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We breed to the world standard and concentrate on the working ability and structure of the the German Shepherd breed. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos are added every month. We couldn't be happier with our Nadelhaus Shepherd. Traci picked the perfect dog for my family. Great disposition, physically healthy, and structurally put together like a true German Shepherd quality dog should be. Can't say enough about the ongoing support from Nadelhaus. Love you Traci! Her temperament and size is perfect! We have had other German Shepherds in past but I honestly have to say she is a miracle!! Sweetest German Shepherd ever!! Our little Leo is a delight. He slept all the way home in the car, is loving doing his business in the garden already! Last night was a little rough for us. We all slept but you know how that goes. Leo will learn and we will all adjust. We'll be in touch when we have questions, but just wanted to thank you again. We continue to use Traci for boarding and training. She is an invaluable source. He is absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, he has amazing temperament and is a hit with kids and adults. He is our own nanny dog! We are so glad we went with Nadelhaus, and will definitely go back to Traci for our next pup. We are in love with the breed and the amazing Nadelhaus pups! We are a two-hour drive from the North Bay and nearly a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Will my puppy have its shots and vaccines? Puppies need a series of vaccinations throughout their first year of life. All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to the date of pick-up. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Once a puppy is picked up from Nadelhaus, new owners will need to schedule remaining shots for their puppy with their local veterinarian. Will my puppy be micro-chipped? Visit akcreunite. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. I am a 7 month old, 20lb, spayed German Shepherd mix that is looking for my forever family. I would do best in a quiet, active home with adults only or older, calm teenagers. I do a good sit for yummy food but still need work on my manners and other training. I am expected to weigh about 70lbs once I am fully grown. If I sound like the dog for you then please inquire with the adoptions staff for more information. Please make sure to include in the application that you are interested in meeting me. Please call for assistance. Please note at this time we are doing adoptions by appointments only. Please call us at to schedule an appointment. Our hours are weekdays from 11am-6pm and weekends from 11am-5pm closed major holidays. Interested adopters must arrive at least 1 hour before close. To check on an animal's adoption status, please call during normal business hours to speak with an adoption counselor. Emails will be returned as soon as possible, but please allow up to 48 hours during busy adoption periods like weekends. September 14, , pm. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in San Francisco? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in San Francisco cost? The price of German Shepherd puppies is affected by numerous factors, and even similar-looking dogs and breeders could have different prices. For example, breeder experience, coat color, dog pedigree and more. We understand that price is often an important factor when choosing a dog, which is why there are so many affordable options in our network. Our goal is to connect families with the best dogs possible. Breeders and businesses in the UP network can arrange travel for your pup to your nearest major airport. How do you vet San Francisco German Shepherd breeders? All of the German Shepherd breeders and companies we partner with follow our tough, binding Breeder Pledge—and we never work with puppy mills or unethical breeders. We believe that Uptown Puppies is the best, most fun way to find your perfect puppy. Sadly, that means there are also tons of unethical breeders out there looking to cash in on the industry. Our network is big, and growing. MatchMaker is awesome. Are you next? Just take a peek at some of our recent puppy alumni to see what our system looks like in action!
Exercise Grooming In the past, the English bulldog was used by foreign immigrants who moved to South America and brought their dogs with them. The breed, however, became close to extinction after the second world war. Some breeders, John D. Johnson, and Alan Scott kept infusing several bulldogs together in the bid to breed the American Bulldog while monitoring its health and capabilities. Today, the American bulldog is completely rid of the fear of being extinct and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. The American bulldog is many sizes larger than the English Bulldog; however, they are quite similar when it comes to their temperament. It is basically a huge, cuddly, lap dog that loves children and is very affectionate. It is brave, confident and extremely loyal to its owners. They can be quite reserved when around strangers as they like to mark their territories. When trained from a young age, the American Bulldog will display an impressive level of intelligence. They are not so friendly with other strange dogs and mostly like to keep to themselves. As earlier stated, the American bulldog is a fun-loving, happy dog that thrives in a family setting. The perfect environment for this breed would be a home with a large backyard that is well fenced-in. Since they are very energetic and must be kept active, it is imperative to their growth that they have ample space to run around during the day. This is crucial for their mental and physical well-being. For dog lovers who live in apartments, the American bulldog might not be the best option for them. This is because there is inadequate space for them and being left alone would adversely affect their mental health. They can also become very irritable and destructive if left alone for long periods as they need constant mental and physical stimulation. The American Bulldog needs about two hours of outdoor exercise on a daily basis. It goes without saying that this breed is not suitable for people who work many hours every day. This dog breed requires basic physical and mental stimulation like jogging, walking, chasing balls, playing fetch, farm work, agility, and basic obedience exercises. Due to the temperament of the American Bulldog, it has to get as much exercise preferably in the outdoors. If its exercise requirements are not consistently met, this dog breed will take out its frustration in your home by chewing apart and basically destroying everything it comes in contact with while running around. The American Bulldog has quite a short coat with a minimized length and this feature makes it easy to groom. Brushing their coats weekly is usually enough when it comes to grooming the American Bulldog as they do not shed a lot. They also need thorough baths weekly or as needed as this will keep the shedding in check. Our American Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. American Bulldogs love routine and will adapt to an exercise and grooming routine if the owner enforces it perfectly. As loyal dogs, they love to please their owners but will only obey upon frequent reinforcements. Do American Bulldogs shed a lot? Since they do not have a lot of fur, they do not shed a lot and owners will not have a lot of hair to clean up, unlike many other dog breeds. Why do American Bulldogs have webbed feet? This is mainly due to genetics and is not a cause for concern. Should American Bulldogs be spayed? Many vets advise that American Bulldog owners should ensure their pets are neutered or spayed when it is between four and nine months. How often should American Bulldogs be fed? The American bulldog has a very large appetite in its formative years. They must, therefore, be fed very often about four times daily and in double portions when they are puppies right until they turn four. Are American Bulldogs a food fit in families? The American bulldog will fit right into your family. They love kids and tend to gravitate towards them. Do American Bulldogs have common health problems? A lot of the health problems experienced by American bulldogs are mostly genetic and do not affect the entire breed. These ailments could range from the kidney to thyroid disorders and a lot more. What is the American Bulldogs life expectancy? The American bulldog has an average lifespan ranging from ten to fifteen years. What is the American Bulldogs average size? The average American Bulldog can grow to 58kg for males and 41kg for females. However, it is important that their diets are closely monitored to keep them from getting overweight. How tall do American Bulldogs get? The male American bulldog can grow as tall as 71cm while its female counterpart can grow up to 61cm. If you want a loyal, smart and incredibly active dog, then the American Bulldog is the perfect fit for you. Are you interested in purchasing a American Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. American Bulldogs puppies. American Bulldog puppies for sale in Texas has become a lucrative business, thus many breeders and breeding facilities have jumped up on the bandwagon. American Bulldog. The American Bulldog has a very sturdy and muscular build, weighing anywhere from 60 to pounds at a height of 20 to 28 inches. American Bulldog Puppies in Texas. We have 4 children and many animals. American Bulldog bulldog Puppies For Sale. Our bloodlines are healthy and strong. Strong willed and loves attention. American Bulldog puppies for sale in Texas from trusted breeders …. American Bulldogs are loyal, assertive, and gentle dogs that love to work. NKC American Bulldog. This breed has a large head with strong jaws with ears that may be cropped, semi-prick, rose, or drop. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Trudy Bettinger Celeste, TX .Pictures and contact detail… more. These pups have multiple champions in their blood line. American Bulldog, Texas » Bryan. American Bulldog Puppies for Sale - Adoptapet. Good Dog helps you find American Bulldog puppies for sale near Texas. They have good bloodlines and will be great dogs. Pictures and contact detail more. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable American Bulldog near you. They come with AKC paperwork, dewormings, up to date on vaccinations, and vet checked with a puppy passport. They are compact, agile, and become extremely attached to their human companions. Find your puppy for sale in Texas. They will be ready for nice homes April. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .American Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Jamie xxx-xxx-xxxxView Detail. Through Good Dog's community of trusted American Bulldog. Our American Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. These dogs are about as low-energy as they come, and prefer hanging out with. American Bully Puppies for Sale in Texas. American Bulldog Puppies. Palestine, TX. No puppies where found. Find Bulldog Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Bulldog information. About us and our dogs. Beautiful American Bulldog Puppies born May 22nd. Search for an English Bulldog puppy or dog. American Bulldog puppies for sale in Texas from trusted breeders. San Antonio, TX .American Bulldog For Sale in Texas .Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Petland San Antonio has American Bulldog puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the American Bulldog? Shavano Park, TX .First, the experience and reputation of Dallas Bulldog breeders will affect how much they charge for their pups. Female 2 Parents pics included. The price of each Bulldog for sale in Dallas depends on a few different things. Our average dog weighs over 95 pounds. These dogs are about as low-energy as they come, and prefer hanging out with kids preferably on the couch than chasing after cows. Bulldog puppies for sale Texas are just waiting to be loved and welcomed in your home. You can train our dogs to be hunters but they are mainly family bred dogs. We take pride in our large, healthy, awesome tempered, bulldogs. Other factors that affect price are gender, coat color and breeder experience. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at home. American Bulldog Puppies For Sale. American Bulldogs for Sale in Austin. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Three males 1 female Puppies will be ready November 8th at 10wks They just received their 2wks dewormer and will also be dewormed at 4wks, 6wks, 8wks and then fully vaccinated at 10wks before they go to their forever homes. American Bulldogs for Sale in Dallas. San Antonio French Bulldogs. English Bulldog. Browse these English Bulldog rescues and shelters below. We are dedicated to the American Bulldog and have no future plans of breeding any other type. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We also raised Boston Terriers from '93 - '.All our American Bulldogs are gentle family dogs we breed social family dogs, we don't breed for high prey. This is a planned breeding and we are expecting yet. We uphold the ARF's breeder code of ethics. Trust they would go fast like the last litter don't miss out Contact Gee .There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for English Bulldog puppies in Atlanta, Texas. Not your ordinary American Bulldog. Pitbull Puppies for sale in Texas. American Bulldog for Sale Near Me. Despite their size and power, you need to keep your cool when. Obedient and a good temperament. Please contact us thru here or give us a call: , if you wish to be put on the Cold Spring Kennel waiting-contact. American Bulldog Puppies for Sale American Bulldogs are loyal, assertive, and gentle dogs that love to work. We purchased our first bully breed in APBT. Our bully XL puppies are well-behaved, non-aggressive, and perfect for small and large families. All our puppies when they leave Cold Spring Kennel will be UTD on all their vaccinations, wormings, and well started if not house broken depending on thier age. There are those that are in it for the profit without any care for the health and welfare of their breeding animals. First litter from our beautiful Milly and his Beautiful boy friend Grizzly we have available males and females. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Hours of operation Monday thru Friday - pm and Saturday -. If you are looking for puppies for sale or particular stud dog in your area you can also check our puppies for sale and stud dog sections 1 2 Mackenzie - American Bulldog Breeder Hutto, Texas .American Bulldog puppies for sale need to start a training program as soon as they get to their new homes. This big boy has a gentle and sweet disposition - all he wants is a forever family of his own This dog is presently available at the Richland Hills Animal Shelter. Fort Worth, TX. Our puppies come with a 2 yr genetic replacement guarantee call for details. Please call or text for more information. They will come NKC registered wormed st shots and vet checked. The colors are white with brown spots and Brindle. We fell in love with the traditional American Bulldog breed. Pet City Houston has American Bulldog puppies for sale! Check out our breed information page! Picks will be made in the order based on deposits received. If you are unable to find your American Bully puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru. The stocky, tough-looking Bulldog has its origins in cattle-driving, but today's Bulldogs are all about the easy life. Large, imposing, and sometimes stubborn, American Bulldogs do best with experienced owners. Secondly, the pups size and coat and eye color will also play a part. The coat is short and soft coming in any variation of colors. Look here to find a American Bulldog breeder who may have puppies for sale or a male dog available for stud service close to you. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings. French Bulldog. Bulldog puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders. Get added to our List send us a message. French Bulldog Puppies. Our mission is to raise healthy, happy American Bulldog puppies and connect loving families with their new best friend! American Bulldog For Sale in Dallas .Get ready to bring home your Texas Bulldog for sale, and add it. The American Bulldog has been a far superior breed for us compared to the other types of Bulldogs we have owned. American bulldog puppies. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their. American Bulldog puppies for sale in Houston, TX from trusted.
Symptoms in dogs range from no visible signs or complications to complete paralysis and large open lesions on the back and spine. In most severe cases an open lesion on your puppies back will be present at birth and sometimes the spinal cord may be exposed through this open lesion. If the puppy has no visible open wound on his back, the condition may not be picked up until they start to walk or display incontinence. Symptoms and Signs of Spina Bifida Sacral dimple. A dip in the back close to the tail. This can be seen by a different hair pattern or an open lesion. Urine incontinence. This will require manual expressing Faecal incontinence. Passing faeces without knowledge and lack of anal tone Poor range of motion in the hind legs from dragging feet to complete paralysis Dragging the back legs Lack of pain receptors in the lower back. This is a lifelong condition. Current trials in the United States at UC Davis are looking into stem cell therapies that can help restore mobility in more severely affected cases. There are four main classifications but your vet or vet specialist will be able to provide you with more support in understanding your pets condition. Occulta This is the most mild form of Spina Bifida and may produce no signs or symptoms. They may have a small dimple on their dimple on their spine, or no signs at all. You may never know your dog has this condition. Often symptoms with this severity are only mild and manageable. Your dog may have partial paralysis, dragging their feet or walking slightly wobbly, but they will still be able to walk. They may also have no issues with their mobility. Your puppy may also be showing bowel and urinary incontinence. Mild nerve damage may also be present. Meningocele In this type, the spinal cord has developed normally but the protective membranes around the spinal cord push up into the deformed openings of the vertebrae. Surgical options can be a possibility with this type of Spina Bifida to remove the membranes pushing through the bone. The same clinical symptoms present as closed neural tube defects. Surgery will not cure the symptoms, but can make your pet more comfortable. Myelomeningocele This is the most severe type of Spina Bifida. The spinal cord is often fully exposed, or there are multiple vertebrae that have deformities. Full paralysis of the lower limbs is often present with complete incontinence. There will also be a lack of sensation in the skin with nerve damage. Puppies with this severity are usually born with their spinal cords exposed and are often euthanised. Swelling of the spine can lead to the development of hydrocephalus. This condition can be managed but it is lifelong and can present with various complications and ongoing medical costs. Rescue groups and specialist vets can offer great support in helping you decide on the path of care if your dog is diagnosed with this type of Spina Bifida. Antibiotics can be used to treat UTIs. The use of supplements like cranberry, D-mannose and making sure your pet is drinking adequate water can be used to support good bladder health. Ammonia burn on the skin You can see pictures in our material matter blog here and rashes from diarrhoea can develop. Maintaining a good cleaning routine by changing pet nappies frequently, allowing your dog to have outside time without a nappy on, wiping between changes and providing baths as needed is important. Using a zinc based nappy cream or pet safe cream, we personally love Bella Maree Belly Cream , or a medicated cream from your vet on any rashes can help make your dog more comfortable. Lacerations and injury to the legs Dogs with Spina Bifida can have a lack of feeling in the legs can cause your pet to sustain injuries without knowing. Also keep an eye out on their toes and back nails. If they drag their feet, these can become worn down and bleed. Anal prolapse Due to lack of tone in the anus, if your dog is experiencing constant soft stools, they can develop an anal prolapse. Take your dog straight to the vet if this occurs so your vet. The vet can put the prolapsed anus can be put back in, reducing any chance of an infection. If this is a recurring issue as your dog progresses from puppyhood into adulthood, the vet may recommend surgery to tack the bowel into place or to shorten it. Joint weakness You might notice your dog developing joint weakness as they age and progress through puppyhood. Joint issues in the hips, knees, feet and front shoulders should all be monitored at regular vet visits. You can also incorporate supplements into your pets diet to support healthy joints. Your vet may also suggest injections to support the joints such as Cartrophen. A pet nutritionist can also support in diet advice and an animal rehabilitation specialist can support in mobility care. Hygiene and Bedding nappy changes and baths To save your sanity as an owner and keep your dog and home fresh and clean it is a great idea to find a routine that works for you to manage their mess if they are incontinent. To support Sophie's incontinence we use Dundies all in one nappies and washable puppy pads. Make sure your dog has nappy free time. Sophie has a minimum of three hours outside of her nappy in the yard. This lets the skin breath and reduces any concerns with ammonia burn developing. No matter what brand you choose, always make sure the nappy is breathable. You can read more about this on our Material Matter Blog. Giving your pet a safe place to sleep is also important. You might prefer to give them a crate and crate train them. You can then line the crate with a bed that has a waterproof cover so any accidents are easily cleaned. Dogs with Spina Bifida will regularly void in their sleep without their knowledge. Dundies puppy pads are great to put on top of a bed as they are absorbent and also waterproof. Your dog can also wear a nappy when sleeping. Make sure to give clean your dog well when you change their bottom in the morning and provide nappy free time directly after. If you are using nappies on your dog that is completely incontinent, you will go through a minimum of 4 per day. If your dog is having upset bowel motions you may need up to .Expressing and monitoring of tummy and bowel Spina Bifida in dogs can reduce the pets ability to fully empty their bladder. Feel their stomach and balder area regularly and if you notice any distension, swelling, or it feels very firm head to the vet. If you pet needs helping emptying their bladder and bowels your vet can help you learn how to express your pet. Do not over express your pet, particularly if they have loose stools. Over expressing can cause trauma to the anus and lead to bleeding, bruising and prolapse. Support Find a good support group! Facebook groups including the Dundies VIP group are fantastic resources. If you are not sure or have questions, finding someone to ask can really help ease your stress in caring for your dog. Caring for a disabled dog is stressful and without support it can lead to feelings of doubt and uncertainty, and this is completely normal! Various rescue groups also specialise in the condition and will more than happily provide you with tips and tricks. Sophie's management plan includes taking cranberry and eating 1 meal a day as an adult dog of a balanced raw diet. Kibble can sometimes lead to loose stools. Discuss diet with a canine nutritionist or vet. Provide access to water and make sure your pet is drinking well and limit the variety of treats they eat. Choosing one protein when providing treats, for example chicken breast, will give you an indication of anything that upsets your dog's digestive system. If you notice your pet gets an upset stomach from that particular treat, you can try a different one. Exercise and joint support Exercise is important to help your pet maintain a happy healthy life. Provide your Spina Bifida dog with short walks or try exercises like hydrotherapy Support Aid recommendations by Dundies. Note: Some of these clinical signs can be associated with other diseases too which is why consultation with a neurologist and diagnostics are recommended. Depending on the severity of the dog's condition, euthanasia may be recommended. Some puppies can experience a great deal of discomfort and pain that will severely impact their qaulity of life. .For some who don't have severe cases, you can do some things to improve your furbaby's quality of life. Maintain good hygiene. Bathe your dog regularly and groom them to keep them happy despite their condition. Their skin is at high risk of chafing and becoming sore especially at the hips, elbows and ankles. Always check these areas for dogs with Spina Bifida. Provide proper nutrition. Providing your furbaby a good, healthy diet is a perfect way to boost up their wellness. But make sure that this diet is advised by your veterinarian so it will provide them with the proper nutrition they need. These 5-in-1 multivitamins help provide your dog with Spina Bifida with daily health support. Note: Before giving your furbaby supplements, consult your vet first if they are on certain medications and medicines to be safe. It is extremely important to change your dog's diapers regularly in order to avoid the development of sores. Many dogs with Spina Bifida may need bladder expressions if they experience urinary incontinence. So, be sure to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing incontinence. Go out. Your dog's condition should never hinder the both of you to experience the world together. There are wheelchairs and carts that will help you and your paralyzed dog move around. Having a dog who is experiencing Spina Bifida is never easy but there are things you can do and provide to make your dog's life better, even with a disability. Spina Bifida in dogs can cause some challenges, but they are still loving, loyal pets. Search or click below on the topic you are chasing after! The dog is part of a pair of puppies being treated for spina bifida through a combination of stem cell therapy and surgery, research made possible through collaboration between the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and UC Davis Health. Because dogs with the birth defect frequently have little control of their hindquarters, they also have little hope for a future. They are typically euthanized as puppies. At their postsurgery re-check at 4 months old, however, the siblings, named Darla and Spanky, showed off their abilities to walk, run and play to their doctor, veterinary neurosurgeon Beverly Sturges. A major step toward curing spina bifida Spina bifida occurs when spinal tissue improperly fuses in utero, causing a range of cognitive, mobility, urinary and bowel disabilities in about 1, to 2, children born in the U. Farmer pioneered the use of surgery prior to birth to improve brain development in children with spina bifida. She later showed that prenatal surgery combined with human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells PMSCs , held in place with a cellular scaffold, helped research lambs born with the disorder walk without noticeable disability. Sturges wanted to find out if the surgery-plus-stem-cell approach could give dogs closer-to-normal lives along with better chances of survival and adoption. Another distinction for Darla and Spanky is that their treatment occurred after birth, since prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida is not performed on dogs, Sturges explained. The disorder becomes apparent between 1 and 2 weeks of age, when puppies show hind-end weakness, poor muscle tone, incoordination and abnormal use of their tails. A unique environment for collaborative research UC Davis is the only place where this type of cross-disciplinary, transformational medicine could happen, according to Farmer. UC Davis is also home to the One Health initiative aimed at finding novel treatments like these for diseases that affect both humans and animals. Food and Drug Administration approval, Farmer and Wang hope to test the therapy in human clinical trials. Sturges and Borjesson hope to do the same with a canine clinical trial. They hope the outcomes of their work help eradicate spina bifida in dogs and humans. In the meantime, the team wants dog breeders to send more puppies with spina bifida to UC Davis for treatment and refinements that help the researchers fix an additional hallmark of spina bifida — incontinence. While Darla and Spanky are very mobile and doing well on their feet, they still require diapers. Private donations to the veterinary school for stem cell research also contributed to this procedure.
