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Black and White Boxer puppies There are quite a number of myths about the color of the black and white boxer puppies. The genetic combination of a black boxer puppy will play a huge role in determining its overall color. White boxer puppies lack melanin, the hormone responsible for the black pigmentation that ideally black boxer puppies ought to have. Mostly, white boxer puppies are associated with some deformities like deafness and are more prone to sunburns due to the lack of melanin. Black Boxer puppies Many dog lovers search for the pure black boxer puppy. It can be a bit hard to judge from photos of dogs that breeders claim to be pure black boxer puppies. Black boxer puppies have a very dark coat naturally that is also very thick. In the case of getting pure black boxer puppies, you need to look very carefully because the color can deceive your eyes. Never judge the color of the boxer in the first look. There are some black boxer puppies who are black in color and some just have a dark brindle. Image Source 3. Health of the black boxer dog Just like any other dog breed, the black boxer dog breed is also prone to some health issues. Some of the leading health issues that affect this breed is that they are likely to suffer from cancer, heart conditions like boxer cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia and even epilepsy. The main cause of death being stillbirth and infection. Remember, the original black boxer puppy was a hybrid of the English bulldog and the Bullenbeisser , which is now an extinct breed. The sole cause of infections among the current black boxer dog is as a result of inbreeding with other dog breeds. About .The lifespan of the black boxer dogs was therefore estimated to be an average of 10 years. Before you make your purchase from any breeder, make sure that you screen the black boxer dog to find out if he is likely to have any of these health conditions. This will greatly determine the lifespan of the black boxer puppy. Diet and nutrition of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is a very energetic breed. This essentially means that you have to be very keen on the quality of dog food that you feed your furry friend. High quality wet dog food is recommended for the black boxer dog. Their diet should generally contain high amounts of calories because of their energy expenditure. You should mostly feed your black boxer dog meals which contain lean animal protein like lean chicken or fish which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. You also need to be aware of the fact that black boxers may be vulnerable to dental issues hence have a high likelihood of developing bad breath. This is one of the reasons why you need to avoid dry dog food, especially cheap and low quality food. Always give your dog plenty of clean and fresh water to help maintain good oral hygiene and to keep him well hydrated. Weight and height of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is generally a medium-sized dog. The male dog weighs approximately between kgs and the female counterpart too. The only difference between the male and female black boxer dogs is the height. The male can grow to a height of between cm and the female between cm. Image Source 7. The black boxer dog is quite a harmless one when it comes to family and has a very warm and social personality. However, this dog can be distrustful to strangers. The black boxer dog is the perfect family dog because of their patience and protective nature, especially around children. This dog breed is a very playful and energetic one hence a favorite of many children. Boxers can also be quite headstrong so you need to take them through thorough obedience training. Naturally, boxers are not an aggressive breed and they have natural guardian instincts too. Socialization The black boxer is a very friendly dog, which makes it easy for you to socialize your puppy. The dog gets along well with both humans and other animals. They generally love companionship and will immediately get along fine with strangers once their natural instinct assures them it is okay to do so. However, you need to know that black boxer dogs may not be very patient when it comes to larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dog breeds. In case you take your boxer out the dog park, one that is frequented by smaller dog breeds will be a good place to begin socialization. Recommended: Check the brain training for dogs program here 9. What is the price of a black boxer puppy? The price of the black boxer puppy is expected to be relatively higher than the price of other dog breeds. This is because of the fact that the black boxer is a rare breed and they are not very easy to get. Breeders who sell black boxer puppies sell them a bit expensive because this dog has a really beautiful black coat that is very thick and dark hence making him a very attractive breed. You need to be prepared to dig deep in your pockets to get one of these lavish black boxer puppies. Are black boxers rare? Getting a pure bred black boxer dog can prove to be quite difficult due to the extinction of one of the parent species, the Bullenbeiser. However, you can get black and white boxer puppies as well as crossbreeds of the black boxer dog. Real black boxers do not exist anymore. The gene that is responsible for the rich dark color is extinct and not available in the existing breeds. Never be misguided by some greedy breeders who claim to have the pure black boxer dog breed. Conclusion In conclusion, the black boxer dog was one of a kind. The current breeds are a crossbreed between the black boxer dog and another breed. This existing breed may have a fur coat that is a mixture of black and white, hence a black and white boxer dog or brown. The boxer is a great family dog and has a warm temperament too. The breed is also a friendly one hence very easy to socialize with both humans and other canines. Always give your boxer plenty of physical exercise because this dog is very energetic and needs the exercise to develop healthy and strong bones. Good nutrition is also very important to lower the risk of your boxer suffering from illnesses that can be avoided. Featured Image Credit: Source. There is a lot of talk about black Boxers dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colored puppy, but their searching is in vain. It may be hard to believe it when you see photos, but black boxers do not exist — the color gene responsible for black coat color does not exist within the breed. Brindle is a pattern of color, it is a striping effect. With most brindle Boxers, the dark stripes are clearly over a fawn background. However, with Boxer dogs that appear to have a black coat, this is due to super heavy reserve brindling. In fact, it can be so dark and so thick, that you cannot see any fawn beneath it. This gives the dog a very dark coat that does indeed appear to be black. Here, we'll go into the facts a bit more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths are swirl about regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume that he is a certain color, based on what your eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you must take a second look. It is sometimes only when you realize how brindle can cause an effect of sorts, that makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. In addition, some Boxers are given the term of black; however, in many cases, this is a shortened term that comes from longer 'black brindle'. The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn. Brindles are actually fawn with a brindle marking. Those markings are made of a pattern for fur consisting of black striping which covers the fawn… Sometimes just a bit lightly brindled and sometimes a lot a heavily brindled dog. A black Boxer with white flash? Your eyes are playing tricks on you. This pup is super dark reverse brindle with white markings. Cassandra, 5 months old Photo couresty of Christopher Many wonder if perhaps there were black Boxers that were mostly bred out of the lines and that perhaps now and again a dog with a black coat shows up somewhere. However, if we look to the record keeping of the past century, we can see that this is not the case. In this year time period, a black Boxer appeared once, however there is a catch to this. In the Germany, in the late 's a Boxer was paired with a mixed dog that was part Bulldog and part Schnauzer. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Since another breed was introduced into the bloodline, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore did not have any influence on genetics going forward. Once in a while there will be a breeder that claims to have black Boxers and will point to this one incident long ago as evidence that black does indeed run in the bloodline. However, since those mixed dogs with black coats were never used for any sort of develop program this simply does not hold true. Another element that shows that this coloring does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had stringent control over breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and set the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all elements regarding appearance including coloring. This group did not wish for any experimenting to be done that would introduce the color black and for this reason they made a clear rule that black Boxers would not be accepted. Some make the argument that programs may have ignored this ruling and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However it would have not been in their best interest to do so and additionally, any resulting dogs would have not been part of the Munich Boxer Club since they couldn't have been registered there. This means that any such hypothetical dogs could not have genetically been included in the Boxer's bloodline since they would have been barred from any programs that were developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed dog and not a purebred Guidelines and strict rules of of the club in Munich that was the foundation of today's Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it is also fair to say: The chance of there being some odd, rare gene mutation that brings black into the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the odds are so low that this can be ruled out Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out over others Why are some people still adamant that this coloring exists? Diesel, at 2 years old Photo courtesy of Brittany Calvert This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred. It is assumed that in this case, it would be done to sell the pups at a higher cost. Some elements to ponder.Their registration papers do not have that color code as an option. Therefore, even if someone verbally dubs a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would most likely be brindle. Since the pup would be handed over to new owners with papers stating he was not black, how can they simultaneously claim to have black Boxer dogs? And this of course, is very unethical. In Summary Every being whether it is a mammal, like a dog, human, etc. These genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs, too. In order for a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene for having a black coat. Boxer dogs do not have that gene. So, there cannot be any black Boxer dogs. It is genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown points, for example, MUST be a mixed breed or a heavily brindled dog.

Hey everyone! Exciting news.NO applications accepted by anyone under the age of 25 please parent or guardian must apply and you MUST have dog experience. Meet Armani! Oh this is a super cool dog - truly rare and spectacular! He came from a family who decided to give him to a friend who then dumped him at a shelter because they were moving to a place that only allowed small pets - yea that happens and it is very sad. He supposedly came from a breeder too but we do not DNA test. He is heartworm negative and neutered and vaccinated too! So smart and would love to go to a doggy class to learn more cool skills. Great for an active or laid back family who wants not just a super model but a gorgeous lover. Just a super cool mix and sooo handsome and gentle. Wants to love u and for u to love him badly! His rescue reports, "This guy is just a gem of a dog. He is just beyond the best. I wish my own dog was as great as this guy! He is so majestic - tall handsome and not a big barker. Loves sitting regally on his dog bed as if a king on a throne. What a love!!! A shelter is stressful, confusing, and scary for dogs, and they can easily fall into the wrong hands! We can provide a safe, loving, and quiet transition to a new home. Our extensive adoption process ensures that poodles go only to the best homes. Because we are a breed-specific rescue, we have the knowledge and experience to deal with the unique needs of a Standard Poodle. We do not charge to rehome your poodle, and ask only that you are forthcoming about imperfections, issues and circumstances that have led to your decision to rehome your poodle; we are not judgmental and we want to find a perfect match between your poodle and a new owner. Instead, we work hard to match a dog's needs to an owner's capabilities. We are passionate about the sweet, sensitive nature and elegant beauty of the Standard Poodle breed, we have many resources, and we are here to help. Our website is not regularly updated. Since we work from applications to match available dogs to new owners, many dogs are adopted before they are posted on our FB page or website. If you wish to adopt a poodle, submitting an application is always the first step. To start the process, please fill out an Adopt a Poodle form! He is a loving and quiet dog who is looking for a family to love. He plays a bit with dog toys, but prefers.He enjoys playing with other dogs and thinks that dog toys are awesome. His favourite thing in the world is humans. He loves to play with people and he also loves to cuddle.He is happiest when he is cuddling and giving kisses. He loves long walks and he absolutely lives for cuddles. He is the very definition of a lap dog. He wants nothing more than to cuddle up with you. His ideal home would be one where someone is home most of the day. He is all about the.A backyard of.Our lovely Papi was wandering the streets with mange affecting his entire body and was nothing but skin and.She has beautiful pipe cleaner long legs, loves to walk on her two back legs doing her spins, and dance for ya if you have a yummy.He bonds quickly to humans and is happiest when he can shadow his peeps all day. His previous owners confined him to a bathroom for long hours, which has resulted.You have to wonder why? Does he want to be the only cute little white dog? Full of kisses. May be best in a house vs apartment as he can be chatty or so they.She loves dogs and children. Not cat tested. She is good on leash. Nena has had a few false starts — she was with a family that.He is crate trained, likes car rides, likes playing with other dogs cats unknown at the moment Walks well on a leash.Basic profile of a Poodle Activity .Exercise Requirements One of the reasons why Poodles are so great with young kids is because they are similarly full of energy. They are a high octane dog breed which requires a healthy amount of exercise every day. Walks in the parks are lovely, but a day in the pool is perhaps what they love most. After all, they were originally bred as water retriever dogs. This also means that they enjoy every game of fetch. Toss them anything, a tennis ball, a tree branch, or even a frisbee. They love such games and can play for hours on end. Fitness .Potential Health Issues Poodles usually get to enjoy long fulfilling lives due to their generally healthy predisposition. However, there are certain medical conditions that are indeed more prevalent in Poodles. As mentioned, the watery eyes that you notice in most Poodles are due to them having blocked eye ducts. If not taken care of properly, further eye complications could arise. Hip dysplasia is also rather common amongst poodles. This is when the hip joint gradually becomes either partially or completely dislocated. Breaking In .Obedience Training Style Poodles are one of the more intelligent dog breeds. Their natural curiosity leads them to become highly receptive towards obedience training. Other than that, you can also easily introduce other types of training these poodles. For example, they have been known to do very well in agility training as well as tracking training. However, do be consistent in the tasks you ask of them. Otherwise, they may receive mixed signals and consequently may train poorly. Food .Nutritional Requirements Poodles should be kept on a balanced diet. What they require however, constantly change, as they grow up. For poodles under three months old, free-feeding is encouraged. This means that you can make their food available to them at all times. When they start becoming a puppy however, start a feeding routine of three meals a day. Then, when they grow even bigger in size, moderate it from time to time, switching between two to three meals a day.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? 