what to feed my german shepherd puppy

You'll find cute, clever, and unique monikers that will fit your pup to a tee. By Lisa Marie Conklin Lisa Marie Conklin is a freelance writer covering health and wellness, real estate, pets, and home. She's also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on November 24, You would think gathering a list of black Lab names for your new Labrador retriever would be a cakewalk. After all, there's tons of creative names for black dogs already out there, but you want a name that truly captures who your black Lab pup is. No worries, we've got tons of inspiration for picking the perfect name for your pooch! Whether you're looking for black Lab puppy names or monikers for your newly adopted adult dog, you're going to have so much fun choosing from this list of names that parents of this special breed can truly appreciate. Can't really blame her. Dogs are very attracted to stinky stuff , after all! Check out these girl black Lab names befitting your queen. Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof , and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia. Despite their name, Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland, not Labrador. Continue to 2 of 16 below. Continue to 3 of 16 below. Continue to 4 of 16 below. Continue to 5 of 16 below. Continue to 6 of 16 below. A little training will go a long way. Continue to 7 of 16 below. It may require some training, but their instincts will know how to handle soft items. Labrador retrievers go crazy for plush toys and are often found napping with their favorite ones. Continue to 8 of 16 below.

These gourmet treats have picked up a lot of positive press. Here is why. Available in numerous flavors. Packaging seals really well; they remain fresh long after opening. With only five ingredients, these delicious wheat, corn and soy free treats have a chewy texture that will keep your dog wanting more! Perfect for Everyday Treating: With just 5 ingredients like turkey, brown rice, sweet potato and rosemary extract! Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty. Better food with fresher, simpler, all-natural ingredients. Feed as a whole piece or break into half or smaller size bite sized pieces Net wt. The following factors are excellent to consider, all of which have gone into the recommended treats presented here today. Neverthless, it is these kinds of things that will help you when buying any food item, treat or otherwise, for your boxer going forward. Ingredients and Nutrition It goes without saying, but you should always emphasize high-quality natural ingredients. Many of the cheaper dog treats are mostly comprised of wheat, soy, or other cheap grains, all of which can be problematic for your boxer. So, stick to natural, high-protein, and high-quality options. Flavor, Smell, and Texture The flavor, smell, and texture of a treat will largely dictate whether your boxer likes or even chooses to eat them. All three of these can put a dog off, or alternatively, make them that much more effective. Now it logically makes sense that if you want your boxer to do something, or pick up a command, that they will be much more willing to do so if the reward is better, right? And while you may be able to cut a few corners here and there, you should never compromise on quality. Package Size Be careful when it comes to packaging and product sizing. Some dog-treat products can be deceiving; some are more packaging than they are treats! So look at the weight of the item before you go ahead and make a purchase and compare price, like for like. Treat Size Consider how old your boxer is and what treats will be most appropriate for them. Your boxer should eat treats in accordance with their age, health and appropriately alongside the rest of their diet. Equally, some treats may be able to be fed more than others, depending on the nutrition and their ingredients. Nonetheless, as the name suggests, treats should never be fed too regularly. They should be fed sparingly and for a specific reason — not just for the sake of it. Remember, boxers do best on a high-quality diet of balanced feed first and foremost. This should be high in protein and designed with all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to support their phase of life. Treats can then serve as a supplementary and secondary role during specific contexts I will now outline below. When To Give Your Boxer Treats Boxers should only be given treats in response to good behavior, when calm, and firmly outside of designated meal times. First and foremost, it is essential that you never offer a treat during or at mealtime. You also want to ensure that you do not offer your boxer a treat while they are still running around, overly energetic, or acting busy. That will only reinforce that behavior, and you can end up facing issues with them being calm. Therefore, be sure to only offer your boxer a treat at the right time. Ensure they are calm — either sitting down, lying down or are waiting by your side. You may also want to offer your boxer a treat following the successful completion or response to a command. Finally Treating your boxer is one of the finer moments of ownership. However, that does not mean that you should offer any old treat or do so just for fun or just because they are crying. Treats serve a purpose, and they should also be of sufficient quality not to cause issues. Hopefully, my top picks and suggestions above will give you some food for thought no pun intended. Besides, they all met my stringent criteria. So, rest assured, your boxer will love them, and they will equally serve you and your