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We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The labernese or Bernese Labrador is a large to giant breed of dog that is known for its loyalty and excellent work ethic. Is there controversy surrounding this new breed? What is their temperament, health, and life span? And most importantly, how can you, the discerning dog lover, find a labernese dog to add to your family? Controversy Surrounding the Labernese and Other Designer Dogs There is plenty of controversy surrounding so-called designer dogs, and the Bernese Labrador mix is no exception. There is a popular myth that purebred dogs are healthier and more desirable, and that they are bred by trained geneticists whose goal is to protect the genetic diversity and health of pedigree dogs. In truth, both pedigree and mixed breeds can be bred intelligently, with an emphasis on health and good genetics, but according to the Institute of Canine Biology , purebred dogs are more likely to have shorter lifespans or develop serious health issues due to inbreeding. The health of a dog depends largely on their genetic makeup and the environment they are raised in. Whether you are looking for a Bernese lab mix, or any other puppy, the most important consideration is a reputable breeder that is breeding their dogs for health and genetic diversity, not popular physical traits that will make them a quick buck. History of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Lab Mix Both the Bernese mountain dog and the Labrador retriever are loyal dogs who have been bred specifically throughout their history to work alongside humans. The ancestors of Bernese mountain dogs were brought to Switzerland thousands of years ago by invading Roman soldiers. The Labrador retriever, who has claimed the title for the AKC most popular dog breed for more than 10 years, is known as the most gentle of family pets, as well as a prized hunting dog. More recently, labs have been used extensively for guide work, and are trained to lead the blind, perform detection work, and aid children with autism. The labernese mix was originally created in the s by the Mira Foundation in Canada as a service dog for the disabled, blind, and visually impaired. The foundation firmly believes that a healthy Bernese-Lab mix will combine the best traits of both breeds to create dogs who are calm, highly trainable, intelligent, and obedient. Physical Characteristics of the Bernese Lab Both breeds are known for their large size and strength, so you can assume that your hybrid will be big, possibly even giant. Average weight will be between 75 and pounds, and they will generally reach between 25 and 28 inches at the shoulder. As for looks, your labernese could take after either parent, with a medium to long coat and colors ranging from pure black or black and white, to yellow, tan, or brown. Bi-color and tri-color labernese are common. Because labernese are extremely loyal, they thrive when they can integrate fully into family life. Dogs who are left alone for long periods may not get the human interaction that they need and could become destructive. Labernese Health Considerations As with any dog, purebred or mutt, genetic make-up and environment will play a huge part in the health of your Bernese mountain dog and lab mix. Finding reputable labernese breeders who pay careful attention to breeding healthy dogs is critical. You can find more about finding a responsible breeder from the Humane Society of the United States. Common health disorders in Labradors include hip, elbow, or shoulder dysplasia, joint problems, obesity, cancer, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections. Bernese mountain dogs also suffer from many types of cancer, along with hip and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to heart problems, epilepsy, and autoimmune diseases. The life expectancy of your labernese could be anywhere from 6 to 12 years old, depending on their overall health, size, and genetic makeup. Labradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and Bernese mountain dogs have a life expectancy of 6 to 8 years. Caring for Your Bernese Mountain Lab Mix These gentle giants have beautiful coats that should be brushed often to keep up with their heavy shedding. Invest in a good vacuum to keep up with the accumulation of hair throughout your home. Bernese Labradors appreciate a good meal, no matter when it is offered, but because they are prone to obesity, they should be fed a high-quality, dry dog food twice daily. How much food will depend on the age and size of your dog. Labernese, and especially labernese puppies, are active dogs who aim to keep you on your toes. They benefit from regular exercise, and generally love fetch, running, and playtime with other dogs. Not only will a good romp make them happy, but it will also go a long way toward better behavior. Training and Socializing your Labernese And speaking of behavior, your labernese is extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a breeze, as long as you are consistent. Labradors and Bernese mountain dogs both respond to positive reinforcement training use food as a reward. Puppy obedience classes are a great way to help them socialize with other dogs. Labernese dogs will need plenty of room, inside and out. Labernese have thick coats, and both parent breeds were developed in northern regions of the world. These dogs will need plenty of exercise and room to run. The Bernese lab mix should be an excellent family dog, as they are known as gentle giants who are fond of children. Remember though, that each labernese is different, and they will have a secret mix of lab and Bernese mountain dog traits. If you can handle the uncertainty of a mixed breed, and are willing to put in the time to train and exercise a labernese, you will find that their loyalty and loving personality will reward you a hundred times over. Be sure to look for a reputable breeder with stellar credentials. Many shady breeders are getting into the designer dog market, hoping to make some fast cash. The last thing you want is a dog bred by someone without any scruples! Look for a labernese puppy with a clean bill of health who has been raised with the mother until at least 8-weeks of age. Parents should have be healthy, with documentation showing positive results from hip, elbow, and eye screenings. Ideally, you should visit the breeding facility to ensure cleanliness and meet the breeder in person before agreeing to purchase a puppy. A labernese puppy from a reputable breeder will probably cost more, but you will save yourself lots of headaches and heartaches by choosing the best breeder, not the cheapest. Before you make your decision, though, be sure to do your research. Here are the most compelling reasons for and against the labernese: PROS: Easy to train, gentle, good with kids, great working dog, loyal CONS: You will get a surprise mix of lab and Bernese mountain dog traits, short life span, prone to hip and elbow problems, needs lots of exercise, may be too big for a small house or yard Do You Have a Labernese? Which parent does your dog take after? Did you find your labernese easy to train? Please share your story in the comments below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! They were bred solely for companionship, so they love attention and lots of cuddles from their families. Bernedoodles are just as happy curling up on the couch as they are hiking a trail alongside their humans. They're playful and active dogs who can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. Appearance Though Bernese mountain dogs have a black, tan, and white uniform, poodles can have a much wider range of coat colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can vary in color. While they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad, they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix. Their fur can also be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. As a general rule, the straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed. In both cases, the thickness of a Bernedoodle mane makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs. Bernedoodle breeders typically offer a tiny, miniature, and standard size, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup. A smaller mix could easily live in an apartment as long as she gets plenty of walks and exercise. The standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini is between 18—22 inches tall and weighs 20—45 pounds. A "tiny," bred from a toy poodle, is only 12—17 inches and weighs 10—24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry. Temperament Affectionate and playful, Bernedoodles are a perfect family pet. They are especially fond of younger kids and provide a wonderful lifelong companion as children grow into adults. Though they're intelligent pups , they tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. Though they can't get enough of their family, Bernedoodles might first be apprehensive, sensitive, and skittish around strangers. As with all breeds, it's important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy so she'll be comfortable and affectionate around new people, too. She can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training. Personal space is not a part of their vocabulary, and they should not be left alone much. Loneliness can result in separation anxiety, which could cause nervous habits like whining or chewing. They will end feeling more fulfilled and have less anxious, OCD behaviors. And no matter the size, this hybrid is especially gentle-natured and loves children. They're so gentle, in fact, they don't make good guard dogs: They bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away. Care Most often, a Bernedoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies. In some cases, a Bernedoodle can have a straighter coat similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog. This means they'll shed more and might not agree with an owner who's allergic to pet dander. Once the litter is a few weeks old, a Bernedoodle breeder will be able to tell what kind of coat each puppy will have in order to match the right dog to the right owner. But with that curly coat comes a greater need for grooming. Bernedoodles don't shed much , so they'll need frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Most doodles love being brushed, and the routine allows the owner to bond with their dog. Keep in mind a very curly, "hypoallergenic" dog will need a haircut every few months. Just because they're low-shedding doesn't mean they're low maintenance! They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy, but so long as their physical needs are met, they likely won't turn to undesirable behaviors like digging to keep themselves entertained. They'll also need consistent social stimulation to reinforce positive behaviors. The more exposure they have to new pets and humans, the more likely they are to be well-behaved when introduced to a foreign person or situation. A Bernedoodle's smarts makes her typically easy to train. It also means she can learn behaviors good or bad quickly—that's why it's important to keep up with training, even past her puppy days. Training a Bernedoodle requires positive reinforcement and, in some cases, a high level of patience. Should the puppy inherit the Bernese's willfullness or the poodle's high energy, they'll need more of your time and attention. Health The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12—18 years. Luckily, the hybrid breed does not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese mountain dog. The Bernese side of their lineage has a life expectancy of only seven years and a high rate of cancer , hip and elbow dysplasia , heart disease , and epilepsy. And while Bernedoodles are far healthier than a purebred Bernese, they can still be "predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies ," Christman says. Just be on the lookout for [warning signs like] excessive drooling and ability to gain some weight quickly. Hot spots are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. This is why it's so important to keep up with grooming—a Bernedoodle is more likely to pick at their skin when her coat is dirty and matted. History Being a relatively new breed, the history book on Bernedoodles is a short one. After years of breeding Bernese mountain dogs, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles wanted a way to make the purebreds more allergen-friendly and free from the health issues that plague the breed. Thus, the Bernedoodle or at least the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle was born in .Now, dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the loyal, loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. She has more than 26, followers! Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig reportedly takes her mini Bernedoodle, Wizard, everywhere with her. Was this page helpful? So, it will contain no genetic influence from the Labrador breed. These dogs might look quite similar, particularly if a later generation Labradoodle is used in the Bernese Labradoodle mix. Multigen Labradoodles are more likely to have similar curly fur to the Poodle, since this is such a desirable trait. However, if a first generation Labradoodle is used, a Bernese Labradoodle mix can look more Lab-like than a Bernedoodle would. Bernese Labradoodle Mix Appearance The exact appearance of a Labradoodle Bernese Mountain Dog mix will depend on the traits a puppy inherits from its parents. So, elements like coat color, coat type, height, adult weight, and even their overall shape can differ. Because of this, owners should be prepared for any outcome. But, overall the best way to predict how a puppy will look is to see what the parents are like. Size and Physical Characteristics The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant breed that can stand anywhere between 23 and .Labradoodles are much smaller — even those that fall at the large end of the scale! On average, Labradoodles tend to grow between 22 and 24 inches tall, weighing between 30 and 50 lbs. A Bernese Labradoodle mix will likely fall somewhere in between these extremes. Some could be as small as the smallest Labradoodle, and others are large as a purebred Bernese. However, the majority will fall somewhere in between the two. Like most breeds, females will usually be smaller than males. On the whole, this mix will have a muscular appearance hidden under a lot of fur. Their ears will fall flat rather than standing erect. And they will have a long tail. Coat Type and Colors Labradoodles have three typical coat types. The hair type is the closest to the standard Labrador. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a dense, double layered coat. So, a Labradoodle Bernese mix could inherit any of these coat types. A Bernese Labradoodle mix will be the same. But there will be some natural variation between puppies, even of the same litter. Labradoodles tend to be friendly, lively, and playful dogs. They also need early socialization to encourage the friendliest temperament — particularly since they can be wary of strangers if they favor their Poodle parent. Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically calm, affectionate, and family-oriented. But, they can also be very loyal to their family. Whilst this can be a great trait, it also emphasises the need for early socialization. Socialization can help to prevent aggression and mistrust when your dog is facing new situations and meeting new people. Bernese Labradoodle dogs can take after either parent. Socialize them well from a young age to encourage the best possible personality. However, as a large mix, you should be careful about over-exercising them as a puppy. Too much high impact exercise too young can have a negative impact on their joints. This will provide some much-needed mental stimulation, as well as physical benefits. Training is another great way to provide mental stimulation. Training this mix from a young age is vital, as they will be large as an adult, and could accidentally hurt someone if untrained in basic obedience. Positive reward training will work best, as it will build on the strong bond you have with your dog. Plus, Bernese Labradoodles are usually very food motivated! Like socialization, positive reward training can start from the moment you bring your puppy home at 8 weeks. Bernese Labradoodle Health and Care Mixed breed dogs live, on average, longer than purebred dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs live between 8 and 10 years on average. Labradoodles live a slightly longer average of 12 years. So, a Bernese Labradoodle will usually live somewhere between 10 and 12 years on average. A Bernese Mountain Dog Labradoodle mix will also be prone to the same hereditary health problems as its parent breeds. These can include any of the following: Hip and elbow dysplasia. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great pet and very family-friendly. Most people describe them as being very loving, playful and chill. Did I say goofy, yes, they are described as goofy too. They originate in the mountains of the Swiss Alps and were used to pull carts and protect the family. They have a very full coat and love to find a piece of tile or concrete to cool themselves lying on. They do shed a lot, in-fact I like to say that I could weave a whole new dog from what I sweep off the floor every day I think that is a hilarious comment and say it over and over again, not sure anyone agrees with how funny it is but it cracks me up every time, also I don't really know how to weave.Health concerns include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, DM Degenerative Myelopathy and, sadly, can lead to having a fairly short life-expectancy years as a breed, if affected. Related to the Rottweiler and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, they have a classic phantom-marked coat of distinct tri-colors of black, white, and rust. Poodles are very smart, loyal, energetic and have incredible longevity as a breed. They can be a little needy and thrive on one-on-one attention. They are family friendly, but often have their special person that they are connected to. They can bark quite a bit and need a lot of socialization with other dogs to keep up their skills. Poodles do better in a multiple dog household. They have continuously growing hair not fur, like other breeds and need regular grooming. Just like with humans, when you brush them hair comes out in the brush, but the coat does not shed or fall off like other breeds. For this reason, they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people normally reactive to other breeds. We raised our first litter of Bernedoodles for another breeder. The mom was a big Bernese Mountain Dog and just as sweet and loving as you can possibly imagine. She was a good and chill mom and we enjoyed having her here, She loved laying on the tile floors in the kitchen or bathroom. The thing that really stood out to us was these puppies were just everything you could want in a puppy: independently playful, interactive, confident and very content. Mixing these two together produces some of the most enchanting animals we have ever encountered. Also, because of the cross-breeding, their life expectancy years is much longer than the purebred Bernese. Lots of people report that they have no allergies to the Bernedoodle, although that is not universal so it would really depend on the individual. We recommend meeting or doing a T-Shirt Test rub it on the puppy then send to you to rub on your skin before bringing one home, if this is an issue for you. They are smart and loyal and playful, with just the right amount of chill and cuddle. The exact origins of the Bernedoodle are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created as a designer breed with the goal of combining the best traits of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed that is known for its loyalty and gentle disposition, while the Poodle is a highly intelligent and hypoallergenic breed that is often used in crossbreeding to produce dogs with desirable traits. The first recorded Bernedoodle litter was born in in Ontario, Canada. Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes, colors, and coat types, depending on the specific breeding. They are generally friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great family pets. Due to their Poodle heritage, they are often low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and there are several reasons for their widespread popularity: They make great family pets: Labrador Retrievers have a friendly, outgoing personality and are known for their love of people, including children. They are loyal and protective of their owners and make great companions. They are highly trainable: Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other activities. They are versatile: Labrador Retrievers are versatile and can be trained for a variety of tasks, including hunting, search and rescue, and service work. They have a good temperament: Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle nature and good temperament, which makes them ideal as therapy dogs. They are low-maintenance: Labrador Retrievers have a short, easy-to-care-for coat that sheds minimally, making them low-maintenance dogs. They are healthy: Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs with few health issues. Overall, the combination of their friendly personality, trainability, versatility, good temperament, low-maintenance care, and overall health make Labrador Retrievers a popular choice for pet owners. They are often referred to as a Bearded Retriever. These pups enjoy the intelligence of the Poodle and the friendliness of the Lab. Both breeds excel at learning new behaviors and tend to learn very quickly. Their coats can be curly or shaggy. They are typically moderately active. These pups are the closest to the original breed, as far as physical and personality traits. Because the Poodle doesn't shed, these puppies will typically shed less every dog is different though. Their coat is often smooth to wavy. One of the great benefits of the F1 is Hybrid Vigor see below. If you really love a Lab or Berner, but would like to cut down on the shedding and gain the great attributes of the Poodle, the F1 may be for you. B stands for Backcross: breeding a Doodle back to one of the parent breeds. This is typically done by breeding back to the Poodle to increase the hypoallergenic properties. This is the generation that many look for because they are generally more hypoallergenic there are no guarantees exactly how much so and have low to no shedding. Their coat is more likely to be wavy or curly. These puppies enjoy the benefits of Hybrid Vigor, just to a lesser extent. These pups will also benefit from Hybrid Vigor, to an extent. Some shedding is to be expected and the coat texture is fairly unpredictable. This is a great pup for those who love the both Berner and the Poodle and are not too particular about the shedding or the coat. What this means in dog breeding is that, in breeding two different purebred breeds, you can often breed out some of the inherent negative conditions of the purebreed to produce a more healthy offspring. That is why the first generation, the F1, benefits the most from Hybrid Vigor. The amount of "increased vigor and superior qualities" generated by these pairings is not fully understood. But, with healthy, responsible breeding, parents can pass on the best of their breeds and lower the occurrence of negative inherited conditions. But is one ever enough? We think not. Whether you already have one or more dogs that live in your home, we think a Bernedoodle could make an excellent addition to your life. There are two ways of looking at if a Berendoodle is right for you. You have a dog at home already and are considering bringing another into your pack. Or maybe you already have a Bernedoodle that you share your space with. Is there another four-legged friend that can be brought into that same space? Learn about our puppy matchmaking process Introduction to Bernedoodles The best way to decide if a certain pup is right for you is to look at one specific side of that equation. In this case: The Bernedoodle. Bernedoodles are crossbreeds between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Bernedoodles are typically friendly, intelligent and reliable dogs that make great companions for families with other dogs. As such, they come in a variety of colors and have different dispositions. Most of these personality traits will blend into most families. Mini and Medium-sized Bernedoodles fall in the middle of those two. However, like with any dog, early socialization and obedience training is key to having a well-behaved and well-adjusted canine companion. Be sure to set rules and boundaries for your Bernedoodle from an early age and stick to them. Dogs thrive when they know what's expected of them, and with a little patience and consistency, you'll have a dog who is the perfect addition to your family. The Best Companion Dogs for Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are known for being friendly and good with kids, making them great family pets. But what about when you want to take your dog for a walk or on a run? Are there certain types of dogs that get along well with Bernedoodles? As it turns out, the answer is yes! Here are some of the most compatible dogs for Bernedoodles: Golden Retrievers: They are also relatively easy to train. Goldens also make great companions for Bernedoodles because they are friendly and playful with children. Golden Retrievers get along with most anything and anyone. Pugs: Pugs are another breed that are known for being fun and kid compatible. Keep in mind that if you do have a Pug, your new Bernedoodle will require more exercise regardless of size. They could be a great motivator for your Pug! Siberian Husky: Huskies' happy-go-lucky demeanor and penchant for exercise make them a great companion for your Bernedoodle. While a lone Husky could be a destructive force, being paired with a Bernedoodle could even solve this problem. It's easy to find a pup that will fit into your existing pack with a Bernedoodle. They have an incredibly friendly and outgoing disposition. Another thing to look for in a companion dog is breed compatibility. For instance, if you have a German Shepherd, you might want to consider a Bernedoodle instead of a Golden Retriever since they share some of the same personality traits. Bernedoodles are bred to be compatible with a wide range of dog breeds, so most should be okay with them. Whatever breed of dog you choose, be sure to socialize them early and often to ensure that they will be comfortable in any situation. Recent posts:.

Final Thoughts A 3 month old German Shepherd is still fluffy and cute, but it has changed a lot in comparison to its early days. It has become pretty tall, about one foot in height, with long paws and an extreme desire to chew something. Put away all your shoes, socks, or clothes because they may suffer badly from its teeth. Instead, buy entertaining chew toys and collect all your patience. You need to take proper care of your pup and keep its immense energy under control. So, you need to know how to train your German Shepherd for a happy and healthy future. This guide will help you learn more and let your ideal doggy live a long life full of positive experiences and adventures. If you have a boy, its height will be about inches cm. Girls are a bit lower at this age — they are about inches cm tall. You can also notice the increase in weight. The 3 month old German Shepherd weight can differ depending on several factors. Males can weigh pounds kg , while females weigh pounds kg. However, they can be even smaller if they belong to a working line. The gender difference becomes apparent at this age. The weight can also depend on the diet you feed your pup. The changes in appearance also include the teething stage. At this time, your pup has all its milk teeth, so adult teeth growth starts. It will last for a few months until all the puppy teeth will be replaced. You will notice one more dramatic change. It concerns the coat. Its fluffy and fuzzy nature will disappear because the adult fur starts growing. You will see a racing stripe on the back to show that the puppy coat has started to be replaced. Your pup still has floppy ears that can stand straight from time to time. Though, you need to understand that during this period, the ears will not stand up steadily because teething needs a lot of calcium, and the ear cartilage cannot harden properly. You will see a lot of improvements and a steadier ear position in a month or so. Remember not to pat your little one on the ears or head, or you may damage the cartilage. It will last until your puppy is 6 months old and is characterized by immense energy, curiosity, and getting into trouble here and there. That is why socialization and training are so important in this period. German Shepherd puppies at this age are very energetic. Though they look more grown-up than ever, their puppy nature always gets them into trouble, so you need to remain as patient as you can to train your little one the proper behavior. Your pup may jump at people and bite them. Praise it with a treat if it can abstain from doing that. Since your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy is full of energy, it needs a lot of exercise. Keep it busy all the time, but not make it do something heavy for a long time because it may have severe negative consequences on its health. Take it for walks as often as you can. A minute walk is enough. The distance your pup can walk is up to 6 miles 9. Moreover, your doggy needs a lot of other exercises. It can be a combination of playing fetch, running, and aerobic activities. You can make it play with a rubber toy or do some strength training. Once again, one-time sessions should not be very long. If you cannot take your pup outside for a walk because it is very cold, play with it inside. It can be playing with a puzzle toy or hiding something in the house and asking your dog to find it. If you have a car, you can take your puppy on a ride to provide it with more experience. Overexercising can lead to problems with joints, so you need to be very careful. The sleeping schedule of your puppy also changes a little at this age. It is approximately hours per day. It can also wake you up at night and require playing or going potty. It is normal at this age. The fastest sleep for it is before dawn. If you hesitate about how much your German Shepherd should sleep now, or whether it needs some sleep during the daytime, you can consult your vet. Health and Care Your 12 week old German Shepherd grows fast, and it looks healthy. However, you need to be aware of possible health issues at this age to be careful about. The first thing you have to keep in mind is weighing and measuring your doggy regularly. At this point, you should also provide it with the second set of vaccinations. It includes parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and distemper. Keep to a healthy and nutritious diet. If you have any doubts about the possibility of hereditary health conditions, get a DNA test. It is especially important if you want to prevent degenerative myelopathy. Even if your pup is healthy and merry, you need to take care of it regularly. Healthy diets, frequent walks, and enough exercise are all indisputable components of good puppy care. Remember to groom and brush your doggy just twice per week. Changing the coat to an adult one will lead to excessive shedding. Try to help your pet get rid of the fur that is not needed anymore. You can even develop a specific schedule for grooming or make an appointment with a professional if you are not sure how to do it properly. That can be a regular playdate with your dog-loving friends and their pets. Or you can help your pup meet new friends when you are walking with it in the park. Potty walks are an essential part of care. A 3 month old GSD can hold its bladder for an hour or so. That is why you need to keep an eye on it and let it eliminate whenever it is needed without unnecessary inside accidents. Your little one needs only healthy nutrition to grow strong and intelligent. Be attentive about treats. Obesity can cause other health problems with the heart, kidneys, and joints. Develop a feeding schedule and try to stick to it. If the puppy leaves some food in the bowl, take it away. Never leave the leftovers in the bowl, or your puppy will come back to them later, and it will be impossible to establish a feeding schedule. That will lead to potty accidents and digestion issues. The diet has to be rich in protein, but be sure that it does not contain too much fat. The food should also contain phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins. You can use vitamin supplements meant for German Shepherd puppies, but never opt for those that are for humans or adult dogs. The schedule is very important for your pet. If you establish it at three feeding times per day, try to keep to it. Distribute the amount of food evenly throughout all meals. Never feed your doggy immediately before going to bed. Provide it with enough water. Fresh water is essential for puppies, so the bowl full has to be around all the time. You do not need to take it away. It starts understanding what is going on around it. So, it needs proper training at this age. It should also learn how to interact with other animals and people. Obedience training is essential at this time. Your puppy may not master all of them at once because its attention span is rather short, so be patient enough to repeat them again and again. Only after you see that your pet is confident about these commands, you may continue with more complicated ones. Never punish or beat your puppy if something does not go well. Positive reinforcement is always your priority. Never forget to praise your little dog and give it treats if it has done something well. Your doggy should also know how to deal with other dogs. If you have a friend with a dog, invite them to your place or pay a visit to them with your pup. Your doggy will feel more confident if it knows how to build trust and socialize with other living beings. Training is very important during this period. So, if you have not started doing it yet, begin your training sessions immediately. Your doggy should see a leader of the pack in you, so be as persistent and confident as possible. If you have some difficulties, it is better to seek the help of an expert. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time training your pup. It may not be so easy at first, but it is certain to be rewarding. The height of your puppy changes very quickly because its intensive growth continues. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd weight? There may be an apparent increase in weight at this age. It depends on several factors, such as hereditary options, type of line, feeding schedule, etc. On average, boys weigh pounds .Puppies from the working line can weigh less. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd eat? Your pup should eat 2 cups of dry kibble or homemade food per day. How much does a 3 month old German Shepherd sleep? You will notice some changes in the sleep schedule of your pup. It needs less sleep, but the overall sleeping time is about hours per day, including day naps. The puppy can still wake you up at night for playing or potty. Though, this will happen more rarely. How far can a 3 month old German Shepherd walk? How much exercise should a 3 month old GSD get? The puppy needs a lot of exercise at this age. At least 30 minutes per session can help it grow smart, alert, and strong. Walking and running for about 15 minutes can be a part of this exercise. However, you can include playing games into the sessions. Final Thoughts The first thing you need to remember when you have decided that a German Shepherd is a good breed for you is to be ready for taking a huge responsibility. Be patient and positive. Never punish, shout at it, or beat it. However, you have to be consistent and demanding to let your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy feel that you are its leader, and it should follow and trust you. German Shepherds, if properly trained, socialized, and cared for, are great family dogs. That is why you need to keep the advice from this article in mind and always contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. 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 puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. Reliable training German Shepherd puppy training: socialization! The first item in your German Shepherd puppy training list is Socialization. It means that you must provide your baby German Shepherd with interesting and positive interactions. If you ensure that your pup interacts, and has a positive and rewarding experience, with as many people, dogs, animals, sounds, objects, sights and experiences, you will raise a confident and reliable dog. Every new activity or interaction must be followed with a yummy treat! This will ensure your puppy will have a positive association with every new experience, object, person, animal, etc. You can use your dog's kibble or something better like chicken, beef or cheese. Commercial treats are also a good and easy to use option, but make sure you buy healthy, all natural dog treats to keep your German shepherd puppy healthy and strong! German Shepherd dogs are loyal and may have a tendency to be apprehensive with strangers. Socialization will ensure that your puppy grows a strong bond with you without developing a problematic over-protectiveness. German Shepherd puppy training socialization tips: Never separate a puppy from his mother and littermates before the age of weeks. During this time, mom teaches her puppies some important rules of the dog world like body language communication and they start to learn bite inhibition by plying with the other puppies. Unfortunately many vets will tell you not to take your puppy out of the house until they have had all of their shots. This is old school thinking and can have extremely bad consequences that will become apparent only when your canine becomes an adult. Without the full set of shots, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases, however taking your pup to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized reduces the risk for becoming sick AND will make your German Shepherd a confident, well adjusted and friendlier dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization , even before the full set of vaccines are given to the pup. Take socialization in your own hands. Spend the first 4 weeks holding parties at your home! Yes, parties! Invite all your friends and family for Karaoke, sports watching, boardgames, etc. Ask them to bring their kids too! And always make sure socialization is about positive interactions. If any of the kids or adults make your puppy a little scared, simply remove the threat and let the puppy explore other things. Back to top of German shepherd puppy training article. German Shepherd puppy training: stop the biting! Socialization is hard work, bite-inhibition is even harder! But it is one of the best things you can ever teach your pup. Dogs have really strong jaws and can learn to apply just the right amount of pressure with it. Adult dogs that have had this kind of training can get into fights and defend themselves without drawing blood. This is so important to avoid any type of dog-human or dog-dog bite accidents. German Shepherd puppy dogs have sharp teeth for a reason: to learn how to use their mouth properly. Teach your puppy to bite without hurting! To teach your pooch not to hurt human skin you will need to yelp like a puppy every time you feel teeth in contact with your skin. Engage in puppy play and Yelp Yes! Loud, sharp, high pitched and clear when you feel teeth. Your pup will most likely stop in surprise. As soon as he has stopped, wait seconds and resume play. Repeat as many times as needed. Start with those bites that really hurt or scratch. If you yelp every time you feel teeth, your puppy will think it is how you play. It may take a few weeks for you to notice that your pup is not hurting as much.Progressively teach your pup to play without hurting you. This make take a couple of months! Do not let your puppy play with your clothes, shoes, face or hair. If your puppy bites any of these, the game is over. Wait for him to calm down and start playing again. If you are tired of playing and getting bitten, grab a tug-toy or a ball and play those games instead. After a while, settle your puppy with a stuffed Kong toy on his bed or crate. Never punish your puppy for play-biting, this can lead to aggression or your puppy fearing "hands" near his face. Even though German shepherd puppy dogs are really smart, bite-inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. Most of the time you will feel he is not learning anything at all, keep at it. You can add second time outs on top of yelping if needed. It is definitely worth your time. If bite-inhibition is slow, this article has more tips to help you! Another aspect of training your German shepherd puppy bite inhibition are toys! Your pup needs to learn to bite only his toys, not furniture, not the walls, not your shoes. For this reason you need to load your house with puppy toys and TEACH your puppy how to play with them. The best dog toys are interactive, this means that you can put food inside the toy and your puppy has to think how to get it out. This toys are the best because they add enrichment to your dog's life. Interactive dog toy recommendations: Feed EVERY meal inside an interactive dog toy Use interactive toys with your German shepherd when he is left alone in the house. Make sure he has plenty of toys interactive and others so he won't get bored when you leave. Use interactive toys when you need some quiet time because you need to work, or you have guests. Kong dog toy's are the best , you can fill them with something soft like cheese or peanut butter and let your puppy lick it for a while. Even better.Below you will see some of my favorite interactive dog toys durable and fun! German Shepherd puppy training: potty outside! Another important item on your German shepherd puppy training list is House training. It can be a bit stressful, but if done correctly, you can accomplish it very quickly. Just keep in mind that depending on your puppy in can take anywhere from 1 week to several months to complete potty training. The following info-graphic has some simple rules to follow and make german shepher potty training easy and effective: Take your puppy out for a potty break every hours. Take your puppy out for a potty the break after every meal. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a nap. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a play session. The main idea when potty training a German shepherd puppy, is to take him out or to the correct place as often as he needs to and reward him after he is done. The infographic above gives you an idea of how often a puppy needs to go out. However, you need to know your own puppy. This way you will know how often he is relieving himself. You may also notice if he does it after every meal or nap. Reward with a treat after he is done! Repeat steps 2 and 3, you should start noticing that after a couple of days or weeks your puppy chooses the correct place more often than other places. NEVER punish your dog for accidents, this can stress him and even make him do his business hidden from you which will make potty training very hard because you won't be able to reward him. You can crate train your German shepherd puppy so he learns to have quiet times in between active times. Crate training also prevents your puppy from having accidents. For more information and a puppy crate-training schedule check this article! German shepherd potty training aids The are several commercial items available to help you potty train your German shepherd dog. Regular cleaning products may take away the urine scent -you- smell but they will not remove the scent your dog smells. Enzymatic cleaners do that, they break down urine molecules to make them easy to remove. This will prevent your pet from returning to the same, incorrect, spot. Puppy pads are very popular because they are less messy than news paper. However, if you put a puppy pad and leave you puppy alone with it, you will find it in shreds! You must teach your puppy to use the puppy pads, not to chew on them. To do this, put the puppy pad on the floor and interrupt your puppy if he tries to play with it. Exchange for another toy and reward with treats for not grabbing the pad with his mouth he can however, stand or sit on it. Repeat until he learns this! If you have a backyard, a doggy-door is an excellent way to give your pup access to the outdoors without your help. You must teach him how to use it! Use a treat to lure him through the door many times until he can do it on his own! Then, every-time you take him outside, make him go though the door on his own. You can also teach your puppy to let you know when he needs to go outside! Use a doggy doorbells for this purpose. You must teach your dog how to use them! First, teach your dog to touch the bells. Then, ask your dog to touch the bells every time before you open the door to let him go outside. Finally, be alert for when he does it on his own! I do not recommend any "Not Here" or "Yes Here" type sprays. They don't work very well, specially without any training.German Shepherd puppy training: basic commands! Some dog trainers won't start until the dog is 6 months old, at which time he is past the socialization and bite inhibition period and he is probably doing all sorts of naughty things. You can start training your German shepherd puppy from the first day you bring him home. From weeks you can start teaching your canine many commands, however I strongly advice you keep your focus on socialization, bite-inhibition and potty training. If you have time to train basic commands…. Your pooch will love it! Step-by-step obedience training tutorials for your German shepherd German Shepherd puppy training "SIT": You will use this command all the time. Ask your pup to sit when a stranger wants to pet him, for attention, for the ball to be thrown, etc. To start use food to lure your pooch into the sit position. Only give him the treat once his bottom is on the ground. Repeat many times! Follow this link for detail instructions.This is useful at the vet as well as to mix and match commands. From a sit or down position lure your baby german shepherd into a stand. This link will take you to the step by step guide.Start your pooch from a sitting position and lure him into a down. Only give your dog a treat after he is completely down on the ground. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.Why train your pooch sit, down and stand? You need three commands to mix up when you ask your dog to do something. If you have at least three options, then your smart German Shepherd won't be able to predict what you will ask. Practice Puppy Push-Ups! Sit-down-stand, Down-sit-stand, and ask you German Shepherd puppy to do one, two, or more commands to earn treats, toys and attention! Other useful cues include: Speak and Quiet , settle and ask for permission before rushing into something potentially dangerous. You can see a full list of commands on this link. Enjoy German Shepherd puppy training time and leave us your questions and comments in the box below. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy! However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption.

Although there is only one Labrador breed, there are two widely recognized sub-types within the breed. Our breeding program focuses on the "English" type, also referred to as show or bench type. We feel that the English lines produce dogs better suited for family pets, which is the main focus of our program. Just let us know what you're planned purpose for a dog is and we can recommend the lines and breeding best suited to your needs. We have litters throughout the year and produce all three recognized colors.You are welcome to call anytime for more info! All puppies come with a written health guarantee against genetic defects. If you are just looking for a pet, your puppy will come with limited AKC registration papers, which you can fill out and send in to complete the registration process. Full AKC registration is available for puppies placed in breeding or show homes at additional cost. If you are seeking full registration, please let us know when you first inquire so that we can give you the appropriate information. Ground shipping is available at buyer's expense. I can provide info on shippers I've personally dealt with for you to contact. Most people prefer to fly in and take their puppy back home as a carry-on. Nanny service possibly available. Some of our puppies in Patriot Paws' service dog training program!! Why Choose our Lab Puppies in Texas? Health Guarantee Carefully bred to reduce the risk of health conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, and heart disorders. Ranch Raised All of our Labradors are free ranged on the farm with no restrictions other than to ensure their protection and safety. We raise our Labradors with love and care as if each one was our own. We started breeding for the love of the breed and have now been doing so for over 20 years. Lena and Patrick Hughes have experience in raising, breeding and caring for these adorable canines. The Hughes family understands the kind of attention that is needed for the success and development that comes from caring breeders, and not a puppy mill or pet stores. Our Labradors share a love of the water and are excellent retrievers. Their loyalty and their ability to learn makes them enjoyable to work with and easy to train for all levels of activity. Over the years, the Hughes Family has learned a great deal about breeding English Labs to improve the quality and conformation of our labradors. Our goal is to always ensure a beautiful and healthy ancestral lineage passed down to future generations. These strong, caring, and loving Labs are born naturals for use as Service Animals, Caring Companions, or loving families. Please be aware that we do not place puppies that are represented as show prospects, as those puppies go into our program. Your puppy will be current on shots; normally we will release them to new homes at approximately 8 weeks of age. Please call or email for more details. Visitors are always welcome. Please Contact Us for information. Contact for information on upcoming litters. We do not sell our Labs for breeding purposes. A puppy you find for less will most likely come from a backyard breeder. Most of these people who breed their pets together are not in the sport of purebred dogs and do not research the health and genetics behind their Labrador pedigrees. Many do not do the necessary hip, elbow and eye testing. Although x-rays and tests can get pricey, these tests give breeders a higher chance that their puppies will live long and healthy lives free of the genetic problems that affect so many Labradors around the world. Please call or email for pricing on current litters. Plus details about older puppies. Here is a link that will help you confirm the parents of a puppy you are interested in have their basic breeding clearances- www. All you have to do is type in the registered name or number of each parent in the search box and a page will appear with their hip and elbow scores. Hip scores will be rated as either Fair, Good, or Excellent. They answer any and all questions you might have in a timely manner, before and after you leave with your puppy. The right breeder is everything and Angie will exceed your expectations when it comes to Labradors. We are absolutely in love with our yellow lab and will never go anywhere else!! We love Pilot!!! Jackie Klinski Longo We adore our pup Ruby! She has an amazing temperament and with three kiddos that was so important to us. She is a true companion. My parents have their puppy Finley from Alder Creek as well and we adore him so much too! Amy Forks I am beyond excited to meet my new yellow lab puppy this weekend! I already have a beautiful chocolate lab from AlderCreek, and I know that I will be getting the best in quality, beauty, and disposition with my 2nd lab from AlderCreek. Angie does a wonderful job of matching puppies to their new human families. I have no… Sallie Broaddus Angie is the best at what she does. Her preparation and organization for that change was a game changer for me as a new pup parent as well as for the young lab…. Matthew Dueser Where to begin?! Our family now has two incredible labs from Angie Brown. We began with Angie in December of .I have recommended her to people every chance I get! Angie is extraordinarily thorough. She has a vast array of experience in the world of Labradors. Angie loves hearing from us and seeing all of our many lab… Elizabeth Kuper Make A Puppy Inquiry We know finding a genetically sound puppy with the right temperament takes a lot of time and research.

What would be the perfect puppy to you? Well, many people would think of the beautiful German Shepherd breed. This versatile, hard-working, intelligent dog is truly good at so many things. You are sure that you want to become a German Shepherd owner, so where should you start your journey? The answer is easy: the first thing you need to do is check the breeder! Since German Shepherds are pretty popular in Massachusetts, there are many breeders who can offer you this dog breed. So, how can you make a decision and choose a breeder? By doing this, you will see the environment where the German Shepherd is living, and you will also be able to estimate his daily routine and his relationship with the breeders, too. Just calling or texting your breeder before you buy is simply not enough! Beware that you are welcoming a new life into your home, and that both of you will have to make certain adjustments. Therefore, one visit to the kennel could either allow you to decide whether you should become a German Shepherd owner, or maybe wait with this decision. Before you decide to buy a German Shepherd, check with the breeder if their dogs have AKC health certificates. If you are dealing with a reputable breeder, this is the most normal question, which you will not even have to ask because for reputable breeders, a health certificate is a must. However, if the breeder avoids answering this question or does not offer any specific answer, take this as a warning. He is probably a frivolous breeder who does not care enough about the health of his dogs. Well, if the breeder has a reputable veterinarian, and suggests that you check references from past customers, allowing you to see clearly that the puppies are living in really good conditions — we can say that you will not make a mistake by choosing to buy your German Shepherd from this kind of breeder. Just to be sure: the best way is to pay a visit to a couple of kennels in order to finally make the right decision. However, the price depends on a couple of factors. Color German Shepherds are usually either black, sable , or gray, or else they have two colors combined: black and silver , black and red, or black and tan. Still, if you are a fan of rare colors, there are some unusual German Shepherd colors, such as the Isabella German Shepherd , whose color is light lavender, or the Liver German Shepherd , which resembles a brownish red. Working lines or show lines? If you are looking for a friend and companion in your dog, then a show-line German Shepherd would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you are thinking of a protective, obedient dog, then a working-line German Shepherd is the one you should be looking for. However, be ready to pay some more money for working lines. That boosts the initial price by at least a few hundred dollars. To Conclude This dog breed is very popular and extremely versatile — no wonder why there are so many German Shepherd breeders in Massachusetts. If you are looking for healthy German Shepherd puppies in Massachusetts, make sure you have thought about all of the important questions related to the choice of a breeder. Just like you are making a choice for the best breeder, a reputable breeder is looking for the best possible new homes for their German Shepherds that he has been raising and training from birth. If you are to become a proud German Shepherd owner, make your yard the perfect place for your magnificent new friend to enjoy! For the complete list please see our resource links page. Are the puppies bred for quality or quantity? Do the parents have health clearances? What genetic testing has been done on the puppies? Are the puppies raised in a home environment? What type of support and training does the breeder offer? How often do the breeders breed their dogs? But prices can vary depending on the breeder. When looking for a breeder, it is important to set your budget before you start searching for a puppy. If you have an exact price in mind, this will help you eliminate breeders that are outside of your price range. These dogs typically cost less than a dog from a breeder. But be aware that these dogs may not have all of their shots or they may be ill with something like parvovirus. In some cases, it is possible to adopt animals from places other How to Find A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts If you are looking for a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Massachusetts, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are choosing a reputable breeder. First, ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. If they have had a good experience with a breeder, they will be more than happy to recommend them to you. Second, do some online research. There are many websites that allow dog owners to review breeders. Reading through these reviews can give you a good idea of what the breeder is like and whether or not they are reputable. Third, social media is a great new way to find out about breeders that may not be in your local area. If you do not want to visit the kennel in person, at least meet with the breeder of your pup face-to-face before you put any money down. Spend some time getting to know the breeder through email or even by telephone but insist that you will only purchase if they would be willing to let you come and visit their facility in person. There are plenty of reputable breeders out there who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Do your research, ask lots of questions. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts Make sure the breeder has a list of references that you can contact who have purchased dogs from them in the past. Do not be afraid to call or email these people and ask questions about their experience with the breeder, whether they are happy with their dog, if they recommend her, and if they would buy a dog from her again. Be prepared to wait for the right puppy. Be cautious of any German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts that does not offer you references. If your breeder tells you he is unable to provide this information for some reason, then take this as a red flag and politely thank him for his time but do not purchase anything from him. An ethical breeder will be happy to provide you with documentation that proves that his dogs are healthy and have been cleared of any genetic health issues. Ask Your Massachusetts German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Many people who go to a breeder and meet the parents of the puppy they are interested in, find out that if they had met some of the past customers who have purchased a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder, they would not have even considered buying a puppy from this breeder. Many of these past customers will tell you that they did not get what was been promised to them when it came to the exercise requirements, temperament and loyalty qualities that these German Shepherds possessed. In fact, many of us made costly mistakes with our first dog or dogs because we were unaware of the time commitments involved in owning a quality German Shepherd Dog that is going to resemble what has been advertised by so many breeders around the country. Meeting past customers will help you to understand what you are getting into if you purchase a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder. We want you to be happy with your new addition for years to come, and talking to people who have already gone through the process is the best way to gauge whether or not our breeder is right for you. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important that you ask if you can meet some of their past customers. This will help you to understand what kind of experience you can expect if you purchase a puppy from them. Happy customers are the best advertisement a breeder can have. One of the things that you will want to ask your breeder is if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This is important because you will want to make sure that your puppy has all of its vaccinations and is healthy. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This will help you to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has all of its vaccinations. Happy and healthy puppies are the goal of every breeder. Some of these signs include: The breeder does not allow you to meet any past customers The breeder does not have a good veterinarian that they use The puppies are kept in poor conditions The breeder is asking for too much money for a puppy If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a different breeder. It is not worth it to purchase a puppy from an unethical breeder, as you will likely end up with a dog that has health problems and behaves poorly. Ask The Massachusetts Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems The best way to determine whether or not a breeder is ethical and responsible is to ask if the puppies they offer for sale have any health problems. Most reputable German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Massachusetts provide you with a written health guarantee that ensures every puppy they sell will be free of genetic health issues. An honest and ethical breeder should be able to prove their claims by providing you with proof that all of their dogs are free from genetic health concerns. If they cannot do this, then walk away. When your puppy is first brought home it is a good idea to confine them to a crate or a small area with nothing on the ground that they can chew. This lets them get used to being in one spot without getting into trouble. Once you have taught your German Shepherd Dog not to chew things you can give them free reign of the house though still keeping dangerous items out of their reach. If you want, but this may be difficult if your new dog has already chewed through everything at least once, you can purchase some baby gates and put them up around your house so that your puppy is confined to specific rooms unless they are leashed. If all goes well, and it usually does, after about 3 months sometimes sooner your puppy will have learned the house rules and can be allowed to roam free. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things you will need to do when potty training your new puppy is to be consistent. You should take them out every time they eat, drink, or play and also after they wake up from a nap. Reward them with lots of praise and a treat when they go potty in the right spot. It can be helpful to put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule as this will help with predictability when it comes to going potty. Once your puppy is consistently going potty outside you can start to slowly lengthen the amount of time between bathroom breaks. Training Your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and with a little bit of training they can be taught to do all sorts of things. Some popular commands that people teach their GSDs are sit, stay, come, down, and guard. You can find lots of resources online about how to train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. One thing to keep in mind when training your German Shepherd is that they need plenty of exercise. A good way to tire them out is to take them on long walks or play fetch with them in the park. Thank you for reading and happy hunting. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog". Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog", and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog". In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "Just a dog", you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend", "Just a sunrise", or "Just a promise". Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog". It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog". It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "Just a woman". So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog", smile, because they "Just Don't Understand". German Shepherds for sale in Massachusetts Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Massachusetts with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Massachusetts. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Massachusetts There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Massachusetts, from Worcester to Boston, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children in MA afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Massachusetts happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. I started searching for a good German Shepherd with good temperament, good health and from a good blood line. I searched and searched for a long time; across the country, even across the world but then I met Cynthia Kelly from Regis Regal German Shepherds. She is an encyclopedia and a wealth of knowledge about this breed. She paired me with, what I consider, a once in life time puppy. Thank you Cynthia - Manny is amazing! As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. We have answers. For example, lacquer black German Shepherd puppies for sale Boston Ma might fetch a higher price than your standard tan-and-black variety. Breeder experience and champion bloodlines also factor in on pricing. Will you only match me with local breeders? All our partners from the 48 states in the continental US have the means to bring your future best friend to the nearest major airport to you safely and reliably. How do you screen breeders for German Shepherd puppies near me? We have a stringent process to ensure that our partners conform to the highest ethical and legal standards in breeding--all to make sure you take home a happy and healthy puppy. Check out our Breeder Pledge page for details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are run by people who want the money-making potential of puppies but not the responsibility that comes with it. Puppies produced in such poor conditions are likely to run up vet bills and have a very low life expectancy. Are there any purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale near me? Let us know about your preferences so we can scan our network and connect you with German Shepherd MFA Boston breeders and businesses that match your criteria. What is the MatchMaker process? Getting a puppy that matches your lifestyle is the first and most crucial step in making sure your relationship with your future best friend gets off on the right foot. How do I know I can trust you? Our mission has always been to create families by connecting loving humans with healthy puppies from responsible breeders and businesses.

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

Cancer Progressive Retinal Atrophy The primary recommendations we make when someone is shopping for Miniature Goldendoodles are fairly standard. Getting your dog the right amount of exercise and keeping them at a healthy weight can prevent many chronic problems and make them overall happier. In addition, taking your dog in for regular checkups, and to stay current on all shots and vaccinations, encourages health as well. One other reason that puppy parents trust Keystone Puppies when looking for Mini Goldendoodles for sale is that we make dog health our top priority! Not only do we only work with responsible breeders that prioritize healthy practices, but we also offer a no-hassle puppy health guarantee. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are a popular option for owners looking to adopt a hypoallergenic dog. Their curly coat should be soft to the touch. The signature coat of pretty curls is one of the places where the Poodle ancestry truly shines through. To keep the coat looking its most beautiful, make sure to brush it two to four times per week. Not only is brushing a nice bonding experience for the pup and their person, but it also prevents tangling and matting. Owners can maintain a healthy Goldendoodle coat by bathing them every other month. Meet Mini Goldendoodles for Sale. Reviews 0 Cheap mini goldendoodle puppies for sale At Cheappuppiesforsale , we take pride in working with only the best mini goldendoodle breeders in USA. History of Mini Goldendoodle Puppies: The Mini Goldendoodle breed originated in the United States in the s, as a result of a desire to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. Over the years, the Goldendoodle has become increasingly popular as a family pet, thanks to its friendly nature, trainability, and low-shedding coat. Temperament of Goldendoodles: Goldendoodle puppies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them an ideal choice for families with children. Because Goldendoodles are a crossbreed, their temperament can vary depending on the characteristics they inherit from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. However, in general, Goldendoodles are friendly, outgoing, and love to be around people. This playful Golden Doodle Puppy will fit in nicely with any family. He is a precious puppy is raised with children that play with him regularly. This baby is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. He promises if you take him home he will brighten your days and will always love you unconditionally. He is excited to meet you and become your new best friend!

With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! They are also known by other names like English bulldog or British Bulldog. But whatever you may call them, they are one of the best ever breeds still existing. In ancient times, bulldogs were actually used to drive cattle to the market and used to participate in a game known as bull baiting. But today these bull dogs have became a gentle companion dogs who really love their kids a lot. But remember there are other various amazing information about this breed in the article. Read it full without a miss. Despite its energy or lack thereof , no one can deny that bulldogs have the propensity to have fun! In fact, a bulldog named Otto is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records because of its love for skateboarding. They are very compact in overall shape. They have massive folds all over their body especially on the head. The head is covered with extra skin on both the skull and forehead. The cheeks generally extend to the side of the eyes. The ears are small in appearance and are placed slightly high on the head. The short and flat coat of the bulldog is straight smooth and glossy. They are also found in various coat colors like solid white, red, brindle, fawn, pale yellow and various other combinations. One of the most common problems for English bulldogs is conception. Because of its build and biology, male bulldogs often find it difficult to mate with female bulldogs. As such, most English bulldogs are bred via artificial insemination. The next part of the problem would be giving birth. Combine that with their compact build and huge muscles, and they might quickly sink to the bottom. Therefore, if you have a swimming pool at home or you regularly go to the beach, be sure to keep an eye on your English bulldog. You can get a doggie life vest and build more sea-bound memories with your pup. They can look cute, and they can look fierce. Because of this, the English bulldog is the most popular college mascot of all time. In fact, at least 15 colleges and high schools use the English bulldog as their official mascots. The height of the bulldog is normally inches and the weight is about pounds on an average. Females are slightly of less weight ranging from pounds. Bulldogs are very prone to breathing problems and some are found with small windpipes as well. They have a poor eye sight and can fall into a heart stroke anytime in a house or a car. They are also very prone to weather changes. Skin problems and hip and knee problem are also very common. So it can be said that they are full of diseases from very early age. But if you can keep them in a good care they will obviously survive more. A bulldog is possibly the first-ever dog to ride a car. In , cars were still quite rare. Horatio Nelson Jackson, along with his co-driver Sewall K. With a horsepower car and a pair of goggles for Bud, the three of them proved to the world that cars will pave the way for transportation in the near future. So, maybe you can find a way to use these as motivation for your little one to run and play with you. Bull baiting was banned in the UK in .After that, the English bulldog almost faced extinction. Luckily, many others saw the potential of the breed. Breeders then tried to make them gentler and kinder by mixing them with other breeds that have these characteristics. As a result, they became one of the sweetest and gentlest breeds out there. They are very gentle in nature and they are very affectionate and dependable on their owners. Bulldogs are mainly known for their good courage and guarding abilities. If you are the owner they will need your attention all the time. Even some bulldogs are very dominating in nature. So if you are an owner of strong mentality, you can control them. All of England loves this breed! Since then, it has become one of the most popular breeds in the US, snatching the fourth rank. When bulldogs are young, they are very active and playful but this reduces with time as they grow old. This breed is real family pet and is very suitable for small families. Bulldogs have a habit of drooling which sometimes results in stinky smell. If you can train them in a correct way they will really do everything according to the command. So you can self train them or take them to a dog trainer who can easily train them. Bull dogs are human lovers and they really depend on them. So humans should also be very lovable towards this dig breed. English bulldogs are perhaps the most heavy-eyed dog breed out there. English bulldogs often sleep for 14 hours a day. Maybe they got tired fighting bulls in their early days which is also where they got the name , and they now just want to sit back, relax, and take a nap. English bulldogs are extremely popular among celebrities and important personalities. Some of them have even lived in the White House. Both President William G. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt also took care of a family bulldog called Jaques. David Beckham once received a bulldog named Coco from his wife Victoria as a Christmas present. Even though bulldogs may not like the water or swimming in particular, Michael Phelps has one named Herman. Adam Sandler also has a bulldog named Meatball who served as his best man in his wedding. An English bulldog is best for a small house or an apartment life. Once they grow up they will not be very active in the indoors and bulldog is a real indoor dog. So if you live in a temperate climate, you can bring a puppy today as your pet. You will really get amazed by seeing their loyalty. You have seen some beautiful photos of English bulldog puppies and you can imagine how sweet they are. I'm a blogger who loves to write about pets. I like to try new products, find cute pictures of them and share them with people. Related Posts.

Crate training will have many benefits for your bulldog, including protecting him from household hazards and reducing his separation anxiety. It should be either 24 x 30 inches 61 x 76 cm or 24 x 36 inches 61 x 91 cm for a French bulldog, and either 42 x 30 inches x 76 cm or 42 x 36 inches x 91 cm for an American bulldog. This will allow you to increase the crate space as your puppy grows into an adult. The crate should be a place of safety and comfort for your bulldog. Place his favorite blanket and toys in the crate. You can also place a quilt or sheet over the crate to make it feel like a cozy den. A bowl would preferable, since he wouldn't be able to pull it out of the crate very easily. Leave the door open during the early stages of crate training so he can explore the crate at his leisure. Once your bulldog is comfortable entering the crate on his own, work on closing its door behind him. Start with closing the door for only a few seconds and then letting him out. If he starts whining or crying, wait until he calms down before opening the door. When he can handle a few seconds, close the door, leave the room, and return after random lengths of time e. Remember that puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, so you should not leave your puppy bulldog in the crate for long time periods. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source When you are home, spend time with your bulldog while he is in the crate. Bulldogs are friendly and sociable dogs; interacting with your bulldog will keep him from getting lonely. Always remember that the crate is a place of safety and comfort, not punishment. Your bulldog should always have a positive association with the crate. Easy Bulldog Training Step-by-Step Guide Bulldog training may seem daunting when you first get that adorable puppy, that is why this guide will break down the process in simple and easy to follow steps. The secret to a well-behaved bulldog is to start with training as early as you adopt him. Early training helps the puppy better develop his brain and habits potty training, leash training, socialization and more! Bulldogs as pets are a great choice because they are a happy and relaxed breed. This was a cruel sport that was, fortunately, banned almost years ago. The breed retains its strength but has become a calm and amusing breed. I have personally worked with many bulldogs and non of them were stubborn at all. The stubbornness of a dog comes from not understanding its owner. The training methods outlined below will help you communicate with your bulldog successfully! As you train, keep an eye for some common British bulldog health problems like respiratory problems, overheating and skin allergies. Bulldog training can be fun and easy! Bulldog Puppy Socialization Socialization is the single most important exercise you need to do with your puppy and you have only a few months to work on it. It involves showing your puppy the world he will be living in and making positive associations with the things, animals and people in it. Every single new event, person, animal, object or sound your puppy encounters should be followed by a treat. This will make every association positive and you puppy will learn no to be fearful of new things. Learn more about socialization exercises for your bulldog puppy dog. Bulldog Potty Training Probably the second most important task is to teach your bulldog puppy to potty in one place or outside. Puppies are very smart and can learn simple things very easily. Potty training requires patience and perseverance. The main idea is to create a schedule or habit for your puppy to follow. A bulldog puppy can hold his bladder 1 hour for every month of life tops! If he has accidents, simply clean them up with an enzymatic cleaner and move on, do not punish your bulldog. Learn more about potty training schedules and techniques to teach your bulldog to potty outside in as little as one week! Teaching your bulldog puppy to moderate his biting Puppies are curious creatures and they like to explore the world with their mouth! This means that your puppy may want to bite your hands, shoes, pants, couch, table legs and even walls! There are two important things to teach your puppy about mouthing: To bite gently without hurting you , To chew only his own toys. Crate training your bulldog puppy can also help prevent home destruction and teach your puppy that the only things available for biting are his own dog toys. They are smart dogs that can learn as much as any other dog breed. Follow these steps to teach your bulldog the basics of obedience training. Positive Bulldog Training Positive bulldog training is about rewarding your dog for doing something right and ignoring your dog when he does something wrong. Positive training also involves actively teaching your pooch the things you would like him to do instead of expecting him to know on his own. There are two training methods that are very useful to teach your furry friend obedience: luring and capturing. That is why punishing or rewarding a dog for something he did in the past does not work. To help with timing, dog trainers use a marker word or a clicker. A marker word is used to mark the moment the animal did something correct and it is followed by a treat. The use of the word helps you have better timing, which in turn helps your bulldog understand what you are rewarding for faster. To teach your pooch the meaning of a marker word, all you need to do is say it and follow with the delivery of a treat. Good boy! Practice repetitions, 2 to 3 times a day and you will notice that your pooch will start responding when he hears that magic word! Bulldog training STEP 2: Teaching your bulldog its name One of the most important things to teach your bulldog is its name. This is always neglected, you name your bulldog, then assume he will understand that is they way you call him. Unfortunately, this is not true and recognizing its name is one of the most important things a dog should know. If your puppy doesn't look at you when you call him, how is he going to do what you ask? Teaching a dog its name is super easy, here are the steps: Say your bulldog's name As soon as he looks at you, say your marker word or click! Immediately afterwards, give him a treat! Repeat many times and in different places and situations. Bulldog training STEP 3: Teaching your bulldog basic obedience commands Now comes the fun part, training your bulldog to respond to basic commands. Contact Us How to house train a English bulldog puppy the right way The easiest way to go about house training your new bulldog puppy is by utilizing a crate. Dogs are and always have been den and pack animals, they naturally and instinctively prefer the shelter of a den. Therefore most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crate, which is why it is such an invaluable tool for housebreaking. The first thing to understand, though, is the need for repetition and consistency. Begin by purchasing the appropriate size crate. Think den not condo! It should be small with just enough room for your bulldog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It is not an exercise pen. The use of too large a crate will encourage your bulldog puppy to use a small portion of it for a bed and the rest of it as a place to potty. We use the Midwest Life Stages crates. Leave the crate door open and allow your bulldog puppy to come and go as he pleases. Keep his favorite treats handy that you only use for the crate. It gives the puppy a nice reason to go in and creates a positive experience. At mealtimes, feed your bulldog in the crate with the door closed. At night, just before bedtime take your bulldog puppy out to potty. Put your puppy in his crate and shut the door. For the first 3 nights set your alarm for 3 hours. Set him down and wait. When he goes potty, praise him and put him back in his crate. Set your alarm for 3 more hours and repeat. After three days, if it has been successful and there have been no accidents, move to 4-hour intervals. After three more nights, you have hopefully taught your puppy that you will be there to take him outside when he has to go. If there have been no accidents you can then start going to bed and waiting until your puppy wakes you up to potty. It is important to respond and take him out immediately if he wakes during the night. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, immediately take your puppy out. By house time, I mean freedom to move about but always in the same room as you so that you can keep a constant eye on him. We use baby gates to block off access to other rooms. During the day repeat the above process and continue to take the puppy out every hour. If he does not do his business put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. NEVER let a bulldog puppy in training out of your site. Use the crate as you would a playpen for a human child. Even if you leave the room for a minute, either take the puppy with you or put him in the crate. If you turn your back for 60 seconds and your puppy has an accident, then you messed up and made a mistake and have missed the opportunity to make a correction and teach the puppy. Do not rub his nose in it and do not use any physical correction! When he goes outside give him lots of praise. Use an odor neutralizer. When an accident occurs it is important to completely remove the odor, otherwise your puppy will gravitate back to the area to relieve himself again. You can buy the neutralizers from most any pet store. Do not use household cleaners, most contain ammonia which will attract him back to the same spot. A Few Tips to Help You Succeed Puppies will need to go potty first thing in the morning, after every meal, as soon as they wake up from naps and just before bedtime. A few hours before bedtime take up his water, this will help buy you a litter more time between potty breaks at night. If you see him smelling a particular spot or circling around, pick him up and take him outside. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals. Puppies may not initially like the crate. Some will cry, whine, bark and drive you crazy the first couple of days. Doing so will teach your puppy that if he barks or whines long enough he will get rewarded and this will only encourage the behavior. Training an English bulldog puppy takes time, consistency and patience. Dogs function best with structure, routine, and clear expectations. Share this post.