For that, ask your puppy to give its paw. Repeat this frequently with a little patience, and your dog will learn to salute and greet you or anyone visiting your place. Housebreaking might be a little tough for this dog. So begin it right from its puppy days. For that, you must assign a particular spot for it to poop or pee. Reward it every time it obeys you and maintains hygiene. This should reduce the chances for it to feel the urge during sleeping hours. This post may also contain other affiliate links and Bichon World might be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on them. Small dog breeds are great options for a whole range of households and lifestyles. They are often suited to modern living in a way that many larger breeds are not, and can live much longer than the larger breed, meaning that you get a companion for longer. The Pushon is a great small bichon frise mixed breed with plenty of positives — but you should know as much as possible about a breed before adopting or buying a dog. Whether you are looking for food for your dog or other pet supplies, Chewy. It is the combination of a Bichon Frise and a Pug and was likely bred to eliminate some of the health conditions associated with the two parent breeds. The breed itself does not have much of colorful history, but both of its parent breeds do. The Bichon Frise, for example, has been traced back to the 13th century. It is thought to be closely related to the Poodle and the Barbet Water Spaniel, and is directly related to the Tenerife dogs which were transported around the Mediterranean by Spanish travelers. It is uncertain how the breed then found its way to Europe, but once it did, there were plenty who fell in love with it! The bichon-type breed had a surge of popularity in the 16th century when the French royals decided to keep the Bichon Frise as pets. From France, the breed spread across the globe. It was eventually recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club in .The Pug, on the other hand, has a more extensive history still. The small flat-faced dog has recently gained lots of popularity, but it is by no mean a modern dog. The breed can be traced all the way back to BC in Asia. There, the dog was bred as a companion pet for the super-wealthy. The breed was well known and beloved around Asia. It was a common pet of Tibetan monks and was beloved by royals and aristocrats alike. After being transported from Asia to the West by a range of different invaders and travelers, the breed had a large surge of popularity in the 19th century in the West. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in Most recently, the breed has been bred for flatter and flatter faces and is now the cause of concern for many scientists and vets across the world. Pushon Appearance, Coat, Size, and Weight The Pushon is a small dog, measuring 10 to 11 inches tall and weighing between 10 to 13 pounds. Like most small breeds, the Pushon tends to reach full size within a year, and may then get stockier as time progresses. The breed can have brown or amber eyes and can come in white, cream, Isabella, black, brown, or sable. Their coat can be short or medium depending on the lineage, and typically the coat will be completely straight. The breed is recognizable for its usually sturdy appearance and wideset ears with small rounded paws. They are often longer than tall and have wide eyes. How much exercise and stimulation they require, the amount of grooming they need, and even whether they need yard time or if they suit being indoors can vastly change whether or not a breed is suitable for your home and lifestyle. The Pushon is a relatively medium-level maintenance breed in most aspects. The breed will require daily brushing, especially if your Pushon has inherited the longer hair of the Bichon Frise, and they will need bathing every couple of weeks. Owners should be sure to regularly wash the eyes and ears of a Pushon and to ensure that the wrinkles around the muzzle are fully dry after washing to prevent infection. In terms of exercise, the breed is pretty active. They will require around 60 minutes of exercise each day in the form of active playtime or walks. Without this, owners may find them hard to manage and they may even act out. The most important thing for the Pushon is that they get enough exercise but also have somewhere to cool off, as the Pug genetics will often mean that they do not fare well in high temperatures. The Pushon is known to be an entertainer and a companion. They are just as happy sitting on your lap relaxing as they would be running around a garden with the children. They will often strive to be the center of attention and will do almost anything to remain there. The breed is curious and lively, but also incredibly loving and social. They get on well with children of all ages, and can even form strong attachments to other animals in their home, whether that is a dog, cat, or even a rabbit. In terms of training, the Pushon can prove to be a bit of a