boxer well. Related Boxer articles you may want to see:. Snacks, Chews, and Training Treats for Boxers Overview Just as much thought should go into what you offer your Boxer puppy for snacks and training treats as it does for their main meals since these tidbits can have the same detrimental ingredients as dog foods. And, snacks and treats as meant to serve different purposes; read on to get the most out of both of these. Snacks vs Chews vs Training Treats Snacks These are meant to be given in between meals to tide over a dog's appetite. One or two given at night before bedtime can keep Boxer satiated until morning. Snacks also help prevent rapid ingestion of meals due to being overly hungry. And, if the right ones are given, these can help prevent upset stomach from having the stomach too empty or queasiness that is linked to motion sickness. Snacks for Boxer puppies and dogs should be hard and dry. These may be labeled as cookies or biscuits and if you simply see the word 'treats' or 'bites', look for the words crunchy, dry, or baked. Chews Chews are a bit like snacks in the fact that they are given in between meals. However, different from a crunchy tidbit that a Boxer can chow down in under a minute, chews are meant to be, well, chewed. This aspect can make them good for a dog's teeth since the long and drawn-out chewing process can help to loosen plaque. Fortunately, there are some excellent alternatives more ahead. Training Treats These serve an entirely different purpose. As the name implies, these are used when training a dog to do something, and also are used to reinforce good behavior. So, these may be handed out when house training or command training or may be given out just to send the message of a job well done; for example, when your Boxer heels nicely besides you, behaves well around your neighbor, or had a successful play session with other dogs at the dog park. Because these may be doled out in succession or at many times during the day, these should be very small so that they do not interfere with a dog's appetite. Typically, training treats are tiny when compared to snacks and you may see these labeled as 'mini'. These should also pack a punch in regard to flavor so that they are seen as high value. For dogs, strong flavors like bacon, salmon, duck, lamb, and cheese are usually highly regarded, but sweet treats like those that have fruit can be greatly appreciated as well. Training treats should also be soft and chewy since this also contributes toward the 'high value' factor. This sort of treat may be labeled as 'rewards' and look for the words soft, soft-baked, chewy, or moist. Elements to Avoid You must navigate around snacks, chews, and treats for your Boxer dog just like you do when choosing a kibble for meals since you'll run into the same pitfalls: Chemical preservatives. These are responsible for a host of allergic reactions and are linked to both behavioral issues and health issues including some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Avoid Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 2, and Red 40 which are linked to a range of serious issues including neurological problems and allergies. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst culprits and is linked to a wide range of symptoms including anxiety, rapid heartbeat, numb extremities, and asthma. Meat by-products. These are meats and tissues deemed unfit for human consumption and includes spinal tissue, spleens, hooves, tongues, brain, lungs, and more. High grain count - Though most Boxers should have some healthy grains in their diet, particularly low or no gluten options like rice, oatmeal, or quinoa, high levels of certain grains like wheat can cause all sorts of stomach issues including flatulence. Note that if your Boxer dog's main meals contain some grains, grain-free snacks are absolutely fine. The Best Dry Snacks for Boxer Dogs Keeping in mind the points we covered that snacks should be dry and hard and given to satiate a Boxer in between meals, our top 3 recommendations are: 1. If you don't know about these yet, you'll be psyched that you found them. So, when you offer these to your Boxer, you can be confident it's a super-healthy option. The only trouble you may run into is choosing the flavors. Nudges Steak Grillers Dog Treats. If you're looking for some healthy meat-based dry snacks for your Boxer, these are it. But, keep in mind that this brand also offers soft treats as well. These steak grillers and also their savory chicken bits are the crunchy ones. In addition, they also have crunchy plus 'fresh breath' snacks via parsley and peppermint oil if your Boxer could use a bit of breath freshening. These have real meat as the 1 ingredient and there is no corn, wheat, soy, animal by-products, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives. As expected with our recommendations, these oven-baked treats are made in the USA. The Best Chews for Rawhide Alternatives 1. These are super-hard cheese treats made from just 4 simple ingredients: yak's milk, cow's milk, salt, and lime juice. These last for hours and are a much safer option than rawhide chews that can cause choking or internal blockage which can be very dangerous just be sure to supervise and remove the chew when it gets gnawed down to about 1 inch in size. As implied with its very limited ingredients, there are no chemical preservatives or additives of any kind. These are crafted in the Himalayas of Nepal and then shipped directly to the US in air-tight bags. These are ideal for Boxers of any age, just pay attention to the weight limits for the small, medium, and large sizes. These are also a great alternative to rawhides, they are hard and take some time to chew down but are made out just one ingredient: sweet potato. So, if you're trying to avoid additives, this is the way to go. Heads up that since there are no preservatives at all, keep these in your fridge. The Best Training Treats 1. Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Treats. Zuke's offers an amazing line of training treats that will make training for just about anything easier. These are the ideal size when you plan to be rewarding consecutively command training, heeling, etc. These are a top pick for training treats for Boxer dogs for several reasons. Aside from the round training treats, there are also sticks and the two main flavors for this line are chicken and duck. Are you a site member? It's free: Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information and submit photos of your Boxer for us to add to this site. Other helpful articles: Boxer Dog Care Tips - The most important things you can do to keep your Boxer healthy, happy, and comfortable. Boxer Dog Nose Care - The nose can get dry super-fast and soon there is peeling and cracking. See the top causes of dry nose skin plus prevention and treatment steps. Boxer Dog Paw Care - The paws can take quite a beating. See how to keep your Boxer's paws in great shape. Look and feel good, inside out WALK Essentials for their favourite part of the day The Boxer dog originated in Germany in the 19th century as a hunting mastiff dog and guard dog. The Boxer dog breed has a short coat in colours like fawn and brindle and sometimes, white markings. They are large, muscular, athletic and square-headed with a short nose. Boxers are usually friendly, playful and childlike. They also have one of the longest puppyhood stages of all dog breeds they fully mature at 3 years of age. They are legendary for their drools, patience and outgoing personality. They may be prone to snoring as they are a brachycephalic dog breed with short snouts. Whether you are a new pet parent or planning to adopt a Boxer dog, here are the best dog products to give them a healthy and happy lifestyle. Boxer pups can be fed appropriate food from Farmina, Taste of the Wild or Acana. Pups who are younger than 3. Looking for the best dog food for Boxers? Try Farmina. Introduce your Boxer to new food gradually over a week and not all at once. December 7, A long and healthy life is what we want for our furkids. Proper diet, exercise, and a happy and comfortable environment are key factors in ensuring our dogs live a quality life. Pears When we think of fruits to give to our furkids, we usually overlook pears. Unbeknownst to many, this highly nutritious fruit has no fat or cholesterol. Avoid giving the canned, doused-in-syrup version though. Chicken is a great source of this essential nutrient. You can also use chicken as treats by cutting them into cubes and freezing them. Chicken cubes are great rewards when training your boxer. Bully Sticks Chewing on tough chews like bully sticks are some of the best treats for Boxer dogs to promote dental health. Aside from being a long-lasting chew, bully sticks are loved by dogs for their all-natural beef flavor. These chew treats are also single-ingredient which means there are absolutely no additives and artificial flavors. Mashed and Chopped Potatoes Boxers love eating a small portion of mashed and chopped potatoes in between meals. Take care in preparing potatoes for your dogs though. Sweet and white potatoes have to be cooked until super soft to avoid choking and digestive issues. Dogs love potatoes even without the flavors and seasons most humans like in their mashed potatoes. Monster Yak Dog Chew Boxers love monster yak dog chews for their durability and delectable taste. The extra-large ones last even longer which makes them the perfect chew treats for aggressive chewers. These hard chew treats are perfect for boxers who have obesity problems. Watermelon A slice of watermelon will keep dehydration at bay! Boxers will absolutely love a watermelon treat after a long, hot day on the trail. If you have a pup who thinks water is his nemesis, handing him a watermelon is a sneaky and smart! Pups who are suffering from low blood sugar can greatly benefit from snacking on this sweet, refreshing fruit. Cooked Carrots We can almost hear your boxer smacking their lips! Dogs love carrots and incorporating a small portion in his meals or using them as a reward can help your boxer in maintaining healthy skin and fur. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are the main nutrients that your dogs can get out of carrots. These nutrients aid in supporting the immune system and a host of health needs. Filled Dog Bones Add some oomph to plain dog bones by getting filled ones for your furry pals. You can choose from classics such as beef filled femurs or peanut butter and jelly filled dog bones. Some fur parents even suggested putting these filled bones in the freezer before giving them to their dogs. Blueberries Humans love blueberries on their pies, cakes and artisan drinks. This superfood is packed with antioxidants that help fight off that nasty cancer. Antlers Powerful and aggressive chewers like boxers can get long-lasting fun from chewing on antlers. Not only can these hard dog chews keep them occupied for a longer time than the usual chew treats, antlers are also full of nutrients and keep anxiety at bay, they truly are some of the best treats for Boxer dogs available. No animals were harmed as we only pick up those that are naturally-shed by elks and deer. Lily gnawing on an antler Contents.

