black and white german shepherd puppies for sale

Learn more Island Grove is based on an acre farm in beautiful countryside. Here, the family has been breeding Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles for over nine years and has established a good reputation as a reliable breeder. The Poodle and Bernese Mountain dog parent dogs are all health-screened for the genetic conditions that can affect the breeds, so you know that your pup will enjoy a problem-free future. What Influences Bernedoodle Prices? Curly coats are also the best option for you if you hate vacuuming! However, those qualities push the price of those puppies right up, and you can expect to pay top dollar for one of those cute tiny Teddies. Some coat colors are also worth more, especially if the puppies have unusual markings. Breeder Reputation Generally, a breeder with an excellent reputation will charge more for their pups than a new breeder who has yet to make their mark on the industry. Puppies whose parents are health-screened for the most common genetic diseases are usually pricier than those not. We strongly recommend that you only consider buying a puppy from a breeder that can prove their breeding dogs are clear of congenital health conditions that could be passed on to their offspring. Beware Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders! Unfortunately, the demand for designer dogs has pushed up the price of puppies to eyewatering levels. That demand has also seen the emergence of unscrupulous operations known as puppy mills or puppy farms. Puppy farms produce as many puppies as quickly as possible to catch the current designer breed trend. By this time, the backyard breeder has long disappeared. Puppy Mill Red Flags There are lots of puppy mills that advertise their puppies online. Even the savviest puppy hunter can fall victim to a scammer, especially when confronted by a pair of gorgeous, cute puppy eyes! But how do you spot a backyard breeder or puppy mill? Here are some glaring red flags to be alert to! Cut and Paste Puppy mills often use the same advertisements. Look out for ads with the exact text used to advertise multiple breeds. Puppies should be eight weeks old before they can be vaccinated. So, if the advert says that the pups are younger than that and have been vaccinated, the advertiser is probably a puppy mill. Too Cheap As previously mentioned, designer puppies are pretty pricey. So, if you find an advert for a puppy that appears extremely cheap, the chances are the breeder is a puppy mill. Where To Meet Backyard breeders typically expect you to meet them somewhere random, such as in a deserted parking lot or even in a gas station. Photoshop A common ploy used by puppy farms is to use videos and photos of random puppies on their websites. No Waiting! Most reputable breeders have a waiting list for their puppies, often for years or even longer. Health Screening Certificates A premier Doodle breeder will be glad to produce health screening certificates for both the parent dogs. Those certificates should show that the puppies will be free from any genetic disorders associated with the parent breeds. You should also receive vaccination documentation, deworming, and flea and tick prevention paperwork. Insist on seeing the puppies with their mom and watching how the pups behave around her. On arrival, my friend asked if they could see the puppies with their mom and meet the dad, too. Dad was apparently away from the kennels on stud duties elsewhere! When I was puppy hunting some years ago, I spotted a likely advert on the net and phoned the breeder to ask for more information about the puppies and arrange to go and view them. The reply was dismissive, and I was told that I would have no trouble selling the puppy to someone else as it was super cute and very well-bred! Needless to say, I walked away. Contract Of Sale A reputable breeder usually insists that buyers of their pups sign a formal contract of sale. The report has a list of backyard breeders and puppy mills that have been shut down or sued for malpractice. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Illinois. If you found the article helpful, please remember to share it. If possible, go for a breeder that offers a two-year health guarantee. Did you find a beautiful Bernedoodle through one of the Illinois breeders we featured here? Tell us your story in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Available Bernedoodles Everyone wants the perfect puppy. You are looking for the puppy you can love, and the one who will love you back with unconditional puppy love. We understand and will help you find the puppy that is just right for you and your family! Our family raises adorable Tiny, Mini, and Standard Bernedoodle puppies. We provide our puppies with loving care from day 1 and ensure the puppies stay healthy, allowing us to present you with a happy, active puppy dog pal. We are best at producing Tri-colored Mini and Standard Bernedoodles and our puppies make great companions and playmates. Browse our website to see photos of Bernedoodle puppies for sale. We also picture many of the puppies who have found their forever homes. Learn about our family, our puppies and their parents, and how you can become the proud owner of a new puppy! Our puppies go to their forever home with the following: Prepaid ICA Registration Health certificate from our vet Up to date on vaccinations Up to date on dewormers Micro chipped 2 year genetic health guarantee Dew claws removed. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. Very healthy with no serious illnesses due to hybrid genes Long lifespan of years Very loyal, gentle, docile creatures Great family dogs Great with children, people, and other dogs Highly intelligent - Bernedoodles rank among the smartest dogs Easy to train and eager to please Enjoy spending time with humans, making them excellent companions Low-to-no shedding! One of the few larger dog breeds that hardly shed Allergy-friendly coats Make excellent service animals or emotional support dogs - Bernedoodles can be trained for conditions like PTSD and anxiety disorders Bernedoodle Sizes You may mistakenly assume that all Bernedoodles are very large animals. This is not the case, as Mini Bernedoodle puppies can come in a range of sizes depending on the size of their parents. Here are the sizes of our Bernedoodles. The curlier their coats, the more allergy-friendly they will be. Typically, F1 Bernedoodles are suitable if you have a mild allergy. Some will have wavy hair with loose curls very similar to F1 Bernedoodle puppies and will be very low to non-shedding. The others will have curlier hair like their poodle fathers and also be non-shedding. By two to three weeks of age, the different coat types can be properly identified. Curly coated F1B Bernedoodles are best for people with moderate or severe allergies. Also, the Bernedoodle is low to non-shedding, making it a good choice of breed if you suffer from allergies. Bernedoodles are loyal dogs, with fun-loving, gentle, and often goofy personalities. Due to their nature, Bernedoodles make great guard dogs and are very attached to their owners and families. Bernedoodles are also highly intelligent and therefore are very easy to train. Bernedoodles are good with children and excellent family dogs. Bernedoodles need less exercise and are overall more docile and less energetic than Aussiedoodles, but they still enjoy walking and playing outdoors. You should choose a Bernedoodle if you have a slightly less active lifestyle and love a dog with a gentle, calm demeanor that requires less exercise. If you suffer from allergies, Bernedoodles may be a great option, as their Poodle parents make their coats allergy-friendly. Bernedoodles also shed much less than their Bernese Mountain Dog parents, which is a huge bonus for most people. The curlier the coat, the less shedding and the more allergy-friendly they will be. Bernedoodle puppies are easy to train because they are highly intelligent and are often used as service or emotional support dogs. Bernedoodles enjoy learning new things and are generally happy, easy-going, and eager to please their owners. When it comes to new tricks, Bernedoodle puppies will learn fast and will be able to keep up with you, making training a breeze. Their calm, affectionate demeanor and generally adaptable sensibilities make them highly resilient creatures who adjust well to changes in the family such as new children or new living environments. Bernedoodle puppies tend to take their cues from their owners about new situations and people. The Bernedoodle is a healthy breed and they do not suffer from any life-threatening diseases as long as they are given the proper nutrition and exercise. Bernedoodle puppies are a great choice for people with more active lifestyles or children. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bernedoodles make amazing family companions, or even excellent service or therapy dogs. Thanks to its sweet temperament and low-shedding coat, the Bernedoodle has become one of the most popular Doodle breeds. Unfortunately, many people are still getting scammed by puppy mills that are well-known for their unethical breeding practices. An ethical breeder will be transparent with any of their documentation. In addition to that, they back their promises with genetic health guarantees that are usually applicable from one to three years from adoption. As they proudly say, they treat their dogs as family members first and breeding partners second, and each puppy is raised in a safe family environment. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Illinois, Central Illinois Doodles screens all of their parent dogs for various genetic conditions and orthopedic health. In addition to that, they only breed temperament-tested dogs with loving personalities. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They begin socializing the puppies from day one, and they introduce the pups to different stimulating activities and exercises.

