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Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.

Conclusion 1. What does a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix look like? It is impossible to tell with certainty what the dog will look like when it is a mixed breed. What we do know is that this breed is more likely to have the face of the Pitbull, with a broad head and a short muzzle. As for coloring, this breed comes in a variety of colors: black, white, brown, tan, gray and fawn. Given that both the Pitbull and German Shepherd have strong physiques, it is not surprising that this mixed breed does too. Fully grown, these dogs are large , as mentioned in the first paragraph their average weight between lbs 29 — 38 kgs , so it is important that you have her under control. You can do this by properly training and socializing her. What characteristics can I expect? As with all crossbreeds, it is not easy to say precisely what temperament this dog will have, as it will always be a different combination. In my experience, however, they tend to have the following traits: High energy All dogs need regular exercise to stay fit, and this large breed usually needs a whole lot. I recommend at least a one-hour walk a day, providing you have an outdoor space where she can release excess energy for the rest of the day. By giving her the exercise she needs, you will avoid undesired behaviors such as slipper-chewing, hole-digging or nuisance barking. As long as she gets her exercise needs met, she will be happy to settle down and relax with you. Loyal and loving Pitbull German Shepherd mixes are very affectionate dogs when raised right. While they are good at entertaining themselves, they still love to be around you and make a good family dog. This dog can have a very protective nature. This is due to its German Shepherd relatives , who were bred to herd and guard livestock. To prevent this from the outset, you should socialize her with people as much as possible from an early age. Intelligence Both the Pitbull and the German Shepherd are incredibly intelligent breeds. It is no surprise, then, that this mix is no exception. These dogs learn quickly and respond incredibly well to training and commands. Just as you exercise her body, it is important to keep her mind stimulated, too. You should start training at the earliest possible stage. It is important to keep a close eye on this type of behavior because, if it gets out of control, it can turn into aggression. What are the common health problems? Providing that she has a healthy lifestyle, as we mentioned above this breed can live for up to 12 years. Every dog breed is susceptible to certain health difficulties, however, and it is good to be aware of these so that you can treat your dog accordingly. In the meantime, it is worth knowing that this breed can suffer from the following diseases: Skin irritation The Pitbull German Shepherd mix can be prone to skin irritation, which they inherit from the Pitbull side of its family. They tend to have more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites as well as to fleas and ticks. To prevent this reaction, make sure you use a high-quality tick and flea treatment. Diet also plays an important part in maintaining the health of the skin. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that can begin in dogs as they grow and results in an unstable or loose hip joint. While weight management is essential for any dog breed, it is highly important that this breed maintains a healthy weight to avoid stressing the hip joint. How much will I need to groom her? This mix has a coat that can range from short to medium in length. I recommend starting your grooming regime when she is a puppy so that she can get used to the routine. I do not advise over-bathing these dogs no more than once a month due to their tendency to skin irritation. It may also be worth buying a shampoo specifically designed for dogs with sensitive skin. German Pits are usually floppy-eared, which means they get less air circulation and are therefore more prone to earwax build-up and ear infections. I advise that you get her ears checked at least monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. So is the German Pit the right fit for me? After all the information you have read, it is now important to put this question to yourself. As you can see, these dogs have the potential to be lovely, loyal dogs that are ideal for a family. Yet they require a lot of attention, walking and training, so they need a dedicated, and preferably experienced, dog owner. Conclusion Here are the main points to consider before committing to owning one of these dogs: Are you an experienced dog owner? Are you dedicated to walking your dog at least an hour a day? Do you have a spacious house with a yard, or can you walk her twice daily? Are you able to provide a rigorous and dedicated training routine? If not, it might be time to reconsider getting a different breed of dog. Do you own a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I have worked with various large breeds all my life. The German Shepherd is my favorite. I recently brought home a mixed breed. .Our Puppy is high energy at 8 weeks old. Highly intelligent and very affectionate. I have a large family with lots of boys and 1 girl. So our family is definitely the right fit! In my opinion every family member should have an caring active role in raising the family dog. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepherd Pit Bulls are prone to weight gain. They also have high energy levels. About three hours a day of activity is recommended. Agility training, hiking, walking, running, or playing around a yard will keep them happy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for a German Shepherd Pit Bull is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Vets or groomers are good at performing this messy task. You should consult your veterinarian or professional pet nutritionist for advice on what to feed your German Shepherd Pit Bull and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your German Shepherd Pit Bull and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of German Shepherd Pit Bulls coats are brown, black, white, grey, tan, and fawn. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They usually have short thick coats, and this mixed breed is not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require at least three good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. German Shepherd Pit Bulls may be able to handle some extreme weather conditions for short periods of time. These dogs must live indoors with their families. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child. German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or American Pit Bull Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. You can expect moderate shedding from this crossbreed. Be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner often. Most German Sheppits will come in a variety of colors like tan, black, white, fawn, and gray. Some have beautiful multi-colored coats like the GSD, while others inherit the brindle coats of their Pittie parents. Because of its moderate shedding, the German Pit is not the ideal dog for people who suffer from allergies to dander. Is a Shepherd-Pitbull mix dangerous? As we mentioned before, this breed is often negatively associated with being aggressive. A Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a loyal, intelligent, protective, and bold dog that likes spending time with his family. This canine has a calm and loving personality toward its owner, but it can be an attention-grabber, too. She loves nothing more than to run, play Frisbee, and roll around all day. Just make sure that your German Pitbull mix puppy is introduced correctly to small kids. Proper socialization and training are crucial because these dogs tend to chase down smaller animals. They may also have a dominant personality and may try to be the alpha to other dogs. Being raised with other pets will help this crossbreed co-exist with them. With early training and socialization, this naturally friendly and affectionate dog is an excellent choice for a family pet and the perfect companion for children. How much activity does this crossbreed need? A Pitbull German Shepherd hybrid has a strong and robust physique and he requires plenty of physical activity. You can take your dog on a one-hour jog or run in the morning and a minute walk in the evening to keep him in the excellent physical condition and as release excess energy. Without a proper exercise regimen, he may exhibit unruly and destructive behaviors like excessive barking, hole-digging, or chewing on slippers. Remember to keep it slow with a German Pit puppy because his legs are shorter. After that age, you can increase your speed as long as he can keep up. He can also have some playtime, like romping in the dog park. Or maybe play some fetch and let him catch a frisbee so his brain gets a workout, too. These crossbreeds require a high level of physical and mental activity to be in their best form. How to train Pitbull German Shepherd mix puppies The unfortunate truth is that this hybrid is not easy to train and is not suited for first-time dog owners. You need to be a firm and confident alpha , or he will try to control you. Be patient and try not to give in. Socializing him at an early age helps him interact better with other animals and encourages a better sense of adaptability in the dog. Socialization also fixes anxious and timid behavior and will help your pet get along with your family members. This breed may be intelligent, but he has a certain level of stubbornness when it comes to training. This hybrid tends to bark quite frequently, too, so you may want to include a routine that will help you control excessive barking. Try including crate training and leash training in your sessions. Starting it young is the best way to train a German Sheppit. The best age to start would be at seven weeks old. An adult dog can still receive training, although it will be more difficult. These are the most common health concerns to watch out for in your German Sheppit:. Temperament: It depends. A German Pit dog can be gentle, loving and protective of its family. It will like to be top dog and may challenge authority but with proper training it will learn who the master is. It gets bored easily. They cannot be left alone for long periods of time, or they can become noisy and naughty. Feelings and signals: Dogs communicate in many ways from playing to barking. Never approach a dog with its tail way down! How should you train a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? With patience! There are several types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization. Each is important to help this type of puppy learn to socialize and behave. This looks like a dangerous dog so it is important to train it to challenge perceptions and show people the best of this breed instead. How do you begin puppy training? It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer — Here are some tips to begin: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems. A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving. Early warning signs are — stiffness when getting up or walking, reluctance to get up when prompted and its usual walking style can change. It can occur early or later in life. The only way to check is to trace the health history of the birth parents. There is no cure but a Vet will help with medication to manage the pain. Skin problems Atopic dermatitis They can develop allergies causing skin conditions and itching — from grass, mold, pollen etc. Bloat Gastric Dilatation-volvulus Affects many deep-chested, larger dog breeds that like to eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. Early signs are: restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject excess air or food through ineffective retching. In each case it is important to seek medical help! Exercise: This will be a very active dog, with lots of energy and need lots of exercise. They like to play chase and fetch. A puppy needs hours of exercise every day and more when older otherwise it will get bored. It will love running around and adventures but not adapt to small spaces. Therefore not suited to apartment living. Remember: Puppies should not be exercised too much on hard ground as their paws are still delicate so a mix of hard and softer ground is recommended until they are at least 2 years of age. Leash training is strongly recommended for discipline, safety and control in the early years. Feeding: Feed as an active large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food. A Vet will advise the food type, exact amount, how often and if they need extra mineral and vitamins. Puppies should have their daily amount split into 3 daily feeds. Be careful not to over-feed them as weight gain can put pressure on their hips. Grooming: This dog has a short to medium length coat of hair that does shed but not too much so it only needs to be brushed times a week. A good brush is recommended. Bathing: This dog has short hair like the Pitbull so bathing is only recommended when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil; which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain shampoos have the double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Chewing helps, so use doggie chew toys, bare bones, soft tooth brushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be regularly checked for dirt build-up or infection. Anything unusual should be checked by a Vet. What is life like for a GSPM? Otherwise, with their high energy levels they may show their boredom through destroying or chewing things and barking. They can make a great family dog. Remember just how active this dog is before choosing one. How much does it cost? Always best to adopt rather than buy if you can. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. Parent Breeds The parent breeds of the German shepherd pitbull mix include the German shepherd and the American pitbull terrier. As these breeds are both large dogs, the resulting mix is a large dog with unique physical and personality traits from both parent breeds. German Shepherd The German shepherd was originally selectively bred from shepherd dogs in 19th century Germany, where it was used as a herding dog. The breed was developed to be intelligent, strong, agile, and protective of flocks, all qualities that made it successful in its line of work. Horand von Grafath was recognized as the first German shepherd dog in .Today, the breed is still regarded as one of the best working dogs in the world because of its loyalty and eagerness to please. The German shepherd is used in police work, detection, service work, and search and rescue. German shepherd pitbull mixes often inherit the protective, hardworking temperament, strength, and wolf-like features of the German shepherd. The dogs were bred from terriers and bulldogs and used in blood sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. American pitbull terriers were later selectively bred in the United States to have the muscular builds, sizes, and affectionate temperaments seen today. With proper socialization, American pitbull terriers make loyal, well-behaved companions. Lifespan A German shepherd pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years if the dog follows a nutritious diet and exercises daily. Regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of health complications in German shepherd pitbull mixes. This mixed breed comes in shades of tan, white, gray, or black. Height and Weight German shepherd pitbull mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 18—26 inches, and a weight of 30—90 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Most German sheppits are lean, muscular, and slightly taller than their pitbull parents. Colors German shepherd pitbull mixes are typically tan, white, or black with bicolor markings. The coat color depends on the genes they inherit from their parents: German shepherd colors: Most common color combination is black and tan. Other colors include solid black, gray, red, and white. American pitbull terrier colors: Common colors are brown, black, and tan with various markings. Rare colors include solid white and brindle. German sheppits shed minimally to moderately throughout the year, depending on coat type. Double-coated dogs blow their coats twice a year. Personality and Temperament Photo by spcaofnorthernnevada German shepherd pitbull mixes are smart, affectionate, and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along well with kids, and their intelligence and athletic stature make them well-suited to agility classes and fieldwork. Socializing and training this mixed breed from a young age will help it grow into an outgoing, obedient, and even-tempered adult. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement from an early age to not bark excessively. Left alone, German sheppits often experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, like barking and scratching, to cope. While smart and not fussy over food, these dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Food Needs A German sheppit adult should be fed 2 to 3. Grooming Needs The German shepherd pitbull mix should be brushed weekly, or a few times per week if it has inherited a double coat, to distribute natural oils and keep its fur tangle-free. Bathe the dog once every few months and ensure its nails are well-trimmed. Exercise Needs An adult German shepherd pitbull mix requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, split into two separate walks, to remain physically fit. A two-month-old puppy needs 10 minutes of exercise per day, while a four-month-old puppy requires 20 minutes. German sheppits do best in homes with large, secure backyards where they can run freely. Certain states, cities, and territories have laws in place that restrict or ban pitbulls and pitbull mixes. Check local laws before exercising this mixed breed in new areas. Mental Needs German shepherd pitbull mixes need 60 minutes of mental stimulation per day to prevent aggression, boredom, and anxiety. Suitable mentally-stimulating activities include obedience training, scent work, herding, puzzle toys, agility classes, and interactive games like fetch. Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed with medication and surgery. Bloat : When the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and then twists, causing severe abdominal pain. Bloat is often fatal if not treated immediately. Hip dysplasia : Abnormal formation of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. Treatable with surgery and lifestyle changes. Degenerative myelopathy : Degeneration of the spinal cord that causes leg weakness, incontinence, and eventually paralysis. The condition is managed and treated with lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, exercise intolerance, and coat changes. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication. Cataracts : Cloudiness of the eye lens that causes vision issues. The German sheppit is particularly prone to food and skin allergies. Take these dogs to regular vet checkups to reduce their risks of health complications. Use positive reinforcement and be firm and consistent when training this mixed breed. Never use punishment-based training methods because these can cause anxiety in dogs and exacerbate their aggressive behaviors. These dogs need plenty of training and socialization throughout their lives to keep their dog aggression in check. German shepherd pitbull mixes are often available for adoption from rescue shelters. This price includes expenses such as food, treats, vet checkups, toys, and training. First-year costs are higher than subsequent years because of the costs of first-year puppy vaccinations and neutering or spaying, and initial supplies like bedding. The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles. German shepherd pitbull mixes are suitable for people that are active, have a large backyard, and can dedicate lots of time to socializing and training the dog. The best owners for these dogs are people that use positive reinforcement measures and stick to set boundaries. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. They are still prized working dogs on ranches or farms, but can fit well into active families with older kids. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies need lots of socialization, training and exercise. They require regular grooming despite their short coat, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. However, when you give them everything they need, this mix can be an amazing companion for experience dog owners and working dog trainers too. A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog. Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog primarily used for hunting. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests. This mix will be tall with a medium build and a coat that will range in length from short to long, depending on their parents. They will have a relatively long muzzle, dark eyes, a long tail and pointed ears. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is probably going to be a large dog. You can expect a German Shepherd-Pitbull hybrid to grow up to 17—24 inches tall at the shoulder. If a hybrid puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then they may mature to between 80 and 90 pounds. When they more closely resemble their Pitbull parent, then they may reach anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. Additionally, hybrids may look more like one parent than the other, or they may appear to be a lovely mix of both parents. Both breeds are commonly associated with territorial aggression and biting, both of humans and other dogs. Of course, with mixed breeds, you cannot say with much certainty how much the offspring of two purebred dogs will take after their parents. This goes for looks, health, and temperament. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies are no different. The Pitbull was first bred to fearlessly attack large animals and later to work, hunt and protect. This means that they are strong and agile enough to chase after such animals as cattle and hogs. Also, if needed, they can grasp and hold a moving animal with their powerful jaws. They can also be territorial. Furthermore, fewer Pitbulls in the study had attempted to bite their owner or a strange human than those who had attempted to or had attacked a strange dog in the past. Socialization As we mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization with other dogs and humans from an early age can help to prevent a puppy with German Shepherd lineage from developing aggressive behavior later in life. This is especially important if your dog has hypothyroidism in its genes. Additionally, both Pitbulls and German Shepherds are working breeds that are high energy. German Shepherd and Pitbull Health Your puppy has the potential to inherit the following conditions from one or both of their parents: Allergies — Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust cause itchy skin on the feet, belly, folds of skin, and ears. Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation — When the knee cap pops out of place while the dog is in motion. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis — Progressive nerve damage that results in weakness of the legs and sometimes blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — An inherited disorder in which deterioration of the retina leads to eventual blindness. Bladder stones —Pitbulls can inherit Hyperuricosuria. The urine is too acidic, which causes precipitation of solid masses called bladder stones or kidney stones depending on where they form. Lifespan The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is about 11 years. Similarly, the Pitbull typically lives between 11 and 13 years. This means that you can expect a German Shepherd Pitbull mix to live to be approximately 11 or 12 years of age. A Shepherd Pitt may mature to be a large dog with lots of energy. In addition to the energy outlet, exercise is also important for this hybrid due to the high probability of it developing hip dysplasia. As a family dog, this hybrid may not be ideal for homes with young children or other dogs. Make sure that you meet both parents. They should be relaxed and confident around strangers, if not overly friendly. Make sure the breeder also shows you evidence of clear health test certificates. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He loves people and though he's teething and tries to nibble on my hand when I pet him, he doesn't ever try to nibble on strangers or neighbors. He has a ton of energy and is very stubborn but he is also very smart. He was potty trained in one week without barely any effort. Rusty craves attention and is kind of difficult to train because of his stubborn personality and he doesn't like to cuddle unfortunately. He loves to play with our 12 year old Lab Retriever mix and he doesn't hurt her at all even though she gets annoyed with him easily. She loves to run and play but she knows when its time to calm down. I think this is the best breed combo. She has become the best dog I have owned. She is smart and protective of her family and home. Her dad is a lb long haired German Shepherd and her mom is a blue brindle Pit Bull. She is a show stopper everywhere we go! Her personality is split between both breeds. She loves to rough house with her best friends and then at the end of the day she likes to sleep under the bed. Such a sweet girl! He was being shown at Petsmart for adoption and they were giving up hope in finding him a home. I went in for cat food and the second I saw him, I knew! He was skinny and stinky, but I looked at my husband and said we're getting this dog! Murray is handsome and happy. He goes camping with us, loves to ride in the car and going to the vet. He's chased many deer, gotten skunked in the face four times and fought raccoons. I've only recently started watching the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan and it re-enforces that I've been doing almost everything right in my handling and understanding of my dog. I've learned from Cesar, to claim your space with other dogs, as well as my own, how to stay calm and meet a new dog and how not to let the dog exit or enter a house before you. I knew I wasn't going to be one of those women being dragged down the street by a dog half my weight so from the start, he was trained to walk with me and not pull me. I've used mouth click sounds or a quick tug on his leash and he's quick to follow. He has three long walks everyday, and watching him find his groove and 'prance' is pure joy for him and me. Through being kind and patient, I've shown him that the back scratcher isn't a weapon and the hair dryer isn't as terrifying as he thought. Now he comes to the room for the enjoyment of getting 'blow dried' on the cool setting and affection. Because of Cesar's understanding of dogs, countless people are becoming in tune to the language of a dog. I've noticed only half of the dog walkers around here know how to walk their dog and for the ones that do, their dog's good and polite demeanor is evident in their dog handling. Unlike the tiny terror and his tiny owner- who thinks his insane high pitched barking is friendly. One day, walking out of the woods, the sunset was beautiful and I said "sweet" out loud and Murray stopped, looked back and thought I'd said "treat"! We laughed all the way home! I love my Shepherd Pit mix and I am his proud pack leader!

Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Australian Labradoodles are dogs that have a very interesting history. They were first bred in the s by a member of the Australian Guide Dog Association who set out to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. They can be considered to be six in one, as six different breeds were used to create what I believe is the ultimate dog. They are gentle, smart, loving, playful and obedient. An extra bonus is that they have an allergy friendly coat and do not shed! Tootsie is a cuddly and very loving dog who adores children. She is very intelligent and has proved easy to train. Her gentle temperament means her puppies will be perfect for first time dog owners! She is an exceptionally pretty dog with a gorgeous thick and curly coat. Tootsie comes from my breeder friend from Poland, a wonderful lover of dogs who is respected and well known all across Europe. The dad of both sets of puppies is Miles, our amazing stud who comes from Spain. He is a wonderfully calm and gentle boy! He loves to play with other dogs, whether they are smaller, bigger, older or younger! Miles adores his family and enjoys learning new tricks as he is extremely obedient. He is a very pretty boy with a luxurious, thick brown coat. The Pups are now ready to go home! A deposit is required to reserve your puppy, please do get in touch for more details : - All of our dogs are extensively health checked, having passed all their hip, elbow and annual eye tests. As well as having extensive genetic DNA tests. We have done extensive remodelling to suit the needs of the little puppies as well as the mums! The puppies have an outdoor area built and designed exclusively for them and their needs. They are also potty trained and know basic commands. I will always be reachable for any questions! Please feel free to contact me or any of my other extremely satisfied customers who have welcomed one of my puppies into their homes. These organisations contain the most amazing group of breeders who only pick the best dogs to breed. Please check out my website which has links to all the popular social media!

When we use the term "white spotting" we simply mean white areas on the dog, not actually white spots. White spotting can occur on any colour, and will cover up both eumelanin and phaeomelanin. In technical terms this is known as epistasis. So any dog can have white markings, whether they're black, blue, liver, isabella, brindle, sable, tan-pointed, merle or whatever. White hair occurs when the skin cells are unable to produce any pigment. The white spotting gene impairs the ability of cells on particular parts of the skin to make pigment, so the skin becomes pink and the fur white. Nails and paw pads will also become pink in areas where pigment is not produced. So far, only two white alleles have been proven to exist on the S locus: S - no or very minor white sp - piebald A third allele may exist for "extreme white" sw , however this has not been proven and so far all dogs with high white have been shown to be homozygous for sp instead. The white spotting alleles are thought to be examples of incomplete dominance. This means that a heterozygous dog will express its most dominant gene, but may also be affected by the more recessive one to a lesser extent. For example an Ssp dog may have some white spotting see below. However, the relationship between the alleles is complicated and can vary between breeds. It has been shown that some dogs with white spotting do not have an sp allele at all. These are mostly dogs with "true" irish spotting in other words, irish spotting that breeds true - this should be made clear further down the page. The allele that causes this pattern has not yet been identified and it is not known if it is also located on the S locus. For the purposes of this site we will refer to this gene as si, but remember that it is most likely located on a different locus to sp. Spread of White Whichever white pattern a dog has, its white will always follow the same rules of spread. White starts on the farthest "edges" of the dog - the tail tip, the tip of the muzzle, the paws and the tip of the breastbone. This is known as the "trim" pattern. From there it spreads to cover the muzzle and forehead, the front of the chest, the lower legs and more of the tailtip, creating irish spotting. Next it spreads round from the front to the back of the neck, and creeps up the legs and tail. On a piebald dog, only the head, back and tail base may still be coloured. The back colouring is the next to go, followed by the tail base, then the face markings. The ears will always remain coloured unless the dog has a very high amount of white. The ears are generally the last part of the dog to turn white. Of course the idea of white "spreading" is metaphorical, to give you a picture of how white patterning works. White doesn't spread like this on one particular dog i. Although puppies do often lose or gain a little colour as they grow , it's just to show which areas remain coloured on dogs with more and more white. One way to think of it is that the dog retains colour best in the most important areas of its body - around its internal organs body and tail base patches and its brain ears and face patches - and loses colour easiest from the parts farthest from these areas. In technical terms, pigment "migrates" to different parts of the body during the development of the embryo, and the S gene determines how far the pigment migrates. Sometimes it simply doesn't reach the furthest extremities this can be caused by a minor problem or illness during development , and this can result in a small amount of white trim on a dog without sp, for example a small chest patch on an otherwise solid-coloured dog. Of course this means that technically, white doesn't spread at all - it's actually the colour that spreads. The white rules aren't set in stone - sometimes individual dogs can have unusual white patterns, where, for example, the white on the legs is very uneven, or they have piebald patches in unexpected places, like on the neck or chest. However, in general, they do hold relatively true. Residual White and White Trim A very small amount of white on the chest, toes or tail may occur when the pigment doesn't migrate fully as the embryo develops. This is known as residual white and can sometimes be caused by minor illness in the mother or in the embryo, or may have no obvious cause at all. There is no particular genetic basis for residual white, however it's clear that some dogs have a predisposition to it which can be passed on to their offspring. If a slightly larger amount of white is present then the dog may be heterozygous for sp, in other words Ssp. In a breed such as the Newfoundland you would get such a dog from crossing a "Landseer" piebald, spsp with a solid SS. However, in breeds carrying piebald there is no real way to know whether minimal white markings are just residual white or indicate the presence of the piebald gene without genetic testing or test breeding, as piebald heterozygotes may have anything from a tiny chest spot to pseudo-irish markings see below. We can assume that the two dogs above are SS and that their markings are just residual white. This is because neither breed comes in piebald or irish spotting. If either of these dogs did have an sp or si gene then we would expect to see dogs with much more white being produced in these breeds, but this doesn't happen. As it is, their white is non-genetic and breeding two dogs with white markings in these breeds will not necessarily produce puppies with any white at all. This Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a possible piebald heterozygote i. We can't know for sure, but this is the most likely explanation for its white chest patch as the Staffie breed is known to commonly have the piebald gene. If this dog were bred to another sp carrier then some of the puppies may be piebalds and have much more white than either of their parents. Irish Spotting Pattern Irish spotting si is the pattern sometimes known as "boston" or "mantle", although these terms do not always refer to "true" irish spotting. On a dog with irish spotting, white is found on the legs, the tip of the tail, the chest, neck and muzzle. Many dogs with this pattern have a full white neck ring and a blaze. True irish spotting is caused by an as yet unidentified gene, but we can assume irish spotted dogs to be homozygous for it sisi as it breeds true. This means that two irish spotted dogs bred together will produce puppies with irish spotting, and the white will not increase. We can assume that a solid dog bred to an irish spotted dog will produce a heterozygous dog with less white a white trim, as shown in the section above. The term "irish spotting" actually comes from a term used in the early 20th century to describe a white pattern found in rats in Ireland. None of these breeds regularly come in piebald or extreme white and their white markings breed true implying they are homozygotes. Pseudo-Irish "Pseudo" irish spotting may look the same or very similar to true irish spotting, but is in fact not caused by sisi but by Ssp, i. The incomplete dominance of S means that an Ssp dog may show up to roughly half the amount of white as an spsp dog. These dogs do not breed true and when two are crossed the puppies may be solid, piebald or inbetween. See below for an example of this in Boxers. Note that not all Ssp dogs show much white, or in some cases any white at all. The amount of white on a piebald heterozygote appears to vary drastically and some may look exactly like homozygous solids. The three breeds above Staffie, Podengo Portugueso and English Pointer all carry piebald but are not known to carry irish spotting, so these dogs are most likely pseudo-irish. Finally, a "flashy" irish spotted dog one with more white than usual may be caused by a combination of si and sp. If a true irish spotted dog also carries an sp allele then the normal white pattern may be extended. This supports the theory that si is actually on a different locus, as the two alleles appear to be inherited completely separately. This has been shown to occur in Shelties, where dogs carrying the sp allele as well as irish spotting can usually be identified by having more white around the neck and underside of the body. An spsp Sheltie has a high amount of white and is known as a "colour-headed white". Shelties are one breed known to carry both true irish spotting and the sp allele, but many breeds only have one or the other. This irish spotted merle Sheltie has a large amount of white and may be a piebald carrier. Piebald carriers are often referred to as "white-factored" and are generally identified by having white extending further up the hind legs onto the knees. Piebald Pattern Piebald spsp usually produces a coloured head with or without white on the muzzle and as a blaze , and patches on the body. Generally the base of the tail is coloured, but other than that the patches may be located anywhere on the body but rarely on the legs. Because piebald is a recessive gene and heterozygotes piebald carriers don't always have any white markings, it can remain hidden and pop up unexpectedly. Both the Poodle as shown here and the Shar Pei, traditionally solid-coloured breeds, occasionally produce piebald known as "flowered" in Shar Pei. Extreme White Pattern The extreme white pattern consists of a completely or predominantly white dog with just small amounts of colour on its head and sometimes base of tail. Small body patches may be present too. Sometimes the nose is pink or partly pink, and the eyes may be blue in some breeds due to lack of pigment. So far all extreme white dogs that have undergone genetic testing have been shown to be homozygous for the piebald gene spsp , just like the piebalds in the section above. However, as there is a fairly large difference between those dogs and the ones shown below, it is possible there is something else going on to cause the high white. In breeds with both true irish spotting and piebald the high white may simply be caused by the interaction between homozygous irish spotting and homozygous piebald e. In other breeds the cause is less obvious and has led some people to postulate a further S allele - sw. However, no evidence has yet been found for the existence of sw, on the S locus at least. Extreme white can occasionally cause problems when it removes large amounts of pigment from the face and ears. The most common problem is deafness due to lack of pigment in certain parts of the inner ear, which prevents it from functioning properly , but dogs with exposed unpigmented pink skin are also more prone to skin cancer than those with more pigment. Split Faces and White Heads There is thought to be a separate gene or modifier that causes some dogs with the irish spotting, piebald or trim pattern to have a split or completely white face, even if there's very little other white on the dog. A split face is when half of the face is white and the other half is coloured. Split and completely white faces are particularly common in the bull-type breeds, e. English Bulldog and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Saxon the Staffie submitted by Christina Jacobs see Saxon's Facebook page here , and Beagle submitted by Viktoria Kastner Ticking and Roan Any white areas on a dog, no matter how big or small, may be ticked or roaned due to the T gene. The ticking corresponds to the colour the area of the coat would have been if it wasn't white, which means that it can vary across the body. See the Ticking page for more information. The solid black on the head is the actual markings, and the solid appearance of the rest of the coat is created by very heavy roaning, including the tan points. This dog will have been born white with colour on the head only, as roaning develops later. The Large Munsterlander to the right shows heavy ticking on a piebald dog. Ticking is generally lighter than roaning, and the individual spots may be larger. White Boxers Boxers generally come in what appears to be the irish spotting pattern, so we would expect most examples of the breed to have sisi on the S locus. However, sometimes Boxer puppies are born which are completely or almost completely white. How these puppies could be regularly born to parents with much more colour perplexed Boxer breeders for a long time. However, we can now provide an answer to this. Boxers do not have the si allele, and supposedly irish spotted Boxers are actually pseudo-irish - i. When two pseudo-irish dogs are bred together some of the puppies will be homozygous piebalds spsp. Boxers with no piebald allele can still have residual white on the extremities, and pseudo-irish dogs can have anything from a very small amount of white to full irish markings, which can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish a piebald carrier from a non-carrier. The illustrations above show the range of white markings in Boxers. It is likely that the sp allele here is affected by a modifier that extends the white markings, as white boxers are always extreme white instead of normal piebald pattern. White puppies can therefore be mostly avoided by always breeding irish-marked dogs to solid dogs, although care must be taken when it is unclear whether a dog is genetically solid or pseudo-irish, as it is possible for solid dogs to carry a piebald allele and not express it at all or only partly. White Boxers come with many of the problems associated with high-white dogs, including a high rate of deafness. Although these dogs look like they have irish spotting, the pattern is actually caused by a different gene entirely, known as "KIT". Heterozygous dogs have no known health problems linked to the gene, however. Harlequin in Great Danes is another example of an embryonic lethal in dogs, although caused by a different gene to panda. Some panda Shepherds have blue eyes, however this is not linked to the KIT gene. Another observation is that many panda Shepherds have split faces and very few seem to have the neat blazes often associated with true irish spotting or the piebald gene. A few similar spontaneous white mutations in other breeds have been shown to have been caused by the same gene, including a mutation in Weimaraners. However, these mutations are very rare and the German Shepherd seems to be the only breed where a KIT mutation has become established. One example is as part of the double merle pattern. A double merle will almost always have more white than its parents, and will often appear to have the piebald or extreme white pattern when in fact it does not carry those alleles. The harlequin gene also causes a similar effect. See the Merle page for more information. White can also occur due to dilution of phaeomelanin by the I locus. Phaeomelanin is red pigment, and the I locus can dilute it to cream, ivory or sometimes even white. Breeds such as the Samoyed have this second type of dilution, so they appear completely white but in fact it's not due to white spotting. They are recessive red so they cannot produce any black pigment with dilution of their red pigment to white, resulting in a solid white dog with black nose pigment. They also test as homozygous for recessive black, but it seems the recessive red overrides this. The main way to tell a dog with extreme white spotting apart from a dog with phaeomelanin dilution is to look at the pigment on the nose, lips and eyerims. A dog with extreme white spotting is likely to be missing some pigment in these areas, so they will be partly or completely pink. A dog with phaeomelanin dilution will have solid black in all these areas possibly with a dudley nose, which are common on dogs with dilution - see the Nose Colours page. These two dogs a Siberian Husky and a Finnish Lapphund are genetically black and tan atat , but with dilution of their tan points to white, most likely to due the Northern domino Ed gene. It can be easy to mistake diluted points on a domino or black-and-tan dog for white markings, but points will generally be in a very regular and symmetrical pattern. The Husky has actual white spotting as well - note the irregular pattern on the chest and the thin blaze on the muzzle. Urajiro is another phaeomelanin dilution pattern that can look like white markings. Urajiro is when the dilution is confined to the "points" of the dog, like on the Shiba Inu here. See the Phaeomelanin Dilution page for more information. Some dogs can have both phaeomelanin dilution and white spotting, like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi pictured above. This dog has the white collar associated with irish spotting, but also the symmetrical cheeks associated with urajiro. If you look closely, you can see that the cheeks are an "off-white" colour, not bright white like the collar. First photo provided by Tina West, second by Dee Allison These two Dachshunds look just like piebalds, but they're actually double merles and most likely don't have any S-locus white markings at all. The pattern produced by double merle is strikingly similar to a homozygous piebald, although it can sometimes be less regular and extreme split faces going all the way down the muzzle are very common as on the second dog. One of these dogs is not like the others. All are "false" whites except for one, which is an extreme white piebald. If you guessed the Staffie, you'd be right. She has pink around her eyes, ears, muzzle and underside a sign of lack of pigment, associated with extreme whites and a few dark spots on her ears. All the other dogs are recessive reds ee or clear sables with phaeomelanin dilution. Note the slight cream sheen on the coat of the German Spitz, Samoyed and Shiba, and the jet black lip and eye rim pigment on all of them. The Shiba has a dudley nose, often associated with recessive red. Quick Summary! No time to read the whole thing? Here's the quick version! The S locus in dogs has two known alleles: S no white markings , and sp piebald. Due to incomplete dominance, one copy of the piebald allele results in a dog with minor white markings often called the "trim" pattern , and two copies causes piebald or extreme white. A very wide range of patterns is caused by sp. In addition to sp, there is another allele known as si irish spotting , which is most likely located on a different locus. The combination of si alleles and sp alleles is thought to cause most of the range of white markings found in dogs. Recently a rare mutation has been found in another gene known as KIT, and this causes the white markings on "panda" German Shepherd Dogs. This gene causes white markings in a number of mammals and is often associated with blue eyes and deafness. The link between MITF and eye colour and hearing in dogs seems to be weaker than in some other species, although many high-white breeds such as Bull Terriers and Dalmatians do suffer from high rates of deafness. Interestingly, mutations in MITF have no link to skin colour in humans but do cause eye and sight issues. In other species, some white markings are also caused by the KIT gene. KIT is an extremely important gene and plays a role in stem cells and in the digestive tract, and some mutations in this gene not those associated with white markings! Most mutations in KIT causing white markings have no associated health problems when heterozygous, but are embryonic lethals when homozygous. KIT is responsible for "black-eyed white" phenotypes in many species, and has no association with either blue eyes or deafness. In dogs, KIT mutations have so far been confirmed in "panda" German Shepherds and in Weimaraners, but are not thought to be widespread. No mutations in this gene have been found in dogs, however in horses EDNRB causes "lethal whites" overo lethal white syndrome , where homozygous foals do not have a fully functioning digestive system and die soon after birth. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. German Shepherd feet come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and even have their own set of paw problems. The SV standards state that the German Shepherd paws are rounded, short, well-closed and arched. The pads are very hard, but not chapped or too rough. The nails are dark, short, and strong. Dewclaws may appear sometimes on the hind legs and are removed during the first few days after birth. Nails are short and dark. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed, but are normally left on and accepted. The dewclaws, if any, should be removed from the hind legs. Pads well-cushioned and durable. With short nails, strong and dark in color. Dewclaws are removed from the hindlegs. German Shepherd paws come in three basic shapes: cat shape hare shape webbed feet Each shape is suited to particular tasks and ground. Cat feet The cat-shaped foot is small and has a compact, round form. It is built for balance, endurance, and strength. Hare feet While the cat-shaped foot is compact, a hare-footed dog has two elongated central toes that project out from the rest of the paw. This style of foot is intended for speed and quick movement, especially out of a relaxing position. The elongated toes help propel the body forward with quickness and agility, much like the feet of hares or rabbits. Dog breeds with hare feet include the Whippet, Greyhound, and Borzoi. Webbed feet Webbed footed dogs are those built for swimming, but they are similarily proficient on land and especially boggy or slippery surfaces. Many hunting breeds have webbed feet, for example, the Weimaraner, Portuguese Water Dog, and Labrador Retriever which are all hunting breeds. These German Shepherds have long middle toes hare feet shape and the feet on the right have thick pads. These pads provide them with extra cushioning to protect their bones and joints from the shock of running. The pads also provide insulation from weather extremes and aid in walking on rough surfaces like concrete, rocky ground, or asphalt. The Purpose of the Paw The paw pad is made of keratin, collagen, and fatty tissues to serve a number of useful functions. And the pad supports a GSD with balance, decreasing speed, and quick stopping. Here we see the underside of the paw and the dark paw pad. This is a normal, healthy paw pad. Notice the roughed skin? The thick, coarse tissues that form the paw pads do not freeze as quickly or easily as normal skin, so they are able to withstand freezing temperatures for longer periods but only when necessary. The paws are covered in thick, tough skin that feels like sandpaper when rubbed against the grain of their skin. For working breeds, like the German Shepherd Dog, or dogs that spend much of their time outdoors or on rough ground, the paw pads become calloused and coarse. As the dog develops, their paw pads also become highly perceptive and flexible to the ground beneath their feet, which is why you rarely see a German Shepherd lose their footing and slip. Some owners state their German Shepherd has long feet and long toes, for example, the hare foot type we discussed earlier. Furthermore, each type of foot style gives the German Shepherd an advantage. Take a look at these different feet types. The breed information tells us that shorter, more compact feet are the Standard for German Shepherd Dogs, as this foot type provides the dog with better stability and a strong foundation for athletic abilities. Even the smallest cut or tiniest bit of debris can create a large problem for your dog. Here are a few tips for daily foot care and maintenance that are easy and prevent major foot problems from developing. Trim their nail regularly. Coat Hair Trim Some German Shepherds have longer coats and foot hair that sticks out between the toes. Shorter fur is less likely to collect stickers and rocks. Check Between the Toes Check between the toes for any debris, such as rocks, caked-on mud or twigs. Any debris stuck in the toe area can cause discomfort or skin irritation. Remove the debris with a warm cloth and soapy water. Reapply, especially after walking in the snow, on the blacktop, or rocky ground. First Aid Treatment Have supplies on hand for any minor first aid treatment. Wounds, cuts, and abrasions smaller than half an inch are generally treated at home with a mild antibacterial cleanser and a wrap. And taking care of their paws is a routine and easy task that you can do daily. Common causes of foot sensitivity include: running too often on hard or hot surfaces, unclipped fur between the toe pads which snags irritating objects, and overgrown, painful nails. You can prevent paw sensitivity by taking simple precautions. That means YOU are responsible for their feet and you must stay alert to problems before they need serious medical attention. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. White markings tend to be determined by the genes on the S locus. The white areas tend to be at the tip of the tail, end of the muzzle, breastbone, or paws. This is known as residual white. The cause may be unknown or may be due to a minor illness in the mother. This transition occurs when the pup is around months old and sheds his soft fluffy coat. This process can happen quickly or may take a few months. You may also see changes in the pattern. Nonetheless, she had many white markings across her chest as a puppy, which soon blended into her thick adult coat. Below is a picture of her at three months old. My 3-month-old German Shepherd Willow showing off her white chest markings! German Shepherds can have white paws. It usually appears on the tips of the paws. This study determined that the variant was associated with one or more spotting patterns in many dog breeds, including the German Shepherd. Regarding paws, white spotting can occur on one paw, all four, or any combination. What is a Panda German Shepherd? So, what exactly are they? They tend to have symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, belly, collar, and tail tip. The amount of white coloring can vary from dog to dog. They are typical-looking German Shepherds, other than their color, and have the same temperament and traits. The first-ever recorded Panda mutation occurred relatively recently in a female GSD in the year .Although these dogs look like they have Irish spotting consisting of white muzzle blazes and Border Collie-type markings, they are very different. This is due to being caused by the mutated dominant KIT gene. The gene that causes Irish spotting is yet to be identified. This allows German Shepherd breeders to establish whether the KIT gene mutation causes white patterning. There are often misunderstandings about whether German Shepherds with white markings can enter dog shows. However, this is a difficult question and depends entirely on the breed standard of the individual country. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. However, they are still allowed to be registered as purebred. They are also still permitted to participate in events, such as herding trials, tracking, and obedience. However, the consensus is inconspicuous white markings would not disqualify the dog from conformation. The UK Kennel Club also recognizes the all-white German Shepherd but states they are highly undesirable for conformation. However, they also refer to dogs having white markings. There are many varieties of coat colors in the German Shepherd breed. These are the main ones:. A German Shepherd can have natural white patches on them as a puppy that usually disappear into adulthood. Adult dogs might get white patches due to vitiligo, health problems, natural aging, or premature aging caused by stress or genetics. To learn more about German Shepherds and why these white patches might occur, keep reading! German Shepherds are typically bred to have little to no white patches in their coats. This is because they were bred to be animal herders, and only the darker dogs could intimidate the other animals into moving. A dark-furred German Shepherd can have white markings, but this is only an indicator of a breeding fault instead of anything more insidious. That particular German Shepherd has the recessive white gene in its DNA, passed down from one of the parents. If your German Shepherd has a white spot on its chest or paws, but is only a puppy, the spot will likely fade as it gets older. Even if this does not happen, as long as your dog has been registered with the American Kennel Club AKC as purebred, having or not having a white spot does not make it any less of a purebred. If the white spotting is extreme, you might have what is known as a Panda German Shepherd. This is caused by a mutated KIT gene. All-white German Shepherds also do exist, but they are rarer to find. As a result, all-white puppies are usually more expensive than the working kind. These dogs are usually bred from all-white parents or one all-white and one non-all-white with the recessive white gene. An all-white needs to inherit the white gene from both of the parents. That also takes all the health risks associated with albino dogs out of the equation. There is no difference between an all-white, a black dog, or a dog with white spots other than the coat color and, in some cases, hair length. Instead of fixating on coat color, you should be ensuring that your breeder is responsible and does health tests on dogs because some breeders overlook health issues to get the perfect coat color. As your dog gets older and older, those gray hairs will turn whiter. Stress It is common knowledge that stress in humans can cause hair to turn gray faster than usual. It is hypothesized that stress prematurely triggers the graying process — where either aging prevents the production of melanin , the chemical which keeps your skin and hair at the natural color it is, or your hair gets bleached from within via hydrogen peroxide. According to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science , anxiety or stress can replicate this process in dogs. If your dog displays anxiety or impulsivity in the form of the symptoms below, take note. Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read. Liver These are all approved show-ring standard coat colors in case you want to show your GSD. But is there any way to know for sure what coat color your GSD puppy will have when they grow up? First-time German Shepherd owners are often very surprised to learn that a large breed dog like the German Shepherd can continue growing for 24 to 36 months. An adult German Shepherd dog may weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pad to shoulder. That is a lot of growth that needs to get done. For this reason, genetically speaking, it is advantageous for a large breed puppy to grow in spurts, spacing it out over time. Canine coat color experts explain that dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin melanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin Eumelanin pigment always defaults to black. Eumelanin not only determines basic coat color but also controls for iris eye colors and nose colors. Phaeomelanin Phaeomelanin always defaults to red. Like eumelanin, the introduction of different genes can determine where on the red spectrum phaeomelanin expresses shows up. Unlike eumelanin, phaeomelanin only affects coat color and not eyes or nose. This is the chart many breeders use to design breeding programs to focus on certain coat colors. Each parent dog contributes a set of genes that control for color: coat color, eye iris color, and nose color as well as skin color. If you have a preference for a specific adult coat color, whether because you want to show your GSD or you are developing your breeding program, the best guarantee is to work closely with a knowledgeable breeder who understands coat color genetics. There is one exception to the coat color change to be aware of: often GSD puppies born with white coats will stay white. The coat is no exception here, as we mentioned in the introduction here. When your GSD puppy is born, all the puppies are typically but not always solid in color. The most common GSD puppy colors are black, grey, or — surprisingly — white. Kennels Von Lotta, a German Shepherd breeder, and kennel have posted this picture of a litter of newborn neonate German Shepherd puppies that were born black. Whelping to 2 weeks The puppies will start to show some differences in coat color and also coat length. By the day mark, breeders say it is often possible to tell if a GSD puppy is potentially going to grow up to have a long coat. As South Florida Shepherds kennel and breeder explains, the very same parent dogs can produce GSD puppies with very different adult coat colors. Because nearly all GSDs are displaying their permanent adult coloration by 18 to 24 months, continued changes or a sudden recurrence of color changes should always be investigated further. Now you know what to watch for as your little fluffy German Shepherd puppy starts to display their full and fabulous adult coat color and pattern.

Our goal over the past 27 years is to breed high quality puppies, with a focus healthy dogs with correct conformation and sound temperaments. That can only be done through proper breeding and knowing the history of the pedigrees and genetics of the dogs that you breed. You can find and buy cheaper puppies, but you take a huge chance on the temperament, health and the genetics of that dog. Here at our kennel, we strive to provide the average family with a world class German Shepherd from West German show lines and European working lines at a affordable price. We are not a commercial kennel or a puppy mill. We breed our females to selected males with the intention of breeding the best puppies possible. We provide AKC papers, pedigrees, health record with vaccinations and deworming, microchipped, and a lifetime of breeder support. Deposits are non-refundable. We reserve the right to keep the puppies of our choice from any litter. Thank you and God bless, Jim Godwin. Protection you can Hug Come and let us help you pick a beloved new family member that will provide unconditional love and protection for you and your family. Our dogs make great family pets, they are easily trained, and have a natural protective nature. Our past dogs have produced dogs that have served as mostly family pets, But some have been Therapy dogs, comfort dogs, K-9's and Schutzhund sport dogs. We are also placing our puppies with the Mississippi department of Corrections to be trained as working K-9's. Take some time and check out our website for lots of information on what we have to offer. And if you have time, we would love for you and your family to visit our kennel, just call and set up an appointment. Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to set up an appointment to visit. For the complete list please see our list page. As with any breed, you should always expect to pay much more for a registered purebred puppy. Prices for German Shepherd puppies vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on whether the puppy is show quality or not. If you are interested in owning a German shepherd, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder in Mississippi. With so many to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Ask your friends and family for referrals. Visit local dog shows and meet with breeders in person. Be prepared to ask lots of questions about the puppies, the parents, and the breeding process. Make sure that the breeder is willing to provide you with references from previous buyers. If a breeder balks at any of your requests, consider looking for another breeder. German Shepherds are a very popular breed and there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one. Be patient, do your research, and you will be sure to find the perfect puppy. Visit Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder in Person If you are in the market for a German shepherd puppy, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, if at all possible, try to visit your Mississippi German Shepherd breeder in person to get a better idea of what sort of puppies they breed. This is beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. Breeders who are proud of their puppies will be more than happy to show them off. By visiting the breeder, you can see the environment in which the puppies are raised and get a first-hand look at the parents. This will help you to determine if the breeder is responsible and breeding healthy dogs. It is also important to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. If the breeder seems hesitant or unwilling to answer your questions, it is best to move on. When looking for a German shepherd breeder, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a responsible person. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Mississippi One of the best ways to determine if a German shepherd breeder is responsible is to ask for references. Good breeders will be happy to provide you with references from previous buyers. If the breeder does not have any references, or if the references are all from family members or friends, it may be best to move on. A good breeder will be more than happy to provide you with references from previous buyers who are not related to them. It is also important to ask for health clearances from the parents of the puppies. Health clearances prove that the parents have been tested for genetic disorders and are free of any diseases. If the breeder does not have any health clearances, it is best to move on. Reputable German shepherd breeders in Mississippi can be tough to find, but it is worth the effort. By following these tips, you are sure to find the perfect puppy for your family. Happy hunting! Ask Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers When you are looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Mississippi, one of the best ways to determine if they are bred responsibly is to ask them if you can meet some of their past customers. Reputable breeders will be more than happy to provide references from previous buyers. Meeting past customers will give you a better idea of what sort of person the breeder is. In addition, it will give you a chance to see the environment in which they have been raised and ask questions about their health and personalities. A good breeder should be more than happy to meet with past customers. If the breeder does not seem willing to let you meet previous buyers, it may be wise to walk away. A responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will work hard to make sure that every puppy finds a good home and will be more than willing to provide references from previous buyers who are not related to them. A good Mississippi German Shepherd breeder should have a good veterinarian that they use. This veterinarian should be familiar with the breed and should be able to provide health clearances for the parents of the puppies. If the breeder does not have a good veterinarian, it is best to walk away. A responsible breeder will work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free of any genetic disorders. It is also important to ask the breeder how often they have their dogs bred. Good breeders will only breed their dogs when there is a demand for puppies. They will also only breed their dogs when they are in good health and have been cleared by their veterinarian. If you are looking for a responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. An unethical Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to sell you a puppy without providing you with any information about the dogs or the puppies. They may even tell you that there are no records of the parents. It is also important to avoid breeders who are not willing to provide references from previous customers. Unethical breeders tend not to have many repeat customers because they do not take care of their dogs and neglect them when they are pregnant and after they give birth. Be sure to ask lots of questions before choosing a breeder. A good breeder should be able to provide you with all kinds of information about the puppies, the parents, and themselves. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or seems shady, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of reputable breeders in Mississippi who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Many unethical breeders will try to hide this information from you. These breeders are usually trying to sell their puppies as quickly as possible and do not have much concern for the well-being of the puppies or their new families. There are no perfect dogs, but there are a lot of great breeders out there who will work hard to provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. However, a reputable breeder should be more than happy to provide you with a health record for your puppy. This health record should have all of the information on the vaccines that were given and any medical treatments that have been performed. They will also be able to inform you about what genetic disorders are common with the breed so you can watch out for them. Be sure to have a safe place for the puppy to sleep. This can be a kennel or a crate, but it should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in. You will need to have a place for the puppy to eat and drink. This can be a bowl or an automatic feeder and waterer. You will need to have a place for the puppy to potty. This can be an outdoor potty area or a pee pad. You will to have some toys for the puppy to play with. You will need to have a vet lined up who can provide care for your new puppy. If you can provide your German Shepherd with all of these things, they will be happy and healthy. However, if you are unable to provide these things, it is best to find an alternative pet. This process can take some time, but it is definitely worth it in the end. The best way to potty train your puppy is to take them outside frequently. When they go potty outside, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. Another thing that you can do is to put newspaper or pee pads in an area where the puppy can go potty indoors. When they go potty on the newspaper or pee pad, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to stay consistent with both of these methods so that the puppy will learn where they are supposed to go potty. If you are consistent with potty training, your German Shepherd puppy will be potty trained in no time. However, if you do not stay consistent, the puppy will likely start to potty inside the house. The best way to train your German Shepherd is to start when they are young. One of the most important commands that you can teach your dog is how to sit. Once your dog has mastered sitting on command, you can move onto the next step. The next step is to teach your German Shepherd puppy how to stay. When you come back, give them praise and another treat. Once they understand the concept of staying, you can start teaching them how to come when called. This process will take some time because you cannot reward them with treats every single time that they come when called; otherwise, they may get sick of coming when called after while. Eventually, your German Shepherd will learn how to stay and come when called whenever they are given the command. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. If all goes as planned, there will be three planned breedings for the spring and summer months. He had an amazing temperament, was extremely athletic and black sable in color. Sarge was a proven stud known for producing his likeness and passing on his hereditary characteristics to his offspring four of which remain at Weizen German Shepherd. He has a great temperament, weighs 95 pounds and is solid black in color with massive bone structure. He is a proven stud and produces puppies with dark pigmentation and great temperaments. He has been obedience trained and had bite work training at Weizen German Shepherds. He has an excellent pedigree, great temperament and is very dark sable in color. She is black sable in color and weighs approximately 74 pounds. She is high drive, easily trainable and very protective. She is black sable in color and weighs 88 pounds. Ketura is intelligent, has a great temperament and is obedience trained. She is DM free by parentage. Dark is black sable in color, weighs 95 pounds and has an outstanding pedigree. Dark has a wonderful temperament and was obedience trained at Weizen German Shepherds. She was born and raised at Weizen German Shepherds. She is black sable in color, weighs pounds and is a natural protection dog. She is very intelligent, obedience trained and has an excellent pedigree. She is intelligent, very bold, high drive and black sable in color. She is a Sarge and Seattle daughter. She is high drive, powerful and very black sable in color. She is a fireball of energy and smart. She is eight months old and dark sable in color. Wulfe is the son of Ketura and Zor. He is two months old and will be use as a future stud pending OFA scores. He is black sable and has a wonderful temperament. All puppies are imprinted from birth using the U. Military Bio Sensor techniques and exposed to different situations on a daily basis until they go to their new homes. Lynne Wheat is a Bred with H. Please Note: Weizen German Shepherds reserves the right to have first choice puppy from any of their litters.