For the complete list please see our Breeder Listings page. The price of the pup will depend on the breeder from which you are buying it from as well as its bloodline and color. Even though the price is usually more expensive, you can be sure that this type of registration comes with benefits as well as recommendations from other breeders and owners who have dealt with them before. A great place to start looking for reputable breeders in your area is on the internet via Google or Facebook where you can see what kind of dogs they have produced in the past and what clients have said about their services. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Minnesota Responsible Boxer breeders should be able to provide you with many things such as health records, registration forms and even a written sales contract. Responsible breeders will also require an application from anyone who wishes to purchase a pup from them so they can choose whether or not you have what it takes to provide a great home. This is done in order to avoid impulse buying and possible backyard breeding which has been known to happen more often than most people realize. A good breeder should be clean, organized and have a large number of healthy pups roaming around the place freely which is a clear sign that they are loved and cared for properly. There should also be a range of sizes from tiny to extra-large since this breed comes with many different personalities as well as body types. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to meet and play with the puppies which is important because it gives you the opportunity to see their personalities as well as what they are like around other dogs, people and kids. Be sure not to pick up any pups unless given permission by the breeder because this shows them that you care about their space and boundaries. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Minnesota You can normally tell a great breeder by the kind of people he or she hangs around with. Any responsible breeder would also have no problem giving you references from other clients so be sure to ask them for these without sounding too pushy and keep track of anyone that they mention. The cost of your puppy is not what should be important here but rather the kind of person you are getting it from since a good breeder will always put your needs before their own when it comes to selling a pup. Since pups spend practically every second with their mothers before being taken home, past customers can easily give an honest answer on how well raised and socialized they are with other animals as well as people so pay attention. Ask for Photos of Their Parents Many breeders claim that their parents are great family dogs with no behavior issues whatsoever which is what makes them seem perfect for every owner. A good breeder should be more than happy to give you the name and number of their veterinarian so that you can set up a check-up for your pup before signing any contracts. Since pups spend most of their lives inside, they need constant supervision which can be hard with children unless planned properly. All good breeders will be more than happy to give advice or pass you on to someone who can teach you how to get started too. However, the problem usually lies in preventing any of these issues from occurring instead of dealing with them after the fact so just focus on finding a good breeder who will help prevent your pup from being put through unnecessary pain. If you notice anything unusual during potty training then make sure you report it straight away since it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs professional help as soon as possible. Training Your Boxer Puppy to Accept Your Commands Some breeds are very good at picking up commands while others can take longer so be sure to check if your Minnesota puppy has any difficulties. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Let's talk about our sweet boy Henry.Let's keep this momentum going!!! If you don't know Henry's story, Let's talk about him. He's a 4yo male boxer who was hit by a car in Ohio and left for dead. The shelter picked him up, and he waited alone for five long days for his family to come get him. They never came. A complete stranger saw the shelter's story about Henry online and wanted to help. This good Samaritan, despite knowing they couldn't keep Henry long-term, picked him up from the shelter and took him home and began to arrange medical care, while at the same time starting a search for others who could help find Henry a forever home. That's where MNBR comes in. One of our members saw Henry's story and connected us, and we stepped in to help secure a foster and ongoing medical attention for this good boy. Henry's original prognosis was that his injuries were catastrophic. He would need to have one of his legs amputated, plus additional surgeries to address what appeared to be major spine damage as well as damage to two of his other legs and hips. The situation seemed dire. But as it turns out, our boy Henry is a fighter!!! Despite his situation, he was in good spirits and started to show improvements in his legs, so the team decided to move forward with finding a treatment path for him. An MRI and assessment revealed that Henry's injuries, while extensive, were operable, and the orthopedic surgeon believed that they could save all Henry's limbs! Since then, Henry has had several therapies, including new water therapy, and he is healing! Henry is a sweet boy who is the definition of a champ! Henry arrived in Minnesota finally in January, since then he has been being seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary medical clinic. But we are not getting too excited his care is not over quite yet. And he will also need follow up appointments from the surgery he just endured, bandage changes, etc. Donations are tax deductible. Click HERE to donate now. Highlighted Dogs. Boxer puppies for sale Clearwater, Minnesota Boxer puppies for sale Clearwater, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Clearwater Minnesota? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Clearwater MN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Clearwater for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area. Wiki Clearwater Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:.