challenge. However, this is not because the breed lacks intelligence. In fact, the breed is of relatively high intelligence, they are just incredibly stubborn. This can make toilet training hard and can make other tasks such as recall a daunting job. So long as you are patient, though, and use plenty of positive reinforcement and attention, the Pushon is capable of learning plenty of tricks. After all, the Bichon Frise was once used in circuses around the world! Since the breed is intelligent, owners should be sure to provide the Pushon with ample enrichment and stimulation. This might take the form of puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games, socialization, frozen toys, or even just lots of playtime. Failing to provide such stimulation may result in a bored dog. Boredom can lead to depression in canines, especially in breeds as sensitive as the Pushon, so this should be avoided at all costs! It is also important with a Pushon that training and socialization start at a young age. Pushon Health and Lifespan Often, pure-bred dogs have a large list of health conditions that they are particularly susceptible to. This is often why mixed breed dogs are created; to avoid the illnesses of the parent breeds. The Pushon is a prime example of that. However, that does not mean that the Pushon is without any health concerns. There are still some conditions to which the breed is prone. Usually, though, these can be treated or avoided with the help of a vet and proper care. The conditions that a Pushon is likely to encounter or develop include patellar luxation, cataracts, canine hip dysplasia, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, corneal ulcer, flea allergy, dry eye, ear infections, and skin allergies or irritation. Despite this, the breed has quite a long life expectancy. On average, a Pushon can be expected to live for between 12 to 14 years with adequate care and exercise, providing you with a long-term friend and companion. Pushons should be fed a nutrient-rich diet to properly satisfy their needs. Kibbles or wet foods higher in protein are particularly ideal for this breed. When feeding your Pushon, be sure to always fill the bowl up, even if that means getting a smaller bowl. Many Pushons have flat faces, like the Pug, and this can lead to them struggling to eat from emptier bowls. They push their face into the bowl and this can often cause choking or blocked airways. This means that they are the direct descendants of both one Pug and one Bichon Frise, as opposed to having Pushon parents. This often means that it is hard to tell which traits from each parent the puppy will have until it is born and begins to grow. Pushons Usually Inherit the Fluff Pugs are a short coat breed, but the Bichon Frise has a curly, fluffy coat that is absolutely gorgeous. They may shed less than other small fluffy dogs, but they will still shed more than a hypoallergenic breed would. Is Pushon the Right Breed for You? Pushons are great dogs. They are truly dynamic, wonderful, and social puppies that grow into smart, feisty adults. So long as you know how to train them, they can make incredible pets for most households. But is a Pushon right for you? The breed inherits a certain sensitivity from the Bichon Frise. Being alone all day, five days a week could very easily cause the Pushon to develop separation anxiety. This can manifest as poor behavior, acting out, being more vocal, or even forgetting toilet training. Separation anxiety is not fair for you, nor is it fair for the dog. So for those who are likely to be away from home a lot, consider a different breed. Otherwise, you might find yourself constantly fighting with a dog who just wants attention. Alternatively, however, the breed is incredibly well suited to small spaces. Just be sure to give them enough exercise and to play with them on a regular basis, and they should be completely happy living in an apartment. The breed is highly adaptable, too, when it comes to living space. The breed would be happy in a country farmhouse or a studio, so even if your situation changes — the Pushon will not be a concern. If you are planning to move a Pushon into an apartment though, be sure to train them out of their vocal tendencies first, otherwise, you will not be making a good impression to your neighbors! Post navigation. From rabbits and cats to kids and adults, the Pushon loves everyone equally! As such, he is truly a family kind of dog. This means that he loves doing everything with you, including play time outside. In fact, one of his favorite things to do is curl up on your lap while you watch TV. This is never good because it often translates into bad behaviors, like chewing and barking. This is great for if you ever have to downsize. You will never be able to get the watchdog truly out of a Pushon. Why should he be scared of anyone? If you attack this problem head-on and early enough, you should be able to train him out of it. This is scary. He can keep up with them, and he has patience for them