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. About us It all began in , when my husband brought home our first English Bulldog puppy. I didn't grow up with dogs, however my husband did and I quickly fell in love with our little Bulldog puppy, which led to where we are today. We are a small in home breeder of quality English and French Bulldog puppies. We are nestled in the small town of Millmont Pennsylvania on a 52 acre farmette, with plenty of peace and quiet to raise our dogs. We are also in compliance with AKC. .American Kennel Club. Our dogs are our beloved pets, and we strive to breed responsibly. They are family raised, well socialized and come to you happy and healthy. We are committed to the betterment of the breed by placing a priority on health, temperament, and conformation. Our priority is locating a loving and responsible home for each puppy. We will do everything we can to earn your trust and assure a pleasant adoption experience as well as offer lifetime breeder support. We make sure the puppies we offer are loved and spoiled from birth so they will be secure, happy dogs all their lives. These magnificent dogs will steal your heart with their comical antics and sweet personality. Our Puppies. With his laid-back personality and a friendly, gentle demeanor, Bagel is the perfect canine companion. But that's not all this pup is bringing to the table! He has mastered all of his basic commands, proving that he is not just a pretty face with a great disposition. Bagel is also house trained and crate trained, and he walks like a true gentleman on the leash. Bagel is a dog who knows what he wants, and he is easily motivated by treats, praise, or affection. He is secretly hoping to find a furever family with some human kids to play with because he can't wait to show off how fantastic he is with children. Imagine the joy and laughter that will fill your home with Bagel around! If there are no children in the household, fear not! Bagel will gladly soak up all that extra love and attention. He is a master at basking in the affection of his humans, and he will make sure you feel like the luckiest person on earth. With Bagel by your side, every day will be filled with love, laughs, and adventure. Bagel's favorite pastimes include regular walks, going for rides in the car, hiking, playing fetch, chewing on his ball, and being petted by pretty much anybody. He loves every human he meets and he is comfortable in the presence of other dogs, but he would prefer to be the only pet in his furever family. He also dreams of living in a world without squirrels, skateboards, or scooters.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Drakeshead Labs How your Lab behaves and what they look like will depend to some extent on their origins. What are the two types of Labrador Retrievers? The two different types of Labradors are American Labradors, also known as field bred or working Labradors, and the English Labradors, bred for showing. Why are there different types of Lab? Labrador Retrievers were developed as the breed we know today by a couple of English aristocrats in the s who were passionate about shooting gamebirds birds. His job was to fetch dead and wounded game back to his master. And deliver it to hand undamaged, so that it could become a valuable and sustaining source of food. This is still the role of many working Labradors today, but so popular have the breed become as companions, that far more of these lovely dogs now live out their lives as family pets Labradors become pets Labradors first became popular as pets around the time that the first dog shows were springing up and exhibiting dogs was becoming a fashionable hobby. Gradually the two lines of Labrador — those bred for a role as sporting dogs, and those bred for a role as show dogs — began to diverge As the years passed the working type Labrador and show type Labrador became more different from one another. And breeding between the two types became less common. Capable of winning in the show ring and in the field. But as Field Trial competitions became more demanding, field bred labs became more specialised, faster, and more focused. Some not all lost their classic Labrador looks. While show bred Labs became a little more exaggerated, chunkier, heavier, and shorter in the leg. These names have nothing to do with location and everything to do with role. And the same applies to the terms English and show or bench type Lab. Whichever country you happen to be in. There has always been some flexibility in the roles that these dogs play. Many Labs of either type are incredibly versatile. Many English Labs will do a passable job of fetching a bird for you. And many American Labs will do a good job of being the family pet. But there are differences that may affect your choice. American type Labrador The working strain Labrador is likely to be easier to train. It may be easier for example, for an inexperienced owner to get him walking nicely on a lead. The American Labrador has a quick mind as well as a quick body, and is often a very sensitive soul that lives to please. Extremes of sensitivity can occasionally lead to nervousness, but on the whole, temperament is sound throughout the breed. Outdoors in the open, American Labradors may have very strong hunting instincts and be more likely to pursue your local wildlife. This can be a problem for those living in rural areas or exercising their dogs in countryside populated with rabbits or squirrels! This is something to consider if you like to relax and chat with friends whilst out walking. English type Labrador English type Labs are often heavier than their field bred cousins, and shorter in the leg. They may also be less agile. As juveniles, some English Labs can be extremely playful and distractible which can be a challenge, especially if you exercise your dog in busy dog parks where they are mixing with a lot of other dogs. My working type Labrador Tess, was quite grown up and sensible by the time her first birthday came along. My part show dog Rachael is six and is still not quite grown up! One final thought, in the UK, show bred labs are perhaps more likely to be noisy or prone to whining than American Labs. I get asked this question quite a bit! Drakeshead is actually just a British Labrador Kennel name. The Drakeshead Kennel is a famous kennel in England that breeds and competes very successfully working type Labradors. They also export Labradors to other countries. If your Labrador is from the Drakeshead kennels, his pedigree will have the word Drakeshead as part of his registered pedigree Kennel Name. There are many other successful breeders of American or field type Labradors in the UK. And many well known breeders of field type Labs in the USA too. Which is type of Lab is best for me? And it depends a bit on what you expect from your dog, and on where you live. If you want to get active with your dog, and maybe get involved with some Labrador activities or sports, then a Labrador from working lines might suit you best. American type Labradors for activities and hunting Working bred labs respond best to lots of human contact and a more managed approach to exercise outdoors. American Labs also tend to be more focused on their handler and may be more responsive to training. This can be helpful if you want to get involved in a sport or activity that involves your dog. Dog agility is a popular sport that American type Labs can excel at, while English Labs may lack the agility to compete at a high level. If you want a pet that is also a hunting companion then an American type Lab is your best choice. And it may be easier to manage this show type Lab outdoors, due to his less intense hunting instincts. But perhaps the main reason people who are not looking for a hunting companion may choose an English Lab is because they love the way that they look. Types of Labrador Heads One of the most distinctive separate features of the two types of Labrador Retrievers is their heads. If you are hoping for a chunky dog with classic Labrador good looks and a distinctive thick otter tail, then you do stand more chance of getting the dog you want from English or show lines. Just remember English Labs tend to take longer to grow up, be more playful, and more interested in introducing themselves to every passing stranger. Beauty if of course in the eye of the beholder. And some of those at home with the working type Lab will find the head size and shorter legs of the English Lab unattractive. Both types of Labrador can make great family dogs though the English type may be a little less prone to be shy or anxious. Dual purpose Labs A few breeders in the UK are attempting to re-create the dual purpose Labradors of the last century. Good looking medium weight dogs of substance with nice thick tails. Dogs with solid broad heads, thick coats, a well focused attentive brain inside them, and some powerful hunting and retrieving instincts. I think this is great news for Labradors as many working bred labs have quite poor conformation. And some show Labs are too heavily built and lack some of the focus and great retrieving instincts of their working cousins. Mixing the two lines can however, produce variable results and is always a bit of a gamble. You could end up with a dog with poor conformation and poor hunting and retrieving instincts. Whichever type of Labrador you choose for a pet, make sure you choose your breeder wisely. Getting a healthy puppy that has had a healthy start in life is more important than any of the above considerations. And that happy, confident Labrador temperament we expect from these beautiful dogs should be your number one priority. Different types of Labrador Here are some broad guidelines that do not apply to all individuals of either type. For a hunting companion or to fulfil your ambition to take part in Dog Agility, choose an American or working type Labrador. And for a more sensitive, focused and trainable dog, also go for a working type Labrador For the classic Labrador tail, and chunky head, with robust and playful temperament, go for and English, or show type. If you are a bit of a gambler and none of these things matter very much to you, then a mix between the two types might suit you. But remember that these are very broad guidelines. There are huge differences between litters, and between individuals in the same litter. Whichever type of Labrador you choose, be sure to check out health clearances, and meet the parents to ensure great temperament.

Well, Michigan has many animal rescues and a good number dedicated to dogs only. We took the time to determine which ones are best for prospective German Shepherd owners. That way, your choice of a German Shepherd rescue in Michigan will be sound. Clair Shores, Michigan. The Rescue focuses on saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs of all breeds. At the time, a considerable increase in stray dogs at an abandoned urban location in the City of Detroit caught the attention of many dog lovers. The beginnings were marked by the struggle to get permits to transfer dogs from animal shelters in the City. Besides, the Rescue works with several other organizations to create community awareness on issues related to: The plight of homeless, at-risk dogs. No-kill sheltering as a humane alternative to euthanasia. Responsible pet population control through spaying and neutering. Pet advocacy through fostering, donating, volunteering, and adopting. Fill out and submit an adoption application form. Await a response from a volunteer at the Rescue within 10 days. Your landlord permits you to keep a dog. Your fence is feet high. You are not adopting the GSD as a service or emotional support dog. Alternatively, you can contact them directly by: Sending an email to [email protected]. Calling .Sending mail to PO Box St. Clair Shores, MI .You get a complete idea of their work by simply scrolling through the page. The not-for-profit organization is in Livonia, Michigan. The Rescue has worked to save dogs and cats from kill shelters and surrendering owners since .You may think that dogs at the Last Day Rescue are living their last moments. Far from it! The Rescue takes its name from the commitment to save dogs at imminent risk of euthanasia due to their breed, coat type and color , poor health, and advanced age. These factors are often key reasons why German Shepherds in shelters are overlooked by potential adopters and, therefore, listed for elimination. Once rescued, the dogs receive training, and nutritional and vet care to ensure they are at their best before they find their adoptive parent. So, rescued dogs are left with foster parents or families until they find a forever home. Going by this, becoming a foster is one of the best ways to help Last Day Dog Rescue. You can also apply to become a volunteer or make goods or monetary donations. Most significantly, you can adopt one of the German Shepherds to give the pet a new permanent home with consistent family love and care. If you find your possible match, proceed with these steps: Complete the adoption application form printable or online. Await communication within 7 days to confirm or not the application approval. Allow a home visit and a vet check. Await adoption consent by the board of directors. Pay the adoption fee and bring home your dog once the adoption is approved. The adoption fee varies from dog to dog. You can get more info about being part of saving dogs at Last Day Rescue by: Visiting their website, lastdaydogrescue. Sending an email to [email protected]. Following them on Facebook, facebook. It was founded in to give stray dogs a second chance at a loving home and family. Everyone at K-9 Stray Rescue League has a passion for engaging dogs and humans in a comprehensive process of rescuing, providing care and rehabilitation, adopting, and providing education post-adoption. The organization has created an off-leash dog enrichment area where volunteers and Rescue staff interact with the dogs to better their lives through activities like: Dog walking. Basic obedience and leash training. Play and agility exercises. Time spent with dogs at the enrichment area helps adoption volunteers to know the pets better. That way, they can advise you on which dog is the best match based on your lifestyle. You can collaborate as a volunteer or foster parent or by making a donation. Adopting a dog is also an optimum way to give rescued dogs a forever home. Once done, proceed to complete an adoption request and wait for an adoption counselor to contact you. You are required to come and meet the German Shepherd at the Rescue before taking the pet home. Visits should include the entire family, counting existing dogs. You do not need an appointment, but you need to check the open hours for each day on their homepage, k9stray. They meet to share fun moments with their dogs and crucial information about the breed. However, GSD clubs can also be the place where prospective adopters get reliable references to find a dog. This is especially true for states like Michigan, where Rescues exclusive to German Shepherds are scarce. We found two German Shepherd Dog Clubs where you can create significant connections with other breed lovers. Her daughter and son were always bringing home homeless animals that they found, and this became an important part of their family story. The rescue has found homes for over 1, animals. They are committed to the no-kill movement and do not euthanize except in the most dire of circumstances. Furthermore, because this is a relatively small rescue that is constantly seeking to rescue animals whenever possible, they may be able to find a shepherd for you as they seek out animals to rescue at local shelters. If you would prefer to get to know the dog you want to adopt before making a commitment, Claws and Paws Rescue is a great option for you. This rescue allows their fosters to adopt the dogs they foster most of the time, so you can foster a German Shepherd through them. Claws and Paws Rescue also does hospice fosters when a dog is in too poor of health to be adopted out. You will keep the dog for the remainder of its life and the rescue will pay for all expenses. If you would like to adopt from Claws and Paws Rescue, just fill out an application on their website. All of the current pets in your home must be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. You must also be at least 21 years of age to adopt a dog from this rescue. Adoptions are only conducted within the state of Michigan. You can view their dogs available for adoption here. This means that there is a very good chance that they will have German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes available. They also partner with a Malamute rescue, and since Malamute and German Shepherd mixes are quite common at this rescue. There is a very good chance that they will have a Malamute German Shepherd mix available at any given time. This rescue is a little bit unusual in that they keep animals in foster homes like most private rescues do, but they also have a sanctuary. The rescue is run by a small group of individuals that work closely together and feel like family. When dogs are rescued from Few Steps From Home, their medical needs are treated and they are spayed, neutered, and vaccinated as needed. When Few Steps From Home takes in a dog that has such significant medical or behavioral problems that they are not able to be adopted, those animals are kept at the sanctuary. You can feel good about adopting a dog from Few Steps From Home because you will know that if you decide not to adopt a particular dog, they will still have a chance at a good life at the sanctuary. Adoption fees vary dramatically depending on the age and medical condition of the dog as well as other variables. If you would like to adopt, you must be at least 21 years old, and fill out the adoption application. Few Steps From Home encourages you to understand the breed that you are adopting, which may be particularly important for the German Shepherd breed, since this breed has such specific needs. If you are not sure whether you are ready to adopt, fostering through Few Steps From Home is a great option. Fosters are provided with all of the help they need to provide excellent care for the animal. This is a great way to get acquainted with pet ownership in a commitment free way. You can view their available dogs for adoption here. Rescue and Adoption Details Address: N. M30 Gladwin MI Email: dogrescue gmail.

