puppy cereal box

Boxerdoodle Puppies for Sale Expected Budget in Learn what to expect when researching the price of Boxerdoodle puppies for sale near me. How much do Boxerdoodle puppies for sale cost? The cost for a Boxerdoodle puppy for sale varies greatly and depends on many factors such as the breeders' location, reputation, litter size, lineage of the puppy, breed popularity supply and demand , training, socialization efforts, breed lines and much more. Before searching "Boxerdoodle puppies for sale near me", review their average cost below. This is the price you can expect to budget for a Boxerdoodle with papers but without breeding rights nor show quality. Expect to pay less for a Boxerdoodle puppy for sale without papers, however, we do not recommend buying a puppy without papers. Looking for a Boxerdoodle puppy with a superior lineage? Are you trying to determine how much a Boxerdoodle with breeding rights and papers would cost? You should expect to pay a premium for a Boxerdoodle puppy with breeding rights or even Boxerdoodles for sale advertised as show quality with papers. What can I expect to pay for a Boxerdoodle puppy near me? Annual cost of owning a Boxerdoodle puppy for sale When googling "Boxerdoodle puppy for sale near me" it is important to understand the associated costs of owning a dog. The annual cost or "upkeep" is often overlooked when determining a Boxerdoodles true ownership cost. Most Popular Boxerdoodle Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Boxerdoodle names for after analyzing 0 Boxerdoodle puppies for sale. Boxie Boy. Boxerdoodle Highlights The Boxerdoodle is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Boxer or Poodle parents. Boxerdoodles come in almost any color you could image—although shades of brown are usually the most common colors. Just be sure to follow the usual guidelines about ensuring proper socialization and training from an early age for both kids and dogs. When it comes to existing household pets, this mixed breed needs to be correctly socialized to be around them. They may do best as the solo pet in the home. Boxerdoodles are intelligent, active, and fairly easy to train. They will enjoy joining in on hikes and long walks. These dogs are friendly and social. They make excellent family companions. Best guesses suggest the breed popped up on the scene in the last decade. When it comes to the Poodle part of their heritage, this is a dog that goes all the way back to ancient Egypt times. After that, the Poodle became popular in France as a duck hunting dog. On the Boxer side, the breed began as both a working farm dog and fighting dog back in the 19th century. Their fighting tendencies have since been bred out of them, and they now make wonderful, loving companions for any family. The Boxerdoodle has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Boxerdoodle Size The Boxerdoodle can be described as either a small, medium, or even large dog. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at twelve to 70 pounds and range in height from ten to 25 inches. Female Boxerdoodles might be visibly smaller than their male counterparts. Boxerdoodle Personality When people talk about their Boxerdoodles, they usually begin by noting how social and friendly they are. They will instantly become part of a family and their playful nature means that they love to be around activity, which is why they can form great bonds with kids. The mixed breed will also constantly entertain you with their goofy and funny antics. The second thing people comment on about Boxerdoodles is their intelligence. Otherwise, you might find yourself with a dog showing a high degree of stubbornness. Boxerdoodle Health Boxerdoodles are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Boxer and Poodle face. Some of the more common health problems Boxerdoodles suffer from include: Bloat Entropion Boxerdoodle Care The Boxerdoodle is a dog with high energy and exercise needs. Ideally, outdoor time should also include the potential for swimming, fetch games, and even agility training. This is a smart dog, so keeping them challenged both mentally and physically is key to their welfare. Check their ears, as well, for debris or pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Boxerdoodle Feeding An ideal Boxerdoodle diet should be formulated for a small, medium, or large dog depending on the individual. However, in all cases, the breed has high energy. Otherwise, you could be looking at a visit to the vets or groomers to deal with mats that might develop. In general, the Boxerdoodle is considered to be an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. During hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during outdoor play and activity sessions. The mixed breed also often does better with older children, although in general, Boxerdoodles make great family dogs. When it comes to existing household pets, these dogs need to be correctly socialized to be around them. Ideally, the Boxerdoodle will be entering a pet-free home. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Boxerdoodle for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family. Boxerdoodle Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Boxerdoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. What is a Boxerdoodle? If you cross a purebred Poodle with a Boxer — what do you get? You get a Boxerdoodle! A Boxerdoodle is a rare Poodle Mix cross breed that has to be seen to be believed. They are also sometimes referred to as a Boxerpoo. Combing a Poodle with a Boxer gives a Boxerdoodle. What does a Boxerdoodle look like? I spend a lot of time thinking and writing about puppies particularly Poodle mixes as this is our focus at Oodle Life and I was pretty surprised when I first stumbled across photographs on Instagram! Poodles are hypoallergenic, clever and friendly. Boxers are loyal, fun loving and great companions. What a great match! You can see why people wonder if there is a Boxer Poodle mix and what it looks like. Read on to find out more about the Boxerdoodle, see photos of Boxerdoodles as adults and puppies, and see if they are hypoallergenic like other Poodle mix breeds! Poodle crosses are often thought of to be cute and teddy bear-like. They are typically a larger dog, with an interesting coat type. Expect large, even if the parent Poodle was a miniature or toy Poodle. Common appearance traits of the Boxerdoodle are Beautiful Boxerdoodle cross. Photo used with permission from holly86br on Instagram. Check out their page! Expect a medium sized dog Expect a broad weight range from 40 to 80 pounds 18 kilograms to 36 kilograms inches cenitimetres at shoulder height Wavy or Curly Poodle like coats are common You still can end up with a smoorth, short, straight coat higher shedding more similar to a Boxer Coat colours are likely white, black, red, fawn, brindle or brown Muzzle length may mimic the longer Poodle, or the stouter Boxer Tail length is more often seen to be similar to that of a Poodle The dog might have the protruded dark eyes of a Boxer There is no standard appearance of a Boxerdoodle. Have a look at Boxerdoodle photos to get a general overview of the variety of appearances they might have. Boxerdoodles come in a few different coat types! Sadie is pictured here smiling outdoors. Check their page out! How Much is a Boxerdoodle? The Boxerdoodle is a rare breed. This means there are extremely few organised breeders. Given the scarcity, you need to be extremely mindful of the breeders that do exist. Ensure they follow the strictest standards of puppy care and are experienced in managing health outcomes. Also to be quite honest, given the complexities of breeding Boxers well, crossing them with other breeds requires some deep planning, expertise and forethought. I quite like crossbreeds I mean you are reading OodleLife. I personally would still encourage extreme in seeking a breeder for such a niche dog. To be quite honest, the best way by a very long shot to source a Boxerdoodle is to adopt one. Poodle crosses can be deliberate, or sometimes nature just happens! A Boxerdoodle top close! Beautiful Boxerdoodle cross. Photo used with permission from holly86br on Instagram All three of the owners I interviewed for this article found their Boxerdoodle in a rescue. Not only is rescuing and adopting great for the world, it also helps prevent dodgy breeders for rarer cross breeds. Because they are so rare, there is no price guide possible for a Boxerdoodle. Any claims otherwise are not true. Whether or not a Boxerdoodle is hypoallergenic will depend strongly on the amount of Poodle genetics present. There is also an element of luck. If there is a wavy or curly coat, there is a higher chance of a coat that allergy sufferers can tolerate. A reminder that no dog or coat type is truly hypoallergenic, it is just that certain coats produce less dander. Less dander means that there is less risk of allergies triggered. A back cross second generation F1b Boxerdoodle is even rarer than a regular Boxerdoodle. To do this, you would back cross a Boxerdoodle with a purebred Poodle. This is extremely likely to result in a Boxerdoodle that does not shed. They are also far more likely to be allergy friendly. Grooming and Health for a Boxerdoodle You need to go into owning a Boxerdoodle with eyes wide open and willingness to adapt. Both breeds are generally healthy but the result of a cross can produce either fewer issues, or double the health issues. Be prepared for regular routine Veterinary checks to ensure that your Boxerdoodle remains healthy. In terms of grooming, expect the coat type to impact how often your Boxerdoodle needs attention. Non-shedding Poodle coats that are wavy or curly will require more maintenance. Stick with a Poodle Mix appropriate shampoo , and once your Boxerdoodle is older consider 6 weekly grooming sessions either at home or with a groomer. Traditional Boxer coat types will be easier to manage, but expect more shedding. What a beautiful set of eyes! Both breeds can be very intelligent. Often Boxers are eager to please and great candidates for training. Some Boxers are devastatingly intelligent, and quick on the uptake of new skills. Some Boxers however have a stubborn streak, and can be a little bone-headed not a bad thing… but not helpful when training. This can be overcome easily, but be open to a little more repetition and encouragement for these situations. Poodles can mostly be trained well — but be mindful of over excitedness having a negative impact on the training. Both Poodles and Boxers have a habit of the undesirable behaviour of jumping on their owner when excited. Take steps to ensure this is not an issue. Boxerdoodles are moderate energy dogs. The exercise requirement per dog can vary greatly. Caution if you are apartment living, but as long as you exercise or exercise-through-play daily for around 30 minutes, most dogs will be fine. What about swimming, running and hiking? The owners I spoke to said their Boxerdoodles enjoyed walks and swimming. Actual distance running is not advisable with a Boxer, and the same thoughts likely apply to a Boxerdoodle. Your Boxerpoo is going to love your active lifestyle, but will not complete the half marathon with you. Myths About Boxerdoodles Boxerdoodles have been used in the military There is no evidence available to suggest this is true. I am not sure how this rumour started. If you have any evidence to say that Boxerdoodles have been used as military dogs please comment and let me know Boxerdoodles are good hunting dogs While Poodle were originally waterfowl retrieval birds, modern Poodles and Boxers are companion dogs infrequently used for hunting I have asked all the owners I have met if their Boxerdoodle is used for hunting with no positive responses I searched hunting forums and Boxerdoodle groups for mention of hunting with no success If your Boxerdoodle is useful for hunting please let me know. Otherwise I think this is an urban legend or a myth about the Boxerpoo Conclusions about the Boxerdoodle The Boxerdoodle Boxerpoo is a pretty amazing Poodle mix breed dog. It does not meet the normal expectations you may have when you think of a Poodle mixed breed. They are however by all reports from owners — excellent companion dogs. Loyalty, temperament and friendliness are all in abundance. Your best bet of finding a Boxerdoodle will be via adoption. Get to know your local and state shelters and look for Boxer or Poodle cross adoption groups. Get active on social media also, as you may find one in an adjacent state looking for its new family. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. If trained and socialized properly at a young age, it can be used as a therapy dog to provide comfort and affection to the sick and the old. It gets along well with kids as well as other animals in the family. It does have the energy and strength required for some tough jobs, but otherwise remains patient and relaxed. Since it is protective of its family and naturally aloof with strangers, it does well in guarding its territory and family against danger. Care Exercise Although they are not hyperactive, their high level of energy demands an hour of intense exercise every day. Boxerdoodles love to jog and run, especially in wide, open spaces. They can adapt to apartment life, provided they are taken out regularly for long leashed walks and play-sessions in a fenced yard. Without sufficient exercise, these dogs become bored and may show signs of aggression. Grooming Both the long, wavy and curly coat varieties need frequent brushing to keep away dead hairs and prevent matting. Professional clipping is required to make their fur easy to manage, and care for. For those with the shorter coat, a weekly brushing is sufficient to make them look clean and shiny. A damp cloth could be used to wipe their short fur after an active day. Keep their ears clean to prevent bacterial infections and bathe them with a mild dog shampoo when necessary. Health Problems Since these dogs do not suffer from severe genetic health issues, they are often regarded as hardy breed. However, they are susceptible to allergic reactions, skin infections, PRA, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Training Being sensitive, smart, and bright by nature, a boxerdoodle can be managed and trained, especially with rewards and treats. Since it does not respond to harsh treatments, taking up rough and oppressive methods for training could backfire and induce stubbornness. Teach the puppies to become obedient and make them socialize by introducing them to other dogs. Ensure fairness, firmness, and consistency while training the pet. Feeding An adult boxerdoodle requires around two and a half to three cups of dry dog food every day. A nutritious diet consisting of protein sources like fish and chicken would provide the sufficient amount of energy needed to perform some serious tasks involving strength and agility. Interesting Facts It is a versatile breed and can be used as a watchdog or guarding dog in police works. It has the ability to adapt to every climate. This boxer and poodle mix, which is also sometimes referred to as a "boxerpoo," is most often medium to large in size, but can be found in a wide array of sizes and colors due to her poodle parentage. A joy to train, a boxerdoodle is likely to be entirely eager to please, making her a fabulous addition to most families— first-time dog owners included. But her energetic nature, paired with the fact that boxers have a Tigger-like tendency to bounce, might make her a challenge around small children or seniors. Appearance As a boxer and poodle mix, boxerdoodles can range in appearance, especially when it comes to size if they have toy or miniature poodle rather than standard poodle roots. However, more often than not, boxerdoodles land in the medium-to-large range since for reasons that are probably obvious a boxer is a little more likely to mix with a standard poodle than with the smaller poodle varieties. For one, she can end up with a longer poodle snout or the sturdy boxer jaw. But you'll typically see her with a more poodle-like tail. Poodles come in lots of different colors, so it's possible for the boxerdoodle coat to come in just about every hue, including bicolor and brindle patterns. A boxerdoodle's fur often ends up somewhere in between their boxer parent's short, sleek coat and her poodle parent's curls, sometimes looking similar to what you'd see on a schnauzer. These pups require frequent brushing to remain free of tangles, and if your boxerdoodle takes closely after her poodle side, she'll need even more grooming and upkeep. Poodles are considered to be "hypoallergenic" dogs , even though there's really no such thing as a truly allergen-free pet. This means a boxerdoodle can be low-shedding and might be a good fit for people with allergies. But before bringing home a boxerdoodle puppy, spend time with the breed to see how your allergies react. Temperament Both boxers and poodles are popular dog breeds , but what happens when you put them together? With two parent breeds known for their playful, athletic natures, you may have a bit of a clown on your hands—which can make boxerdoodles delightful additions to many homes. They're especially well-suited to a family that loves to hike on the weekends or that has children who love to play these dogs need a fair amount of daily exercise! It's important to be prepared to train and socialize your puppy from the moment you bring her home. Some boxerdoodles may be outgoing and friendly to everyone, while some will be loyal to their families but more standoffish with strangers and in new places. And because she's so darn bright, you may find you need to work hard to stay ahead of her by teaching her new tricks and changing up her routine. It'll all be worth it in the end, though, because the more you engage her curious mind, the happier this dog will be. Living Needs Both parent breeds are known for having particularly goofy puppy-stage antics, and although boxers and poodles generally calm down by their second or third birthdays, you can still expect boxerdoodles to benefit from plenty of activity as they age. With this, they are more likely to relax in the home when it's time to settle down. And thanks to their boxer genes, it's entirely likely they'll be rather bouncy, too. A home with a securely fenced backyard is ideal, but, depending on just how high-energy your boxerdoodle is, she might also live happily in an apartment with regular exercise. It's difficult to know which personality traits are most likely to come through in a new crossbreed like the boxerdoodle. But it's worth noting that boxers don't do well when left alone for long periods of time, and poodles, too, can develop separation anxiety. So this is not a furry friend you should leave alone all day, every day. If they become bored or lonely, they'll find a way to let you know—and chances are good that you won't be thrilled. With proper introduction , boxerdoodles are usually accepting of other four-legged siblings. Essentially, they'll fit right into any home where they get ample exercise. Care With newer hybrids like the boxerdoodle, it's challenging, if not impossible, to know exactly what you're getting. And that's certainly true when it comes to preparing for their grooming needs. If your boxerdoodle ends up with a wavy or curly coat, she likely won't shed much and might be better for people with dog allergies—but you'll also have to take her for regular grooming appointments. If her coat is shorter and straighter, you might not need to get to the groomer, but you'll probably end up with a little more hair on your furniture and floor. And like every dog, brushing those chompers will help your boxerdoodle stay healthy and kissable. Every month or so, trim their nails , clean and check their ears for any signs of infection, and give them a bath as needed. If your boxerdoodle has deep facial folds like a purebred boxer keep those clean, too, using a damp washcloth and ensuring the skin dries out afterward. Health The boxerdoodle generally has a lifespan of 10—12 years, but the official breed clubs for both boxers and poodles have long lists of recommended health tests and potential health issues. Boxerdoodle pet parents need to know what health concerns are possible—and be aware of the symptoms. But mixing them with a breed that doesn't have that issue—like the standard poodle—can offset that risk, which can be a positive, she says. What Is Brachycephalic Syndrome? A Guide to Understanding Flat-Faced Dog Breeds Still, she says, "Standard poodles are a poster child for Addison's disease and certainly for gastric dilation volvulus [also known as bloat or GDV] as well," which are both potentially life-threatening if not immediately addressed. Addison's, she notes, has particularly vague signs lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea —so much so that it's called "the big masker" in the veterinary world—and it requires several different tests for diagnosis. Boxers, on the other hand, Shapard considers the poster child for cardiomyopathy. Boxers are also prone to developing cancer. Because both parent breeds have a long list of potential ailments, she suggests pet parents be proactive in their preventive care. We also know very little about this mix, so it's possible there may be unpredictable disease development as well. We don't know exactly when this crossbreed hit the designer dog scene, although it's really been in just the last 10 years or so that breeders have begun advertising them. However, if you do seek out a boxerdoodle breeder, make certain that they're providing you with all the health records of the parents for any boxerdoodle puppies they're selling. And don't simply assume a professional-looking website equates to a reputable boxerdoodle breeder! Unscrupulous breeders often seek to take advantage of increasing popularity of designer mixes like the boxerdoodle, which is why puppy mills —where dogs are raised in inhumane conditions without any of the care for health, well-being, or socialization a good breeder would offer—are abundant in the hybrid dog market. Steer clear of puppy mills and bad news breeders by watching for these red flags: There are multiple mixed breeds for sale from the same breeder. The website offers wait times for puppies. The breeder offers to ship puppies. It's difficult to identify breeder contact information no phone number, contact email, etc. Fun Facts The boxerdoodle crossbreed won't show up on the American Kennel Club's list of dog breeds, but the mix does make the cut with the American Canine Hybrid Club. Known as both boxerdoodles and boxerpoos, this mix comes in just about any color and ranges in size from around pounds. Because it's such a new designer mix, there's not much consistency yet. Boxerdoodles aren't the only poodle mixes on the block! You might also like learning about Aussiedoodles , cockapoos , shepadoodles , and more. Was this page helpful? As mentioned above the average lifespan on a Boxerdoodle is between 10 — 12 years. The Poodle, which is also an active breed, is most commonly known for its intelligence and easy training ability. So, one can predict that the Boxerdoodle would take on the personality of both its parents. This mix is described as friendly, loyal, and extremely loving. This breed does well around children of all ages and other animals. The Working Boxer Poodle Mix Boxerdoodle in the middle — image source The combination of intelligence, protectiveness, and friendliness makes the Boxer Poodle Mix a top therapy dog. It makes total sense that the Boxerdoodle would belong to the Working group, but what exactly does that mean? Working group dogs are quick to learn, strong, watchful, and alert at all times. They were originally bred to assist people in their work duties, including protecting property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues. Grooming: luckily for you, this mix is considered hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. The grooming part is easy. Exercise: this is where a Boxerdoodle takes work. This dog has a high energy level that requires daily exercise. It loves to run around at full-speed in an open space. If you live in an apartment, your pup will adapt to smaller spaces… only if you take it for long walks or to the dog park to release all its energy before going home. The last thing you want is a hyperactive Boxer Poodle Mix in a cramped apartment. Broken dishes and toilet paper everywhere! Training: this should be easy for such a bright dog. Physical punishment can result in a rough and stubborn dog. Instead, practice positive reinforcement with treats and rewards. If you expect your dog to perform strength and agility tasks, it must be given a high protein diet, consisting mainly of fish and chicken. Most designer dogs tend to be on the pricier side, so prepare for that. You can also try your luck at a dog shelter but it might not be an easy task. Try asking for a mixed dog that resembles the Boxerdoodle or another Poodle mix. The Boxerdoodle is a versatile dog breed. The Boxerdoodle has the potential to be a versatile dog breed due to the intriguing breeding history it has inherited. The Boxer was a descendent of fighting dogs from the valleys in Tibet and had ancestral ties to almost all varieties of Bulldog. They are also related to dogs like the Dogue de Bordeaux and the Tibetan Mastiff, having been bred to be aggressive hunting dogs with a high prey drive. In the past, they have been used as hunting dogs for large prey, like bears, deer, and boar. They were also commonly used as a bull-baiter before those activities became illegal. Since then, much of the aggressive nature has been bred out of these pups, and they are currently the 10th most popular dog breed within the United States. The Poodle was also commonly used as a water dog for duck hunting. For a long period in history, Poodles were even used as circus performers and make great companion dogs, guide dogs, and guard dogs when trained the right way. All in all, who knows what your Boxerdoodle is capable of doing? Oddly, although the Poodle has become one of the most recognized and beloved dogs around the world and the Boxer is of immense popularity in America, the mix is relatively rare. This rarity is part of the reason that Boxerdoodles are so expensive. Although this is entirely unfounded, the demand has never been high and thus, the supply is limited. They are adaptable dogs. There are not many dogs who are ready to take on any climate or environment that life has to throw at them, but Boxerdoodles are one of them. These pups are fine with growing up in hot and humid locations, as well as being ready to adapt to more frigid temperatures in the North. These dogs are also changeable, going from excitable and happy in one minute, to lounging about without a care in the world the next. They can be crafty pups, meaning if they want something, they will figure out a way to get it. They also have a massive heart that makes them a loyal pet, committed to their humans through and through. Although they can have substantial amounts of energy when they are younger, as they grow older, they generally begin to calm down. They can weigh the risk over the reward of their actions and get into more trouble if they are not disciplined accordingly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They can be a bit more unpredictable when they are young, but as the dogs grow older, they become calm and loyal pets who love their humans to bits. They are also protective dogs, sticking with their pack and making sure that no harm comes their way. They have quite agreeable natures and enjoy getting time to play with other dogs. As with any other dog breeds , socializing them from an early age helps ensure that they will behave well around other animals throughout the rest of their lives. Find the right food for their small or medium breed size and if they need puppy, adult, or senior dog food. Check with your vet to verify the amount and frequency with which they should be fed. Even if they seem happy enough to lie around the house all day, try to give them at least 45 minutes of brisk exercise each day to keep them healthy for a longer life. It could also include going for runs, doing rigorous training sessions, playing fetch , taking them to the dog park, or including them in agility training. Being irritated or defiant with them only encourages their own stubborn and obstinate behavior. They will typically have longer fur that is either wavy or curly. These types need to be brushed multiple times a week to reduce the amount of shedding, as well as to prevent matting occurring in the undercoat. Typically, Boxerdoodles with this kind of coat will require trimming to keep it manageable and looking good. Instead, brush them out with a bristle brush, and use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt and grime they have collected. Beyond maintaining the coat of the dogs, check their ears, and keep them clean to avoid bacterial infections. Trim their nails whenever they begin to grow out, and brush their teeth at least once a week to stave off dental issues. They are thought to be a healthy breed overall, but keep an eye out for allergic reactions and take them for their regular veterinary checkups. Minor Conditions. Boxerdoodle health issues Owning a Boxerdoodle pros and cons Boxerdoodles were developed by crossing a Poodle breed with a Boxer breed. Boxerdoodle owners have many positive things to say about Boxer Poodle mix dogs. One of the reasons why Boxerdoodles are gaining popularity is because Poodle Boxer cross dogs produce lower amounts of various pet allergens, from saliva to pet dander that may cause allergic reactions in some people. Doodle dogs such as Boxerdoodle have other pros when it comes to their coat - in addition to being hypoallergenic, Boxerdoodles also shed significantly less than do purebred Boxer dogs, making this hybrid an attractive pet for many potential owners. What are some other pros to owning a Boxer Poodle mix dog? Active people who are looking for a dog that can be a perfect exercise partner that has a lot of energy to burn will find Boxerdoodle very suitable for the job. Boxerdoodles are highly active and need a couple of hours of walking every day to stay physically fit and mentally healthy. For people who dislike being very active, the high energy level of a Boxerdoodle dog may seem like a challenge rather than an advantage. Poodle Boxer mix dog is not for everyone - only people who can spend most of the day with the dog and are prepared for a lot of walking and other fun activities with the family pet throughout the day should think about getting this energetic dog. While Boxerdoodle is a young puppy, there will be a lot of time investment into socializing, training and caring for a Boxer Poodle pup. Younger puppies have a lot of curiosity in addition to endless energy, which makes them prone to getting in a lot of trouble as they are growing up. Basic training and potty training may take up a few months before the Boxerdoodle pup is fully trained, which can be a con for people who have other responsibilities in addition to caring for the new pet. How difficult are Boxerdoodles to groom? While some Boxerdoodle dogs feature a shorter coat and relatively easy coat maintenance, others may have a coat that is similar to that of a Poodle parent, and may require periodical trims as well as more frequent brushing to keep the coat healthy and neat. Even though there is usually a low amount of shedding, Boxerdoodle coat needs to be brushed thoroughly once every few days to remove any mats and tangles that may cause discomfort to the dog. Neglecting proper coat care may result in skin irritations that can be uncomfortable for your dog. Ear infections are more common for dogs with handing ears, such as Poodles and if your Boxerdoodle has hanging ears, be sure to check for any signs of redness or bad smell from the ears that may indicate a bacterial infection. Trip to the vet would be necessary in that case. To minimize the risk of ear infections, always dry your Boxerdoodle's ears after a swim or after a bath with a clean, dry towel. Ear cleaning solutions are available for dogs and make it easy to take good care of your Boxer Poodle mix dog's ears. One of the advantages to owning a Boxerdoodle dog is that Boxerdoodles are very intelligent and respond well to training. Some Boxerdoodles may be more stubborn than others but most Boxerdoodle dogs are quick to learn new concepts and with positive motivation training techniques can be trained in a shorter period of time. Boxerdoodle dogs come in different sizes, depending on the size of the parent Poodle. Smaller Boxerdoodles are more suitable for living in an apartment while larger Boxerdoodles naturally require more living space. Boxerdoodles of all sizes benefit from living close to a dog park where the dog can get exercise. Having a large fenced yard is another luxury that a Boxerdoodle as well as his or her owners can truly appreciate. Boxerdoodles enjoy being physically active. This hybrid dog is playful and loves to participate in running around with the kids and other activities such as swimming or fetching. Pros of owning a Boxerdoodle Boxerdoodle dogs are friendly, affectionate, and fun dogs that can be great companion pets for active adults of all ages. Due to their intelligence and natural desire to please the owners, Boxer Poodle mix dogs are highly trainable. For active people, Boxerdoodles are great exercise partners that enjoy long walks, hiking, swimming and other activities. Boxerdoodles have a fairly long life expectancy. Boxer and Poodle mix dogs enjoy healthier lives than purebred dogs due to hybrid vigor. Cons of owning a Boxerdoodle Boxerdoodle dog needs frequent daily exercise due to high energy bursts. Boxer and Poodle cross dogs need to be physically and mentally active throughout the day to keep out of trouble. Bored Boxerdoodles may try to keep themselves busy with a range of undesirable dog behaviors from being destructive around the house to excessive barking. Potential owners need to be confident that they can this dog busy doing productive things during the day to keep the dog occupied and happy. Boxer Poodle mix dogs can be susceptible to serious health issues from their parents that may range from various eye conditions to bloat that can be life-threatening. Be sure to use a slow feeder for your Boxerdoodle dog to help prevent Bloat. Families with small children are not ideal for Boxerdoodles. There's simply not enough time for busy young parents to take on a big responsibility of also having a young puppy that may compete for time with small children. Boxerdoodle puppies take a lot of time and energy and are ideal for adults who have plenty of time to dedicate to this dog. Boxerdoodles can have high grooming requirements. Dog grooming appointments can be expensive and although it is possible to groom a Boxerdoodle at home, owners need to be prepared to spend a reasonable amount on professional grooming tools to use at home. Boxerdoodle dogs can be expensive to buy and some people choose to adopt a Boxerdoodle dog from a local dog shelter. If you choose to adopt a Boxerdoodle dog, ask a lot of questions about the dog's temperament and behavior to be sure that the dog is a good fit in your household. If you have other pets at home, ask how the dog behaves around other dogs or pets as staff may have some valuable information to share with you in regards to the dog you are interested in adopting which can be very helpful. Whether you are getting a Boxerdoodle puppy or a full grown Boxer Poodle mix dog, have all the pet supplies ready before you bring the dog home. This way you can dedicate the first few days to the new family member instead of looking for all the pet supplies you may need. Boxerdoodle health problems Generally, Boxerdoodles are known to be very healthy dogs, having been bred from two purebred Poodles and Boxers to minimize the risk of hereditary health problems. However, Boxer Poodle mix dogs can be susceptible to some health issues that affect their parents. Here are some of the health conditions Boxerdoodles can be predisposed to: Bloat Entropion Cardiomyopathy It's always important to schedule frequent and regular visits to your vet to ensure your dog is always healthy by detecting any problems early enough.