Our final word on the Australian Retriever 1. Imagine a dog with the sweet, happy face of a Golden Retriever and the thick, multi-color coat of the Aussie. As mentioned above these crossbreeds grow up to be large dogs , reaching up to 19 to 30 inches 48 to 76 cm in height and weighing 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 27 kg. They have well-built bodies and broad heads with expressive eyes, a round black nose, and dropped ears. Some of these hybrids will favor their Golden Retriever side and have solidly colored golden fur. Many Australian Golden Retriever mixes also have facial markings, like this adorable little Aussie Retriever puppy: The Australian Retriever inherits the double-layer coat of its parent breeds. More often than not, its dense layers of hair have a coarse, slightly wavy texture. The Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mix gets along with everyone. Kids, other dogs, strangers on the street — the Aussie Golden mix will be friendly to everyone it encounters. The Golden Retriever-Aussie cross might be the perfect pet for you if you have young kids or other dogs at home. The Australian Shepherd-Golden Retriever mix has both herding and hunting instincts. Both its parent breeds are working dogs, so the Australian Retriever is no couch potato. This hybrid needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise twice a day and makes for an excellent companion for your morning or afternoon jog. Aussie and Golden Retriever crosses love to run, which they inherit from the Australian Shepherd. Of course, this strong herding instinct means that your Aussie Retriever might end up pulling or nudging you into the backyard for some playtime. Thanks to their Retriever heritage, Golden Retriever and Aussie Shepherd hybrids will love playing fetch with balls and frisbees. They also enjoy the occasional dip in the pool. The Aussie and Golden Retriever cross may wander off your property trying to follow a scent. The Aussie Golden mix will look at you as a pack leader. These hybrids need a pack leader who can provide firm, consistent guidance. They tend to behave best with strong-willed masters, so they might not be suitable for first-time dog owners. Australian Retrievers are intelligent dogs, so they easily pick up commands. Frequent training sessions, along with treats and verbal praise, will help this crossbreed adopt positive behavior. Despite its friendliness, early socialization ensures that the Golden Retriever-Australian Shepherd mix behaves properly around other dogs and family members. These dogs are moderate to heavy shedders. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner if you want to keep your clothes, furniture, and floors free of hair. The Australian Retriever has a double coat that sheds hair all year round, with springtime being the heaviest shedding season. Brush your Aussie Golden mix at least thrice a week to remove loose hair from its top coat. Regular brushing will also ensure that the undercoat will properly grow in. Make sure that you reach all the way down to the skin to distribute the natural oils in the hair. Trims will also help prevent tangles and mats from forming. Protein-rich dog food will help strengthen its muscles, bones, and joints without the risk of weight gain. The best dog food for Golden Retrievers will be ideal for Australian Retrievers, too. Two to three cups of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals throughout the day, should be enough for this crossbreed. Properly spacing meals for the Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mix also minimizes the risk of bloat, a fatal condition that commonly affects large dogs. Are there any health issues that affect the Golden Retriever Aussie hybrid? Like their parent breeds, Australian Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Eye conditions such as cataracts and colobomas can also affect these hybrid dogs. Golden Retrievers are known for having some of the highest cancer rates , so the Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mix may inherit the same vulnerability to the serious condition. MDS can cause fatal reactions to various drugs administered by the vet. The good news is that early screening can help detect most health problems in Australian Retriever puppies. As long as it grows up healthy, as mentioned in the first paragraph an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix can enjoy a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Where can I get this awesome dog? This dog is naturally healthy, and thus free from genetic-based illnesses. However, there are also reports of this kind of breed getting cancer, hyperthyroid, allergies, and many more. The best way to avoid these scenarios is by getting a breeder. With that, we recommend brushing it on a daily basis if you want to maintain its luscious and shiny coat. Otherwise, cleaning the coat at least once or twice a week will do. It is known to have moderate shedding periods as well, but there are two seasons where they drop more hair than usual. With that, you might also want to invest in a vacuum. Not only will this make your dog cleaner, but it will also save you the trouble of doubling your cleaning chore from time to time. In line with that, you need to create hygienic routines for the dog. As much as possible, give it a bath once a day. Not only that, but you also need to trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush its teeth on a daily basis. Ears that are in this position are more prone to acquiring infection due to the absorption of moisture. If not cleaned and treated properly your dog might be prone to ear mites and other infections. You can also rent grooming services. If you do this, you will only have to take your Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd breed for a bath when it is visibly dirty. For more information regarding this, it would be best to discuss it with your dog breeder. This is due to the flexibility and genetic variety of this particular breed. Reports have shown that the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is also capable of acquiring diseases such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, deafness, allergies, and epilepsy. Aside from that, some dogs of this kind are also known to be sensitive to drugs. But among all the illnesses this dog is prone to having, the ones you need to watch out for are pigmentary uveitis, heart diseases, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. Overall, however, you can expect your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd to be a healthy and athletic dog. A Golden Retriever can live from years. An Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of years. With these numbers in mind, you can expect your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever to live for about years. A dog nutritionist will tell you to engage your dog in routine meals on a daily basis. This will provide it with the standard amount of energy and nutrients to rejuvenate the ones that it lost running around and playing in your house. Meanwhile, here are our top suggestions for dog food. Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe Seventy percent of this dog food is made out of meant nutrients, which can help build lean muscles. With this dog food, you can also be sure that your pup eats corn, soy, and wheat free. You might also be thrilled to know that the company is known to be a manufacturer of locally produced dog food, which crosses out the possibility of some ingredients coming from China. One of the best features of this dog food is its 34 percent crude protein paired with 16 percent crude fat. Its top ingredients are deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, and peas. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage This is probably the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever crossbreed while he is still in his puppy stage. Earthborn has been known to produce one of the best dog foods for adult dogs, but the company recently released one variety that was specially made for Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race puppies. This dog food aims to give your pup a healthy brain and good eye development. Your doggo deserves to have the best care and nutrition you can give them. If you come across some of the worst dry dog food in the market, just keep going. Puppies should get food that will give them enough proteins, which you can find among best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas should get only the best senior dry dog food to make them feel young and strong. Also, if you stumble upon best dry dog food brands for Pugs give it a go these pups have refined taste buds and your doggo might, too. Your cutie carries the genes of super-unique and distinctive parents, so you can always opt for best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements Many dog owners are disappointed with having dogs contribute to mischief around the house. Little do they know that this mischievousness is just a result of high energy levels. Such is the case with the Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race. The dog is quite energetic. In line with that, if they do not get sufficient amount of exercise, it will try to release their energy through other means. This is why some owners find their Mix of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd chewing and biting their shirt, slippers, or socks. You can schedule a session where the dogs can socialize with each other. Despite being a crossbreed, this dog also needs to socialize with its kind because it has a natural desire to be part of a herd. Socializing with other dogs of its kind will teach your puppy how to play nice with other animals. Still, these two things are done separately. The first thing you need to do is let the dog become acquainted with the environment since these types of dogs have hunting instincts. If you have other pets at home, it would be best to let your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd mingle with them. Let them play with each other. This will give the animals sufficient time to get to know each other. You might even want to walk your dog around the neighborhood. The reason for this is to familiarize your dog not only with the surroundings but also your neighbors so that when someone visits your home, your puppy will not think of them as trespassers. Once you have done that, you should invest your time in teaching these simple training tricks: Walk. Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, and intelligent. Australian Retriever Appearance Depending on which genes they inherit these pups can look more like either the Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd. This will impact their size with those with more Golden Retriever being larger. Most of the time these dogs will be well-muscled with a bushy tail and friendly alert eyes. These dogs are one of the most popular breeds for a reason — they are not only friendly but stunning dogs. They have powerful and athletic builds that make them good for hunting, obedience, and guide dogs. Height and Weight These dogs are a medium to large breed that can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. They should stand between 19 to 23 inches — which is the perfect height to pet them! Colors and Coat You can expect these dogs to come in a variety of colors including black, brown, white, and golden. They can also come in merle, speckled, and spotted variations of many different colors. Your pup will have a waterproof double coat that is flowing and wavy. Many Australian Shepherd and Golden Retrievers are used as guide dogs to help the visually impaired. These dogs make great watchdogs since they are protective over their people. These dogs would be great as farmhands and herding dogs because of their high herding and protective drive. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Personality and Temperament Since these are mixed breed dogs they tend to have personality traits from both parents. They are very even-tempered and loving dogs that truly want to please their owners. These dogs are best known for their gentle disposition — they are outgoing, confident, and trustworthy dogs that make a great addition to the family. The Australian Shepherd is known for their intelligence, determination, and energy. They are dogs that need a job and have a high impulse to herd and a strong work drive that will need attention. Australian Retrievers have personality traits from both of these breeds which means they should be loyal, affectionate, eager to please, and energetic. Since these are an intelligent breed they are going to need a lot of exercise and training to keep them motivated. They have high energy levels and remain puppy-like throughout their lives. If their energy is not directed in the correct ways or they are not stimulated enough they will find a way to keep themselves entertained. This means that they can have some destructive behavior if not properly trained. They can be protective over certain items in the house so they will need to be properly socialized. Overall they will want to be with their owner every part of the day and love to be loved. They are amazing dogs that are ready to do whatever you want especially if that means outdoor activities. Australian Retriever make great family dogs — they love children and form close bonds with their human family. These dogs need exercise, mental stimulation, and some grooming to keep them happy. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes need to be socialized from a young age and like to be with their owners most of the day. They are an amazing addition to an adventurous and outgoing family that have the right amount of time and energy that these dogs need. Exercise Requirements This breed needs a lot of exercise. They are always ready and waiting for the next fun adventure to go on. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mixes need at least an hour of exercise a day whether that is through long walks, a game of fetch, or running around outside. A great way to help these dogs get exercise would be a game of fetch or as a running partner. While running with your dog you could also have them heal next to you for some extra obedience training — this would be a good way to keep them mentally stimulated as well. They enjoy being outside as much as possible, so weekly hikes with your dog will help. Number of Walks Per Day: .During the seasonal changes they will need to be brushed daily. As these dogs love to be outside they will most likely come back in dirtier than they left. Giving baths once a month and brushing them to get excess dirt out of their fur will help to keep them clean. Checking their ears for dirt is a must as well. Make sure to also check their paws for damage that could have happened while playing outdoors. Feeding and Diet Looking for food that is specific for their size, stage in life, and exercise level is a must for these dogs. Their energy needs will change throughout their lives so finding food perfect for these different stages is important. Sticking to food that avoids fillers and concentrates more on high protein since these dogs can be prone to overeating and gaining some unwanted pounds. The high protein diet also helps to keep up their caloric intake for their high energy needs. They should be fed 2 times a day with equally weighted meals. Getting your dog from a reputable breeder that has checked their dogs for these traits is a good idea. The Golden Retriever is known for certain health issues such as cancer. This can also be a problem for the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. The most common health problems include: Eye cataracts. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Australian Retriever Highlights Australian Retrievers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever parents. The main colors that the coat of the Australian Retriever comes in are black, brown, and white. Some can be more golden like their Retriever parent. The Australian Retriever is a highly energetic and active dog and will require around an hour of exercise every day. Ideally, this will be split up into two separate sessions. The Australian Retriever is a great fit with kids. You should still supervise all play time between kids and dogs. In general, Australian Retrievers are also fine around other household pets, although they can show herding instincts. Breeders continued to produce these mixed breed dogs as demand climbed. Turning attention to the parent breeds, the Golden Retriever was originally developed in Scotland, where they very quickly became in-demand pups due to their very high intelligence and impressive ability to carry out agility and obedience-based tasks. When it comes to the Australian Shepherd, this is a breed that was actually developed in the United States. Despite their unfortunate start as a designer breed, some Australian Retrievers end up in rescues and shelters. Look out for them and adopt if you decide this is the right dog for you. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 25 to 60 pounds and range in height from 19 to 23 inches. Female Australian Retrievers are sometimes smaller than their male counterparts. The dog will bond strongly and quickly with you and your children and will desire to be part of your daily life. This mixed breed requires a lot of energetic exercise and playtime, and will also benefit from regular training sessions to help stimulate their natural smarts. Australian Retriever Health Australian Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever face. Some of the more common health problems Australian Retrievers suffer from include: Bloat Hip Dysplasia Australian Retriever Care The Australian Retriever is a highly energetic and active dog and will require around an hour of exercise every day. When out and about, your Australian Retriever will flourish in safe off-leash conditions, especially if they can break out into long runs or take a swim. Ideally, the dog will live in a situation that features a fenced-in yard. Also, adding fetch and retrieve games to the daily exercise routine is imperative with this mixed breed. Australian Retriever Feeding An ideal Australian Retriever diet should be formulated for a large dog with high energy. In terms of climate, the Australian Retriever is quite an adaptable dog that can live happily in most weather conditions. But remember to dress your pooch in a dog coat if it gets very cold outside, and always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes. So be sure the boundaries between the dog and existing household pets are laid down properly. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Australian Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Australian Retriever Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Australian Retrievers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Spotted Golden Retriever Aussie Mix Temperament There is no exact way of predicting the personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, and the same is true for Australian shepherds. Intelligent As soon as you bring an Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix home, you will notice they are an exceptionally intelligent dog. Needless to say, this mix is very easy to train and will pass potty training and obedience training with flying colors. Keep in mind that, as such an intelligent canine, your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix will probably outsmart you more than once. Highly Energetic The Golden Aussie is a highly energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise , playtime, and training sessions to stay on top of his game both mentally and physically. If you have a more active lifestyle, this mix will fit right in with your schedule and be a great jogging, hiking, or swimming companion. However, if you are more of a couch potato, your Golden Aussie will behave a bit like a drill sergeant with a goal to get you in shape! Your Aussie retriever mix will need at least an hour of exercise every day ideally spread out over several play sessions to stay physically and mentally stimulated. If not provided with an appropriate outlet for their energy, your golden retriever Aussie mix will use destructive chewing, barking, and digging to prevent boredom. The Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix bonds strongly with its family and seeks out human companionship at all hours of the day and night. This mixed breed loves to be close to its people and is always in the mood for cuddles or petting sessions. Your Golden Aussie will have a strong desire to be close by and involved in everything you are doing and might feel unwanted if ignored or left alone. Thus, consider how much time you have to spend cuddling and interacting with your dog before you bring your Golden Aussie home. Hard-Working Since both Australian shepherds and golden retrievers are working dogs, their offspring tend to inherit a strong work ethic and be the happiest when they have a job to do. Depending on how much your mix takes after