if they get a little out of hand. And a healthy weight for an adult Pushon is between 10 and 14 lbs. Pushon Colors As for colors, the Pushon can be black, light or dark brown, gray, cream, or white. This is because most mixed breeds do not have a definitive origin point, and his history may help you understand his persona. The Bichon Frise, for example, made her way to the U. The Pug also has an illustrious history, being the favorite dog of Chinese emperors, and later Tibetan monks living in monasteries. Both the Pug and the Bichon Frise are intelligent breeds who can understand your commands and execute them quickly. However, the Pushon tends to have more of a stubborn streak than either of his parents do. One of the best ways to get the Pushon to listen to you is to heap on the praise. When you leave bad behavior unchecked, it only gets worse and can ultimately become permanent. This online resource has hundreds of fun informative dog training videos that can help you learn the basics and more. The grooming needs of the Pushon can vary wildly from dog to dog. It all depends which parent he takes after. Either way, though, you should expect to brush him every day to keep him looking healthy and free of mats. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do for the Pushon is to regularly brush his teeth. Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to keep them clean. You should also check and clean his ears once a week if he inherited floppy ears. This will reduce the amount of moisture that builds up in them, which can cause infection. We wrote an article on Bichon Frise Grooming that will offer some additional step by step guidance for grooming your Pushon. Check it out here. Staying Healthy Keep an eye out for any symptoms of any of the following conditions, which tend to commonly affect the Pushon breed: Allergies fleas, some medications, etc. Lifespan Sociability Pushons may not be purebred dogs, but their status as a designer dog breed has created quite a demand for them. Adopting a Pushon will generally be less expensive, but finding a Pushon at a rescue or shelter might be difficult due to the popularity of designer dog breeds. Pushons are usually first-generation hybrids. In the designer dog breed world, there are two types of hybrids: first-generation and multi-generation hybrids. Goldendoodles and other popular hybrids are often multi-generational, but Pushons are usually first-generation mixes. Pushons are perfect apartment dogs. Finding the right dog can be tough, especially for apartment living. Thankfully, these happy-go-lucky dogs are the perfect apartment companions! Except for some possible excessive barking, Pushons will easily adapt to urban and apartment environments. Pushons are usually fluffy. While pugs have silky, shorthaired coats, Bichons are famous for their fluffy, long coats. Not all Pushons will have the Bichon-esque coat, but most will inherit it. Pugs are one of the most unique dog breeds today, known for their many quirks and characteristics. They can go from playful to stubborn in a flash, making them notoriously challenging to train for first-time dog owners. At the end of the day, Pugs simply want to have fun and be with their families. Bichon Frise dogs are classic lap dogs, known for their cheerful and affectionate temperaments. These fluffy dogs can easily adapt to most living environments, making them suitable for a wide range of individuals and families. Though Bichons and Pugs are quite different at times, they both crave affection and human interaction. Pushons, as a result, are usually the same and will gladly follow their favorite people around. Housebreaking aside, Pushons have great temperaments and will be quite loyal to whom they see as family. Are These Dogs Good for Families? While they can be great family dogs, we recommend them only for families with quieter, older children that can understand how to handle small breeds safely and responsibly. Since Bichons and Pugs are companion-based breeds, Pushons rarely exhibit high prey-drive levels.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Day 8 — Ohhhh…The Puppy Piles! The result of puppies sleeping close together to keep warm? Puppy Piles! Day 11 — Eyes Wide Open! What an exciting day for me and the pups. No more army crawl for these cute munchkins! Two or our Golden puppies, Bear and Buster. An end to the army crawl. Week 2 of our series on Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week-by-week growth charts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 -This is Week 2! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So how about your guys? Have you ever raised a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Or maybe you have a litter of puppies coming soon. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a note in the comment section below. Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Our litter of Golden Retriever puppies week two. 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.