Breeds The link has been copied! Pugs are undeniably adorable. With their wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail, they're hard to resist. But what's the price of a pug? Understanding the costs and expenses of owning a pug is essential for anyone thinking of welcoming one into their home. In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know. The Initial Cost of Buying a Pug The first cost that comes to mind when considering getting a pug is the initial purchase or adoption fee. Depending on where you acquire your pug, these costs can vary widely. This variation is due to factors like lineage, breeder reputation, location, and color of the puppy. Adoption is another route to consider. These fees often include initial veterinary check-ups and vaccinations, making adoption a cost-effective and life-saving option. Ongoing Pug Maintenance Costs Once you've welcomed your pug into your home, it's essential to understand the ongoing maintenance costs. These include expenses for food, grooming, and routine vet visits. With their shedding fur, regular grooming sessions are necessary to keep your pug looking its best. Remember, a healthy pug is a happy pug! The Cost of Pug Healthcare Pugs are brachycephalic breeds. They're prone to health conditions like brachycephalic syndrome due to their short noses and compact skulls. Treating such conditions can become costly, with expenses reaching into the thousands. There's also the chest area of your pug to consider. Pugs can suffer from obesity, which puts pressure on their chest and can lead to further health issues. Regular check-ups and a proper diet can help prevent this. This tiny chip could be a lifesaver if your pug ever gets lost. Additional Pug Costs to Consider Training costs are another factor to bear in mind. Pugs can be stubborn, but with the help of positive reinforcement , they're quick learners. Insurance is also essential. And then there's the cost of making your home pug-friendly. Pugs aren't known for their athleticism, so you might need to invest in doggy steps or ramps to help your pug get around. If you've ever wondered about the cost comparison between a pug and a French bulldog, here's a quick overview. In terms of initial purchase price, French Bulldogs are usually more expensive than pugs. However, maintenance costs, such as feeding, grooming, and regular vet visits, are relatively similar for both breeds. The key difference lies in the initial purchase price. The Holiday Effect Don't forget the effect of holiday guests on your pug expenses. Pugs are social creatures and love being part of the action. However, holidays can bring a host of potential hazards for these little guys. Additional expenses might pop up, from emergency vet visits due to accidental food ingestion to the cost of boarding if you're going away. Ensuring your guests know how to interact safely with your pug is crucial to avoiding these additional costs. The price of a pug goes far beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee. From food to vet visits, insurance, and more, it's essential to understand the full range of costs before bringing a pug into your home. Every pug deserves a loving, prepared owner who can provide for their needs. Understanding the costs is the first step to becoming that owner. Remember, the joy and companionship a pug brings are truly priceless. So, what's the price of a pug? It can vary, but the love they bring to a home is invaluable. If you're ready for the commitment, the cost will certainly be worth it. Beyond the Price Tag: The Real Cost of Owning a Pug When discussing the price of a pug, it's essential to understand that the financial aspect is only part of the picture. Owning a pug, or any pet for that matter, requires an investment of time, energy, and love. Pugs are social animals. They crave human companionship and attention. Leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to destructive behavior or even separation anxiety. Hence, the real cost of owning a pug extends beyond your wallet to your lifestyle and routine. Pug Expenses: Factoring in Time Time is a significant factor when owning a pug. They require regular exercise, albeit less intense than some other breeds, to keep them healthy and prevent obesity. Walks, playtime, and training sessions take time, and this is a cost that potential pug owners should be ready to bear. Then there's grooming. Though pugs aren't the most high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, they still need regular baths and nail trims. Their facial wrinkles also require cleaning to prevent infections, adding to your time investment. Unseen Costs: Pug Lifespan and Healthcare Pugs have a relatively long lifespan, typically living between years. This longevity, while a blessing, means a long-term financial commitment for owners. As pugs age, they may develop health issues that require regular medication or special diets, adding to the overall cost of pug ownership. The Emotional Cost of Pugs Finally, we can't discuss the price of a pug without mentioning the emotional investment. Pugs are known for their loving and affectionate nature. They quickly become part of the family, worming their way into your heart. But with this deep attachment comes the emotional cost of dealing with health issues or the eventual loss of your pet. While this is a part of owning any pet, it's a cost that potential pug owners should prepare for. This smart collar could be the answer to several concerns pug owners face. Fi Dog Collars and Pug Safety A significant concern for any dog owner is the safety and security of their pet. Fi dog collars come with built-in GPS tracking, providing peace of mind if your pug ever gets lost. It's an alternative to microchipping and can be a lifesaver, ensuring your pug is traceable at all times. Health Tracking with Fi Collars Pugs, with their cute, compact bodies, are prone to obesity. A crucial part of keeping your pug healthy is monitoring its activity levels. That's where Fi dog collars come in. Fi collars track your pug's daily steps, helping you ensure it gets enough exercise. This tracking can be instrumental in preventing obesity and the resulting strain on your pug's chest and overall health. Fi Collars and Training Your Pug Positive reinforcement is key when training pugs, and Fi dog collars can play a part in this process. The collar's tracking feature can help you monitor your dog's behavior when you're not around. You can then use this information to reward good behavior, helping your pug learn faster. A Fi dog collar's tracking capabilities can help you keep an eye on your pet during the festive chaos, ensuring they don't wander off amidst the excitement. How much does a pug puppy cost? The cost of a pug puppy can vary widely depending on the source. What are the ongoing expenses of owning a pug? Ongoing expenses for pug owners include food, grooming, and routine vet visits. Additionally, insurance, training costs, and pet-friendly home modifications can add to these costs. What health issues are pugs prone to, and how do they affect the cost of ownership? Pugs, being a brachycephalic breed, are prone to issues like brachycephalic syndrome. They can also suffer from obesity, which can strain their chest. These health issues can lead to significant veterinary costs. How does a Fi dog collar contribute to the cost and care of a pug? Fi dog collars, while an added expense, offer benefits like tracking your dog's location and monitoring their activity levels. These features can contribute to your pug's safety and overall health, making the collar a worthy investment. Is the cost of owning a pug worth it? While owning a pug comes with considerable expenses, the joy and companionship they offer make the cost worth it for many owners. It's important to understand these costs and be prepared for them before deciding to get a pug. Conclusion: In conclusion, the cost of owning a pug extends far beyond the initial purchase price or adoption fee. It's a long-term commitment that involves financial, time, and emotional investment. Understanding these costs, which range from feeding and grooming to healthcare and training, is crucial before welcoming a pug into your home. In comparison to breeds like the French bulldog, while the maintenance costs are similar, the initial purchase price is usually less. However, unforeseen circumstances like the arrival of holiday guests can lead to unexpected expenses. Introducing tools like Fi dog collars can help manage some of these costs. The collars assist in ensuring the safety, health, and behavior of your pug, adding to your peace of mind. In the end, owning a pug is not just about the expenses, but the joy, companionship, and unconditional love they offer. So while understanding the price of a pug is crucial, remember, the rewards they bring into your life are truly priceless. If you're ready to open your home and your heart to a pug, the cost is more than worth it. The link has been copied! You might also like. Pug puppies can be quite expensive, and there are several reasons for it. Some of the biggest among them are discussed below. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and have short, flat faces. This physical characteristic can make breeding them more difficult and costly. Furthermore, breeding pugs require a lot of knowledge, experience, and resources. Therefore, you may have to spend much more to get these pups than other breeds. Rarity Being an exotic breed, Pugs are not as common as other breeds. This is because they are prone to many health issues and breeders have to spend a lot of money to keep them healthy. Likewise, Pugs need a safe environment and providing that comes at a cost. This allows the breeders to charge more for them and dog enthusiasts are willing to pay. Reputable Breeder Reputable breeders are more likely to take care of the health and well-being of the puppies. Reputed breeders also provide a lot of extras, like microchips, vaccinations, and health guarantees. Are Pugs in Constant Pain? Click here to find out. What Papers are Needed for Getting Pugs? When getting a pug, several papers are typically needed. The most important ones are discussed below. Registration Papers They prove that the pug is purebred and has a known pedigree. They will also include the unique registration number of the dog. Can Pugs Eat Strawberries? Click here to learn more. Health Certificate This is another important paper that is issued by a veterinarian. It states that the pug has been examined and is in good health. Bill This document carries all the information about the terms of the sale between the breeder and the new owner. It includes the purchase price, the date of sale, and any guarantees or warranties that are included. Can Pugs Eat Watermelon? Importance of Paperwork While Getting Pugs Paperwork is an important aspect to consider when getting a pug. Registration papers are essential when showing a pug in competitions or breeding them. They are also useful to maintain the integrity of the breed. Similarly, a health certificate is also important to ensure that the pug is in good health. It will allow the owner to plan for any future vaccinations or treatments that may be necessary. The bill of sale is also an important document because it shows the terms of the sale. It has all the necessary information about the deal, including price, date of sale, and any warranties. Can a Pug Be a Service Dog? However, the cost can vary in some cases because it depends on several factors. For example, your location, the reputation of the breeder, and the overall health of the pug. In most cases, purebred pugs with papers cost much more than pups without proper documentation. It is important to thoroughly research breeders and their reputations before making a purchase. This is because buying from a reputable breeder can ensure the health and well-being of the pug. How Much is the Cheapest Pug? The cost of a pug can vary greatly depending on the location, breeder, and supply and demand. However, prices can be lower or higher depending on the circumstances. Some of the cheapest pugs may come from backyard breeders or pet stores. These breeders have lower standards of breeding and care. Hence, your chances of adopting an unhealthy pug increase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No Why is the Pug so expensive? Pugs are often considered expensive due to a combination of factors, including their popularity, demand, and the costs associated with breeding and raising them. Here are some reasons why pugs may have a higher price tag: Breeding challenges: Pugs have a unique physical structure with a short snout, which can lead to health issues. Breeding pugs requires careful selection to minimize these problems, which can increase the cost of obtaining healthy and well-bred puppies. Health concerns: Pugs are prone to several health conditions, such as respiratory problems, eye issues, and skin allergies. Responsible breeders undertake health testing and provide necessary veterinary care, which contributes to the overall cost. Limited availability: While Pugs are a popular breed, finding a reputable breeder can be challenging. Responsible breeders may have a limited number of litters each year, which increases demand and drives up prices. Popularity: Pugs have gained significant popularity over the years due to their charming appearance and friendly temperament. Increased demand for Pugs can drive prices up, as breeders can charge more when there is high demand for a particular breed. Breeding expenses: Responsible breeders invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and money into breeding and raising their puppies. This includes expenses such as health checks, vaccinations, proper nutrition, and socialization. These costs are passed on to potential buyers. So just be ready for more than the price of a puppy — unexpected vet bills, food , treats, toys, etc. This is pretty much the same price as a Pug from any reputable breeder, as you would expect to get a purebred Pug from a reputable breeder. What is the cheapest price of a Pug puppy? Adopting is also a great way to provide a home to a pet in need while also saving yourself some money in the process. What is the price of a Male Pug Puppy? However, prices are high for those with superior lineages and pure breeds. How Much Is a Pug in the Philippines? In the Philippines, different Pug breeders from different parts of the country have varying prices. However, the average price is slightly consistent compared to in the US. Below are some of the Pug prices and descriptions. A purebred 1. A purely black female Pug without papers aged between 6- and months costs PHP8, Plus, you can also negotiate the price with some breeders. In California, the cost of Pugs constantly fluctuates due to market demands. The cost of a typical puppy Pug in India lies between 5,Rs and 20,Rs. However, the average price ranges from 10,Rs and 12,Rs. Keep in mind that these prices also fluctuate from time to time. Posted on. Few people can resist the goofy smile of a Pug. However, the market price of a Pug will vary greatly based on a few important factors, such as the blood line, breeder reputation, location, and coat color. However, compared to other dog breeds, Pugs are not very cheap. Though you can certainly find one for much less, the average cost of a healthy Pug from a good breeder is not something to scoff at. There are plenty of factors that can determine how much a Pug will cost you. For instance, location, breeder reputation, pedigree and colors can all play a factor in Pug price. Location Unfortunately, the price of a Pug can vary depending on where you are. In some countries such as the UK , these dogs will likely cost a lot more. And even in the same country, the price will vary by location state, city, region, etc. If you must pick up a Pug in a certain region, then there is very little you can do. Driving for more than 10 hours one way may require an overnight stay. Pedigree and Lineage The pedigree or bloodline of a Pug will matter in regards to price. In fact, this may be the most important factor for price variation seen in all dog breeds, including Pugs. According to Business Insider , the prices of pedigree dogs such as Pugs are climbing to an all-time high. So what exactly is a pedigree dog? These dogs have at least 3 generations without any crossbreeding. Anything less is technically not a pedigree dog. However, there has been concern and controversy over the overbreeding of pedigree dogs. These dogs are bred over and over again using dogs from the same family. Inbreeding can lead to a lower life expectancy in Pugs, as well as potential degenerative diseases and mutations. Rather, the opposite is likely to happen. Pugs with a superior lineage will cost much more than a Pug without. And when I say superior lineage, I really mean champion lineage. Champion dogs are those that win an event at an AKC event. Sometimes, these dogs can command a hefty premium if they have an impressive long list of ancestors. Another great reason to go with AKC registered Pugs is that you can confirm the lineage of the pup. Reputable Pug Breeder There are two types of breeders you can purchase a Pug from: reputable and non-reputable breeders. I always highly recommend finding a reputable breeder. However, just like in every industry, reputation comes with a premium price. By reputable breeders, I really mean responsible breeders. The American Kennel Club inspects thousands of kennels each year and provide certification to those that breed responsibly. But because these breeders are recognized and recommended by the AKC, their puppies do come with a premium. These colors are fawn and black. Selling different colored dogs for different prices is frowned upon. However, even reputable breeders do this. Unfortunately, this is a classic example of supply and demand. In addition, expect the apricot, silver and apricot fawn colors also see a markup in prices. Less common dogs cost more. Personally, I think the classic fawn Pug with a black mask is the most attractive. No matter what color, all Pugs will be loving dogs and companions. To sum things up, the key is to shop around. There are so many great adoption websites with plenty of Pugs that need a new home. The first site I highly recommend is Adopt-a-Pet. With just a quick check, I already see plenty of Pugs on that marketplace! Another fantastic website is PetFinder. Have a check for yourself! Visit Your Local Animal Shelters Adopting a Pug from an animal shelter is always the best, that is, if you can find one. Do a simple Google search for shelters near you and check Yelp too! When doing your research, check to see if they have a website. It might be a good idea to check that before driving all the way there. It really depends on the shelter, but adoption fees can vary a lot. Are Pugs Worth the Price? But are they really worth the cost? Pugs are some of the most entertaining dogs you can find. My pug is definitely a handful but being able to come back from work to see her silly face every day is well worth the time and money spent. Pug Owner So, yes — Pugs are definitely worth the price! Some claim that these super pedigree Pugs are more intelligent. The truth is, all Pugs are intelligent in their own way. They may not be the most obedient dog breeds, but they show high instinctive and adaptive intelligence. How much did your Pug cost? Let us know in the comments section below! Posts you may like:. Compared to most small dogs, Pugs cost less in comparison. Pugs, in particular, are quite susceptible to respiratory issues, skin infections, and bone problems that can affect their lifespan. In other words, while they seem relatively cheap at first, these costs will add up over time. Check out this video for more information on Pug pricing: Things you should know about pugs! Female Pug: Which Is Better? The initial cost of a puppy alone will set you back at least a few hundred dollars. But why are they so expensive? There is no one factor that directly determines how much a Pug puppy will cost. There are multiple factors often working hand in hand. Getting some background knowledge in these things will give you a better grasp on what makes Pug puppies so expensive and where your money is going. This will also help you figure out the right Pug that fits within your budget. Here are some of the major factors affecting Pug prices: Age: As a rule of thumb, puppies typically cost more than adult dogs. This is no different when it comes to Pugs. Pug puppies are typically more expensive as the process of breeding can cost the breeders a lot of money. From health screenings to vitamins and sometimes even c-sections, it takes a lot of money to keep the mama dog happy. Appearance: Although there are only two registered Pug colors in the American Kennel Club, Pugs can often be seen in a wide assortment of shades. Rarer brindle coats tend to fetch a higher price than solid colored pups, and fawn or apricot Pugs with a black mask are also experiencing a rise in cost. A Pug from a reputable breeder, although expensive, will have perfect health, a good temperament, and no pre-existing medical conditions such as PDE or Pug dog encephalitis. A lot of reputable breeders also breed dogs from champion bloodlines, which ensures that the Pugs will inherit the best traits from their parents. A Pug with a superior lineage will cost significantly more than a regular Pug. Health Screenings: A vast majority of Pug breeders usually screen their puppies for pre-existing health issues before selling them. Healthy puppies with no signs of underlying medical issues will usually have a heftier price tag than others and will save you vet expenses in the long run. Training Received: Although Pugs are good family dogs, they can be quite stubborn and challenging to train. So if a Pug breeder trains their puppies before selling them, expect the price to be relatively higher than usual. Bringing home trained puppies is always worth it, though, as it saves you time and effort. These are just some of the most significant things that affect the price of a Pug dog. Of course, this list is by no means complete. Rescues generally have a lower price tag for their Pugs. What makes the deal even more ideal is that most shelter dogs have already been fully vaccinated. Additionally, many of them have already been dewormed, spayed or neutered, or even microchipped in some cases. Here are some of the initial expenses for your Pug puppy: Food and Treats: Deciding between wet or dry food is crucial in the first few days that your Pug dog comes home. If your Pug is a picky eater, you may need to try out different brands and flavors to see which one your pup likes best. This also applies to doggy treats. Ultimately though, stainless steel bowls will withstand more wear and tear. Crate: For first-time dog owners, a crate is one of the most important things to invest in. Crate training your pup is important, as it introduces them to a safe space when they feel overstimulated or unsafe. It also helps transport your Pug dog to places like the vet or during car rides. Leashes and Collars: As soon as you bring your new dog home, it is important that you get them acquainted with a leash and collar. Some dogs take a while to get adjusted to wearing harnesses, so starting pups with a collar while getting them used to daily walks is optimal. Toys: Pugs often have a reputation for being lazy, sleepy dogs, but this is not the case at all. A well-stimulated, happy Pug will be playful and alert rather than spend most of its time sleeping. Enrichment objects such as chew toys and puzzle toys are sure to keep your puppy busy and your slippers and charging cables safe from bites. Grooming Essentials: Although they have short fur, Pugs are double-coated. This means that they shed more than other short-haired dogs. Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: A lot of Pug breeders typically cover deworming, flea, and tick prevention before selling their puppy. Initial Vaccine Shots: Before a Pug puppy turns one year old, they need to complete their first set of vaccine shots. The usual shots most dogs need are for distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus DHPP , and hepatitis. Neutering or Spaying: If you have no plans of breeding your Pug, it may be good to consider neutering or spaying them. If done at the right age, getting your dog fixed will help prevent the risk of some cancers and uterine infections. Dog License: While it may seem unnecessary at first, licensing your dog is a great way to have a permanent formal record of your ownership. This is especially helpful if your dog gets lost. Licensing also lets people know if your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. A microchip will come in handy if ever you lose your pooch. It does not, however, work as a GPS tracker. If your lost puppy gets taken to a shelter or a clinic, they can easily scan the chip and contact you immediately. These include vitamins , pet-safe wipes, poop bags, and a poop scooper. A few toys should do the trick, but make sure to provide them with at least a few puzzle toys to get their brains working. Pugs thrive on attention and most are happy with an hour or so of playtime in the yard, two walks per day, and an occasional trip to the park to socialize with other dogs. Training your Pug beyond basic obedience training is a great way to bond with them and provide mental stimulation. Pugs are eager to please and attentive to their owners, so teaching them tricks or training them in agility are excellent ways to occupy their minds and enhance your relationship. Pugs only eat about pounds of food per year and are mostly healthy, although setting aside extra cash to deal with emergencies is a good idea. Food, medication, and pet insurance—if you purchase it—will be the highest regular costs, but occasional vet visits and extra medication for potential eye problems could become significant outlays as well. Additional Costs to Factor In Most Pug owners have success training their dogs themselves, but some people still opt for professional training. Dog sitting is another additional cost that only applies to some people. Before you purchase your new buddy, make sure you can budget enough money per month to cover food and medication costs. It is also a good idea to have money set aside to cover unexpected medical expenses. Training games, obedience training, and makeshift agility courses are excellent inexpensive ways to keep your Pug happy and make for some great owner-dog bonding time. Your upfront costs could be significantly reduced if you adopt a dog from a local shelter. The main drivers are food, medications like heartworm and flea and tick prevention, and pet insurance. You might also like:. Pin it to remember the Price of Pugs Why are Pugs so expensive? So just why are Pugs so expensive? One reason is because Pugs, like most other Brachycephalic dogs with flat faces and large heads , are most often born via cesarean section. Pugs are also susceptible to numerous orthopedic and hereditary diseases—so reputable breeders will conduct testing on both parents to help ensure a healthy litter. This test screens for Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation. Breeders also have the option to test for Elbow Dysplasia with this screening. This important test screens for Necrotizing meningoencephalitis NME , a fatal brain disorder that can kill Pug puppies. This metabolic disease breaks down the red blood cells of a young Pug. The price will depend on several factors: The location of the breeder. The rules of supply and demand pertain to dogs as well so larger metropolitan areas are often more expensive. The pedigree of the parent Pugs. Pugs that have participated in sanctioned competitions have more expensive litters. Whether the Pug is a show quality dog or a pet quality dog. Show quality puppies with a future in competitive dog shows and breeding are more expensive. The age of the Pug. Puppies are definitely more expensive; you may occasionally find a breeder selling a retired breeding Pug or a Pug that originated at the breeder but has been returned. The color of the Pug. AKC recognized two colors : black and fawn. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes fawn, silver fawn and black. The Federation Cynologique Internationale and the Kennel Club of the UK both recognize silver sometimes called silver-fawn , apricot often called apricot-fawn , fawn and black. The less common the color, the more expensive the dog. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with Pug breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Do an online search for complaints. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through comments. Remember, however, comments can be deleted by the page owner. When you find a breeder and want to determine if they are reputable: Ask for references. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. Ask if the breeder will take the Pug back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. Pug breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a Pug online, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care. The pros of purchasing from a Pug breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of color and gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about Pugs and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a Pug breeder You will pay more for a Pug from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has Pug puppies for sale at prices far lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. Pugs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Pugs under a year old will be the most costly. The dogs that are up for adoption at Pug rescues may be there for a variety of reasons: Death of an owner. Lost Pugs that the rescue had seen on shelter websites. Pugs a breeder no longer wanted. Whatever the reason, the Pugs in rescue may or may not come with papers, depending on whether or not the dog was surrendered with papers. You may also find Pug rescues at pet expos and special events in your area. Rescues will often have a booth with information on the rescue and a few adoptable dogs. Most dogs at purebred rescues are pulled from shelters, often open-intake shelters that may not be no-kill shelters. You will be able to adopt a Pug for far less money than purchasing a Pug from a breeder. You will be able to talk with people who are passionate about Pugs about the individual Pug you are interested in adopting. Our most recent search brought up a healthy, 7-month-old Pug puppy so you never know. Your dog may or may not be a purebred Pug and may or may not have papers. The least expensive option when it comes to Pug prices is the shelter, either a municipal shelter or a privately-operated shelter. Are you a senior? A member of the military or law enforcement? Many shelters offer special discounts. To locate a Pug at a shelter, call your local shelter or start your search online. Click on the link of adoptable Pugs in the top left corner; you can then enter your zip code to see Pugs near you. The listings will include both rescues and shelters. Unlike adopting from a Pug rescue, dogs at a shelter will generally be housed at the shelter although an increasing number utilize foster homes whenever they can, especially for puppies. If the dog is housed at the shelter, you may not know a lot about his or her personality. Talk with the shelter staff and ask if the dog has been temperament tested and if they can tell you if the dog is skittish, shy, outgoing, has any prior training, etc. And while you may see dogs listed as a Pug at a shelter, that may or may not mean they are Pugs, purebred or mixed. Shelters use their best judgement, often while intaking many dogs, so sometimes the accuracy of the breed is questionable. Since Pugs do have such a distinctive look, however, you can use your judgement to see if the dog displays usual Pug characteristics and markings. Ask the shelter if they have any background on the dogs; you may be surprised to find a puppy whose purebred mother came in as a pregnant lost dog and gave birth at the shelter. It definitely happens. The Pros of Adopting a Pug from a Shelter You are saving a life, not only of the dog you adopt but of the next dog who will be rescued due to the kennel that is now clear. Your new dog will have received a long list of veterinary services. You will have the love of a dog whose price was far less than that of a dog from a breeder. You may not know the history of the dog. FAQ What is the cheapest price for a Pug? If you find low-cost purebred Pugs listed online, please consider that you may be supporting a puppy mill. What is the Teacup Pug price? These dogs are the result of breeding the smallest runt dog of one litter to the smallest dog of another litter, producing smaller than usual Pugs—and selling them for sometimes twice as much as a traditional Pug. As you might expect, this can mean additional health problems for the puppies. Are Pugs expensive to own? While their small size means Pugs are not as expensive to own as larger breeds, due to the potential health issues discussed above they can be expensive in terms of veterinary care. Pet insurance is a good investment to help cover vet issues as they arise. Pin it to remember the Price of Pugs Posted on Last updated:. The following information regards prices in the United States. So, how much are pugs? The cost of a pug depends on: There are three factors that go into the pug price: Location — prices can vary from state to state. How much do pugs cost if… I rescue my pug from a reputable rescue? I buy a pug from a reputable breeder? I want a specific color pug? How much do pugs cost if I rescue my pug from a reputable rescue? How much do pugs cost if I buy a pug from a reputable breeder? If your pug comes from a champion line and is show quality, they can cost even more. Can you pay less for a pug from a reputable breeder? Actually, yes. These retired pugs are usually spayed or neutered and cared for as beloved pets. In many cases, they are still only a few years old and get placed for free or for a small fee. Some breeders may list these dogs on their website, while others may just keep them as pets until the right home comes along. If you have a breeder in mind, but sure to ask them. Why are pugs so expensive? Pugs are expensive because they have small litters, often need a C-section to give birth, and because they are a popular breed in high demand. The average size of a pug litter is 4 to 6 puppies. Pugs are prone to health issues, and can have complications during and after pregnancy. Expensive vet bills, and excellent care, are not cheap, meaning that puppies will cost more. How much do pugs cost if I want a specific pug color? According to the American Kennel Club, pugs come in three colors: Silver. Apricot-fawn, with a black face mask. Learn more about pug colors here. Your eyes may bulge with excitement. It sounds too good to be true! These puppies are sold by backyard breeders. Backyard breeders are amateur breeders who breed dogs in substandard and unethical ways. So skip the cheap puppy ads and Craigslist posts and focus on finding a reputable breeder. Need help weeding out the bad guys? The extra cost of getting a pug: The price you pay to own a pug is just the beginning. After that comes other expenses , like vaccines, check-ups, food, supplies, pet insurance, training and more. How much did your pug cost? Click here to learn more pug stuff. Pin for later! Less - Square-proportioned, compact and of a cobby build, the pug is a large dog in a little space. Its gait is strong and jaunty, but with a slight roll of the hindquarters. Its distinctive expression is soft and solicitous. Its forehead has large, deep wrinkles. Its coat is fine, smooth and short. The Pug breed is often described by the Latin phrase multum in parvo, or "much in little" or "a lot of dog in a small space", alluding to the Pug's remarkable and charming personality, despite its small size. Pugs are strong willed but rarely aggressive, and are suitable for families with children. The majority of the breed is very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. Depending on their owner's mood, they can be quiet and docile but also vivacious and teasing. Pugs tend to be intuitive and sensitive to the moods of their owners and are usually eager to please them. Pugs tend to have a somewhat lazy nature and spend a lot of time napping. They are often called "shadows" because they follow their owners around and like to stay close to the action, craving attention and affection from their owners. History There are various theories regarding the origin of the Pug breed, but the most generally accepted is that they originated in the Orient, and are a smooth-coated, longer-legged type of Pekingese. They have been well known in Europe since at least the 16th Century. After gaining favor with Royalty, the breed became very popular and even more well known. The AKC recognized the Pug in

Temperament: Loyal, energetic and confident. Rottweiler Lab Mix Appearance Because this is a mixed breed, their physical appearance will vary depending on which parent breed the puppy takes after more. In general Labradors are thinner than Rottweiler, so Rottweiler Lab mixes will fall somewhere in the middle of these two breeds. Both breeds are broad-shouldered with a slight tuck and a large head. The first thing that you should notice with the Rottweiler Lab mix is how athletic they are. They should look muscular and give off a commanding presence. Their body usually resembles a Rottweiler, but their head and longer muzzle has more resemblance to the Labrador. Size The typical size of one of these dogs is anywhere between inches in height, with a weight of around pounds. Remember those pups with more Labrador will be on the smaller side, whilst those with more Rottweiler are on the heavier side. Coat and Colors These dogs come in a handful of darker colors including brown, black, gray or black and tan. A black and tan coat like that of a Rottweiler is the most common. The short to medium length coat of a Rottweiler Lab mix should be smooth to the touch. Because they have a double coat, these dogs shed quite a bit. To keep up with their shedding you should expect to brush your dog every other day or at the very least, weekly to keep the coat healthy. They are one of the largest hybrid dogs around. Despite the short coat these dogs are not hypoallergenic. This is a very adaptable dog and is suitable for most households. Rottweiler Lab Mix Personality and Temperament Rottweilers and Labradors vary quite a bit in their personalities, so it can be difficult to predict exactly how your mix will behave when fully grown. One thing you can know for sure is they love to be with their family. They will follow you all over the house and are happiest when they can be by your side. Because of this they are often prone to separation anxiety, so please be ready to work through this with your new dog. These dogs tend to be very playful and love nothing more than to play a game of fetch or tug with their owner or other dogs. And like working Labs they have boundless amounts of energy meaning that they will play for hours. Rottweiler and Lab mixes are a protective breed but are not typically aggressive — still caution is needed when letting your dog interact with strangers. Proper socialization when they are young can help to curb this but they will most likely never be very welcoming of strangers. Both Rottweilers and Labradors make great family dogs so expect this mix to be no different. They are more than willing to participate in any antics that their kids get up to. Just remember these mixes are protective by nature and will often view other children as a threat to their own kids. Caring for a Rottweiler Lab Mix The Rottweiler Lab mix is a highly active, very strong breed that needs discipline and a strong owner. They require obedience training from day one to make sure that you can keep control of them when they grow bigger and stronger. Other than that they do great in almost any household. They are a very adaptable dog that do not bark much. The biggest issue with this breed is the huge amount of physical exercise they need. Exercise Requirements Both the Labrador and the Rottweiler are high energy and athletic breeds, so your mix will be the same. These dogs like to go and need a lot of daily exercise. At least one hour walk a day with another hour of playtime is the bare minimum required for these dogs. Hiking or even swimming are great ways to tire out your dog physically. So make sure that you have the time to take them for an extra-hard hike at least once a week. You can also do dog sports with your Rottweiler Labrador mix, such as agility and rally. If these dogs do not receive the proper amount of physical stimulation they can become destructive. Number of Walks Per Day: 2. Grooming and Shedding Because of their short coat these dogs do not require regular trips to the groomers or daily brushing. However they do need to be brushed every other day or so. Regular bathing is also not necessary for these dogs. You can give them a bath just when they smell or look like they need it. Too many baths can dry out their fur and cause skin irritation. To remove dead hair and skin you can also use a wet washcloth and wipe it over their body. Feeding and Diet A high protein food specialized for large breed dogs is best for your mix. You should speak with your vet to establish the protein content your pooch needs it differs depending on how active your dog is. Because the Rottweiler Lab mix is prone to bloat it is best to feed this dog in smaller portions throughout the day. Giving them a cup of food three times a day is best. Never leave food out freely for this breed — they are prone to being overweight. Having pet insurance could save you from the headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! These devoted and docile animals are often seen following their owner and always trying to please their family with a clownish behavior. They might become destructive if you keep them separated for long periods. The Labrotties are not known to welcome strangers or other unfamiliar pets due to their territorial instincts. This makes it necessary to expose them to different people as well as sights and sounds. These pets get along fine with kids if raised with them. Care Exercise Since it has a working heritage, the breed requires a fair amount of regular activity to keep it happy. Even though it remains somewhat inactive indoors, it will appreciate a minute walk or a romp in a fenced yard. It also enjoys one or two sessions of interactive games including retrieving a ball, which it will happily carry in its mouth. Do not over-exercise your pet as its double coat could cause its body to become excessively hot. Grooming When it comes to grooming, your Labrottie needs a weekly brushing using a firm-bristled brush. This will help in not only removing the loose hairs but also distributing the skin oils much more evenly. To keep it looking clean as well as smelling good, you need to bathe your Rottweiler-Labrador mix once or twice every two months. If its nails do not wear down naturally, trim them down once a month. Health Problems Like all big dogs with a deep chest, the Labrotties are susceptible to bloat or torsion. Therefore, do not feed your dog a single large meal, neither encourage it to eat rapidly nor make it exercise vigorously after a meal. Moreover, this breed is sometimes affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, PRA, canine cataracts, and allergies. Training This breed is not suitable for those owners who lack confidence or do not have the time to supervise and train their dogs. Obedience Training: Keep the commands short, one or two words at the most. You may use clicker training that is based on positive reinforcement, consistency, and cooperation to curb its natural aggressive behavior. Socialization: Carefully introduce your Labrottie to other dogs, which will help it to learn to coexist with its new companion. Feeding Apart from feeding your dog on canned food and dry kibble, you could provide it with bones and raw meat. Feed your pet a quality dog food that has at least 30 percent protein, 20 percent crude fat, and less than 4 percent fiber. Rottador Highlights Rottadors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Rottador coats are black, brown, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. When around children, especially young ones, they should be supervised because they are so big and strong. When Rottadors are raised with other dogs and cats, they generally get along well with them. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. Rottadors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Rottador History The Rottador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and Labradors in North America, likely in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Rottadors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Rottadors got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Rottador rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. However, as a mix between Rottweiler and Labrador parents, you can expect the Rottador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 70 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Rottador Personality Rottadors make affectionate family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Rottweiler parents regularly work as police or guard dogs or cattle herding, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting or guide dogs. They make excellent family companions. Just make sure you have a lot of time and attention to devote to them. Rottador Health The Rottador mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Fetch and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth three times a week minimum, or daily is even better. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Rottador Feeding An ideal Rottador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium-to-short, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are indoor dogs and need to live indoors. Because of their cattle-driving heritage, they have a tendency to lean and push and can accidentally topple a toddler with a nudge. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. They may have issues with strange dogs or adult dogs that are introduced into the home, being intolerant of same-sex dogs. With your training and guidance, however, they should accept new animals peaceably. Keep your Rottador on leash in public to prevent aggression or belligerence toward other dogs. Rottador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Rottadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. A Rottweiler crossed with a Lab is a large dog and will require at least 1, calories a day. The only way to achieve that is to go for recipes developed particularly for giant pups, such as these best large breed dry dog food brands. You may also serve them the overall best dry dog food , but remember to increase the portions. This crossbreed will have an insatiable appetite from their first months, so only give them the absolute best puppy food brands or even the best dry dog food for small dogs. Old goggies will still want to munch a ton, but the food needs to be appropriate for their age. The best senior dry dog food will have adequate ingredients for this age group and it will be softer so they can eat it with ease. This lessens the amount of food they will have per meal and reduces the risk of bloating, something that typically afflicts large breeds. Low-quality meals are also detrimental to their health, so keep your pooch away from the worst dry dog food out there. There are several good dry dog food for large breeds like the Rottweiler Lab cross. It also uses deboned chicken as its primary ingredient and eschews corn, soy or wheat. It reportedly also alleviates allergies and poor digestion. It also has flaxseed, which is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement : Although not food per se, supplements are essential for the necessary intake of vitamins and minerals that your pup may need if they are particularly active or muscular like a Rott Lab mix. It also has glucosamine to improve joint health. You should expect their offspring to inherit that trait as well. A Lab crossed with a Rottweiler needs to be taken on long walks daily, with each trip lasting about 30 to 60 minutes long. The question here is whether you have the energy and stamina to match your dog. Lack of activity and eating too much can cause your dog to put on weight. Being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes and other health problems. A Lab crossed with Rottweiler also needs a lot of attention. It needs company and puzzles and toys that will keep it engaged. Otherwise, it will become bored and develop separation anxiety. These can manifest into some pretty destructive behavior, like incessant barking, chewing, biting, and digging. The right toys can give your dog an outlet for their energy. It also helps sharpen its mind and reflexes. Here are the top toys for a large breed like the Rottodor. This KONG dog toy has been bringing joy to countless dogs for years now. The toy is designed to be filled with treats to keep your pet occupied for hours as it tries to get to the goodies. Nylabone Big Chew: This toy has a distinct shape and is made from extra-strong nylon. A lot of dog owners claim that it takes years for their dog to wear down this toy. Kick Fetch Toy Ball: Another great toy for large and active dogs, the Chuckit allows you to play fetch with your dog. But instead of throwing the ball, you kick it like a soccer ball. The grooves on the ball make it easier for your pet to carry it back to you. Rottweiler Lab Training Training the Rottweiler Lab can be easy, especially if you already have experience with dogs. Having two intelligent parents, Rottador is also smart and quick to learn. Its instinctual need to please its human gives it the motivation to work hard and learn new tricks. Like other breeds, a Rottweiler Lab mix will respond to positive reinforcement better than through punishment or other harsh strategies. However, you should tap the services of an experienced dog trainer to help train your dog. Expose your puppy to other dogs and people by bringing it to a dog park. You might have to keep it on a leash initially until it learns to interact peacefully with others. Even if your Lab Rottweiler mix is socialized, you should not let it play with very young children. Training and socialization will be a lifetime process. Punishment-based training never works. Studies have also shown that using this technique raises less obedient dogs that are more likely to attack strangers and even their owners. Have a lot of visitors over while your dog is still a puppy. Puppies are very confident, so this is the best time to introduce them to new situations. They should not become afraid of other people as fear is what makes dogs attack. Correct nibbling behavior immediately. A quick tap or a spray of a citrusy mix will put a stop to it. Redirect their gnawing tendency towards an appropriate chew toy. This strong dog has an equally strong will and drive. It needs someone who knows how to handle powerful, intelligent canines and who can step up and be firm with it. In short, it needs a no-nonsense Alpha. The Labweiler also needs a family who has an active lifestyle since it needs to be exercised regularly. This dog has boundless energy so it needs a place to romp around. It will not do well in small apartments or with owners that are more inclined towards a sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to very destructive behavior. You could come home to a ruined couch or to complaints of excessive barking. Families with young children should also choose another dog. The Rottweiler Lab mix can be the greatest canine companion for the right person. This lovable giant needs a confident and experienced dog owner who leads an active lifestyle. Rottweiler Lab Mix The 3 most important traits to give your dog are: Exercise: Dogs, like people, need exercise for a balanced state of being. This is especially true for high-energy dog breeds. Training: The time you spend early in training your dog will save much more time and anguish down the road in trying to correct them. Remember the key to effective training—tireless and patient consistency and persistence in insisting upon your dog follow your commands. Socialization — Expose your pooch to different people and environments every opportunity you get. Whether it is taking the trash can out or taking a package to the post office. This last part of the article is split up into five different sections, all of which are very important if you wish to own a Labrador Rottweiler mix. The Training of your Rottweiler Lab Mix The training of your Lab Rottweiler mix puppy is crucial, not because this is their formative years, but because they are part Rottweiler. Rottweilers are an alpha dog breed, and if they sense any weakness from a pack leader. They will push their way into being the leader of the pack, over you and the rest of the family. So train your Lab Rottweiler mix from an early age, the sooner you get the little puppy to realize that you are the pack leader the better life you will have. Bo the Labrottie Image by Jackie Myers Constant training is the key to keeping the Lab Rottweiler mix happy and content in its place throughout its lifespan. In training, always have the puppy complete the instruction no matter how many times it takes. Exercise For The Rottweiler Lab Mix The exercise needs of the Rottweiler Lab are at least 30 to 45 minutes daily, they need regular exercise otherwise, they can become obese and depressed if their exercise needs are not given to them. Other than that they would be happy to join you on the couch until something or someone catches their attention. They do tend to love to play out in the yard with a ball, toy, or rope with you or a family member. If they do not receive their daily needs of exercise they will start to do destructive behavior throughout the house and yard. You will find clothing torn, tables, chairs, trees, shrubs, basically anything they can get their mouths on will be chewed up and pooped out. Until they get the right amount of attention and exercise. Socialization of The Rottweiler Lab Mix All animals, including ourselves, need proper socialization skills to navigate through life, an ill-socialized dog is spelled for disaster. Invite friends and neighbors over to your home regularly to get the puppy used to people coming and going from your home. Take him out with you when you go out for coffee, to the post office, or just anywhere you can bring a dog, such as your local pet store. Socialization teaches your dog that other humans and animals outside of the immediate pack are friendly as well. Zeus the Rottweiler Lab Mix We think and we have good evidence that Zeus and his fellow litter mates suffered abuse because he fears: men plaid shirts Zeus my Labrottie We had several very nice leashes, that I carelessly left lying about, and Zeus discovered them and destroyed them in no time flat. So my dad bought a chain leash, and when it arrived Zeus completely freaked out! Running off and began rolling over when he ran out of space to run away. Another time one cool winter morning I came downstairs wearing a plaid shirt he growled and started barking ferociously at me. Needless to say, it took him a while to calm down. During those few instances, his flight or fight side of the brain took over. But, I consistently reinforced good actions, and he steadily grew accustomed to chains, plaid shirts, and men. Today, in Zeus does not fear men or much of anything actually, and is quite a lovable, very protective, happy go lucky Rottweiler Lab mix. If you wish to read more about Zeus the Rottweiler lab mix , just click the link. Zeus my Labrottie The Health Issues of the Rottweiler Lab Mixed Breed Cold tail — Cold tail happens to sport dogs, they gradually lose the loss of their tail, this is quite painful for it is at the base of the butt. Bloat — Bloat happens when a dog has just eaten and is taken out and is run about for a while. This is a deadly condition if not take to the vet immediately. There the Veterinarians will cut into the stomach and untwist the stomach. Bone cancer — Sadly the Rottie has one of the highest rates of bone cancer. Obesity — The Labrador is prone to overeat and they can become obese. Hip and Elbow dysplasia — Happens to any dog breed that gets overbred without healthy standers. Conclusion of the Lab Rottweilers Mixed Breed. Due to their ability to be a multi-use dog and still be the families friendly pet with proper training at an early age. All in all the Rottweiler Labrador Mix is an awesome dog for anyone experienced with a large dog! All that owner has to do is give the Rottweiler Labrador Mix the proper amount of exercise, socialization, and positive reinforcement training. To make them an outstanding dog! A Labrador Rottweiler mix or any dog without any of these most important qualities, a dog will become unstable and unresponsive to you or anybody else. That any dog should get no matter what is happening, training, socialization, and exercise if you nail down those three qualities in your dog. You most likely will not have any behavior problems because you are keeping your dog mentally balanced, and also actively balanced. But if your dog does start showing a different behavior look back and see if you have slipped up in the three most important things to give your dog over their lifespan! This video is shortly after Zeus the Rottweiler Labrador Retriever arriving at my doorstep, enjoy! For those of you who have or are going to get a new puppy! We have several dog name article just for you. The appearance of this crossbreed dog will depend on the parent mix, but the Labrottie is likely to inherit a solid and sturdy body like the Rottweiler, a broad head like the Labrador and a short to medium length, shiny double coat. A Rottweiler Lab mix is one of the largest hybrid dogs around. It may look like a fearsome large dog but it can be very friendly, loyal, and loving. The Lab Rottie is a very energetic and muscular dog whose exercise needs should not be underestimated by any potential dog owner. Early behavioral and socialization training will help this Rottweiler mix show its affectionate and positive protective nature. A Labrottie puppy is an adorable crossbreed dog. A brief history of this mixed-breed dog A Rottweiler Lab mix is a cross between a purebred Rottweiler dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. When two different dog breeds are deliberately mixed, the crossbreed is known as a designer dog ; this Rottweiler and Labrador hybrid dog is sometimes nicknamed a Rottador. This breed is very confident and determined and is regarded as the No1 guard dog. Rottweiler dogs were as used to herd and guard cattle for Roman soldiers as they traveled around in their quest to conquer Europe; these cattle were the primary food source. Their alertness, discipline, and endurance made them an ideal guard dog. Fact: The Rottweiler is probably the oldest known herding dog breed with its origins traceable back to Roman times. The Rottweiler dog breed is believed to have descended from Roman drover dogs: a mastiff-like dog. Their intelligence, strength, and energy levels meant that these large dogs were used during the World Wars as guard dogs and for messenger or ambulance duties. They are still used today for this type of support and search and rescue activity. So what color is a Rottweiler dog? Parent 2: History of the Labrador Retriever — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just an attractive and loveable dog breed for any level of dog owner or as an adorable and friendly family dog. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve their fish from nets and catch any that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. The lab is gentle, fun-loving and loyal with an easy-going temperament. A Labrador Puppy, when trained and socialized it can be trusted and protective around anyone. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Rottweiler Labrador mix — the Labrottie puppy. Designer dogs gained popularity in the United States during the s and this increased demand and popularity for cross-breeds such as the Labrador Rottweiler mix. The Labrottie puppy is a hybrid dog breed and is therefore not recognized as a breed in its own right, by the American Kennel Club; nor can it be awarded pedigree papers. Any other colors may be due to a gene mutation and are rare. What are the main characteristics of a Labrottie? Any crossbred dog, like the Labrador Rottweiler mix, could inherit the characteristics and the health problems of either parent or from both; or perhaps they could get the best of both and be stronger and inherit fewer health problems than their parent breeds. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. With any mixed breed dog, you just have to wait and see how it turns out. Labrottie puppies tend to have more of the classic appearance and sturdy build of the Rottweiler but with the friendlier facial features and floppy ears of a Labrador. This mix is likely to be courageous, confident and smart and also loving and affectionate. They will show devoted loyalty to their dog owner and family. They will be fairly active and enjoy having lots of company. Reputation: Any Rottweiler mix dog could be thought of as a fierce guard dog. The Rottweiler is a confident breed that looks fiercer than its behavior displays. When a Rottweiler is mixed with a Labrador Retriever, the perception changes, as the Labrador is considered a highly friendly, soft-natured, and docile family pet. When mixed the Labrottie will be loving, loyal, and protective of its loved ones, but wary of strangers, with a big bark. This mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as it is not a purebred dog, but this will not affect this attractive dog being in demand. Trainability: Any Rottweiler mix puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as possible. This Rottweiler Labrador mix puppy will be a powerful and muscular large-dog breed that needs to learn control and discipline early. They are intelligent and determined so training should be fairly easy, but this powerful dog is not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner or anyone who cannot provide it with lots of exercise and long walks. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended for this large dog breed as is very confident, and strong-willed, so it will need to build trust with its owner. Rottweiler mix puppies should be trained slowly and never negatively punished, challenged directly, hit, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. Clicker training would work well with this puppy. This powerful mixed breed dog is no more likely to bite than any other dog breed however with their muscular build they could be very physical in their attempts to play; therefore they should be supervised at all times around young children and smaller animals. The Labweiler is fairly energetic, so a Labrador Rottweiler puppy will need at least one hour of daily exercise and playtime, building up hours a day in adulthood. Power and intelligence: Labrotties are smart, very powerful with a protective nature. They are fast learners but can be stubborn and aloof, so they will need to be trained and handled properly to be able to socialize in public with other dogs and children. They will love to keep active and play games with their family in a way that keeps them challenged; catch the ball or frisbee, puzzles or interactive toys are popular with this breed. Socialization: Early socialization dog training and discipline are strongly recommended for any Rottweiler mix dog. This type of hybrid dog has two highly active parents and one is a powerful guard dog. This mixed breed dog will need to learn to control its strength and have discipline training early to become well—behaved and trusted with other dogs and children. It will thrive in an outdoor environment. Purpose: A Rottweiler Labrador mix will be observant and have herding and retrieving instincts and want to be kept busy. The Labradors have a soft bite that is delicate and careful when retrieving anything and the Rottweiler is determined and forceful. Over time both have used their skills for good activities such as search and rescue, as both can follow orders and commands. A Labrottie can be a disciplined and protective family pet or a good service dog. Behavior: A Rottweiler Lab mix can be strong-willed, occasionally stubborn, and physically powerful, therefore it needs to be trained early as it can become destructive, bark, or chews things if under-stimulated. Physical Characteristics of the Labrottie Size: The Rottweiler Lab mix is considered a large-sized dog breed that has a solid and muscular build, with the build of a fearsome guard dog but the face of a loveable Lab. Weight: You can expect both male and female to reach between 70lblb kg in adulthood. You can expect a Labrottie to live between years, and to spawn a litter size of between pups on average. Temperament: The Rottweiler Lab mix can be strong-willed and stubborn. This Rottador has a very high energy level and can be destructive and bark if not occupied. With careful training and socialization they can be affectionate, pleasant and kind and protective How should you train a Rottweiler Labrador mix dog? The Rottweiler breed has had a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous if not trained properly. The boundaries need to be set early for this mixed breed dog. Fun and positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best. Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge this Labweiler to rebel and refuse to cooperate. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop basic command words: Stop, Sit, Down, etc. This hybrid dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use. Health problems and health issues What health problems can a Rottweiler Lab mix suffer from? Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — common in many large breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. Early warning signs are visual stiffness then walking, a reluctance to get up when prompted, and a difference in walking style; limp or caution. Bloat — any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from bloat. This dangerous excessive gas build-up can cause the stomach to twist and damage other organs. Other health issues include ear infections, bone cancer, heart problems, skin conditions and allergies, epilepsy, and cold tail. How do you care for a Labrottie dog? Exercise needs A Labrottie is outgoing, athletic, and energetic so it will need lots of mixed exercises that blend fun and challenges. They need outdoor space to run around and burn off their excess energy, long walks, and activities that involve exercising around 2 hours a day as an adult. Feeding Feed as a large-sized dog, around 3 cups of Kibble dry formulated food per day. They should be fed twice a day and slowly to prevent bloat. Grooming This mixed breed dog inherits a short to medium length, shiny, dense double coat. Bathing This shortish-haired, water-resistant coated dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Cleaning teeth, nails and ears As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need trimming regularly, say monthly, and ears need to be checked for debris that could cause infection. Lifestyle This breed is very confident, intelligent, and highly energetic. It will try to be dominant unless controlled and needs to be kept occupied otherwise it can become destructive. They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored or left alone for long periods of time, so keep stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom. They need your company and outdoor space to run. This breed is a natural watchdog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family. Positives and Negatives of ownership Positives A Family dog and loyal companion Intelligent and affectionate. Do Rottweiler Lab mixes have health concerns? Labrador Retrievers got their start when they were imported from Newfoundland to England in the s. They were hunting and fishing dogs. Rottweilers are of German descent. They have been traditionally used as guarding, herding, and hunting dogs. The Rottweiler Lab mix was perhaps inevitable with two such high demand parents. One of the best things about crossed breeds is the wide range of potential shapes and personalities your dog could grow to have. But this can have its downside as well. In the case of the Labrottie, there are several different possibilities for both appearance and personality. Labradors and Rottweilers are different sizes, and your puppy may fall anywhere between. Rottweilers generally weigh up to pounds, while Labradors are significantly less heavy set at pounds. Rottweiler height can be up to 27 inches at the shoulder, whereas Labs only grow to a maximum of .Both breeds can vary in size within themselves, so it stands to reason that larger Labrador and Rottweiler parents will have a larger Labrottie pup. Most, however, should fall somewhere in the middle. Labrador Rottweiler Mix Coat Rottweilers are well known for their classic black and tan coloring. They have short, low-maintenance coats. Labs come in different colors. Yellow, chocolate, black — they could pass down their coloring to your Labrottie puppy, resulting in a unique coloration. All you can bank on is the range from both parents. Labrador Rottweiler Mix Shedding Labradors have a double coat that protects them from the cold in winter or while swimming in cold water. This is especially true during certain times of the year, as their winter coat starts to come loose. The Labrottie has the benefit of two parent breeds with generally low-maintenance coats. Both Labradors and Rottweilers have short, easily groomed coats. Rottweiler Lab mix pups will definitely have the same length coat. Then they may need a little more. Rottweiler Lab Mix Temperament Labradors have a proud history as faithful retriever dogs, whereas Rottweilers have an equally proud history as guard dogs. Labradors are generally friendly, and are bred specifically for the task of returning hunted game to their owners. A dog bred for this purpose needed to be comfortable around all sorts of people. Rottweilers, in their guarding capacity, have been bred in a way that a fearful and distrusting attitude toward strangers. But how does this combination affect your pup? Labrottie Personality First generation mixes are kind of like rolling a dice. Or you might end up with a protective guard dog that looks exactly like the Labrador. Rottie Lab Mix Aggression As a breed, Rottweilers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of dog attacks. They certainly appear to be among the more aggression-prone breeds. This should be seriously considered by people with kids. Guarding dogs are generally good with their families, but families have friends. Kids bring over other kids, and a family pet needs to be accepting of this. One is by meeting the Rottie parent and making sure they are totally at ease in the presence of you and your family. Socialization is vital for any breed, but especially for a breed like the Rottweiler. Rottweiler Lab Mix Socialization The idea of using traditional training techniques on your Rottweiler mix may be a daunting task for some owners. Fortunately, nowadays we have better and safer methods for training dogs. The first step is always socialization. Introduce your dog to lots of other dogs and people at a very young age to help desensitize them to strangers. You want them to happily accept people coming and going in their home as nothing to be afraid of. Your Rottweiler Lab mix puppy must meet new visitors every day. Make sure a large proportion of them are children. In the wild they would be under the protection of their family, so fear would be unnecessary. Therefore, this is the best time to throw them into all sorts of new situations. Training And Exercising Your Rottweiler Lab Mix Positive training techniques also play a vital role in crafting the obedience and temperament of a dog. For anyone still considering punishment-based training, I would strongly advise against it. Studies have shown that dogs trained in this manner are less obedient, and more likely to attack both their owners and strangers. Rottweiler Lab Puppy Training Like any puppy, your Rottador will require specialized training when they are young, in addition to socialization. Rottweiler Lab Mix Exercise All dogs require a good amount of exercise to keep them in shape. This is especially true with physically capable breeds like the Rottweiler and Lab. Given a good amount of space to run around in, your Labrottie will thrive. Lack of exercise combined with poor diet can unfortunately be deadly. Obesity in dogs, as in humans, leads to diabetes and other complications. Breeding two dogs that are genetically dissimilar results in a phenomena called hybrid vigor, whereby outbreeding undoes a lot of the harm done by inbreeding. These dogs can still carry on genetic diseases from either of their parents given the right circumstances. Labrador Health Both Labradors and Rottweilers suffer regularly from hip dysplasia, meaning their hips are improperly formed. One nasty complication of hip dysplasia is a disease called degenerative joint disorder. One of the more commonly reported concerns in Labradors is exercise induced collapse. This strange condition means that Labradors in the full swing of physical activity may suddenly be unable to hold themselves up. It has actually been linked to a gene, so it is doubtless inherited from dog to dog. Other problems commonly seen in Labradors include elbow dysplasia, PRA, obesity, ear problems, and skin allergies. Hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as PRA, can be tested for. Health testing is an important part of the process of taking care of our pets. Rottweiler Health Elbow dysplasia is also a very common condition in Rottweilers. A study of German Rottweilers found more than half suffered from this ailment. Rottweilers also appear to be susceptible to a few nasty neurological disorders, namely nueroaxonal dystrophy and leukoencephalomalacia. Both of these diseases are degenerative, meaning they gradually get worse and worse. Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment for either, and they sadly can be fatal. For more information on health tests and screens that should be done for Rottweilers, visit the British Veterinary Association and this panel from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. Although he is potentially less likely to suffer from any of these diseases than a purebred dog, the risk is not removed. Health testing is still a vital part of good breeding practice, even for mixes. Rottweilers have a shorter span of years. Your Rottweiler and Labrador mix could fall anywhere in that range, depending on the health of the dog. What makes a pet good depends on the person, and also the individual pet. Your Lab Rott mix could look like a Labrador, but with the guarding instincts and characteristic wariness of the Rottweiler. Equally, your dog could look much more Rottweiler-ish and have the gentle, easily trainable personality of a Labrador. The likelihood is it will be somewhere in between. Socialization and training go a long way to producing a happy and friendly dog. But genetics play an important role. The Labrador Rottweiler mix is best suited to an active adult home, where the family is around for much of the day and is committed to positive reinforcement training methods. But they will need a lot of work in terms of socialization and training, to make sure you reduce the possibility of bad behavior later on. Both parents should be friendly, healthy and confident. This is by no means a guarantee, but stacks more of the odds in your favor. Please avoid buying from puppy mills or pet stores, as these have no real concern for the health of their animals. Rottweiler Lab puppies are now deliberately bred, but they have existed for quite a while by accident. You need to avoid backyard breeders by only going to someone who has mixed a beloved pet due to their excellent health and wonderful temperament. Good breeders ask lots of questions, and are happy to answer them in return. Both the Lab and Rottie parent of your puppy must have excellent hip and elbow scores. The breeder should provide you proof of this. They must also be clear for PRA and have recent unaffected eye tests from their vet. Should a Rottweiler Mix take after their Rottweiler parent, they will be a larger and strong dog breed that has a sweet, lovable personality and a protective instinct. Rotties tend to be calm and aloof. They also love their families and are lovable, playful, and affectionate with them. As long as they have been properly socialized, a Rottweiler will still be alert and protective of their families, but they will also be open and friendly to new people, especially once they have been introduced. The other parent breed will introduce some traits that could affect this in a Rottweiler Mix, so you want to make sure you ask about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to see what her temperament is like and the manners she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started training and socialization, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Rottweilers are moderately adaptable dogs that are better suited to homes with fenced yards. They are more sensitive to heat and do not tolerate extreme temperatures very well. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed could introduce the potential for a Rottweiler Mix to be more or less adaptable. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit all of them or any combination of them. From the Rottweiler side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Rottweiler Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. The other parent breed will introduce its own set of conditions and you want to be aware of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Although the Rottweiler is a highly trainable dog breed that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please, they can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. They need structure and consistency in training and a confident leader to train them. As such, puppy training classes are recommended. The other parent breed could make a Rottweiler Mix easier or more difficult to train, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, and also offer socialization opportunities. A Rottweiler Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. If they inherit the Rottie coat, they will shed a bit year-round and heavier as the seasons change. Due to a lack of good dental care for dogs , gum disease is one of the most common health issues for them. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Rottweiler is a working dog breed with moderate exercise requirements. They need a job to do in addition to daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity. If the other parent breed also sits in the moderate range, then you can expect something similar from a Rottweiler Mix. But, if the other parent breed is a high-energy breed, then you will need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Rottweilers usually stand inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. So, make sure you ask the breeder about them. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Rottweiler Mix. Rotties generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should still be able to expect a similar life span in a Rottweiler Mix. Featured Rottweiler Mix Article.

Get along well with other pets The basic cause of Pugs being so expensive lies in the delivery process and the list of medical tests required for health surety. However, many other factors decide the price of the Pug you are going to buy. Delivery Process Pugs are Brachycephalic dogs which means that they have flat faces and large heads. Need to know How to Train a Pug? Click here to find out how. Medical Tests Pugs are prone to several orthopedic and hereditary diseases, due to which quality breeders have to get their Pugs through an array of medical tests. Breeders also have the choice to use this test for elbow dysplasia. The test screens the chances of parents passing NME to pups rather than determining whether the parents have NME or not. Serum Bile Acid Test — This test can be conducted both on the mother Pug for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and the baby at 9 or 10 weeks of age to check for any liver problems at an early stage. Age A breeder may occasionally be selling a retired breeding Pug or a Pug that was born at the breeder but was later returned however, puppies are unquestionably more expensive. Fawn, silver fawn, and black are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club. Silver is also occasionally referred to as silver-fawn. Brindle Pugs are frequently mentioned along with these coat colors. The price of the dog increases with the rarity of its color. Quality There are two classes of qualities in Pugs, show quality dog and pet quality. Most breeders will demand that dogs intended for pets be spayed or neutered at the right time. Puppies of show quality with a future in dog shows and breeding are more expensive. How to Take Care of a Pug? Click here to lean how. Pedigree of Parents No doubt that quality parents produce quality pups. Pugs that have participated in sanctioned competitions have a more expensive litter. Location Breeders operating in larger metropolitan areas are often more expensive because of the gap between supply and demand. Are Pugs Worth It? Despite being expensive and victims of health problems, Pugs have high demands being one of the most endeared breeds among dog lovers. Several factors make buying Pug a worthy investment. They tend to be expressive, lively, and hilarious as a breed. Pugs are well renowned for being wonderful family pets who are friendly and vivacious around kids. Also, Pugs are intelligent and observant. They learn the tricks quickly and have a great craving to learn them. Contrary to popular belief, pugs shed, and they require routine care for their rough, short hair. Fortunately, most Pugs enjoy the physical touch that a thorough brushing provides and are ready for attention. Your pug should be able to maintain good health, happiness, and entertainment with just 20 minutes of brisk activity every day. Get along well with other pets Pugs are usually devoted, not aggressive. They will therefore try to win over your other pets in addition to you, your children, and other family members. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pug puppies can be quite expensive, and there are several reasons for it. Some of the biggest among them are discussed below. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and have short, flat faces. This physical characteristic can make breeding them more difficult and costly. Furthermore, breeding pugs require a lot of knowledge, experience, and resources. Therefore, you may have to spend much more to get these pups than other breeds. Rarity Being an exotic breed, Pugs are not as common as other breeds. This is because they are prone to many health issues and breeders have to spend a lot of money to keep them healthy. Likewise, Pugs need a safe environment and providing that comes at a cost. This allows the breeders to charge more for them and dog enthusiasts are willing to pay. Reputable Breeder Reputable breeders are more likely to take care of the health and well-being of the puppies. Reputed breeders also provide a lot of extras, like microchips, vaccinations, and health guarantees. Are Pugs in Constant Pain? Click here to find out. What Papers are Needed for Getting Pugs? When getting a pug, several papers are typically needed. The most important ones are discussed below. Registration Papers They prove that the pug is purebred and has a known pedigree. They will also include the unique registration number of the dog. Can Pugs Eat Strawberries? Click here to learn more. Health Certificate This is another important paper that is issued by a veterinarian. It states that the pug has been examined and is in good health. Bill This document carries all the information about the terms of the sale between the breeder and the new owner. It includes the purchase price, the date of sale, and any guarantees or warranties that are included. Can Pugs Eat Watermelon? Importance of Paperwork While Getting Pugs Paperwork is an important aspect to consider when getting a pug. Registration papers are essential when showing a pug in competitions or breeding them. They are also useful to maintain the integrity of the breed. Similarly, a health certificate is also important to ensure that the pug is in good health. It will allow the owner to plan for any future vaccinations or treatments that may be necessary. The bill of sale is also an important document because it shows the terms of the sale. It has all the necessary information about the deal, including price, date of sale, and any warranties. Can a Pug Be a Service Dog? However, the cost can vary in some cases because it depends on several factors. For example, your location, the reputation of the breeder, and the overall health of the pug. In most cases, purebred pugs with papers cost much more than pups without proper documentation. It is important to thoroughly research breeders and their reputations before making a purchase. This is because buying from a reputable breeder can ensure the health and well-being of the pug. How Much is the Cheapest Pug? The cost of a pug can vary greatly depending on the location, breeder, and supply and demand. However, prices can be lower or higher depending on the circumstances. Some of the cheapest pugs may come from backyard breeders or pet stores. These breeders have lower standards of breeding and care. Hence, your chances of adopting an unhealthy pug increase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No Why is the Pug so expensive? Pugs are often considered expensive due to a combination of factors, including their popularity, demand, and the costs associated with breeding and raising them. Here are some reasons why pugs may have a higher price tag: Breeding challenges: Pugs have a unique physical structure with a short snout, which can lead to health issues. Breeding pugs requires careful selection to minimize these problems, which can increase the cost of obtaining healthy and well-bred puppies. Health concerns: Pugs are prone to several health conditions, such as respiratory problems, eye issues, and skin allergies. Responsible breeders undertake health testing and provide necessary veterinary care, which contributes to the overall cost. Limited availability: While Pugs are a popular breed, finding a reputable breeder can be challenging. Responsible breeders may have a limited number of litters each year, which increases demand and drives up prices. Popularity: Pugs have gained significant popularity over the years due to their charming appearance and friendly temperament. Increased demand for Pugs can drive prices up, as breeders can charge more when there is high demand for a particular breed. Breeding expenses: Responsible breeders invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and money into breeding and raising their puppies. This includes expenses such as health checks, vaccinations, proper nutrition, and socialization. These costs are passed on to potential buyers. So just be ready for more than the price of a puppy — unexpected vet bills, food , treats, toys, etc. This is pretty much the same price as a Pug from any reputable breeder, as you would expect to get a purebred Pug from a reputable breeder. What is the cheapest price of a Pug puppy? Adopting is also a great way to provide a home to a pet in need while also saving yourself some money in the process. What is the price of a Male Pug Puppy? However, prices are high for those with superior lineages and pure breeds. How Much Is a Pug in the Philippines? In the Philippines, different Pug breeders from different parts of the country have varying prices. However, the average price is slightly consistent compared to in the US. Below are some of the Pug prices and descriptions. A purebred 1. A purely black female Pug without papers aged between 6- and months costs PHP8, Plus, you can also negotiate the price with some breeders. In California, the cost of Pugs constantly fluctuates due to market demands. The cost of a typical puppy Pug in India lies between 5,Rs and 20,Rs. However, the average price ranges from 10,Rs and 12,Rs. Keep in mind that these prices also fluctuate from time to time. Posted on. Few people can resist the goofy smile of a Pug. However, the market price of a Pug will vary greatly based on a few important factors, such as the blood line, breeder reputation, location, and coat color. However, compared to other dog breeds, Pugs are not very cheap. Though you can certainly find one for much less, the average cost of a healthy Pug from a good breeder is not something to scoff at. There are plenty of factors that can determine how much a Pug will cost you. For instance, location, breeder reputation, pedigree and colors can all play a factor in Pug price. Location Unfortunately, the price of a Pug can vary depending on where you are. In some countries such as the UK , these dogs will likely cost a lot more. And even in the same country, the price will vary by location state, city, region, etc. If you must pick up a Pug in a certain region, then there is very little you can do. Driving for more than 10 hours one way may require an overnight stay. Pedigree and Lineage The pedigree or bloodline of a Pug will matter in regards to price. In fact, this may be the most important factor for price variation seen in all dog breeds, including Pugs. According to Business Insider , the prices of pedigree dogs such as Pugs are climbing to an all-time high. So what exactly is a pedigree dog? These dogs have at least 3 generations without any crossbreeding. Anything less is technically not a pedigree dog. However, there has been concern and controversy over the overbreeding of pedigree dogs. These dogs are bred over and over again using dogs from the same family. Inbreeding can lead to a lower life expectancy in Pugs, as well as potential degenerative diseases and mutations. Rather, the opposite is likely to happen. Pugs with a superior lineage will cost much more than a Pug without. And when I say superior lineage, I really mean champion lineage. Champion dogs are those that win an event at an AKC event. Sometimes, these dogs can command a hefty premium if they have an impressive long list of ancestors. Another great reason to go with AKC registered