With a name inspired by fighters in the ring, some people expect a Boxer to be aggressive or unfriendly. As is the case with many guard dog breeds , the owner must establish dominance early or their pup may try to take charge instead. For example, Boxer dogs need to be socialized and trained early to prevent aggression towards strangers or people they see as threats. It is advised to discipline gently but firmly and consistently. When it comes to their physical demands, Boxer puppies, as well as adults, are high-energy dogs that need some vigorous outdoor exercise every day. Lastly, Boxers are also jumpers, so you may need training to curb their instincts to leap up on you, your family, or your guests. The average lifespan for Boxer dogs ranges from 10 to 12 years. While this tends to be a healthy line, especially when you work with a trusted Boxer breeder, there are some special considerations. At Keystone Puppies, we only represent the best Boxer breeders. Our breeders not only offer a health guarantee but also provide exceptional homes for Boxer puppies that lead to healthy adult lives. As always, owners should keep their canine companions up-to-date on vaccinations and bring their pups in for regular checkups with their veterinarians. Caring for Boxer Coats The short, shiny coat is easy to maintain. Brush once a week to reduce shedding and to keep their coats bright. Before you buy a Boxer puppy, get familiar with their grooming routine. Their short coats are easy to maintain and look fantastic when you do. We recommend that owners generally brush their coats once per week to reduce shedding and to keep their coats attractive and healthy. In addition to that, cleaning out their ears once per week with a clean, damp cloth will reduce the risk of ear infections. We recommend you wipe out the wrinkles once a week to reduce the chance of skin infections. Meet Boxer Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.
The Golden Retriever is well known for their mellow, happy go lucky personality and their intelligence. The Poodle is known as a very intelligent dog with a very loving personality. At Doodle Creek we select the best possible temperaments in both breeds to create a wonderful combination of the two breeds. We are committed to producing healthy English Goldendoodles with loving, happy, playful, fun personalities. The English Goldendoodles tend to be very alert, eager to please and intelligent. They have a goofy, playful personality and they thrive on being with people. Their love for people has won them over as one of the most popular breeds on the planet! When careful breeding practices are implemented, the English Goldendoodle makes the perfect companion. They are typically a mild mannered dog with a moderate energy level. Their exercise requirements are not excessive so two minute walks a day works well. The tend to be inquisitive dogs and love to explore making them great dogs for hiking, camping or going on family outings. If they are introduced to water at a young age, most will acquire a love for the water. They are very adaptable and will adjust to most any new environment. They do well in either urban or rural settings. Appearance The English Goldendoodle to me is the most stunning dog ever known to man! They are known to look like Teddy Bears with a beautiful round face and sturdy structured body. They have a much prettier face and sweet, kind eyes. Their ears are well placed as well which gives the English Goldendoodles a rounder look in their face. This is a large part of why we have chosen to go with the English Golden Retrievers in our breeding program. Every breeder creates their own look and we focus on bringing you the prettiest English Goldendoodles possible. Every puppy has a unique and different look but in general, they have that round face, stocky body and beautiful stance with the tail set similar to that of an English Golden Retriever. They typically have a fluffy, to wavy coat that is low to non shedding. We have been breeding English Goldendoodles for many years now and we know the combinations of parents that work well to produce stunning puppies. Breeding is an art and creating that great look without compromising on temperament and health is key to bringing you a beautiful puppy with a great personality. Finding a breeder who produces the look you are wanting in your Doodle is critical. Sizes We breed a variety of different Doodle sizes. The estimated size of your Doodle is determined by the size of both parents. Standard Doodles pounds and inches tall - This is the result of breeding a full sized Standard Poodle with an English Golden Retriever or an English Goldendoodle. Medium Doodles pounds and inches tall - We have Moyen Medium Poodles here that we breed to full sized Doodles or Retrievers. This results in a nice medium sized companion. They come in either F1, F1b or Multigen generations. Mini Doodles pounds and inches tall - This is the result of any number of combinations depending on the size of the parents. It is not possible to have an F1 Tiny Doodle because breeding the smallest Poodle possible to a full sized Golden Retriever will still give no guarantees that the puppy will be in the pound range. Tiny Doodles only come in the F1b generation at Doodle Creek. These dogs typically have low to non shedding coats. Some will have the straighter coats with a loose wave to it. These coats will sometimes be low shedding. Others will have the fleecy coats and will shed very little to nothing at all. If you are wanting strong Retriever characteristics and you are okay with possibly some shedding, this would be a great option. If you have allergies, you may want to consider the F1b or Multigen breedings. These dogs will quite often look very similar to the F1 English Goldendoodles in that many still keep that nice, fleecy coat type. The litters normally have a few with the fleecy coat types and a few with the curly coat types. The fleecy coat typed F1b puppies are typically extremely low to non shedding. The F1b is an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Multigen English Goldendoodles - Through our years of experience, we have now come to the point where we use our trusted genetics and we will breed two totally unrelated Goldendoodles together. We do all the proper DNA testing to ensure that we are getting the low to non shedding offspring from these matings. We have found that the Mulitgens are just as good as the F1b for those with allergies as they are also low to non shedding. The advantage of breeding Mulitgen English Goldendoodles here at Doodle Creek is that we are able to get more of the colours we are looking for in our puppies such as the tri colour, black and white, brown and white, or the merle. Coat types Our English Goldendoodles have several different coat types. Most are very low to non shedding. They turn into a loose curled coat as an adult and have a very soft feel. They are low to non shedding. The curly coat is similar to that of a poodle. They are typically non shedding and are wonderful for allergies. They get that beautiful, messy look to them and are very attractive looking as adults. They will often be low shedding but shed much less than a Golden Retriever. In the photos below we have posted the puppy photo on the left and one as they became adults on the right. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you get a puppy from either coat type listed here. Breed Title Goldendoodle Puppy Temperament One of the most characteristic traits of our Goldendoodle puppies for sale is their friendliness. Like their Golden Retriever forebearers, these sweet pups love everybody! Thanks to its Poodle ancestors, our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are one of the smartest breeds available for adoption. Eager to please, your pup will respond exceptionally well to reinforcement training and pick up new commands quickly and easily. However, due to their separation anxiety, this dog can display destructive tendencies if left alone for too long. Goldendoodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally a healthy and long-lived dog breed — with a lifespan of up to 15 years due to its robust poodle genes — Goldendoodle puppies are not without a few health considerations to keep in mind. This will vary depending on the type of Goldendoodle — e. The best way to ensure that your pup lives a long and healthy life is to adopt form an experienced and reputable breeder. At Keystone Puppies , we make it our mission to stamp out puppy mills for good by promoting healthy puppies from knowledgeable breeders. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are often hypoallergenic and shed very little. The curly coat should be soft to the touch. Like all doodle mixes, your Goldendoodle is likely to have a coat of short, curly hair. However, some dogs — particularly those who take after their Golden Retriever ancestors — will have longer, straight coat varieties. Others will have coats that are somewhere in between — including wavy and flat coat varieties. All our Goldendoodle puppies are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat that will mature into a double-layer adult coat at around six months. After this, your Goldendoodle should be trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent tangling and matting. All our Goldendoodles for sale will need to be brushed at least once a week to ensure their coat stays healthy and free of dirt, oil and other debris. Meet Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. There are not many creatures that have as much energy and vigor as a puppy, and they quickly bring their enthusiasm and love to everyone around them. Finding a dog is also a time to choose wisely, however, because your new four-legged friend is going to be with you for a long time. You want to make sure that you, and the dog, get off on the right foot. The best way to ensure this is to find a professional dog breeder in Augusta, GA, who truly cares about their animals and finds good family homes for them. It is our goal to breed awesome family puppies. Breeds that Make Great Pets If you are looking for some of the best Goldendoodles, standard poodles, and golden retrievers, you have come to the right place. As a year experienced dog breeder, we are committed to helping families find lifelong dog companions. Our puppies cannot wait to meet you and your loved ones. Call us today to see if we have a new four-legged friend available for you. Your family will fall in love with our puppies and dogs. These dog breeds are renowned for their loyalty and friendliness. They will make beautiful additions to your family. The Goldendoodle is exceptionally wonderful as a family pet or service dog. Since they do not shed, if at all very little no where as much as the Golden Retriever, they are a sensible great pet if you have family members who are sensitive to dog dander and shedding. We raise amazing litters of very popular breeds, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, and Golden Retrievers. If you are looking for a friendly and unique Goldendoodle puppy, Standard Poodle puppy, or Golden Retriever puppy, we have an excellent track record of success to point to with our dogs making excellent pets. Standard Poodles are completely non-shedding and no dander, exceptionally intelligent, and so easy to train and love. Our Goldendoodles are designer dogs that are a cross between Golden Retrievers and a Standard Poodle and are non to low-shedding with no low dander, if any. They are also highly intelligent, eager to learn, and make great pets as well as service dogs. Our Golden Retrievers are loyal, sweet, and so smart and laid back that they make anyone a great pet if you can handle the shedding with them. Balances due are to be paid in cash at the scheduled time of puppy pick up. We strongly recommend that all pups are spayed or neutered. Breeding rights may possibly be obtained for an additional fee and only at our discretion. We use a range of colorful Standard Poodles along with Golden Retrievers for our puppies. If you are looking to add a new family member to your family, we are happy to help you find your new best friend.