Contact Us About Us Von Goedehaus German Shepherds is a small working line German Shepherd breeder who has been raising and working with working line dogs since , and has been breeding working line German Shepherds since .They first fell in love with the breed when working in law enforcement. They purchased their very first working line German Shepherd puppy in and their love for the breed grew from there. While attending training classes with his puppy, Kevin caught the dog training bug and has turned that love for training into a life long passion. After making the tough decision to leave law enforcement to follow a new dream, he decided to attend the Tom Rose School for professional dog trainers and the rest as they say is history. Kevin has now been in the professional dog training industry since .He uses his expertise to take an active role in assisting Von Goedehaus puppy buyers with finding the right puppy for them. He has placed in both regional and national events with their dogs with PSA, and is also an active judge for the sport. In he received the great honor of being invited to judge PSA Nationals in Canada, and looks forward to many years of continued judging in the sport he loves. Cheryl developed a love for working dogs when she had the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest imported European lines when she was a police officer for .She could be found asking the handlers if she could play with their dogs after their job on various scenes was done. Becoming obsessed with the idea of having a German Shepherd of her own, she decided to bring home her first working line puppy in .The pup was a bit of a challenge to say the least, so Cheryl turned to online forums and pages dedicated to the breed. Deciding to start her own online community for the breed, with the help of amazing admins she grew the following for both the facebook page and group into a massive community. Over the years, the facebook page and group has helped answer questions for German Shepherd owners around the world ranging from nutrition to behavior related issues and more , or directed them to professionals in their area who could help them. The community has also assisted in helping countless homeless German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and their mixes in finding forever loving homes. Cheryl believes there is more than one way to give back to the breed, and it should not be unheard of for breeders to be involved in helping rescues in some way. Both Kevin and Cheryl decided to put quality dogs into the hands of working dog enthusiasts for work and also for families who wanted a stable active family companion dog. They began to utilize some of the finest European Working Line German Shepherd bloodlines to create the foundation for their kennel. They continue to further the bloodline they created from both the puppies they hold back from their breedings as well as importing very high quality dogs from trusted friends overseas. No matter what you are looking for in a quality pet or working prospect, you can trust them to work with you in finding the right dog for your family situation. Louis, MO. The picture of puppies in the bathtub is a past litter of German Shepherd puppies from Robin Blue. They are all adults now and all have happy loving homes and awesome families they live with. I have been a German Shepherd breeder since .I have all colors black and tan, black and silver, black and red, bi-color, black, white, black and tan brindle, sable brindle, silver sable, tan sable, fawn, blue, liver, and red sable of German Shepherd puppies. I have German Shepherd puppies for sale as pets that are wonderful, loving, family protectors. I also have full working line German Shepherd puppies for sale that would do well in a working job, SCH, agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, or as a very energetic family member. They are all sweethearts. Feel free to call or email. I always enjoy meeting and talking to people that are interested in German Shepherd dogs, as I am. Thanks for your interest in my puppies. If you are interested in having one of my puppies be one of your new family members you will have to call me on the telephone and talk to me about the puppy. I love all my puppies and just try to match them up to the right homes. If you are interested in one of my puppies please call me at home or my cell is .I will return your call. If you have any questions about any of my puppies you are welcome to email me too. My email address is whitefamily semo. I only have one email address. So if you are interested in any of my puppies I look forward to talking to you on the phone. I am proud of all my puppies and their parents and always enjoy talking about them all. Exercise Grooming In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd 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. Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. How fast can German Shepherds run? An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Do they shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Are German Shepherds good with kids? German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Why do German shepherd ears stand up? During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. Are you interested in purchasing a German Shepherd? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Add a comment 1 No one likes it when our pets do the business inside, but it seems and almost inevitable consequence of owning indoor pets. The best attitude to adopt is the no crying over spilt milk. Clean it up and work out why it happened and what can be done to change it. Which is what you're doing and your mother in law failed. Firstly, get her checked by a vet, it's possible she is not well. So not showing usual interest in food and having trouble with the toilet, these can be signs of a urinary tract infection or many other things. Secondly, whether or not she has a clean bill of health, it's time to revamp this dog's life. This dog needs positive reinforcement only, for the time being at least. A lot of play time with this dog will go a long way. This is going to take patience and time. If anyone lashes out at her it will set her back, particularly you, as her main handler. You need to earn her trust and she may always be wary of people, but she also may surprise you and come out of her shell if you work with her proactively. The best thing to do is find a treat that she does love. Dried liver treats are the universal treat dogs love. Reward her with verbal praise and pats with the food treat, so she associates your voice and attention as a positive thing. Take her out to dog parks and in the back yard if you have one and play with balls with her, allow her to escape from you in a fun way. If she's fearful, she will be comfortable getting distance between you both. Do not worry about her fetching or bringing a ball back, do not worry about calling her to come at this point. This is all emotional rebuilding, any obedience training can wait. You want your time with her to be all good, loving and lots of fun outside, snuggles inside as she trusts you more. You will find she is more likely to relieve herself when she is a distance from you. When you catch her going to the toilet outside, call out "Good girl! Use that same high pitched happy, a little excited voice. Tell her she's a "good girl" in your day to day dealings, with the treats and the pats, so remotely the "good girl" when she goes to the toilet will start to have meaning. Also vital, allow her plenty of room on the lead, forget about heeling, allow her to sniff and explore. If she feels constricted or frightened it will be harder for her to relieve herself, as she is on guard. Also consider buying a longer leash so she can move herself a longer distance from you to, hopefully, find a comfortable distance at which she can relieve herself. Slowly as you build trust with her, you will find she sniffs around and eventually goes to the toilet, keep the praise coming. Rinse and repeat. Don't remove the food rewards until she is toilet trained and then do so gradually. Let us know how you get on and post more questions as you need. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough.