Pugs is that you can confirm the lineage of the pup. Reputable Pug Breeder There are two types of breeders you can purchase a Pug from: reputable and non-reputable breeders. I always highly recommend finding a reputable breeder. However, just like in every industry, reputation comes with a premium price. By reputable breeders, I really mean responsible breeders. The American Kennel Club inspects thousands of kennels each year and provide certification to those that breed responsibly. But because these breeders are recognized and recommended by the AKC, their puppies do come with a premium. These colors are fawn and black. Selling different colored dogs for different prices is frowned upon. However, even reputable breeders do this. Unfortunately, this is a classic example of supply and demand. In addition, expect the apricot, silver and apricot fawn colors also see a markup in prices. Less common dogs cost more. Personally, I think the classic fawn Pug with a black mask is the most attractive. No matter what color, all Pugs will be loving dogs and companions. To sum things up, the key is to shop around. There are so many great adoption websites with plenty of Pugs that need a new home. The first site I highly recommend is Adopt-a-Pet. With just a quick check, I already see plenty of Pugs on that marketplace! Another fantastic website is PetFinder. Have a check for yourself! Visit Your Local Animal Shelters Adopting a Pug from an animal shelter is always the best, that is, if you can find one. Do a simple Google search for shelters near you and check Yelp too! When doing your research, check to see if they have a website. It might be a good idea to check that before driving all the way there. It really depends on the shelter, but adoption fees can vary a lot. Are Pugs Worth the Price? But are they really worth the cost? Pugs are some of the most entertaining dogs you can find. My pug is definitely a handful but being able to come back from work to see her silly face every day is well worth the time and money spent. Pug Owner So, yes — Pugs are definitely worth the price! Some claim that these super pedigree Pugs are more intelligent. The truth is, all Pugs are intelligent in their own way. They may not be the most obedient dog breeds, but they show high instinctive and adaptive intelligence. How much did your Pug cost? Let us know in the comments section below! Posts you may like:. Compared to most small dogs, Pugs cost less in comparison. Pugs, in particular, are quite susceptible to respiratory issues, skin infections, and bone problems that can affect their lifespan. In other words, while they seem relatively cheap at first, these costs will add up over time. Check out this video for more information on Pug pricing: Things you should know about pugs! Female Pug: Which Is Better? The initial cost of a puppy alone will set you back at least a few hundred dollars. But why are they so expensive? There is no one factor that directly determines how much a Pug puppy will cost. There are multiple factors often working hand in hand. Getting some background knowledge in these things will give you a better grasp on what makes Pug puppies so expensive and where your money is going. This will also help you figure out the right Pug that fits within your budget. Here are some of the major factors affecting Pug prices: Age: As a rule of thumb, puppies typically cost more than adult dogs. This is no different when it comes to Pugs. Pug puppies are typically more expensive as the process of breeding can cost the breeders a lot of money. From health screenings to vitamins and sometimes even c-sections, it takes a lot of money to keep the mama dog happy. Appearance: Although there are only two registered Pug colors in the American Kennel Club, Pugs can often be seen in a wide assortment of shades. Rarer brindle coats tend to fetch a higher price than solid colored pups, and fawn or apricot Pugs with a black mask are also experiencing a rise in cost. A Pug from a reputable breeder, although expensive, will have perfect health, a good temperament, and no pre-existing medical conditions such as PDE or Pug dog encephalitis. A lot of reputable breeders also breed dogs from champion bloodlines, which ensures that the Pugs will inherit the best traits from their parents. A Pug with a superior lineage will cost significantly more than a regular Pug. Health Screenings: A vast majority of Pug breeders usually screen their puppies for pre-existing health issues before selling them. Healthy puppies with no signs of underlying medical issues will usually have a heftier price tag than others and will save you vet expenses in the long run. Training Received: Although Pugs are good family dogs, they can be quite stubborn and challenging to train. So if a Pug breeder trains their puppies before selling them, expect the price to be relatively higher than usual. Bringing home trained puppies is always worth it, though, as it saves you time and effort. These are just some of the most significant things that affect the price of a Pug dog. Of course, this list is by no means complete. Rescues generally have a lower price tag for their Pugs. What makes the deal even more ideal is that most shelter dogs have already been fully vaccinated. Additionally, many of them have already been dewormed, spayed or neutered, or even microchipped in some cases. Here are some of the initial expenses for your Pug puppy: Food and Treats: Deciding between wet or dry food is crucial in the first few days that your Pug dog comes home. If your Pug is a picky eater, you may need to try out different brands and flavors to see which one your pup likes best. This also applies to doggy treats. Ultimately though, stainless steel bowls will withstand more wear and tear. Crate: For first-time dog owners, a crate is one of the most important things to invest in. Crate training your pup is important, as it introduces them to a safe space when they feel overstimulated or unsafe. It also helps transport your Pug dog to places like the vet or during car rides. Leashes and Collars: As soon as you bring your new dog home, it is important that you get them acquainted with a leash and collar. Some dogs take a while to get adjusted to wearing harnesses, so starting pups with a collar while getting them used to daily walks is optimal. Toys: Pugs often have a reputation for being lazy, sleepy dogs, but this is not the case at all. A well-stimulated, happy Pug will be playful and alert rather than spend most of its time sleeping. Enrichment objects such as chew toys and puzzle toys are sure to keep your puppy busy and your slippers and charging cables safe from bites. Grooming Essentials: Although they have short fur, Pugs are double-coated. This means that they shed more than other short-haired dogs. Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: A lot of Pug breeders typically cover deworming, flea, and tick prevention before selling their puppy. Initial Vaccine Shots: Before a Pug puppy turns one year old, they need to complete their first set of vaccine shots. The usual shots most dogs need are for distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus DHPP , and hepatitis. Neutering or Spaying: If you have no plans of breeding your Pug, it may be good to consider neutering or spaying them. If done at the right age, getting your dog fixed will help prevent the risk of some cancers and uterine infections. Dog License: While it may seem unnecessary at first, licensing your dog is a great way to have a permanent formal record of your ownership. This is especially helpful if your dog gets lost. Licensing also lets people know if your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. A microchip will come in handy if ever you lose your pooch. It does not, however, work as a GPS tracker. If your lost puppy gets taken to a shelter or a clinic, they can easily scan the chip and contact you immediately. These include vitamins , pet-safe wipes, poop bags, and a poop scooper. A few toys should do the trick, but make sure to provide them with at least a few puzzle toys to get their brains working. Pugs thrive on attention and most are happy with an hour or so of playtime in the yard, two walks per day, and an occasional trip to the park to socialize with other dogs. Training your Pug beyond basic obedience training is a great way to bond with them and provide mental stimulation. Pugs are eager to please and attentive to their owners, so teaching them tricks or training them in agility are excellent ways to occupy their minds and enhance your relationship. Pugs only eat about pounds of food per year and are mostly healthy, although setting aside extra cash to deal with emergencies is a good idea. Food, medication, and pet insurance—if you purchase it—will be the highest regular costs, but occasional vet visits and extra medication for potential eye problems could become significant outlays as well. Additional Costs to Factor In Most Pug owners have success training their dogs themselves, but some people still opt for professional training. Dog sitting is another additional cost that only applies to some people. Before you purchase your new buddy, make sure you can budget enough money per month to cover food and medication costs. It is also a good idea to have money set aside to cover unexpected medical expenses. Training games, obedience training, and makeshift agility courses are excellent inexpensive ways to keep your Pug happy and make for some great owner-dog bonding time. Your upfront costs could be significantly reduced if you adopt a dog from a local shelter. The main drivers are food, medications like heartworm and flea and tick prevention, and pet insurance. You might also like:. Less - Square-proportioned, compact and of a cobby build, the pug is a large dog in a little space. Its gait is strong and jaunty, but with a slight roll of the hindquarters. Its distinctive expression is soft and solicitous. Its forehead has large, deep wrinkles. Its coat is fine, smooth and short. The Pug breed is often described by the Latin phrase multum in parvo, or "much in little" or "a lot of dog in a small space", alluding to the Pug's remarkable and charming personality, despite its small size. Pugs are strong willed but rarely aggressive, and are suitable for families with children. The majority of the breed is very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. Depending on their owner's mood, they can be quiet and docile but also vivacious and teasing. Pugs tend to be intuitive and sensitive to the moods of their owners and are usually eager to please them. Pugs tend to have a somewhat lazy nature and spend a lot of time napping. They are often called "shadows" because they follow their owners around and like to stay close to the action, craving attention and affection from their owners. History There are various theories regarding the origin of the Pug breed, but the most generally accepted is that they originated in the Orient, and are a smooth-coated, longer-legged type of Pekingese. They have been well known in Europe since at least the 16th Century. After gaining favor with Royalty, the breed became very popular and even more well known. The AKC recognized the Pug in .Pin it to remember the Price of Pugs Why are Pugs so expensive? So just why are Pugs so expensive? One reason is because Pugs, like most other Brachycephalic dogs with flat faces and large heads , are most often born via cesarean section. Pugs are also susceptible to numerous orthopedic and hereditary diseases—so reputable breeders will conduct testing on both parents to help ensure a healthy litter. This test screens for Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation. Breeders also have the option to test for Elbow Dysplasia with this screening. This important test screens for Necrotizing meningoencephalitis NME , a fatal brain disorder that can kill Pug puppies. This metabolic disease breaks down the red blood cells of a young Pug. The price will depend on several factors: The location of the breeder. The rules of supply and demand pertain to dogs as well so larger metropolitan areas are often more expensive. The pedigree of the parent Pugs. Pugs that have participated in sanctioned competitions have more expensive litters. Whether the Pug is a show quality dog or a pet quality dog. Show quality puppies with a future in competitive dog shows and breeding are more expensive. The age of the Pug. Puppies are definitely more expensive; you may occasionally find a breeder selling a retired breeding Pug or a Pug that originated at the breeder but has been returned. The color of the Pug. AKC recognized two colors : black and fawn. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes fawn, silver fawn and black. The Federation Cynologique Internationale and the Kennel Club of the UK both recognize silver sometimes called silver-fawn , apricot often called apricot-fawn , fawn and black. The less common the color, the more expensive the dog. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with Pug breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Do an online search for complaints. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through comments. Remember, however, comments can be deleted by the page owner. When you find a breeder and want to determine if they are reputable: Ask for references. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. Ask if the breeder will take the Pug back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. Pug breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a Pug online, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care. The pros of purchasing from a Pug breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of color and gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about Pugs and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a Pug breeder You will pay more for a Pug from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has Pug puppies for sale at prices far lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. Pugs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Pugs under a year old will be the most costly. The dogs that are up for adoption at Pug rescues may be there for a variety of reasons: Death of an owner. Lost Pugs that the rescue had seen on shelter websites. Pugs a breeder no longer wanted. Whatever the reason, the Pugs in rescue may or may not come with papers, depending on whether or not the dog was surrendered with papers. You may also find Pug rescues at pet expos and special events in your area. Rescues will often have a booth with information on the rescue and a few adoptable dogs. Most dogs at purebred rescues are pulled from shelters, often open-intake shelters that may not be no-kill shelters. You will be able to adopt a Pug for far less money than purchasing a Pug from a breeder. You will be able to talk with people who are passionate about Pugs about the individual Pug you are interested in adopting. Our most recent search brought up a healthy, 7-month-old Pug puppy so you never know. Your dog may or may not be a purebred Pug and may or may not have papers. The least expensive option when it comes to Pug prices is the shelter, either a municipal shelter or a privately-operated shelter. Are you a senior? A member of the military or law enforcement? Many shelters offer special discounts. To locate a Pug at a shelter, call your local shelter or start your search online. Click on the link of adoptable Pugs in the top left corner; you can then enter your zip code to see Pugs near you. The listings will include both rescues and shelters. Unlike adopting from a Pug rescue, dogs at a shelter will generally be housed at the shelter although an increasing number utilize foster homes whenever they can, especially for puppies. If the dog is housed at the shelter, you may not know a lot about his or her personality. Talk with the shelter staff and ask if the dog has been temperament tested and if they can tell you if the dog is skittish, shy, outgoing, has any prior training, etc. And while you may see dogs listed as a Pug at a shelter, that may or may not mean they are Pugs, purebred or mixed. Shelters use their best judgement, often while intaking many dogs, so sometimes the accuracy of the breed is questionable. Since Pugs do have such a distinctive look, however, you can use your judgement to see if the dog displays usual Pug characteristics and markings. Ask the shelter if they have any background on the dogs; you may be surprised to find a puppy whose purebred mother came in as a pregnant lost dog and gave birth at the shelter. It definitely happens. The Pros of Adopting a Pug from a Shelter You are saving a life, not only of the dog you adopt but of the next dog who will be rescued due to the kennel that is now clear. Your new dog will have received a long list of veterinary services. You will have the love of a dog whose price was far less than that of a dog from a breeder. You may not know the history of the dog. FAQ What is the cheapest price for a Pug? If you find low-cost purebred Pugs listed online, please consider that you may be supporting a puppy mill. What is the Teacup Pug price? These dogs are the result of breeding the smallest runt dog of one litter to the smallest dog of another litter, producing smaller than usual Pugs—and selling them for sometimes twice as much as a traditional Pug. As you might expect, this can mean additional health problems for the puppies. Are Pugs expensive to own? While their small size means Pugs are not as expensive to own as larger breeds, due to the potential health issues discussed above they can be expensive in terms of veterinary care. Pet insurance is a good investment to help cover vet issues as they arise. Pin it to remember the Price of Pugs Posted on Last updated:. In Canada it is CAD to .So, when purchasing from a different state, you also must consider travel fees when buying a Pug from a different country. Why Are Pugs So Expensive? Pugs are a popular dog breed currently taking 28th spot on the list of the most popular dogs in America. Lots of people want a Pug so this demand tends to increase their price. Popularity alone does not control the price of a Pug. There are many other factors that make Pugs expensive. A major one is breeding fees. It is not easy to breed a healthy Pug. Professional breeders do not just want to sell you any kind of dog. They want to show you a puppy that is cute, adheres to the breed standard and is in good health. To breed a puppy like this takes lots of money that will be reflected in the final sale price. Most of the fees that are involved within the pregnancy and birthing of Pugs are because they are brachycephalic. As a brachycephalic breed it is difficult for mothers to give birth to their pups. Going into labor is body intensive and difficulty breathing only makes the process more strenuous. Not only that but Pugs tend to have narrow hips. The heads of puppies tend to be large in proportion to their body and sometimes they cannot easily pass through the birth canal. For these two reasons Pug breeders often elect to do C-sections. Finally, before the mother can give birth, breeders must ensure that she and the father are in good health. In Pugs it is common to see brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions. The Pug Dog Club of America recommends that all Pugs are screened for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Pugs from these breeders are usually more expensive because breeders go to great lengths to breed healthy and high quality dogs. Not only that, but they also tend to give you a dog with all of its vaccines and registration papers. The price of a Pug can really go up when you consider genetic health testing, vet visits, membership documentations and registration fees. No documentation with the sale. No available health care records or genetic testing results of the parents. Breeders that advertise their dogs on websites like Craigslist at a cheaper price. They often breed dogs other than just Pugs. To be a part of these clubs breeders must be certified and approved to have met breeding requirements. As you search for a Pug keep in mind the type of puppy you want. Do you want a specific color? Most often breeders sell fawn or black Pugs. If you want a rare color you are going to have to do some extra searching. What kind of temperament do you want? Pugs are very social. In general they tend to be friendly, affectionate, playful and mischievous. However some may be more timid than others. Will it be healthy? Puppies should have a brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome score of zero. Sometimes you might fall in love with a Pug in a picture but later find out it is missing its health papers. In most cases you should avoid this type of puppy. Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with health papers and registration papers. They will always be clear about the kind of Pug you are buying and their pedigree. They will give you straightforward answers on anything you ask and will show you any paperwork that you ask for. They will also allow you to see the puppy and the mother. Buying from a breeder might not be the cheapest option, but it does ensure you that you are getting a healthy Pug. Cost Of Keeping A Pug Pugs live for between 12 and 15 years so adopting one is a long-term commitment. Out of all the years, the first one will generally be the most expensive. Where does this money go? We will breakdown their typical ownership costs below… Healthcare and Insurance There is no way around it. If you do get a Pug, it is highly recommended that you get insurance. Pugs often have unforeseen medical expenses because they are a brachycephalic breed. You have to be careful when exercising your Pug, especially if you live in hot areas and during the summer months. Overexertion and heat can cause make it harder for them to breathe, and if you do not recognize the signs of heat stress, your dog could end up at the vet ER. You could also find yourself paying for treatment for some of the common health issues within Pugs. Some of these include: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, Fold Dermatitis, obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Dog Food Pugs need a well-balanced diet. It is not a good idea to just give your dog whatever is left over from your last meal. They need high quality kibble that is specifically made for their breed. Pugs are small dogs so they should be eating food that is specifically made for small dogs. Puppies will eat at most 80 pounds of dry food every year, while adults eat about pounds. Some brands will cost you more. The following are some examples of kibble that you can buy for your Pug. Food Brands.

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