If you would like to have the puppy held for you, make a deposit online. You are certainly welcome to select your puppy this way without a deposit, but please note that availability may change on a daily basis. If you come and see the puppy, make your purchase and take the puppy home if the puppy is 8 weeks old or older. Skip to 6, unless you need to arrange travel for your pup. Connect with us and we will get the right information to deliver the puppy to you and set up the exact date and time. Enjoy the new puppy that you have adopted into your family. If you have any questions, please reach out to the breeder for help! How much is a Golden Retriever puppy, and why do the prices on the website vary? The price depends on the credentials of the parents and the number of puppies available at the time. This allows you to set up an appointment that fits both your schedule and that of our breeders. Our golden retriever puppies are all raised by families in the Northeast Ohio area, conveniently located about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus. This makes it easy to come visit our puppies and spend time playing with them in a home environment. How can I get puppy travel arranged if I am out of state? A little-known fact about golden retriever puppies is that they actually do very well with travel. Check out our puppy travel page here to find out more about how we go the extra mile. How do you raise your dogs? When buying a golden retriever puppy, the people who bred and raised them can have a big impact on the health and sociability of the dog! Because of this, we are dedicated to choosing caring, dedicated golden retriever breeders in Ohio who will get your pup started on the right track. Our small network of breeders in Ohio all are dedicated to the same principles. This starts by providing carefully-planned breedings to ensure the best pedigree for our pups. They raise healthy, socialized pups that can make a smooth transition to a new home. Most of our breeders actually have young children at home who help raise the puppies and play with them so they can become socially adjusted. How do I leave a review of my Golden Retriever experience? Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. We are a family-owned breeder located out in the country in Loudonville, Ohio where we have 30 acres of beautiful farmland for the puppies to run. It is our goal to make sure all of our Golden Retriever Puppies are ready for their new family, so being a family of 11, the puppies are well socialized. We pride ourselves on making the adoption process easy, convenient, and comfortable. If you are looking to adopt a Mini Golden Retriever and do not live nearby, we offer specialized delivery right to your door. Thank you for visiting - we look forward to meeting you! Our Mini Golden Retrievers are magical! They also can be mixed with only Golden Retriever and Poodle. We strive to duplicate the Standard Golden Retriever but with added benefits. These benefits include fewer health problems, more manageable size and weight, and less shedding. Available Puppies Nationwide Puppy Delivery We offer specialized and custom delivery to any destination in the lower .We want your new puppy to arrive home safe and happy, which is why we have a designated puppy delivery team to hand deliver your special new family member! We can deliver by car or by plane and are flexible to meet your needs. More About Delivery Options Recommended Food For Your New Puppy We know that it's important for us to consume a healthy diet to maintain our health and keep us away from the doctor, and your puppy is no different. Proper nutrition plays a vital in supporting growth, muscle development, a strong immune system, and overall health so your puppy can live as long as possible. It is important not to cut corners and give your puppy food that is filled with non-nutritional fillers. PawTree is an AMAZING company that offers incredible products, and we have never found another company that is so focused on the health and growth its customers' puppies. Their recipes are clean and don't have any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or poultry by-products. They offer interesting seasonings to change up your puppy's food flavors, a variety of treats, toys, shampoos, potty training products, and more. Use the link below to begin shopping for the best dog food you can get! Order pawTree Products Recommended Supplements For Your New Puppy Weaning your new puppy can be quite a change in your puppy's life and your puppy won't have the antioxidants it used to have while nursing. So let's take look at your future puppy a bit closer. If your puppy is recently weaned, it may not be receiving all of the strong nutrients and antioxidants like they used to during weaning. This, along with the added stress of rehoming, can be a bit concerning for your puppy's health. With all that your new puppy is experiencing during this period of time, it is important for us to watch them closely and get their immune system up so they can naturally fight off certain ailments such as environmental and food toxins like backyard pesticides, hormones, and germs from public places. You may be thinking, "WOW, sounds pretty worrisome! These supplements come in a wafer or powder form. The wafer form can even be offered as a treat since puppies enjoy the taste so much. With these supplement boosts you can rest easier knowing you are improving your new puppy's overall health. NuVet Plus has natural ingredients and they go to great lengths to create this product in a safe yet effective form. We have not found any alternative that we recommend more! We suggest taking advantage of this product and ordering NuVet Plus even before your puppy is either delivered or picked up. When ordering, use code for our special discount. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. We are a small hobby breeder of West Showline German Shepherds with only a few litters a year. Our dogs are part of our family, share our home, and travel with us. We are located in Halifax, PA about 30 minutes north east of Harrisburg. I was impressed with their working ability and superior intelligence along with a loving demeanor that was absolutely unmatched. As I was learning more about the breed and looking for my perfect addition to my family, I saw the Long Coats for the first time and fell in love. Our dogs have brought pure joy and happiness into our home and it is our goal to bring the same joy and happiness into yours! They have sound temperaments, are very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, and protective. Everyone is encouraged to stop in for a visit of our home, meet our family, and see our GSD's. It is our goal to produce top quality German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat with loving personalities, outstanding character, and family protection in one perfect package. Integrity is Very important with us, you will Never feel pressured into getting a Puppy, we are very honest and direct with our process and time table when we will have Puppies available. All the Information Posted about our Dogs can be verified through Documentation. Our Pictures are Never Altered or adjusted to mislead you into thinking our dogs are better than they are, and to be Honest we do not need too : The day you pickup your Bergerhaus puppy you will be invited into a Secret Facebook page called Bergerhaus Puppy Club if you so choose to accept here you can interact with others Bergerhaus puppy owners, watch littermates of your baby grow, become friends with other puppy owners, and ask advise from everyone in the group! These dogs are perfect for special needs, families, emotional support, veterans, and more. Our Long Coat German Shepherds look incredible and are bred from some of the best bloodlines originating from Germany. Take a look at the long coat German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs that we currently have available here at Regis Regal. Long Haired German Shepherd Adults For most people it's probably fairly easy to determine what a long coat German Shepherd is - it simply refers to the length of their fur. Whilst a "standard" German Shepherd will traditionally have short fur, long coats are the result of a recessive gene that any dog can carry. It doesn't mean long coats have any problems - far from it, and for many people they are an even more desirable dog than the standard breed German Shepherd. Long haired German Shepherds look incredibly handsome, and if you're happy with the additional effort required in grooming them and keeping their hair in good condition then they're as loyal and obedient as any other German Shepherd. With our private courier service, we can safely deliver your puppy to all fifty states with utmost love and care. More information here on the long-coat puppies we currently have available for sale. What is their Temperament Like? There is no discernible difference between the temperament of a long coat German Shepherd and a normal short coat dog. For a long time they've been unfairly labeled as being difficult, but sadly this really stems from them not being accepted due to falling outside the normal breeding standard. The Long haired German Shepherds we've raised here at our top breeding facility in Illinois. Our specialized trained dogs have gone on to be used as search dogs, rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. There's no reason long coats can't perform as well or better than short coats since they do look quite incredible at the same time! Whilst a long coat can be a far more desirable dog for some people, when it comes to price they can actually work out around the same price, or even cheaper, than a standard or "normal coat" German Shepherd. The dogs we breed and train here at Regis Regal come from some of the best bloodlines in the world. We conduct Schutzhund training to develop desirable traits including confidence, desire to work, and self-control. Inquire about one of our Long Coat German Shepherds If you would like additional information about our prestigious long coat German Shepherds or our available puppies and service dogs for special needs, please contact us at or regisregal gmail. Your name.

Updated on 13 July Pros Intelligence When you think of a German Shepherd , a hard-working, muscular dog comes to mind. However, German Shepherds are one of the smartest breeds in the dog world. They were ranked third out of breeds in a study in .Only the Border Collie and Poodle are more intelligent. Usually, it takes five repetitions to teach a GSD a new trick and these dogs will follow the first command 95 per cent of the time. If you bring home a German Shepherd, you will have a brainy dog on your hands. Lola pawsofshire is an example of a German Shepherd that is quick to learn new commands. Lola is very intelligent and easy-going. She has never destroyed the house, and rarely kicks up a fuss about anything. We do a lot of mental training with Lola too as opposed to psychical exercise so she is very good at switching off and knowing when is chill time and when is play time. German Shepherds work alongside the military and the police, while they were the first American service dogs. Experts suggest keeping the commands short and sweet will help to make the training process a little bit easier. They have an eagerness to please, which helps too. When we rescued Phoenix, he walked terribly on lead, constantly pulling and lunging towards people and dogs. He just needed someone to set boundaries and help him direct his energy. We have trained him to be a very obedient dog and to get walks off lead perfectly and can even do a few tricks. German Shepherds have a desire to protect and have got a reputation for being great family dogs. The degree of loyalty depends on the amount of work that you put in during their puppyhood. With their eagerness to please and willingness to follow commands, you can strike up a strong relationship with your GSD pup which will cultivate their loyalty to you. German Shepherd owners who can establish themselves as the parental-type figure in the home can grow a companionship with their dog that is full of love and mutual respect. Freja the German Shepherd is extremely loyal to her owner. A GSD will never stab you in the back, it will always have your back. You have a unbreakable bond with your dog and they will support and help you during their whole life. I will have a long life companion. Great guard dogs While these dogs can make great family pets due to their caring and loving personalities, German Shepherds are universally recognised as one of the best types of guard dogs. Classed as medium-to-large sized dogs, a German Shepherd can grow to be cm 24—26 in tall and kg 66—88 lb in weight. They have very powerful jaws and their bite strength is second only to their compatriot, the Rottweiler. The GSD is a bold, courageous and fearless dog, all characteristics that make it ideal to guard the home. They are quick to learn commands and if trained properly, they will back off if a welcome stranger enters the home. German Shepherds are very loyal and committed. They will protect their owner, family and their house. They are amazing guard dogs and great family pets that will surely keep you safe. They are naturally protective and loyal twords their owners and will stick by you with everything. Beauty This breed can serve a purpose, whether it is guarding your home, assisting those in need or working alongside the police force. For all their admirable traits, perhaps their best is their beauty. These dogs are long, elegant animals that have a lush coat. Their wide head and square muzzle give them a powerful stature, while their pointed ears and big brown eyes give them an alert appearance. With a gentle, sloping bushy tail, the German Shepherd is a breathtaking breeds. Cons Beauty the German Shepherd Photo: beauty. These German dogs require a lot of exercise. Experts recommend at least two hours a day of exercise to keep your GSD happy. Depleting their energy levels can result in a better behaved dog at home — GSD have a reputation for chewing furniture. While committing to multiple, lengthy walks might be a con for some dog owners, it could also be a positive for those with the free time to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. If you are unable to give your GSD the necessary exercise due to work commitments, you may want to consider hiring the services of a dog walker. German Shepherds also require much of your time to keep them healthy and calm. If left unexercised, shepherds tend to become very hyper, anxious, and not well tempered. You need to have lots of time open to exercising your dog such as walks, runs, and socializing them daily. One of the biggest issues facing the breed is hip dysplasia. A lot of GSD owners have encountered this problem and it is a reoccurring theme with the breed. They are also susceptible to epilepsy. It is a common hereditary disease found in these working dogs and can result it seizures. German Shepherds have also been known to suffer from bloating otherwise known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus which occurs when gas builds up and makes it difficult for a GSD to breathe or sends their body into a shocked state. The price can vary depending on each breeder. For GSD from certain bloodlines, you can expect to pay quite a bit more. Aside from the initial cost, feeding your German Shepherd and regular trips to the vet can hit your budget hard. Prepare for lots of hair around the home! They shed heavily year round so you will need to be prepared to get the vacuum out on a regular basis. They have a thick undercoat which blows out twice a year, which can be a particularly challenging time for a GSD owner. Three or four times a year should suffice! The amount of times I have to hoover my house daily is ridiculous. I could easily hoover 5 times a day and there would still be dog hair everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It gets stuck in the carpets, in the laundry, I find it in my food. I even bring it to work with me and find it in my work diary. I bathed Lola the other day, ended up clogging the drain up and had to go out and buy drain unblocker before I could use my shower again. Shedding season is even worse. Hair everywhere, enough to make a new dog friend made of her hair for her. Aside from this, Lola gets near daily brushes using an undercoat rake and a slicker coat. Doing so tends to keep the hair under control, but you still find it everywhere. By observing other dogs interact with their fellow pooches or humans, a GSD can learn the proper way to behave. Her attention is on loud noises or even something like wind, but we try and remain patient with her at all times. We use positive reinforcement training only and will continue on this path for the rest of her life. These dogs are known to be capable and smart working dogs that add a lot of fun and love to your family. It could be said that there is no ideal dog. All dog breeds have their pros and cons that we must considered in order to know which is the dog that best suits our lifestyle and needs. So, what are the German Shepherd pros and cons? Keep on reading to find out. Also known as Alsatian, this dog originated in German in the late s as a strong and intelligent herding dog. Later, it became one of the most popular dogs and the parent to one of the most popular breeds in the USA. It is a working dog that can also help the blind as a reliable guide dog, chase criminals, sniff out illegal substances at the airport and in malls, visit the sick as a fun dog, and herd sheep. They were able to help find survivors and comfort rescue forces. American German Shepherds are slightly different from their German counterparts. They have become more accustomed to family life and will show slightly different behavior. The dog usually lives up to 14 years, with an average life of 10 years. The male reaches a maximum weight of 90 pounds, while the female will be slightly lighter, weighing around 70 pounds. German Shepherd Pros and Cons There are several differences between members of the same breed, so these traits might not be common in every German Shepherd dog you encounter. Here are the pros and cons of the German Shepherd. Here are some of the advantages of getting a German Shepherd. Strong body German Shepherds have strong muscular bodies to be able to herd sheep. Due to its history as a herding dog, you can expect a lot from this strong and smart dog. It likes to stay active and will appreciate daily walks and play sessions that you both can enjoy together. Long Life Span German Shepherds can live up to 14 years. As long as you keep an eye on your dog, take them to the vet, pay attention to their diet, and make sure that they exercise regularly, they will have a long healthy life. Some health problems are expected at an older age, just like other dog breeds. Intelligent If you take a moment to think about all the things that the German Shepherd can do nowadays, you will realize how highly intelligent this dog breed is. This dog loves to have a job. German Shepherds were the first service dogs in the United States. They were also used to help the blind, the deaf, and people who suffer from seizures. Dogs can detect epileptic seizures 45 minutes before they occur. This dog is an excellent rescue dog and can sniff out survivors in buildings collapses as well as avalanches. They will go out of their way to warn you in case of danger. In addition to being highly trainable, a German Shepherd also has a desire to please. This means that you can teach your dog to do anything you want. Obedient This dogs understand the rules and will follow them. They will always listen to orders, and this qualifies them as excellent show dogs. German Shepherds take part and succeed at agility and obedience competitions because they are easy to train. To make sure that your dog is following your orders, you should be the alpha leader. In general, German Shepherds are easy going and will listen to whatever you tell them to do. Loyal German Shepherds are loyal dogs and will go out of their way to help you in case of danger. These dogs make great family dogs with a strong desire to protect their owner. A German Shepherd is approachable but takes time to trust strangers. Once you have established a good relationship with your puppy, you will have a loyal life companion. All the time you spend with your dog as a puppy will be reflected in a lifetime of loyalty where your German Shepherd will always try to keep you safe and happy. Your dog will usually identify the parental figure in the house and have a huge love and respect for you as a protective parent. Excellent guard dogs, they can have an aloof attitude and can even become a little aggressive if they feel danger. This dog is extremely protective of its owner and will do their best to protect you in case of danger. It has a powerful jaw and will not hesitate to attack anyone who might threaten you. This is why it will work for you if you live alone and need a companion to keep you safe. The German Shepherd is a courageous and fearless dog. Beautiful In addition to its exceptional personality, this dog is also very beautiful. It has a lush smooth coat and bold yet loving eyes. The pointed ears give this dog an alert appearance while the face shows its good nature. Combined with their gentle yet strong personality, German Shepherds are very beautiful. The puppies look lovely and innocent, and the adult dogs are also a delight to look at. Various Colors There are different types and color variations of German Shepherds you can choose from. The most common colors are black and tan, but you can find black and cream, black and red, blue, gray, sable, and even white German Shepherds. White is not considered a standard color for the breed by the American Kennel Club, but you can still get a white dog if you want to. Clean Taking care of a German Shepherd is pretty straightforward. As a matter of fact, 4 to 6 baths a year would be enough. Too much bathing strips the hair of its natural oils and make it less healthy and more prone to falling and excessive shedding. You can give your dog a bath whenever they get into mud or if you feel that they need special cleaning. Use a mild dog shampoo and a special brush to remove the tangled hair, mats, and knots. One of the pros of owning a German Shepherd is that you will not have a problem traveling with your dog and take him wherever you want to go. German Shepherds Cons Despite all the amazing traits of the German Shepherd, owning one comes with a few disadvantages. German Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise, love to run, and enjoy long play sessions. If you keep your dog in an apartment, you should take it out for regular walks. Not getting enough exercise can make your dog too aggressive or depressed. Giving your dog the needed physical stimulation every day will keep them in good health and will also decrease the tendency for less desirable behaviors like barking or chewing. The dog suffers from separation anxiety if you tend to leave them for long periods on their own. German Shepherds are family dogs and enjoy playing and interacting with everyone in the house. If you tend to spend long hours away from home, your dog will become too depressed and bored because they need human interaction. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long will chew on furniture pieces, a common trait of German Shepherds. They will also bark and act a little bit aggressive. An under-exercised and ignored dog will show you that it needs attention by engaging in destructive behaviors. Health Problems Like many other dogs, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia , especially when they get older. This condition is too painful and deprives the dog of moving properly. This dog can also suffer from epilepsy , which leads to seizures. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat is one of the common health problems in German Shepherds. It usually happens when the dog drinks a large amount of water after eating or exercises vigorously after a big meal. The stomach fills with gas and then twists, so it can be very painful. If left untreated, the blood will not be able to travel back to the heart, and the dog can go into shock. However, their ears are also prone to infections and checking the ears once a week is strongly recommended to prevent health problems. They Shed a Lot A typical German Shepherd has a dense medium-length coat to protect the dog from rain, snow, and dirt. The outer layer could have straight hair or can be curly or wavy. The luscious coat of the German Shepherd comes with a few cons. German Shepherds shed a lot all year long, so you need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that handles pet hair and dander efficiently. In addition to regular shedding, the dog loses its heavy undercoat twice a year, which can be a serious problem for German Shepherd owners. Regular grooming and cleaning the hair regularly will help you deal with this issue. You should brush the hair at least 3 or 4 times a week to keep the shedding under control. Needs Socialization German Shepherds are generally quite nervous around strangers. Their aloof nature makes them great guard dogs, but they can become a little too anxious when they meet people for the first time. Early socialization is essential to help your dog overcome their natural fear. Your German Shepherd is a smart dog and can pick up proper behavior by watching how humans and other dogs interact. As long as you socialize your German Shepherd with other pets, dogs, and children since puppyhood, there will be no serious issues. German Shepherd puppies are quite expensive and need special care and treatment. Final Thoughts All future dog owners should first consider all the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd. A German Shepherd is an exceptional dog. Bringing one to your home comes with lots of pros because this dog is easy to train and will always put your life first. However, you should be able to give this dog the attention it needs. They also need lots of physical stimulation and should always be given a job to do. Related Content. By Chris German Shepherds are iconic and classic dogs that adore affection and companionship. In many ways, German Shepherds are the ideal pet for those who love adventure, road trips, and playing outdoors. German Shepherds are an excitable dog breed that loves spending time with their family and small children. They are fun-loving dogs who enjoy the thrill of adventure and can adapt to nearly any situation. However, they come with a few of their own issues. German Shepherds can be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. This dog breed is also loud and may spend plenty of time barking. With the right amount of love, attention, and training, a German Shepherd can make a dog owner and family happy. Read on to find out more about the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership. Pros German Shepherds are stunning dogs with lively personalities and vibrant coats. These dogs love spending time with the family and will gladly cuddle, show affection , and play well into the nighttime hours. German Shepherds are also highly vigilant and are ideal protectors and guard dogs in case of an intrusion. There are many positives to owning a German Shepherd, including plenty of affection, constant playtime, and an enhanced sense of safety. Loyalty There is no dog breed as loyal as the German Shepherd. This dog adores their owners and families and will spend as much time as possible making them happy. These dogs thrive on praise, attention, and adoration. They will also do nearly anything to get them. German Shepherds rarely leave their owners, choose other people to be around, or abandon them. The owner and German Shepherd go for a walk. Stunning Features This dog breed is stunning and has a coat of fur that comes in many colors. Some German Shepherds may have nearly solid black fur , while others have various colors. German Shepherds have stunning features like warm, chocolate brown eyes and a resilient body type. Black German Shepherd running. Training Is Easy German Shepherds are easy to train, which is why they are often used by police departments in the United States. German Shepherds are constantly willing to please and want to do anything possible to make their owners happy. Because of this eagerness to please, German Shepherds accept commands and instructions. Owner trains her train German Shepherd. Adapts Well This dog breed adapts well to changes in routine and nearly thrives on new adventures as they come up. There is nothing more exciting than a vacation for a German Shepherd. All the new sights and smells can make a German Shepherd excitable and engage their need for something new. German Shepherd runs on the water. Highly Intelligent German Shepherds are highly intelligent and love to engage in the part of their brain that enjoys puzzles and solving riddles. This dog breed will engage in hide-and-seek or spend hours digging holes in the backyard if it needs to engage its brain. It can be hard to hide from a German Shepherd since they are so intelligent and often used to locate missing persons and items. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. Loves To Stand Guard German Shepherds are very protective and love to watch for potential dangers and threats to their families. German Shepherds will alert to anything they deem even mildly threatening and will use their bodies to shield those they love to protect them. German Shepherds can be very protective of young children and check on them multiple times a night. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Loves Small Children German Shepherds are especially loving to small children. This dog breed loves playing outside and will spend hours running in the yard, chasing children, and playing catch with toys. German Shepherds will also do anything to protect small children and enjoys laying down with young children at the end of the day. German Shepherd looks after the baby. This dog breed will also give you gifts they find like sticks from outside or their favorite toys. German Shepherd smiles upon seeing his owner. Cons Although charming and loving dogs, German Shepherds may not be right for every household or family — especially those that are busy. German Shepherds require plenty of work, attention, and affection, which some families may not be able to give during their busy schedules. In addition, German Shepherds may have some health conditions as they get older and require more cleaning due to their stunning, long hair. Read through our list of negatives to German Shepherd ownership to decide if a German Shepherd is right for you. Needs Constant Tasks German Shepherds need nearly constant work to maintain their happy demeanor. When left without toys, tasks, or other things to keep their mind engaged and happy, they may start to show signs of emotional distress or depression. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Constant Energy German Shepherds have constant energy , and this can be exhausting for some dog lovers and families with older children. The constant energy in a German Shepherd may have them running around the house at odd hours and make for mess and destruction. A big boy German Shepherd enjoys a beach visit Barks Frequently German Shepherds are hyper-vigilant and always on the lookout for danger , meaning they may bark a lot to alert their families of threats. A family with young children may get annoyed with the constant noise, and some small children may have trouble sleeping if their dog barks all night long. German Shepherd barks aggressively at the stranger. Plenty of Shedding German Shepherds are notorious for shedding. This dog breed is not hypoallergenic and can cause a lot of issues for families with allergies. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Health Issues German Shepherds are known to get hip dysplasia as they get older. This usually manifests with noticeable hopping, cracking noises, and trouble holding their own weight. German Shepherds may also get epilepsy or other seizing disorders. Separation Anxiety German Shepherds are known to have some separation anxiety. This can manifest as whining, crying, and general unhappiness. Although difficult, a German Shepherd can be left alone for eight hours but should be checked on frequently to prevent damage or property destruction. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Expensive German Shepherds are highly sought-after dogs. Due to this high demand, this dog breed is expensive and may require reservations years in advance. It can be challenging to get your hands on a German Shepherd, especially a puppy. German Shepherd puppy is under crate training. Socialization Your German Shepherd may need a lot of socialization with other dogs and humans. These dogs prefer to live in a place where there are plenty of visitors and friends who can spend time with them. Without the proper socialization, your dog may start to become sad, depressed , and lonely. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are affectionate, loving dogs who adore spending time with small children. This dog breed will gladly spend hours playing, running around the yard, and standing guard for their loved ones. German Shepherd thrives in adventurous environments and will enjoy running around, listening to your commands, and playing with the family. However, German Shepherds can have health conditions and other factors that may make them a challenging pick for busy dog lovers. Although German Shepherds are charming, this dog breed may be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. German Shepherds are also loud dogs who enjoy alerting their owners of visitors, friends, or intruders. This dog breed can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners and may be too much responsibility for those who live busy lives. By considering the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership above, you can decide whether they will be ideal for your family and needs. 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. This is greatly linked to their high intelligence and trainability. GSDs will be happy in a home with a large yard, but they can easily adapt to apartment life as long as they get enough daily exercise. They will also adapt to different weather conditions and diverse living conditions. People link dog loyalty to pack behavior , which does not imply dominance but a sense of family group. But pack behavior also points to a basic dog characteristic of social animals. German Shepherds are known to develop strong bonds, show affection, protect, and stick with family through thick and thin. GSD loyalty has also been nurtured over the centuries by training in their original herding role. But, like all other breeds, German Shepherds are not all affection and loyalty. They also come with their fair share of drawbacks that are worth noting before bringing one home. On the contrary, it means knowing them well before committing to be their parent. As one of the most popular dog breeds in the US and the world, and with its many great qualities, purebred dogs definitely come with a fat price tag. Expending energy comes with a myriad of health and overall well-being benefits for German Shepherds and all dogs. A poorly exercised GSD can quickly become overweight and develop destructive behavior due to boredom and unused energy. On average, adults require around 2 hours of exercise daily. That can be divided between morning and evening walks and other engaging activities at home or as part of training. This behavior was inherited from their wolf ancestors as a hunting and survival skill. Since German Shepherds live with us and cannot show their hunting skills whenever they feel like it, prey drive is tamed through training. But as the saying goes, where there was fire, ashes remain. German Shepherds can put out their hunting instinct once in a while. Risk his life chasing moving cars or bikes. Become a stalker of other smaller animals. Focus on moving things and fail to concentrate on training or commands you give. My German Shepherd chasing squirrels — clearly needs more prey drive training! On one side, they are rated slightly above average in their ability to be friendly toward other dogs. On the other side, you should be extra careful if you want to keep cats and smaller pets like rabbits or birds. Remember that GSDs have a strong prey drive and are likely to see smaller animals as merely game. To prevent this, you should gradually introduce your doggo to a cat early in life and gradually. But you may want to avoid pet rabbits and birds altogether if dealing with a fully grown GSD. That is especially true if breeders test their dogs for possible genetic-inherited conditions before breeding. Nonetheless, the breed is associated with several health conditions, including:. German shepherds often have a lot of health problems. They are large in size and have an abundance of energy. Sometimes german shepherds bark a lot. Their temperament can sometimes be disagreeable. It can be hard to find a reputable german shepherd breeder. Sometimes they tend to latch to one person. You will need to be their leader. They can sometimes become aggressive. As you can see there are a lot of pros and cons to keeping german shepherds. So now you know in short the pros and cons of having a german shepherd. On average they live for around years. Most of their lifespan is going to be based on genetics, whereas some of it will also be based on the lifestyle you give them. There are 11 officially recognized color variations for you to choose from. As well as the normal black and tan, you can also get white, black, grey, bicolor and many more colors as well! In fact, this is one of the reasons that german shepherds make such great family pets. When you look at the different jobs dogs can have, german shepherds fill most of them! They can often be herders, guard dogs, and drug sniffers. They can also comfort the sick and old, and become excellent guide dogs as well! However, for your german shepherd to be like this, it is important to remember that they need to be socialized properly. Check out the pros and cons of owning a Rottweiler! They form extremely deep bonds with the people closest to them, who they see as their pack. And these bonds are unlikely to be broken for new people. However, it also causes them to become more wary of strangers. Highly Intelligent And Trainable German shepherds are both highly intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, according to Rover. Of course, training your german shepherd effectively always requires the right training course. However, there is a point where the weather becomes too cold. Find out more here. Find out how to keep your german shepherd cool. But in either case, if the weather is too hot or too cold for your german shepherd, it will be the same for any dog. Check out the pros and cons of owning a golden retriever! Anything more than that and the oil on their coat will be effected. German shepherds rarely smell too doggy. But if they do, you can always buy an effective doggy deodorant for them! Generally, when you have a dog your social life tends to improve. Not to mention that everyone sees dog owners as more trustworthy! They have healthy bodies that help aid in giving them a long and happy life. There are forums and websites all over the internet filled with amazing advice on how to look after your german shepherd! This makes german shepherds even easier to raise and learn about! If you live by the beach or you often visit the beach, then a german shepherd is a great choice for you and your family! Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! However, with the constraints and lifestyle some people have, they may not be best suited for your own personal circumstances! Here are all the disadvantages of owning a german shepherd. Each time to grow a coat more suitable to the season. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can manage german shepherds shedding. They Like To Have A Job Unlike some family pets which can just lay around and spend time with your family, german shepherds are going to need a task. Sometimes There Are Health Problems Unfortunately, like all pedigree dogs, there are some health problems that can occur, especially as they begin to get older. Health problems can often mean higher vet bills, and additional care needs to be given to your pup. Some common health problems that occur in german shepherds include dysplasia, arthritis, and deterioration in the rest of their joints as well. A big dog with a lot of energy can quickly become unruly and hard to control. They Need Lots Of Exercise Having a big dog with lots of energy goes hand in hand with giving them a lot of exercise. When you have a german shepherd ideally they should be let off the lead for an hour a day to run around. Fortunately, not all german shepherds bark and there are things you can do to stop them barking. Find out how to stop a german shepherd barking at night, barking at strangers or barking at other dogs. If left unchecked, this wariness can cause them to bark and growl at strangers and other dogs. As well as a lack of training, poor breeding can also cause this to happen as well. Check out this guide on how to socialize your german shepherd. Oftentimes people will breed and breed their german shepherds to make money. Toys like KONGs which can entertain them are a great place to start. This is can become problematic as it causes massive amounts of stress to your german shepherd, and they often end up becoming destructive. But they are going to consume a lot of your time. They Tend To Favor One Person A german shepherd will normally favor the person that provides them with the most care and spends the most time with them. They Can Be Aggressive Aggression will occur in all dogs, but it does seem to be more common in german shepherds. Anything you leave lying around that they can get their paws on could end up being destroyed. Remember though, all dogs can be like this when left alone too long. Then you have to pay for insurance, food, travel, and training for them as well. So after reading all of this, you may be wondering if a german shepherd is going to be the right choice for you and your family. You Like A Challenge Owning a german shepherd can be a challenge. FAQ Now you know all of the pros and cons and as you can see owning a german shepherd is going to be an amazing experience! However, here are some of your most frequently asked questions! If you do have to leave them, make sure you take them for a big walk and that they have plenty of water before you go. On top of this, puppies and seniors dogs should only be left for a couple of hours at a time and no more than 3! German shepherds are known to be extremely vocal dogs, so a lot of the time they do bark a lot. The good news is with proper socialisation and training you can either teach them not bark, or teach them to be fantastic guard dogs. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? All dogs are dangerous! And german shepherds are no exception. German shepherds are not known to bite or attack their owners anymore than any other breed of dog. However, if they are pushed they will try to protect themselves, and obviously german shepherds are going to do a lot more damage than other dogs. Which is one of the reasons you may see german shepherd attacks on the news more often Can Two German Shepherds Live Together? Of course two german shepherds either male or female can live together! If two puppies are raised together they can often create their own pack and become unruly and disobey commands. The difficulty with owning a german shepherd really depends on you as an owner. However, they have strong personalities and if you let them walk all over you they will. Recap Now you know all the pros and cons of owning a german shepherd. I hope you found this article helpful! And make sure you check out the rest of the website. German shepherd origin German Shepherd pros and cons Advantages of owning a German Shepherd are abundant. GSD owners report that the breed is easy to train, highly intelligent and can be trained to a high standard. Pros of German Shepherds include the dog's desire to please the owner which helps during training. German Shepherd breed has many other advantages, including the dog's willingness to protect the owner and to guard the owner's posessions, including the home where a German Shepherd lives. German Shepherds are very protective of their families and can be trained for personal protection. German Shepherds are perfect dogs for active owners who can spend most of the time with the dog. GSD dogs can be trained for a variety of jobs, from personal protection to search and rescue and so much more. Despite many positives associated with owning a wonderful companion dog such as the German Shepherd, there are some negatives that need to be taken into consideration. Cons of owning a German Shepherd include the dog's grooming needs. Due to abundant shedding German Shepherds need to be brushed frequently and owners of GSD can benefit from having a good vacuum cleaner that will help to control the amount of dog's hair around the home. German Shepherds are very active and without sufficient exercise the disadvantage is that the dog may display unwanted behaviors that include damaging furniture or recreational barking. This working dog needs to have a job to do. The original purpose of the breed was to be a shepherd dog and owners of GSD dogs need to understand that this breed is not ideal for sitting around the home with nothing to do all day long. City dwellers may find that German Shepherd is not an ideal breed for a small apartment. The large and energetic dog benefits from having lots of space to run and an ideal home for a German Shepherd should have a yard where the dog can run around and explore. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd is that this large dog requires daily training and mental stimulation. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd include the breed's health problems. German Shepherds are predisposed to certain genetic diseases that include hip dysplasia. High impact exercises such as jumping should be avoided to minimize the risk of joint problems down the road. German Shepherd litter size: 5 to 10 puppies How long do German Shepherds live? German Shepherd life span: 9 to 12 years How much does a German Shepherd cost? German shepherd is a large working breed that is loyal to the owner. This German dog breed is exceptionally intelligent and easy to train. German Shepherd is among the top five most intelligent dog breeds. Fearless and alert temperament of German shepherd makes a good watchdog. For German shepherds, their work is their life. These dogs are often used by the law enforcement services as well as by the rescue teams. German shepherds are still used for herding today among other jobs. Are German Shepherds good with kids? A properly socialized German Shepherd makes a loyal and even tempered family dog that can enjoy the company of sensible kids. Tireless German Shepherds have plenty of energy needed for playing with active kids in the yard. German Shepherds are naturally protective and intelligent dogs that can be wonderful companions for active families. Keep in mind that German Shepherds are not recommended as apartment dogs - the large working dog breed is happiest in a home with a yard and a job to do. German shepherds make an excellent companion and a family dog as long as you properly train and socialize the dog. Socializing a German shepherd helps to achieve that stable and confident temperament that German Shepherds are known and valued for. Introduce your puppy to people of different age groups, take the GSD German Shepherd Dog with you wherever you go - to a busy street, to the park, to a mall, anywhere the dog is permitted. Make sure to keep the dog comfortable during your outings as your goal is for the dog to feel comfortable in different environments. Introduce your German Shepherd to people that frequently visit your home, to your friends and relatives. Some people argue that when training a GSD as a guard dog, there's no need for the dog to feel comfortable around strangers and therefore socializing it with various people is not necessary. The reality is if your dog is spending his days locked in the backyard, without seeing other people or the outside enviroment, the dog may become fear-aggressive, and will not be able to distinguish a mailman from a burglar. By socializing the dog you are helping the dog to distinguish which situations are safe and which situations may be out of ordinary and when his guarding instinct needs to kick in. Nanuq is the name of the German Shepherd Alsatian on the picture. We learned from Nanuq's owner that he is a very special dog. Nanuq is gentle around kids, friendly with every dog and human that he meets and will never show aggression. Nanuq is very capable of defending himself when necessary and at the same time he would never be the one to start a dog fight. Well-socialized German Shepherds such as Nanuq can set an example of a well-mannered dog in various situations, making their owners feel proud. For example, a mailman approaching your home should not be considered a threat. But a stranger trying to enter the property should get his attention. This is why it is important to socialize the dog so that he would be able to understand which situations are safe and which require his attention. German shepherd's original job was to protect the herd from any dangers. The dog's family becomes his herd and as a result this breed does so well as a guard and protection dog. It is a natural instinct of your German Shepherd to react to any changes in the environment and to be alert. A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized will react to each stimuli. As a result the dog will be getting stressed out by everyday situations, for example any time a neighbor walks past your property or if there's an unfamiliar dog on the street passing by. This is the reason why early socialization is so important. A properly socialized German Shepherd will be confident when walking on the street and seeing other dogs passing by, nor will the dog try to attack the neighbor. Be sure to provide enough socialization to dog to build his confidence in the world around. The GSD then can distinguish a dangerous situation from a situation that should not alarm him. Naturally there will be less needless barking as the dog will not react in an alarmed way to normal everyday events. One of the most unrated aspects of a German shepherd is his gentle personality. Despite the large size, German shepherd makes a good house dog. The gentle serving nature is what leads to the German shepherd's most amazing role of guiding the visually impaired. A guide dog helps a blind person to avoid situations that might endanger his blind partner. German Shepherds can also serve as hearing assistance dogs. These dogs are trained to alert their deaf or hearing-impaired human partner to important sounds, like the person's name, a baby's cry, the alarm clock's ring, the oven timer's buzz and the fire alarm's wail. When the German shepherd hears the sound, the dog is trained to go to the person and give a signal, such as a nudge of his nose which indicates that he heard something that the deaf person needs to know about. Then the German shepherd will indicate the source of the sound so that the owner can respond appropriately. A well-trained service dog can do most of the tasks that would otherwise force a person to hire a human helper. Intelligence, loyalty and courage made the breed perfect for a variety of different tasks. The German shepherd's reputation as a police dog is legendary. The reason is versatility. German shepherds are often used for search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection. See video below for more detailed information about this working dog breed. German shepherd shedding Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, German Shepherds are famous for abundant shedding. The dog's coat changes twice a year and each shedding period lasts about a month or more. To keep your animal looking tidy and to reduce the amount of dog hair clinging to your clothes and furniture, daily brushing is recommended especially during the heavy shedding months. Brushing your dog outside may help to reduce the amount of dog hair you will need to clean up after you brush the dog. Check Price Using a Furminator deshedding tool helps to keep a German Shepherd shedding to a minimum. See German Shepherd Furminator review video below. In the video, a German Shepherd owner is using a Furminator brush on his German Shepherd for the first time. White German Shepherd German shepherds come in a wide range of colors. Black and tan, black and red, black and silver, sable, solid black and even solid white German shepherds. Solid white German Shepherd is the same breed, and the only difference is the color of the coat. When the German Shepherd breed was newer, all-white puppies were frequently born to dark-colored parents. Most German breeders and many American breeders killed the white pups at birth because they were considered defective and could not be registered or entered in shows. Now, German Shepherds of any color, including white German Shepherds are welcome in Agility, Obedience, Rally, and other companion competition events. In the Conformation ring, however, dark, richly colored shepherds are generally preferred, and white German shepherds are disqualified. Solid black German Shepherds are often called Lacquer Blacks. Solid black color can be almost invisible in dark surroundings or at night. The coat length can range from short to long and have the appearance of feathering, flowing or skirting. Regardless of the color of your German Shepherd, your four-legged friend should have the stable temperament that we expect from the breed. German shepherd grooming How often should you bathe a German Shepherd? Bathe your German shepherd every month or so. Be sure to completely wash out the shampoo to prevent skin issues. Thoroughly dry your dog before going outside after a bath. Wipe the dog's ears with clean, soft towel after bath to help prevent ear infections. Dog shower attachment From an early age get your German Shepherd accustomed to having his teeth brushed only use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Brush the dog's teeth every day to prevent dental issues. Provide your German Shepherd with chewable treats that help to keep teeth healthy. Trimming German Shepherd nails is an important part of grooming. If you notice that your pet's nails are too long - it may be painful for the German shepherd to walk. Trim your GSD's nails when you hear clicking sounds as the dog walks on a hardwood floor. Dog ear wipes provide an easy way to keep your dog's ears clean. German shepherd training Start training your German Shepherd as soon as your dog enters your home for the first time. It is important to establish rules from the very beginning, especially with a large breed such as German shepherd. Basic obedience training for German shepherd is a must. Basic commands help you to have a good control over your GSD. If you like teaching your German shepherd the basics, you will probably enjoy teaching the dog advanced skills even more. Advanced skills are needed for show dogs. Playing and walking with your German shepherd helps to raise a physically healthy animal. Training your German shepherd basic commands and helping your German shepherd to memorize names of different objects - such as his toys will help your puppy to develop intellectually. Some German Shepherd owners provide a dog with one new toy at a time and keep repeating the name of the new toy. Let the dog play only with this toy for a few days until the dog clearly associates the toy with the name of the toy. This way you can build your German shepherd's vocabulary from an early age. Do not rush this process and stay consistent. Once you achieved success, keep moving forward. Whenever your dog did something wrong - stay calm and do not call your German shepherd to come to you. If you do that - the dog will associate you calling it with a punishment. It is best to ignore the bad behavior and praise the good behavior. Use one word commands and only say the command once. If you say the command more than once, the dog will think that the command consists of more than one word and as a result may ignore the command if you only say it once down the road. If you let your dog to sleep on a couch today, then it is reasonable to expect the same behavior tomorrow. If your house rule is - no dogs on a couch then be sure to enforce it at all times with no exceptions. Clear house rules are important for you and for your dog. Stay consistent and patient and you are going to achieve success. If your German shepherd is easily excitable and hyperactive, you can help to fix this problem by ignoring hyperactivity and rewarding calm behavior. Learn more about training a German shepherd puppy by watching the video below. German shepherd personal protection training German Shepherds are among the top breeds used for personal protection. Highly intelligent, strong and naturally territorial German Shepherd can be trained to protect the owner and the owner's family. Personal protection involves advanced training techniques and you will likely need to enroll your dog in training classes that specialize in personal protection. Special equipment such as protective clothing will be used during training. Be sure to do a thorough research on training techniques that the school uses and get in touch with people who had their dogs trained for personal protection in that school. Ask questions and take your time before you select the right dog training school and instructor to train your dog. Selecting the wrong instructor can be a disaster for your dog and for you. Do your homework and research before you commit your GSD to the training. Protection dog training is a costly and time-consuming process. Protection dog training may take about a year and sometimes even longer. A properly trained for protection German Shepherd will be able to protect you in any environment, not only in the artificial environment where the dog got the training. The dog will be able to think independently from you rather than rely on your commands during a real life situation when you may not have the time or opportunity to give the dog any commands. At the end of the training you and your dog will have a partnership type of relationship rather than a master-servant type of a relationship. Protection dog training involves educating not only the dog but also the owner will need to gain a lot of knowledge of how to handle a personal protection dog in order to enable the dog to do its job right. The dog in turn will be able to protect your family members from attacks, abduction attempts, and during home invasion if of course the dog was trained not only for sport but for real life situations. These types of dangerous situation require that the dog makes independent decisions in a quickly changing situation. To get the dog to the level where he is able to make the correct decisions based on real-life threats, the owner needs to develop a mutually understanding relationship with the dog that completed the training. Keep in mind that the fully trained dog will need to complete re-fresher courses every twelve to eighteen months which can add up to expenses already spent on training the dog initially. There are plenty of dog trainers that claim that they are able to train your dog for a real life protection. Pay close attention to how the training is conducted. Are the dogs trained only during the daytime and on the same territory? If so - the dog may not properly react at night and in a different setting when the real attack takes place. Are the trainers always wearing protective sleeves and the training attacks are following the exact same set routine every time? Is the dog only trained to respond to one attacker? If you have a positive answer to any of these questions then the protection training is done for sport rather than for a real life attack situation and the dog can not be considered to be a trained protection dog. Best dog food for German Shepherds Feed your German shepherd twice a day. Make sure that you are feeding your German shepherd quality dog food that does not include corn for protein as some German shepherds may be allergic to corn protein. German shepherds need to have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. Pick a high-quality dog food made for large-breed dogs. Cheaper dog foods contain too much fat or vegetable protein, and this can lead to rapid growth which in turn can result in hip or elbow dysplasia. Lower quality ingredients may result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause skeletal complications later in life. An active pound 36 kg adult German Shepherd needs to eat approximately four cups ml of premium dry kibble food or two-and-a-half pounds 1 kg of fresh meat and bone each day. Owning a German Shepherd pros and cons Remember the following basic requirements if you are thinking of getting a German shepherd dog: the dog requires daily exercise, training, and of course your time and attention. Without enough exercise your German shepherd is more likely to get joint diseases as well as become destructive. Lack of regular exercise leads to weakened muscles and heart. Exercise your German shepherd by walking, running with dog pals, playing fetch, swimming, etc. They are very active dogs with tremendous learning capability. German shepherd is a big dog and at least basic training is necessary to provide the owner with a good level of control over the dog. The German shepherd enjoys both mental and physical stimulation and can greatly benefit from training lessons with either the owner or a dog training professional. You are also building your dogs trust by walking the dog, feeding him and by playing dog games with your German shepherd. Bonding with your German shepherd is a process and as you are spending time with your dog, the bond grows into a lifelong friendship. If your German Shepherd spends a lot of time in the yard, it is a good idea to provide the dog with a comfortable dog house. A dog house helps to protect the dog during inclement weather. If you live in a warm climate, choose a dog house with good air flow to keep the German Shepherd comfortable during hot days. Due to their emotionally stable nature German shepherds make a great addition to families with children. German shepherds are protective of their family, and can be very territorial. Before you get a German shepherd, research the temperament of the puppy that you are planning to get. The temperament of the dog is shaped by the genetics and the environment in which the puppy grows up. Socializing the dog from an early age, providing the dog with plenty of positive interaction with humans and other dogs is very important for raising a well adjusted dog. Cons and pros of owning a German Shepherd - video Where to get a German Shepherd You can get a German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder or from a German Shepherd rescue. In both cases it is beneficial to learn as much as possible about the dog's temperament to ensure that the dog is a good fit for you and your family. Breeders provide their puppy buyers with complete health records for their pup, a four-generation pedigree, and the proper paperwork to register the dog. Be sure to find out whether the breeder conducted an x-ray testing for hip and elbow abnormalities prior to breeding and ask to see the results. Another option is adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or a German Shepherd rescue organization. Many wonderful dogs end up there through no fault of their own. Dogs are given up for adoption for many reasons, most commonly because of changes in the owner's situation. A dog owner finds a job in a new town and the family can not take the dog with them. A family member develops an allergy to the German shepherd. The owner dies and no one in the family is willing to take the dog. When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, there may not be much information available about the German shepherd's past. Ask the person handling the adoption to tell you as much as possible about the dog's behavior while he was in their care. German Shepherd puppies are sometimes found in shelters or German Shepherd rescue organizations, but most of the dogs are either adolescents or adults. There are some advantages to getting an older dog. The older German Shepherd may already be housetrained and may know some obedience cues and have other good skills. If you are set on getting a German shepherd puppy, then you may need to wait a while to get one from a shelter or from a German Shepherd rescue organization. In case you are selecting a pup from a litter of multiple German Shepherd puppies, be sure to pay close attention to the way puppies interact with one another. Observing the puppies will help you to understand each dog's inborn personality traits that will normally get more prominent as the puppy matures into an adult German shepherd. There's also a very simple puppy personality test that you can try and it will help you to quickly assess the character traits of all puppies in the litter. Inborn temperament along with the environment where the dog is growing up will be the main factors that determine the character of the full-grown German shepherd dog. If you invest your time and energy into developing your German shepherd from an early age, treat the dog with respect and expect the same from the dog, you will enjoy years of rewarding experiences with your German shepherd in return. Choosing a German shepherd puppy will be easier if you already know what you'd like your dog to accomplish. If you are looking for a German Shepherd to participate in competitive sports such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking, or Herding then seek out breeders whose German shepherds have proven their potential in the sports that interest you. The same approach works in case you are looking to exhibit your German Shepherd in Conformation shows. You would need to narrow your choices of German shepherd breeders to those whose dogs have proven accomplishments in Conformation shows. Conformation shows are competitive events where German shepherds and purebred dogs of other breeds are judged against the written Standard of Perfection for their breed. The Standard describes the ideal appearance, gait, and temperament of the breed. Males and Females are judged separately, and the winner in each sex is awarded from one to five championship points. The number of points is determined by how many dogs compete. Winners in both sexes are then judged together, along with champions, and the dog among them is selected as the Best of Breed BOB for that day. That dog then goes on to compete against the other BOB winners in his group. German Shepherds are in the Herding Group. A Conformation dog must be kept in peak of health in order to win. To find the right German shepherd for protecting your farm animals from predators you would naturally go to a breeder whose dogs have a proven record of related protection work. Temperament, structure and talent can all be inherited and passed down from German shepherd parents to pups. Training and the right kind of stimulation can enhance and strengthen a German shepherd's inherited potential. To excel in a particular activity or sport, the potential must be present from the beginning. As you are choosing a German Shepherd puppy for a certain activity or sport, it would be a good idea to bring someone experienced in the field to evaluate the pup or dog before you make the final decision. For example, Obedience trials test a dog's response to his handler. The German shepherd must obey verbal commands and hand signals immediately, precisely and willingly. The handler is allowed to command the GSD once, and then must give no further cues until the exercise is finished. Between the exercises the handler is allowed to praise and pet the dog, but the dog must remain under the handler's control. There are several levels of difficulty in Obedience, with a title to be earned at each level by attaining three to ten qualifying scores at that level. A qualifying score in Obedience is or better. A perfect score is .Obedience levels include Novice Obedience, Open and Utility level. In Rally, the German shepherd and handler heel together around a course of numbered stations, each with a sign indicating an exercise for the handler and the dog to perform. About fifty exercises test the dog's and handler's teamwork skills. In Rally the handler is permitted to talk and encourage the dog. For Agility, dogs are judged on speed and accuracy over a course of jumps, tunnels, ramps and other obstacles. Each German shepherd is timed as he individually races over a numbered obstacle course as directed by his handler. In Agility the dog performs the jumps and obstacles and the handler does not. An experienced Agility German Shepherd learns to respond instantly to subtle movements of his handler's shoulders, hips, and knees on the course, as cues for changes in direction or pace. Types of German shepherds There are two types of German shepherds: the working line German Shepherds and the show line German Shepherds. There is a significant difference between the temperaments of the two types. The show line German shepherds tend to be more calm and mellow. The working line German Shepherds are more hyper and high energy than show line dogs. Working line type of German shepherds do well with more active owners that spend plenty of time exercising the dog, playing and walking with this active animal. Be sure to select the type of German Shepherd that matches your level of energy. For example, if you are a couch potato then it would be a mistake to get a working type German shepherd. The reason is that a working type German shepherd that is not sufficiently exercised will turn into a frustrated animal and as a result such dogs tend to damage furniture or shoes which is a sign of a dog that is frustrated. Working line German Shepherds are more appropriate for people who enjoy running, exercising and other physical activities that can provide enough exercise for your dog. German shepherd health issues German shepherds tend to have joint problems as they age. If you notice that your dog is beginning to have trouble walking take it to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medication that will help your aging dog with the joint pain. German shepherds are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. For healthy German Shepherds and for German Shepherds with joint issues or arthritis, getting a good quality orthopedic dog bed allow him to get a good rest. The dog may start preferring sleeping in his own bed rather than trying to take over yours. Pannus, which is an inflammation of the corneas of both eyes is a common eye disease that affects mainly German shepherds and German shepherd mixes. Bloat is another dangerous condition that German Shepherds are susceptible to. Signs of bloat include the dog trying to vomit but nothing or little comes out, the dog appears uncomfortable, whining, pacing, sitting up or getting back down in an effort to eliminate the discomfort. Obvious abdominal pain, abdomen may feel tight, like the skin of a drum, heavy salivating and the dog may go into shock where the gums turn pale color, elevated heartbeat and irregular, shallow breathing may be observed. Take the dog to the veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs of bloat as bloat can turn deadly within an hour. Call your vet and let the vet know that the dog is potentially suffering from bloat before you leave your home so that the veterinarian will be prepared to take care of the dog as soon as possible. To minimize the risk of German Shepherd developing bloat, feed the dog twice a day and use slow feeder dog bowl that helps to slow down a fast eater. The dog should eat in a calm state of mind as an excited dog swallows more air along with food, which is associated with bloat. German shepherd origin German shepherds originate in Germany and their ancestors were the shepherding dogs. The breed was created by Max von Stephanitz in .Max von Stephanitz started a breeding program using the best dogs he could find in order to create an exceptional working dog. Back when the breed was developed, shepherds needed a dog that could do more than push a few sheep around. The dog had to have a good nose for tracking a lost sheep. They needed a helper that could work all day, that was fast and could work independently. As a result the German shepherd breed was developed. Compare German Shepherd to other large dog breeds. Marissa Taffer is a consultant, writer and strategist based in Philadelphia. She lives and works with her rescue dog Charlie, a certified therapy dog. But have you wondered if the German shepherd makes a good pet? Learn all about this magnificent breed and decide if adding one to your family is the right choice. About the German shepherd German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs, and for good reason. They are loyal, protective and agile dogs. The average German shepherd stands between 22 and 26 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 50 pounds. Male dogs fall to the higher end of this range and females on the lower end. As their name implies, the German shepherd originated in Germany. In the late s a a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz began working to breed the ideal German herding dog. He bred herding dogs that at the time had some variety from district to district in the region until the breed began to resemble the German shepherd we see today. As there became less of a need for livestock herding, he promoted these dogs as working dogs — great for police and military work. Which is why they still hold many of these jobs today. When bringing a German Shepherd into your home, you want to ensure your dog will have a job to do. Otherwise, this pro can quickly become a con. Loyal to family In addition to making a great working dog, the German shepherd can be trained as a personal protection dog for the family. This works well because these dogs form deep bonds with their families and can naturally become very protective. While these dogs may easily learn to watch over your kids, remember not to leave young children unattended with dogs. Do well in almost any climate From warm weather too cooler temperatures, these dogs can live and work in any climate. Their double coat keeps them warm in the winter but also protects them from the sun and extreme heat in the summer. Like any other breed you still want to ensure they have access to shelter when needed as extreme temperatures can increase the risk of things like frostbite and hypothermia or heat stroke. Attractive dogs These handsome dogs come in a wide variety of colors. These include black, blue, grey and even white. Active and need a high level of exercise Although this can fall into the pro column for families who are very active, it is important to remember that these dogs need to work. So, you need to make sure you have a plan to give your pup enough physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and healthy every single day. With a life expectancy anywhere from years, this is a lifetime commitment. Even as these dogs age and start to slow down, they will still need some work to do that is appropriate for their level of fitness. This type of personality can come in handy for certain types of working dogs. With a family pup, it might mean you need to bring strangers into the house slowly and carefully. When having a party, be sure to give your dog a quiet place to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. Some German Shepherds bark…a lot If you live in close proximity to some neighbors, they may not appreciate a pup who can turn up the bark volume at every person, squirrel or leaf that blows by. In order to minimize barking, German shepherd owners can teach their pup the quiet cue and reinforce being quiet instead of barking. Is a German shepherd a good family dog? The short answer is maybe. It really depends on your family and your lifestyle. It is important that potential owners of German shepheds have a plan to ensure that their dogs have a job to do and enough space to get some exercise. Like any other dog, German shepherds need proper training and socialization. This means exposing your dog to as many people, places and things as possible when they are young. You also want to make sure your dog is under you control. A 90 pound German Shephard dragging you around town can be downright dangerous, so leash manners are a must. A good and reliable sit, down and come will also help you keep your dog well under your control. At Ollie , we know a thing or two about feeding German shepherds. This breed is one of the 10 most popular of all of our customers. German shepherd parents know Ollie will deliver delicious and nutritious food their pups will beg for meal after meal. Our recipes packed with human grade carefully selected proteins and combined with delicious and wholesome high quality fruit, vegetables and grains will keep your best friend full, happy and healthy. The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie. The German Shepherd is a well-rounded breed of dog and there is a reason for its popularity among dog lovers! They are usually very easy to train and learn quickly, due to their love of learning and how much they love being with their owners. Loyalty The German Shepherd also has a reputation for being an extremely loyal breed of dog. There have been stories throughout the years describing the loyalty of the German Shepherd, from the German Shepherd who helped keep a child alive to the German Shepherd who died protecting his beloved owner. These stories of the heroism of a German Shepherd are not few and far between, either. All over the world, the loyalty of the German Shepherd is renowned and celebrated by fans of the breed. Affectionate In addition to their loyalty, German Shepherds also tend to be a very affectionate breed of dog. They are quick to bond with their owner though sometimes this bond maybe with only one person in the household! While they can vary from dog to dog in how cuddly they are, there is a universal level of affection in the German Shepherd breed and all of them generally enjoy being around their owners and being directly involved in the goings on of a household. Guard Dog German Shepherds also make excellent guard dogs , even if they never receive the proper training to do so. As part of their often extreme loyalty to their owners, the breed has very high protective instincts which makes them a great choice for those who are looking for a dog to watch over their house and deter potential thieves and attackers. Athletic Another big pro of the German Shepherd breed is their athleticism, high energy level, and good work ethic. These dogs love being active! The German Shepherd is a popular choice for those who enjoy physical activities such as hiking , running , swimming , or other sports. German Shepherds do well in the rural countryside and in the heart of the city. Provided their physical and mental needs are being met, they make great dogs for apartment or condo living. They also do well in a variety of weather and temperatures, from hotter parts of the world to some of the coldest and wettest locations. Their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery also mean they are less likely to shy away from new experiences and encounters though this can vary based on their individual history and socialization training. Family Dog The German Shepherd also has a well-earned reputation for being a great family dog. Provided they are trained from a young age and socialized appropriately, German Shepherds do very well with children of all ages and sizes. They can thrive in busy family environments and their loyal and affectionate nature means they are often gentle and patient with children. They also tend to have a higher level of tolerance than other breeds, and as long as the children have been taught how to interact with dogs in an appropriate and safe way, a German Shepherd is likely quite happy to indulge a child in their often unique play scenarios and environments. While their popularity has its own set of pros and cons which we discuss in part below , in general, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to locate if you are on the search for one. In addition to rescues, there is a large network of reputable German Shepherd breeders who strive to highlight the best of the breed while reducing the number of genetic issues the breed currently faces. Health Issues Unfortunately, one of the biggest cons to the German Shepherd breed is a plethora of health-related issues. Due to poor breeding over the years which is also discussed further down in this list , the German Shepherd tends to be prone to genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. While there are many other potential health issues German Shepherds may face, these three health conditions are the most prominent and most common. While each of these disorders and many others have testing available for dogs that someone is considering breeding, many unethical breeders choose not to conduct those genetic tests and thus the conditions are still widely seen in the breed as a whole. German Shepherds are also prone to diet sensitivities, skin conditions, heart problems, and certain cancers. Grooming Requirements While there are certainly other breeds of dogs that require much more grooming than the German Shepherd such as the Siberian Husky or many of the Poodle crosses , the German Shepherd does still require a moderate amount of care when it comes to their coats. Depending on the coat type of your German Shepherd, they may require weekly brushing to avoid matting and at least twice per year a German Shepherd will shed heavily check out our article on how to deal with the shedding! However, they do not require shaving or any type of breed cuts unlike the Poodle and other breeds who require more specific grooming to maintain their coat health. Separation Anxiety One of the not-so-nice reputations that the German Shepherd has gained is their propensity for separation anxiety. This is largely due to their loyalty to their owners and their dislike of being left alone for long periods of time, and much of the time the anxious behaviors are not clinical separation anxiety that requires veterinary intervention but rather separation anxiety that can be dealt with under the guidance of a reputable trainer or behaviorist. If a German Shepherd is not conditioned to being away from their owners and left alone for long periods of time, they may develop anxious and destructive behaviors including chewing, digging, scratching, and excessive vocalization such as howling and whining. Poor Breeding As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to find but this popularity has also resulted in poor breeding and many unethical breeders who choose to breed for profit rather than for the love of the breed. There are many, many backyard breeders and puppy mills dedicated to the German Shepherd and it can be difficult to locate a well-bred dog from a reputable breeder. This poor breeding has led to many of the genetic issues the breed faces, as well as a risk for increased aggression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in the breed. Behavioral Issues As with many breeds of dogs, the behavioral issues a German Shepherd displays are largely related to their genetics and how they were raised. In line with the poor breeding practices of many German Shepherd breeders, certain behavioral issues can be present in the breed. This can include an increased level of aggression and lower tolerance to external stimuli, obsessive-compulsive disorders such as circling and pacing or chewing of themselves or others, excessive licking , excessive fear responses, and other genetic issues as a result of poor breeding. Energy Requirements One of the pros of a German Shepherd is their athleticism and high energy levels, but this can also be considered a con for some, especially if you have two German Shepherds. If a German Shepherd is not adequately exercised both physically and mentally , they risk developing destructive habits and other behavioral issues that can be hard to fix. Vocal Dogs For some the bark of the German Shepherd is plus, but for many others, their love of barking, whining, and expressing themselves vocally might be a bit too much. This is especially true if you live in an apartment or neighborhood setting. While this vocalization can be reduced if the dogs are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating experience trying to deter the barking. Investment This last con is not exclusive to German Shepherds, but the breed may be more prone to being an expensive dog to keep due to their larger size and potential for health-related issues. As a larger breed of dog, German Shepherds require a larger amount of food which can add up over time. In addition, the breed does frequently experience dietary issues so special foods with limited ingredients or more unique protein sources might also increase their food bill. Due to the risks of health issues such as dysplasias and other genetic conditions, German Shepherds also often require additional health screenings and veterinary care especially in their senior years to help manage these issues. Outside of monetary investment, German Shepherds also require a hefty dose of energy investment from their owners. As a high-energy breed, they need frequent and vigorous physical exercise. Their high intelligence also means they can get bored easily so they will need more mental stimulation as well. The German Shepherd is also very owner-oriented and so many require quite a bit of affection and attention from their owners which can sometimes be difficult for owners to deal with if they want some time alone. The benefits of getting a puppy include being able to really shape the puppy and ensure that you have a well socialized, happy, and healthy German Shepherd once they reach adulthood. The downsides to getting a puppy include having to go through the potty training process, the teething phase, and the general work that comes with having a curious young pup! The benefits of getting an adult German Shepherd include little to minimal work when it comes to potty training, less or no mouthiness, and many adult German Shepherds who have already received basic training. The risks of getting an adult German Shepherd include training issues for dogs who received poor socialization as a puppy, bad habits that have been instilled in them by previous owners and which may require some work to change, and less time with your German Shepherd as they may already be well into their adult or even senior years. Getting A German Shepherd From A Shelter With pet overpopulation at an all-time high, adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or rescue group is a great option to help a dog who is at risk and to open up space in the shelter or rescue for another dog. Due to their extreme popularity, you can frequently find purebred German Shepherds at many local shelters. Purebred puppies are also frequently available during the peak of puppy season. There are also a variety of German Shepherd rescue groups throughout the country , and many of these groups can arrange for the transportation of your newly adopted dog through a network of volunteers. Visiting with the German Shepherd you are interested in will allow you to see if there are any concerning behaviors, and oftentimes many shelters and rescue groups have a full history of the dog and insight into their behaviors and health. While some rescue Shepherds may require a little bit of initial work, their intelligence, trainability, and need for affection usually mean they are quick to learn and adapt to their new home and lifestyle. Getting A German Shepherd From A Breeder If you opt to go the breeder route to get your German Shepherd, make sure you are very thorough in your research when choosing which breeder to get your pup from. As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd has led to a lot of poor breeding practices. Backyard breeders and those who primarily post their puppies through social media and sales sites should be avoided. Similarly, any breeder who does not allow you to come and visit the parents of the puppies or who does not want you to see where the puppies are being raised is another red flag. Responsible breeders will have contracts that go with their puppies, and they should also be providing you with the genetic test results that prove their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic defects like degenerative myelopathy. Female German Shepherds should also get breaks in between litters and there should not be back-to-back breedings so she is allowed time to recover from each litter. Unethical breeders care little for the health of their German Shepherds and many will breed their dogs constantly resulting in strain on the mother and unhealthy puppies. Good places to start your research for ethical and responsible German Shepherds include German Shepherd breed clubs , local dog clubs, the AKC website, and through word of mouth with other German Shepherd lovers. Closing Thoughts German Shepherds are a wonderful breed of dog, but they might not be the dog for everyone. Carefully considering what a German Shepherd requires and how those needs fit into your own lifestyle is part of responsible pet ownership. If you like the look but not the breed, consider finding a dog that looks similar to a German Shepherd instead. Researching where and how you will get your new pup is the next step, whether you are opting to go through a responsible breeder or adopting from a shelter or rescue. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

In both dogs and humans, diarrhea can be an effective way for the body to purge itself of a toxin or pathogen. But sometimes—especially if it lasts for more than 48 hours—diarrhea can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Figuring out the true underlying cause of dog diarrhea can be tricky, even for a specialist. Fortunately, a gut health analysis can often uncover vital clues. Loose stool can be a minor event or a serious condition. Diarrhea can be acute meaning that it begins rather suddenly and lasts more than 48 hours or chronic lasting more than three weeks, sometimes varying in intensity from day to day. Sometimes the reason for it is obvious, but often the exact cause can be surprisingly difficult to identify. Here are some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs. Something Your Dog Ate In any case of digestive upset, it makes sense to look first at what your dog has been eating. A food intolerance or food allergy is another possibility. Diarrhea is an adaptation that helps scavenging animals get rid of the toxins and pathogens such material can contain. In many of these cases, the diarrhea will resolve itself in a day or two. But if you believe your dog has eaten something poisonous including chocolate , see your veterinarian immediately. Intestinal Blockages Are Dangerous Go straight to the veterinarian if you think your dog has ingested a toy or any other object. Such foreign bodies are another possible cause of diarrhea. As a result, the tissues near the obstruction may stretch and become inflamed, allowing liquid stool to seep around the blockage. Rawhide chews can sometimes also cause blockages, particularly if your dog swallows them whole instead of chewing them sufficiently. Stress Stress is another common reason for dogs to develop sudden diarrhea. In both humans and dogs, the body reacts to stress by releasing hormones and other chemicals that can disrupt the gut microbiome , the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the GI tract. The stress trigger for a dog could be fireworks, dehydration, or an injury. A dog who has been hit by a car, for example, will often display signs of shock that include diarrhea. The mechanisms are the same as in a human athlete: when the muscles are working hard, the body sends more blood flow to the muscles, directing it away from other areas, like the digestive system. That redistribution of blood flow also raises the core body temperature and produces fluctuations in certain hormones. All of these changes can contribute to acute diarrhea. Exercising in hot weather is sometimes a sufficient cause in itself, since diarrhea and nausea are common reactions to overheating. Parasites and Pathogens Intestinal parasites—such as Giardia, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms—are well-known to cause diarrhea in dogs. So are pathogens like the bacteria Clostridioides difficile C. Take a poop sample to your veterinarian for parasite and pathogen screening. In this condition, called inflammatory bowel disease IBD —also known as chronic enteropathy CE —inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract interferes with its ability to process food and absorb nutrients. This imbalance or dysbiosis in the gut is associated with a reduction or loss of the beneficial bacteria it needs to function effectively. Though the exact causes of IBD in any given case can be difficult to figure out, several potential treatments are available. Medication Side Effects Some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Antibiotics are one such example, which are used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can be reduced, and even prevented with taking the probiotic yeast, S. Bacterial infections as well as viral infections —such as the canine parvovirus parvo —can lead to diarrhea. So can hormonal imbalances and even some cancers. Diarrhea may point to acute disease of the liver, pancreas, or kidneys. Small Intestine vs. Large Intestine Large Intestine Diarrhea Large intestine diarrhea tends to involve more frequent bowel movements. The stool is semi-formed and may contain mucus or flecks of red blood. You might notice your dog straining, looking painful, or trying repeatedly to poop without producing much. Small Intestine Diarrhea With small intestine diarrhea, the stool piles or puddles are typically larger than normal. Particles that would normally be absorbed by the small intestine instead pass on into the large intestine, pulling water along with them and creating a larger volume of poop. Small intestine diarrhea tends to be less frequent, with no urgency and usually no visible blood. Small intestine diarrhea is more likely to be accompanied by vomiting, nutrient deficiencies, and weight loss. If blood is present, it is dark and tarry because it has been digested, unlike the fresh blood found in large intestine diarrhea. You may think of diarrhea as watery puddles, but completely liquid poop is really just one end of the scale. Diarrhea can refer to a range of consistencies, from moist but distinct piles to shapeless blobs to puddles. Dog Poop Color Chart Brown. Yellow or gray dog poop can point to serious health issues, such as diseases of the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder. Such diseases can affect the amount of bile being produced and how the bile is being processed in the intestines. Yellow poop may also arise from a food sensitivity; excess mucus or fat can give poop a yellow hue. Green stool may mean your dog has been eating a lot of grass , possibly as a reaction to an upset stomach. Diseases of the liver or pancreas can also cause green poop. Or your dog might have eaten something that contained green food coloring. Poop with a shiny or oily-looking surface may contain excess mucus, which can be caused by inflammation of the large intestine colitis. Pale, clay-colored. Pale or clay-colored dog feces may also indicate problems with the digestion of fats, usually due to a lack of bile. Blue colored poop should always be treated as an emergency, because it may indicate that your dog ingested rat poison. Most often occurring in smaller breeds, HGE requires prompt medical attention. However, eating beets which are totally benign can also cause pink poop. Red streaks. Infectious diseases like parvovirus, anal gland sac infections, and parasites like whipworms and hookworms are all possible causes. An ingested foreign object scraping the intestinal lining on its way out can also cause bleeding. Stool that is very dark or black may contain digested blood, possibly from ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common cause of ulcers in dogs. Preventing Puppy Diarrhea Puppy diarrhea is, unfortunately, a reality of pet ownership. Puppies do not have fully functioning immune systems, so they can be a little more sensitive to changes and potential sources of infection than their adult counterparts. Mild cases of diarrhea may go away quickly on their own, but other causes—including infections and parasites—can be a sign of a serious problem. Here's what to watch for and how to know what your next steps should be when your puppy has diarrhea. Some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in puppies include environmental factors, infections, and parasites. Hopefully this helps you find answers to "Why does my puppy have diarrhea? Moving into a new home, meeting new people and animals, learning to walk on a leash , vet visits and vaccinations , that first encounter with the Roomba. All of these experiences can cause stress, and your puppy may get diarrhea because of that. Diarrhea related to stress usually occurs within hours to a day of the stressful event, and generally resolves quickly on its own. Ask your puppy's breeder or previous owner what brand and formula of food she is used to eating, and start off by using that same diet. If you want to switch to a different food, do it gradually over several days, starting with just a little of the new food mixed in with the old and increasing the ratio of new food over time. Some dogs may have food intolerances or, less commonly, allergies to specific ingredients. These can also cause diarrhea. Identifying a food allergy or intolerance is a time-consuming process and will require guidance from your veterinarian. Some common parasites that can infest puppies include roundworms, hookworms , whipworms, tapeworms , coccidia, and giardia. Parasites are most commonly transmitted through poop a dog with worms poops out eggs and larvae, a puppy sniffs poop and inhales them. But some, such as roundworms, can be transmitted from mother to puppies through the placenta. As well as having diarrhea, puppies with parasites may have distended bellies, bloody diarrhea, appear thin, or be lethargic. Sometimes you may be able to see worms in the poop. Your veterinarian can c heck your puppy's stool for worm eggs and other parasites. Always bring a sample along if your puppy is having diarrhea. Once the offending parasite is identified, your vet can prescribe the best deworming medication to resolve the issue. Being treated for worms or other parasites does not prevent your puppy from getting them again, however. Remember how parasites are often spread through poop? Be sure to thoroughly clean your yard, removing all poo to minimize the number of parasitic worms living in the soil and environment. Otherwise, your puppy can reinfect herself from her own poop. All puppies should be on a regular deworming schedule starting while they are with the breeder. Most veterinarians recommend continuing regular, long-term deworming, such as with a monthly product. Dietary Indiscretion and Toxicities Like toddlers, puppies love to put their mouths on anything and everything. Eating the wrong thing can cause diarrhea in a couple different ways. This could range from feasting on the garbage leftover from your cookout to swallowing a chewed-up tennis ball or munching on your amaryllis plant. Eating an excessive amount of rich or fatty foods can cause stomach upset. In cases like these, your puppy may vomit or appear uncomfortable as well as having diarrhea. If your puppy has eaten something toxic, exact symptoms will vary depending on what and how much she ate. If you suspect your puppy has eaten something toxic, or are unsure about the potential threat of her illicit snack, contact an animal poison helpline such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline , , immediately. These services do charge a fee, but it's well worth it to have access to the most up-to-date information on toxicities in dogs. Even nontoxic non-food items can be problematic if they get stuck in your puppy's gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage. Besides having diarrhea, a puppy with an obstruction may vomit, be lethargic, refuse to eat, and have abdominal pain. Viral and Bacterial Infections Parvovirus, often referred to as simply "parvo," is a diagnosis that strikes fear in any puppy owner's heart. This virus is highly contagious and wreaks havoc on your puppy's immune system and body, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, fever, and lethargy. Treatment consists of supportive care to help your puppy fight the disease and target symptoms. A puppy with parvo will likely be admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated, medications, and round-the-clock supervision from her veterinary team. Parvo is often fatal, especially if treatment is started too late. Thankfully, there is an effective vaccination for parvo, and it is included in the routine puppy series. Your puppy will receive several rounds of the vaccine depending on her age. It's essential to get your puppy to her booster appointments on time; even one missed vaccination can leave her unprotected. Once she has finished her puppy series, the following year she can either get a one-year or three-year vaccine. Avoid places with other dogs, such as dog parks, boarding kennels, and popular dog-walking spots until she is fully vaccinated. Only allow her to interact with dogs who you know are vaccinated. If your puppy does get parvo, she will need to be kept away from unvaccinated dogs and puppies to prevent spreading it to them. Besides viruses such as parvo, your puppy can also get bacterial infections in her G. Common culprits include clostridium, E. Your puppy can pick these up from eating rotten food or poop from an infected animal. As she matures and her immune system finishes developing, she will be less susceptible to these tiny invaders. Puppy Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and diarrhea are a dangerous combination. Both cause your puppy to lose water from her body, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause permanent damage to her internal organs in a matter of days. If your dog is experiencing this one-two punch of vomiting and diarrhea, you'll want to call your vet right away. When to Call Your Vet If your puppy has diarrhea but is still playful and normal, there is no need to panic. It will likely resolve on its own. Here are the signs to call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment: Diarrhea that lasts more than a day Bloody or black stool. Pug Dog Diarrhea Overview There are very few health issues that cause such immediate concern than when a Pug puppy or dog suddenly gets diarrhea. And, due to the serious issues that can accompany this condition such as rapid dehydration, treating this as soon as it begins is prudent. This section will cover all of the important details about Pugs with diarrhea including: Signs and symptoms Acute vs chronic vs intermittent diarrhea What causes a Pug to develop diarrhea Home remedies and treatment Red flags that a vet visit is needed Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhea Diarrhea with dogs is the same as with humans. This term is given when bowel movements: 1: Hold more liquid than normal. If you were to pick it up, it would hold its shape and a piece may slowly break off. But, when a Pug has diarrhea, the stools will be runny and much more watery, making it impossible to pick up. In severe cases, diarrhea may be pure liquid. Normally, a Pug will have 1 to 3 bowel movements per day. However, when sick with diarrhea, a dog may squirt out runny or liquid stools 5, 10, or even 20 times in a day. There may also be 3: Lack of control. Even dogs that are very well house trained may have little to no control over the expulsion of diarrhea. Acute Vs Chronic Vs Intermittent Diarrhea Acute diarrhea is a short episode typically lasting 2 to 5 days that responds to at-home treatment and does not reoccur again within the next 3 months. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 5 days. It may appear to get better once a dog is treated at home, but resurfaces soon afterward. For this, diagnosis and treatment at the vet's is needed. Intermittent diarrhea involves bouts of diarrhea often throughout the year. It comes and goes. It may be a week or a month between occurrences. What Causes a Pug to Develop Diarrhea In many cases, diarrhea will come on suddenly, out of the blue, though in some cases this can be a chronic problem caused by an underlying issue. Causes of diarrhea include: 1 A food intolerance. Dairy products are at the top of this list including ice cream, milk, and cheese. But, it should be noted that large quantities of cheese can have the opposite effect and cause constipation. Other foods that can cause runny stools are table scraps including fatty meats or greasy foods. Though many instances of food-related allergies involve allergic reactions to chemical additives that manifest as skin rashes and itchiness, food allergies can also cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Canines can catch a 'stomach bug' just like people can. In many cases, this is contracted when coming into contact with another dog that is sick in doggie daycare, when kenneled, etc. Overwhelming stress can trigger a Pug to have diarrhea. This may be acute or chronic stress often revolving around a chaotic or negative environment loud noises, yelling, domestic upset, etc. Also, certain situations may cause temporary intestinal distress such as being home alone when not accustomed to it, moving to a new home, the introduction of a new pet, or being transported or traveling. This is a catch-all term that is given for chronic episodes of diarrhea linked to one of several conditions including allergies, parasitic infection, lowered immune system, diseases such as colitis. This is diagnosed with a combination of blood testing, urinalysis, stool testing, and other tests. Treatment may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, and medications to protect the lining of the intestines. In many cases a change to a different food which includes a switch in both protein and carb sources can help. This can cause diarrhea, among other symptoms. Toxic substances that dogs are sometimes known to get into include cleaning products, antifreeze, insecticides, fertilizer, and medications for humans Advil is among the top 10 reported toxins leading to pet poisoning. This includes roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. All newborn puppies should be properly de-wormed by the veterinarian and fecal testing should be performed during yearly wellness visits to check for intestinal parasites. Most of these parasitic infections are treated with multiple treatments of de-wormer medication, along with owners sanitizing both the indoor and outdoor areas of living space. Both coccidia and giardia are treated with antibiotics and also a cleaning of both environment and the dog, since these can shed onto the coat. How to Treat Acute Diarrhea with Pug Dogs Since diarrhea can quickly cause a Pug to become dangerously dehydrated, it is important to treat for this right away. There are several steps to take: 1 Make an assessment. Many cases of diarrhea can be effectively treated at home; however, if your puppy or dog has any of the following, this warrants immediate veterinary intervention and treatment: Diarrhea along with projectile vomiting - Vomit is expelled from the mouth, and sometimes the nasal passages, with extreme force Explosive diarrhea liquid stools expelled with force Bloody diarrhea. Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons why pet parents seek veterinary care for their canine companions. Although it can be triggered by something as simple as a change in food or treats, doggy diarrhea can also signal a serious underlying disease. What is diarrhea? The most common mechanism by which canine diarrhea occurs is when unabsorbed nutrients either retain water or draw water into the intestines. In these cases, the volume of fluid overwhelms the ability of the intestinal lining to absorb water and nutrients. Dogs with this type of diarrhea will pass large amounts of fluid or soft stools. Another common mechanism of diarrhea in dogs results from increased permeability of the intestinal lining. Inflammation associated with disease or irritating substances can cause increased movement of fluid and electrolytes into the intestines and impaired absorption. Diarrhea can occur suddenly acute , last for weeks to months chronic or occur off and on intermittent. It depends on the underlying cause. The many and varied causes of diarrhea Dogs develop diarrhea for many different reasons. Abnormal stools can occur any time the movement of water or nutrients across the lining of the intestines is altered or disrupted. Diarrhea can also signal health problems such as pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas , parvovirus infection and liver disease. What does the stool look like? What color is it? Is there any blood or mucus? Has your dog gotten into the garbage or compost recently? Small intestinal and large intestinal diarrhea have different causes, may require different diagnostic tests and will likely be treated differently. Defecation frequency is often normal, but could be slightly increased. Stool that is extremely dark or black suggests bleeding may be occurring in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Flatulence gas , stomach or intestinal noises, or vomiting may occur at the same time. Dogs with large intestinal diarrhea tend to pass smaller-than-normal amounts of semi-formed stool that may be covered in or contain mucus. Dogs typically strain to defecate in addition to passing feces much more frequently than normal. Not all cases of diarrhea require a trip to the veterinary clinic A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, many acute diarrhea cases will resolve on their own or with basic home care in one to two days. If your dog had one somewhat soft stool but is otherwise playful and eating normally, you can wait to see what the next bowel movement looks like before taking further action. Dehydration and a host of other complications associated with diarrhea can occur quickly. Be aware that intestinal obstruction resulting from ingestion of toys or bones can be associated with intense pain, vomiting and straining to defecate but passing only small amounts of watery stool, often with blood. An obstruction is a true emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment. Your veterinarian can determine whether the problem is urgent based on the history and description you provide. The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian. Lethargy Poor appetite Gums that are pale or tacky to the touch, which can indicate dehydration, anemia or shock Watery poop that lasts for more than a day Deciding Whether To Go to the Veterinarian A puppy with diarrhea almost always warrants a call to your veterinarian. At the very least, this will get you individualized guidance on what home therapies you can try and what doses to give your pup. Puppies metabolize many medications differently than mature dogs, so dosage adjustments may be necessary. When a puppy has loose stool, talking to a veterinarian can also help you determine whether a trip to the hospital is needed. Treatments that are often needed in more severe cases of acute diarrhea include: Fluid therapy to treat dehydration— given under the skin or intravenously Medications to slow down the bowels and reduce diarrhea and fluid loss Medications to manage vomiting Antibiotics to treat or prevent a bacterial infection arising from within the gut Hospitalization and close monitoring for extremely sick puppies Your veterinarian can also run tests to determine why your pup has diarrhea—a fecal examination for parasites or a test for parvovirus, for example. Scoop up some diarrhea and seal it tightly in a plastic bag or container. If you see a parasite or incriminating evidence like a chewed piece of plastic, make sure you bring that too. Puppies, especially those really young and really small, can dehydrate quickly. Make sure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times. Bring it to them if necessary. Entice a reluctant drinker by adding some low-sodium bouillon to the water or a few drops of liquid from some tuna canned in water. Pediatric hydration fluids for human babies work well, too, if your pup will drink them. Stick to bland food. This might be boiled, unseasoned hamburger or white meat chicken with some rice or a prescription diet for intestinal problems that you can get from your veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian to see if you can give any supplements or over-the-counter medications like canned pumpkin, kaolin-pectin or probiotics. A: The reasons why your puppy has diarrhea could include a change in diet, eating something unusual, exposure to toxins, viral or bacterial infections, food allergies or intolerances, intestinal parasites, stress, and other potentially serious health problems. Q: What to give dogs for diarrhea? A: Pet parents have to be careful in what they give for dog diarrhea—some over-the-counter treatments are dangerous if used incorrectly or in the wrong situations. If the diarrhea is mild and not associated with a serious health problem, it may respond to a bland diet boiled white meat chicken and rice, for example and extra water intake. Your veterinarian can let you know whether it is safe to give your puppy canned pumpkin, kaolin-pectin, probiotics and other supplements or medications. Q: How long does puppy diarrhea last? A: Puppy diarrhea can last for just a few hours, or it may persist for days or even longer. Always talk to your veterinarian if puppy diarrhea lasts for more than a day or two or if it is associated with vomiting, lethargy, weakness or any other symptoms of disease. Q: Does puppy teething cause diarrhea? A: Many pet parents report that puppy teething seems to be associated with diarrhea. However, diarrhea during this time can still be serious enough to require veterinary care. Teething puppies will often chew on and swallow almost anything they can get their mouths on. Also, the immune systems of young puppies who are teething are not yet fully formed, so they are at higher risk for the bacterial and viral infections that can cause diarrhea. Q: Is blood in my puppy's diarrhea an emergency? Call your veterinarian immediately for advice. Q: Why does my puppy have diarrhea after changing food? Whenever possible, make dietary changes over the course of a week or two. If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your regular veterinarian when possible as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. If you need help finding a vet near you, use this link.