For the complete list please see our region-wide German Shepherd Breeders page. The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary from breeder to breeder. An AKC registered German shepherd typically costs more than a non-registered one. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase. You can also search online for breeders in Connecticut. You can also visit local pet stores and ask employees if they know of any reputable breeders in the area. It is important to find a responsible breeder who is willing to answer all of your questions and who has healthy, well-socialized puppies. Buying a puppy from a breeder who is not reputable can lead to health problems and other issues down the line. When purchasing a puppy, it is important to choose a breeder who has had lots of experience with raising German Shepherds. Visit Your Connecticut German Shepherd Breeder in Person With almost all breeders, you will need to fill out applications, come visit them or make arrangements via phone calls to see the puppies. Most breeders want the puppies to go to their new home after 8 weeks of age. This is also a great time to have the pups vaccinated, wormed, and checked by a vet. All good breeders will insist on this. Visiting the puppies to see how they interact with their mom and littermates is also a great way to see if they are well-socialized. Reputable breeders will have no problem allowing you to come to see the puppies and their living conditions. They should also be more than willing to share with you any health clearances and show you the parents of the breed. When visiting a breeder, always be on the lookout for unhealthy puppies. If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find another breeder. They should be happy to provide you with the names and phone numbers of previous puppy buyers. Call these references and ask them about their experience with the breeder. Were the puppies healthy? Was the breeder responsive to any questions or concerns? Did the breeder provide additional training or support after the sale? If the breeder does not want to give you references, this is a big red flag and you should walk away. A good breeder will have nothing to hide and will be more than happy to provide you with references. The references will give you great insight into the quality of the breeder. This will give you a good idea of what the puppies are like and if the breeder is reputable. Most responsible breeders will be more than happy to let you meet some of their past customers. They should also be able to provide you with contact information for these people. When meeting past customers, be sure to ask them lots of questions about their experience with the breeder. If you get a positive response from all of the people you talk to, it is a good indication that you have found a responsible breeder. Keep in mind, however, not everyone will have only positive things to say about their breeder. Also, some former customers may be reluctant to provide you with too much information. If the breeder you are talking to does not have any references and will not let you meet any past customers, that is a red flag. Not only will a good breeder be able to provide you with references for their business, but they should also have no problem giving you the name of their veterinarian. This is extremely important if you are looking to purchase a puppy because it will help ensure that your pup is healthy. Reputable breeders will work closely with their vet and know them very well. Responsible breeders are also concerned about raising healthy puppies, not just being able to sell puppies quickly so they will take the pups back at any time if they become sick or develop health problems. If this happens, you want to make sure the breeder you are working with will be able to help you get the pup the medical care he needs. If your breeder cannot or will not give you the name of their vet, this should be a red flag. These breeders will not hesitate to sell sick puppies or puppies that have genetic disorders. They may also be selling puppies from multiple breeds and not just German Shepherds. If you are looking for a healthy and well-bred puppy, it is important to be able to spot the signs of an unethical breeder. It is important to ask the breeder about any health problems the puppy you are interested in may have. A responsible breeder will be up-front about any health issues their puppies may have and they will also provide you with information about how to care for the puppy. How to Prepare Your Home for Your German Shepherd Puppy in Connecticut Before you bring your new puppy home, it is important to make sure that you have everything you need. There are some things in your home that will be off-limits for the first few weeks with your pup and there are also some supplies that will be helpful. Once your new pup has gone through his shots and is at least eight weeks old , he can become a part of the family. If you find the perfect breeder who provides references and helps ensure their puppies go to good homes, then there is no reason why they cannot stay in your home. However, before you get your pup, you will need to get your house ready. The following are some things that you should do: Put away all of your shoes and other small objects that the puppy could choke on Make sure that all electrical cords are out of the way or covered up Create a safe space for the pup to sleep and play, like a fenced-in yard or a room with baby gates Have plenty of food, water, and toys available for the puppy If you have other pets in your home, make sure they are introduced slowly and carefully When bringing home your new German Shepherd Puppy there is one cardinal rule: You are the alpha dog. This means that you need to be in control and set rules for your pup. If you do not establish yourself as the pack leader, he will become dominant. This can be a difficult process, but it is much easier if you start as soon as possible. There are a few things that you can do to help with the potty training process: Take your pup outside often, especially after meals and naps Make sure that you have a designated spot in your yard or close to your house where your pup can go to the bathroom Reward your pup when he goes potty in the right spot Do not punish your pup for going potty inside, this will only confuse him and make the process longer German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and they will usually learn how to potty train quickly. However, some puppies may take a little longer than others. Just be patient and consistent with your training and you will have a well-behaved pup in no time. Now that you have some idea of what to expect when bringing home a German Shepherd Puppy in Connecticut, you can make the best decision for your family. Remember to do your research and ask lots of questions to ensure that you are getting a healthy, well-bred puppy from a reputable breeder. And most importantly, be prepared to commit to taking care of your new furry family member for the next years. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Connecticut? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Connecticut cost? Some German shepherd puppies for sale in CT may be more expensive than others because of differences in gender, quality of breeder, coat color, among others. Does your network provide German Shepherd puppies from out of state? We work with breeders and companies from across the continental US, and they all have previous experience of flying dogs reliably to any major airport in the country. But with our network, you could even find some of our partner CT German Shepherd breeders living right in your neighborhood! Whether near or far, Uptown Puppies has options for you. How do you screen breeders for German Shepherd puppies near me? We connect with breeders who have proven that they adhere to the highest standards in animal welfare. Check out our Breeder Pledge page for the full details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Getting a dog is a big decision, and we want it to go as smoothly as possible. That means making sure the puppy you get is a healthy, b raised with love, and c fits your lifestyle and family. In so many words, that is the service we provide. What is a puppy mill? A puppy mill is a business where people care about profit, not puppies. A lot of Connecticut German Shepherd rescues were former puppy mill parent dogs that were only kept alive to produce litters to sell on shady sites and pet shops. Are there any purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? Tell us what gender you prefer, what temperament you want your dog to have, the size of your home, and any other important considerations you might have, so we can find you a puppy that fits your lifestyle perfectly. How do I know I can trust you? There are thousands of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Connecticut, but you have your work cut out for you when you work with us. Uptown Puppies is in the business of building families by helping our clients pick out their new four-legged family member among our network of responsible and ethical breeders. Some of the families we have helped build share their stories below—we hope we can be part of your story too. Used as police dogs and family dogs alike, this popular mix is renowned for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence. If you want to find the right pure bred puppy for your family, look no further than the shepherd puppies at CT Breeder. Though they love to play, they were bred to be working dogs and thus thrive off of having a job to do. Throughout history, the German Shepherd has been used in the Military, on police forces, as guide dogs for the blind, and even for herding livestock. Though he may embody some of the best canine characteristics, he is not for everyone. He needs a family that is willing to put up with his high-energy and need for constant activity. You will find that your new puppy will need a lot of exercise in order to stave off the boredom this breed commonly experiences, and therefore nix excessive barking and chewing before it becomes a habit. Additionally, this breed is not one for being left alone. When left by himself for long periods of time, he may become bored and frustrated, and act out in ways that may try your patience, such as chewing up your shoes or barking incessantly. Though a great watchdog, the breed is oftentimes suspicious of those outside of his family. He requires extensive training and early socialization in order to become the socialable, well-rounded dog that you envisioned. Caring for Your Adopted Shepherd Puppy German Shepherds were bred to herd livestock all day, so naturally they have a lot of energy. Built for constant action, your puppy will need to be walked several times a day; if you have an area to do so, it is best to let her run around, unleashed. Taking her to the dog park or a dog beach would be ideal, as they get both socialization and exercise in one helping. Exercising your puppy properly will ensure that he or she does not chew, dig, or bark, activities that tend to turn off most dog owners. German Shepherd dogs like to chew. However, if they pick the wrong thing to chew on, they can damage their teeth, consume something that makes them sick, or even choke. Though the German Shepherd is generally a healthy dog, they are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus bloating, which can be life threatening , degenerative myelopathy, and allergies. To ensure the best health for your puppy, feed them the recommended amount of food a day, make sure they are getting all of the recommended nutrients, and exercise them properly. It is never okay to feed your dog one large bowl a day; rather, it is recommended to feed your shepherd four cups a day, divided into two meals. Shepherds tend to grow quickly during their first year, making them prone to bone disorders. A well-balanced diet will help them grow at a steady pace. Until then, do not allow him to run, jump, or play on hard surfaces. Training Your German Shepherd In order to ensure the most harmonious life with your German Shepherd, consistent training is key. Always reward positive behaviors, and take measures to extinguish negative ones before they become a habit. Some things to consider include: Consistently reward positive behaviors with praise. Keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, but keep it fun. Be consistent in your expectations. Make sure he is well socialized. Give your pup plenty of love and care. Do not yell at your dog. Do not lock your dog up or put her outside because you have not trained her how to properly behave. Do not isolate your dog. Do not reward bad behaviors. Do not neglect, shame, or blame your dog. Do not give up on her. Properly training your shepherd will ensure a peaceful and fulfilling life with her new family. If you want to adopt a German Shepherd but do not feel confident in your training abilities, our experienced and talented trainers at CTBreeder are known for utilizing the best training practices that are breed specific. If you buy a puppy from our new litter, you will get lifetime dog training guaranteed to ensure a lasting bond with your new pup. We have male, female, red, sable, and much more. In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices.

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. Email: pugbarn hotmail. They strive to breed and sell in a responsible way and always have the best interests of their dogs and customers at heart. Their goal has always been to provide the highest quality Pug puppies. The family continuously searches for the finest representations of each breed that they offer and strive towards the betterment of each breed. Father and daughter take careful measures to ensure that their Pugs get the best quality care. Breeding pairs are chosen so as to produce the finest quality puppies. A local veterinarian is always on hand to make sure each dog receives the best care. As such, all dogs come with state-required inoculations, heartworm and flea treatments, first shots, and deworming. A lot of research has gone into this breeding program and Simply Southern has now perfected some designed cross breeds as well. They base their business on honesty, integrity, and ethical practices. The safety and wellbeing of the animals always come first. The kennel is keen to offer comprehensive support to new owners and welcome inquiries. Their goal is to send puppies to wonderful, loving homes. All pups are loved from day one and enjoy the freedom to play with the family in their living room. Potty training starts at three weeks to make the transition into their forever homes as smooth as possible. MPABT pups are dewormed and vet checked at six weeks of age when they get a complete medical exam. Fancy a visit? No problem. The family welcomes visitors by arrangement. They even have plans to add a puppy room to their home for visitors. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Originated in Atwater, Minnesota, our state-licensed kennel is located in New London Minnesota on several acres overlooking a beautiful remote lake. The founders, Roger and Donna Ostendorf, started breeding this superior hunting labrador in the s. In , Donna and Roger retired and privileged us with the opportunity to carry on with the breeding reputation she had built. We are committed to maintaining the same quality of dogs that Donna had spent so many years developing. A field trial dog in the United Kingdom is required to have a calm disposition, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to please. He must be steady and quiet on the line. The British labrador is highly intelligent, calm, loyal, and even-tempered. Training success is done easily with a calm hand, repetition, and praise. This breed is ideal for hunting, service work for the handicapped, law enforcement, and family companions because of the aforementioned desirable attributes. Finest Quality Puppies We strive in all areas to provide our customers with quality British Labradors. The breeding done here is carefully managed. We study bloodlines, genetics, physical features, and personalities before breeding. Our goal is to produce the finest puppies. Quality bloodlines and health are the foundation for our superior puppies. In the 's the 5th Duke of Buccleuch imported the first ancestral Labradors from Newfoundland and developed the beginnings of the Labrador breed. The Dukes of Buccleuch have subsequently maintained this original strain of Labrador Retriever and have bred over many years a superb game finding dog to supply the needs of their gamekeepers for their vast estates in Scotland. The Duke of Buccleuch's kennels are the only Labrador breeding kennel which has been in continuous operation since the introduction of Labradors to England in early 's. One of their offspring, a 5th generation grandson, Peter of Faskally was a tap root of the modern Labrador breed. Peter of Faskelly was also the first retriever to be worked on hand signals in a field trial. Peter of Faskally did a great deal to popularize the breed. They are characteristically high in hunt drive and easy to train. The best of them is Tibea Duckflight, who exhibits great hunting initiative, great intelligence and exceptional ease of training. Tibea Duckflight is being bred to a few select bitches to produce puppies of excellence and of the original strain of Labrador. Scroll down for current litters and sires and dams.