Life Span Did You Know? Although a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of characteristics from one or both of their parent breeds, a Valley Bulldog tends to be playful, energetic, loyal, and loving. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. A Valley Bulldog is a playful, energetic dog with a cheerful, upbeat personality. They love to play and love even more to spend time with their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. But, they are large exuberant dogs, so they can accidentally knock over young children in their excitement. This can make them a better fit for families with older children, but they can do well with younger children as long as playtime is supervised. They can have a high prey drive. As such, they will need extra socialization and training when it comes to other smaller pets in the household. They tend to be initially wary of strangers, but also tend to warm up quickly once introduced. The Valley Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments and larger homes as long as they get enough exercise, they are a brachycephalic dog breed. This makes them more sensitive to heat and also to the cold. Valley Bulldogs also thrive on attention from their families and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed-breed dog, a Valley Bulldog can sometimes inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. But, this is not a guarantee as they still have a chance of inheriting conditions common to one of both of them. For the Valley Bulldog, potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia and eye problems. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask to see results or clearances from any health tests that have been done. These dogs are also prone to weight gain, having allergies, sensitive skin, and a sensitive digestive system. As a brachycephalic dog breed, they are also at a higher risk for respiratory issues. The Valley Bulldog is also one of the dog breeds at-risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become dangerous quickly if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Although the Valley Bulldog tends to pick up on things and can be easy to train, they can also be stubborn and they do require firm consistent training. This can be a challenge at times for a first-time dog owner, but puppy training classes can help. Not only do these classes help reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Valley Bulldog coat tends to be short and smooth. They will shed a little year-round. Wrinkles can trap dirt and moisture, which can irritate the skin. Regularly checking wrinkles and wiping them clean can help prevent skin irritation and keep your dog comfortable. This keeps them from growing too long and causing issues with movement or getting snagged on things. Additionally, practicing good dental care for dogs , like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although Valley Bulldogs can range from a moderate to high activity level, they often end up being high-energy dogs. They require daily walks plus plenty of playtime and other activities to be happy and healthy. But, as a snub-nosed dog brachycephalic , they can overheat easily, so you need to keep an eye on them, especially in hotter temperatures. There are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs ; you just need to watch for signs of overheating or overexertion and give them a break. A fully-grown Valley Bulldog tends to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Valley Bulldogs generally live for years on average. The Valley Bulldog is also sometimes called a Bullboxer. Currently, we do not have any Valley Bulldog puppies available, but we can alert you when new Valley Bulldog puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We have answers. Am I limited to choosing local Boxer puppies, or can I look elsewhere? You can look wherever you like! One of the great things about our network is that ALL the businesses and breeders we work with know all about Boxer San Jose puppy travel. So no matter where you live or where the breeder is located, they can put your puppy on a plane to your nearest major airport. How does your screening process for breeders work? You can take a look at those standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover all aspects of animal breeding and care - breeder knowledge, ethical standards, cleanliness, legal compliance, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other dog breeding networks? At Uptown, we carefully examine and screen all of the applicants to our network - and we only work with the very best out there. What is a puppy mill like for dogs? A puppy mill is like a factory, churning out as many puppies as possible for maximum profit. A Boxer for sale San Jose bought from a puppy mill could have expensive medical conditions and behavioural problems. Are there any Boxer puppies available for me to buy right now? Where do Boxer dogs come from? The origins of the Boxer breed lie in the late s. They were bred from a mix of dogs, including the Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser. They were first imported into American around , and they quickly became popular. What should I expect from the average Boxer? But as friendly as they are, Boxers also make effective guard dogs. How does the Uptown Puppies process actually work? We get applications from some of the best Boxer breeders from all over America, and we only admit the very best to our network. You can take a look through our list of approved businesses, browsing through Boxer puppies San Jose and upcoming litters. The process is quick, efficient, and stress free. How big a breed are Boxers? It's usual for a male boxer to be around 25 inches and to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches, and generally weigh from 50 to 65 pounds.

Boots loves to be loved on and is good with all ages if people. I still have 2 boys left the runt and the white lil guy the people ended up being no show. Aussie retriever puppies! Craigslistt is a portal where you can find totally free or find the ads you want, from jobs, cars, homes, etc. See us in yoyr city, Kansas City! We also offer a free pet listing service to families in Kansas City, MO, who are seeking new homes for their pets in order to avoid relinquishing their companion s to. Training and employment ads job offers, online, book, online seminars, etc. Adorable Bernese Mountain Dog female. We also offer a free pet listing service to families in Kansas City, MO, who are seeking new homes for their pets in order to avoid relinquishing their companion s to our shelter. We currently have pets available for adoption at all of our locations and in foster homes. KC Pet Project adoption process. Our shelter receives animals every day and one of them could be your pet. If you have lost a pet, please visit the shelter located at Elmwood Avenue at your earliest available opportunity and check our Found Pets list. Here are pictures of mom and dad. Pets near Kansas City, MO. Pet Classifieds Kansas City. Craigslist Kansas City Missouri. Meeting in KC this evening. Craigslist Kansas City casual encounters, and personal contact ads friendship, love, etc. Boots is a 4 yr old female Pembrook Welsh Corgi. Text for pictures of her and re homing fee. You do not need an appointment to come meet a pet. Reduced because he needs a haircut! Easter lionhead Scratch and bite free! Craigslist Kansas City cars and trucks for sale by owner Craigslist of adoption of pets Cat, Hamster, Rabbit, cats, etc. We are required to hold stray animals animals that do not have an identified owner for five days. There are 2 males and 5 females. Using our Gainesville pet friendly house rental filter, you can view each property and see the pet policy. Within the pet policy it should state if the house rental is dog friendly. Pet Adoptions in Gainesville, FL. Try ourtenant screening, or post rental listings to Zumper, Craigslist Gainesville, and more. Yes, there are dog friendly houses for rent in Gainesville, FL. Training and employment ads on Gainesville job offers, courses, magazine, online seminars, etc. Pet Classifieds Gainesville. Beautiful Berne doodle pups! Arhaus Furniture. Furniture for sale in Gainesville, Florida. Young male with complete set up. Gainesville cars Craigslistt is a portal where you can find totally free or find the ads from cars and trucks to motorcycles. Farmhouse Nightstand with 2 built in USB ports. Gainesville, FL. Pets Available in Atlanta, GA. Covered cake stand. Craigslist Gainesville Fl. Middleburg, FL. Showing of matches in Gainesville. Tommy Williams Green home, solar panel home. OLE - Home on a larger lot with plenty of storage in the heart of downtown Gainesville! List puppies, cats, cattle and more. We have 4 male puppies available. Pet friendly house for rent. Pet Classifieds FL Florida. Post your free classified today and reach thousands of readers in Ocala, Marion County and and surrounding communities. Pets allowed on a case by case ba Tools. Pets near Gainesville, FL. Training and employment ads on Gainesville job offers, courses, magazine, online. Gainesville, FL .House has 3 beds, 2 baths, 2, sq. FREE—2 Light blue leather sofas, bottom seat cushions very scratched by our dogs.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Ohio is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Ohio that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Ohio that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Ohio, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Ohio, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Ohio has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Ohio. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Ohio is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Ohio? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. We are also Life's Abundance Field Representatives, and we have links to our Life's Abundance website where you can purchase the amazing food that we have been using for so many years. Don't forget to save us in your favorites! Like us on facebook, and you will get weekly updates, and behind the scenes pictures! Cincinnati Bengal's Jake Fisher! However, we do not do cash refunds for any reason at all. Thank you for your interest. Please let us know if you have any questions. During that time, we have never received a single complaint about their breeding program, only compliments. Great job! Keep it up! Every time we take them in public every person is drooling at just how adorable they are. I told Melissa what kind of dog I wanted and she delivered! They are very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I was worried about my dog when I brought him home, but they helped by giving me suggestions to acclimate Toby to his new environment. I would definitely refer other people to go visit their farm in Ohio! They were very helpful in helping us find our first bully. We love her. Thank you! It was a wonderfully smooth transaction, she was shipped Oregon within the week and Daisy Duke aka butterscotch is a beautiful healthy puppy! Melissa was great to work with, answered all my new mommy questions very promptly.

Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! Well, there are a few different possible explanations. Causes can vary from age-related to genetic and medical issues. All puppies are born with soft, floppy ears. This is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears have not developed yet. Although some breeds, like Spaniels and Poodles, always have floppy ears, others, like most Shepherd breeds , almost always have pointy, pricked, upright ones. In such breeds, their ears should start to stand up between weeks of age as the bones and muscles in their bodies develop and strengthen. Are they both floppy — or is only one of them drooping whilst the other stands up normally? Teething Several young puppies experience floppy ears during teething. Teething is a period that all infant mammals go through, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. It starts at around three weeks old and ends at months of age, although it can take longer. So, their bodies may draw calcium out of other areas, such as the ears, weakening their skeletal structure and making them flop. You may even notice that their ears look different every day during this period. They might be up-right one day, then floppy the next, or even change throughout the day depending on their mood. Their ears will return back to their original shape as soon as their hormones calm down. Although most German Shepherds have up-right ears, some can have floppy or semi-pricked ones. Judges of dog shows and competitions also often look for large ears in the breed. Poor nutrition during puppyhood As mentioned above, calcium is needed to develop and strengthen the cartilage in the ears in order for them to stand up. Vitamin D is also needed to keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially common in rescue dogs that come from puppy farms, homelessness, and neglectful backgrounds. Always buy from reputable breeders! Other symptoms of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies include muscle spasms and joint issues. If severe, nutrient deficiencies can be deadly. Both conditions require urgent veterinary attention, and treatments will likely include special diets and supplements. Similar to malnutrition, this is common in dogs that come from a background of neglect or homelessness. A build-up of wax, debris, or dirt can make the ears heavy and cause them to droop. Poor hygiene As we mentioned above, poor ear hygiene can lead to drooping of the ears. It can also lead to smelliness and infection. All dogs have self-cleaning mechanisms in their ears. However, allergies and hormone imbalances can cause disruptions to the mechanisms, meaning they require some extra care. Dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaning products, and foods like wheat and dairy. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, and stomach upsets. Each has different symptoms, but they often include drastic changes in energy, coat, thirst, appetite, and weight. German Shepherds are also particularly prone to experiencing hormonal disorders. Ear mites Another cause of ear drooping in German Shepherds is ear mites. Ear mites can be picked up outdoors, or from coming into contact with another animal with the condition. The inflammation from the infestation can cause droopiness in the affected ear. Other symptoms include excessive itchiness, and redness, bleeding, and swelling from the constant scratching. If left untreated, the infestation can cause disease, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Infection Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they can affect both the inner or outer ear. They are most often picked up after exposure to water, and the inflammation can cause the affected ear to droop. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, irritation, discharge, and excessive head shaking or scratching at the ear. Vets can treat ear infections with antibacterial or antifungal medications, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause permanent damage. Trauma Physical trauma to the ears can also cause them to droop. The most common trauma that causes changes to the shape of the ears in German Shepherds are bites from fighting with other dogs. If your dog has a visible injury to their ear, you should take them to see their vet to check it over and dress any wounds to prevent infection. Make sure to brush your GSD regularly, also around the head and ears — these dogs shed heavily! You can get these over-the-counter at your vet, online, or in a pet store. You can also use a few drops of olive oil for wax build-up, but not too much. To administer, get a towel and ask your dog to lie down in a comfortable place in the home. Then, massage the mase of their ears for around 30 seconds to help it loosen any wax or dirt. Finally, allow your dog to shake their head and use the towel to catch what comes out. That said, if they have particularly problem ears, you should ask your vet and do it however often they suggest, which could be weekly or monthly. However, this is very controversial. It is not yet illegal in the USA, but it is also not something that we would recommend outside of medical necessity, as it can be unnecessarily stressful and painful for dogs. The method known as taping is done by placing something, usually tape, inside the ear to make it stand up straight and grow into that position permanently. It can be effective when done during puppyhood and usually takes weeks to work. As we mentioned above, nutritional deficiencies can cause the ears to flop. Puppies should eat nutritionally complete and balanced food that is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for healthy bone and brain development, as well as high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish for strong muscles, and tasty, fiber-rich fruits and veggies. All puppies should have a handful of strong, hardy chew toys to avoid being destroyed during teething, but they can also help the ears to stand up. This is because the ears are connected to the jaw. So, strong jaw muscles means stronger ears, too! Finally, you should avoid playing too rough with your pup and interacting with boisterous dogs to prevent accidents and traumas, which, as we mentioned above, could damage or change the shape of their ears. Dogs communicate with us owners in many ways; they bark, they growl, and they use their bodies. Body language is a key part of understanding how your dog is feeling. Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate; including their tails, their eyes, and their ears! This often happens when a suspicious stranger or an unknown or unfriendly dog is approaching, or when there is a strange noise inside the home. When their ears go back or downwards, it could simply mean that they are listening, or it could indicate either excitement or anxiety. Excited dogs may whine, wag their tails very quickly, and run towards what they are excited about. This happens a lot when dogs are greeting a loved one. An anxious dog, on the other hand, may lower their head and cower their bodies away from what is causing their anxiety. If they are frightened, they may also tremble and whine, and if they are feeling angry or threatened, they may show their teeth and growl. This can happen when a dog is exposed to a phobia or an aggressive dog. It can be difficult to determine exactly how a mixed dog will look. Different pups from the same litter can also present with different traits from their siblings. That said, certain traits, like short hair, for example, are genetically dominant and therefore will be passed on over others, like long hair, which is genetically recessive. Dominant traits are those that require only one copy of a specific gene for the trait to be passed down to a pup. Recessive traits, on the other hand, need two copies; one from each parent. So, which is dominant; pricked or floppy ears? The answer is — floppy ears! Floppy ears are genetically dominant to pricked ears in dogs. That said, different ear shapes in dogs does tend to reflect their original working purpose. For example, the Spaniel, a gun dog, has floppy ears that gather and hold scent particles. This helped them track down what they were looking for much faster back in the day. German Shepherds, on the other hand, along with other wolf-like breeds, such as the Siberian Husky , have pricked, pointed ears. This is thought to aid their hearing during guard work, keep their body temperature under control during strenuous hunts, and give them an alert look to ward off predators. This may be why people are statistically more likely to perceive dogs with pricked ears as more threatening, according to research conducted by James Madison University, USA, in .This is not necessarily true, however, as any dog lover will know. It is likely down to something old and instinctual, as they also discovered that people perceived coat colors differently, too. The type of ears that a dog has can affect their hearing. Whether a dog has pricked ears or floppy ears, they have 18 different muscles that control them to funnel sounds from all different directions. A healthy-hearing dog of any kind can still hear from 40 to 60, hertz, which is more than double what human ears can hear! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

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

Rome, GA labradoodlepuppy We are the first authentic Australian Labradoodle breeders in South Carolina and are passionate about what we do and are in love with our dogs. Green Gables Labradoodle puppies are born in our home on our five plus acre mini-ranch. We have carefully chosen sires and dams with consistent personality traits, coats that are non-shedding, allergy friendly and consistent looks that conform to the breed standard. Their safety and well-being are our top priority. Our breeding process creates some of the most beautiful and cuddly Australian Labradoodle puppies. These dogs have been bred to be therapy, service companions and great family companions. These beautiful animals are very intelligent, non-aggressive and easy to train. For more information look at the page "Our Breeding Practices" We breed small mediums, mediums and standard size Australian Labradoodles. All sizes adjust beautifully to small or large spaces. We have several of our standards living on yachts two to three months at a time, several times a year. Thank you for visiting the website of Green Gables Labradoodles. We look forward to hearing from you! Doodles gmail. We only breed authentic Australian Labradoodles to authentic Australian Labradoodles. Some of the breeders out there are breeding F1b's and this is not an Australian Labradoodle. Some breeder's are selling only F1's. A breeder of the F1's and F1b's will be hard put to say their puppies won't shed as many of them do shed. They should say their puppies may shed. Let me say it again: Our authentic Australian Labradoodles are bred multi-generational Australian Labradoodle to multi-generational Australian Labradoodle. Our puppies have consistent personalities, non shedding fleece coats. The personalities of our puppies are consistent across the litters; fun, smart, intuitive, mellow puppies. When we test our Australian Labradoodle puppies' personalities, the tester is amazed at the conformity of their personalities. The investment in a puppy is a long time investment. Please do the homework so you understand what you are getting. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Gaffney South Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

For some, dogs are merely pets we love. We care for them, providing some or all of their basic needs but they remain lowest on the family totem pole nonetheless. For others, dogs have become much, much more. We dress them up, take them everywhere, and treat them like children. I am a fan of both and was disappointed when I learned that Downward Dog was cancelled during its first season. Oh, well. At least, I know, that The Tao of Pug will continue to stick around, probably as long as the principles of the Tao Te Ching in which it was based do. And although Wilson crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in , I caught up with Nancy recently to discuss the highly acclaimed, philosophical series that has captured the hearts of so many dog-loving fans since it began in .I urge you to read the interview below as there is much more to this charming series than meets the eye. I'm a writer and author of the four-book series starting with "The Tao of Pug" -- published in hardcover by Penguin Books; newly released in paperback by Skyhorse Publishing, and Co-authored with Wilson the Pug. Wilson crossed the Rainbow Bridge in but lives forever in my heart and in our books. How did you come up with the idea? I remember wishing for a pug dog companion when I was a little girl, inspired by the Eloise books. In , my wish finally came true. Wilson the Pug was born with a life-threatening genetic defect, a liver shunt. I took him home and made sure he got life-saving surgery. We became fast friends. The book, The Tao of Pug , was his idea. Pugs originated in China around B. Around the same time, the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the Tao te Ching was written by philosopher Lao Tzu. No one really knew what inspired Lao Tzu to write the Tao te Ching. Turns out he had a pug dog who inspired him and his writing! What makes it different? There were already many photos and picture books of cute pug dogs. We wanted to do a book that was cute and funny but also meaningful. I studied philosophy in college. This book makes the timeless philosophy of the Tao accessible to everyone, kids and adults. Explain the turning point to the uphill climb? I spent many years writing and performing comedy and a one-woman show. I think the turning point was surrendering to "what wants to happen. Or as the inscription in Letters to a Young Pug says, in the words of the poet Rilke: "Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right, always. Friendships, both with humans and canines, and with all animals really. Share a piece of advice to those who want to follow in your footsteps in their own way. Never ever give up. Let your passions be your guide and inspiration. Did I mention that the series works with The Humane Society of the United States to raise awareness and help stop puppy mills? Many thanks to Nancy Levine for making this interview possible. The dog was a pure figment of my imagination, but as I wrote the mystery her character became so real to me that I decided to go out and find her in the real world. This caused serious worry to my husband. He felt the need to explain to me that well, I could sure try to find The Binkster, but my chances were slim and none. Dogs, cats, birds, fish. So, to say that my new obsession was half-baked would be putting it kindly. I was working off my own fabrication. This dog, this pug, would be terrific. A companion, a friend, a compatriot both to me and my protagonist, reluctant private investigator Jane Kelly. I found The Binkster from a dog breeder who had six puppies, three males, three females. A friend of mine who knew dogs and was possibly as worried as my husband about my new endeavor, told me to pick the least outgoing dog. The breeder put them all on the floor with me. One yipped and jumped right into my lap and wanted all my attention. One hung by, a little less eager, but wiggling all around, waiting for her chance to be in the spotlight. The third one quietly toddled away from me and batted at the fringe on a chair. That was The Binkster. That was some of the best advice I was ever given as The Binkster proved to be everything I envisioned and more. My husband became her constant companion, even more than I did. He and she took several trips a day to the park and grew to know all the other dogs whose owners lived in the neighborhood. The Binkster went on road trips with us and even amused a trooper who pulled me over on the freeway for speeding. He still gave me a ticket. My sister now has two pugs. But time takes its toll. I lost The Binkster in and am currently pug-less. The gap is huge, but every time I visit my daughter I get to be fuzzed with fur by Dexter, and every time my sister and I get together for a writing jag at her beach house I share the couch with her two pugs. Will I get another pug? Can I ever find one as great as The Binkster? Binks will always be a hard act to follow. And after the first victim, the killing gets easier and easier. Obsession Leads To Jealousy. When a charity event at the Crissman Lodge ends in a fatal poisoning, Lucy becomes a prime suspect. And Jealousy Leads To Murder. Someone is ready to eliminate every obstacle to get what they most covet, and prove that envy runs deeper than blood.

Our dogs are smart, calm, intuitive, and beautiful. We only breed one litter at a time. Together we discover that there is nothing more rewarding than making people happy with healthy, social and gorgeous puppies. They have soft coats and wonderful temperaments. We breed carefully with low inbreeding and provide you with a pedigree. Our breeding dogs pass many tests to qualify for our breeding program. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, and DNA tests for common diseases in the breed. We take special care of all our dogs and puppies. We love our Australian Labradoodle puppies from start to finish! We do not breed with anxious, aggressive, nervous dogs, but we select our breeding dogs with good temperaments. They have a gentle, calm, happy character with just enough spirit to be playful and fun. We raise our breeding dogs in our own home or in foster families called guardian homes. All dogs deserve to live with a family. We are not a kennel operation. Because the puppies grow up in our home, they are socialized and love people and other dogs. They are introduced to people, children, and other dogs at a very early age. Training with commands such as come and sit start at 5 weeks of age. We introduce them to their crates at the same time. Our labradoodles keep us laughing with their clownlike antics. We have a lot of experience and knowledge raising and training dogs and we promise a lifetime of support. We distinguish ourselves by having the healthiest, friendliest dogs with wonderful temperaments. They are mostly hypoallergenic dogs. They are very intelligent and easy to train, so Australian Labradoodles are used for emotional support and service. Our whelping boxes and pens are cleaned and sanitized every day. The puppies start pottying on grass outside at about 5 weeks old. They are introduced to crates at 5 weeks old but will not be fully crate trained. We want them to love their crates. We send one home with you. Reserve early as most puppies are sold before they are born! Responsible Breeding Early Socialization and Positive Training Starts at Birth Responsible Breeding Inbreeding analysis before breeding any dogs to be sure there are no close relatives for generations. Pedigrees, and health tests posted. Our breeding dogs do not shed. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, DNA tests for Common diseases in the breed. We socialize with many people and other dogs. We introduce crate training at 5 weeks in a manner that they will love their crates. Love and handling starts at birth. Most puppies come and sit before they go home. Olympic Peninsula:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Check out our Puppies page for more info. Hello and welcome to Bearcreek!! We are a small, in-home breeder of Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. As a boutique breeder near Seattle, Washington, and Woodinville, Washington, we produce just a handful of puppies each year. This gives us valuable time to introduce each puppy with age appropriate socialization experiences with lots of love and attention, giving the puppies the best start in life. Our program focuses on producing healthy, sweet-tempered, genetically sound mini and medium Australian Labradoodle pups. All our dogs have non-shedding, allergy and asthma-friendly fleece coats. By the time your puppy arrives in your home it will have started on potty training and crate training. Known primarily for their sweet disposition, these dogs are increasingly sought-after for therapy and service work and make excellent family companions. We are proud to be a Gold Star member of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America and abide by the organization's standards for excellence. Home: Welcome. Family Raised. Fluffy faces and shedless coats It all begins with the gorgeous and innocent fluffy faces of the Multigen Australian Labradoodle. Labradoodles have the dreamiest eyes, the most adorable paws, and the sweetest personalities. They learn and adapt faster than you can imagine and are incredibly loyal, as every life partner should be. For extra doodle points, Labradoodles are also allergy-friendly with their hypoallergenic and non to very low shedding coats. Family love and socialization Constant attention, affection, and socialization keep the pups happy. We raise the puppies in our home in the middle of our living space. They're never more than a few steps away. We introduce the doodles to a variety of people and intentionally try to expose them to as many different traits as possible. They smell us making dinner; they hear it when the wind slams a door shut; they sense it when someone in the house has a rough day. Overall, they experience all that goes on in a busy family home. These diverse experiences, coupled with love and lots of snuggles from family and friends, are the keys to a relaxed puppy and a well-socialized and calm adult Labradoodle with a compelling and flexible personality. All of the puppy culture experiences are important, but the family-raised element truly sets you up for success as a doodle parent. Health testing to the highest standard We want your doodle puppy to grow up happy and healthy and become a treasured family member for many years to come. You can rest easy knowing that your Labradoodle puppy has the healthiest parents possible. Your puppy will go home with you with a clean health report from our local veterinarian and all their puppy vaccinations through eight weeks of age. Lastly, while genetic health issues are rare, we include a two-year genetic health guarantee with all of our pups. Forever family connection and support One of the many reasons I decided to pivot from doodle parent to doodle breeder is that I love seeing these pups become cherished family members when matched with their forever families. Some folks adopt their Labradoodle and never need additional contact, and that's perfectly okay. Others are comforted knowing I am delighted to join and support them on this journey. I'm just a call or text away if you ever have questions. Plus, you'll quickly become an expert dog photographer if you're not one already. If you feel up to sharing, my family and I love seeing how your doodle happily ever after turned out.