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It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since. It can definitely be unnerving to see a "big bad wolf" roaming your neighborhood, but did you know your favorite pet that is, if you are a dog person is actually descended from wolves? That's right, all dogs have wolf ancestors in their DNA, but it's wolf dog breeds where the resemblance is obvious. These pups may share traits with wolves, but wolf dog breeds are just as adorable, energetic, and smart as any other doggo on the block. Whether you are looking to adopt , or just want to get lost in the utter cuteness of these wolf-like dogs, we've rounded up the best wolf-dog hybrids. Wolf dogs are domestic companion dogs that share some of the same DNA as wolves, with the exception of the more wolf-like traits. That said, you don't have to be afraid of these dogs, but just like any dog breed, there are some important characteristics to keep in mind before you adopt. As you may expect, wolf dogs are super strong pups that may overpower young children. This doesn't mean they aren't equally affectionate and friendly , they just might do better in a family environment with older kiddos. Wolf-like dogs also require a lot of interaction and exercise, as well as grooming maintenance thanks to double coats. It's paramount for the health of your potential pet that you educate yourself on a wolf-dog's needs and habits before you welcome them into your home. But if you think a wolf-dog is a great fit for your home, then any one of these wolf dog breeds would make an adorable canine companion. From smaller breeds to larger dogs without that famous fairytale wolf's bad trait , these wolf-like pups are popular choices for many and have quite the internet presence — although who could blame anyone from spending, say multiple hours, scrolling through adorable photos of baby Siberian Huskies, Tamaskans, and Alaskan Malamutes? We definitely can't. So, go on, take a scroll and find the wolf dog breed for your next stroll around the neighborhood. They'll make a good running buddy, too — Northern Inuit dogs are very active , according to Pet Guide. Pet Guide notes that these intelligent dogs respond well to training, but need someone who can give them firm boundaries. Though they may look tough, Saarloos Wolfdogs generally aren't aggressive. Tamaskans often are good family dogs, but make sure you're able to spend lots of time with your pup as this breed prefers not to be left alone for long periods of time. As the American Kennel Club notes, these friendly, energetic dogs usually weigh less than 35 pounds and tend to have short legs. That doesn't mean they're couch potatoes, though: Swedish Vallhunds are lively and need at least one walk a day, according to the AKC. Pet Guide notes that Utonagans are known for their friendly, gentle temperament , making them good family dogs. Be ready to spend lots of time snuggling with and brushing this breed — their thick, waterproof double coat served them well in the Arctic where they originated, but requires a lot of upkeep to avoid tangles. The AKC notes that these high-energy dogs need lots and lots of exercise , and they love being social with people and other dogs — so you should plan to spend many afternoons playing fetch. According to the AKC, Czechoslovakian wolfdogs tend to have dominant and independent personalities. That said, they'll make a great adventure buddy next time you go camping, hiking, or biking. But even if you're not regularly boar-hunting in your neighborhood, this breed can still be a great companion: AKC says they are known to be energetic and very loyal to their owners. Besides being cheerful, the AKC notes that Samoyeds are smart, social, and mischievous make sure to keep your favorite shoes far away, so they don't get chewed up! According to the AKC, these pointy-eared dogs were originally bred as house dogs in Japan as well as guardians and hunters, meaning they adapt very well to life in the home. In addition to being super cute, Pet Guide notes that Pomskies tend to be highly intelligent, loving, and playful. These dogs are loyal, gentle, and courageous, making them excellent family pets. Although most German Shepherds today don't really have any wolf genes in them, they do have dense coats and pointy ears , somewhat similar to some wolf breeds. Follow her on Twitter. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Belgian Malinois Overview The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd. Malinois are short-haired, fawn-colored dogs with black masks. They are one of four types of Belgian herding dogs, and have been shown in the U. Originally developed in Malines, Belgium, Malinois have a great deal of stamina and truly enjoy working. They are intelligent and very active dogs that excel at many tasks. In addition to herding, they also do well with police work, search and rescue, and performance events, such as agility. People who are not familiar with the Malinois often confuse them with the German Shepherds, but there are significant differences in the body structure and temperament of the two breeds. Malinois are smaller dogs with lighter bones. Malinois are fawn-colored, red, or brown, and the tips of their hair are black, while the German Shepherd is usually tan with a black saddle. Additionally, the Malinois has a more refined, chiseled head than the German Shepherd and smaller, more triangular ears. Many think that the Malinois is more alert and quicker to respond than the German Shepherd. Some Malinois are friendly and assertive, but others are reserved and aloof with strangers. They should never have a fearful or aggressive temperament. Because of their energy level and sensitivity, Malinois are recommended only for people who have previously parented dogs and are skilled in dog training. Malinois are very intense dogs who like to be included in all of the family activities. If you have decided that the Malinois is the breed for you, you should expose your dog to many different people, dogs, other animals, and situations as early as possible. Puppy kindergarten classes are recommended for your Malinois puppy, followed by obedience training. Malinois are quick learners and eager to do whatever their people ask of them. They excel are obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing, Schutzhund, and other protection sports. But a Malinois parent should never forget that this is a breed developed to protect and herd. Poorly socialized dogs may behave aggressively out of fear or shyness. Additionally, although well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if they are raised with them, they may have a tendency to nip at their heels and try to herd them when playing. Belgian Malinois Highlights Belgian Malinois have a great deal of energy and need a lot of exercise. Make sure you have the room and time to provide it. Malinois are very intelligent and alert. They also have strong herding and protection instincts. Early, consistent training is critical! They are very people-oriented and want to be included in family activities. Malinois are constant shedders. They shed heavily twice a year. Belgian Malinois are intense dogs who are play-oriented and sensitive. Training should be fun, consistent, and positive. Because of their intelligence, high energy, and other characteristics, Malinois are not recommended for inexperienced dog parents. The four varieties are the Malinois fawn-mahogany, short coat with black mask , the Tervuren fawn-mahogany, long coat with black mask , the Laekenois fawn, rough coat , and the Groenendael black, long coat. The Club du Chien de Berger Belge Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed in September to determine which of the many different types of dogs was representative only of the shepherd dogs developed in Belgium. In November of that same year, breeders and fanciers met on the outskirts of Brussels to examine shepherd dogs from that area. After much deliberation, veterinary professor Adolphe Reul and a panel of judges concluded that the native shepherd dog of that province were square, medium-sized dogs with well-set triangular ears and very dark brown eyes and differed only in the texture, color, and length of hair. Subsequent examinations of dogs in other Belgian provinces resulted in similar findings. In , Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, which recognized three varieties: dogs with long coats, dogs with short coats, and dogs with rough coats. By , however, the Belgian Shepherd Dog was finally recognized as a breed. In , he purchased a pale, fawn rough-haired dog called Vos I, or Vos de Laeken from a cattle dealer in northern Belgium. After that mating, Vos I was bred to his daughters, establishing a line of very homogeneous dogs with grey rough hairs and short hairs, and fawn rough hairs and short hairs. Breeders decided to give each of the different varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs their own names. The city of Malines had formed a club for the promotion of fawn short-haired Belgian Shepherd dog in .The first dressage trial, held on July 12, , in Malines, was won by M. Belgian Shepherds were also used as guard dogs and draught dogs. They were the first dogs to be used by the Belgian police. Before World War II, international police dog trials became very popular in Europe, and Belgian dogs earned a number of prizes at the trials. When World War I broke out, many Belgian Shepherd Dogs were used by the military for a number of jobs including messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs, ambulance cart dogs, and, according to some, light machine-gun cart dogs. During the s and s, several outstanding Malinois kennels were started in Belgium. During the first decades of the 20th century, Malinois and Groenendael were the most popular varieties of Belgian Shepherd dogs to be exported to other countries. He sold the two Malinois to L. De Winter of Guttenberg, New Jersey. De Winter produced several litters from the Malinois under his Winterview kennel name. He also bred Malinois for a short time under the name of Castlehead Kennel. By the end of the s, the Groenendael and Malinois Belgian Sheepdogs had risen in popularity to rank among the top five breeds. During the s, a few Malinois were registered with the AKC as imports trickled into the country. In that same year, John Cowley imported two Malinois and began his Netherlair kennel. He showed several of his dogs and several people became interested in them. By the s, more people were breeding and showing Malinois. In the last decade, Belgian Malinois dogs have received a lot of attention for their work in the military, drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations, and police forces around the country. As a result, many Malinois have been imported to the U. The mission was a success, and Conan was honored as a hero at The White House after making a full recovery. Belgian Malinois Size Males are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Females are 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. Belgian Malinois Personality Belgian Malinois puppies are often curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. This is an outstanding working dog who is confident and protective in any situation. The watchdog abilities of the Malinois are excellent. They protect their people and property with only as much force as is required. Shyness and aggression are rare in this breed. Socialization helps ensure that your Malinois puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking your pup to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Elbow Dysplasia. This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Anesthesia Sensitivity. Belgian Malinois are very sensitive to anesthesia. They have a higher-than-average rate of death when put under anesthesia because of their muscle-to-fat ratio. Be sure your vet understands this sensitivity before allowing your Malinois to have surgery or even have their teeth cleaned. Belgian Malinois Care Belgian Malinois can do well in small quarters if they receive enough exercise. They prefer cool climates but adapt well to warmer environments. They should always be included as part of the family and live indoors. If possible, provide your Malinois with some off-leash exercise in a fenced area in addition to long walks or jogging. If you like to hike or jog, your Belgian Malinois will be happy to be by your side. Consider training your dog to compete in obedience or agility. Puppies have different exercise needs. From 9 weeks to 4 months of age, puppy kindergarten once or twice a week is a great way for them to get exercise, training, and socialization, plus 15 to 20 minutes of playtime in the yard, morning and evening. Throw a ball for them to fetch. From 4 to 6 months of age, weekly obedience classes, daily half-mile walks, and playtime in the yard will meet their needs. From 6 months to 1 year of age, play fetch with a ball or Frisbee for up to 40 minutes during cool mornings or evenings, not in the heat of the day. Continue to limit walks to a half mile. Avoid hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. As they continue to mature, you can increase the distance and time you run. These graduated levels of exercise will protect their developing bones and joints. Malinois are sensitive and highly trainable. Be firm, calm, and consistent with them. Anger and physical force are counterproductive. Belgian Malinois Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference. The better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. The hard topcoat and dense undercoat provide weather resistance for a dog who was bred to work outdoors in all conditions. The hair is slightly longer around the neck, forming a sort of mini-mane. The coat is typically fawn- to mahogany-colored with a black mask on the face, black ears, and black tips on the hairs. Fawn-colored Malinois sometimes have a tiny bit of white on the tips of their toes or a small white spot on the chest. The short, smooth coat of the Malinois is easy to groom. Brush it weekly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Malinois shed year-round, more heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Handle their paws frequently dogs are touchy about their feet and look inside their mouth and ears. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Belgian Malinois Children And Other Pets Well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if they are raised with them, but because of their herding heritage, they may have a tendency to nip at their heels and try to herd them when playing. You must teach your Malinois that this behavior is unacceptable. 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. If you want your Malinois to get along with other animals you must start early and reward them for appropriate behavior. Belgian Malinois Rescue Groups Belgian Malinois are often adopted without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Malinois in need of adoption and or fostering. Belgian Malinois Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Dog Names The Best Dog Names for Your White Pup We've pulled together an exhaustive list of creative and clever names to help you give your new white pooch the ideal name. By Molly Reid Sinnett Since leaving her post-college job as a sports writer, Molly has been honing her skills as a writer of all things home and family. A frequent contributor to Better Homes and Gardens' stable of special interest publications, Molly works from home where her lap often houses both her Cavapoo Lillian and her laptop. No doubt you're giddy about adding a new member to your family. But choosing a name for your new white dog may also be a little stressful. Don't sweat it. While some people choose dog names that are very personal like after a favorite restaurant or timely after today's hottest movie character , the distinctive color of your white dog may be just the thing to stir your creative juices. For some people white is the color of cold inspiring names like Blizzard. Do you have a fluffy white dog? What about a fluffy white food name like Marshmallow or Popcorn? Maybe your new pooch is a combination of colors, like black-and-white or brown-and-white. Her color scheme could be just right for a name like Checkers or Patches. Whether you have a white girl dog or a white boy dog, we're happy to help with some inspiration. Here are , yes , names for white dogs. Try a couple on and see what fits! Unknown What is a domestic dog? While these animals vary drastically in appearance, every dog—from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane—is a member of the same species, Canis familiaris. This separates domestic dogs from wild canines , such as coyotes, foxes, and wolves. A third of all households worldwide have a dog, according to a consumer insights study. This makes the domestic dog the most popular pet on the planet. Evolutionary origins All dogs descend from a species of wolf, but not the gray wolf Canis lupus , like many people assume. In fact, DNA evidence suggests that the now-extinct wolf ancestor to modern dogs was Eurasian. However, scientists are still working to understand exactly what species gave rise to dogs. When dogs broke off from their wild ancestors is also a matter of mystery, but genetics suggest that it occurred between 15, and 30, years ago. Perhaps wolves started down this path simply by eating human scraps. Many generations later, humans might have encouraged wolves to stay near by actively feeding them. Later still, those wolves may have been welcomed into the human home and eventually bred to encourage certain traits. All of this is thought to have unfolded over thousands of years. For instance, around 9, years ago , ancient peoples began breeding dogs that were best able to survive and work in the cold. These dogs would become the family of sled dogs—including breeds such as huskies and malamutes—that remains relatively unchanged today. Similarly, humans bred German shepherds for their ability to herd livestock, Labrador retrievers to help collect ducks and other game felled by hunters, and sausage-shaped Dachshunds for their ability to rush down a burrow after a badger. Many more breeds were created to fill other human needs, such as home protection and vermin control. Certain breeds have also been created to make dogs more desirable as companions. For instance, the labradoodle, which combines the traits of a Labrador retriever and a poodle, was invented as an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Left: A portrait of Lola, a two-year-old boxer-husky mix. Right: A portrait of Daisy, a five-year-old English springer spaniel. They can also help conservationists find and protect endangered species using their super-powered schnozzes. They assist search and rescue teams in the wake of natural disasters or reports of people lost in the outdoors. Dogs trained to warn of hidden explosives and enemies serve as allies in military operations. Other dogs assist police looking for jail escapees or the bodies of murder victims. Some partner instead with customs officials searching for contraband, from drugs to elephant ivory. Still others lead the way tracking down poachers , patrolling cargo ships for rats that might escape at distant harbors, or exposing forest insect pests in shipments of wood from abroad. They guide deaf and blind people, and they help people with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder manage with anxiety. Living with dogs Most dogs are a mix of breeds—in , one study estimated that only 5 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred. Just as dogs come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, these animals also come in a spectrum of temperaments. A bulldog might look fierce but be cuddly as a kitten, whereas a cute cocker spaniel might nip at your finger without thinking twice. This is why animal handling expert Jack Hanna recommends teaching children to always exercise caution around a dog they do not know. The point is it can happen. After all, the yipping and tail-wagging your dog performs when you grab a bag of treats are carry-overs from when its ancestors needed to communicate with other members of its social group. Chasing sticks and balls may be linked to the pursuit of prey, while digging at the carpet or a dog bed echoes how a wild canid would prepare its sleeping area. Editor's note: Bringing a dog into your household is a major responsibility. More than 1. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Photograph by O. Baer There are lots of dogs named Bear, but you might want to give yours the German spelling. Baby Because your dog is your baby, obviously! Baguette The French love their bread, and this quintessentially French loaf is a good name for any dog. Bandit A great name for a dog who loves to steal things! Banjo A two-syllable name that has a musical ring to it. Barney This was President George W. Baxter This name originally meant "baker," so if you have a dog that loves sweet treats, go with this cute dog name! Bear A cute dog name for any pup that resembles a snuggly teddy bear. Beethoven The name of the big, loveable and mischievous St. Bernard in the movie of the same name. And, of course, the famous German composer. Benny Short for Benjamin, one of the Social Security Administration's top male names in recent years. Bentley The name of a luxury English automobile, Bentley is a unique dog name reserved for the poshest of pups. Blake Honor country music by naming your dog after country singer Blake Shelton. Blue The name of Beyonce and Jay-Z's daughter. Bo Bo is a boy's name of Norse origin meaning "to live. Bocce A game that dates back to Roman times, played with a ball in a court of dirt. Bolt A white-haired German Shepherd from the Disney movie "Bolt" who thinks his superpowers are real. Bones Basic? But it's still perfect for any dog who loves bones. Booker A good name for a smart, attentive puppy. Boomer If your dog has a booming big-boy bark, this might just be the name for him! Brian Brian Griffin is the Labrador from "Family Guy" who always seems to be the smartest "person" in the room. Briscoe There are several U. Buster Got a tough guy on your hands? Buster might be the best dog name for him! Button Is your furball cute as a button? Of course they are! The Blue Bay Shepherd was carefully produced by crossing fifth-generation wolf dogs with blue European German Shepherds. After the addition of several other breeds including Alaskan Malamutes, the newly emerging breed sports a rich, thick blue coat and a definite lupine appearance. How much do Blue Bay Shepherds cost? The price is mainly based on the decades of work that have gone into creating this new breed and the costs associated with the care and housing of the foundation stock, which included wolf dogs. Southern Breeze Kennels is the birthplace of the breed and home of the continuing development of Blue Bays. All legitimate Blue Bay Shepherds are registered with a number and a certificate hand signed by the founder. Why Are They So Expensive? Creating a new breed incurs a lot of expenses. Multiple breeds must be properly cared for and expenses like vet and feed bills quickly add up. Additionally, building and maintaining expansive outdoor enclosures for the wolf dogs used initially is not an inexpensive endeavor. Will the Price Decrease Soon? Once a true standard has been established, a breed club has been formed, other dedicated breeders are involved in furthering the breed, and the Blue Bay is well on the way to full AKC recognition, prices may start to decrease. The kennel through which all Blue Bay Shepherds are sold purposely does not list prices online. While this may be a little frustrating, the reasons for this are valid. Just keep in mind that the following prices are approximations and only apply to a pet-quality dog. Did you know that shepherds or sheepdogs come in all shapes and sizes and are often classified as herding dogs by the American Kennel Club? Check out the information below to find out which would be the best dog for you and your family. Plus, take a look at some of the popular training courses we offer online at SpiritDog Training to help shepherd owners tackle common behavioral challenges they face with these highly intelligent breeds. Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd Although not a true herding dog, this independent and ancient breed was developed to guard livestock and protect them against predators. Clever and devoted, Anatolians can be strong-willed and need high fences and lots of supervision. Anatolian Shepherds are intelligent, fast-learning dogs; however, they require consistent and effective training to become well-mannered companions. Begin training your Anatolian Shepherd today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Australian Kelpie Australian Kelpie A loyal and intelligent dog, the Australian Kelpie is an instinctive herder with seemingly limitless energy. Kelpies have a strong work ethic and excel at sports like agility and obedience. Without physical and mental stimulation, however, they can become bored and hyperactive, and even start venting their frustration with destructive behaviors. A little on the stubborn side, Kelpies also need extensive socializing so they become accustomed to a range of situations, sights, and sounds. A medium-sized dog with few health issues, the Kelpie is hardy and easy to keep, although it does shed quite heavily once a year. Australian Kelpies are highly trainable, eager to please, and loyal, but may be tough to keep in the average household because of their physical needs. Begin training your Australian Kelpie today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Australian Shepherd Dog Australian Shepherd Dog Affectionate and eye-catching, the Australian Shepherd dog is as adept at guarding livestock as it is herding it. One of the smartest breeds of dogs , Australian Shepherds are easy to train and fit well into an active family lifestyle. Like the Kelpie, the Australian Shepherd dog is high-energy and not suited to living in small spaces. Ideally, you need a yard where he can stretch his legs for a couple of hours each day, as well as the time available to train and exercise him on top of that. As intelligent as it is, the Australian Shepherd dog enjoys learning tricks or taking part in dog sports like agility and herding trials. Endlessly loyal, the Australian Shepherd is a little more high-maintenance than the Kelpie. With its long, thick coat, it needs regular grooming, especially when shedding. Australian Shepherds are brilliant, devoted, and playful dogs. These dogs have high energy and get bored easily, which is why they need an owner who can put their brains and energy to good use. Begin training your Australian Shepherd today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Beauceron Beauceron The Beauceron is a working dog breed from France. Confident, watchful dogs, the Beauceron makes a great family protector, but only in a household where there is a consistent and confident handler, otherwise, they may end up controlling everything and everyone. Like any other herding dog, the Beauceron needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They excel at a range of dog sports, making use of their natural tracking, obedience, and protection skills. They prefer living outside as well, so will do better on a farm or house with a large yard. Not particularly easy to find, Beaucerons are distinguished-looking dogs that are both powerful and athletic. Beaucerons are a protective and watchful breed. They need a confident and consistent owner with training experience. Begin training your Beauceron today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. The rough-coated Belgian Laekenois. The Malinois with its short coat and distinctive black mask. The long-coated Tervuren. All types of Belgian Shepherd dogs are intelligent, agile, and athletic but they can also be challenging to live with. They become bored easily and require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from developing obsessive or destructive behaviors. Unlike some other breeds of herding dogs, Belgian Shepherds have a higher-than-normal prey instinct and are prone to chase after anything that moves. If you can channel their natural athleticism and intellect, any of the Belgian Shepherd breeds will prove adept at various dog sports. All types of Belgian Shepherd are bred in the US, although the availability of Laekenois Shepherd dogs seems more limited than the other varieties. Belgian Shepherds have strong protective and territorial instincts and require a lot of physical exercise. Begin training your Belgian Shepherd today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Bergamasco Sheepdog Bergamasco Sheepdog They may not be as well known as some of the other shepherd breeds, but the Bergamasco Sheepdog has a lot going for it. Bred to herd and protect sheep on the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco has a unique coat made up of three different textures. Unlike many of the herding dogs, Bergamascos are content with a moderate amount of exercise, preferring mutual activity rather than exploring the yard on his own. A social breed, the Bergamasco is prone to separation anxiety, although you can overcome this with proper training and socialization. Bergamasco Sheepdogs, most known for their matted mop-like coats, are patient, attentive, and gentle. Begin training your Bergamasco Sheepdog today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Briard Briard This large, long-haired breed shares its origins with the Beauceron and like them, are high-energy animals with an unstoppable zest for life. Not suited to life indoors, the Briard needs a large yard to explore to satisfy his wanderlust. Extremely intelligent, the Briard is quick to learn and has excellent memories. This can either be a blessing or curse, depending on how adept you are at keeping your training sessions interesting. If not well-socialized early on in life, the territorial Briard can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals so need a firm hand and plenty of exposure to different social situations. Not many Briard come up for adoption and there are only a handful of breeders in the US so be prepared to spend some time on a waiting list if you want one to share your life with. Briards are beautiful dogs that are devoted to their family. In order to turn them into great companions, they require consistent socialization and training. Begin training your Briard today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Bouvier des Flandres Bouvier des Flandres Another shepherd dog with French origins, the Bouvier des Flandres is so much more than just a herding dog. With their impressive work ethic, Bouviers are happiest when kept busy and benefit from having a job to do. They make excellent watchdogs but need plenty of space to romp around in. Naturally protective of their owners, Bouviers are generally good-natured and sociable. As a consequence, they are also prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone for long periods. The long coat of Bouvier makes it high-maintenance in the grooming department and daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and knots from developing. Begin training your Bouvier des Flandres today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Collies Collies Like the Belgian Shepherd, Collies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although, in the US, the name is most commonly associated with the long-haired Rough Collie or Lassie dog. Regardless of type, Collies are energetic, fun-loving creatures, although the Border and Bearded breeds generally require more exercise. They love human company and are liable to suffer from separation anxiety and become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. All three types have loving and loyal personalities but can also be timid, making early socialization is a must. Collies are sweet, friendly, and gentle, making this breed a perfect family dog and especially great with kids. This breed is equipped with an instinct to work and responds well to training. Begin training your Collie today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. German Shepherds make excellent companions and good family dogs and are used extensively in search-and-rescue and drug detection operations. Military and police use these dogs in their work, often outfitted with tactical dog gear. Intelligent and willing, the German Shepherd can turn its paw to virtually any task, given the right training. As a result, they will excel at almost any sport, from dock diving to Schutzhund, making them ideal for an active family. German Shepherds can come in many colors besides the traditional black and tan. Even pure-white and pure-black German Shepherds are born at times! While they are known for their classical alert look with erect ears, some German Shepherds actually have one or two floppy ears all the way into adulthood. German Shepherds are courageous, loyal, and confident. To turn them into a great companion they require ongoing training and socialization. Begin training your German Shepherd today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick, double coat and shed a fair amount, so daily brushing will likely be in order. Icelandic Sheepdogs are lively, friendly, playful and love being at the heart of the family. Begin training your Icelandic Sheepdog today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Miniature American Shepherd Miniature American Shepherd Resembling the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd stands a few inches shorter than its antipodean cousin but has similarly eye-catching coloration. Frequent shedders, Miniature Americans need regular grooming to keep them looking good. Miniature American Shepherds are bright, have big personalities and are great with children. On the smaller side of herding dogs, they can be more manageable in a home. Begin training your Miniature American Shepherd today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Old English Sheepdogs are sweet, social and gentle, but will require daily exercise. Begin training your Old English Sheepdog today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here. Easy to train and adaptable to city life, the Shetland Sheepdog is suitable for novice owners and ideal for families. They also excel at agility, obedience, and herding trials. A strong herding instinct means Shelties are prone to nipping as they attempt to chivvy along everything from squirrels to small children. Again, early training can resolve this unwanted behavior. Shetland Sheepdogs are highly intelligent, vocal and is a bit reserved by nature. With their beautiful double coat, they will shed heavily and more so during seasons like spring and fall. Begin training your Shetland Sheepdog today with our proven, science-based, online dog training courses here.

What Is A Mini Labradoodle? The difference is that the Labradoodle is mixed with a standard-sized Poodle, not a mini one. Some puppies will have more Lab in them, others will have more Poodle. A distinctive feature of multi-generational puppies is their ringlet coat, which happens to be super soft and almost rug-like. The Mini Labradoodle comes with many coats, either white, tan, black, apricot, caramel, chocolate, red, silver, cream, and grey. It almost sounded like we were naming off desserts for a while. When it comes to Miniature Labradoodles, the options are endless. When compared to its parent breed, the Mini Labradoodle has a heavier body than the Poodle with more muscular forelimbs. It has a more narrow snout and muzzle than the Labrador. As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Mini Labradoodle is 12 — 14 years. More research needs to be done on the distinct illnesses or diseases that could affect this dog. The Labrador, for example, is prone of hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, eye disorders, and cruciate ligament injuries. Poodles, on the other hand, have their set of issues, including patellar luxation a knee injury of sorts , cataracts, sebaceous adenitis, and other skin problems. Mini Labradoodles are the America or, actually, it was the Caribbean islands of dog breeds. This breed can be found in a lot of pop culture memorabilia. Labradoodle Monopoly token Even some of the biggest celebrities in the world have Mini Labradoodles at home. The Prince and Princess of Norway are big fans of this breed. As mentioned above the smallest version of a Mini Labradoodle ranks between 14 — 16 inches 35 — 40cm at the shoulders. But what if a Miniature Labradoodle takes after its Labrador mom or dad? Mini Labradoodles can get as big as 21 — 24 inches 53 — 60cm if there are a lot of Labrador genes mixed in. One size does not fit all. In terms of weight, a smaller Mini Labradoodle will be between 15 — 25 pounds 6 — 11kg. A lager Mini Labradoodle will weigh between 50 — 65 pounds 22 — 29kg. This breed is full of surprises. Is The Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? Want to know a secret? There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. All dogs shed to some extent. This breed is considered allergy-friendly and hypoallergenic. That being said, we can never promise that you or someone you know will never get a reaction. It could be its saliva or dander. Because their parents are so different in size, temperament, and appearance characteristics, your life as an owner becomes a box of chocolates. The general temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle is silly, playful, and fun. These dogs are a safe choice because they tend to be friendly to everyone. Strange people, strange dogs, cats, babies, toddlers — you name it, they love it. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule. And it all depends on genetics. If your Mini Labradoodle is more Labrador, it may be wary of strangers. Poodles are more aloof. Labradors are prone to boredom but more playful and sweet. They like to run around and swim. Poodles are smarter and more relaxed around the house. Less active and need less exercise. In China, for example, the first gene-edited dogs from were reported to have muscle enhancements and better running ability, making it optimal for hunting or police applications. They were two Beagles named Hercules and Tiangou. Here are other Poodle and Labrador mixes that qualify as designer dogs. Typically a Black Poodle is bred with a Black Lab, but since black is a dominant color, sometimes another color of poodle red, chocolate, etc , can still have black puppies. Black Labradoodles have become wildly popular for their sweet, lovable nature, familiar black color, low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat characteristics. Labradoodles come in other colors, such as chocolate, yellow, cream, parti-colors, and occasionally red, but some people love the sweet nature of a Black Labradoodle. Many first generation Black Labradoodles f1 will shed. We recommend getting an F1b Black Labradoodle if you're worried about shedding or have dog allergies. Friendly Black Labradoodles One of the most desirable characteristics of the Black Labradoodle is their deep love of people. A Black Labradoodle is the happiest when they are surrounded by people that they love. They are highly intelligent and trainable, Black Labradoodles enjoy the stimulation of training and are eager to please their loved ones so they pick up on the cues very quickly. Some Black Labradoodle puppies receive many of the Poodle characteristics of being reserved, having a coat that is very fine and needs regular trimming. While other Black Labradoodles receive the excitable and almost immature nature of the Labrador Retrievers. As the Black Labradoodle becomes more common and breeders are crossing them with more consistency the discrepancies are becoming less of an issue and the breed is becoming more consistent. It is important to realize that the AKC does not yet recognize Black Labradoodles as an official breed, though most other registrations recognize them. The AKC actually does not yet recognize any of the doodles. Most families that want a wonderful dog, and are not concerned about show events do not care that the AKC does not officially recognize the Black Labradoodle currently. Black Labradoodle Best Breeders The best way to avoid the inconsistencies of the Black Labradoodle breed is to adopt from a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills at all cost and make sure that the breeder you buy from is caring for the health and wellness of your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy from before conception until you take your Black Labradoodle home with you. A Black Labradoodle should have a sleek, black coat with no sprinklings of any other color and have a black nose. Talk to your breeder about silver and blue Labradoodles as they often appear black as puppies. Some people prefer the looks of a silver or blue Labradoodle to a Black Labradoodle. A Blue Labradoodle, for instance, will start out looking like a Black Labradoodle, but as it grows its coat will come in a beautiful "blue" color. Although the color is called "blue" in the dog world it is almost a gun metal gray. Silver Labradoodles are a lighter silver color than a Blue Labradoodle. January 23, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These cute little designer dogs can be great family pets and good companions for work-at-home people. They were bred for those who loved the standard Labradoodle but wanted something smaller. This crossbreed is a popular choice for both experienced and new dog owners because of their calm temperament. They get along with other people and dogs and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, but they are very reward-driven. Even someone with allergies can potentially keep this dog. The idea originally started when breeders bred purebred Labrador Retrievers and standard Poodles to make more hypoallergenic dog breeds with Labrador friendliness and intelligence, creating the standard Labradoodle. But as wonderful as Labradoodles are, they can get pretty huge. Both the Labrador and the standard-sized Poodle are pretty big. So reputable breeders started breeding the purebred Labrador Retriever with the purebred Miniature Poodle to make a smaller version: the Mini Labradoodle. These cute little dogs are known for having big personalities despite their smaller bodies. They love their humans and can sometimes be protective of them. They also love running around and playing. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, like their parents, and are very easy to train. They combine the loyalty, intelligence, and easy trainability of the Labrador with the low-shedding, more allergy-friendly coat of the Standard Poodle and Mini Poodle. Vital Statistics Height: inches, highly dependent on parents Weight: pounds, highly dependent on parents Average lifespan: years Energy level: High energy and needs lots of exercise Trainability: Highly intelligent dogs and easily trainable Shedding: Low shedder, high grooming needs History of the Mini Labradoodle Miniature Labradoodles are a relatively new crossbreed. They are believed to have been bred in Australia in the s when a breeder made the first successful cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Mini Poodle. And so, a reputable breeder wanted to mix the Labrador Retriever with a breed having a non-shedding coat. The standard Poodle was the perfect candidate. Both standard Labradoodles and Miniature Labradoodles came along from this need. First, the standard Labradoodle came along. Standard Labradoodles were popular but much too big for some people. So then the Lab was mixed with the Mini Poodle to make a smaller pup. Generally needs .You should have a good decade or so before you have to worry about health problems related to aging. Some dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on how healthy they are. Lifestyle management can help maximize the time you have with your dog. Be on the lookout for health issues potentially passed down from the parents. Size Miniature Labradoodles are meant to be smaller versions of the Labradoodle. The designer dog mixes the traits of Labrador Retrievers and Toy Poodles to make a smaller dog. Smaller individuals may be around 14 inches tall. That said, the exact size may depend on the characteristics of the parents. These dogs still come from a fairly big breed. Larger individuals may be closer to 24 inches tall. It can be difficult to determine how big a Mini Labradoodle puppy will get until they grow. Weight Smaller Mini Labradoodles may weigh around 10 pounds or more. Again, they may be bigger and heavier depending on the genes inherited from their Lab and Mini Poodle parents. Larger individuals may weigh up to 30 pounds. Coat The Mini Labradoodle is meant to have the Poodle coat, a low-shedding coat that is allergy-friendly. The coat type and color can vary from individual to individual based on the genes of the Poodle parent or Labrador parent. Some coats may have a wool texture, coming from their Poodle genes. These coats require a lot of grooming. Other coats may be a soft, fleece texture. It may be wavy or curly. Some individuals may also have a hairy, straight coat closer to that of Labrador Retrievers rather than a Poodle coat. Color Mini Labradoodles can come in many colors. They may also be single-colored or multi-colored. It depends on the genes they inherit from their very different-looking parents. Mini Labradoodle Temperament and Personality Mini Labradoodles are believed to be the perfect family pet and companion because of their family-friendly characteristics. They are great with kids and other animals and are all-around easy to get along with. That said, they can also be protective of their family. Miniature Labradoodles can get lonely easily, and they do not like being left alone for too long. Leaving them alone for eight hours or more a day may lead to depression, separation anxiety, and the destruction of your furniture. As adorable and friendly as they are, they may not be the best for families that are out of the house all day. As tempting as it can be, avoid overfeeding your Mini Labradoodle with high-fat treats, no matter how much they beg. Like their parent breed, the Labrador, they can get overweight if overfed. Also, keep their age in mind; puppies and senior dogs need different kibbles. Mini Labradoodles and any breed should be kept on a puppy-based kibble until they are a year old to ensure they get the nutrients needed to grow properly. Seniors, meanwhile, may need senior food that helps them get the most nutrients out of their food. As they age, some dogs have trouble getting the nutrients they need from normal kibble and lose weight at an alarming rate. Family Compatibility Mini Labradoodles are great family dogs because of their friendliness. They can get along great with families and other pets. These dogs are also very playful and love family interaction. You can potentially take your Mini Labradoodle on hikes, trips, or errands without too much trouble. Children should also be taught not to be too rough with them, no matter how easygoing they are. No jumping on them, pulling their tails or ears, or chewing on them. Even the gentlest dogs have limits. Mini Labradoodles can get lonely easily and even depressed if left alone for too long. That said, they can suffer from some health conditions passed down from their parent breeds. Some health concerns these dogs may be at risk of are hip dysplasia, obesity, and bloat. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip develops incorrectly as a puppy, causing problems later on. It can cause pain and dysfunction as the dog grows. Over time it can cause problems like arthritis and mobility issues. Obesity is a common problem among Labradors that can be passed down to their Mini Labradoodle children. Therefore, avoiding high-calorie treats and overfeeding them too much is best. Obesity can cause a range of other health problems in the future, like arthritis or joint pain. This is a hereditary disease passed down from Labradoodle parents. Mini Labradoodle puppies are more susceptible if their parents had it. Do not breed your Mini Labradoodle for Mini Labradoodle puppies if they have this disease. Exercise-induced collapse occurs when a dog overexerts itself while exercising. This particular problem is more common among Mini Labradoodles, so keep an eye on them when running around. This can be life-threatening. While your Miniature Labradoodle is running around and exercising, watch for symptoms like a lack of coordination, muscle weakness, or other signs of exhaustion. Make sure they stop and take a break if they seem to be tiring themselves out. Owners should also be careful of diseases like hypothyroidism. In addition, you should clean their ears periodically to avoid ear infections. Mini Labradoodles need consistent grooming and coat care to keep their fur from matting and getting messy. They need to be groomed multiple times a week, at the least. Daily brushing is recommended if possible. These dogs are incredibly active, coming from two very active breeds. They need a good minutes of exercise a day. They enjoy running and need to be able to burn off all that energy. Mini Labradoodle Training The Miniature Labradoodle is considered very easy to train, even for new dog owners. When all else fails, you can pull out a bag of dog treats to get their attention. You should start training early to avoid behavior problems later on. Keep a bag of low-calorie treats handy during the early days of training. Praise good behavior with a treat as soon as it shows desirable behavior. If your Miniature Labradoodle does something wrong, do not lash out at them, as it may worsen things. Punishments like hitting may lead to fear or aggression that would not have existed without it. Instead, redirect them to the right behavior and then reward them. These little guys can be stubborn and set in their ways if you wait too long. They love their humans, but they can also be a bit protective of them. Teaching your Mini Labradoodle puppy early on that other people and animals are safe is a good way to avoid any future problems like growling or lashing out at strangers. Trust me; you do not want to wait until your dog starts getting nervous about new people and animals to start socializing them. Once they start getting antisocial, it gets harder to mingle them. So go ahead and start taking them out and letting strangers give them treats and pets. Do Mini Labradoodles Bark a Lot? Miniature Labradoodles are not known for barking a lot. Depending on the individual, they may occasionally bark at the door or bark while playing. This breed is generally seen as a moderate barker. Any excessive barking can usually be addressed through positive training by rewarding quiet behavior. They may get into trouble and chew things up out of frustration or just get depressed to the point of illness. Never leave a young Mini Labradoodle puppy alone. They may get into something and get themselves hurt. Is the Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? The non-shedding coat of the Miniature Labradoodle is more allergy-friendly than most. They can also be a good choice for those with concerns about allergies. These small to medium designer dogs are intelligent, loyal, and love pleasing their humans, much like their parent breeds. Mini Labradoodles also require consistent attention and will get lonely if you leave them alone for too long. Make sure you have the means to care for any dog you decide to get. Kelly Smeby Kelly Smeby is a freelance writer specializing in pets and animals. She has written several articles about pet health, training, and behavior. Kelly has lived with many types of animals since early childhood. Kelly has also lived with multiple cats, birds, and fish. Kelly currently lives in Florida with a two-year-old Pekingese and a cat and continues to learn new things from them every day. She enjoys learning even more about animal health and behavior and sharing that knowledge with others through writing. She has a strong background in research, business, and writing from her time in college. Kelly hopes to use her experience to help other pet owners who need help understanding their dogs, cats, or other pets. She hopes her work will help promote better understanding between humans and animals. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Active and needs lots of exercises History Of The Breed The labradoodle has been around since the s as a mix of the Labrador retriever and a full-size poodle. This breed was developed to create dogs with the loyalty, intelligence, and trainability of the Labrador retriever, with the low shedding coat of the poodle. The loyalty and high intelligence of poodles made them a great personality match for a Lab as well. Despite being bred as companion dogs, standard poodles are actually pretty big. They are at least 15 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. When you combine that with a Labrador, which is inches tall and can weigh 70 pounds, you get a pretty big dog. They tend to be around inches tall and can weigh pounds. They are dogs that take up quite a bit of space! Of course, you can get a smaller labradoodle by breeding a Lab with a miniature or a toy poodle. This is not as easy to do as there can be a huge size difference between the pure-bred parents, but some breeders have been working for several generations to gradually reduce the size of their labradoodle pups. Mini Labradoodle Appearance There is still quite a bit of size difference between the miniature Labradoodles that you can get from a breeder; they can weigh anything from 15 to 30 pounds, and most will measure somewhere between 14 and 16 inches tall. The appearance of miniature Labradoodles can be more predictable than that of standard Labradoodles as they are usually bred from two labradoodle parents, rather than directly from the parent breeds. They will almost certainly have the low-shedding coat of a poodle since this is one of the principal traits that is controlled for. They could have a wool coat that needs daily brushing to release hair that gets caught up in the wiry texture or a fleece coat that is wavy. These may shed slightly more, but this coat is easy to care for. They can vary significantly in color since poodles come in a variety of colors, unlike Labradors which are yellow, black, or chocolate. They can be apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver-beige, or white. They may also be bicolor, though this is relatively rare. Temperament Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs. Both Labradors and poodles are considered among the most intelligent breeds and can learn a new command with as few as five repetitions. Their offspring will certainly inherit this intelligence. Labradors are also highly trainable because they are eager to please and love having something to do! They are also reward-driven. This means that mini Labradoodles will be highly trainable as well. Both parent breeds love people and tend to form tight attachments with their families quickly. They are also pretty relaxed with strangers and are more likely to want to make friends than raise the alarm when someone shows up at the door. This is one of the reasons that they make excellent guide dogs or other working dogs. You should always pay attention when your miniature labradoodle starts barking. They can be a bit more standoffish with other pets, but socialization from a young age can teach them to make friends. You should take the time to introduce new pets into the home and let them get to know each other from a distance first when dealing with these dogs. Because both parent breeds love being around people, so do their miniature Lab children. They can become highly stressed and even develop depression. It is also common for them to become destructive when they feel frustrated. Since they are highly intelligent pups, they need a lot of mental stimulation. Teaching them tricks can be a great way to activate their minds, and puzzle toys can keep them distracted for a while, though they tend to figure things out pretty quickly. Be warned that they are also excellent escape artists, so all escape routes from the house need to be secured. Labradoodles love children and instinctively know how to be careful and protective of them. Of course, you should never leave children unattended with any dog for the safety of both, but a miniature labradoodle will love playing with kids, and the two high-energy forces can work to wear one another out. Activity Levels Despite their smaller size, miniature Labradoodles need almost as much exercise as their larger labradoodle cousins. They need at least an hour of active exercise each day, preferably split into two 30 minute periods. In addition to formal exercise, they do best when they have some outdoor space at home that they can potter around in and use to let off a bit of energy throughout the day. Nothing will make these dogs happier than accompanying the family on hikes and other adventures. Thanks to their Lab parent they also love the water and tend to be excellent swimmers. Health Concerns A miniature labradoodle may live as little as 10 or as long as 18 years, which can be very difficult to predict, but you should expect your canine companion to be with you for quite some time. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can be predisposed to a few health conditions that pet parents should be aware of. The first is gastric dilation, which is basically bloating. Gaining weight can be an immediate sign of this, but it wreaks havoc with many of their systems. This is another good reason to watch what you feed them, and consult your vet about relevant medication. These collapses can be life-threatening, so it is important to monitor your dog during exercise and rein them in if they show any sign of muscle weakness or lack of coordination. Consult your vet for long-term treatment. This can also be a sign of centronuclear myopathy, which is not unknown in this breed. Hip dysplasia can be another common issue, which is exacerbated if you overexercise your dog as a puppy. Restrict exercise until they are fully grown to ensure against abnormal growth. Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also pretty common, but most breeders should be screening for this. How To Find A Mini Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles are a popular breed, so there are many active breeders, but finding one who specializes in miniature Labradoodles can be more challenging. Thankfully, there is a big community that loves this type of dog so there are many forums where you can ask around and get advice. Having read our guide to the miniature labradoodle, are you considering whether you should adopt one? Consider the following to make your final decision. This can lead to destructive frustration and serious depression. They do best in households when there is nearly always someone about, or when they can go to work with you. Their good behavior and low shedding mean that they are good dogs to take with you to other places. You also need to take the time to train these dogs, as they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Are you willing to commit the time to their development? Despite their small size, these are high-energy dogs. As well as formal exercise, they will love joining you on weekend adventures and would rather be on the trail than sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix with you. Do you have the type of lifestyle that your dog will enjoy? Do You Have Kids? Miniature labradoodles are great with kids and they know how to both be protective and play gently. The key is to teach children how to treat dogs gently as well. They might not be the best fit for very young families just because they have lots of energy and need lots of attention. It can be a challenge to juggle the needs of young children and an energetic young pup at the same time. There are, however, lots of things to look out for to make sure these pups stay healthy and happy. They will bark during play or if they want to get your attention, but excessive barking is uncommon and is normally something that you should pay attention to. Do labradoodles chew furniture? Find our recommendations for the best puppy chew toys here. Can mini labradoodles be left alone? These dogs should not be left at home repeatedly for long workdays, though. These dogs do best when they have company for most of the day. Do labradoodles bond with one person? All dogs have a tendency to bond more strongly with one person than everyone else. This is usually their principal caregiver, but they have big hearts with room for everyone in the family, plus most of the strangers they meet. The miniature labradoodle is a smaller version of the original labradoodle that can do better in smaller family homes; however, they still have the same high energy and need at least some outdoor space to call their own. If you have always wanted a labradoodle, but resisted adopting one because of its size, the miniature labradoodle might be exactly the dog you are looking for. Do you have experience with miniature Labradoodles? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

As a faithful and even-tempered dog, it does well with all the family members and children. It also mingles freely with other smaller household pets and may guard them when their owner is away. When left alone, it keeps itself engaged in activities, and it does not show any signs of separation anxiety. Known for its attentive and alert disposition, the Dalmador can warn its owner of an impending threat. Care Exercise The Dalmador is a lively dog and would enjoy going out for daily walks. Long brisk walks and running sessions will not only help in keeping it stress-free but also channelize its energy. Encourage your pet to play and run around in a fenced yard or park. Grooming Since it is a frequent shedder, regular brushing is needed to remove the dead hairs. Also, occasional bathing is advisable to keep its coat odor-free and shiny. Health Problems The Lab-Dalmatian mix is a healthy breed with no specific health disorders reported so far. However, it can be vulnerable to some health conditions including hip dysplasia, entropion, allergic infections, urinary stone formation, and deafness that are common in its parent breeds. Training When it comes to training this intelligent breed, the owners need to be more patient and persistent in their approach since results come steadily. Socialization and obedience training will help the puppies learn the basic etiquettes of a family pet. If you are not an expert hand in training a dog, you can seek professional help. Feeding You should offer your Delmador dog a highly nutritious, balanced diet containing enough protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Quality commercial dog foods can be given in amounts of cups a day. You can include dry kibble in its diet, but be sure to provide sufficient quantity of water. Interesting Facts The Dalmadors are known for their herding, sighting, racing abilities, and can be used for military works. These dogs are good diggers and are often seen digging holes in the yard. Sensitive, sweet, and enthusiastic, they make perfect friends for adventuring and lounging alike. And they are especially beautiful dogs, too. Dalmador puppies are likely to have the famous Dalmatian spots, whether in stark contrast to their base color or just charmingly freckled. The color variations from the Labrador Retriever mixed with those eye-catching spots make for unique and striking coats. A moderately long-lived canine, chances are you will be welcoming a new Dalmador into your life for well over a decade. No one can predict the ups and downs of life, so you should be prepared to care for your dog in times of both health and hardship. While Dalmatians are rather famous in pop culture for inbreeding, many breeders are very careful with their canine lineages. Dalmatians Are a Jack-of-All-Trades Dog The Dalmatian breed has had a vast variety of jobs: sporting dog, trail hound, bird dog, retriever, boar hunter, coach dog, firehouse mascot, guard dog, and even stage performer and circus star! Their intelligence, affinity for working with horses and other animals, and their striking spots make for a versatile and eager dog. He killed the cat of Governor Gifford Pinchot and spent the rest of his 10 years of life behind bars. In his time there, Pep became good friends with the warden and was an unofficial prison mascot of sorts. For example, they have been clocked at reaching speeds of 12 mph in about 3 seconds! These dogs love walks, runs, hikes, swims, fetch, and just about any exercise imaginable — as long as they have a friend to share it with. Dalmadors are sensitive and protective but balanced out by an easygoing and exuberantly friendly nature. Highly energetic, they relish the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities with their family. Whether swimming, running, biking, or hiking, these dogs will want to be included. They love children and can make a great playmate for older kids. Dalmadors are bright as well, which means they can and will get bored if left alone or cooped up for long periods of time. Giving your dog multiple opportunities throughout a day to exercise and play outside is highly recommended. And, if you must leave your dog alone, give them plenty of toys to occupy their teeth. Many Dalmadors enjoy chewing and providing sturdy chew toys will keep you from having to replace your furniture and shoes regularly! Are These Dogs Good for Families? Dalmadors have an easygoing friendliness to them and are known for their gentleness with children of all ages. If you socialize your dogs and kids with each other early, they can easily become best friends. Active children will especially get along with these eager and athletic dogs. Biking, running, exploring — let both child and dog channel their endless energy into outdoor activities and it will be a race to see who can tire the other out first! They are friendly, mellow, and tolerant when dealing with most everyone and make very little distinction between species. But if you socialize them early and give your dog plenty of exercise and playtime, they should all get along swell! Be sure to check in with your vet about appropriate portion sizes and weight gain so that your Dalmador will not have to lug around any unnecessary pounds. And as a juvenile dog, they may need even more! A Dalmador is best kept in a home with a fenced-in yard or larger surrounding property. They need an owner who can keep up with their energy needs or, as a breed that is somewhat prone to obesity, their health may suffer. They are high energy and may be distractible at times, especially in their youth. Though very quick to learn, they will need firm, positive training, and plenty of patience. As with any dog, ingraining a strong, reliable recall and a few basic obedience commands is highly encouraged. Obedience training is essential for Dalmador puppies as their exaggerated friendliness may not always be well-received — especially once they reach full size! Ears need to be cleaned of any built-up wax and dirt to avoid infections. Though the nails may be worn down naturally, some still need the occasional trim to prevent cracking. And a regular teeth cleaning will provide your dog with fresher breath, and a lower chance of gum disease. And, like all hybrid dog breeds, the Dalmador is generally healthier and less likely to inherit genetic disorders than either of its parent breeds. Dalmatians are often cited during discussions of poor health from inbreeding. But in the last 30 years, many breeders have taken steps to ensure the health of new generations. Finding a healthy Dalmador should not pose a problem. All that being said, there are a few health conditions to be aware of for this breed. Minor Conditions. If they take after their Dalmatian parent, a Dalmatian Mix is likely to be a loyal, athletic, and energetic dog that loves their families. Dalmatians tend to be loving and loyal dogs that get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They tend to be loving and affectionate with their families and more reserved around strangers. Should a Dalmatian Mix take after their Dalmatian parent, you should be able to expect a similar temperament from them. You will still want to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what other traits could be in the mix. You can also meet the mother in-person to see the temperament she has and the manners she is modeling for her puppies. They do much better in homes with yards where they can run. They are sensitive to heat and may get cold easier in the winter than breeds with a thick coat. This makes them a moderately adaptable dog breed. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same level of adaptability from a Dalmatian Mix. But, you still want to talk to the breeder about them as the other parent breed could introduce other quirks that could affect adaptability. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds. However, they could inherit any combination of them or all of them from one or both parents. From the Dalmatian side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Dalmatian Mix include kidney stones, deafness, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Dalmatians are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. Generally, they are a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels. But, their high energy and tendency to get bored can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle alone. Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended. They could have traits that could make a Dalmatian Mix easier or more difficult to train. You will want to be prepared for the possibility of needing training classes either way. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat that is similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both of them. Should they inherit the Dalmation coat, it will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and need only a bath occasionally. It all depends on how quickly their nails grow. Because gum disease often leads to other health issues and is such a common problem for dogs, practicing good dental care for dogs throughout their lives is essential. A Dalmatian is a high-energy dog breed. They require daily walks plus time to run and other activities to stay happy and healthy. If the other parent is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Dalmatian Mix to be the same. Even if the other parent breed has a lower energy level, you will need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog with a Dalmatian Mix. Dalmatians are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed could affect this, so you need to ask the breeder about them and pay close attention to which breed is the mother. A Dalmatian generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Dalmatian Mix. Featured Dalmatian Mix Article.