January 20, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More Labrador Retriever is a quite famous breed, topping the list of great family dogs due to their friendly and social personality. Now, what colors come to your mind when you think of the Labradors? Black, yellow, and chocolate. Silver Labrador Retriever is a beautiful color variation of traditional Labradors; because of the presence of a dilute gene. Their distinct coat color has caught the attention of many; however, not without some controversy. About the Breed Silver Labrador Retrievers are one of the rarest shades of labradors. They are a hyperactive breed with a compelling sporting nature. They respond well to training, enjoy exploring nature with you, love playing water sports, and are fond of the fetch game, making them perfect for active families. These beautiful dogs are well-known for befriending every creature they see without any degree of communication. They love being the center of attention and thrive on social interaction. A little clingy at times, but they deserve all that for their service just existing. Their agreeable personality and intelligence make them one of the most charming breeds. However, according to the breed standard set by Labrador Retriever Club, true labradors are yellow, black, and chocolate in color. Many breeders believe that the other colors are due to cross-breeding Labradors with Weimaraners. They were created in Newfoundland and were first introduced by the European to Britain settlers via the ships trading between Canada and Poole. Labs were initially bred for duck retrieving, assisting in fishing adventures, and as a hunting dog. But with time, their popularity grew more as household pets, and to this date, especially in the western world. They first started appearing, according to some sources, in , while others believe it was in the s. Now, it is clear that their distinct coat colors are due to the presence of the recessive dilute gene pair that has recently appeared in the Labrador gene pool. The source of that dilute gene is what makes their exact origin vague. This is why the profile of Silver Labs remains controversial for the most part. Silver Labrador Facts Silver Labradors have blue eyes as puppies. They are more prone to developing skin problems such as Color Dilution Alopecia than other Labradors. They are outgoing and social. They are intelligent and highly trainable Silver Labrador Appearance Just look at Silver Labrador slaying in this picture, like he was born to model. Silver Labs undoubtedly possess the most distinct silverish gray color that leaves an impact on the observer. Their eyes are a beautiful shade of yellow, on which a relatively small black pupil looks striking. They have long floppy ears that rest flat on the sides. Their nose, which is always in search of something to eat or sniffing butts , tends to be brown in color. These rare gray labradors have this indescribable charm that keeps winning people over. Owners tend to be drawn to their wide skulls and muscular build. The average height range for almost all grown Silver Labs is between .WeightThe male Silver Lab tends to have a slightly bulkier build in contrast to the female Lab. On average, the weight of a fully-grown Silver Labrador falls between 55 to 80 pounds. The weight range is 45 to 70 pounds in the case of female Labs. CoatSilver Lab has a double coat to protect them against harsh cold weather. Theirinner coatis denser and thicker as compared to their outer coat, which is thinand short. Their coat is overall smooth and shiny and feels euphoric to pet. Yellow and black are the most common coat shades in Labrador Retrievers, and silver and chocolate are the least common. Silver Lab Puppies A Silver Labrador puppy is one of the most aesthetically pleasing sights to the eyes in the world. The sparkly blue eyes and the smoky grey shade make a striking contrast. As time progresses, they tend to darken. Their eyes turn yellow after the Silver pups cross the age of 6 to 8 months. Silver Labrador Temperament and Personality Talking about Silver Lab temperament, just like other Labrador Retrievers, they too have friendly, affectionate, caring personalities. They are a very intelligent breed that makes the best companion to their human family. This high-spirited breed matures physically but remains child-like at heart, lifting the mood around the house by being jolly, goofy, jumpy, and adored by absolutely everyone. The Silver Labrador retriever has an easy-going personality, which means they enjoy every activity with you. They just want to feel your touch, no matter what you do. It is because of their attachment to their owners, which is why they are prone to exhibiting signs of separation anxiety when left alone on their own for too long. Moreover, it is a social breed that thrives on attention and being around people. These sweet creatures are the best friends of kids. Silver Labs are patient and gentle toward children; they can be their playmates for hours without getting tired. One of the best qualities of These dogs is they get along really well with other dogs and pets. On the contrary, they get excited at the sight of another human, hang out with them and try to impress them with how cool they are they actually are. They also tend to chewupon objects due to anxiety. The Silver Lab is an active breed, just like the black and yellow labs. In order to keep them away from destructive behaviors, they need to stay stimulated mentally and physically. They can be a little prone to nipping, so they do require a lot of your attention. Plus, if you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, then Silver Lab will prove to be an extraordinary companion to you. Due to being double-coated, they shed a fair amount of hair, especially the Silver Labrador, because of skin problems. Grooming Requirements Brushing As we mentioned above, labs shed quite a bit. And by this, we mean you will be able to collect an adequate amount of hair from all over the house, especially during peak season. Using coconut oil at least once a month can keep their coat neat, shiny, and soft. Gently massage the oil for about five minutes and then clean it with a towel. Bathing Bathing your Labrador Retriever once a month is adequate. Use lukewarm water and mild shampoo; it will keep their skin maintained. However, if you start noticing scratching of nails against the floor while running, walking, or jumping around, trim their nails immediately. Ear Cleaning Their adorable floppy ears need to be checked and cleaned frequently to prevent any potential infection. Always include ear cleaning in their grooming session. Health Complications in Silver Labrador Every breed is likely to face minor or major health complications. And we have listed all the possible health conditions your Labrador Breed could suffer from. When getting a Silver Labrador, always look for a reputable breeder. Life Expectancy Silver Labrador dogs typically have a lifespan between 10 to 14 years. It can vary from dog to dog based on health issues, environment, and other factors. It occurs due to the presence of a recessive gene. In this condition, your dog suffers from skin problems, including hair loss or thinning in the form of patches, itchiness, scaliness, or flaky skin. Vets give treatments to tackle secondary skin infections. Avoid using brushes with harsh bristles. The deficiency of type II muscle fibers causes muscle weakness, resulting in symptoms like stunted growth, trouble swallowing, stiff arched back, shrunken muscles, and low tolerance to exercise. They progressively get worse and are the most prominent in 5 months old puppy. Sadly, most puppies with CNM are subjected to euthanization due to their inability to function normally in life. No dog owner should ever have to go through this painful experience. This developmental issue in both joints causes difficulty or friction in climbing stairs, jumping, running, and even walking. Exercise Induced Collapse Labradors and their unending love for playing and exercise is not something hidden; their energy drive is high. EIC refers to the recessive autosomal inherited trait. Your Labrador Retriever, despite feeling weak, will still try to be active. Then after five to ten minutes, they collapse. Extreme exercise sessions are to be avoided in dogs with this condition. This results in excessive discharge from ears, inflammation, itching, foul odor, and head shaking. Otitis Externais one of the most common ear infections in Silver Labradors, characterized by ear canal inflammation. Ear infections are unpleasant and painful and cause discomfort for your dogs. Consult a local veterinarian right away if you notice any of the above symptoms. Over Eating Labrador Retrievers are quite popular for being foodies. Some scientists associate it with a genetic mutation. Sometimes, overeating might also indicate an underlying serious health issue like hypothyroidism. Silver Labrador Diet and Nutrition Your high-energy Labrador Retriever needs a high-quality, nutritious, and protein-rich diet to function healthily. The amount of dog food you feed them may vary a little with their size and weight. For example, your Silver Lab of 50 pounds will need about 2 and a half cups of good quality dog food daily. The calorie requirement for an pound Silver Labrador is a little higher; they will need about 3 and a half cups of dog food to fulfill their 1, calorie requirement each day. Consider getting dog food that has adequate calcium for better joint development. And remember, it is always best to divide the meals into 3 to 4 intervals for better digestion. These greedy creatures tend to unleash their inner ever-hungry beast at the sight of food, which causes bloating. In order to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, 60 minutes of exercise every day is essential. And if your Lab is super active, make it 1. Labs love playing fetch, running, going on fast-paced walking, and being goofy. Thus, their exercise session can include any activity; just make sure they get enough exercise every day! Dedicate one hour of your time daily to your dog, and give them all your attention and love. Apart from playing and exercising, you can keep them busy by getting them interactive and stimulating toys. Those toys also help them in providing comfort when you leave them alone for a while. They are a highly intelligent breed and can be easily trained. They are a welcome addition to most families. Positive reinforcements work well with them; their love for food makes it easier to lure them into doing literally anything you want. All you need is a favorite treat, toy, or any complimentary food, and boom; your Lab becomes the most obedient boy in the world. As puppies, they are easier to control and manage, while the adult Labs are larger in size and can be a little stubborn. Conclusion Altogether, Silver Labrador dogs have all lovable characteristics, just like the traditional Labrador. They are outgoing, energetic, sweet, intelligent, and loyal furry friends. Their friendliness towards kids, strangers and other pets makes them great dogs for families. You might face a little difficulty finding reputable silver labrador breeders when getting a Silver Labrador. Follow your heart and go for it! Related Guide:. What age do black Labs get grey hair? The term grey Lab means different things to different people. Some people interpret it as meaning a silver or charcoal colored Lab, whilst others will call to mind a senior Lab whose coat color is fading with old age. This litter of silver and charcoal Labrador puppies are grey from birth. Other Labs acquire greyness as they age. What is a grey Lab? Someone referring to a grey Labrador Retriever could mean: A black Labrador with color dilution, so their coat looks charcoal grey. A chocolate Labrador with color dilution, so their coat looks silver grey. Or even a senior Labrador, who is starting to lose the pigmentation in their coat. Each of these possibilities looks subtly or not so subtly different from the other two. And the first two are even considered rather scandalous among some Labrador Retriever purists. Are grey Labs purebred? The pedigree status of silver and charcoal grey Labs is a divisive topic. The three standard Labrador colors accepted by the American Kennel Club are black, brown and yellow. Charcoal and silver grey coats are modified versions of black and chocolate coats, respectively. The dilute gene suppresses pigment production in hair follicles, so the color appears less saturated. Color dilution inheritance is recessive, which means dogs with only one copy of the gene carry it silently without expressing it. And only puppies who inherit two copies — one from each parent — express it. Lab breeders are divided as to whether this means the dilute gene has always existed at low frequency in the Labrador population. It would have been expressed very rarely as long as breeders avoided mating two dogs with a known family history of dilute coats together. And affected puppies may simply have been culled at birth. On the other hand, some breeders remain convinced that the dilute gene was not present in Labradors when the breed was founded, and it must have been introduced later by outcrossing with dogs like Weimaraners and presumably lying about it on the pedigree certificate for the puppies. Silver Labs Silver Labs, like the dog below, are born with the genes for a chocolate brown coat, and two copies of the color dilution gene. The result is a soft, shimmering, ethereal warm grey. Their nose leather and paw pads are lighter than usual too, and their eyes are often green. Their temperament is the same as a non-dilute chocolate Lab. Compared to black and yellow Labs, chocolate Labs are consistently described in owner surveys as harder to train, more excitable, more agitated when ignored, and more reactive to loud noises. The exposed skin can also be prone to flaking and itchiness. The hair loss is irreversible, but veterinarians can prescribe medicines to relieve the itchiness and flaking. Unfortunately, chocolate Labradors are also more prone to ear infections, eczema and obesity than black and yellow Labs. They also live for one year less, on average. Since silver coats are based on chocolate, silver Lab puppies also have a shorter average lifespan than other grey Labrador dogs. Charcoal Lab Charcoal Labradors have the genetic instructions for a black coat, plus color dilution. The result is the same color known as blue in many other dog breeds. Charcoal Labradors have the same temperament as black Labs. All of them are intelligent, active, and friendly with other dogs and people alike. The finer details of their temperament will be influenced by: Sex Whether they come from working or show lines Early socialization How much physical activity they get And even diet. Charcoal grey Labrador health is generally better than silver Lab health, but they are also vulnerable to color dilution alopecia. Both charcoal and silver Lab puppies are prone to the same common health problems of all Labradors over their lifetime. Namely: Hip dysplasia. How the dilute gene works Labrador coat color is controlled by a set of genes. You can read about the way B genes and E genes influence coat color in this article on Labrador color inheritance. However, the silver color is controlled by a different gene, the D gene. The D gene acts as a type of switch. Some would like to see silver labradors banned In simple terms, genes come in pairs. Big D produces full strength coat color. Little d produces a dilute color. This means that a Labrador needs two copies of the dilute gene in order to have dilute fur. Only the third combination would produce a silver coat. Unless little d is paired with another little d, it will have no effect. In some breeds of dog, all individuals have two little d genes. Weimaraners, for example. And the recent appearance of the double little d gene in chocolate Labradors is what has enabled the silver Lab to appear on the scene. Where do silver Labs come from? Reports of silver Labradors seem to have first appeared in the United States in the s. Culo Silver Labs was one of the early kennels to produce this new silver color. You may be interested to read this report of an interview with the owner Dean Crist giving his account of the history of the silver Lab. Exactly how this new color came to be is a question that many people are asking, and arguing about. People want to know where silver Labradors came from and how they were created. In particular, they want to know how the double dd gene got into the purebred Labrador. How did the dilute gene get into Labradors? There are a number of options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog mixed breeding spontaneous mutation hidden genes The first and most obvious explanation is that at some point, an outcross occurred, between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene. A Weimaraner for example 1 Mixed breeding Many people believe that the first silver Labs were crossbreeds. Not only is this theory plausible, there are clear motives for dog breeders to create a new color variation in an existing breed. I will let you be the judge, as there is no evidence at this time, one way or the other. However, it is interesting to note that Silver Labradors can be traced back to two breeders. An update to her original article, however, also notes that she previously claimed that Weimaraners were also bred in those same kennels, but found out that that fact was in doubt. Those in favor of the Weimaraner outcross theory often claim silvers have a houndy look about them. To be fair, this is true of many field-bred Labradors of any color. And most silver Labradors today look pretty much the same as any other Labrador Retriever — apart from the fact that they are silver. The cross-breeding theory has been a very popular one. But recently it has lost some credibility due to genetic testing of silver Labs which has failed to show a link to Weimaraners. This is another way that a rare or unusual characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were previously unaffected by it. Partly because the other two explanations are both so plausible. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that already exists for an unusual coat color in another breed would be something of a coincidence. Many people feel that the spontaneous appearance of this dd dilution gene in the Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, it cannot be entirely ruled out. This explanation for the appearance of the silver Labrador in the s is perhaps the most valid alternative to the cross breeding theory. We know that some genes are dominant over others. And can mask or hide them. We call the masked or hidden genes recessive. Many diseases are caused by recessive genes and only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies Genes carrying rare diseases can remain hidden for decades, only to appear when closely related dogs are mated together. This happens more frequently when gene pools are small, as they are in our pedigree dog populations. Colors can be dominant or recessive too The B color gene that determines whether or not a Lab is basically black or brown, and favors black dogs. Brown is recessive and a Lab needs two copies of the little b brown gene to have a brown coat. Brown labradors only became common when breeders deliberately set about mating them to one another. Some people argue that the rare dilute gene has also been present in Labradors all along, and that it only appeared, as rare diseases sometimes do, when two closely related dogs were bred. The first Labradors were not registered by the AKC until .Before then there would have been regular outcrossing with other similar breeds. Including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a breed that does have the dilute gene. So it is entirely plausible that the little d gene passed from Chesapeakes into one or two Labs before the Labrador pedigree registers were closed and remained hidden in the breed only to reappear in the s when the demand for Chocolates was beginning to rise. Silver Lab temperament and training Whatever the origins of the silver Lab, the silver Labradors we see today are very much Labrador in both temperament and conformation. Training a silver Lab puppy is a huge amount of fun. It takes a little time and patience as Labs can be rather bitey when small and rather bouncy as they grow into teenagers. Silver Lab Poppy makes friends easily thanks to lots of positive experiences meeting all kinds of people. Photo credit — Alison Hanks.
A puppy will learn faster if it knows that you are the leader. Merle can also alter different colors and patterns aside from the typical red or black. Whether you own a black-tri, red-merle, or blue-merle Aussie, there is not any difference apart from the cosmetics or visual appeal. Generally, Australian Shepherds are rather healthy dogs. For instance, they are hyperactive dogs that need to work. All Australian Shepherds generally have copper-type markings that signal they are truly an Aussie. Maintenance and Care Australian Shepherds are comparatively simple to care for but require a great deal of maintenance. The ideal thing you can do to make sure a happy and healthier dog is diet and exercise. Adopt or Purchase? Should you decide that you would prefer to purchase a puppy? Additionally, German Shepherd puppies have to be actively socialized. With other dogs, people, and places as a way to grow up with confidence, they should be balanced dogs. If you are a dog owner who is looking for a blue Merle German shepherd. Make sure that you buy from a reputable and trusted breed. There are many breeds of this type of dog out there and you need to do your research. And be sure that you are getting a good breed that will last for a lifetime. The blue Merle is a popular color and has a great name. It has a very long coat that makes it very sleek and easy to groom. They are very gentle dogs that love attention but will not get angry because they are of a certain color. This makes them great pets for families that do not have a lot of time to spend with their children or pets. A good breed of blue Merle is a cross between a long-haired German shepherd and a short-haired one. There is a genetic reason why the color blue merles come into existence and it is believed to be a recessive trait. This means that if a dog is of one color and has another color on the same side, then the resulting offspring will be blue. The blue Merle is often a cross between a poodle and a miniature Schnauzer. The poodles are known for their manliness and love to have children around. On the other hand, schnauzers are extremely affectionate and loving. There are many different characteristics that you should look for when you are looking at purchasing a blue Merle German Shepherd. First, make sure that you look for long and flowing hair. You want to look at the eyes as well because this is where you will be able to tell if the dog is nervous or not. You also want to make sure that you are buying from a good breeder or rescue group. Make sure that you do not take your chances with a pet that may get hurt or worse. Also, make sure that you have your pet spayed or neutered so that it will be less aggressive. So now that you know what a good breed is and have some ideas of what traits that you would like your dog to have, it is time to look for one. A good place to start is with a local breeder that you can trust and that you feel comfortable with. After finding a good breeder or rescue group, make sure that you have your pet evaluated by an expert in the field before bringing your pet to the new home with the blue Merle. A lot of research has been done about this type of dog and this should help you make an informed decision. Ask as many questions as possible to ensure that you are getting a good fit for your family. If you feel that your dog will be too demanding, then you should keep looking until you find one that you can afford. When you bring the blue Merle into your home, make sure that you set up an environment where your family can get to know each other. This will also give you a chance to bond with your pet. Remember, this is a special pet and you have to make sure that everyone is happy. One final tip on how to find a good blue Merle is to use the internet. If you do not live near a breeder or a shelter, then search for a rescue group online and read their website to learn all you can about their puppies. These shelters can sometimes have great puppies that are left to fend for themselves but they are often in poor health, so you should not buy from these puppy mills. Once you find a good breeder, make sure that you do your homework before buying. If you have not been keeping German Shepherds, then I encourage you to do so. The reasons for this are many. This breed is adorable, full of love, and very lovable. This article will give you all the information you need to adopt a Blue Merle German Shepherd. The first thing you need to know when learning how to adopt a German Shepherd is that adopting a puppy can cost anywhere from two thousand up to ten thousand dollars. This all depends on where you live. Some areas have more licenses required for puppies than others, and the cost could go up even more. It is best to find out all you can before choosing to adopt one from a shelter or other place. The cost is so high because these dogs need a lot of care and love before they are fully grown, and they are very protective as a breed. When you adopt a German Shepherd, you are adopting a very energetic dog. They need lots of walking and daily exercise. A blue Merle has a high prey drive, which means they will pursue anything that moves. If you have children in the house, they may get bitten or even choke on their new puppy. These puppies can get very aggressive if provoked. Be prepared for this. When playing with children, it is best to keep your pup on a leash. If you decide to adopt a blue Merle German Shepherd, you should also be prepared to get an inoculation shot. This is very important because the virus that causes this is the same virus that causes hip dysplasia in humans. Because it is a rare disease, the chances of your pup contracting this disease are slim. German Shepherds are very protective dogs and should be around all members of the family. This includes children. You should also not allow your pup to go outside unless there is another adult in the family, such as a parent or grandparent. A responsible breeder will not allow an unplanned pregnancy, and will also not allow the pup to be alone without the supervision of an adult in the household. When your puppy is old enough, he or she will be trained to stay out of the room where the other animals sleep. A German Shepherd can end up inside the room of another animal. You will have to make sure that your pup understands that when you are away, he or she has to stay in his room. Having a blue German Shepherd in the family also means that he or she will get acquainted with the people in the family. It is common for puppies to become shy around people. But they usually become friendly once they get to know more people. If you are thinking about having puppies, make sure that you carefully research breeding requirements. Blue German Shepherds can make wonderful, loyal companions, but you have to make sure that you are ready for the responsibility. You have to keep in mind that the puppy should be socialized before you introduce him or her to other people. You must consult a professional trainer to help you with training. This is the time when he or she needs to get used to humans and other animals. During this crucial period, it is vital to establish early on that you are the alpha owner. Remember that a puppy will not obey just because you tell it to do so. You have to take charge and be the one who establishes rules and discipline. An important part of training your puppy is getting him or her used to being indoors. Give your dog sufficient amounts of outdoor exercise, so that he or she gets used to the routine of going outside. It is also important to establish a routine for feeding. Schedule feeding times in the same manner as you would schedule bedtime. You can teach your blue German Shepherd that the four-legged friend who loves you always gets an equal amount of attention and love. Share this:. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. The German Shepherd mixed with Australian Shepherd dogs weighs from 46 to 65 pounds. Its parent breeds are notably medium to large-sized dogs. The height of this crossbreed could range from 20 to 23 inches. Its coat is remarkably dense. You should be wary about warm places due to the coat of this dog. The colors of their coat can come out as a combination of white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, and sable. The Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix makes a very energetic dog, suitable for owners and families with an active lifestyle. This dog also loves going outdoors and exploring nature. The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs. They can be trained well to become service and therapy dogs. High intelligence causes less worry and more pride to the owners. The trainers would require less training time for this crossbreed. The mixed puppy has a clingy nature. Its affectionate nature may also contribute to a fearful state, often leading to separation anxiety. This condition may be averted by employing effective obedience training and socialization. Overall, this crossbreed is a dependable and wonderful companion. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Puppies for Sale Finding a breeder for a crossbreed tends to be more difficult than going into a pet store and purchasing a new pet. The quality of the crossbreed is drastically high when the dog is acquired through reliable breeders. One place where you can spot potential professional breeders is at a dog show. Certified breeders often attend this event. You can gauge the temperament and disposition of some dog breeds during the dog show as well. This event could help you decide better on what breed to get. There are designated and verified parent clubs that you can access and reach out to. These parent clubs provide support for breed-specific studies, along with the help of AKC. You can seek out public opinion regarding some breeders. There are breeders with website and comments. You will see disappointed owners or prospective buyers if the breeder has pending issues on the environment and health problems of the dogs. There is no accessible list of substantiated breeders for the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix dogs at this time. These places are good grounds for acquiring your new family member. Following these steps will assure that your dog will be in top appearance throughout all the seasons. Brushing is an essential part of grooming this mixed breed. The German Shepherd Australian Shepherds shed heavily throughout the year. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. I recommend two to four times of brushing per week for this crossbreed. Another function of brushing the coat is providing proper insulation for the dog. Some owners prefer this step. This may or may not reduce the insulating property of the coat. There is a possibility that the coat will not grow as well as before it was shaved. While you are brushing its coat, you should also check for tick and flea infestations. You may also need a pair of thinning shears. You need to do minimal trimming of the feet, tail, ears, britches, and legs. With the use of a slicker brush, you will gently brush the hair from the toes toward the leg of the dog. You will cut the hair sticking above the foot and the lengthier hair surrounding the foot. You can use the shears to cut a vertical line at the end of the tail. You only need to cut the hair with excess length. Trimming this part involves following the natural curve of the coat. The special spot to notice is the coat on the ear. If you lack the basic grooming tools or enough time, there are dog wash salons that may also offer grooming services. You can also contact and find professional groomers to help you with the activity. The risk factors and genetic mutations in the parent breeds affect the disposition of the offspring. The Australian Shepherd parent breed is relatively healthier than the other dog breeds. It suffers less skin, coat, and bone problems. It manifests as spontaneous bleeding. Dogs could have internal bleeding in muscles or joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia: This malformation can spontaneously occur to the dog. It leads to joint inflammation at a young dog age. The cartilage in the hip socket is greatly affected in this disease. This degenerative disease ultimately ends in blindness. Epilepsy: It is a serious neurologic disorder that can be triggered by infections and injury. This may have structural or idiopathic causes. For German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs, this health issue has an idiopathic origin. Collie Eye Anomaly: This is a group of eye issues that may be minor to fatal. It may cause unilateral or bilateral disturbances. If you established enough rapport with the breeder, you can contact him more about the proper management of the dogs. Professional breeders will gladly inform you about the health hazards, genetic and non-genetics, and other things you need to watch for. They made the effort to subject the parent dogs and the offspring to screening tests. A regular appointment with a reliable veterinarian can help you a lot in maintaining the health of the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix dogs. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements You will need a great diet plan to sustain the energy of this agile crossbreed. This mixed pup could grow to a helpful working dog, so it is crucial to maintaining a steady and strong development. A healthy quantity of the dog depends on some variables. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are chloride and sodium. They affect the cardiac and skeletal muscles. They also contribute to the correct functioning of the nervous system. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Australian Shepherd crossed with German Shepherd dogs. These ingredients contribute to building strong muscles and giving energy to the dog. It is gluten-free. The formula has Omega-3 and Omega-6 for a shiny coat. It also includes minerals for the optimal function of the joints and strength of teeth and bones. Orijen Dog Food: This well-known formulation has a high content of protein, amounting to 75 to 80 percent. The recipe for this dog food is patterned on the diet of the wolf ancestors. Canidae Life Stages: This is quite a one-size-fits-all dog food. It can be suitable for dogs of all ages and kinds. It is equipped with antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics. It contains chicken, turkey, lamb, oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice, white rice, and cracked pearled barley. It can be digested easily. It has a healthy source of fat called flaxseed. It is important to know the benefits of this dry food, like its advantage to the brain and eye development. It has vitamins C and E that provide help to the immune system. This is a vet-approved formulation without any artificial flavors and colors. It has whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, and whole grain corn. Giving proper nutrition does not end in providing the food. You need to monitor if the diet contributes to the good development of the dog. You can check for possible weight gain by touching his spine and ribs. There is a breed standard that the dogs need to achieve. If you are able to feel the ribs, the dog is less likely to be overweight. Owners should be cautious with the possibility of obesity because it may be a manifestation of a systemic disease like hypothyroidism, insulinoma. Your inquiries can be addressed by setting up an appointment with a veterinarian. The professional can also create a detailed diet plan for the dog. There are also some brands that you should keep off of their food bowls, such as the worst dry dog food. Dogs pass on the genes to their puppy pups, and thus they can develop a different taste for food, which is why you can try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. If you own a puppy, scan through the best puppy food brands, and for gray-coated grandpa doggos, chose something from the best senior dry dog food list. All changes in nutrition should be made after discussing it with your vet. The crossbreed inherited the athletic nature of its parent breeds. The duration of vigorous physical activities should be at least one and a half hour. Different techniques to gain the attention and interest of the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies are required to avoid irritability and aggressiveness from manifesting. You can involve the dog in physical activities such as long walks, jogging, hiking, tug-of-war, and fetching. Tug-of-war may intimidate some new owners because it could lead to increased aggression. This has great benefits if done properly, such as teaching about rules and boundaries and bonding with your dog. For fetching activities, the Legendog Flying Disc Rubber Catcher is a great toy that can fly higher than the average flying discs. It has edge bulges to let the dogs bite firmly. It keeps the dog fairly occupied. It has no preservatives, salt, sugar, or plastic. You can give it to dogs of all ages. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs has a high possibility of being hailed as service dogs, involved in search and rescue, and therapy dogs. These dogs are highly trainable and willing to learn. The owner has a role in supporting and keeping a level head during the training process. The emotions of the owners could confuse and distract the dogs. Choose particular tasks: You can heighten the productivity of the dog if you choose to train it with specific tasks. These tasks may involve fetching the newspaper or loading the dishwasher. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Basic commands: The breeding instinct of the Australian Shepherd may manifest in their offspring. Invest in obedience classes: Your dog will benefit greatly with knowing the basic commands through formal classes. You can have fewer frustrations as well because another person is responsible for the training. It is important to allow time for the dog to process the commands and avoid unnecessary pressure. Training will also contribute to better mental health for the dogs. If you are hesitant of the proper training techniques for your dog, you can refer to an experienced dog trainer. It is affectionate and loyal to its owners. An important factor in building a good family dynamics with the Australian Shepherd German Shepherds is making the dog feel that it can be part of the family, even if it is still new. You must do early socialization. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. Aside from its benefit to family dynamics, socialization allows the dog to be friendly to your friends. They are also friendly to children. With the proper training and early socialization, you can be assured that these dogs will exhibit minimal herding behaviors with your little children and other animals. You need to be careful in dealing with boredom in these crossbreeds. They could manifest with destructive behaviors if left unattended for a long period of time. These behaviors may include excessive barking which may affect your relationship with your neighbors. Life Span Did You Know? The dog breed originated during the late s in California when they were crossed with smaller, unregistered dogs thought to be Australian Shepherds. One of the facts about Miniature Australian Shepherds is they are known by a few names. These dogs are often a little longer than they are tall and are a little stocky. They are a hardy and rustic dog breed that finds themselves at home as a working dog and as a family companion. Due to their high energy, intelligence, and desire for a job, they are often used in agility training and other dog sports. Mini Australian Shepherds love to be with their families and are great with children, other dogs, and other pets. They tend to be loyal and affectionate. Mini Aussies tend to retain a puppylike demeanor for life and love to play. Although they can be a little wary of strangers, they are not known to be aggressive with them. As long as they are well-socialized, they tend to warm up quickly once introduced. MAS are typically very easygoing dogs, which makes them highly adaptable. Although they have a lot of energy, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation every day. As one of the best dog breeds for farms and known for their affinity with horses, they can adapt to sprawling acres full of livestock as well. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to excessive heat and cold. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time because they are affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Mini Australian Shepherd include hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature American Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds. They are known for being highly intelligent dogs that learn very quickly and are eager to please. Despite their high energy and getting bored easily, they are still considered one of the easiest breeds to train and tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Not only do you reinforce training and bond with your puppy, but you can also often socialize them too. Miniature Australian Shepherds have a straight to slightly wavy double coat. Common coat colors are blue or red merle, black, red, and tricolor, which includes a combination of colors with white or tan points. A MAS will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath will keep them comfortable and their coat looking great. Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the MAS is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. Brushing teeth daily, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal dental care for dogs. Starting a good dental care routine early and keeping up with it consistently can help prevent painful dental diseases as your dog ages. Mini Australian Shepherds have a lot of energy. Although they can sometimes adapt to your life and sit in a more moderate activity range, you should still be prepared for a high-energy dog. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for these dogs, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be small, but these dogs are easily bored and love to run, play, hike, and more. Making sure they get plenty of exercise and ensuring they have a job to do will keep their mind busy and help avoid any destructive behaviors that boredom might bring. Fully-grown Mini Australian Shepherds usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature American Shepherds generally live for years on average. Mini Australian Shepherds were popular traveling companions around the horse show and rodeo circuit. Their ability to get along well with horses, their loyalty, and their small size made them a popular choice for dog owners in these environments. Featured Miniature Australian Shepherd Article.
Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Meet Luna, the epic pug with a fiery spirit and a heart full of love! Lune, a pint-sized dynamo, is the embodiment of personality and charm. This little pug packs a punch and is ready to find her forever home, where she can unleash her infectious energy and fill your life with joy. No obstacle is too big for Luna - she fearlessly tackles then head-on with a wagging tail and a wagging tongue. Get ready for some serious laughter as Luna showcases her hilarious antics and leaves you in stitches. Beneath that mischievous glimmer in her eyes lies a heart of pure gold. Luna is a loyal companion who craves human affection and will shower her lucky adopters with endless love and cuddles. She adores the company of humans of all ages and gets along very well with other furry friends. A home that appreciates her spirited nature and is willing to provide consistent training and mental stimulation will be the perfect fit for this pugtastic dynamo. So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Luna? Fill out our application here. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 5, , am.
What Is a Sable German Shepherd? This is also the most dominant gene in the German Shepherd genetics. All of the first German Shepherds were sable colored. Sable color actually means that the coat is multi-colored and has black tips. It can appear on any base coat. In the German Shepherd breed, this is usually red or tan. Instead, you can hear them use the term German Shepherd Agouti. These dogs can grow up to be between 24 and 26 inches depending on whether you have a female or a male GSD , respectively. Females can weigh between 55 and 73 lbs, while males can reach a weight of 95 lbs! This makes them significantly larger than females. Sable German Shepherds come in various color patterns. However, the most common ones are liver on cream, black on cream, black on red, and sometimes even silver on cream. Most, if not all sable German Shepherds change their coat color as they age. In fact, before they reach adulthood, they will change color several times! Usually, sable German Shepherds will be born with a solid black coat. As they reach 8 weeks of age, however, their color will become lighter. Still, until they are fully grown, their coat color might darken again, or become lighter over time. This makes it hard for sable German Shepherd breeders to confirm the exact shade that your new puppy will be. You can get a general idea of what your sable German Shepherd puppy will look like by looking at his parents. However, if his parents are in quite different colors, then predicting the adult coat color can be challenging. Overall, though, your puppy should keep the markings it has when it is very young. The only thing that will change is the shade of its base coat, and sometimes some individual hairs might become lighter or darker. Are Sable German Shepherds Rare? They are not a crossbreed, and the sable gene exists in all GSD bloodlines. This makes them a lot rarer than standard black and tan German Shepherds, although they are still not considered rare — at least not red and tan sable GSDs. Still, if a base color is rare, that makes the sable variation of it even rarer. For example, silver sable German Shepherds are quite rare, while tan sable German Shepherds are fairly common. The rarest combination of all is recessive black. In fact, this is the rarest of all German Shepherd colors , whether sable or not. These pups look just like solid black German Shepherds , but they carry tan or sable genes hidden in their bloodlines. They can easily be confused with black German Shepherds. Overall, the only thing that makes sable German Shepherds different from any other German Shepherd is their coat color. Sable GSDs resemble wolves in that each individual hair has a black tip. Standard sable German Shepherds have a mixture of tan and black coloration. Other than wolves, it is found in only a few dog breeds. It is known that the agouti gene controls the sable color in these dogs. German Shepherds, just like other dog breeds, can come in many colors and patterns. In fact, many coat colors are considered faults and, as a result, they are not acceptable by most major kennel clubs. Some coat colors are unacceptable because they are connected with an increased risk of certain health problems. This is usually the case with white or merle coats. These colors are caused by genes connected with vision and hearing loss, so intentional breeding is frowned upon. The same goes for the white German Shepherd. Both of these colors are forbidden by kennel clubs. Photo from: nala. This is because the sable pattern has always been inside the GSDs genetics. The AKC recognizes light and darker sable colors, black sable, and bi-color sable dogs. Despite this, you can conclude that sable is a perfectly acceptable German Shepherd color. Still, there is one important thing to note. While sable German Shepherds are recognized by kennel clubs, it is unheard of that a sable GSD has won or even participated in a dog show or any type of dog competition. This is because the judges favor standard black and tan and black and red German Shepherds. Because of this, most sable GSDs come from working lines and not from show lines. It consists of a base coat with black or darker tips. This is because black and tan German Shepherds are quite common as it is. Some of these pups might appear brindle at a first sight, but upon closer inspection, you would notice how they actually have black tips instead of stripes. Because of their shade, which is something in between red, brown, and yellow, many dog lovers confuse tan sable German Shepherds with golden sable German Shepherds. In fact, according to many German Shepherd owners, red sable is probably the most unique and gorgeous GSD coat color. The bright red coat color looks striking when combined with black tips. Black Sable German Shepherd When talking about black sable German Shepherds, we have to mention that there is a distinction between classic black sable and recessive black sable pups. Black sable dogs look like a dark shade of sable. While not entirely black, the majority of their coat will be very dark in shade, with a few brighter spots peeking out of this dark coat color. Black sable German Shepherds are among rarer sable GSDs, but there are still many breeders that reproduce them, so you can find them fairly easily. On the other hand, recessive black sable German Shepherds look very similar to solid black GSDs, except they are a bit lighter in shade. If you look very closely, you could see that their undercoat is similar to a very dark shade of brown instead of being fully black. Recessive black sable GSDs are extremely rare. While they appear black in color, they actually carry a sable gene, so they can produce sable or black and tan offspring. Because this type of black sable is a recessive gene, there are almost no breeding programs that specialize in this particular shade. Blue is the dilution of the black pigment caused by a specific blue dilution gene. Your GSD can have a coat of any other color with the exception of black and still be considered blue. Yes, all blue German Shepherds will have a blue nose. The same goes for the blue sable. Their eyes will usually be of lighter color. Sometimes, they can even be blue. As the blue dilution gene is recessive, this coat shade can be quite rare. Liver Sable German Shepherd Just like blue German Shepherds, liver German Shepherds are also the result of a recessive dilution gene — except that this particular gene dilutes the black color into a deep brown shade. Instead, the hair tips and markings will be dark brown. Most importantly, liver sable German Shepherds will have a black nose, amber or green eyes, as well as brown lips and eye rims. Because this coat color resembles that of a wolf, it is also known as wolf grey. These pups can have black markings over grey, or even grey over silver. This is a unique color combination for German Shepherds, with or without the sable pattern. Also, instead of a black mask and black saddle markings, these pups will sometimes have markings that are grey in color. Because of such color overlap, some experts think that silver sable German Shepherds and grey sable German Shepherds should be considered as the same coat color. Golden Sable German Shepherd Golden sable German Shepherds have a pale tan or yellow base color which, when combined with black tips, makes them look as if they are made of gold. The easiest way to tell whether your pup is a yellow liver or golden color is to look at its nose color. While liver GSDs will have a brown nose, golden ones will always have a black nose, as well as dark eyes. While many things have remained unclear, this we do know: The sable coloring is caused by the dominant gene that can be written as AW AW. All of these color genetics are recognized by the SV. The SV is the breed standard set by von Stepanitz, and this remains something that all other breeders look up to. They are the result of the mutation of the original genes. Still, not all sable dogs are AW AW. Some carry recessive genes in them — for example, AW a , a German Shepherd that would appear sable but could have a recessive solid black offspring. The sable gene is the most dominant color gene in German Shepherds. In other words, all dogs with the AW allele will appear sable, even though they might have an offspring in some other color. Many dog lovers want to know if dogs of a certain color are more at risk of getting some severe health problem. The agouti gene is responsible for the sable color. In other words, the way you or the breeders treat dogs is how they will behave. A puppy that grew up with loving human parents will likely become a well-behaved, polite dog. However, if you abuse your dog, he will become aggressive. Of course, socialization is necessary for German Shepherds as they are large and protective dogs. Still, this is entirely up to the owner and not to the sable coat color — or any other coat color for that matter. Sable German Shepherd Temperament Sable German Shepherds are bred to be working dogs, such as police dogs and service dogs, and not show dogs. This means that they might be a bit more used to harsh working conditions, and that they are not as used to being indoor dogs as black and tan or black and red GSDs — although this slight difference in temperament is barely noticeable. This means that it is a very intelligent dog that is effortless and straightforward to train. He can learn new tricks in no time. Keep in mind that you should make sure your German Shepherd gets lots of not just physical exercise, but also plenty of mental stimulation. Sable GSDs can get bored easily, and this can result in bad behaviors. Unfortunately, this also means that sable GSDs are prone to separation anxiety if left alone. Separation anxiety can lead to many destructive behaviors, and your furniture or walls might suffer. While GSDs are serious working dogs, they are full of love and have a silly side to them. This also means that sable German Shepherds do great with children — but under one condition. Your kids need to know how to behave around such large dogs. While sable GSDs are patient, they have their limits, and they might snap if children go overboard. Dogs have much keener hearing than humans. If your kids are too loud for you, they are unbearable to your pet. Also, sable German Shepherds are large dogs. Other than that, sable German Shepherds make amazing family dogs that will bring joy and a feeling of security to every family member. Long-Haired Sable German Shepherd You might think that the only difference between a short-haired and a long-haired sable German Shepherd is in the length of their fur, but there is more to this. This makes them less capable of dealing with cold winter weather, unlike their cousins with double coats. Because of this, long-haired sable German Shepherds are more accustomed to indoor living, so they are calmer and more used to being around their humans all the time. Not just that, but long-haired German Shepherds of any color are not accepted by the AKC, and therefore, cannot participate in dog shows. All of this makes long-haired sable German Shepherds a lot more mellow compared to standard short-haired sable GSDs. Most long-haired GSD owners have reported that their pooches are cuddlier and friendlier than regular German Shepherds. If you want to get a sable German Shepherd with the sole purpose to be an amazing family pet, you might want to consider getting a long-haired one. They are still prone to any health problem that standard GSDs have. The most common of these issues is hip dysplasia. This causes pain and difficulty in walking. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, and not much can be done to prevent it entirely. However, environmental factors are important for the progression of this health condition, so there are some things you can do to keep it under control. Think of hip dysplasia as arthritis in humans. In fact, severe hip dysplasia can lead to a specific type of arthritis in sable German Shepherds. Make sure your German Shepherd is active so his bones and joints are well formed. Active dogs are less prone to any orthopedic condition, and hip dysplasia is no different. One of the best activities you can make your German Shepherd do is swim. Feed him only high-quality dog food. There are plenty of affordable, yet healthy dog food brands on sites such as Amazon. Good dog foods have to have lots of protein and not as many carbs. This will make sure that your doggie is energetic and healthy. You might also consider replacing store-bought dog treats that are high in bad nutrients with healthy alternatives from your kitchen. Sure, some human foods such as anything spicy can be harmful for your pet. However, tuna , fish sticks , or peppers , can be very beneficial for your four-legged friend. Another important thing is to never miss vet check-ups. If you identify any health issue early on, you have a greater chance of preventing further disease development. Of course, you should always buy from reputable breeders who can tell you the precise health history of the parent breeds. As many diseases that plague German Shepherds are genetic, a puppy born from healthy parents will have fewer chances of getting sick. While sable German Shepherds are prone to a few more health conditions, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA and bloat, they have a decent lifespan, and most live more than 11 years. As they grow older, however, the sable coloring will become more obvious. Despite the sable gene being dominant, this can become a bit tricky. You can never know at least not without extremely expensive genetic testing! In other words, you might breed two sable German Shepherd dogs and end up with a black and tan puppy. This is another reason why not many breeders dare to specialize in breeding them. However, quality dogs with good bloodlines tend to be more expensive. Some might end up costing thousands of dollars! While this might sound like too much money to pay, there is one thing to keep in mind: reputable breeders have a reason behind the high price of their puppies. Responsible breeders will conduct all the necessary health testings of their parent dogs as well as all puppies from the litter. They will do all they can to ensure that their dogs are healthy, so they can sell you only high-quality pups. Not just that, but they usually begin training and socializing their puppies when they are only a few weeks old. This means that the chances of your dog misbehaving or acting out of the ordinary are very slim. However, they are usually people who have ended up with an unwanted litter that they now want to sell. This means that the chances of you getting an unhealthy or misbehaving dog are quite high. Places to certainly avoid are pet shops and puppy mills. Dogs bred at puppy mills tend to have plenty of health problems. Adopting a dog is certainly the most ethical and humane thing that any aspiring dog owner can do. However, there are a few risks with adopting dogs. First off, you need to look for trustworthy adoption centers. Such locations will make sure that their dogs are healthy and evaluated before they are sent off to their new home. Also, you can never be entirely certain on the background of your new dog, both medical and environmental wise. You might end up with a dog that has a hidden genetic defect or an abused dog who needs additional socialization. Some people can agree upon this, and this is a risk worth taking. These dogs make amazing and loyal family pets, and they can even be great nanny dogs for your kids. However, you need to be aware that these are large and active dogs. They need to learn how to behave around small children and other pets. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation in order to behave, and you have to provide this to them. If you have kids, then another important thing is to teach them how to respect their new family member. Sable German Shepherds are known to love to have some space from time to time. In the end, the perfect dog breed for you only depends on your preferences and what you can provide for your new pet. If you want a fluffy and loyal family member and you are ready to commit to him, then a sable German Shepherd is an excellent choice. Post navigation. Although these dogs look different to other German Shepherds GSD , they carry the same traits and characteristics as other variations of the German Shepherd breed and are known to be very loyal. These dogs are bred to produce the perfect working dog and German Shepherd dogs have gone on to have careers in the military, the police force and as other service dogs. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Sable German Shepherds are, however, often more rare than other colors of German Shepherds, which can make them more expensive as puppies. The litter size for these pups will normally be 5 and 9 puppies. These dogs have a domed shape head with a long, square muzzle. They have erect ears and long necks, which sit low when running or prowling. They are a very strong breed and often are said to resemble their wolf ancestors. Coat German Shepherds will have one of two coats, either a medium coat or long coat. They are both double coats, having a more dense guard layer with a softer undercoat which helps to keep them warm when they are out as working dogs. These dogs are known to shed so they may not be the doggie for those with allergies. However, a proper grooming regime, which we will go into more detail about below, is important to reduce the amount of shedding and the amount of cleaning up! Color The sable color of the German Shepherd means that almost all their hairs will have a black tip to them, while the rest of the hair can be a different color. Normally this other color is tan, but there are a range of colors that the GSD can come in. These include white, parti, blue, liver, red and gold. They are extremely loyal and very family orientated. Because they are a working dog, they will believe that their job is to protect you as a family and are known for being alert and watchful, sometimes barking if they feel like they are in danger. Although socialization is important for a dog at any age, proper socialization for a German Shepherd will ensure they can interact with the family properly. Socialization is also important around young people. These dogs are very playful and active and love to be outside getting physical exercise. They also need a lot of mental stimulation as they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for long periods of time they can become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors, so it is important they spend most of their time with people or they are trained correctly to understand what behaviors are desirable. Lifespan The Sable German Shepherd has an average life expectancy of between 9 to 13 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health problem for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Sable German Shepherd, it is time to take a look at what living with one of these dogs on a day to day basis is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. It is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds and you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your doggie based on their weight. Experts recommend that a Sable German Shepherd should be eating 20 calories per lb of body weight a day, which may come to around calories. This is around 3 cups of food. As a puppy, they should be fed three to four times a day. This is particularly important in the larger breeds as they are most predisposed to bloat, where the stomach becomes bloated and twisted and is usually fatal. These three to four meals can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. Take a look at the food we recommend below. Sep 27, Jul 8, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you looking for a dog with all the amazing characteristics of a German shepherd, but you also want something a bit different and special? If so, then why not consider a sable German shepherd? The sable German shepherd is not a crossbreed dog but rather a recognized variation within the breed, so the dog retains all the benefits of a purebred pup. German shepherds are one of the most popular purebred dog breeds in the United States, in part thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and intense loyalty. They are also well-loved for their sleek, noble appearance. Interestingly, sable is actually the original color of the German shepherd breed. It is the only variation of the German shepherd that has the same color as the founding member of the breed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these attractive, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. Sable German Shepherd Appearance Sable German shepherds look just like most other German shepherd dogs, with the exception of their distinctively colored coat. The German shepherd is a large breed. You can expect the males to reach up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. The females are a bit smaller. Their heads are domed in shape with a long, square muzzle. They have alert, erect ears and long necks that make them seem even larger than they are. It is considered ideal for the dog to be longer than it is tall with a proportion of 10 to 8. Their bushy tail should extend out in a hook-like shape. German shepherds tend to dip their head low like a wolf when they are running or prowling, which contributes to the consensus that they look very much like the wolf ancestors of dogs. These dogs have double coats with a soft undercoat and a denser guard layer. The guard layer can be either medium or long, though the medium length is significantly more common. Most German shepherds are either tan and black or red and black. The lighter brown shade is usually their principal color, with a black face mask and black markings on their back which often look like a saddle. A variety of other color variations exist, including pure black, pure white, liver, silver, blue, panda, and, of course, sable. Sable basically means the dog has mostly lighter colored hair with a black tips, which can make the dog appear grey or mottled. In reality, the actual color combinations are more varied, and the sable pattern could be any mixture of tan, black, brown, or red. The term is mostly used in the United States. In other countries, such as Germany, these dogs are often just called grey. It has since become a popular working dog for roles such as search and rescue, police, and military due to its strength, trainability, and intelligence. The breed emerged from the s trend to try to standardize dog breeds to assist in certain jobs, such as herding sheep. Max von Stephanitz was a leading thinker in this area and was specifically looking for canine specimens that matched his ideal vision of a working dog. He found that ideal dog at a dog show in .He purchased the dog and named it Horand von Grafrath and founded the Society for German Shepherd Dogs to promote the breed and others like it. Horand, who was in fact a sable-colored German Shepherd, became the center point of a breeding program. Horand himself had 84 puppies, and extensive inbreeding was required to secure the characteristics of the breed. When the German Shepherd was imported to the United States in the early 20th century, it became popular with gangsters and bootleggers for its strength, intelligence, and intimidating appearance. It was also popular in Nazi Germany, and even Adolf Hitler loved the breed. As a result, it has gained a reputation for being a fierce, intimidating, and even dangerous breed. However, this says much more about how the dogs were used than the natural temperament of the dogs themselves. German Shepherd Temperament The color of a German shepherd makes no difference to its temperament, so you can expect a sable German shepherd to conform to the general temperament of the breed. German shepherd dogs are often described as active and self-assured. This, combined with their intelligence and eagerness to learn and please, makes them excellent working dogs. They are also highly obedient and loyal. Their extreme loyalty also extends to family situations. They will raise the alarm with their loud, deep bark if they sense danger. However, German shepherds are not naturally aggressive. This is a reputation that stems from the way that the dog has been used in the past. That said, German shepherds are often associated with severe dog bites. This is largely due to the popularity of the breed and the strength of their bite rather than any innate aggression; there are simply more of them around than many other dog breeds. Tests suggest that German Shepherds have a bite force of over 1, newtons, which is less than a Rottweiler but more than a pit bull. They tend to have a natural suspicion of strangers and like to chase smaller animals. Their intelligence and compliance means they can be trained not to display this behavior, but as an owner, you need to put in the work of training them properly and consistently. German shepherds are a very curious breed in addition to being highly intelligent, which is why they are well suited for search and rescue missions. German Shepherd Energy Level German shepherds are very playful and active dogs, so they need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to thrive. This is another reason why they often do well as working animals. Working gives them both the physical and mental stimulation to complete these challenging tasks. Pleasing their handlers is also attractive to these highly reward-oriented dogs. Ideally, German shepherds need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, preferably spread over at least two different sessions. However, this should be slightly less when they are puppies. There is always a risk of over-exercising puppies, especially when it comes to large dog breeds. As a general rule, you should exercise a puppy daily for five minutes for every month of their age until they are an adult. German shepherds reach adulthood at around 18 months. So, for example, a six month old pup should be getting 30 minutes of exercise a day if we follow this rule, as six months times five minutes comes out to 30 minutes per day. What to know more about exercising your puppy? Read our article: How far can I walk my puppy? German shepherds will love to accompany you on adventures, such as hikes and walks, and they also love swimming. They will do well at the lake, on the beach, or even accompanying you on a boat. However, even though they are excellent swimmers, they should have a doggy life vest if you are out at sea. They will struggle in an apartment, and their large size can make navigating small apartments challenging even for these nimble dogs. Ideally, they should have a backyard where they can move around freely, especially when left at home alone. The intelligence of these dogs means they can get bored quickly. While puzzle toys, such as a Kong , can help on the occasions when you do need to leave them alone, they are likely to become stressed if they are left alone regularly. German Shepherd Health Risks German shepherds have a life expectancy of a little over 10 years. This is normal for dogs of their size, and larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. You should not expect a sable German shepherd to be immune from these, especially since further inbreeding is often required to produce the sable color. It is common for these dogs to develop hip and elbow dysplasia , which is a developmental abnormality of the joints that can restrict movement and cause pain. This is often the result of different elements of the body growing at different speeds. The best way to prevent this is to ensure good nutrition and the right level of exercise during their crucial growing period. Even if the development of hip and elbow dysplasia does not affect the dog at a younger age, it can make them more susceptible to arthritis and other forms of joint pain when they are older. Older German shepherds often benefit from an orthopedic bed to take pressure off their joints. The breed also appears to be predisposed to degenerative myelopathy. This is a degenerative spinal cord disease that generally shows up in older dogs after about the age of seven years. If you are looking for one of these puppies specifically, you may need to go to a breeder. The sable color is relatively rare, and breeders have to control specifically for this kind of coat. As a result, you can expect to pay a bit more for a sable puppy than you would a German shepherd of any other more common colors. Are you thinking of adopting a sable German shepherd, or any German shepherd, into your family? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you and your home are a good fit for this breed. German shepherds are highly trainable and obedient, which means even first-time owners should be able to take on the challenge of training them. German shepherds need a commanding presence to keep them in check. The sad reality is that many people are also afraid of big dogs like these, and their behavior and response to them can cause serious problems. You need to feel confident to take control of your dog in charged situations. These dogs are also very active, so they will do best if they have a bit of outdoors to call their own that lets them run around a little, dig, and play. Just be sure your yard is properly and securely fenced in! German shepherds are very energetic dogs that need to be active a lot, which means you will need to be active frequently as well. As well as daily exercise, they will want to join you on weekend adventures rather than weekends on the couch catching up on Netflix. German shepherds need to spend a lot of time with their owners, as they need both companionship and intellectual stimulation. Thinking about getting a new puppy? Check out our new puppy checklist. Sable German shepherds have a coat with lighter roots and darker tips covering most of their body. The tips are usually black, which means the dog looks as though it has a greyish color. It is a natural color variation within the breed. How common are sable German shepherds? Sable German shepherds are significantly rare in comparison to the popular tan and black or red and black colors that dominate the breed. This is why a sable puppy will probably cost you more than other color variations. However, pure black German shepherds are a bit more rare. Are sable German shepherds bigger? No, sable German shepherds are not bigger than other German shepherds. The females should weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and the males 75 to 95 pounds. Look at the size of the parents to get a better feel for how big your pup is likely to get. Are German shepherds good family dogs? With the right training and socialization, German shepherds are excellent dogs for an active household. They will be loving, obedient, and protective. They are good around children, though small children should always be supervised around dogs, regardless of the breed and their level of familiarity. Accidents happen, even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and know well. What is bad about German shepherds? German shepherds tend to be suspicious of everyone, which can contribute to overly protective and territorial behavior. Proper socialization can help minimize this personality trait, but they will probably carry an element of this with them for their entire lives. The Verdict Sable German shepherds are not exotic crossbreeds but rather a rare color of the purebred German shepherd dog. They are actually the original color of the breed, matching its famous founding member. Sable-colored German shepherds are actually relatively rare, so they can be expensive to procure. However, aside from their unique color, they are just like other German shepherds, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are large and strong dogs with a lot of energy, which makes them well suited to hard work. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them ideal to train to complete complex tasks such as the roles of military and police dogs despite being originally bred as herders. Overall, sable German shepherds are: Rarer than just about any other color of German shepherd No different than other German shepherds as far as personality, temperament, etc. With the right training and socialization, they are very safe dogs. German shepherds are great dogs for active people who have a lot of time to spend with their pup and want a companion to join them on various active adventures. Do you have experience with sable German shepherd dogs? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article:. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.
what food do labrador puppies eat - One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Kentucky Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Kentucky? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Kentucky? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. OH MY!!! GRRAND was contacted by a shelter that feared bringing Athena and her pups into their shelter, because they were going to have to euthanize them all upon intake due of lack of space!! It took a village, but they are all safe, bathed and in foster homes! They all apparently lived in a barn stall, never leaving it, and standing on a ton of feces, which they were covered in when they arrived. Some of the pups are terrified, having lived in the barn stall, with no socialization, all their lives and are going to need families with a lot of patience! Kane known as Charles and Penelope are in the same foster home and here is what she has to say about them: "They are definitely more settled in now and some personality is starting to slowly show. Getting used to people is completely new for them and it shows, as you know. However, they both get excited, happy and eager when any of my dogs come around. Miss P or Charles have no issues with appetite, wrestling with each other, tolerate baths and the more exposure to odd things they have, I think they will turn into a very sweet and great dogs. Be in the lookout for the famous side eye he throws! He loves belly rubs and takes better to being held than his sister. Interested applicants should expect these puppies to be big, and you should be prepared for that sweet and independent Great Pyrenees personality… to know the Great Pyr breed is to love them, but they are not Goldens, and we suggest you do some research on this beautiful breed before applying! These puppies all will need a secure above ground fenced yard as Great Pyrs love to be in their yard to protect and patrol, and this happens best when they are in a secure space! GRRAND policies stipulate a few important things that may stop you from applying, and here are 2 big ones- A: GRRAND will NOT place a puppy under the age of 6 months with families with children under 6 yrs old B: Any applicant with children under the age of 16, will require a home with direct access to a securely fenced yard… meaning direct access to the yard from the home… so this means no apartments or condos. As with all puppies, they will need a home where someone is home most of the time as they need to be fed regularly, and let to go outside consistently and constantly ALL DAY LONG so potty training can be a breeze. They will be looking for a home with a fenced in yard and a family with LOTS of time and patience to socialize and work with a puppy so they can grow up to be good pups! It is a lot of fun, but it is a lot of work, and if you don't have the time, an active and non-stop playful puppy may not be for you! Families must understand there needs to be constant supervision as children of all ages need to learn to respect an animal and puppies, and need to be taught boundaries. We are excited these pups will finally get to know what a nice soft bed, in a warm and cozy home with a loving family is all about!
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what food do labrador puppies eat - Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.