its Aussie parent, they might try to herd and nip at your family members, children, and smaller pets. This sort of behavior will work in your favor if you live on a farm; otherwise, you should discourage it with training. You can use these working skills while training and exercising your mix, like having him or her fetch and retrieve balls and freebies. This way, your pooch will feel like they are doing important work and get a workout at the same time. However, this mix is prone to certain health problems that are often seen in Australian shepherds and golden retrievers. The most common health problems seen in this mix are: Hip dysplasia Cancer Bloat The best way to avoid these issues from arising is to get your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix from a reputable dog breeder. You should also meet both parents and ask the breeder to show you their hip, elbow, and eye scores, as well as any other tests that he has had done. Compared to other dogs of their size, Aussie retrievers have a fairly long life span and on average live from 12 to 15 years. Be prepared for a long-term commitment and at least a few vet bills down the road before you ultimately decide to bring this mix into your home. Feeding An Aussie Golden Mix The ideal diet for the Australian retriever is one that consists of a lot of protein, fat, healthy carbs, and all other essential vitamins and minerals. Your mix should primarily eat dog food formulated especially for large dogs with high energy. Since they are prone to bloat , you should feed your Australian retriever two equally spaced smaller meals, once at the beginning of the day and another in the evening, and avoid free-feeding your dog. As a puppy, your mix will need calorie-dense puppy food suitable for large breed dogs and have to eat four small, evenly spaced out meals per day. To start, you should continue using the same dog food the breeder was feeding them and wait a month to slowly transition your pup to a different formula. To stay on top of all of that loose hair, you should brush your mix two to three times a week. The coat will shed to some extent all year round, and your mix will go through a heavy shed every spring, at which time you might need to brush your dog every day, using a dog brush that fits its coat best. Bathing once every other month will suffice unless your mix likes to roll in the mud and has to be bathed more often. After reading through our complete description of the Aussie retriever, you might still be unsure whether this wonderful crossbreed is right for you and your lifestyle. We suggest that you ask the following questions to help you decide. These dogs are both large and energetic, which means they thrive when they have a bit of extra space to exercise. An apartment will feel both feel small and confining to them and be inconvenient for you when such a big dog is wandering around in it. Even a small outdoor area that they can play around in will make a big difference to their overall health and happiness. Aussie retrievers love companionship and always want to be in the thick of things. If they are left at home on their own for several hours a day, perhaps when everyone is at work, they are likely to develop anxiety and depression. Not only is this bad for them, but it also often manifests in destructive behaviors like chewing, scratching, and digging. These dogs do best in households when there is generally someone around most of the time. How Energetic Are You? These dogs need lots of exercise. As well as at least an hour a day, they thrive when taken on regular weekend adventures like hiking, camping, or swimming. In addition, their daily exercise needs to be more than just a casual walk. Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have lots of energy that they will need to burn off daily to stay happy and healthy. Will this suit your lifestyle? Are you going to be able to keep up with this dog? If not, this particular breed might not be the right choice for you. Are You Experienced With Dogs? These lovely crossbreeds are highly trainable and very personable, so even first-time owners should be able to teach them the necessary commands. However, bear in mind that they are also large dogs, and they respond best to a strong alpha. How Old Are Your Children? If you have young children at home, you might want to wait until they are a bit older to bring home one of these dogs. Not only do Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have a tendency to herd younger children, but their size and energy can also be overwhelming for smaller kids. They will want to play quite energetically and confidently with your kids, who might be too small to control the situation. Also, these dogs are quite a lot of work, and you might not want to be running around after one of them while also running around after a toddler. Older kids, however, will find it rewarding to help you care for this personable pup. As with most designer pups, their cost varies greatly depending on where you are in the country and the subsequent supply and demand. You may also find some of these desirable pups looking for homes in a local shelter, so be sure to call around these shelters as your first option. Can Australian retrievers be golden? Australian retrievers can inherit the gold coats of their golden retriever parent, but a pure golden coat is relatively rare, as they usually have a mix of color markings like their Australian shepherd parent. Wrapping Up… It should be no surprise that golden retriever Aussie mixes are quickly becoming very desirable dogs, as they combine two of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are a stable crossbreed, as their parents have similar temperaments. They are both friendly and intelligent, which means their offspring are sure to be the same, no matter how their characteristics mix. Overall, these dogs are: Best suited to having constant company around the house Highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation The Golden Aussie is ideal for active families who have lots of time to spend with their pup and enjoy getting active with them. While they need lots of love and attention, the unconditional loyalty and affection that they offer in return make them well worth the investment. Do you have experience with Golden Aussie mixes? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Cockapoos have an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone around them, that essential joie de vivre that makes every day a celebration. These guys are just plain happy to be alive. The true Cockapoo been bred with the goal of a healthy, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament. When the cross works as intended, you get the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle with the sturdiness and field spirit of the Cocker. Efforts have been made over the last decade to clearly separate Cockapoos and Spoodles into two different hybrids, and some success has been achieved. If the type of Cocker involved is important to you, be sure to ask. Cockapoo Highlights 1. Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent companions. Hypoallergenic Coat: Many Cockapoos have hypoallergenic or low-shedding coats, which can be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Intelligent and Trainable: They are intelligent dogs and are usually easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement methods. Adaptable: Cockapoos can adapt to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. Good with Families: They are generally good with children and other pets, making them great family dogs. Long Lifespan: Cockapoos often have a longer lifespan compared to some other breeds, living 12 to 15 years or more with proper care. Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels. Unique Coat Variety: Their coat can vary from curly to wavy and comes in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their charm. Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting. Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care is essential to maintain their well-being. Cockapoo History When it comes to designer dogs, the Cockapoo is an old hybrid, popular since the s. The first breeding may have been accidental, but the happy result was a litter of puppies who were intelligent, almost odorless, had the low-shedding Poodle coat, and showed the easygoing and loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were well received, and the Cockapoo line began. Some efforts are being made today to establish breed standards and start the Cockapoo on the hard road of becoming a true breed, one producing offspring with consistent traits. Once the Cockapoo became more well-known, he only grew in popularity. The Cockapoo Club of America formed in and, in an effort to create breeding consistency, it created a breed standard. This group formed in and provides certification for Cockapoos who are the results of first- through sixth-generation breedings. The Toy Cockapoo can reach 10 inches in height but has a sturdier build, the bigger ones tipping the scales at just under 12 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs 13 to 18 pounds and ranges between 11 and 14 inches high. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo should weigh more than 19 pounds and be at least 15 inches in height. Cockapoo Personality Intelligent and easy to please, the Cockapoo was established as a companion dog. He has an outgoing nature and usually gets along with everyone. Depending on his temperament, he can be active or he can simply enjoy snuggling up on the couch with you. He has the intelligence of his Poodle forebears but also the sweet disposition of his Cocker Spaniel ancestry. Socialization helps ensure that your Cockapoo puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. He prefers, always, to be with his family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Cockapoo; he can achieve high levels of obedience with time and patience. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Cataracts : Cataracts cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Allergies : Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Cockapoo is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Liver Disease : This condition is becoming more prevalent in Cocker Spaniels in two forms: chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis poisoning. Both conditions may or may not be genetic; at this point no one is certain. Ear Infections : These afflictions may plague the Cockapoo because of his floppy Cocker ears, which can trap moisture, dirt, and debris. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear care products. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. They enjoy a good walk — and need it to keep them from becoming overweight. The best type of exercise, though, is a good play session in the backyard. Expect him to need at least 15 minutes of exercise every day. The Cockapoo is an adaptable breed. He can live in an apartment, though the smaller varieties seem to do better there than do the Maxi or Standard Cockapoos. They thrive when with their family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left for long periods of time — and that can lead to excessive barking and to destructive behavior. A crate is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will also help your Cockapoo accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Cockapoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Cockapoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Cockapoos can be found in all the colors and color combinations that are seen in both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles — a more rich variety of coat colors than is usual in many other breeds. The Cockapoo is usually seen au naturel, but many people like to clip the coat. However, it should only be trimmed to two to three inches in length. The coat should be brushed daily. To retain coat oils and health, he only need be bathed when absolutely necessary. Because his floppy Cocker ears block air circulation, the ears must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. Gently wipe out the ear — only the part you can see! Your Cockapoo may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Cockapoo Children And Other Pets The Cockapoo does well with youngsters , although he generally prefers homes with older, more considerate children. He also gets along with other dogs and pets. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Cockapoo Rescue Groups Cockapoos are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Cockapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. This small to medium sized dog is very active, who loves to be outside. However, they are also friendly and caring, liking just as much to curl up on your lap and to watch TV with you! These dogs can be used as working dogs such as guide dogs, although they were originally intended to be companions, especially for those with allergies who needed a dog with a low-shedding coat. Breeders must follow the rules when producing puppies to make sure they stay in line with the breed standard. To get a better understanding of where these dogs came from, we can take a look at the origins of their parent breeds. The Poodle originated from the French and German border in the 15th and 16th century and was associated with the upper class. Because they are excellent water dogs, they were used to hunt water-fowl. Later on, because of their adorable look, these pups became a very popular dog. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle by choosing the smallest pup from each litter and breeding with them. They were first seen in America in the 20th century. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. Characteristics Of The Cockapoo Although there is a breed standard for the Cockapoo, you still cannot be sure what traits you are going to get in a litter of Cockapoo puppies. These dogs can come in a range of colors and patterns and it all depends on which parent they take after more. A Cockapoo puppy is normally born in litter sizes of four to eight pups. Because the Toy Poodle is the smallest size of all dog breeds, if you are crossing a Cocker Spaniel with one then the Toy will always be the father to prevent any complications. However, if the Poodle is a Miniature size, it does not matter whether they or the Cocker Spaniel are the mother because they are similar in size. Cockapoos are popular dogs and this means that they can have a hefty price tag. Always ensure that you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance The Cockapoo has a distinct look due to their adorable teddy-bear appearance! These dogs are classed as small-medium sized dogs, although their size will largely depend on whether they are bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Cockapoo is a well proportioned dog that is athletic and sturdy. Their heads are round and their eyes should be brown with a black nose. If they have a brown nose then their eyes should be black and if they have a lighter nose then they will have green or hazel eyes. Their ears hang down, too, giving them a super cute look! Coat There are three different coat types that the Cockapoo could inherit. Again, this depends on which parent they take after more. They can have a tight curly coat, a medium curl or a flat coat. All of the coats will be quite thick but they will almost always be a single coat. One of the reasons the Cockapoo was bred was to inherit the low-shedding coat from the Poodle parent. While the coat is not hypoallergenic, these dogs do not shed as much as many other breeds and may be the perfect dog for those with allergies. Color There are a range of different colors that the Cockapoo can come in and they can either be solid, part, phantom or tri-color. The colors include red, black, merle, tan, sable, brown, chocolate, and apricot. Temperament The Cockapoo is a very energetic pup that loves to be outside exercising. Because of their hunting heritage from their parent breeds, the Cockapoo can still retain this trait so you will need to be careful when out and about. Proper training and socialization can fix this, and it can also help with unwanted or aggressive behaviors that the Cockapoo is sometimes known to develop if not socialized properly at a young age. Friendly and loving, the Cockapoo will happily also spend time curled up next to you on the couch. They love attention and people and can be known to be very social dogs with children, pets and even other strangers. The Cockapoo is an observant dog and will bark to warn you if something is out of place. Occasionally, the Cockapoo can be prone to rage syndrome and, although rare, it is associated with Cocker Spaniels and they can sometimes pass it on to their young. Again, adequate socialization from a young age can help with this. Lifespan The Cockapoo has a long life expectancy. These dogs are expected to live to anywhere between 14 and 18 years old. Known Health Issues Due to the fact that these dogs are a mixed breed, they have fewer health concerns than many pups. However, unfortunately, they can still be prone to some health problems that their parent breeds are prone to. This is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Patellar Luxation is another condition the Cockapoo may inherit from their Poodle parent. This is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the Cockapoo temperament and traits, we can take a look at what daily life with one of these pups is like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. Food And Diet A Cockapoo needs roughly calories of food a day, which equates to around two cups of kibble. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. The food you feed your Cockapoo should be high-quality and nutritious. You should try to split their food into at least two meals a day. As a puppy, their food should be split into three meals a day. Unfortunately, this Poodle Mix can be a fussy eater so it may take you a while to find a food they like. Take a look below at the food we recommend for this breed. Breed Title Cockapoo Puppies Temperament When you bring home one of our Cockapoos for sale, be prepared for a pup that will always want to go where you go. Like his Poodle ancestors, your Cockapoo will be highly curious and intelligent. This makes Cockapoo puppies a breeze to train, as they easily pick up on positive reinforcement training techniques. As Cocker Spaniels were originally bred for hunting, this is a dog that loves to explore — spending hours happily rambling through a field guided by his nose if permitted to do so! Cockapoo Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 13 years — our Cockapoos for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Cockapoo puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Cockapoo puppies are at somewhat elevated risk for developing the following conditions: Vision and Hearing Issues: Cockapoos may suffer from hearing loss in later life due to mass or polyps forming in the ear, causing infections and deafness. Vision problems may be attributed to cataracts, glaucoma and a range of other issues. Common in smaller dogs, this condition may create mobility issues for your dog, but can be treated with physical therapy. Finding a Cockapoo puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Their coat is usually, but not always, hypoallergenic. This dog loses only small amounts of hair when bathing or brushing. While all our Cockapoos for sale are low-shedding dogs, they have a variety of coat textures — each with its own maintenance requirements. Your Cockapoo will need to be brushed around four to five times a month, although straight coats can be brushed as little as two times per week. Consider purchasing this best-selling dog brush for your furry friend! Cockapoos should be taken to a groomer for a trim seasonally — around every three months — but should not have a trim until they are at least six months old. Meet Cockapoo Puppies for Sale. At the tiny end of the scale, the teacup Cockapoo will weigh less than 6 pounds. The toy Poodle Cocker Spaniel hybrid will weigh less than 12 pounds at adulthood, and a mini Cockapoo will weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds. A full grown miniature Cockapoo is the medium size and the one you are most likely to see at the dog park. At the other end of the scale, a maxi Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix, with a standard Poodle parent, will weigh 19 pounds or greater. The vast majority of Cockapoos weigh a more moderate lbs Appearance Cocker Spaniel Poodle mixes tend to have a broader head the average Poodle. Their fur varies between loose and very tight curls. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles come in a wide range of colors so there is plenty of choice for the would be cockerpoo owner. Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? He began crossing breeds in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog, for a blind woman whose husband was highly allergic to dogs. So, he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. This is because allergies are caused by pet dander. And all pets, regardless of breed, produce some dander. Certain dog breeds shed that dander less readily, however. This particularly applies to dogs with very curly coats. And this may be beneficial to owners with allergies to dander. Dogs that shed less fall into this category partly because loose hair remains trapped in the curls rather than floating around your home. Do They Shed? All dogs shed to some degree. A Poodle and Cocker Spaniel hybrid dog can have either coat type, or something in between. And unfortunately, you cannot predict which coat they will inherit. So they may be less likely to trigger allergies. But they might not. Remember that the tighter the curl, the less the dog is likely to shed, and if you have allergies, do spend some time with Cockapoos to see how they affect you, before you bring one into your home. Cockapoo Temperament The typical Cockapoo personality can be hard to predict. It is important to make sure that both parents are friendly, when you buy a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. And Cocker Spaniels are loving and very loyal. Both breeds are clever and active. Cockapoo Barking Any dog has the capacity to bark. And may bark more if they discover barking is in some way rewarding. But some individuals of this particular breed maybe a little more prone to barking than average. And to make use of resources like this one if you need to train your pup not to bark. Training and Exercising The good news here is that these dogs are as a whole are people-centric and eager to please. Your Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix will likely want to be where you are, doing whatever you are doing. These dogs are social and people-oriented. So, the closer your bond is, the easier Cockapoo training will become. Throughout training, positive reinforcement will be your key to success. Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are particularly sensitive to punishment, so avoid this at all costs. They need daily exercise, and regular training to stimulate their minds, too. The important thing is to keep your Poodle Spaniel mix busy. Remember that young puppies have much lower exercise needs than adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of structured exercise, such as walks, per month of their age, per day. Heart Valve Disease Cocker Spaniels are liable to develop leaky heart valves as they grown older. In the early stages medications will help extend life. But in the later stages the dog develops heart failure, a leading cause of Cocker Spaniel death. Sadly operations to repair heart valves are not yet commonly performed on dogs. A blood clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Epilepsy Cocker spaniels are prone to epilepsy and seizures. These can often be treated with medication. Both Poodles and Cockers are prone to this disease, which causes blindness. Hip Dysplasia Cocker spaniels and standard poodles are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes pain. It affects the movement and function of the hip joint. Some cases are improved by surgery. Patella Luxation Toy and Miniature Poodles are among a number of smaller breeds that can suffer from Patella Luxation. It may require surgery. Exactly how likely each problem is, depends on a number of unpredictable factors. Life Span Did You Know? The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, a Cockapoo and either of the original parent breeds, or two Cockapoos. They are one of the most popular designer dog breeds. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes both mixes. The Cockapoo can also be referred to as a Spoodle or a Cockadoodle. With some of the most affectionate dog breeds as parents, well-socialized Cockapoos are affectionate family dogs that thrive on attention and affection from their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Provided they are properly socialized, they are even open and friendly with strangers. Cockapoos are highly adaptable dogs. Provided they get enough daily attention, mental stimulation, and exercise, they adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products while on walks in the cold. Because they thrive on attention and bond so closely with their families, these companion dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Cockapoos can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, cataracts, and glaucoma. Good breeding practices and screening make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. With some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners as parents, the Cockapoo is also a great fit for owners of any experience level. They bond closely with their owners and are sensitive to them. This, along with their intelligence and eagerness to please, means they pick up on things quickly and respond well to rewards and praise. They could have a coat similar to a Mini Poodle or a coat similar to a Cocker Spaniel. In either case, you will need to brush them daily to remove tangles and prevent mats and visit the groomer every weeks. Weekly ear checks along with careful cleanings if needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care for dogs helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily brushing, along with cleanings as the vet when needed, is ideal. Cockapoos may be small dogs, but they are also playful and energetic. These dogs sit in a moderate activity range and will often match their energy level to yours. Daily walks plus some play sessions throughout the day are usually enough for these dogs, but they will also usually be up for more activity if you are. They also tend to be versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and the vet clears them for what you want to try, you can try a variety of activities with them. Fully-grown Cockapoos usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Cockapoos generally live for years on average. One of the facts about Cockapoos is that they are considered one of the first designer dog breeds, according to the modern definition of the term. They have been a popular designer dog breed since the s. Featured Cockapoo Article.

How to buy a French Bulldog puppy on a low budget French Bulldog puppies are one of the most expensive dog breeds to bring home. So how can you get your first French Bulldog puppy on a low budget? There is no such thing as a cheap Frenchie or a low budget French Bulldog due to their breeding per birth price tag. Nonetheless, there are several creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy with little to no money down and we took the time to explore options and share this valuable info with you. A very fine show quality French Bulldog can cost that much. The high price tag reflects the expense per Frenchie puppy birth of artificial insemination, c-sections, constant care when they are born and multiple health and genetic exams. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than any other dog breed? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness. Buying a well bred French Bulldog is never cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. Creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy or dog with little to no money down: Easypay Finance: Need help buying your Frenchie puppy? Easypay Finance can help. Good credit to no credit applicants accepted. Just as the name suggests Easypay is a streamline straight forward application that allows you to be approved instantly online without pay stubs or bank statements. If your loan is paid back within 90 days you can get a full interest rebate back. Requirements: Have a cell phone and email address. Have a checking account for at least 3 months. Puppy Spot Financing Puppy Spot Financing offers a convenient payment plan through Community Finance to help families buy their dream puppy. Breeders invest time, effort and resources into breeding and often this results in a hefty price for the Frenchie puppy. With a financing option, you don't have to compromise on a quality French Bulldog puppy. All you have to do is fill a form and a Puppy Concierge will contact you within one hour of receiving pre approval to help you reserve your dream Frenchie puppy. Requirements: Employed for the last 12 months at the same job. Pet Loans dot com can help finance your pet purchase price or veterinary care and even your pet supplies. Pet Loans dot com specializes in exotic pet purchases. French Bulldog Breeder financing: Certain Breeders accept financing through programs that are set up to protect them and help the buyer with a flexible payment plan. Ask your chosen breeder if they are able to accept breeder financing through one of the above programs. My Pet Funding allows breeders and pet stores offer the potential buyer the flexibility to spread their purchase cost over time. Rescue a French Bulldog. Call Vic Kasser or Email! We know the economy has been tough so we have teamed up with Terrace Finance and Springleaf Financial to offer you a fast, simple and budget friendly way to take home a new addition to your family. This isn't just any financing either but is financing tailored to your needs. Once approved for financing you can pay off your pet with the same as cash option if your budget allows, or you can continue to make payments until your purchase is paid off. You can also finance part of your purchase and pay the difference with cash or credit card. We advise that you do not place a deposit on a puppy until your application is completely verified and approved, ALL deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable unless we cannot or will not place the puppy with you that you have placed the deposit on. You can click the links below and complete your application on line from the convenience of your own home and get pre approved before you even stop in to see which new addition to your family you want to bring home! So simple and very budget friendly, because sometimes making a monthly payment is much more affordable. Terrace Finance offers people the ability to take home the Puppies they really want and pay for them with comfortable installment payments through their signature consumer loan. If you are approved, you can take home your Puppy with their consumer loan, which offers comfortable payments. At the end of the Installment Lease, you own the Puppy free and clear. Umpqua Valley Kennels LLC is not responsible for declined applications or for applications that do not meet the financing qualifications of Terrace Finance. Please contact Terrace Finance directly with any questions regarding financing.