We can proudly boast that all of our dogs and puppies come from only the very best and proven bloodlines in the world. Each one of our males and females is health tested, titled, and has at least one parent that has earned a VA1 title Excellent Select, 1st place. The competition for VA is fierce and very few dogs attain this momentous achievement. Our Dogs Titles: So, what does all of this mean and why should it matter to a pet buyer? Working titles focus on the structural soundness and ability to demonstrate trainability and reliability in obedience, but more importantly, temperament is evaluated. Show titles provide a valuable tool for ensuring that the breed standard is followed. This is an in-depth evaluation that records the qualities and shortcomings of the dog. The temperament, conformation, courage, and function are reported. Temperament and character, along with physical and mental soundness play an enormous role in selectively choosing which dogs are breeding prospects. The German Shepherd is an athletic, loyal, self-assured, attentive, and intelligent dog. This applies to both competition dogs and family pets. Purchasing a puppy from titled parents ensures that the dogs being bred have passed vigorous testing and several judges along the way oversaw the process. Following this standard eliminates a biased breeder from breeding indiscriminately and encourages the goal to be producing the best puppies possible. At Centennial German Shepherds, meticulous planning and an abundance of thought go into producing every litter of puppies. Striving for excellence gives breeders credibility and provides the potential buyer with absolute assurance that their puppy is a product of deliberate and quality mating. Capo and our beautiful granddaughter, Shannon The meaning of Our New Kennel Name After working, showing, and breeding German Shepherds for over 25 years, we decided it was time to create a new kennel name and logo to signify our presence in Colorado the Centennial State combined with our Italian and Estonian foundation dogs. Centennial GSD chose to use the head of our gorgeous female Gucci and combine the American and Italian flags across her face to signify our team concept. Additionally, we blended the American and Estonian flags across our impressive male import's face to represent the Margman presence at Centennial. Our puppies are raised inside of our home where we can interact with them from birth until the day they leave with their new families. We assess them, take notes, photos, and videos, and create a detailed log about each puppy so that we can explain their individual characteristics and personalities as clearly as possible to anyone who is inquiring. We evaluate each puppy's growth and development, along with littermate interactions and responses to "daily life" situations on a full-time basis. Once the puppies are mobile, they are introduced to toys and small obstacles which are intended to spark curiosity and promote problem-solving and confidence. We understand that visiting the puppies or looking at photos is difficult, as both are only small snapshots of time in the rapidly changing life of a growing puppy. Visitors might experience the litter just before or after a nap, eating, playing, or any other event or activity that may skew the true personality of the puppy, and relying on a few minutes or even hours to make a decision can be overwhelming. For these reasons, frequent communication with prospective families from birth to placement is crucial. By clearly conveying expectations, we are able to assist in the selection process to ensure happiness and success for both the puppy and the individual families welcoming the youngster into their new home. Centennial GSD works hard at producing the finest German Shepherd Dogs through methodically and meticulously scrutinizing compatible bloodlines and pedigrees to ensure each breeding results in producing the best litter of puppies possible. Combining specific lines or avoiding lines that have genetic faults is important as we always have the betterment of the breed in mind. This is done by carefully choosing a mating pair that compliment one another by enhancing positive qualities and making an effort to reduce any faults known in one or both bloodlines. Our foundation dogs and the dogs we use for breeding trace back to the best Italian, Estonian, and German bloodlines. We seek out dogs with a geographically diverse gene pool while also studying line breeding to keep the integrity of the breed intact. By doing this, we reduce the risks associated with more closely related dogs. Our breeding dogs have certified hips and elbows, have been tested for DM, and are titled; ensuring that they are healthy both physically and mentally. None of the dogs in our breeding program and many generations back have joint or known hereditary issues and all of the dogs possess stable and wonderful temperaments. At Centennial quality over quantity always comes first. We stay in touch with our families after the sale of our German Shepherd puppies, whether it be for help with a question or just a friendly email to check-in. I sold several puppies almost two decades ago both out of state and overseas and have been fortunate enough to form beautiful friendships with many of those people that will last a lifetime. We take pride in our Colorado German Shepherds. Our goal is to produce healthy and beautiful German Shepherd puppies that win in the show ring, excel as working dogs, succeed as therapy or service dogs, and most importantly, flourish as loving family companions and guardians. I traveled to Estonia to pick up my female puppy Briatore Nordica, and while I was there I met another puppy her half-brother named Margman Othello. He was a gorgeous and friendly 7 month old sable youngster. Both puppies shared the same father, the magnificent multiple VA Margman Torsten. I was immediately smitten and consequently brought both back with me to Colorado. I also had the honor and pleasure of hosting Torsten, his owner, and his breeder at my home when they traveled to the United States for the first time after a Sieger Show. A few years later I imported another Margman female black and red who was bred to Torsten. Her puppies were wonderful and she enjoyed a nice life in Colorado. By this time Margman had become a household name and known for quality German Shepherds around the world. We had lovely puppies; a mix of sable and black and red, both long and short coats. It was then that I began my great love for the long haired German Shepherd. Rio was phenomenal in the show ring, he earned his SchH3 title, placed V1, and produced puppies that achieved the same and other working titles. He was a gentleman in the house and had a flawless character which he passed down to his puppies time and time again. His puppies excelled as therapy dogs, service dogs, and as healthy and loving family dogs. Rio was intelligent, possessed a solid temperament, and was stunning to look at. My beloved Rio was by far one of the best dogs I have ever had the privilege of owning and set the bar high for our future dogs. Now, many years later, I have once again imported a Margman dog; an impressive male to show, breed, and enjoy as a perfect companion dog. We look forward to combining the lines again and producing the best puppies possible. Expanding the gene pool while still staying true to the standard is our goal with future litters. Margman Dacapo is magnificent; an absolute dream dog. In we imported our first Margman long coat, a deeply pigmented black and red girl. Margit has bettered the breed by thinking outside of the box. Her sable and black dogs are the absolute best and she has also produced top long coats along with her phenomenal black and red dogs. She has combined strong females with the correct stud dogs to produce some of the best puppies in the world. She is devoted to her dogs and the future of the German Shepherd Dog. Her dedication is obvious, and the result has been and remains to be dogs that possess beauty, working ability, and outstanding character. Her vision is clear, her dedication is steadfast, and he loves the dogs so her goals are always set with the future in mind. Protection plus Love!!! We are a small "Mom and Pop", breeder of top quality, working line, German Shepherds. Established in , we are located in the very center of the state of Colorado in the Rocky mountains. Licensed, and AKC inspected and approved facility. Our goal is to breed Dogs who are top quality, and affordable. Beautiful, healthy, dogs that have stable temperaments. All our dogs hips and elbows have been checked, and passed by the OFA. We do genetic testing to insure none of our puppies will develop Degenerative Myelopathy detailed information regarding DM at the bottom of our "Family Comments Gallery" page. The medical documentation paperwork is available for viewing when you come visit to see our dogs or puppies. We breed for black and tan, black and red, sable, black and bi-color puppies. Mostly we have short coat dogs, but do produce limited numbers of long coat pups. Our dogs are predominantly Czech and German working lines. Trained dogs are a positive addition to the lives of their families. These pups can vary in drives and excitability levels but all are working dogs, capable of doing a job suited to their individual drive levels. We try to make it a top priority to match the right puppy to the right family. Our dogs bloodlines are versatile. We breed puppies who could excel in Search and Rescue, Schutzhund, French Ring or Agility, or be great pets and companions. We breed straighter back, working line dogs.

A 6-week-old German Shepherd needs to eat frequently for optimal growth. Aim for four small meals per day to provide a steady supply of nutrients and energy. Meal Schedule: Establish a routine with four meals a day. Pups love consistency! You want to feel their ribs without them being visible. Of course, always have clean, fresh water available. Pups get thirsty too! You can also add some canned, wet food mixed in to encourage them to finish their meals and add a bit more enticing flavor. German Shepherds tend to be prone to sensitive stomachs , so stay alert to any symptoms of digestive upset. As your pup grows, read more about what to feed your German Shepherd puppy. Potty Training: No More Oopsies! Take them outside every minutes, especially after meals, naps, and playtimes. Watch for signs like sniffing the floor or wandering behind furniture. Reward them with praise and treats when they go outside to reinforce the behavior. After Activities: Take them out after eating, playing, or waking up from a nap. These are prime potty times. Puppy Signals: Watch for signs like sniffing, circling, or restlessness. Praise and Treats: When they do their business outside, celebrate with praise and treats. Positive reinforcement works wonders! Choose an appropriately-sized crate, making it cozy with bedding and toys. Gradually introduce them to it with short, positive experiences. Over time, the crate becomes a safe haven, aiding in housebreaking and providing a sense of security for your pup. Crate training can be a game-changer for potty training! Crate as Safe Haven: Make the crate comfy with a blanket and some toys. Pups love their cozy den. It prevents accidents and helps them learn bladder control. One of the keys to raising a happy and healthy pup is understanding their sleep needs and providing the right exercises. On average, they sleep for about 18 to 20 hours a day. Puppies need these long beauty rests to grow and develop properly. Puppy Lullaby: Soft, soothing music or white noise can help them drift off into puppy dreamland. Keep their crates or beds in the same room you sleep in for the first few months. You can slowly transition them to sleeping in their own room without you. Short, frequent bursts of playtime are the way to go. Enjoy these exercises for a German Shepherd puppy: Short Walks: At this age, around 5 minutes of gentle leash walking is plenty. Think of it as a leisurely stroll and not a full-on workout and stick to just 3 short strolls a day. Avoid High Impact: Never run or jog with your dog at this young age. Let them set the pace. Tug of War: A good old game of tug can be a blast for your pup. Fetch: Start with short throws and a soft toy. Hide and Seek: Hide treats around the house in puppy-safe spots, of course and let them use their nose to find them. Sniffaris: Sniffing is great for their brain development at this age. Avoid Steps: Never let your 6-week-old puppy climb stairs because they could seriously injure themself. Remember, their little bodies are still developing, so keep it light and fun. And always keep an eye on their energy levels. If they seem tired, let them rest. Begin with gentle brushing sessions to familiarize them with the process. Here are some grooming tips to get you started: Gentle Introduction: Begin by introducing your puppy to the grooming process gradually. Let them sniff and explore the grooming tools before you start. Brushing: Use a soft brush suitable for their delicate puppy fur. Brush in the direction of hair growth to prevent discomfort. A pair of grooming gloves works wonders for keeping things gentle for your pup. Frequency: Start with short, gentle brushing sessions a few times a week. As they grow, increase the frequency to daily brushing to remove the most shedding. Bathing: Sometimes your little pup might get into a mess and need a bath. Always use a gentle puppy shampoo that helps ensure a comfortable and itch-free coat. Eye and Ear Check: While grooming, inspect their eyes and ears for any signs of irritation or discharge. Wipe their floppy ears if you find any dirt or wax on the outside of the ear canal. Remember to reward your pup with treats and praise during and after each grooming session to make it a positive experience. As they get older, follow a brushing routine to keep their coats in top shape. Enjoy this special time bonding together! The first vaccinations, called the primary vaccinations, are given when a dog is eight weeks old, but you need to prepare for their appointment and make scheduling arrangements. Make an appointment now for these vaccines and a health check. Until your pup has had the first full set of vaccinations, they should stay in your home and yard only. Eight weeks old is considered the safe age to bring a new puppy home. Your main priority is to keep your baby safe and healthy. You have a long life ahead with your Shepherd baby. One in three dogs needs vet treatment every year source. Insurance protects you from large, unexpected bills incurred when your pup is unwell, injured, or in an accident, and helps offset routine medical treatments. Your 6-week-old German Shepherd pup is like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with tons of unforgettable moments with you. Enjoy the tail-wagging ride ahead with your six week old German Shepherd! Before you go, why not grab this helpful freebie? Download it now and take the first step toward ensuring your furry friend reaches their full potential. Your baby German Shepherd deserves the best — grab your tracker and start tracking today! A 6-week-old German Shepherd typically weighs between 7 to 15 pounds. Males tend to be on the higher end of the scale and females on the lower end. In terms of height, they are generally around 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. Individual puppies may vary, but this provides a general guideline for their size and weight at this age. You can also add a few spoonfuls of wet dog food mixed in to encourage them to finish their meals and increase their hydration. Can I give my 6 week old German Shepherd puppy a bath? Always use a gentle, puppy-specific shampoo when you do give them a bath, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts.

Our first priority, in the process of selecting our standard poodles, is health and temperament. Because of research and selection, we are able to combine these two conformation types to produce a superb, well-rounded Standard Poodle puppy who can be your newest family member. The Poodle Club of America is, of course, made up of humans that are pretty special, amazing and dedicated people. They write the standards for the breed, and the standard has to some extent changed the original look and purpose of the Standard Poodle. Our primary goal is to enrich the very small gene bank of the Standard Poodle pedigrees, which is and will continue to be the best weapon against genetic disorders. The preceding statements may raise some eyebrows and ruffle some feathers. It might even become a topic on Poodle Forum, but we stand firm in our belief and respect those who disagree. Again, because of our selective breeding, we can produce every color available in the breed of Standard Poodles. We have white standard poodles, cream standard poodles, apricot standard poodles, and red standard poodles. We offer the striking colors of jet black standard poodles, blue standard poodles, grey standard poodles, and silver standard poodles. In , after lots of research and prayer, we added the ability to produce the very controversial colors of phantom standard poodles and parti standard poodles. We also have brindle standard poodles and sable standard poodles. We are concentrating on the diversity of these colors by crossing our solid color Gentlemen with our parti and phantom Ladies. In the selection of our color variety of Standard Poodle Ladies we are striving to improve on the health and conformation. These colors are allowed to be registered with the AKC but not allowed in the conformation show ring. Our hope someday is that the non-solid variety of a Standard Poodle will be accepted in the show ring as a color variety just as the Cocker Spaniels and other breeds of color. However, a self-portrait of Rembrandt shows him with his parti colored standard poodle, in ! To see early history pictures and read more about the origin of these poodles of color, please click here. Below are slideshows of our Canine Ladies and along with links to their Pedigrees and any Health Testing. I have worked very close with my mom now for many years. I try very hard to be the manager, but my mom, who is supposed to be retiring in , sometimes has a hard time letting go. My mom and my sister Holley, helped me design and write the website in the beginning. I did all the technical work on the website as well as the routine updates. I was finally able to pass that on to my Aunt Beth when she came on board. I designed and created all of our forms and records we use in our daily work and routines, i. One of the most fascinating things I do is the research on color genetics and then studying the pedigrees for low co-efficiency. I give advice where needed as a nurse and mid-wife. I also spend a great deal of time with our Standard Poodle puppies. I thoroughly enjoy the responsibility of examining and performing our socializing protocol with our Standard Poodle puppies. In addition to taking care of our puppies at a young age, I work with the ones we keep and the ones we buy for our breeding program; on leash training, crate training, basic commands and socialization. I can often be found in the pictures and videos as well. During these times I receive a lot of puppy kisses and I get to smell the sweet scent of puppy breath. I am very involved and busy in the public relations department. I take very serious the responsibility of placing our puppies into the right forever home. This is exceptionally important to all of us and I assure you we all take it very seriously! I also manage our relationships with other reputable Standard Poodle breeders. I appreciate all your phone calls and emails, so daily, many hours are spent fielding your questions about Standard Poodles. All Standard Poodles possess specific qualities, but with varying degrees of these qualities. I make it my mission to get to know each potential new puppy owner and introduce them to puppies who match their lifestyle and personality. Darlene and April and the other ladies here, also meet and greet our families and help in the role of placing puppies in their forever home as well. Her wisdom and talent have proven to be outstanding in the design of our breeding facility and the structure of the entire breeding program. The knowledge she has passed on to me is invaluable. It makes me so conscious of the importance of superior maintenance and routine repair of the grounds. Mom still helps me answer health questions or training issues that her years of experience better qualify her to answer. I am still learning and am sure I will for many more years to come. Most of the website photography, up until was done by my mom with all of us behind the scenes making all kinds of weird noises to get the canine Ladies and Gentlemen as well as puppies to look at the camera and smile. She still is editing and preparing the photos for the website which she enjoys very much. She also did our co-efficiency work-ups and kept our pedigrees up to date with our canine Lady and Gentlemen information. In addition to all of this, Holley handled our litter registrations and all of our AKC paperwork. She was in charge of getting our contracts and guarantees to you. She also helped me reply to emails and phone calls from you about our standard poodle babies. Late in Holley weaned herself from working full time with our Standard Poodles because she was offered a wonderful opportunity to go back to her first love of training and showing American Saddlebreds. She works with an amazing woman who has shown and trained Saddlebreds for years. My mom is very thankful to Mary Ann for giving Holley the chance to do what she loves best and is such a great mentor and friend to Holley. Holley helps train and works the horses and has a great riding lesson program for children. Now I have been able to relinquish those responsibilities to April and my Aunt Beth. Blake is now a wonderful stay at home dad to our son born July 28, .She started out doing the daily poop scooping, cleaning, feeding and watering. She gave vaccines and medications. The list was endless. No one can deal with all of us with a smile every day. Her winning smile and her bubbly personality adds to the comradery among our team. Darlene now helps me manage the kennel and is the official full time groomer of all our Family Affair Standard Poodles. Our Standard Poodle puppies get their first face and tail haircut, ear cleaning and nail cutting from Darlene. Each of our adult Standard Poodles get groomed every 8 to 10 weeks, so the grooming is a never-ending cycle. Then moms and puppies are let out into their yards and exercise runs to potty and play all day. We are so blessed to have Darlene. She is pictured below with her beloved Raven. Although her first canine love is her Miniature Dachshunds, she is as dedicated to our Standard Poodle Ladies and Gentlemen and our Standard Poodle puppies as we are. Darlene is loved and appreciated by all of us, and enjoys spending time with us even on her days off. I think we can make it happen! She was very responsible and dedicated at that young age. When she wanted to join our team again at the age of 25, we were very pleased. She came back to us on a part time basis in early .She was reliable and observant when examining and observing puppies and adults. We quickly realized she was also a great asset in the office and computer department as well. In just a few months, she started full time and then took over a lot of the task Darlene had been responsible for over the years. Erica begins her day with a quick hands-on inspection of all the babies. She gives medication, routine wormers and vaccines. Erica weighs and individually identifies each puppy with different colors of fingernail polish the day they are born. For three weeks all our Standard Poodle puppies are weighed every day. All of that attention to babies must have affected her, because in early , Erica gave birth to a beautiful baby girl that looks like a china doll. Her name is Kaelyn. We are looking forward to working with Erica for many years to come and watching Kaelyn grow up. The Standard is the oldest. The Poodle was originally developed to be a water dog that retrieved game fowl. Favored by royalty as well as gypsies, this versatile breed was able to master many tasks and trades and maintain a reputation as a fine companion. Character The Poodle is an agile, athletic, and graceful breed. They are considered to be one of the most intuitive, attentive, and intelligent breeds. Lively and playful, they have a tremendous sense of humor and a true love of life. Poodles are a breed of distinction, elegance, and dignity. Temperament One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Poodle is loyal and deeply devoted to their owner and family. They thrive on human companionship and are extremely sensitive to their familys moods and emotions. The Poodle may become overly attached to one particular family member and suffer from separation anxiety. The Standard and Miniature varieties are typically more amiable than the Toy variety, which has a tendency to be neurotic. The Standard does well in a home with children and other household pets. The Miniature and Toy varieties are best suited for homes with older, considerate children. The Poodle is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog. This breed has a tendency to bark excessively. Care The Poodle requires extensive grooming. Professional clipping must be done every six to eight weeks. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent mats and tangles. It is important that the Poodles teeth and ears are checked and cleaned on a consistent basis. This breed is prone to cataracts, PRA, allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, and heart disease. Coat The Poodle has a dense, harsh coat that is either curly or corded. The color of the coat comes in such solid colors as silver, cream, gray, blue, black, white, apricot, red, caf-au-lait, and brown. It is possible to have a Parti patterned coat. However, that type of coat is not accepted in the show ring. This breed sheds little to no hair. Training Highly trainable and eager to please, the Poodle requires early socialization and obedience training. With their sensitive nature they do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Poodle does best with fairness, firmness, respect, patience, and consistency. They excel at learning tricks, including agility, retrieving, and competitive obedience. Activity The Poodle enjoys swimming, family play sessions, and securely leashed walks. They greatly benefit from regular opportunities to romp and run off lead in a safe area. Poodles will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and stimulated to help curtail their tendency to excessively bark, and to keep them physically fit. They have been running around outside it's a lovely day here in CT! A flight attendant from Delta also spotted her and just wouldn't put her down, even taking her behind the counter to do her work! By the way, your children were so wonderful when we met.Our Standard Poodles do not live in kennels.They are a part of our families--my sisters and mine. They spend each day with our kids, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Between my sister and I we have two males and two female Standard Poodles. They are a wonderful part of each of our families, and are incredibly well socialized with children and other dogs. In fact, "socialized" is an understatement. Each of our dogs have exceptional characteristics. Our poodles compliment each other incredibly well. Zoe is intelligent, eager to please, and loving she is the "mother hen" of our kids and Zion is very affectionate, engaging, sociable, and comes from a long line of wonderful therapy dogs. They make phenominal puppies. Ireland gives us some gorgeous colors--red and bright apricot.All of our puppies are very kid friendly, loyal, and nurturing. You probably have an idea of what tremendous dogs standard poodles are or you wouldn't be on our site. But, let me just tell you what our families love about our standards also check out the resources on our links page. Prince Zion -- jet black standard poodle stud. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There's much more to come! Cream standard poodle puppy. We offer Standard Poodle puppies in a variety of colors, as well as older puppies and Standard Poodle adults. Contact us today to see what puppies we have ready to meet their forever family, or get on our waiting list for upcoming litters. Over the years Rachael has been a care giver owning two NYS licensed children daycare centers, while raising her own family as well. Rachael enjoys spending her free time at the beach, going to the barn with the horses, and hanging out with the family. Melbourne has served in the US Army, has always been an entrepreneur, and has two inventions and US patents. Melbourne enjoys spending his free time going out west, hunting, and building things for the poodles and spending time at the pool with family. Together they have a passion to raise healthy beautiful standard poodle puppies for families. They started their research and discovered the Poodle! Almost 18 yrs ago they got their first poodle and it has been love ever since. We can ship our Standard Poodles to you anywhere in the US or abroad. Our Standard Poodles are beautiful, friendly, playful, easy to train, intelligent, athletic, and so very lovable. They are not just our Pets.We are a family of five, our home is located at the foothills of the Adirondacks in Rome, New York. We take our Standard Poodle breeding program seriously, and offer quality puppies for families everywhere. What to consider before bringing your poodle home Our Philosophy We believe that standard poodles are loving members of the family. They are excellent companions who are devoted to their people. Poodles have a range of personality traits with varying levels of play drive, retrieve drive, prey drive, and, of course, couch-potato-ness. Most poodles love to play. Average, well-socialized poodles love to go everywhere with their family. The hallmarks of the standard poodle personality are well-rounded athleticism, intelligence, and a will-try-anything attitude that makes for a can-go-anywhere kind of dog. Standard poodles don't shed, are good with with children, and generally interact well with other pets. Just like people, each is unique and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Whether it's one of many solid colors, spotted or parti, a brindle, tuxedo, sable, or a phantom pattern, there's a standard poodle for everyone. Poodles need quality time with people and other animals, physical exercise and mental stimulation, quality food, medical care and grooming. Poodles are not outdoor dogs to be left tied up, away from people. Due to their high intelligence and athletic abilities they need something to do, someone to play with, and someone to guide them. If you have any questions about how best to care for your new family member, just ask. We're happy to help! Heart Song Standard Poodles is located just outside of Huntsville, Alabama on 4 acres where the poodles can watch our horses, bark without fear of bothering the neighbors and enjoy the natural outdoors. We strive to improve the breed with each puppy we bring into the world. We focus on temperament, health, diversity, and the breed standard. We carefully select our mothers and fathers, producing happier, healthier dogs in a range of colors. As advances in genetics improve our understanding of health issues, we continually adapt and modify our breeding program to take advantage of the latest science. As professional breeders we breed red, apricot, black, creme, white, brown, parti, phantom, sable, solid colored and brindle standard poodles. This is not written by us but it's how we do things. I thought of you years before you even realized. I planned for and cared about your baby long before you started thinking of adding to your family. I worried about your future with that puppy before you knew there would be one. There were hours upon hours spent researching lines for the parents of your puppies. Going over breeder after breeder, choosing not only my pet but looking for a dog that will make you your pet. Worrying if you'd be happy, if I had chosen correctly and your puppy would grow up healthy and happy. Going over puppy after puppy with fellow breeders, running over my program with as many knowledgeable breeders as I can, determined to not miss anything. Tracing lines back as far as I could, learning the ins and outs not only for my knowledge but so that I was informed, prepared to go over every detail with you, to answer the questions that sometimes you don't even ask. Then there's years of watching your puppies parents grow. Loving them and enjoying them as part of my family. Taking them every where I can, training them, socializing them, watching how they fill out. Asking myself I had made the right choice in both of them. Scrutinizing their conformation, how they move, and their temperament. There was the stress of health testing. Praying not only that my babies were healthy but that they had the genes to make your baby healthy. Finally came the time to put your puppies parents together. For the next 63 days I worried, I obsessed, I grew excited. I watched your puppies mom like a hawk. Making sure my baby was ok, monitoring her diet better than I do my own. Concerned that she was getting enough of the right nutrients and that your growing baby was getting the best start possible. I spent hours on the couch, floor, and dog bed with her watching her tummy grow and anxiously waiting. As your baby and mine grew I laid my hands on her tummy and felt the first movements of your puppy. As the time grew close I spent most nights in the nursery with her. Making sure she didn't go into labor without me knowing, in case something went wrong and one of our babies needed help. When labor started my whole life stopped. I spent every second with her. Your baby was born into my hands and I held my breath as I cleaned them up, watching for movement and breathing, cleaning them up, checking them over, and wondering if you'd love them as much as I already did. I helped your babies brother when mom got tired and he was stuck. I cried when your babies sister didn't make it. For the first 8 weeks most of my life was filled with your baby. Watching them grow and making sure I was doing everything possible to make sure they started their lives the right way. Making sure each one was getting enough to eat, enough socialization time, that they were de-wormed and given their shots. I was the first person they saw when they opened their eyes. I spent my weeks playing with them and keeping them safe. I searched for you and interviewed you. As you spoke I tried to read your character. Would you love them as much as I do? Would you bring them in as part of your family? Would you care for this tiny life that I brought into this world that I am responsible for? Some of you were turned away but some of you were welcomed into our family. The day you took your baby home was harder than I'd ever let on. I was excited for you but I was also terrified. Had I chosen correctly? Were you who you seemed to be? My love and worry didn't end there. I thought about your baby regularly, saddened when I didn't get updates, ecstatic when I did. I hoped you were caring for your baby the way I care for mine. I answered your questions happily and answered them again just as happily to your babies siblings new parents. When your puppies sister ate a couch I stayed up that night she was at the vets, waiting to hear that she was ok. When their brothers parents decided he no longer fit in their life I welcomed him home, sorry that I had chosen wrong for him and promised him it wouldn't happen again. I loved your baby first and I will never stop. Our puppies have been placed all over the United States. They adapt easily to any environment and travel well. We have puppies happily living in downtown Atlanta, Nashville, Miami and other large cities. Some of our puppies live in typical suburban homes, others in a rural setting or on the beach. You must fly with your puppy or drive to pick them up in person. We do not ship puppies. The poodle is also regarded as the national dog of France, where it was once commonly used as a retriever. Many poodles love water starting from a young age. Poodle puppies often play in their water bowls. Poodles also drink from the hose and frolic in the rain. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the poodle who doesn't want to get their feet wet, walks on the sidewalk, and refuses to go out in the rain. This poodle stands in the doorway, sniffs the rain in the air, and looks at you to say, "Do we really need to go out today? Sometimes, a poodle's size is described as teacup or royal standard. These terms are used to describe a very small toy or a large standard poodle, but are not official size categories of poodle. In Europe, there is a fourth size, known as a moyen in France meaning medium or a klein poodle in the rest of Europe. Moyen or klein poodles range between 15 and 20 inches at the shoulder. In the United States, a moyen or klein is considered a small standard poodle. At Heart Song Standard Poodles, we breed standard poodles. A standard poodle is a poodle that is 15 inches or over at the shoulder. Standard poodles can range from the smaller 15 inch to the larger 27 inches or more. The majority of standard poodles are between 45 and 60 pounds. Standard Poodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, including red, black, white, creme, apricot, silver, blue, brown, silver-beige, cafe-au-lait, parti, phantom, tuxedo, abstract, brindle, and sable. Some poodles are solid colored, while others are multi-colored. Multi-colored poodles include parti poodles, phantoms, brindles, and sables. AKC does allow both multi-colored and solid-colored poodles to participate in all other events including obedience, agility, rally, and more. Poodles are classified in the non-sporting group in the AKC. UKC allows both solid colored poodles and multi-colored poodles to be shown in conformation. They allow all poodles to compete in all events. Poodles in the UKC registry are classified in the gun dog group. Dogs that are advertised as merle poodles are not full blooded poodles. The poodle breed has no gene for the merle color. Dogs that are merle colored must have been mixed with another breed, even if it was many generations back. Be careful when anyone claims to have merle poodles. Unfortunately, unsuspecting buyers may purchase a merle puppy thinking it is a purebred poodle. They often pay a premium price because it is advertised as a rare color. Heart Song Poodles Blog Everything poodles, articles and tips on how to care for your poodle. Read our latest news. The Breed of Excellence! To produce all the colors, it takes as many Sires as it does Dams to prevent inbreeding when keeping females back to place back in the breeding program. On this page, you will find our Female Standard Poodles that help us produce the beautiful array of colors in our pups. In the beginning or before Standard Poodles were imported to the U. When American Breeders began to breed them, the solid colors were popular and they attempted with a great measure of success to breed only for solid colors, however, the multi-colors continued to crop out. When AKC picked up the breed, the standard for Dog shows only included Solid colors, however, all colors are approved for registration. We have found that these Multi-colored beauties are just as awesome in temperaments and intelligence as the Solid Colors. The only difference is color. All our puppies are clinically examined, and health guaranteed. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have. Not all of our females have puppies every year! Watch for her puppies. She comes from an outstanding, proven bloodline. This girl is a outstanding producer! Great reproducer! Easy going female! Highly Intelligent! Well balanced! Karmen is out of Freedom and of the MoBandy bloodline. Her Sire is Max. Her pups are awesome! Excellent characteristics of this proven bloodline! Annie is Just like her mom, Abby. Such a great bloodline producing excellent offspring! A great bloodline producing outstanding offspring with great temperaments! Loving, Smart and Highly Intelligent. Reba — Sister to Ace! Excellent Female with great pedigree. Producing Beautiful Pups! Nicole is a Legend here! Everybody loves her! Now Retired, but we have both her daughters and granddaughters carrying on her fame! This Parti Girl was a Super Reproducer! Mother of Edie! Super Reproducer! Everyone raves over her offspring! Produced outstanding offspring that everyone loves! Everyone raves about her puppies! Producing Outstanding Parti Pups! Everyone Loves A Jilda Pup! Well Balanced In Everyway! Great girl! Call for more information. A famous Tuxedo Parti. She produced outstanding proven bloodlines! Mother of Spirit! What a Wonderful Girl! Daughter of Starsky and Lilly! Producing Outstanding puppies! A proven producer of Excellent Phantoms! We love her! She is a well balanced top female! Super affectionate, calm and highly intelligent! Always healthy! Great reproducer. Proven bloodline! Great dispositions! Awesome proven bloodline! Nicole Bloodline! Daughter of Nikki. Proven breeder who produced wonderful calm Standard Poodle Puppies. She produced Solid and a few Phantoms great temperaments!

How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

Margaret O. I could not be happier. A mentally healthy dog is so important. Our little guy came to us in an unexpected unique way. After a previous family was unable to take him, Jeff called us and asked if we were interested in coming out to meet the puppy that same day! They are willing to sit and talk through any questions you have, they give you a lot of information about the breed, and what to expect when you bring your puppy home. Another big plus for us was seeing that the kennels were clean and all the dogs that we saw looked very healthy. Our puppy was the sweetest when he first met us! He ran up to us, showered us in puppy kisses, and was just overall a happy chill little dude. He just had his first vet appointment and was given a clean bill of health! He is sweet, gentle, and such a fast learner! I have never met any dog with this level of intelligence and at such a young age! We have only had him for 6 days and he has settled in so quick and has already learned basic commands. Thank you so much Jeff and Rhonda for our new little addition to our family! When we first went to meet with them and take a peek at Adrian and Barus litter, we liked that they had all the dogs in the home and the home was clean!!! Adrian had a calm temperament as well as the rest of the dogs. Caught on extremely quick w the training and is extremely good with our young grandchildren. We definitely chose the right breeders. Good communication and great canine genetics are obvious! Response from the owner Thank you so much April for the kind words. Rhonda and I try very hard to make things special for our puppy families. Pride and integrity means everything to us. Rhonda takes care of pupies like her own kids! We have 3 of their dogs one male that is the puppy of untox and panja. H gets to play fight likes that and playing with his ball. Rhonda was spectacular to work with, detailed and friendly. She is one of the most intelligent, healthy puppies we have ever owned and her temperament with our family is world class. When we were looking for a puppy we met with Rhonda and could not of been happier. There dogs were so well behaved, stunningly gorgeous and just wanted to be loved. Exactly what my wife and I were looking for. We all no there is never any guarantees in life when it comes to purchasing a puppy, but I can say we have a true champion in our little Bella. She has been a total blessing since we got her. Thanks Rhonda and Jeff!! Response from the owner. Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Write a Review vitali P 2 weeks ago Thank you affinity! We are very happy with our work together! A very special thank you to Jessie. Our new puppy sends you much love! Anastasiya Karovina 2 weeks ago Thank you guys for the beautiful baby. She's gorgeous! Brought joy to the house for the whole family. Excellent work, service, responsible attitude. I recommend it! Hagen 3 weeks ago My journey with my German Shepherd began with the expert guidance of the breeder at I Guard International and was beautifully complemented by the training prowess Jessi, Cody and Nick at K9 Country Club. Together, they've shaped a truly remarkable experience for me and my family. At I Guard International, I found not just a breeder but a passionate caretaker for these noble animals. The attention to detail, the commitment to quality, and the profound understanding of the German Shepherd breed were evident from our first meeting. Our pup was not merely a product but a living testament to their dedication to excellence Cody, working in unison with Nick, brought a whole new dimension to our German Shepherd's training. Their collaboration, with unique insights and methodologies, created a synergy that was reflected in the outstanding development of our pet. Cody's patient approach, his investment in understanding our dog's unique needs, and his ability to work seamlessly with Nick, resulted in a well-rounded and perfectly trained companion. But it wasn't just about the training; it was about the relationships that were forged. Jessi, Cody and Nick became more than trainers; they became mentors and friends to our family. They shared their wisdom, their love for dogs, and their unwavering commitment to providing the best care and training possible. Our German Shepherd's growth under their combined guidance has been a joy to watch. His character, discipline, and happiness are direct reflections of their hard work and heartfelt investment. If you're considering a breeder who truly understands the essence of the German Shepherd breed and trainers who will not just train your dog but celebrate its unique personality and potential, I wholeheartedly recommend I Guard International for breeding and training. In a world filled with choices, choosing them was one of the best decisions we've made for our family and our beloved pet. Their combined expertise and genuine love for what they do have created a lifelong bond and a truly happy, well-trained German Shepherd. Thank you, I Guard International, Cody,Jessi, and Nick, for being more than professionals in your field; thank you for being partners in our family's journey. Tom Jones 2 months ago.Hans Hauge 3 months ago We wanted two dogs that could both defend our home and still be a part of the family. We got it with these two. When someone comes to the door they let us know, and then they just chill out. Megan Mathews 6 months ago.As I was looking for breeders in the Spokane area. I came across I-Guard and gave them a call and spoke with Jessi. We set up a meeting to talk about their German Sheppards and she introduced us to Nick. He listened to our story about our Mal and he matched us up with the perfect German Sheppard for our family, Ace. I was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism that both Jessi and Nick gave to me and my family and feel very fortunate that I made the phone call to I-Guard for our next addition to our family. Since July Nick has reached out to ensure that all is going well on top of training Ace 1 on 1 to help out with my autistic son. Thank you Jessi and Nick for all you have done for my family. Zach Phelps 8 months ago Love these guys! Jessi was super helpful in answering any questions. They breed great tempered dogs for any environment. They took the time to talk and match the right dog to my crazy lifestyle. I will absolutely be coming back to expand my pack in a year or two. Chris Destro 2 year ago We searched and spoke with many German Shepherd breeders. Once we connected with Jessie, we felt super comfortable as she did not rush our decision at all, in fact, she was extremely patient and helpful as we made our final choice. So glad we went with I-Guard and her! He is amazing with kids and has a friendly disposition. We love him very much. Thank you again, Jessie.Koda is the best! We look at every German shepherd puppy as a special member of our family—and a future member of yours. Think of it like skipping the baby stage and the sleepless nights. Puppies range from two to 10 months old depending on your preference. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

Find out why, when it's cause for concern, and how to manage it from an experienced bulldog owner. Photo by author Picture this — it's the end of a long day at work and you're settled on the sofa, your beloved bulldog snoring at your feet, sounding off like an exhaust from an old banger. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? The first time my bulldog, Luna, took a nap and started snoring, I was surprised, to say the least. But after spending years with this lovable lump, I've learned a thing or two about why bulldogs snore and, more importantly, when it's cause for concern. Subscribe to Furrimals Join other like-minded people and become better dog dads. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The Bulldog's Unique Anatomy First off, let's appreciate our bulldogs' distinctive look. They've got flat faces, wide shoulders, and the cutest little snouts. But behind those endearing bulldog features, there's a bit of science that might surprise you. You see, their unique faces and short noses mean they have a slightly different internal setup compared to your average doggo. This makes bulldogs a brachycephalic breed , a fancy word which means that their air passages are shorter and more compact than in other dogs. This anatomy is part of what makes Luna and her fellow bulldogs snore louder than a buzz saw! Why Do Bulldogs Snore? Understanding the Brachycephalic Syndrome Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The bulldogs' unique facial structure can often lead to what's called Brachycephalic Syndrome. Sounds scary, right? It's not as terrifying as it sounds. This syndrome is quite common in our bulldog buddies and mainly means that some of their upper respiratory tract structures are a bit, well, squashed. This can cause a range of things like elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules — all fancy ways of saying that their unique features can contribute to some serious and outrageously loud snoring. Environmental Factors Our bulldogs' snoring isn't just down to their anatomy. There are other factors at play, like weight, exposure to smoke, allergens, and even sleeping position. As Luna has grown, so has her weight. From puppy to adult, her snoring went from noticeable to downright disruptive. Is Bulldog Snoring Normal? Now, you might be asking, "Okay, so bulldogs snore. But is it normal? Bulldog snoring is a common trait due to their distinctive anatomy, but it can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues. From my years with Luna, I've learned that while snoring is part of the package, it shouldn't be ignored if it changes drastically or suddenly becomes much louder. When to Speak to Your Vet If you're noticing signs like disturbed sleep, gasping for air, or difficulty breathing, it's time to pay your vet a visit. Our vet visits with Luna are a regular part of our routine, and they're key to ensuring that her snoring is just a quirky trait and not a symptom of something more serious. Luna loves her kibble, but too much kibble could be the cause of sleepless nights. Regular walks and a balanced diet can also make a difference. Trust me; the struggle of getting a stubborn bulldog moving is worth the reward of a more peaceful night's sleep! Bulldogs can be more susceptible to irritants due to their breathing issues, and a cleaner environment can make a world of difference. Proper Sleeping Position Finally, think about where and how your bulldog sleeps. Bulldogs need a good bed that can support their unique body structure. The first time we tried the elevated bed, the difference in her snoring was like night and day, literally. Final Thoughts So there you have it, fellow bulldog dads. Do English Bulldogs Snore? Hell yeah. Bulldog snoring, while often normal, always deserves a second thought. Understanding why it happens and when it might be a sign of something more serious is key to keeping our lovable companions healthy. Here's to more peaceful nights with our bulldogs, and remember, while their snoring might keep us awake some nights, we wouldn't trade our time with them for the world. Read next. Fungal infections Masses or Growths Another cause of dog snoring is a tumor or growth inside the airway that obstructs the airflow. Some growths, such as nasal polyps , are benign but can still be problematic because of how they disrupt normal breathing. Other growths can be something malignant , such as a nasal carcinoma or nasal fibrosarcoma. These block the airway the same as polyps do, but they can also spread to other areas of the body. Fluid Accumulation Exudates masses of cells or fluid or clotted blood can accumulate in the nasal cavity due to an illness or injury. The fluid accumulation narrows the airway and affects the normal flow of air—leading to snoring. Foreign Bodies Dogs investigate the world by sniffing and smelling. But, sometimes, they accidentally snort a foreign object into their airway. These objects can cause snoring as well as other clinical signs like sneezing and nasal discharge. This suggests a change worth investigating. Pet parents should also take note if the snoring is accompanied by other clinical signs, such as nasal discharge, sneezing, or changes in energy level. It also puts your pet at risk for a respiratory crisis, especially in warm weather or in times of stress. They can help determine the possible causes. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and endoscopy help to definitively diagnose the cause of snoring. If the snoring is caused by allergies or infections, treating the underlying cause of the inflammation will likely improve the snoring. Reducing any excessive weight can help alleviate the extra pressure around the neck, stopping the snoring as well. She practiced companion.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? And all breeds and dogs with short noses snore. It is no different with English bulldogs. It is one of the characteristic features of this breed and in fact, they are big-time snorers. English bulldogs are loud snorers because of their short noses. The bulldog ranks number two out of five for dog breeds that snore the most. While all their idiosyncrasies make them a unique breed to have as a companion, at times their loud snoring can be quite annoying. Their snoring could get loud enough to keep everyone in the house awake. The only breed that beats out the bulldog for snoring frequency and volume is the Pug, its shorter and funnier looking snub-nosed canine brother. Why do bulldogs snore? The primary reason bulldogs snore is because their short nasal structures impact their ability to breathe efficiently. Bulldogs have big heads, flat faces, and short noses. Their airways are constricted due to fatty deposits in their throats and that makes breathing very difficult for them while they sleep. Many of them have long tongues and soft elongated palates that disturbs their breathing even more. Nasal blockages: Obstruction in the nasal passages of your bulldogs can cause very loud snoring. They already have short nasal passages and if blocked further they will tend to snore loudly. Check for any foreign objects in their nasal passages such as grass, dirt, or soil. Allergies: Bulldogs as a breed are prone to many allergies and snoring could be a side effect of that. When bulldogs get allergies, their nasal passages swell, thereby further narrowing the breathing passage. This shrinking of the passages makes it difficult for your bulldog to breathe properly and as a result, they could snore loudly while they sleep. Some bulldogs will snore more when they sleep on their sides while some snore while laying on their backs. Medication: Many medications that a bulldog may be taking such as antihistamines, muscle-relaxants, or sedatives have side-effects that directly or indirectly interfere with their breathing. Sleeping in hot-sultry conditions: If bulldogs are left out in a hot and badly ventilated area they can overheat. This can lead to an increase in breathing discomfort and subsequent loud snoring. Other known ailments: Some bulldogs commonly suffer from chronic swelling of the airway known as laryngeal edema which causes loud snoring. Others have a brachycephalic syndrome which can cause them to collapse during exercise or when excited. This also can lead to their body temperatures rising which causes snoring and other health complications. But there are ways to reduce their snoring to more tolerable levels. Exercise on a regular basis: Regular exercises will help your bulldog tone his muscles and reduce accumulated fat which in turn will be effective in reducing their snoring. The more exercise they get, the more fit they will be, and the less laborious their breathing will be. Placing a humidifier in their sleeping zone to moisten the air and ease their breathing might help to reduce their snoring. Keep changing their positions to determine which is the most comfortable and in which position they snore the least. Then try and encourage them to sleep in that position for their optimum comfort and less snoring. Try using a puppy pillow: You will see most dogs sleeping with their necks on the ground and their snouts out. This conventional sleeping method can lead to loud snoring. Not only will your dog love it, but you can also shift your dog to an area around your house with the right temperature and proper ventilation so that they sleep more comfortably. Keep their sleeping areas clean and well-ventilated: Make sure that the area where your bulldog sleeps is clean and dust-free. If their snoring gets worse please seek professional medical advice by contacting a vet. When to seek medical help? Certain medical complications such as hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea in your bulldog can cause loud snoring. Apart from impacting their sleep quality, this may be impacting their overall health as well. While snoring in brachycephalic dogs such as the bulldog is common, if they show signs of discomfort, illness, or other unusual symptoms, it might be time for your bulldog to visit a vet. Your vet will advise you on the course of action and any corrective measures that can be taken to reduce and eliminate the symptoms. In extreme cases, where there is a major obstruction in the air passage that cannot be treated by conventional medication, other techniques such as surgery may be recommended. This is very unlikely, but again your vet is the best person to advise you accordingly. Though bulldogs are one of the most frequent and loudest snoring dog breeds out there, most owners are willing to live with it. And if not, we suggest investing in a good pair of earplugs! Contact Why Do Bulldogs Snore? And How to Minimize It! Sleepless nights, baggy eyelids, and bloodshot eyes. These are all common bulldog owner symptoms caused by the non-stop snoring of a beloved pet throughout the night. Yes, bulldogs snore, A LOT, but they are soooo cute and wonderful pets otherwise. But the snoring can put anyone on edge. What comes out of a bulldogs mouth in its sleep is otherworldly. Why to bulldogs snore? There are several reasons actually, ranging from their sleep position, possible allergies or having a common cold. But the biggest culprit is their scrunched up, pushed in faces. This is known as brachycephalic condition which leads to all types of breathing issues to include snoring. Brachycephalic or Respiratory System and Snoring in Bulldogs Part of the reason bulldogs snore are their scrunched, pushed in faces which can create lifelong respiratory issues. Some respiratory issues are more severe than others. This is also the reason why bulldogs grunt so much as well. A bulldog with brachycephalic will have air passageways that are more narrow, potentially blocked, or irregular. This in turn will impede a clear flow of air into the lungs. A Bulldogs breathing will sound more labored or wheezy due to this condition. This respiratory condition further explains all the funny noises and grunts that will be heard coming from a bulldog. But again this is not all fun and games. It is serious business to understand what this condition is and how to best nurture and treat a pet with a pushed in face. A few things to be aware of that can occur from your bulldog having respiratory conditions are as follows: Snoring While Sleeping — As you can begin to understand, your bulldog will snore through the night, in most cases. Gagging Easily — Whether eating, chewing on something, or just plan breathing you may notice more gagging then most pets. This is common and typically okay, as long as a foreign object is not lodged in your bulldogs throat. Excessive Oxygen Intake — Bulldogs tend to over breathe at times, especially while they eat. If a bulldog ever eats too much that means bloating and gas. Which create other uncomfortable situations while you and your bulldog sleep during the night. Overheating — A bulldogs need daily exercise and should step outside everyday. But exercise extreme caution in the heat. During hot days or longer walks your bulldogs raspy breathing can faint, overheat, or even have a stroke. Allergies, Obesity, and Colds Can Make Your Bulldog Snore So a bulldog with a less than desired respiratory system is only one problem in a long list of issues. Bulldogs deal with other health conditions like: allergies, obesity, and the common cold. All of which can have negative effects on your resting pooch and the volume or frequency at which it snores. Allergies Dogs are prone to allergies and that is no exception for a bulldog. If your bulldog has an allergic reaction this could flare up its sinuses, cause inflammation and swelling in their respiratory system and more. Be sure to read What are Bulldogs Allergic to? This reaction will affect the bulldogs breathing and most likely lead to more excessive snoring while it sleeps. Some common allergies to be aware of are: Bug Bites or Stings Tip: Give your bulldog anti-itch cream or vet prescribed medication if the reaction is severe. Food allergies can be anything from stomach sickness, itching, gas, etc. Medication Allergies Tip: When your bulldog takes new medication know what type of side-effects are common. The medication may still be fine for the specific prescribed need. If the side-effects continue or your dog exhibits other severe reactions contact your vet for further medical guidance. Dust or Pollen Tip: Keep dust to a minimum in the home. Clean frequently which includes vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting. Wash regularly carpets, dog beds, etc. And change your air filter on a regular basis. This is a basic fix that is common missed but can have a substantial change to the air quality inside your home. Another important tip to decrease your bulldogs allergies is to avoid situations where smoking is present. If you are a chain smoker, please step outside and away from your pet to do it. This is for their best interest and yours. Second hand smoke can lead to additional health issues such as allergies. Obesity If your bulldog is obese there can be excessive fat build up in its throat. Because the air flow will be limited your bulldog will breathe heavier and snore heavier. A healthy bulldog is the best type of bulldog. Make regular exercise a daily routine and walk your bulldog at least 15 minutes. This will help shed unwanted weight when combined with a healthy diet. A healthier bulldog will breathe easier and sleep better. This includes a somewhat quieter snore, but there are many exceptions to this rule. Common Cold Bulldogs can get sick and if your bulldog is feeling under the weather and catches the common cold this will have implications on its respiratory system. Breathing will be more labored and this will affect the frequency and noise of its snore. To help your bulldog fight this common cold you should do the following: Have your bulldog drink plenty of liquids. Continue to go on walks even if they are slightly reduced with your dog to maintain its peak condition while battling the flu. Feed your dog nutritious, high end dog food or organic meat and vegetables. Place a humidifier by its bed to reduce swelling and a constricted nasal passageway. A humidifier can also be used when your bulldog is not sick to potentially reduce its level of snoring on an average day. The type of sleep position a bulldog is in will open up the passageways differently in any respiratory system. Sleeping on the side, stomach, or back will have a different effect altering the volume of snoring, types of noises your dog makes, labored breathing, etc. It is typical for a bulldog to snore when sleeping on its back and may snore even while on its side or stomach. To know which position is best for your bulldogs snoring try to reposition your dog when its sleeping. If the snoring wakes you, jump up and rotate your bulldog to see if another position with reduce or stop the snoring. Having your bulldog in the right sleeping position can be all that stands in your way of a good nights rest. Surgery to Fix Bulldog Snoring If snoring is getting out of hand and you notice that your bulldog is having a difficult time breathing, it may be time to take action. Seek the advice of an experienced veterinarian that can address the matter head on and decide what the next best course of action may be for your bulldog. Each case is unique but a skilled Veterinarian, experienced with treating bulldogs, will be able to advise if surgery is a necessary treatment or if there are other alternatives. Surgery to treat snoring bulldogs would be used to remove any obstructions to the bulldogs natural airflow in its respiratory system. Correction could be made to the bulldogs soft palate by trimming excess or remove of obstructions to expand the bulldogs nostrils. When surgery is performed on your bulldog, you may see significant improvement. Some noticeable changes may be more energy, breathing easier, less noise grumbles, snorts, gagging, etc. These changes can seem minor but truly improve the overall quality of life for your bulldog and even for yourself think less sleepless nights. Surgery is a big decision so make sure that you are consulting with your Vet thoroughly. Make a list based off the professional feedback to visually see the good and bad with the surgery. Take time to ponder what you write on this list and on what the Vet said. At the end of the day you will need to make the decision that will be best for yourself and your bulldog. So make sure you are confident in the final decision. What to Expect with Bulldog Snoring If you are shopping for your first bulldog, young or old, do some research. If buying from a breeder , request the parents health pedigree to review their historical medical information. I would recommend seeing the parents of the new pup as well to assess their health and wellness. Step away and keep looking. Remember, whatever breathing habits the parents are displaying will most likely be passed on to your newly purchased bulldog pup. The same recommendation goes if adopting from a shelter. Listen to the bulldog and ask to go for a short walk. Watch how the bulldog can handle a short walk and if anything substantial stands out with its breathing. Is it displaying a shortage of breath, low energy, making loud noises when breathing, etc? What is your overall assessment of the bulldog? By recognizing potential health risks you should be able to decipher some of the warning signs of a loud snoring bulldog. Again, bulldogs will snore but you want an overall healthy bulldog with a good history. If none of these matter you know what to expect and the actions that can be done to minimize the overall snoring noise. Tips to Minimize Your Bulldogs Snoring A bulldog will most likely snore but you are fully capable of minimizing the noise and frequency of snoring. You can rest more peacefully and so can your bulldog by make change today! In fact, they can snore loud enough to keep the whole household awake. Because this is a breed characteristic -- all dogs with very short noses snore -- you can't completely eliminate it. You can, however, lower the frequency or the "intensity" of the snoring. Step 1 Make sure his sleeping area is cool and well-ventilated. If Doggie's not comfortable or if he's overheating, his snoring will worsen. Bulldogs don't do very well in hot weather, according to the Bulldog Club of Northern California. Make sure he gets to sleep in an air-conditioned room to help ease his breathing. Step 2 Have Doggie checked by your vet if the intensity or frequency of the snoring has changed recently. Some bulldogs suffer from brachycephalic upper airway syndrome or laryngeal edema, both of which affect the airways and make breathing more difficult. Step 3 Put Doggie on a diet. Bulldogs can become overweight very easily, especially if you don't keep them active. As with people, excess weight can make breathing more difficult, worsening the snoring. Step 4 Change the humidity level of the room and see if that helps. Open a window if you can -- the flowing air might help ease his breathing. Not enough? Get a humidifier and place it near Doggie's sleeping area. More Articles. My dog snores and sounds congested, what do I do? The respiratory system of bulldogs Their snoring, as well as the characteristic noise many make when breathing, are caused by certain anatomical structures involved in breathing, otherwise known as "brachycephalic syndrome". To put it simply, on one hand, these animals have the narrowest nostrils, which complicates the act of breathing - as if we tried to breathe through a straw! On the other hand, they have a soft palate the posterior part of the palate that goes down to the uvula that is longer than normal, which also makes breathing difficult. In addition to the above, there may be other alterations such as tracheal hypoplasia incomplete development of the trachea , or eversion of the tonsils and laryngeal ventricles. It should be noted that brachycephalic syndrome is typical of bulldogs, but may also appear in dog breeds such as pugs , the Pekingese , the boxer or the Boston terrier , for example. Genetic selection plays an important role Although originally both the English bulldog and the French bulldog were short-nosed dogs, both breeds were selected for many years to enhance these characteristics, creating increasingly flat-faced specimens. The problem with this is that having the shortest nose ever means respiratory problems, including snoring, are more common. Fortunately, this trend has now been corrected, and in the standard of both races description of the characteristics that must be met to in order to register the dog the importance of a correct respiratory function is stressed, in detriment of merely aesthetic parameter. Thus, in the standard of the English bulldog you can read that the face of this dog should be only relatively short and that specimens with respiratory problems are highly undesirable. Whereas in the case of the French bulldog, it is required that the shape of the nose should allow for normal breathing. Other associated problems There are studies that show that many digestive alterations of the bulldog are related to these respiratory problems. Two examples of this the difficulty are swallowing or gastritis inflammation of the stomach that some bulldogs suffer. This is partly due to the fact that a soft palate that is longer than normal can cause nausea already, and in addition, when breathing, negative pressures are created in the thorax that make it difficult to empty the stomach. Despite these problems, bulldogs can lead a perfectly normal and happy life, just keep in mind that these dogs are not capable of high performance sports. So, do not force them to make extreme physical efforts that can end in a collapse. Physical exercise in these animals is also not recommended in summer, under the sun or during the hottest times of the day. In short, these animals are excellent companions, but whoever is looking for an active, sporty dog, should think of a greyhound. Are there bulldog snoring remedies? Does your dog snore when they sleep? There is a surgical treatment that is able to correct these problems, obtaining great results. The surgery in question consists of trimming the excess soft palate and making the nostrils larger. The operation itself is not complicated at all. Although, as these dogs already have compromised breathing and intervention will inflame the tissues, the animal must be monitored during the postoperative period and sometimes a tracheostomy should be performed to avoid complications. The digestive problems we have discussed will also improve through this treatment. Check with your veterinarian to know more about this technique and other bulldog snoring remedies. This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Touching of throat and mouth tissues, Feeble throat, Fat build up in the throat, And Obstruction in the nasal tube that may or may not be congenital nasal structure. Snoring in Bulldogs May Be Caused By Sleeping Position While Brachycephalic dogs snore mostly because of the structure of their nose and skull, their sleeping position may contribute to it. Some dogs are more likely to snore when they sleep on their side or back compared to when they sleep in on their stomach. His face is flat and his nose is short. They also have constricted airways due to the fatty deposits in their throat — and this makes breathing more difficult for them especially when they sleep. Some of them even have long tongues and elongated soft palates, which impedes or disturbs the smooth flow of air when they breathe. Medications Can Also Worsen Snoring in Bulldogs Some pain medications, antihistamines, sedatives, and more have muscle-relaxing side effects. But this effect should go away when your Bulldog is no longer under medication. Bulldogs are very prone to allergies and this can contribute to their snoring. When a Bulldog suffers from allergies, the airways may swell and cause the airways to become smaller. The shrinking of the airways will make it harder for your Bulldog to breathe and will cause him to snore when sleeping. While it may be impossible to fully stop your Bulldog from snoring, there are things we can do to reduce it. Here are some more tips that may help reduce snoring in Bulldogs. Exercise your Bulldog. Adequate exercise should help your Bulldog tone his muscles that can hopefully reduce his snoring. Do not over-exercise your Bulldog to prevent him from overheating. The additional moisture in the air the humidifier brings can help your Bulldog breathe better. Leave a Reply: Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.