For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. 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? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. 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. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

June is a little mini poodle about 12 pounds and Pele is small mini goldendoodle about 18 pounds. They are excellent choices for allergy sufferers because both parents have non shedding genetics with two dominant furnishings. These puppies will be super smart. We have had a past puppy professionally trained and he was a rock star! They will also have super soft coats. They were born August 1st and will be 8 weeks September 22nd. Meaning they genetically will have one curl gene. They are a great choice for allergy sufferers and will mature pounds. They were born July 29th and will be 8 weeks old late September. Love the coats on these mini goldendoodle puppies! They will have my favorite coat type and when grown will have very loose curls that will allow them to have a longer coat without so much maintenance. They will also be about pounds which is perfect athletic size. Most of them will darken in their red color as they grow out of their frosty puppy coat. They were born April 25th and are ready to go. Scroll down to see the current Goldendoodle Puppies and Litters that we have. Click the buttons that are below each announcement or use the top tabs on our website to see each litter. We frequently have Goldendoodle puppies with that classic teddy bear look. We also have Goldendoodle litters with dark reds, chocolates, blacks, creams, parti, and merles. Some of these moms have "past puppy" buttons so you can see what their puppies will look like as they become older pups and adults. Check them out and contact us for any questions or check out our "purchasing" page. With our guardian homes, we have grown to the point that we have Petite and Mini Goldendoodle for sale almost monthly. We also have mini Bernedoodles quite often. She is an F1b with a toy dad. Both parents have two dominant furnishings so these two puppies are a good choice for a family with allergy concerns. They were born July 28th and will be 8 weeks old Sept .This tiny little multigen Goldendoodle girl was born June 16th and is ready to go. As a single puppy after she was weaned from her mom we added her to a litter of petite puppies so that she could learn the normal doggie social skills. She is a precious puppy and very happy to be carried around and snuggled on! She weighed 3 pounds at 8 weeks and only 4 pounds at 11 weeks of age. Her mom, Rosie is a small goldendoodle about 19 pounds and the dad is Duggy also about 18 pounds. Baby Uno is tracking to be really small at about pounds. Both parents have two dominant furnishings which means Baby Uno will have a non shedding coat and a great choice for allergy sufferers. The parents are pictured together below. Click for Lisa's Mini goldendoodles This litter is the most popular generation of Mini goldendoodles. Jewel is a small F1 mom with a mini poodle dad. She's about 28 pounds with a wavy coat. The dad is Zake and he's a mini poodle weighing in around 16 pounds. He is a 10 out of 10 on red intensity so these puppies should have rich color as they mature. We can see that the size ranges a bit with the puppies but most are quite small. They will mature in the teens to maybe 25 pounds. We have both curly and wavy coats in this litter. Raising Healthy Puppies since We raise Goldendoodles with outstanding temperament and health. We are a small home breeder who raise our puppies in a very loving home environment. All of our dogs are part of our family. We are with each puppy every day and believe in heavy socialization. We believe in selective breeding and have been rasing disease free puppies for many years. Our puppies are dearly loved and they have the best vet care! We use Pawprints Genetic Health Testing. Our dogs have all of their health clearances. For we made the top 10 best Goldendoodle Breeders in Alabama by Devoted Dog We are a member of Good Dog which takes only the best breeders natiuonwide through a highly scrutinized process. The say our lines are great. They work with the most prestigious Service Dog training facility in the nation called Hand and Paw. We are taking reservations on all of our Winter litters as well as Spring .Check out our available puppies page and parents and planned litter page. You can contact us at jeffersondoodle gmail. We donate to Forgotten Tails Rescue. We believe in helping our local rescues and have the vision that no animals will be left in a shelter and every animal in a shelter will be placed in a loving home. Share 0 Shares Alabama is a beautiful, loving state in the United States of America that boasts of equally beautiful landscapes, a bubbling city life, and lots of history. It is also a canine-loving state with an increasing interest in the Golden Retriever as well as the Poodle dog breeds. The Goldendoodle which is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle , is also a popular dog breed in the state as Alabama is home to lots of breeders for the designer dog breed. With the Goldendoodle, you get a hypoallergenic dog with high intelligence, playful and happy energy, and complete loyalty. When getting a Goldendoodle puppy, always aim to adopt one from a reputable breeder that truly cares for and loves the breed. Avoid backyard breeders or puppy mills that are only interested in making quick money from the sale of the gorgeous furry angels. In this article, we help make your search for a reputable Goldendoodle easier by providing a list of our top Goldendoodle breeders in the Cotton State of Alabama. These breeders were selected after carefully looking into their breeding program and standards. However, detailed research should be done on each breeder before choosing to work with them. Since , this breeder has been dedicated to producing the best quality English teddy bear Goldendoodles to numerous families in the state of Alabama. They are located in Robertsdale and are focused on mainly mini and petite Goldendoodles. Their Goldendoodles are bred to be excellent family companions and friends. These puppies enjoy proper socialization, and proper feeding and they get to sleep in temperature-regulated areas that are regularly cleaned. Some of the sires and dams used in their program are imported after much research would have been done on each breed. They are well tested for genetic health issues and they also undergo a temperament test to be sure they are a fit for their new homes. They have their full vaccinations and deworming and are microchipped. They also come with written health guarantees. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Hartselle Alabama and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

Occasionally, they will have a litter of English Teddy Bear Goldendoodles. They raise these puppies with the same in-home high quality standards that we do. We handle the advertising, money and flight arrangements for them. East Coast buyers usually want to support breeders and puppies from local areas. We also do offer travel for our West Coast puppies if our parents don't have any puppies at the time. Please ask us about flights if you're interested in one of our West Coast goldendoodle puppies. Our Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale When buying a puppy that is far away, usually there are some questions: 1 How will I know I'm not part of a puppy scam? These puppies are hand raised. Bill and Rita are small scale breeders, currently with 2 breeding females. These are house dogs that live inside and loved on every day. Our parents are retired and live on a beautiful hobby farm in Clarksburg, PA so they have lots of time to play and socialize them. Our communication process will put you at ease. Our facebook page shows a timeline of past puppies that went home to puppy families all over the country. We contact you and invite you to either visit the farm or engage in live video with facebook live or facetime to meet the parents. Every week we will post pictures on facebook as your baby grows. Then at 5 weeks, you will begin communicating about the temperament and personalities of the puppies. At 6 weeks, we will schedule an in-person or live video to pick your puppy out. Our puppies are a bit of a specialty with the English Golden Retriever lines and health testing. So we sell our puppies all over the country. Just after you pick your puppy out, we arrange the flight through United Petsafe. Puppies fly out of Pittsburgh Airport. They are excellent Pet Transporters and fly many dogs every day. They have strict guidelines to ensure safety for your puppy. We take a lot of time in preparing your puppy for flight. We book their ticket carefully and choose the fasted route. Because most of our buyers are within driving distance from Maryland, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and North Carolina, we often have people physically visit the farm. But we are able to ship and often prefer a plane ride for a puppy over a long car ride. Did you Find Answers Frequently asked questions such as "Do you have any puppies available right now? Do you take a waitlist? Do you know when the next litters are going to be? Will you have litters later in the year? Most of the puppies are being raised in Idaho right now, but we have a couple litters a year in PA right now. We are all blood family members The Power Family. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Erie Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Gold Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Mini Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Mini Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Mini Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Mini Goldendoodles these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Mini Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Mini Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Mini Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Mini Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Mini Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Available as wet or dry food Formulas for breed size and specific health needs What We Don't Like Canned variety is not equipped with pull tab for opening Developed by veterinarians and manufactured in the United States, Hill's Science Diet dog food comes in a variety of flavors and formulations to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of every shape and size. The company employs over Ph. Hill's Science Diet is readily available as both dry kibble and wet canned dog food, and the brand offers formulas for puppies, adults, and seniors. Within those life stages there are size specific variations e. Hill's Science Diet dog food is always made with real animal protein as the first ingredient with human-grade ingredients providing essential vitamins and nutrients with each serving. With the right flavor and formulation for a dog, we found that consistently serving Hill's Science Diet leads to straightforward potty sessions and less dietary issues. But the price of this dog food has increased as of late, and the canned variety could benefit from an improved pull tab lid to make it easier to open without the use of a can opener. Hill's also makes a line of prescription foods for dogs with specific medical problems, Hill's Prescription Diet, but food within that line should only be served to a dog under the direction of a veterinarian and is only available with a prescription. Below are a few additional things Laflamme and Stockman say are important to think about when shopping for dog-food. AAFCO is a nonprofit group made up of volunteer experts that establish dietary recommendations for pet food in the U. While their goal is to promote the safety and nutritional quality of pet food, AAFCO doesn't approve or regulate pet food formulas, though pet foods that include an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on their label have undergone thorough testing to ensure the formula meets AAFCO nutritional standards. Check the nutrient levels. Growing puppies and adult dogs require different percentages of nutrients. Our experts recommend feeding overweight dogs therapeutic veterinary weight-loss diets. Veterinary weight-loss diets may include salt as an ingredient to encourage dogs to drink more water, which also promotes fullness, according to Stockman. Therefore, senior diets can vary widely across recipes and brands. If your dog is pregnant or nursing, consult with your veterinarian for the most appropriate diet. Feed based on breed size. Our experts recommend feeding dogs based on their breed size to fulfill their specific growth patterns and health requirements. Large- and small-breed dogs have different growth patterns, calorie requirements and health concerns. Formula oversight. Recipes that are formulated under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist will have the proper amount of nutrients based on your dog's age and breed. Marketing tactics escalated the belief that grains are associated with cancer, diabetes and obesity despite lack of scientific evidence, Stockman says. Is it better to feed dogs wet or dry food? Both canned and dry dog food can provide balanced nutrition for dogs, but each has pros and cons. Wet food has a higher moisture content that can benefit dogs with certain dental or medical conditions, Laflamme says. Additionally, higher water content can make weight-management diets more effective, according to Stockman. However, wet food can cost more per ounce and tends to have a shorter shelf life than dry food once it is opened. Which wet food brand is best for dogs? Pet food nutrition should be based on individual needs and in collaboration with your veterinarian. However, Laflamme says the overall best wet dog food meets AAFCO's nutritional guidelines for your dog's life stage, is affordable and approved by your veterinarian based on your dog's needs. What is the No. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. She worked for Purina's Research and Development team until her retirement in .He is also a veterinary consultant for Petco. Why trust Select? Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer who holds a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet's biological need for play, nutrition and environmental enrichment. For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of wet dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts' insights. She included foods that were recommended by experts, plus any options that were highly rated and met expert shopping guidance. Janelle Leeson Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer who covers everything pets and a few subjects in between, including sustainability and clean beauty. For most of its life, Merrick was independent and also operated other brands like Castor and Pollux, and Whole Earth Farms. However, in , Merrick was acquired by Purina, which is probably the largest pet food group in the world. You can learn more about this acquisition and other important information relevant to Merrick in our Merrick Brand Review. The majority of the formulas in this range provide excellent nutrition from a range of high-quality ingredients. Ingredients used within this range include common meat and fish ingredients such as Chicken or Beef, but it also includes less common meats such as Rabbit or Venison. Their Chicken formula is one of their best and includes a mix of Chicken and Turkey ingredients. Both of these poultry ingredients are industry standards and can provide an ample portion of high-quality protein and fat. These poultry ingredients are then combined with Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Peas. The proportions of Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes are far higher than the proportion of legumes and make up the bulk of the satisfactory carbohydrate proportion. Sweet Potatoes, in particular, are considered the best starch ingredient to be used in dog food and can provide a number of micronutrients that traditional white potatoes can not. You can learn more about the background of the Wellness brand and other information such as their ingredients and nutrition in our Wellness Brand Review. Their Core Ocean Formula is one of our favorites and features a variety of fish ingredients. These Fish ingredients combine to provide an ample portion of fish-based protein and fat, in particular, the Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which many believe can provide several health benefits to dogs such as an improvement in the condition of skin and coat, as well as improve cognitive function. Many of you may not be familiar with Menhaden Fish Meal, and fear not as you are not alone. Menhaden are a small oily fish from the Atlantic Ocean that is low-cost yet rich in protein and is regularly used by manufacturers to boost protein levels rather than the alternative such as low-quality and low-cost vegetable by-products like Pea Protein. However, they are one of the better brands that is available at PetSmart, and they have many high-quality formulas. The brand was first launched in , making them a long stay of the industry compared to some newcomers. You can find the full range of unconventional recipe names along with information on recalls and animal testing in our Solid Gold Brand Review. Quail is quite an unusual ingredient to see in dog or human food, but it is very similar to Chicken and provides excellent nutrition. The formula also makes use of smaller portions of Turkey and Pork, which, when combined with the Quail, offer a satisfactory proportion of animal-based protein and fat. The formula also makes use of a substantial number of vegetable and starch ingredients of varying quality. While some ingredients, such as Peas and Chickpeas, are standard inclusions in grain-free dog food, others, such as vegetable by-products like Pea Protein, are considered by many to be lower quality. Lastly, the formula also makes use of Pumpkin as a minor ingredient. Pumpkin is a particularly beneficial ingredient, especially to those with digestive issues, and provides a mix of fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The brand was launched to cater to the higher-quality or more nutritious pet food market fueled by smarter and more aware consumers. Crave is commonly available at large retail stores like PetSmart and Walmart, along with other smaller pet food stores. Each formula within the Pate range contains both traditional meat cuts alongside organ meat. Finally, none of their Pate recipes contain a significant amount of vegetable ingredients, let alone frowned upon by-products or grains. The only other notable inclusions are minor portions of some binding agents like Guar Gum. Their Wet Dog Food range shares many of the qualities of its dry food range that we discussed earlier. In the above Real Beef Formula, this correlates to a minimum of .The percentage of carbohydrates is so low in this Real Beef formula that we would consider it negligible. This lack of carbohydrates and plant matter is likely to make this formula extremely appealing to a hungry dog and unlikely to last more than a few minutes. This wet dog food range includes Limit Ingredient recipes, Small Breed recipes, Stews, and Pates, but we are going to stick with their Core 95 range. While some other wet dog food formulas only contain meat ingredients, these Wellness Core 95 formulas also contain a small amount of a less commonly used vegetable ingredient. In the case of the above Turkey formula, it includes Spinach as its secondary ingredient. Other formulas within the Core 95 range make use of vegetables such as Broccoli and Carrots, and all three varieties are entirely pea and legume-free, which can be advantageous to those dogs with legume allergies. Now is a good time to reiterate that wet dog food is significantly more costly than dry food. This is the case for this Wellness recipe and for the other formulas mentioned above. However, some dog owners choose to use a mix of dry and wet food as a consequence of the higher price in an attempt to make it more affordable. This mixing technique can provide your canine friend with the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. While many of the Purina brands have been around for decades, Purina Beyond is a more recent addition to the mix and appeals to more knowledgeable consumers in the same way other new brands like Crave do. However, Purina Beyond still retains competitive pricing making it a great lower-cost option. You can learn more about Purina Beyond, including its full product range, and recall history in our Purina Beyond Brand Review. The above formula caught our eye and is a fantastic option for those who want to provide canned dog food on a tight budget. It will come as no surprise that Chicken is the main ingredient of the recipe and provides the bulk of the protein and fat. The three ingredients mentioned in the recipe name are joined by Liver, which can provide additional animal-based protein and fat along with select minerals and vitamins that usual meat cuts lack. While Peas may feature in nearly all dog food recipes, Carrots certainly do not and are a far rarer sight, which does make this formula more unique. While Carrots are not going to provide anything revolutionary from a nutrition standpoint, they can be considered a beneficial addition and provide a mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal.