black german shepherd puppies for sale in san antonio texas

Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! We are a top golden retriever breeder in Minnesota offering golden retriever puppies for sale and golden doodle puppies for sale. Stay up to date with news on our current golden retrievers and golden doodle litters and puppies for sale. We keep this page current, so make sure to check back or contact us if you would like to reserve a puppy. Located near LeSueur Minnesota the farm has been in the Riebel family for over years. Through selective breeding they have developed their golden retriever bloodlines into wonderful family, hunting, and companion dogs. Read more about us and our farm. A Golden Retriever puppy will be very playful and pal around with you and your family for hours. This dog breed is known for its beautiful coat and feathered coat. Goldens come in many colors, cream and blonde are the most common while darker red colors are more of a rarity. At Island Farm Retrievers we have all 3 colors available. This dog breed is one of a kind and will remain a prefect family pet for many years to come. Read More on our Golden Retrievers Golden Doodles Goldendoodles are known to be one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to their many different color phases, very trainable and intelligent, and being hypoallergenic, making them a suitable dog for any family. New pup owners and past customers with their goldens! Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. A healthy and happy puppy is our ultimate goal! By genetic testing and by ensuring all parent dogs have good temperaments, all dams and sires will be carefully selected. Pricing We take every measure to ensure your Puppies health and wellness. Nutrition Details Contract Whether you have a question about a future litter of miniature golden retriever puppies or specifics on your new family member. Megan Cahill Nyla aka. Montana from Sophia Fox and Jack was born February 2, - we love her! She is a show stopper dog that literally makes everyone's head turn. She was house broken within the first week. She is independent, cuddly, smart, and loves to be loved. Robyn is a trusted breeder and has been there for me every step of the way. When I think of this whole experience - from when I first emailed Robyn to gaining lil' Nyla in my life - it has been nothing less than a blessing! Amy Semler Robyn is a surrogate Mother to the puppies before they arrive at their forever homes. She and her family made it easy and exciting to follow daily activities growth and personalities of each puppy. Robyn became a friend and has remained available still to respond to texts and fun messages which, considering how busy she is, I find remarkable. My son commented within the first week.She helped make the entire process so pleasant and smooth. She is very knowledgeable on the breed and was able to match our family with the perfect fit. They handled everything from helping us select and meet the dog and even safely delivered him to our doorstep. Her love and care for the dogs is evident. Our family now has an amazingly happy, friendly, and affectionate dog. Our experience exceeded all expectations. Thank you Robyn! Jonathan W. Our little girl Lizzie is just as Robyn said she would be. Super smart! Super adorable! Super sweet. Her size is exactly as described. She is the best of the Golden Retriever but in Mini Size! She clearly cares about them being placed in a good home, and showed much compassion and integrity in working with us. Patrick Risberg We are so thrilled with our puppy Scout. She came to us well on her way to being potty trained and is very well behaved for a young puppy. She is adjusting well and the transition to our home and other pets has been very easy. Logan Wyant Robyn's Nest is an extremely professional breeder with a clean environment for the puppies. The puppies are loved as their own. They provide great communication as well. We recently brought home baby Cooper. He's healthy, happy, and extremely smart. JoAnn Tran Robyn has given me the amazing opportunity to have Oakley in my life. Robyn is very knowledgeable and caring when it comes to the puppies. She has gone above and beyond to make the process of receiving a puppy is super easy and is super helpful for the puppies to transition into their new homes. Robyn responds very fast when you have a question about your puppy and she loves to receive updates on the puppies once they go to their forever homes. She is very detail oriented and cares so much about the process of breeding and taking care of the puppies which I feel like it makes her standout from an average breeder. Oakley is such a blessing in our lives and has honestly helped me through a very hard time in my life. He has an amazing temperament and is very well socialized with other animals, people, and sounds. The puppies from Robyn are incredibly intelligent as well. There is a lot of heart and care going into these puppies. Home is clean and well organized, an overall healthy environment. In addition to bringing you healthy, socialized puppies, we also ensure that none of our Dames and Sires spend their lives in a cage. We have a guardianship system in place for some of our Dames and Sires, which allows them to live their best life with loving families. You can be assured that we are not a puppy mill. If you are interested in becoming a guardian home, please contact us for an application. All guardian homes must be within a mile radius of Springfield MO. We absolutely love meeting the families that our puppies get to go home with. One family has an amazing talent! Caroline Edge is the artist credited here! She did a wonderful job capturing our furry family members!

Though, you get what you paid for. Best Features What makes the Haige heavy duty crate so much better than any other dog crate is the frame. Young Golden Retriever puppies, in the midst of teething, will certainly try to chew up the crate. So, this feature provides a great dog-safe enclosure for your pup. However, the only negative for some people is the one-door option. It makes it slightly more difficult to access whatever you put into the crate bowls, pads, etc. Because the second door is on top, it provides a clever way of getting things in dog crate without the chance of your dog escaping. The degree rotated locking caster are 4 wheels that can lock in place for better mobility. All quality dog crate should have removable plastic trays, including the Haige heavy duty. Unlike other dog crates, this brand comes with a 3-year warranty. Check out the current price and more reviews on the Haige Heavy Duty here. I must have forgot that this crate included a bowl, water, and mat for the cage. I was so happy and for the price. Such a deal! My dog has separation anxiety and destroyed a standard wire crate and a plastic crate, injuring himself while doing so. But so far no damage or injuries. Plenty of room, our dog is 65 lbs and he can turn and move easily. It provides freedom for him with an added security to me that I still have control. He is a larger dog pounds but this is strong and durable. The sling pack makes it an easy addition to our walks. I highly recommend this product! This also does not come with a divider sold separately , which I think is such an awesome feature for dog crates. Security is always important with crates, which is why the New World crate comes with slide-bolt latches to ensure your dog is safe in the cage. In fact, Golden Retrievers much prefer to chew on socks! Like the first two options, this dog crate is foldable and can collapse in a few seconds. Easily slide out the tray and hose it down or wipe it clean with ease. As mentioned, there is no divider. So, I would only recommend this for adult-sized Golden Retrievers. If you were to purchase a divider separately, it would probably cost you more. To check out the current price of the New World dog crate, click here. Extremely secure, plenty of room for our golden retriever pup plus plenty of room for her to grow into , and the thick plastic floor is very easy to clean. This crate, however, is great value. I had one downstairs but it was too troublesome to move every time I went upstairs. Now, Max can sleep upstairs too. This is super awesome, and super neat! Consider the age of your Golden Retriever when selecting a crate. Different types of crates offer different advantages and disadvantages. Using the wrong crate size can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and anxiety. Make sure you understand the role of a crate, not just for training but also transportation. Crate training for Golden Retrievers requires proper timing and practice. Where to place the crate and what to put in it will help make the most of your crate. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. Types of Crates For Golden Retrievers Crates come not only in different sizes, but also with different structural elements. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each type of crate. Wire Crates Wire crates are popular due to their durability and visibility, They provide excellent ventilation and are easy to clean. However, bear in mind that some Golden Retrievers tend to find them less cozy than other options. Plastic Crates Plastic crates are a popular choice for travel. They offer more privacy and create a den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. Being lightweight, they are easy to transport and provide a sense of security. However, they may not offer as much airflow as wire crates. They are perfectly suitable for strong and aggressive chewers , which is a frequent issue among puppies! Bear in mind that steel crates can be heavy and less budget-friendly than other crate types. Soft Crates Lightweight and collapsible, soft crates are convenient for temporary use, such as short transportation needs. They are not suitable for dogs that like to chew or scratch as they are easily damaged. These crates come in various materials, including wood or wicker, and provide a stylish alternative to traditional crates. Yet, they may be less durable, and some favor design over ventilation. Recommendations for Best Golden Retriever Crates We suggest discussing crate recommendations with your veterinarian and your Golden Retriever breeder for tips and favorite brands. It has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning and folds down for storage. Having double doors on the crate is a practical feature as it offers convenient access and flexibility in terms of crate placement. The secure locking mechanism adds an extra layer of safety. Cons: While the crate is generally considered of decent quality, there could be durability concerns for dogs with a history of trying to escape crates. This means it might not be the most suitable option for such dogs. This plastic crate is airline-approved in the USA and provides a secure and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever during air travel. It features ventilation on all sides and a durable, heavy-duty construction. Withstood mile flight. Arrived on time. Easy to set up. Met all airline guidelines for flying pets. The dog had ample room for a mat. Adding that this is also rust resistant! Spacious and roomy: The crate offered plenty of space for dogs to stand up and move around comfortably. Cons: Durability concerns: Considering the price paid for these crates, it was mentioned by previous buyers that they were not as sturdy as expected. This raised doubts about their long-term durability. Potential safety issues: The crate had plastic edges and lips that protruded, which proved problematic for dogs with severe separation anxiety. If you have a strong and powerful Golden Retriever, this steel crate is an excellent choice. It has reinforced steel tubing and multiple locks for maximum security. I used to worry while I was out, and would come home to a 45 min cleanup, not anymore! Thanks for the great product that is, as advertised. It effectively prevents the dog from escaping and causing damage to the surroundings, giving peace of mind when leaving my dog alone. Durability and strength: The crate is built to be indestructible, and it lives up to its claim. The sturdy construction and quality materials used make it resistant to escape attempts and capable of withstanding the efforts of even the most determined dogs. Cons: Inconvenient assembly and weight: The crate can be challenging to assemble due to the use of hex screws, which may not be the most user-friendly option. Additionally, it is quite heavy, making it less portable and difficult to move around. Grated bottom design: The grated floor of the crate, although intended for easy cleaning in case of accidents, may not be comfortable for dogs to lie on or move around. Some dogs may find it less appealing, and additional padding or a flat surface may be necessary to ensure their comfort. This soft crate is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for temporary use. It features three mesh doors for easy access and ventilation. I used it for a weekend dog show and plan on using it often. I may need to purchase another for my other pup! It provides ample room for your golden retriever puppy to stand up and stretch out, allowing for comfort and mobility. Lots of ventilation: The 4-door model offers excellent cross-ventilation options, making it suitable for hot weather conditions. Sturdiness and portability: The crate feels sturdy and durable, giving you confidence in its ability to contain my dog. Lightweight: Despite its strength, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle. The included storage bag with various handle options adds to its portability. Cons: Limited instructions and assembly complexity: The provided instructions were not comprehensive, and there was a lack of guidance on disassembling the crate. Assembly can be straightforward, but taking it down and folding it back may require some trial and error. It may not be suitable for dogs with such behaviors, and additional caution is necessary. Additionally, the larger windows and netting material can pose risks for puppies, as they may get caught or try to escape through them. This aesthetic crate combines the functionality of a wire crate with a stylish cover. It blends well with home decor and provides a cozy den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. No more stuck paws. After my puppy got her paw stuck twice in the kennel bars and woke me up screaming, I knew I needed to find a way to make her kennel safer. This is a great solution. Not only does it keep her from accidently getting caught in the bars, it looks great and is high quality and well made. My huge kennel looks so much nicer in my room now and the crate pad is pretty nice. I love the option for side or front entry too as my kennel has both. The fabric is described as plush and the bumper and pad offer protection from the wires of the crate, making it more den-like and cozy. The set created a more appealing and inviting space for the dog. Cons: Inadequate size and ties: There were issues with the sizing and ties of the bumper set. The side panels were reported to be slightly short for the cage, which could affect the overall fit and coverage. Additionally, the ties on the bumper set were not sturdy enough and ripped easily, particularly during playful interactions inside the crate. Misleading washing instructions: While the packaging stated that the set was completely machine washable, the bumper was later found to be spot clean only, resulting in twisting and seams starting to rip after washing. One user felt that the packaging and description were misleading, and that clearer instructions should have been provided. Advantages of Choosing the Right Crate Size Comfort A properly sized crate ensures your Golden Retriever has enough space to lie down, stand, turn around, and stretch comfortably. Safety The right crate size prevents your Golden Retriever from getting stuck or injured while inside. It reduces the risk of accidents or escape attempts. Effective House Training A correctly sized crate aids in house training by discouraging your Golden Retriever from soiling their sleeping area. It helps establish a routine and promotes bladder control. If the crate you choose is too small, your dog will be uncomfortable. And if the crate you choose is too big, they may feel comfortable pottying inside of it. Downsides of Choosing the Wrong Crate Size Beware of some of the most common issues when picking the wrong crate size. A crate that is too small can cause discomfort, stiffness, and limited mobility for your dog. Insufficient space in the crate may prevent your dog from stretching, changing positions, or engaging in natural behaviors. Finally, a cramped or confining crate can lead to anxiety and stress for your Golden Retriever , resulting in behavioral issues or reluctance to enter the crate. A crate offers several benefits for both you and your Golden Retriever. Crates provide a secure and private space where your Golden Retriever can retreat when they need rest or alone time. The crate helps build a routine and provides a designated area for your dog. Crating your Golden Retriever when unsupervised can prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or household items. Finally, a crate will give your dog safety and prevent distractions while traveling in a car or an airplane. Benefits Of Crate Training Crate training can present many benefits, such as accelerating house training. The crate helps establish a routine and teach your Golden Retriever to hold their bladder and bowels until they are outside. For anxious dogs, crate training can provide the safety and secure space they need to rest and feel protected. Finally, crate training also reduces separation anxiety through a cozy environment. Of course, it is important to ensure the crate is well-ventilated and meets the necessary travel requirements and airline approvals. Ideally, you want to start crate training when your Golden Retriever is still a puppy. Puppies are more adaptable and open to learning. However, that being said, crate training can be successful at any age. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Remember, crate training requires patience , consistency, and positive reinforcement. Make it comfortable! Add a soft and washable bedding for your Golden Retriever to rest on inside the crate. Never rush the introduction phase. Always introduce the crate slowly, allowing your dog to explore and associate it with positive experience. They should always see the crate as a positive place to be. Clean the crate regularly. Opting for washable beddings makes it easy to maintain the crate. You should also wipe down any surface after use, especially for temporary or transportation crates. Remember to use safe and gentle cleaning products. Provide toys and chewable treats for your dog when they get in the crate. This will engage their mind and keep them entertained. Make sure you put the crate in a quiet, sheltered and well-ventilated spot inside your home. Poor placement of your crate may cause stress for your dog. Conclusion Choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever is crucial for their comfort, safety, and effective training. Measure your dog accurately and consider their age when selecting a crate. Bear in mind that crates can come in a variety of materials, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each crate type. It may be worth having more than one crate if you suspect they will need to cover different purposes. Finally, crate training your Golden Retriever provides numerous benefits, both for your dog and for you. Generally, it is recommended not to exceed hours for adult dogs. Should I crate my Golden Retriever at night? Crate training your Golden Retriever at night can help with house training and provide a safe space for them. However, ensure the crate is appropriately sized, comfortable, and placed in a quiet area. Is it better for dogs to sleep in crate or bed? Some dogs feel more secure and comfortable in a crate, while others may prefer sleeping in a bed. What age can dogs stop sleeping in crate? The age at which dogs can stop sleeping in a crate varies. Some dogs may be ready to sleep outside the crate as early as months as they are fully house trained too. Others may benefit from longer crate usage as their house training progresses. Most pet carriers are designed with safety features that protect your dog from injury during travel, such as secure latches and ventilation. Additionally, many airlines require pets to be transported in an approved carrier that meets certain size and weight restrictions. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal transportation specialist for advice on safe and comfortable ways to transport your dog. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Too large or too small and it will not be fit for purpose. You have to get this just right. This article will discuss all these factors so that by the end you will be highly informed and confident in making the correct buying decision. A crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, to turn around comfortably, and provide room to lay on their side with their paws stretched out before them. This is an unnecessary waste of money. Many brands of dog crates have dividers available that can be used to reduce the available space of a larger crate to suit a puppy. The divider is a removable panel you can place inside the crate to reduce the space to suit the size of your dog. So my advice is to buy a crate large enough to suit an adult Golden retriever, then use a divider to scale it down to a size that suits a puppy. This will save you money in the long run. However, the best way to know what size crate your Golden Retriever needs is to measure their size and buy the crate that best fits. Add 4 inches and this is the height of the crate you want to purchase so your Golden can comfortably sit or stand inside without hitting their head on the ceiling. Secondly, have your dog stand on all fours and referring to the picture, take measurement B, from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose. Again, add 4 inches and this is the perfect length of the crate for your Golden to be able to lay down comfortably without being cramped. So to summarise, your Golden needs a crate of height A plus 4 inches, and of length B plus 4 inches. So now you will be able to get exactly the right size crate for your adult Golden Retriever. But how about buying a crate for a puppy? As previously discussed, I recommend you purchase a crate for an adult Golden and use a divider to make it suit your puppy, thereby doing away with the need to upgrade to increasingly bigger crates 3 or 4 times during their first 18 months. But if you do wish to have crates just right for your puppy without the use of a divider, please take measurements as detailed in the previous section to guide you in your buying decision. And be prepared to upgrade and replace every 4 or so months as they grow. The sheer number of different styles of dog crates on the market is quite startling. There are crates made of wire, plastic, wood, cloth, and many more besides. As explained on www. There is still some variety of styles available within this one type: Some have a single door, some have two or three. Most have a removable plastic tray at the base…but not all. But with these choices aside, what are the pros and cons of a wire crate: The Advantages Of A Wire Dog Crate Very strong, durable and long-lasting Very easy to keep clean Most have a slide out tray as a base that makes cleaning after accidents very easy make sure to look for this feature when buying! Folding ones are available for easy storage or moving the crate They allow the maximum flow of air compared to other styles, making them most suitable to hotter climates. They allow maximum visibility of the surroundings to the dog inside. This can be important for some dogs. Dividers are readily available for most models so you can buy a large one and re-size it for a puppy instead of replacing it as they grow. Though you can of course cover them if necessary. They are one of the easiest types to escape from if your dog is a budding Houdini! They are noisy if placed on solid surfaces and you have a fidgety dog. It is perfect for travel, for a spare crate, for camping, or to have in an extra room of the house. It folds down for easy, quick storage…and also includes a plush fleece-covered pet bed. Your dog will love this crate. Key Features: Includes plush fleece-covered pet bed Easy storage Well-ventilated with multiple screened panels Pockets on the top and sides for storing treats, toys, and more Many colors and sizes What to Look For in a Crate As mentioned previously, finding a crate with great reviews is not the only thing you want to base your decision on. A few other things you will want to consider when selecting a crate are the material, quality, cost, and primary use of the crate. Use the information below to help you know which of these characteristics is essential for you and your dog. Material When considering the material of a crate, wire is the best choice for a Golden Retriever. Here are a few reasons why you might consider a wire crate: Wire crates are durable Easier to clean than other crates Creates a comfortable environment for the dog Allows the dog to see out of the crate easily Breathable For comfort, just place a blanket or pad in the bottom of a wire crate, and your dog will feel right at home. Plastic and wooden crates are also very popular. Plastic crates are a good option for traveling and provide a cozy environment for the dog; however, they are not as breathable as a wire crate and can trap in more heat. Wooden crates are breathable like wire crates; however, their durability can vary depending on how big of a chewer your dog is. Soft, travel crates are another common type of crate. This material is not ideal for a Golden Retriever as a primary crate. However, they are a great option for a travel crate, or an extra around the house. They also provide a cozier environment for the dog, but can be a challenge to clean. Quality When looking for a dog crate, you want to find one that will last the entire lifespan of your dog. The material the crate is made from will play a significant role in its quality. Wire and metal crates will last longer than wooden, fabric, and plastic ones. If your dog is a big chewer, go with a metal crate for more durability. Cost The cost can be a significant factor for some individuals when selecting a dog crate. As you browse through crate options, make sure you find one that is the quality and style you need, but fits within your budget. The price will sometimes, but not always, be a sign of quality. Typically, higher-priced crates are built sturdier and will last longer. What Size of Crate for a Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers will grow to be just over 20 inches in height and weigh between 60 and 75 pounds as adults. However, use the tips below to adjust for your dog. There needs to be enough room in the crate for the dog to be comfortable while standing and lying down, but not too much room that the dog feels unsafe. Do not eyeball the size of the crate when you make your purchase; instead, take the time to measure your dog correctly. Follow the steps below to figure out what size of crate you need for your Golden Retriever: When taking your measurements, make sure the dog is standing. To measure the length: Measure starting at the tip of the nose extending to the base of the tail. To measure the height: Measure from the top of the head down to the floor. Keep in mind these measurement directions are for Golden Retrievers. If you have other dogs at home, the way you take the height measurement may vary. Figure out the size of the crate: Using these measurements, add about 4 inches to each measurement to obtain the height and length of an ideal crate. To avoid buying multiple crates, look for ones that come with dividers so you can expand the crate as the dog grows. Do your best to figure out how big your puppy will be by getting the measurements of its mother and father. For a female puppy, focus on the size of the mother and for a male, the father. Use the measurements of the parents to purchase an adult crate for your puppy. Again, make sure it has dividers that can temporarily make the crate smaller.

If your poodle has recently become pregnant, there's likely one question plaguing your mind: What color will my poodle puppies be? Believe it or not, you can actually predict—and even control—the coat color of your soon-to-be poodle puppies! These tests are used to help dog breeders make more informed decisions and manage the traits of their litters. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. Understanding Dominant and Recessive Genes: The First Step in Predicting Poodle Puppy Colors Determining the color of your poodle's puppies isn't as easy as it may initially seem because of one factor: hidden genes. Here's the thing about poodle parents: alongside the colors they display as adults, they may also carry the genes of other colors that have been passed along their ancestral tree. Poodles —and dogs in general—can carry either dominant or recessive genes. In some cases, they can carry both. They're usually identified by capital letters; e. Recessive genes are overruled by dominant genes. If a puppy has inherited both dominant and recessive genes, he'll appear as the dominant color but will still carry the recessive color. Black is a dominant color, so if one of the poodle parents is black, there's a high chance their puppies will also be black—unless they're carrying the Rufus gene, in which case the puppies may appear red. But this is where it gets a bit tricky. If a black poodle carrying a brown gene is mated with another black poodle carrying a brown gene, there's a possibility that some of their puppies will be brown. This means that the pup has inherited both copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. This makes the pup a recessive color. For a poodle to be born with a recessive color, he must have two copies of the recessive gene. For it to be born with a dominant color, he needs only one copy of the dominant gene. Solid-color coats are also dominant genes. When a solid-colored poodle gets together with a parti-color or piebald poodle, most of their pups will either be solid-colored or have residual white markings. Note that this rule doesn't apply if the solid-colored parent carries a parti-color gene. If a puppy inherits two copies of the piebald gene, he'll be born with a lot of white in his coat. How to Determine the Coat Color s of Poodle Puppies According to Parent Coat Scientists have yet to master the science of dog color genetics, so coat color predictions are just that: predictions. Still, researchers have determined some possibilities and likely outcomes depending on the poodle parents' colors after decades of testing. If either of the parents has a hidden gene, the color predictions can go in a completely different direction. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Still, genetic testing is the only way to test a puppy's coat color before it's born. They also determine possible genotypes. Here are some locus types found in dogs , as well as possible genotypes: E Locus L Locus determines the relationship between the Black dominant gene and the Yellow recessive gene. The Yellow gene represents a variety of light colors, like reds, creams, apricots, and whites. In the past, these dogs were culled as an attempt to remove them from the gene pool. This did not work, and as simple recessives they pop up often even in seemingly all solid bloodlines. Just one copy of dominant black KB will cause a dog to be black or brown. Seal and ghost tan are potential exceptions, but we're not getting into that just yet. The pattern produced will depend on what the dog has on the A locus. The 4 genotypes on the A locus in order of dominance are; agouti aw , sable ay , phantom at , and recessive black a. Agouti poodles are breathtakingly beautiful. Certain poodles are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "phantom sables". This isn't genetically possible, and oftentimes these dogs are in fact agouti, and may have characteristics of both a phantom and sable dog. A sable dog can be nearly solid cream, or appear agouti. Often, they will be mostly solid cream or apricot with black ears and tail, along with black hairs mixed in on the back. Sable puppies change significantly as they grow. The only thing you can guarantee is they won't be the same color as an adult as they are as a puppy, and that they will be gorgeous no matter the final pattern! It produces the pattern most commonly associated with breeds such as the doberman or rottweiler. Phantom poodles will usually have tan "eyebrows", cheeks, chest spots, lower legs, and under the tail. It is striking and beautiful! There are also modifiers that can cause what we call creeping tan or saddle tan which can cause the tan areas to grow and spread, much like what is seen in some German shepherds. This modifier is still being studied and isn't fully understood. It is unique as it doesn't produce a pattern, but actually causes the dog to be just black or brown. This is one reason color testing is important. A solid black dog could produce patterns very unexpectedly in a breeding program. Combinations Patterns can be produced on a dog at the same time. You can have a dog that is both parti and sable. The dog would have the white areas to the coat, and the colored areas would be sable. The same goes for brindle. That would cause the colored areas of the coat to be brindled. You can have a dog that is parti, phantom, and brindle. This would be a parti colored dog that also had tan points, and within those tan points there would be striping. There are many possibilities and combinations. It all depends on what the parent dogs both express and carry. Two such patterns are seal and ghost tan. Both of these patterns will express occasionally in dogs that are genetically dominant black. For some reason in these dogs the pattern from the A locus leaks through and expresses in a unique way. If a dog is sable or agouti on the A locus, this pattern will show up slightly. If they are phantom, you will be able to see faint tan markings. It does seem to be inheritable as some poodle breeders are breeding these dogs and getting consistent results. However, it is the red Poodle that is so rare, so stunning and so special. Bringing this color into the Poodle genes and being able to produce such a shocking and beautiful dog was not easy. Let's take a look at how this was done and what you should know about his particular dog. Red poodles are rare and are of a faded gene. When they are produced, the pups usually come from dogs with apricot lines, which can be confusing to many since of course red is a much darker and deeper color. This gene may work to darken an apricot or sometimes a brown coat. One thing that is clear is that the red gene has absolutely no affect on blacks. The apricot gene is recessive to all Poodles except for the white. A true red will have black points. Liver points are acceptable but not preferred in the U. It took quite a while to achieve the amazing red Poodles that we see today. It was Ilse Konig of the Shangri-La Kennel who first came up with the idea of developing a red color standard. Experimental breeding was done by mating a small miniature apricot female Poodle to a large standard sized red at Palamares. The very first litter produced four red Poodle puppies. It is said that the color was simply amazing. Due to the rare pairing of two different sized Poodles, this placed the dogs into a category that is between the Miniature and the Standard, called the Klein or Moyan, which is popular and recognized in Europe. The biggest puppy from each litter was then bred…And this is what helped to slowly increase the size of the dog. After quite a few years of breeding and keeping red Poodle puppies, red Standards were then able to be bred relatively easily. Reds can go through many color changes as the dog grows. They occasionally are born a very bright red and then lighten over time. Some will stay lighter, however in some cases the Poodle will then darken up again as he or she ages. When a red does lighten, the color will usually become a sort of cinnamon color. In most cases, they are exceptionally dark and then lighten between 1 year old and 18 months old. Since a color change can occur during puppyhood.Or in the later adult stages, this means that the owner of an Apricot or tan my have a huge surprise if their Poodle's coat develops into this amazing, bright and rare color. So, do be aware that a red Poodle can fade, as fading is common with this breed. The exceptional color that one may see in a young puppy will often change with time; although this is not to say that the adult coat will not be gorgeous in its own right. When one does know that they have a red, here are the most popular names that are given: Amber. Poodles are known for their distinct curly coats that are often associated with the breed. Curly Toy Poodle Curly coats are the most common coat type among poodles, and they can produce darker puppies. This is because the curly coat type is associated with the presence of the B allele, which can produce black or brown coat colors. Therefore, poodles with curly coats are likelier to have puppies with darker coat colors, such as black, brown, or parti-colors. Corded Royal Poodle Corded coats are less common than curly coats and are characterized by long, thin cords that are formed by matting. Poodles with corded coats are more likely to produce puppies with dark or solid colors, as the cords can mask any color variations. Wavy Doodle Wavy coats are the rarest coat type among poodles and are characterized by loose, gentle waves. Poodles with wavy coats are likelier to produce puppies with lighter coat colors, such as cream or apricot. This is because the wavy coat type is associated with the absence of the B allele, which produces lighter coat colors. Poodle coat colors are diverse, with shades and patterns that can be predicted through an understanding of their inheritance patterns. Common poodle coat colors include black, brown, white, red, apricot, cream, parti, phantom, and sable. Black is the most common poodle coat color, and a dominant gene produces it. This means that if one parent has a black coat, there is a high likelihood that the puppies will also have a black coat. Brown is another common poodle coat color produced by a recessive gene. This means that both parents must carry the brown gene for the puppies to have a brown coat. White is another poodle coat color that is produced by a dominant gene. This means that if one parent has a white coat, there is a high likelihood that the puppies will also have a white coat. Red and apricot are also common poodle coat colors, and they are produced by a combination of genes that include a recessive gene for red. Black Standard Poodle Cream is a poodle coat color that is produced by a recessive gene. This means that both parents must carry the cream gene for the puppies to have a cream coat. Parti and phantom are two coat patterns found in poodles, and they are produced by a combination of genes that include both dominant and recessive genes. Sable poodles have a unique genetic makeup that determines their coat color. A dominant gene produces sable coat color, but other genes can also influence it. As a result, sable poodles can have puppies with a range of colors, including black, brown, and red, depending on their genetic makeup. Understanding Poodle Genetics To understand poodle genetics, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of genetics concepts. In poodles, genes determine physical traits such as coat color. Therefore, different genes can interact to produce various coat colors. Dominant vs. Recessive Genes Dominant genes are the genes that are expressed and determine the physical trait. Recessive genes are not expressed unless paired with another recessive gene. Coat Color Genetics Coat color genetics in poodles is determined by a combination of genes that interact to produce different coat colors. Understanding Alleles Alleles are different versions of the same gene. In poodles, different alleles can interact to produce different coat colors. Common Poodle Coat Colors Black, brown, and white are the most common poodle coat colors. White Poodles White poodles are one of the most popular coat colors for poodles. White poodles are often bred for their elegant and sophisticated appearance, and they are commonly seen in dog shows and competitions. However, breeding for white poodles can be challenging, as the white color is recessive and can be masked by other dominant coat colors. Additionally, white poodles can be prone to certain health issues, such as deafness and skin problems, due to their lack of pigmentation. Therefore, responsible breeding practices and genetic testing are crucial for producing healthy and high-quality white poodles. Black is the most common and dominant color for poodles, and black poodles can range in shades from jet black to a softer charcoal. Black poodles are highly sought after for their elegant and sophisticated appearance, and they are commonly seen in various settings, from family pets to show dogs. Standard Black Poodle Brown Poodles Brown poodles , also known as chocolate poodles, are a popular and striking coat color for poodles. Brown poodles range in shades from a light cafe-au-lait color to a deep dark chocolate color. Brown poodles can have various markings, such as white patches on their chest or toes, and they are highly sought after for their unique and stunning appearance. However, breeding for brown poodles can be challenging, as the brown color is recessive and can be masked by other dominant coat colors. Red Poodles Red poodles are a vibrant and eye-catching coat color for poodles. Red poodles range in shades from a light apricot color to a deep, rich red color. Red poodles can have various markings, such as white patches on their chest or toes. Red poodles are highly sought after for their unique and stunning appearance, and they are commonly seen in dog shows and competitions. However, breeding for red poodles can be challenging, as the red color is recessive and can be masked by other dominant coat colors. Apricot poodles range in shades from a light, peachy color to a deeper, rusty color. Cream poodles are lighter in color, ranging from pale ivory to creamy white. Apricot and cream poodles can have various markings, such as white patches on their chest or toes. Apricot and cream poodles are highly sought after for their soft and elegant appearance, and they are commonly seen in various settings, from family pets to show dogs. Apricot Toy Poodles Parti Poodles Parti poodles are a unique and eye-catching coat color pattern for poodles. The parti pattern features patches of two or more colors on a white background. The colors can vary widely, ranging from black and white to brown and white, and even red and white. Parti poodles can have a variety of markings and patterns, and they are highly sought after for their unique and stunning appearance. However, breeding for parti poodles can be challenging, as the parti pattern is recessive and can be masked by other dominant coat colors. Parti Standard Poodle Phantom Poodles Phantom poodle colors are a unique and striking coat color pattern. The phantom pattern features solid patches of one color on a background of another color. Typically, phantom poodles have a base coat color of black, brown, or red with lighter-colored markings on their eyebrows, muzzle, chest, and legs. The markings can range from a cream or apricot color to a silver or grey color. Phantom poodles are highly sought after for their unique and beautiful coat color pattern. Sable poodles have a unique color pattern where the hairs have multiple colors, often dark at the root and gradually lightening to a lighter color at the tips. The sable color can range from a deep mahogany color to a light fawn color. Sable poodles are highly sought after for their unique and striking appearance, and they are commonly seen in various settings, from family pets to show dogs. However, breeding for sable poodles can be challenging, as the sable color is controlled by multiple genes and can be difficult to predict. Sable Teacup Poodle Puppy Breeding Poodles for Coat Colors Breeding poodles for specific coat colors is a complex process that requires careful consideration of genetics and inheritance patterns. Understanding the principles of poodle genetics can help breeders produce poodles with desired coat colors. To produce poodles with specific coat colors, breeders must first understand the basics of genetic inheritance. Coat color is determined by a combination of genes, with some genes being dominant and others recessive. In addition, each poodle has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. When breeding poodles for specific coat colors, breeders must consider the genotype of each parent. The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of a poodle and determines which genes are dominant and which are recessive. For example, if a poodle carries two dominant genes for a certain coat color, all of its offspring will also have that coat color. Standard Poodles Breeders must also consider the phenotype of each parent. The phenotype refers to the physical appearance of a poodle and is determined by the interaction between the genotype and the environment. For example, a poodle with a genotype for a certain coat color may not exhibit that color if it is exposed to certain chemicals or if it is affected by a health condition. To produce poodles with specific coat colors, breeders can use selective breeding to combine desirable traits from each parent. This involves selecting poodles with the desired coat colors and breeding them together to produce offspring with the same coat colors. However, it is important for breeders to avoid breeding practices that can lead to genetic health issues. Inbreeding and line breeding, for example, can increase the risk of genetic mutations and health problems in poodle puppies. Therefore, responsible breeding practices are essential to ensure the health and well-being of poodle puppies. This includes using DNA testing to identify potential health issues and avoiding breeding dogs that are closely related or that carry genetic mutations that can cause health problems in their offspring. Factors That Affect Coat Color Standard Poodles Factors that can affect the coat color of poodles can be numerous and include both internal and external influences. For example, a black poodle may develop gray or silver hairs as it gets older. This is a natural process and does not affect the genetic makeup of the poodle. Environment: The environment can also affect the coat color of poodles. Exposure to sunlight can cause a fading effect on some coat colors, such as red and apricot. Similarly, exposure to certain chemicals or shampoos can alter the coat color of poodles. Certain health conditions can cause changes in the pigmentation of the coat, such as hormonal imbalances or skin allergies. Genetics: The most significant factor affecting the coat color of poodles is genetics. The genetic makeup of the parents determines which coat colors are most likely to be passed down to their offspring. Breeders can use DNA testing to identify the genetic makeup of their poodles and predict the coat colors of their future puppies. Breeding Practices: Breeding practices can also affect the coat color of poodles. Responsible breeding practices ensure that only healthy and genetically sound poodles are bred, which can increase the likelihood of producing healthy and desirable coat colors in their offspring. Crossbreeding: Crossbreeding can also affect the coat color of poodles. For example, a poodle that is crossed with a Labrador Retriever can produce puppies with a range of coat colors, including black, chocolate, and yellow. By taking into account their age, environment, health, genetics, breeding practices, and crossbreeding, breeders and poodle owners can have a better understanding of what coat colors to expect in their puppies. The Role of DNA Testing DNA testing is a powerful tool that can help breeders and poodle owners identify the specific genes that determine coat color in poodles. By analyzing the DNA of a poodle, breeders can gain a deeper understanding of their genetic makeup, including the genes that influence coat color. DNA testing can provide accurate predictions of future puppy coat colors by identifying which genes are dominant and recessive. This can help breeders make informed decisions about which poodles to breed together to produce desired coat colors in their offspring. Some coat colors and patterns are associated with certain health conditions, such as white poodles being more prone to deafness. By identifying these potential health issues early on, breeders can take steps to minimize the risk of passing on these genetic conditions to their puppies. In addition, DNA testing can help prevent unethical breeding practices that can lead to health problems in poodle puppies. By identifying the genetic makeup of a poodle, breeders can avoid breeding dogs that are closely related or that carry genetic mutations that can cause health problems in their offspring. Different coat colors have unique inheritance patterns, and understanding these patterns can help breeders produce poodles with desired coat colors. DNA testing can also help identify specific genes that determine coat color and potential health issues. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts. Solid colored Poodles are the same color all over with no markings. Poodle Colors Black — Black is one of the most popular colors and many Poodles seen in the show ring are black. A black Poodle has black fur, black points pads, nose, lips, and eyelids , and dark grey skin. A black should be easy to recognize right? Silver or blue pups also appear black when they are very young. A true black Poodle will remain black throughout his life and will never fade. White — White is the color that many people think of when they think Poodle. In fact, I have spoken to many people who thought that all Poodles were white! White Poodles are born white unlike creams and apricots who sometimes fade to white and always have black points. Cream — Cream is the lightest color of the red series, lighter than apricot. Many cream pups will eventually fade to white. Most creams will have slightly darker areas on their ears and tails. Apricot — Apricots and creams are quite hard to tell apart, but apricot is a slightly stronger, warmer color with the ears appearing almost red. Many apricots have a darker stripe running down their backs. Apricot Poodles often fade to cream with age. The points should be black. Red — Red Poodles can vary greatly in shade from rich dark red to almost apricot. Red is very striking and coveted by many people but red often fades and some dogs that are red as pups end up only slightly darker than apricots. Brown or Chocolate — Brown Poodles are born a rich dark brown color and all the points are also brown. Blue — Blue is a beautiful color but as pups blue Poodles are black! As they get older, they will become more of a muted shade and end up an ashy or charcoal color. A blue Poodle is lighter than black but darker than silver. Silver — Silver Poodles initially look black but when you shave their noses as many breeders do at a few weeks old you will see that they are grey underneath. Silver dogs take a few years to reach their final color. Silver Beige — Silver beige pups have brown points and look like brown pups at birth. You will not see the true color unless you shave them or look into the roots of the hair where you may see creamy undertones. As adults, they are often slightly darker than the silver beige Poodles. Poodle Patterns Patterned Poodles are very striking and are growing in popularity although they are rarely seen in the show ring where the solid colors seem to take precedence. Some die-hard Poodle fans look down on these multi-colored beauties and it has even been suggested that Poodles that are not solid-colored are not pure. You may be surprised to know that the original Poodles were parti or multicolored and solid-colored coats were produced by selective breeding. Multicolored and patterned Poodles are making a comeback and I for one, am very glad to see this. What could be more splendid than a Poodle of many colors? Parti Colored — Parti colored Poodles are one of the most popular and eye-catching of the multi-colors. Parti Poodles are predominantly white with patches of any other Poodle color irregularly placed all over them much like a piebald horse. Parti Poodles can also fade like many of the solid-colored dogs. For example, a puppy that appears black and white at birth may turn out to be blue or silver and white. A black and white or brown and white parti Poodle with ticking can look particularly beautiful, almost as if he has a sprinkling of frost over his coat. Tuxedo or Abstract — A tuxedo Poodle is technically a parti-color. Rather than having irregular patches of color the tuxedo is predominantly solid colored but with white markings on his chest, abdomen, and paws. Many tuxedos also sport a white blaze on the head or muzzle and a white tail tip. Phantom — Phantom Poodles are also predominantly one color but have points of another color much in the style of a Doberman or Rottweiler. Most Phantoms are black or chocolate with tan points but can also be silver or blue with tan, cream, or white points. Sable Poodles have coats that are usually a shade of brown though can be blue or silver with black tips. Sable pups change color completely by the time they reach adulthood with the original color remaining on the ears and around their face. For this reason, you should never choose a sable pup based purely on color as what you see is most definitely not what you get. Brindle — Brindle is a very common pattern in the dog world but is most often associated with other breeds, such as Danes, Mastiffs, Boxers, and Greyhounds. Not Poodles! Brindles can be any color but what sets them apart is their tiger stripes. Dominant and Recessive Genes This is where it becomes tricky. Others are recessive overruled by dominant genes. When we talk about color genetics, we use the terms Genotype and Phenotype. Genotype means heredity so all the genes the dog has got from his parents. Phenotype is how he appears, so the color that he shows. If a dog has inherited both dominant and recessive genes he will appear as the dominant color but may carry genes for the recessive color. Black is always dominant, and this must be considered when breeding black Poodles as a dog carrying black will appear black unless he also carries the Rufus gene when he will appear red but may also carry brown. If the recessive brown gene is carried and the black dog is mated to another black dog also carrying brown, there is a possibility that a brown puppy will be born. This happens because the pup has inherited two copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. For a dog to be a recessive color he must carry two copies of the recessive gene as we must remember that dominant always overrules recessive so only one copy of the dominant gene is needed to make the dog display a coat of a dominant color. Recessive genes bring complications to breeding for color as they can stay hidden for generations before making a sudden appearance. White, whilst being considered one of the standard Poodle colors, is still a largely unknown gene and as of yet, there is no test for it. This means it is unknown whether it is a recessive or dominant color. The gene for a solid-colored coat is also a dominant gene. Where a solid-colored dog is mated to a parti-colored or piebald dog there is more chance that most of the pups will be solid-colored or have residual white markings. Unless the solid-colored parent also carries the parti-colored gene. If a pup inherits two copies of the piebald gene it will show a lot more white in the coat. If it only inherits one copy it will display much less white in the coat, if any. Hidden Genes Hidden genes are exactly what you would expect from the name. They are genes that the dog carries but does not express. A dog will express the color of the most dominant gene that he carries but if he also carries recessive genes for other colors these are the hidden genes. Put very simply if you have a puppy born that is a different color to either of his parents that is because he has inherited two copies of a hidden gene carried by both parents. To express a color that is recessive the dog must inherit two copies of the gene. What Colours are possible from different coloured parents Predicting what colors, you will get from any two particular parents is extremely difficult as color genetics is still not an exact science. However, we have determined some of the possibilities and likely outcomes. Remember that the color of the pups depends on many factors including hidden genes. We must presume there are no hidden genes in this instance and simply look at the color that is expressed:. People want to know what color puppies they will get if they breed this color to that color. All you can do is make a guess. With some research and knowing the background of your lines, one can make a more educated guess, but once again its just a guess. I have spent a lot of time and effort to study pedigrees and colors but even I am still learning. Especially when it comes to the multi colors its all still a guess. Vet gen does have a DNA test that will supposedly tell you the color genes that your dog carries. I will warn people that you should never bank all your money on that test. I have known of quite a few people that have tested their dogs and gotten strange colors in their litters that were not even talked about in the test. I am also unsure if this test takes into account the multi colors. I am going to take this page and talk about what I have learned and what I have had personal experience with colors. First off what you personally are breeding for in color, is what you have to take into account. Just throwing 2 poodles together and hoping for the best is NOT good breeding practices. Once you have established that two dogs are proper breeding material and that they offset each others faults, then you have to take into account, color compatibility and what you are working towards in color. Most reputable breeders you will find will specialize in certain colors. Trying to work on too many colors at once can become frustrating and confusing, even though the temptation is great! Just throwing 2 colors together can seriously destroy the colors and their points pigment of the nose, lips, eye liner, and pads are considered the points. All other colors should have black or self colored points. This also comes into play when talking about Multicolors and mixes of the above colors. You can pretty much count on a Sable ALWAYS carrying the fading gene and that the puppy will not stay the color that it is when it is born. There may be a color hidden there that you did not know about and need to consider. Its a good way to tell the recessive color genes in your dog. This includes the parti colors. This is why many breeders think blues are a great basis for a breeding program, depending of course upon what colors you are breeding for. Mixing of these colors will cause incorrect pigment on the points since the brown shades have liver colored points and Red, Apricot, Cream, and White should all have jet black points. Breeding red or apricot to silver causes the color to fade even more than they already do as the silver and blue colors carries the fading gene. True I have bred blue to red before due to the fact that was what I had to work with at the time. But if you are truly working to deepen and darken reds and apricots and produce beautiful dogs that hold their color, you do not want to introduce any more of the fading gene into these already fading colors than you have to. These colors once again will introduce the fading gene into your browns that you are trying to keep dark. These colors will ad a yellowish tone to your whites. However, there are some breeders out there that do breed for creams and off whites by using these color combinations. Other than the absolute DO NOT's listed above, how you combine colors totally depends upon what your end goal color is in your breeding program. When using a black every few generations in a red breeding program you will hopefully help to keep dark points on the puppies and also to darken their color. HOWEVER, be very careful what colors are in the background of said black that you do not inadvertently introduce more of the fading gene. Many people consider a color bred red to have apricot in the background. This is because apricot is a dilute of red so still in the same color family. HOWEVER, do not forget that this apricot causes more fading gene to be present in your reds, so the fewer apricots used the better to keep the color. Breeding true blacks to a brown is a great way to help reduce the fading that we see in most browns. HOWEVER, once again be very careful what colors are in the background of said black that you do not inadvertently introduce more of the fading gene. Remember white is already a fading color so breeding it to another fading color will not hurt the color. You really do have to be careful when breeding whites as it is easy to loose the pigment in the points. Putting a Silver, Blue, or Black in the background will help to keep these points nice and dark. Your best chances exist when one parent being bred to these colors is a silver. I would stay away from using whites, as I have said above, or you will have to worry about pigment on resulting white offspring. When it comes to color and pattern breeding in the parti colors and by parti I mean the old definition of more than one color , it is VERY difficult to say what you are going to get. This is probably due to breeders here in the US focusing on the solid colors for so long and looking down upon the parti colors as something that is undesirable. NOTE: If you are breeding for a specific color pattern it is recommended to breed like pattern to like pattern for best results. It is very hard to say though how heavy of markings you will get in a breeding as of yet. I have had very heavily marked piebalds that have been bred together and have produced piebalds will very little spotting at all. Since each and every piebald has a unique pattern and no two are alike its very hard to guess at how the genes will come together. You also have the new trend of people trying to produce heavier marked piebalds. These piebalds are know as true Tuxedos a dog that has white in a bib around the neck that may or may not go all the way around the neck, totally white on the belly and up into the chest, white on the legs that may extend all the way up to the elbow and or knees, may or may not have white markings on the face or head, and with the rest of the dog being predominately the darker color. There are many breeder out there that are incorrectly calling their abstract mismarked poodles a tuxedo. These puppies are usually produced from solid dogs or a solid bred to a piebald and not from two piebalds bred together. They are heavier on the dark color than the white but still are considered to be a piebald and are produced by piebalds. Once again your best chance of getting a tuxedo is to breed to a tuxedo. However you will also get regular piebalds in the litter. Since these tuxedo piebalds are just a heavily marked version of a piebald, the exact formula of breeding to get these markings is still being worked on. It all depends upon what the background of that phantom dog is and if that dog will carry the piebald gene. If the phantom carries the piebald gene I have found that the phantom gene is recessive to that of the piebald gene. If the phantom does NOT carry for piebald, then usually what you will get is a mixture of heavily abstract mismarked and even solid colored puppies. Every once in a while you will get a phantom patterned puppy but as I said it seems to be recessive so that would mean that the piebald would carry the gene for phantom. Puppies produced from such breedings are usually referred to as parti factored. Meaning that they carry the gene for parti. However this is still debated among parti people. Genetically they should carry for parti regardless, however when some of these parti factored are bred to a piebald they will not produce piebald puppies. It all will depend upon how these recessive gene line up in the produced puppies. Also remember that you can breed a pair together one time and get totally different results the next time they are bred together. Some colors seem to be more conducive to producing piebalds when bred to solid colored dogs such as white and silvers. It is still unsure as to why these solid colors seem to produce piebalds more than others but is speculated to be because they are recessive colors and not dominate to the piebald color. I personally have noticed that blues will tend to produce piebalds as well as other parti colors when bred to a parti patterned dog. Once again I believe this is because blues carry the gene for all colors. Once again as with the piebald puppies it may or may not come through in your breeding. It depends upon how the recessive genes line up. Also as with the piebalds there are some colors that are more conducive to producing phantom when bred to a solid than other colors. There seems to be a link between the phantoms and the red poodles. It is unsure what the correlation is yet but there is a lot of speculation. I have also noticed that whites and silvers will allow the phantom gene to come through. Also surprisingly I have known of quite a few solid blacks that will throw phantoms that have not had phantoms in their background that we know of. Many of these solid blacks have had a lot of red in the background, which leads us back to the correlation between reds and phantoms. If you look at the dogs that were used to create the poodle, such as the Portuguese water dog, you will see where these abstract markings come from. Abstract markings are called mismarks by many of the older breeders. I find that the term abstract used by the UKC is a lot more pleasing to most people. Contrary to the belief of the old time solid breeders this is not a flaw but something that is in the poodle genes from the beginning as I explained above. These dogs will usually have white on the chest, some white on the feet or toes and may or may not have white markings on the face or head. In the old days all the parti patterns were lumped into the mismark category, however today we know that the abstract gene and the genes for the other parti patterns are separate genes. Since most dogs carry for the abstract, you can get abstracts in any litter, whether its solid bred to solid or solid bred to another pattern. On the other hand I have bred to poodle that were abstracts together and gotten some of my most beautiful solid colored puppies. You do have to be careful as these solids will then carry this gene recessively and if you are working to produce only solid colored puppies you will have to breed accordingly. It is unsure as to where that particular gene originated but I believe this gene too comes from the dogs used to create the poodle breed. I have found that most brindles are produced from a blue parent. Once again this would go to show that blue carries for everything. Brindle bred to brindle will produce almost nothing but brindle as this gene seems to be quite dominate. Brindle bred to a solid color will usually produce a litter with mostly brindles and a few solids. These solids produced WILL carry and produce brindles. The brindle pattern can be produced in a variety of colors. SABLES Sables have also been around since the beginning in poodles and in my opinion is a difficult color to reproduce. A sable bred to a sable is of course your best bet to produce sable but it does not always result in sables. I have seen two sables bred together and the result was nothing but solid colored puppies with no markings what so ever. I have also noticed that many sables will come from a blue parent just as with the brindle pattern. I have also seen sables produced by solid silvers and whites. It is difficult to try and tell someone how to breed for sable when not much is known about the sable gene. I also do not know of a lot of breeders out there breeding just for sable. Like piebald markings on the body and phantom markings on the face, or a brindle with abstract markings, or a piebald with brindle or sable being the spotting color. These are the most difficult to determine where they came from. Its all in how these usually recessive genes line up. Sometimes they appear out of seemingly thin air. Until more is know about how the parti genes combine, and more test breedings are done to try and produce more multi patterns, its almost impossible to tell someone what to breed together other than the obvious combinations that may or may not produce the desired effect to produce a multi patterned parti. Just for an example, many people think that breeding a piebald to a phantom will produce a dog with piebald markings on the body but phantom markings on the face. Where this may have been the way some have been produced in the past, it will usually not result in a multi patterned dog. Article written by Keisha C. It just wastes my time and yours. I do not have any puppies or adults for sale. All articles on this site unless otherwise states are written by me, Keisha of Arpeggio Poodles. Articles by other people have been given their due credit. I am sorry I have to post this but I am finding my articles being stolen and being placed on other peoples sites. All photos are sole property of Arpeggio Poodles unless otherwise noted. Reproduction of photos without express written permission is prohibited! All pictures and graphics unless otherwise stated are of my own design. Please do not take them. Most of the information on my site is from my own views, opinions, or research that I have done. Where appropriate I have sited my sources and links to their sites. Do not take my opinions as that of a licensed vet. Any person that relies solely on my information does so at their own risk. Thanks for all the support! We have reached so many visits that our counter that only goes to 1,,, has started over for the 6th time now. Thanks everyone for making this site such a success! This site is dedicated to my Mother and Father. Bless you both. I know you are happy once again being reunited. Thank you for being my friends, my teachers, my heros and my parents. I miss you both greatly. Your loving daughter. Poodle Colors March 18, Poodles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, to the point that the terminology can become quite bewildering. In this article, we shed some light, rather than hair, on the rainbow world of Poodle colors, exploring the most common coat hues and patterns before delving deeper into the weird yet wonderful world of ticked and parti Poodles. Table of Contents 12 Common Solid Colors of the Poodle Most Poodles, regardless of size, come in solid colors, some of which are more common than others. Although black Poodles are often overlooked in favor of lighter-colored puppies or rescues, they are no more aggressive or less intelligent than any other color Poodle. There is one slight health discrepancy, however, in that studies have found that black and other dark-colored Poodles are more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma of the digit SCDD than other lighter-colored dogs. Due to their poor visibility at night, these dogs should always wear an LED collar when getting walked in the dark. Some may take a year to develop the blue tinge to their coats, while others hang onto the vestiges of their puppyhood black for 24 months. A quick examination of their paws may also reveal some silver or white hairs between the pads. As a blue Poodle puppy ages, so its color clears, becoming almost gun-metal grey. Some shading is acceptable in blue Poodles, but to be true to the breed standard, they should, like the black Poodle, have black noses, dark eyes, and black toenails. Silver Another diluted version of the black Poodle, like the blues, silvers are born black but will start to clear much earlier. By the time they reach six weeks, silver hues will be apparent around the face and paws, with the rest of the coat following suit over the next year or so. Silver is recessive color, making it more difficult to breed for, and silver puppies are only really guaranteed if both parents are also silver Poodles. This process is caused by the Progressive Graying gene which is found in some black, blue, and brown Poodles. Although some Poodles are born gray and remain that way throughout their lives, others will start to change color at around two or three months of age, gradually fading as they mature. Regardless of how the gray coat is produced this color is recognized by the AKC. Like the black, blue, and silver Poodles, gray dogs should also have black noses and nails and dark-colored eyes. Cream Cream is one of several off-white colorations found in all sizes of Poodle, and distinguishing one from another can be challenging. A cream Poodle is fairly easy to identify as it is one of the few light-colored Poodles that have black rather than liver-colored noses. Establishing whether a Poodle is white or cream is more difficult as both have black points and a pale cream, in certain lights, may appear white. Experts will no doubt dismiss this confusion as pure ignorance as the two are very different. While white indicates the complete absence of color, the cream is a very diluted brown, not far from apricot. Indeed, many cream-colored Poodles are born light or even medium brown and then clear as they mature. White White is one of the most popular and most common colors for Poodles. Despite being white, a white Poodle belongs to the black hair type and therefore has a black nose, nails, and eye-rims, as well as dark-colored eyes, giving it a striking appearance. In the past, a white Poodle with pink toenails or a patch of pink skin would still have succeeded in the show ring but, these days, the AKC insists on white Poodles with black extremities only. This color needs to be washed with a special shampoo for Poodles often to stay bright and clean. Both the Toy and the Miniature Poodle carry this trait, however, and it does appear to affect those with white pigmentation more than other colors. Brown Once lumped together with Red Poodles, brown Poodles should ideally be the color of dark mahogany or a rich walnut brown, as opposed to chestnut. Nevertheless, brown Poodles boast more color variations and a wider range of hues than almost any of the other colors. Most brown Poodles are born dark and then fade as they mature, producing stunning shades of cinnamon brown and coffee. One of the biggest problems facing the brown Poodle is its tendency to have very pale yellow, almost green eyes. This is an undesirable trait in the show ring but difficult to eliminate in breeding. The most sought-after brown Poodles have amber-colored eyes, a liver nose, and dark toenails, as per the breed standard. Rufus is a recessive allele, which is perhaps why red Poodles are so rare. Red Poodles are particularly prone to color change, with some fading as they age and others darkening. Apricot Like red, apricot is a relatively new color for Poodles, having only been accepted into the breed standard comparatively recently. The first apricot-colored Standard Poodle was born in but categorized as liver at the time. Since then, apricot Poodles have won a variety of prestigious awards, and their popularity has continued. Last year, world-famous Lionel Messi welcomed an apricot Toy Poodle named Abu into his family, adding a splash of color and cuteness to the Messi tribe. Although Poodles of this color may look similar to red ones, the cafe au lait hue is closer to silver than red. Silver Beige Unlike cafe au lait, silver beige is a diluted shade of brown, and most silver beige Poodles are born brown, clearing around their face and paws within the first six weeks of life. Silver beige is much more popular than cafe au lait, but the two are frequently confused. While cafe au lait puppies are usually born that color, silver beige Poodles are born brown and subsequently fade to silver beige. Parti Poodles Parti Poodles have large amounts of white on their body. This can be mixed with any of the regular colors: red, black, brown etc. These dogs are highly sought-after. You will probably have to look for a bit in order to find the Parti Poodle of your dreams! This is produced by a specific gene and can even be seen in pure white Poodles that, if they have the ticking gene, will appear dirty. More of a marking than a color in its own right, it can be difficult to spot the spots on a Poodle puppy. More commonly found on parti Poodles than solid colors, ticking becomes increasingly obvious as the puppy matures. While the United Kennel Club sees ticking as an acceptable trait in a Poodle, the AKC disqualifies such dogs from conformation classes, as it does parti Poodles. Some Poodle owners are convinced that certain colored dogs are cleverer than others. The idea behind this theory is that black and white Poodles were the original breed standard colors and have therefore been bred for temperament and intelligence, rather than color. You may indeed have a particularly intelligent white Poodle at some stage in your life, but you could equally have an Einstein-style Tuxedo Poodle. At the end of the day, Poodles are as varied as humans, and some are blessed with superior intelligence just as others are endowed with an especially friendly temperament. What is the Most Popular Poodle Color? Whites are common and much-loved for their regal appearance, while the black is easier to keep to clean, making it popular among more practical Poodle owners. Are Parti Poodles More Expensive? Do Poodles Have a Favorite Person? While most dog breeds adore whoever feeds them, Poodles are a little more particular, selecting their favorite human based on their personality, rather than their ability to provide care and sustenance. The Bottom Line The world of Poodles is full of color and variety. While traditionalists may prefer to stick with the standard breed colors, those drawn to the exotic may find the parti Poodles more attractive. An ancient breed dating back to the 15th or possibly even 14th century, it seems unlikely the Poodle will ever lose its popularity. She spends all her waking hours with her Australian Cattle Dog, Koala, either walking, horse-riding, running, or just hanging out. Originally from the UK, Nicky been living with dogs for over 40 years and is a passionate dog-owner. With a Masters Degree from the University of London under her belt, Nicky has had a diverse career, training and riding horses, running safari lodges, and hosting volunteers. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd has long been prized for its working ability. Police, military, search-and-rescue teams, and families alike have loved and used this intelligent and obedient dog for a variety of tasks. And the Border Collie is known as the smartest dog breed in the world. What happens when you put these two dogs together? Shollie Shepherd x Border Collie Main Characteristics As a cross between two intelligent working dogs, you can expect the Shollie to be a smart, energetic pup. These dogs are great for active families where they have space to run and receive adequate exercise each day. Their size can vary since German Shepherds tend to be larger than Border Collies. However, Shollies usually stand between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 90 pounds. Both parent breeds come in a few different colors and Shollies can have quite a variety of color patterns. However, one thing is for sure. They will have a thick double coat that sheds twice a year — six months in the Spring and six months in the Fall. History of the Shollie The idea that crossbred dogs are inferior to purebred dogs has been waning in recent years. In fact, the popularity of designer dog breeds, the hybrid cross of two purebred dog breeds, has been spiking rapidly. One of the most well-known designer dog breeds is the Labradoodle. This Labrador Retriever Poodle mix set off the whole Doodle dog craze of crossing all sorts of dog breeds with Poodles to create more hypoallergenic versions of dogs. That and the fact that the crosses end up looking somewhat like adorable teddy bears have made these crossbred dogs extremely popular. It is unclear who decided that crossing a Border Collie with a German Shepherd would be a good idea or why. But the resulting hybrid has been making a splash in the dog community. What Does a Shollie Look Like? Border Collies are usually black and white and German Shepherds can come in a wide variety of colors though they are commonly black and brown. The Shollie can have black, brown, fawn, sable, or white hair and are almost always a mix of at least two colors. Many have an intriguing mottled pattern. Their bodies tend to be lean and athletic and they are fairly large dogs. Despite their size, they are gentle and loving and tend to be good with kids. Most Shollies have brown eyes, though they can also be hazel, blue, or amber. They usually have black noses with long muzzles. Exercise Needs Both parent breeds were bred as working dogs and needed energy and stamina for this purpose. This makes the Shollie an active dog that requires at least one hour of vigorous exercise per day. They will love having a large yard where they can run freely. If this is not available, access to an off-leash dog park would be ideal. As intelligent dogs, they love exploring new areas. They will adore accompanying you and your family on hiking adventures or participating in agility classes or other canine sports. Border Collies top the charts of Obedience and Working Intelligence. This measure looks at both how many repetitions the dog requires to learn a technique as well as how likely they are to obey a known technique. The higher their score, obviously the more trainable they are. German Shepherds are well known for their trainability. Though there is always some unpredictability with crossbred dogs, you can bet a child of these two breeds will be easy to train. Since both parent breeds are super intelligent with an eager-to-please attitude, the resulting hybrid ends up the same. But owning an intelligent dog comes with a responsibility. They need a job to do or some other form of mental stimulation. Otherwise, they will find something to entertain themselves in their boredom — which may spell disaster for your furniture! Luckily, they enjoy mental stimulation in various forms. Learning new tricks, participating in agility or canine sports, puzzle toys , playing with your kids, and even exploring areas of your large backyard count. If you have to leave them alone for a long period of time, leave them with a puzzle game or toy. This will help give them something to do and keep their mischievous streak at bay until your return. All in all, the Shollie is a fantastic dog when it comes to training and obedience. Are Shollies Independent? Some dogs are content to sit at home awaiting your return from a long day at work. The Shollie is not one of them. They are loving, sociable animals who will give you their whole heart. In exchange, they expect a certain amount of love and affection. It only makes sense, right? If you live alone and work outside the home all day, a Shollie may not be a good choice for your companion. They can become anxious or depressed and this will often come out as bad behavior like digging or chewing up shoes. On the flip side, Shollies are wonderful for families. They love playing with little children and will adore living in a household where there is almost always someone around to offer them an ear scratch. After a long day working or playing, they love nothing more than to cuddle with you on the couch or at least curl up at your feet while you relax in the evenings. They can get a little protective of their families especially their little people. If they feel threatened at all, they may display territorial behavior — even if that means protecting their little charges from Grandma! German Shepherd Surprisingly, there is one man and one dog to thank for the development of the German Shepherd breed. Max Emil Freidrich von Stephanitz dreamed of becoming a gentleman farmer. However, he was pressured by his affluent family into joining the military instead. During his time as a cavalry officer in the German countryside in the midth century, the incredible sheep herding dogs caught his eye. He was impressed by their intelligence and responsiveness and distressed by their dwindling numbers. As modernity approached, the need for sheepherding dogs was waning, but Von Stephanitz decided to do something about it. Thus, he bought a large estate near Grafath in Bavaria and set out to find the right dogs to create his formal breed. The right dog turned out to be one dog that he bought at a dog show in April of .The four-year-old dog, Hektor Linksrhein, had a wolf-like appearance and demonstrated superior intelligence and depth of character. Von Stephanitz renamed the dog Horand von Grafrath and used him to sire innumerable pups. Virtually every German Shepherd living today can be traced back to this dog. And von Stephanitz did things right. He bred carefully, looking to cultivate both beauty and brains in a time when they were mostly concerned with brains. His quest ultimately created a dog that is handsome, intelligent, obedient, and loyal. Not to mention both loving and easy to love. This medium-sized dog is descended from the old Roman sheepherding dogs and the Spitz-type herders of the Vikings. They routinely performed well in informal competitions among sheepherders back in the s. Eventually, official sheepdog competitions started running in the late s and early s. Border Collies have consistently dominated these competitions over the years. These dogs are energetic and capable of holding their own for over 50 miles in a day. Their rough, shaggy coats protected them from the elements when they spent days on end outdoors with their charges. Even the white markings on their coats serve the purpose of making it easier to spot them in the dark. As they grew in popularity, they began being exported from Great Britain all over the world to people who were looking for good working dogs. But in America, they caught the eye of obedience exhibitors. In , the North American Sheepdog Society was formed with the purpose to promote and protect the breed. Overall, the Border Collie has impressed generations of farmers with their smarts, energy, and willingness to please. Should I Get a Shollie? Now that you know a little bit about Shollies and their parent breeds, your interest may be piqued. However, as with every dog, they require the right type of home and living conditions to be happy. Here are a few things to ask yourself to help determine if your home is the right environment for a Shollie. Do You Have an Active Lifestyle? Shollies like to snuggle with you while you watch TV, but only after a long day of hard work or play. Remember, both parent breeds were developed as working dogs that needed enough energy to traverse dozens of miles in a day. Thus, Shollies require at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day. They need lots of active time and attention. Thus, a home with a large yard or a farm is a more adequate home for these pups. And they will love spending time with people who are active and on the move. The nice thing about adding a dog like this to the family is that they help encourage being active! Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Shollies are very sociable, which means they want to spend time with their families. Are You Committed To Training? You still need to spend time with your Shollie teaching them what is expected of them and how they are to behave. But beyond the basics, you should continue to spend time training your Shollie. They love the mental stimulation of learning new tricks and they are so smart that they are the perfect dog for this. Do You Have Allergies or Asthma? This is a big one as Shollies have a lot of hair. If you or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, this could be a big problem. Both parent breeds have a double coat, which means there is a soft undercoat for warmth and a longer protective coat over the top. Translation — the dog has a lot of hair and they will constantly be shedding it. You can control their shedding somewhat with regular grooming sessions. But you will never get it all. Are Shollies Aggressive? Shollies are a little reticent of strangers. They love their families and can be a little protective if the occasion calls for it. However, they are not aggressive or violent by nature. The Verdict on Shollies So, is a Shollie right for your family? If you are an active family, have a large yard, and are willing to spend time training and stimulating your dog, the Shollie will make a fantastic companion for your family. If you live alone in a little apartment and spend most of your time at work, a different type of dog may be a better fit for your lifestyle. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Border Collies are the canine superstars of training. They are superior at obedience, agility, and herding. This especially bright workaholic enjoys being trained and kept occupied with activities. Working brings them happiness, but lack of work sparks unhappiness as well. They are eager to please and work hard. If you have enough time to devote to long obedience and agility training sessions, you are in for a firmly trained companion. Border Collies need a lot of exercise. Both breeds are strong and fast, so a Border Collie and German Shepherd mix will definitely be a strong and athletic pooch. No matter which breed traits dominate, any Shollie is a dog that loves and needs exercise. In cases when the Border Collie side of the crossbreed is more expressed, the owners will need to start putting their running sneakers on more often. Mental exercise is extremely important too so make sure you have enough mentally demanding tasks and games. Border Collies are affectionate dogs, perfect for families with children on the older side. Although relaxed among people they know, strangers can make them shy a bit. They are steady, confident, and courageous. The loyalty to their families makes them delightful protectors. Being overprotective of his family can make a German Shepherd dog a bit untrustworthy towards strangers. Photo by Vivienstock on Shutterstock Does that mean that a crossbreed afraid of strangers has more Collie Traits and the one barking at them is more of a GSD? Keep in mind that any dog can be a good dog. They can be a good fit for families with children and even with other pets. Leadership Border Collies require that you show interest in their training and give a lot of affirmation and encouragement. Keeping their attention is pretty easy if you have prepared a variety of training activities. German Shepherds start their training early in their lives. Work ethic? These guys are on point. A Shollie is a dog that needs a consistent leader to show him what to train and how to do it and reward him if he does that right. If that happens there is a great chance that checking your training regimen is the best place to start. Health The biggest health concern in German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. While GSDs from 50 years ago had a lot fewer issues with their hips, due to irresponsible breeding now every fifth dog has hip dysplasia. Obesity, over-exercise, and injuries can all contribute to hip problems, but the issue is an inherited one and sooner or later it will become clinically significant. Hip dysplasia is a common disease in Border Collies as well, but the main difference is that it develops in older dogs that had pretty active lives and their joints simply wore out. The photoreceptors in the eye start dying out and what starts as night blindness can result in complete blindness within 12 months of the onset of symptoms. German Shepherds are more susceptible to cancer than most other dog breeds. Most frequent neoplasia cases in GSDs include hemangiosarcomas, melanoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcomas. The condition makes the left side of the heart become overly loaded with blood and can ultimately lead to heart failure. Generally speaking, both breeds are pretty healthy. The diseases they are recognizable for are inherited. If there is a health certificate from their parents they are free from such diseases you can be at ease. The life expectancy for a Shellie is somewhere between 10 and 14 years. In both cases, the coat consists of an outer layer and a soft undercoat. The rough type is medium length and the smooth one is a short coat. Photo by Christin Lola on Shutterstock Their grooming requirements are pretty basic. Weekly brushing is enough to prevent matting and distribute the coat oils equally all over the body. German Shepherds are dogs with a medium-length coat with a softer inner layer and hard outer layer. Brushing them every days is enough to remove loose hairs. During shedding season they need to be brushed more frequently. So basically your Shollie is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just a medium-coat that might need an extra brush once in a while. Size Expect your Shollie to be between inches cm with a weight of around pounds kg. Border Collie is a middle-sized dog breed. Adult males have inches cm height and females have inches cm. A full-grown dog of this breed weighs between pounds .German Shepherds fall under the medium to large-sized dogs category. The breed standard for adult males is inches cm and for females is inches cm. They can weigh somewhere between 50 pounds kg. Border Collie and German Shepherd mix dogs have higher chances of being middle-sized dogs, while some male individuals with more significant GSD anatomic trains can be considered a large breed. Cost Depending on your location, it may not be so easy to find a Shollie in your local shelter. These dogs are perfect for a house in the suburbs or the farming fields. Share your experiences with your Shollie in the comments down below! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. To create this hybrid, the parents must be one purebred Border Collie and one purebred German Shepherd. Both of these breeds are certified by the American Kennel Club so breeders should be able to provide paperwork for both parents. This energetic, intelligent, loving breed is becoming very popular with people who want a solid working dog or a loyal companion. As they are crossbreed, the characteristics they inherit from each parent will be different in each puppy. The overall appearance of this breed tends to lean more towards the German Shepherd parent. With their muscular large bodies, they are often mistaken for purebred German Shepherds. Their floppy ears and Collie tail will give them away as crossbreeds. Although a Shepherd is their most common appearance, each puppy will inevitably be different in appearance. No matter how they look, these dogs will have strong muscles and high levels of stamina, great for herding cattle. Fully grown, they should be around 21 to 27 inches tall and weigh around 70 to 80 lbs. If they lean more towards the Collie parent, they may be shorter and weigh less as Collies generally only weigh around 40 lbs. Colors Their coat will probably be a solid tan color with black patching and points. Coat They will have a straight, dense, medium-length coat, as both parents do. If they take after their German Shepherd parent, it will be a double coat. This means that it will be noticeably thicker especially in the winter months. If they are working dogs, this double coat will be great for working in cold weather. The best way to make an educated guess about their temperament is to look at their parent breeds. Highly energetic and extremely intelligent, these dogs are very eager to learn. Despite this, German Shepherds are not naturally aggressive and are actually very loving dogs that are loyal to their families. It is true that this loyalty can lead to them being protective and so they will often bark at anything strange in their territory. Border Collie Temperament A Collie was also bred as a herding dog and is one of the most common dogs used by farmers in the United Kingdom to manage their flocks and herds. Like GSDs, Collies are also energetic and very intelligent; ranked number one across all dog breeds. The downside is that they always need something to do otherwise they get bored very quickly. They are more playful than the German Shepherd but may have more issues with separation anxiety. With both these breeds in mind, we can definitely say that this hybrid is well above average in energy and intelligence. They make fantastic working dogs as this provides them with a job to do and plenty to keep their mind active. They will want to be with someone most of the time. Leaving an energetic and intelligent dog alone is a recipe for destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture and barking. If you do just want this dog as a companion animal, be prepared for lots of exercise, playtime, and training sessions. These dogs can be protective so plenty of socialization from an early age will help. Lots of different people coming in and out of their space is very important. This will reduce the likelihood of them becoming defensive to new people. If they are the only dog in the house, be sure to socialize them with lots of other dogs to prevent guarding behavior over you and your family. Both parent breeds are comfortable around other animals, especially livestock or cats. They can live happily with other dogs and having a doggy friend may help keep them entertained. This mix is a great family dog as long as it was socialized with its family from a young age and not left alone with young children. All family members should be consistent with training to prevent the dog from receiving mixed messages and diluting the effect of training. As with all dogs, it would be unwise to leave young children alone with them. This breed is usually a food-focused dog which makes it easy to train with treats. Some mixes may also respond to toy-focused training which would be great if your dog is going to be a working dog or even train in agility or obedience. They will require a lot of socialization with people to reduce any guarding behaviors and aloofness. Naturally, this breed is not an aggressive breed but it is always good to socialize a puppy with other puppies to teach them canine manners. The Border Collie Shepherd Mix should be easy and enjoyable to train because they are so intelligent. If they are companion animals, you should definitely look into interactive feeders, plenty of toys for chewing and other games. For games which will stimulate your mix, fetch will be an important one. They need exercising for at least two hours a day, time in the garden, playtime, and other forms of mental stimulation. If they are working dogs they may get most of this on the job but as a companion animals, they will need this provided in other forms. Grooming should be completed a minimum of two times a week; especially if they have a double coat from their Shepherd parent. They should also have all the normal care that a dog requires: Ears cleaned Claws cut Treatment for fleas and worms Checked for ticks especially if they are out in fields or long grass on a regular basis Someone best suited to owning this breed is either at home most of the day or works with this dog. These mixed breed dogs are a very high-energy hybrid. This means a fenced-in backyard is a must so they can go out when they please and work off some energy. These dogs are not suited to living in apartments or houses without gardens. If they are working as a herding dogs, they will be able to run off a lot of that energy doing their job. If they are a guard dog or companion animal, they will need to be out of the house exercising for at least two hours a day. You should walk your dog a minimum of twice a day for at least one hour each time. These dogs are great off-leash as they are highly intelligent and should master recall pretty quickly. It means they can run off steam while running circles around you. Agility classes are also an excellent way of burning off steam and excellent as a form of mental stimulation, especially for this breed as they have a great body type for agility work. Grooming and Shedding If your dog does have a double coat, you can expect seasonal shedding. This is where they shed loads of fur twice a year in the Spring and Fall to make room for the new coat growth. Even if the coat is not double, these dogs will still shed quite a bit throughout the year and so will need brushing a minimum of twice a week. With lots of treats and positive reinforcement, grooming should be a good bonding time for you and your pup. You should take your dog to be professionally groomed a few times a year, especially around shedding season if they have that double coat. This will help prevent matting and keep their coat super healthy. Feeding and Diet The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix, when fully grown, should be fed one and a half cups of good quality dry food twice a day. This can also have wet food mixed in with it. Good quality dry food will have a very high percentage of protein. Things to avoid in dry dog food are any type of food dye, rendered fats, and corn or wheat gluten. People with working dogs often swear by a raw food diet. This is where the diet is made up of unprocessed meats, bones, fruit and vegetables, some dairy, and eggs. Known Health Problems All dogs are prone to certain health conditions and age-related issues. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Adopting an older dog will decrease the price tag. Lancaster Puppies in Columbus, OH. Owners will have a lot on their hands when grooming this hybrid dog. It is a heavy shedder, making it hard for owners to clean up while trying to keep their coat healthy. The German Shepherd Border Collie mix sheds more often as it grows old, so owners must brush its fur daily to remove dander and dead hair. Here are some of the most recommended grooming equipment to maintain the coat of the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie: Slicker Brush Slicker brushes are great combs to remove tangles and mats on long-haired dogs. The slicker brush can save owners time when brushing the coat of the German Shepherd Border Collie compared to regular combs. Detanglers Before using a slicker brush, owners will notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix has a lot of tangled hair. Dematting sprays can relax and soften the hair to make it easier for owners to untangle the knots. Owners must resort to this solution if the tangles are hard to remove despite the use of detanglers as dogs are not fond of sharp objects. Owners must avoid buying shampoo based on the odor or the low price. Owners must be aware of its coat type and skin to help them find oils and specialty ingredients that will be beneficial for the Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd. Grooming Wipes The German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie is an energetic dog that will be dirty when it finishes playing outside the house. Wet wipes are essential for dog owners that want to prevent mud and grass inside their residence. Microfiber Towel Human towels do not absorb all of the water on a dog. Because of its heavy coat, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix will likely be dripping wet despite a heavy rinsing. Microfiber towels can help remove water on a Border Collie German Shepherd cross better than human towels. The legs and hips of Border Collie German Shepherd will deteriorate as it ages. The hybrid dog will experience problems at an earlier rate depending on its activities as well. It may also be born deaf if one of its parent breeds already have hearing problems. Epilepsy The Border Collie breed is widely known for its tendency to suffer from epilepsy more than other dog breeds. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix may inherit this health problem as well. Epilepsy happens when the dog is experiencing episodic seizures. Fortunately, it is a rare disease among dogs. Degenerative Myelopathy When owners notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix is starting to walk funny on its back legs, it can be a symptom of Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease currently has no cure. Irresponsible breeders are the most likely reasons for the health issues of a German Shepherd mixed with a Border Collie. Owners must make sure that they are adopting a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid dealing with a sickly puppy. If the hybrid dog is exhausted from more training than usual, owners can go for 4 cups a day. Bloat and diabetes are two main health problems that can affect a Border Collie crossed with a German Shepherd as both parent breeds may also suffer from them. It is essential for owners to avoid overfeeding this hybrid dog and prevent nutritional imbalances. In such scenarios, products such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can be a solution to regain the proper balance of nutrients. Dog owners and lovers must also keep in mind that they need to seek food for the best large breed dry dog food instead of best dry dog food for small dogs. Whatever you do, make sure you steer clear from the worst dry dog food. Try to learn more about the difference between poor-quality and premium-quality chows by checking our best dry dog food guide! The dog food must include joint supplements because large dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint ailments. To avoid this, give them kibble that is rich in calcium since puppyhood. Pooches that have entered their golden years will maintain their health properly only if given the right amount of the best senior dry dog food! Dog food must also contain a moderate amount of calories to avoid obesity, which is a common problem among large breeds. The dog food chosen by owners must also have large kibble to avoid letting the dog eat too quickly, which may result in life-threatening conditions like bloat. Here are a few of the most recommended large breed dog food in the US: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula The Blue Buffalo Life dog food is perfect for the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie because it is full of ingredients rich in antioxidants like kelp, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Deboned chicken is also its main ingredient. This brand does not have wheat, soy, or corn. Wellness Core Dog Food The nutritious proteins included in the Wellness Complete Health dog food for large breeds is beneficial for the German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie because it has all the nutrition it needs. This brand contains deboned chicken, salmon meal, and deboned whitefish, which gives the dog food a delicious flavor. It also includes flaxseed, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides for different probiotics for the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. Dog for Dog contains vitamins and minerals to give your Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd the nutrition it needs. This whole-grain brand also contains glucosamine, which helps keep joints healthy. Owners on a budget will find this product affordable. It also helps prevent nutrient deficiency with its vitamins and minerals. The brand also comes with glucosamine and chondroitin, which is good for joint health. Eagle Pack Natural consists only of natural ingredients with no artificial colors and preservatives. It also includes eight probiotic strains to keep the hybrid dog healthy. Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Large Breed This brand is beneficial for large dogs because it can supply them with many complex carbohydrates to sustain their energy levels. It is also helpful for the joint because of it contains glucosamine. This brand attacks specific health issues like joint problems or bloating that a German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie may cross. This brand contains joint supplements, probiotic supplements, and fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. It is a natural and grain-free product with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, as well as premium proteins. This brand is a grain-free product that will give your hybrid dog enough nutrition for its daily activities and exercises. There are a plethora of good choices for them out there, but make sure to find some of the best dry dog food , for example, Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Puppies and senior dogs have different food requirements, so go through the best puppy food brands in case you own a little munchkin and best senior dry dog food for grandpa and grandma pups. A checkup with your vet will help you opt for some of these. Both of its parent breeds are also very active. This hybrid dog does not do well indoors and needs to have a lot of time running and playing with its owners. An owner of a German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie must commit their time to engage this dog in activities if they want to avoid it from becoming bored and destructive. This dog will become aggressive and timid if it does not participate in mental and physical activities. Its daily exercise requires about 60 minutes of running and playing outside of the house. If you happen to raise a Border Collie German Shepherd mix as a calm and independent dog, 2 hours of separate walks daily can keep it satisfied. German shepherds were initially bred in Germany in the 19th century and were officially recognized as a breed in .Border collies are primarily sheepdogs that were officially recognized in the British Isles in the 19th century. Both dog breeds are considered highly intelligent, trainable, and agile. This is why German shepherds have been widely adopted as working dogs and are often seen in military and police roles. Border collies frequently compete with great success in sheepdog trials and are considered among the top sporting dogs. Exactly when the Shollie emerged and precisely what breeders were trying to achieve with the new breed is unclear. But the result tends to be a relatively large and athletic dog that is highly intelligent and protective. Thanks to these traits, the Shollie makes an excellent family dog. It is important to remember that, unlike with purebred dogs, when you mix dog breeds, the results are always a bit unpredictable. Shollie Appearance You can expect Shollies to be fairly large dogs with a lean and athletic physique. According to the breed standard, German shepherds tend to measure 22 to 26 inches tall, with males generally an inch or two larger than females. Border collies are a bit smaller, measuring from 18 to 22 inches. Nevertheless, you will rarely see a Shollie that measures less than 20 inches. They typically weigh around 70 to 90 pounds. While these big dogs are gentle, their substantial size means they can misjudge their strength and could accidentally hurt children or older, more fragile individuals. Shollies can be almost any color combination of their parents, including black, brown, golden, and white, and they are almost always a mix of at least two different colors. They often have attractive mottled patterning. Border collies have a warm undercoat with a protective outer coat that tends to be longer and can be either smooth or shaggy. German shepherds also have a warm undercoat with a longer overcoat. You can expect a Shollie to have a similar double coat, probably with quite long hair. This puts them at a fairly high risk of overheating in hot temperatures. They also tend to shed a lot, and their hair can easily become matted if not brushed regularly to remove shedded hairs that have clung to their coat. Shollies look their best when they receive daily brushing. Most Shollies will have brown eyes and a face with a fairly long muzzle. They can either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the floppy ears of a border collie. Shollie Temperament: Athleticism Both German shepherds and border collies are working dogs bred for herding, so they are bred to be active. You can expect their Shollie offspring to have a lot of energy and need quite a bit of exercise. Shollies need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, preferably split into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day. They will appreciate being taken to off-leash dog parks where they can run around without being restricted by the leash. In addition to this, these dogs will love to accompany their family on outdoor adventures, such as hiking trips and walks. They are agile and intelligent and will be able to look after themselves on hiking trails. Shollie Temperament: Trainability Both border collies and German shepherds are highly intelligent, and their offspring tend to inherit this characteristic. They learn quickly and are highly adaptable. Shollies can generally figure out what is needed from them quickly in new situations. Bred as training dogs, Shollies also tend to be easy to please. More independent and stubborn breeds might know what you want but still not give it to you; this is not the case with the Shollie. They can easily become bored if they do not have tasks to keep them occupied. This is why it is always a good idea to teach them tasks, even if they will be living as a family pet. They will also benefit from complex toys like puzzle games to keep them occupied when left alone. If they are left alone for too long without something to stimulate their brain, they may just find their own entertainment. This tends to be the destructive sort of chewing and digging. Shollie Temperament: Independence Shollies tend to want to be part of the family. They will quickly bond with the people they spend a lot of time with and become protective of them. They will often be on alert when other people or animals approach and can display territorial behavior if they feel threatened. They tend to have an affinity for children and enjoy playing with them, though they should always be supervised around small children. Threats to their little people, in particular, can bring out their protective instinct. Are you worried your dog is overly possessive? Watch out for these important signs. These dogs have a tendency to become anxious or depressed if they are left alone for long periods of time. They are not the type of dog you can leave alone at home for several hours while you are at work. Considering a day care service for your dog? Read our tips for choosing the best day care for your dog. When you are at home, be prepared for plenty of love and affection from your Shollie. These dogs will love to be close to you, whether that means sitting at your feet or snuggling up with you on the couch if you let them. They can live anywhere from 13 to 15 years, which is an impressive lifespan for such a large dog. But, as is the case with many large dogs, they can also suffer from joint issues, in particular hip and elbow dysplasia, which is when the joint socket becomes malformed. The best way to avoid this problem is with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Ensuring that their calorie intake matches their energy output is key. Overall, Shollies are among some of the healthiest dogs that you will come across. Should I Get A Shollie? Whether or not a Shollie is the right dog for you depends on a variety of different factors. Consider the following questions when determining whether or not to adopt this crossbreed. Where Do You Live? They will do better in a place with a large backyard where they can keep themselves occupied. Shollies need a lot of exercise. They need a minimum of one hour of exercise each day, preferably spread out over a number of short sessions throughout the day. Do you have the energy to walk your dog every day? Shollies are very social animals, and they can become depressed and anxious if they are forced to spend a lot of time on their own. Is there generally someone at home at your place, or is the house empty for several hours at a time when everyone goes to work? Will your dog get the companionship that they need in your house? If not, be prepared for lots of destructive behavior when your Shollie is left alone. Are You Committed To Training? Luckily, Shollies are intelligent and eager to learn, which means even new dog owners should be able to train them fairly easily. But Shollies are also working dogs, and they often need the mental stimulation of having a task to do to keep them occupied. This means training them is not just about controlling their behavior; it is also about keeping them occupied. This is why it can be useful to teach your Shollie tricks. Is this something that you will be willing to do? If not, perhaps a smaller and more passive breed is better suited to your lifestyle. Do you live somewhere that is likely to be too hot for them? There is no escaping the fact that Shollies are shedders, and dealing with dog hair is a fact of life when you have one of these dogs. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you might want to consider a different dog. Do you have someone who can take in your Shollie when you travel? Alternatively, do you have access to a large kennel that gives them plenty of room? Your dog will suffer if they need to stay in a small cage for a few weeks while you are away. Can You Afford A Shollie? Dog ownership, regardless of the breed you choose, can be surprisingly expensive. While you may already realize that the cost of their food will add up, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, Shollies are excellent dogs, as they are intelligent and trainable pups with a friendly temperament. They are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, love, and affection, so they are a big commitment in terms of time, but otherwise they are relatively low maintenance. Are Shollies aggressive? Any dog that has been through traumatic situations can become aggressive. So, if you are adopting an older Shollie that may have come from a difficult home, speak to the adoption agency about any behavioral issues that they might have and how to properly handle them. How much is a Shollie puppy? How much a Shollie puppy costs will depend largely on where you get them from. You may be able to find a Shollie at a local shelter, in which case you may only need to cover the administrative costs of the service. Do Shollies bark a lot? They can be trained not to bark when it is not necessary, for example, when people pass your home. If your dog starts barking a lot for no apparent reason, it can be a sign that there is something wrong health-wise. Which is better, male or female Shollies? Whether you should get a male or female Shollie depends on your priorities. Females tend to be a bit smaller, and they are also more focused on tasks if you want a working dog. Males tend to be more easygoing and less likely to engage in excessively protective behavior. The Verdict On Shollies When you are a first-time dog owner, you are often told to steer clear of the more athletic dog breeds, as they tend to be a handful and need an experienced hand. But if you are looking for a pup to accompany you on all of your adventures, this can be disappointing. If the above sounds like you, then a Shollie, a border collie and German shepherd mix, might be the right pup for you! Shollies are very energetic and athletic dogs that will quickly become part of the family. You will probably want to take them with you on all of your weekend adventures. What you do need, however, is the time and space in your home to take on this boisterous new member of the family. Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. 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. Where did the German Shepherd Border Collie mix come from? So their history is the combined history of those two breeds! Based on their heritage, it may be assumed that the hybrid was the result of a desire for the ultimate large dog. One that has athletic ability, agility and a protective yet playful nature. There, early Collies were bred to do much the same thing that they do today. Herd and protect livestock. Sheepdogs such as the Border Collie have been in existence for centuries. Modern Border Collies are still excellent working dogs, especially on ranches. Formed to create the ultimate herding or guide dog. In a climate where working outside often meant braving cold weather and damp conditions, the Shepherd dog had to be tough. The GSD eventually became a refined herding breed known for its stamina and work ethic. The AKC formally recognized the breed in .Later, Shepherds became associated with military, police, and service work. All sectors in which you can find them working in today. Nor what color or length their coats will be. Along with the standard colors that are associated with the parent breeds. Adding another level of possibility is the fact that hybrids may look like a mix of their parents. Height and Weight The German Shepherd and Collie mix has the potential to be a medium or large-sized dog. If the pup takes after its GSD parent, then it may mature to somewhere between 80 and 90 pounds. If she takes after her Border Collie parent, then she may only get to about 40 pounds or so. Most pups will fall somewhere in between. You can expect German Shepherd Collie crosses to reach roughly inches at the shoulder. This is a soft undercoat is below a rough top coat. Or it may come out somewhere in between! No matter which parent it resembles more, a Shollie will require weekly brushing. These needs will increase when seasonal shedding occurs. This is a high shedding dog, that will leave fur and dander around your home. They are unfortunately not suitable pets for a home with human dog allergy sufferers. Bringing a hybrid dog into your home, especially a large one such as the German Shepherd x Border Collie? Are German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive? German Shepherds are often found in the police and military sectors. This line of work has made the breed a bit notorious for being aggressive, and unfairly so. German Shepherds should not all be viewed as aggressive dogs. Police and military dogs are highly trained and intelligent animals. Border Collie German Shepherd mixes are naturally very inquisitive dogs. They do not enjoy sitting without a job to do or a game to play. This can sometimes result in destructive behavior. Especially if a Collie is kept cooped up and without toys or other enrichment activities. With all of this in mind, it is likely that a German Shepherd Collie mix will need to be kept as a working or sporting dog. Unless you will be able to exercise him frequently and provide him with things to keep his busy brain focused. Although a hybrid puppy may be an equal mix of its purebred parents. There is also the possibility that the puppy will take after one parent more so than the other. German Shepherd and Border Collie Health Any type of dog, purebred or hybrid, may be afflicted with inherited or age-related health conditions. Such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. German Shepherd and Border Collie mixes, however, are particularly prone to the conditions that their parent breeds often develop. One thing to note is that both German Shepherds and Border Collies are both prone to hip dysplasia. So Shollies may be especially at risk of developing this condition. This can help to determine what health problems their offspring may be afflicted with. Additionally, be sure that the breeding stock have good hip scores. Shollies can make great family pets for active homes that are interested in positive reinforcement training. For starters, Shollies are medium- to large-sized working dogs that have pretty high exercise requirements. Weight gain is especially concerning for this hybrid, as it is prone to developing hip dysplasia. They need to have something to occupy their intelligent minds, or they may turn your home into a giant chew toy! Border Collie German Shepherd Mix Puppies There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to bring a Shollie puppy into your home. Absolutely not! If you get a Shollie puppy, their naturally intelligent and highly trainable nature means that you can socialize it to other animals and people. Make sure you meet both parents and are happy with their temperaments and health tests carried out by the breeder. Socialize your pup thoroughly and you could end up with a wonderful companion for many years to come.

History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Litters Here at Von Lousar, we go the extra mile to ensure everything in our planned breedings is as perfect as can be. We put alot of emphasis on health and temperament more so than the "looks" of a dog. Temperament and health are 1 but we still believe in the full package of temperament, health and beauty. Never will we compromise a fault or health problem to have beauty! When planning a breeding, we put a lot of work into getting the right match for each female. Just because a stud dog will be right for one female, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be right for another. This is where we come in to match up the right dogs together by looking at the dogs themselves and linage. We breed to improve the breed to what it should be according to breed standard and our envision on what a perfect shepherd should be like according to the SV standard. Our litters are raised in our home. We do this to better socialize the puppies to different noises, smells and sights. We take them out to handle them daily so they get used to human interaction at a young age. They tend to be much more outgoing and don't take as long to adapt to their new surroundings when they've been exposed to a lot here at Grandma's. Here at Von Lousar, we go the extra mile to socialize and put our puppies in different situations. They are even socialized with cats and horses.Crate training slowly begins 5 weeks of age. We want you to have the experience of bringing your new puppy home a happy one! I find this the best way to place my puppies into their new homes. Temperament is 1 and if you don't have temperament it can be hard to live with a dog that doesn't match YOU. We always make sure that our puppies are suited for the home that they're going in and guide owners in picking the right litters. We also offer services to import German Shepherd puppies and dogs from Europe. And at times we do sell adult German Shepherds as well. Import a German Shepherd puppy Nadelhaus puppies sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a waitlist for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the waitlist, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. This is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application below and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. Some are titled in Germany and come here to find amazing homes. Please contact us to inquire about current availability. Many times we have others we can share with you as well! Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. Happy, friendly, and large black and red masculine. Will be a wonderful family member for any lifestyle. Contact Us for litters and reservations for litters. The success of Vom Banach K9 dogs out in the world, and the happiness of Vom Banach K9 owners, is due in part to the effort we make to ensure that you have the absolute right puppy for your situation, whatever it is. We literally spend hundreds of hours with our puppies from the moment they are born in our home until the time they are ready to leave for their new home with you. Whether you seek a devoted family pet, or a prospect for SAR, detection, Shutzhund, Police K9, competitive obedience and agility, or nose work, we will help select the right puppy for you. An important part of the process is speaking to you to learn about you and the dog that will best meet your needs and expectations. In advance of that conversation, please fill out the form below and click on Submit when completed. Thanks very much. Vom Banach K9 German Shepherd puppies are happy, healthy, well-socialized and confident. Our German Shepherd puppies are known for their loyalty, affection, eagerness to please, work ethic, and rich dark black sable, sable, and solid black coats. Shipping by air is fast, safe, convenient, and cost-effective. We use only airlines that have demonstrated a solemn commitment to animal travel over the last 26 years. Vom Banach K9 uses only certified airline-approved crates. For information on our current litters please Contact Us. Your browser does not support the video tag. The temperament of the females I believe is just as important as the male. I have 6 females of my own and about 6 or 7 on co-ownership's at any given time living with other families. Because All dogs need love time and attention It is hard for me to have lots dogs and give them the love they need that is why I have both males and females in individual homes with families. .Feel free to check with OFA on all the certifications all of the females Very few breeders tests or if they say they do no not show you proof which makes no since to me if you really do Click on the picture and you will find the numbers and certificates on the sight. Females are in lean weight so many who give weights have them 10 to 20 lbs over so these females are large bigger the the average male German shepherd,but in choosing pups, choose for temper first not size. Temper is what you live with. SEE Retired females for more ancestors All females retire between 4 and 6 years of after 30 years of breeding I have found it is much better to start them earlier and stop breeding by 5 years of at that age. I have 5 breeders I work with right here in Iowa. If your a breeder in Iowa let me know I am happy to mentour people or get people started in breeding responsibly. Click on the females photo for more pictures As with any breeder check the certificates for proof of OFA or Pen hip, if it is not there on the dogs page it is doughtful they actually did it! Why buy from a breeder who starts with a lie? We are in a transition right now to saving some really nice pups back all my older females have retired and we are just starting with the young ones. .Royalair's Chariots of Fire.Calm and sweet temper large girl click on her picture for more. Perfect outgoing strong but Calm temper. .Royalair's Silver Piper Rosehall. X Rose out cross female She is calm, laid back, and sweet as the day is long. .Pictures at one year. .Royalair's Queen Ann's Lace. Sweet , Sweet and super laid back click on her picture for more. .Royalair's Lee Loo.Calm and sweet temper, large girl- click on her picture for more. .I do not believe in haveing large numbers of dogs you simply can not give them the time they need. I do this full time and having more then 10 dogs here , even full time I barely have enough time for them all. .I belive this is the best way to expand and still do what is BEST for the dogs.I choose these females below because they are what I am looking for to improve the breed. Enjoy more education with our articles on German shepherd puppy health, training your German shepherd import adult, buying from a German shepherd breeder etc. Please enjoy these blog posts. More to come. Join our RSS Feed. Testimonials: What others say about us Hello Dr. He is growing incredibly fast, the red is really starting to show and his ears are making their first attempts at coming up. Your method definitely has produced a solid, stable pup that was incredibly well socialized from day one. Having seen the kennels when I picked up Solo and seen the sweet, lovable temperament of both Parla and Kati it is no wonder the pups are so nice. Anyway, thanks again. In an age when the internet can make anyone look good, you guys are the real deal. Thanks again for putting this deal together. Our pup is such a delight. She seems to be housebroken as we have had zero accidents! Very playful pup indeed. Your service and assistance has truly been world class. With appreciation Ohio Dear Peter: As I indicated to you on the telephone I have spent a considerable amount of time researching breeders of quality German Shepherd Dogs with a hour drive. Having done so I have concluded that you offer exactly what we have been looking for. Your ethics, quality of dogs you breed, concern for the proper placement and a willingness to help educate us so that we can become the best possible owners that this puppy deserves is invaluable. Also, the fact that you do this for the love of the breed as opposed to earning a living means a lot not to mention the pricing structure. Pricing them so that they are affordable to the average family is another indicator of your character. West Virginia Dr. He has been nothing but wonderful. It has only been two days and he is already learning our routine. He is a very intelligent and beautiful pup. We could not be any more pleased. Thank you for everything. He is truly everything I was looking for. He looks forward to being worked and has the desire to please me no matter what we are doing. His personality is not only exactly what I was looking for but he has an incredible nose and great play drive! His obedience is going great and we have also started his tracking. I have also finished the first phase of the obstacle course my parents have at their business, which he loves as well! I attached a picture of him on the obstacle course at my parents business. Thanks again for everything! He is such an amazing puppy! We plan on teaching him something new every week. Thanks again for this amazing addition to our lives! Texas I had to write you again. Smartest dog ever! He already knows how to sit and lie down after only 4 days! US As you said, a super specimen…… He has a sister named Quenda, I started to show her, conformation and they are very sociable with others in the events. People ask me where Argos comes from. .I give the your name. Your honesty and care through the entire process helped ease our anxiety and we now know that there is no other dog for us…Jeck is wonderful, more than anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for taking the time to hear us out, learn what we wanted in a new family member, and most importantly your honestly though the process. We will keep you up to date on Jeck. We are importers and breeders of German Shepherds located in Florida. Our goal is to place fine pedigreed German Shepherds with families to become their next legend, protector and companion. This website has a wealth of information in our K-9 college as well as over 50 articles we have written on everything from breeding to training, for you to use. It has been our pleasure to share our experience with you so that your experience will be a great one with these incredible animals. We only work with a couple of top kennel partners in Europe, one which we have worked with for years, are trusted and respected within the field and are personal friends of ours for many years. Many come back to us after 10, 15 years for their next dog. Young dogs we consider to import for a client will have the following characteristics or requirements: Started in obedience, many also in protection. Started means all the foundation is set. They know how to learn and have already learned the basics of obedience. We can provide even further training prior to ship if you so desire. We consider this a more accurate predictor of joint health than the OFA requirement of 2 years. So every young German Shepherd we import must be at least 1 year old. Also by this time most of the congenital problems have surfaced and we have a much better probability of knowing if a German Shepherd has any physiological problems by that time which lowers your risk substantially of buying a German Shepherd with issues. This is a requirement for every dog we place. Videos and pictures: We will give you as many pictures and a couple of videos for you to see the dog moving and interacting as well as see the size and pigmentation and conformation. Full Pedigree analysis telling you about bloodlines and the highpoints of the dog in question Temperament analysis: We and our partners do a thorough analysis of young dogs in terms of how well they interact with other animals, with humans, energy level, drive, courage, etc. We will ask you questions about your living situation, experience, family, etc in order to aid us in matching a dog to you situation. At years old, these imported German Shepherds are still fairly adolescent and easy to matriculate into a home. Please refer to our philosophy and the Banffy Method for a description of our approach to puppies. I think you will be impressed. We stand with you through the entire process and try to make it an effortless and pleasant process. We use professional freight forwarders who will ensure your dog is taken care of. We have never had a dog arrive sick or injured in 20 years. The price of the dog includes it all. Kappel Kennel is located in Cleburne, Texas and is associated with top kennels in Germany. We are always striving to improve and produce top quality show line German Shepherd Dogs. The German shepherd dog is one of the most famous breeds throughout the world. This makes the GSD one of the best family dogs one can own. At Kappel Kennel, we have the complete passion, commitment, knowledge, experience, all dedicated to this magnificent breed. We produce not only the highest quality family pets, but we maintain the breed standard to consistently produce top champions with many ranks and titles. Kappel Kennel prides itself in breeding world class males and females to produce a consistent higher caliber of dogs. German Shepherds that are imported to our kennel are top ranked with highly scrutinized conformation and workability. At Kappel Kennel, we stand behind our dogs. All of our puppies go home with a 5 year genetic health guarantee. Not many kennels warranty their puppies for more than 26 months. We know the genetics of the puppies we are producing and we are happy to send your puppy home knowing they are healthy and will remain free of any genetic diseases. Daisy is so aware and more protective and Duke is so loving and more of a service that we are even thinking of getting him verified as our service dog. This is the perfect combination that we were particularly looking for. They both follow us everywhere we go and they also are great with children and older people. Thank you to Danny and the team for all the help and for providing the best customer service ever! The best people we have ever met as well. They were both so patient with us as we talked about why we wanted a GSD and what lifestyle we lived. They were amazing and so knowledgeable. They spent the entire afternoon showing us the different kinds of males and females. They also recommended us a certain temperament since we live an apartment. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. We will definitely keep in contact with them and show them how Dak grows. They genuinely care about the dogs more than any other breeders I have met. You will enjoy their time and company in finding your perfect GSD. Found Danny to be an honest person who cares about these Dogs. He genuinely tried to find the right fit Dog for my special needs son. I would highly recommend the foster program he is offering. Texas showline GSD all the way babeeeeey!!! New Listing Beautiful long coat litter coming up! This combination should produce some terrific pups. We carefully planned this litter to ensure we'd be producing amazing puppies that can excel in anything. .From sports, the show ring, task trained service dogs, and even just being amazing family companions. We have limited spots available to reserve so contact us for more details!

Where did they come from and how did they come to be? It originated in the US in the s and is believed to be a result of unintentional breeding. However accidental their existence, their calm temperaments, and low-shedding coats quickly made them one of the most popular and sought-after dogs in the UK and USA. Labradoodle Origin Labradoodles were intentionally bred in the s by mating a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. This was done in the hopes of creating a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breed. While the experiment was successful, the breed has become more well-known for its friendly personality, wavy coat, and adorable teddy bear-like appearance. Two similar hypoallergenic breeds, the Labradoodle and the Cockapoo Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Appearance, Coat, and Color Generally, crossbred dogs either predominantly display the physical characteristics of one of their parent breeds or an equal split between the two. Cockapoos and Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and coat textures. Labradoodle Physical Traits Most Labradoodles have deep-set brown eyes while some have hazel-colored eyes. Their noses can either be brown or black. Their coat lengths vary between four and six inches. Thanks to their eye-catching coats, Labradoodles easily stand out from other breeds. The possible coat colors for Labradoodles include gold, caramel, cream, chalky white, yellow, black, silver, and chocolate. They can also have multi-colored coats that consist of sable, blue, brindle, phantom, or patched colors. Cockapoo Physical Traits Cockapoos generally have dark brown or black eyes, but there are cases where they have blue eyes too. Some of the popular coat colors of this breed are black, brown, silver, tan, red, and white. Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Size When it comes to choosing between the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle, size is a significant factor. Cockapoos and Labradoodles — two gorgeous family dog breeds! Cockapoo Size Cocker spaniels are smaller than Labradoodles. They weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and are only .However, they are bred in four different sizes: Teacup toy Cockapoos weigh less than 6 pounds and are less than 10 inches in height. Toy Cockapoos have a sturdier build, weigh over 12 pounds, and can grow up to 10 inches in height. The maxi or standard Cockapoo usually weighs more than 19 pounds and is at least 15 inches in height. Labradoodle Size Labradoodles are larger than cockapoos and have three possible sizes: standard, medium, or miniature. Medium Labradoodles stand 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds Mini Labradoodles, with their miniature Poodle parents, weigh between 15 to 25 pounds and grow 13 to 16 inches in height. Hence, if you have space constraints or small children, the Cockapoo is probably a better choice. Labradoodles need more space to move around in and can easily knock small children over. However, Cockapoos are generally more hypoallergenic and non-shedding than a Labradoodle. This is because if a Labradoodle takes after its Labrador parent, they are more prone to shedding. Whereas, if a cockapoo inherits more of its genetic makeup from its cocker spaniel parent, it will shed moderately. Which Breed Needs Less Grooming? Answer: It depends. Despite their low-shedding coats, both breeds still need a certain amount of grooming. Although both dog breeds have nearly odorless coats, they need regular brushing and bathing. Poodle coats need lots of care and so do their crossbreeds. You can either have a professional groomer take care of grooming for you or do the chore yourself, but cockapoos benefit from professional trimming especially around the eyes as it can help with their range of vision. Faster-growing coats will need to be trimmed and brushed every 6 weeks. Cockapoos have long floppy ears which means their ear canals are more prone to infection due to the accumulation of moisture. Hence, you must be on the lookout for signs of ear infections like strange smells and black or brown wax. Moreover, if a Cockapoo has a Spaniel-like coat, it will need to be thoroughly groomed daily and bathed regularly. However, you should only bathe your Labradoodle when there are visible signs of dirt or smell. Bathing too frequently can make their skin itchy and dry. To prevent gum diseases, bad breath, and tartar build-up, you must also develop a regular tooth brushing routine for both dog breeds. Adult Labradoodles are often larger than adult Cockapoos Cockapoo vs Labradoodle: Temperament There are many similarities between the temperaments of cockapoos and Labradoodles. While cockapoos are sensitive, jovial, sociable, and goofy, Labradoodles are energetic, easy-going, and friendly. Both are incredibly loyal and loving towards their family, and in the right environment, make great companion dogs. Though both dog breeds have friendly and playful personalities, they have distinctive character traits. Cockapoo Temperament Fun-loving and happy, Cockapoos thrive on attention and typically have tons of energy. Despite their relatively small size, Cockapoos are very energetic and need daily walks and lots of playtime even in late adulthood. Though Cockapoos generally have a stable temperament owing to their multi-generational lineage, some dogs can still be a little unpredictable. Cockapoos can easily adapt to young and older potential owners but are prone to separation anxiety. However, this can be managed by training them early. An apricot Cockapoo sleeping on a lounge. When stressed, bored, anxious, or simply in need of your attention, they can bring the house down. Though they can tolerate being alone for short periods, they can suffer from loneliness and restlessness if left on their own for long. Labradoodles can get along well with other pets and also make great watchdogs. Labradoodle sitting in the studio. Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Exercise, Training, and Socializing Exercise Cockapoos get along best with owners who have an active lifestyle because they are far from being couch potato dogs. Adult Cockapoos need at least an hour of exercise every day to keep them stimulated and healthy. This can be a recipe for disaster as it can make them destructive. Labradoodles need lots of mental stimulation and exercise. Despite their size, they are suited for apartment life provided you exercise them a lot. They need at least an hour or so of daily exercise and activity to help them burn their energy and avoid boredom. Overall, both dog breeds love playing around and need lots of outdoor space to exhaust their energies. Puzzles, games, and toys are other ways you can keep them engaged and entertained. Moreover, since both dogs are the offspring of parents who were bred to be in the water, they will most likely love swimming. This can be another great way to keep them happy and amused. One way to incorporate flexibility is by including training games like fetch and catch in their exercise regimen. Start training them from a young age and make sure to keep training sessions short and fast-paced to avoid overexertion and loss of interest. Training with positive reinforcement coupled with treats and toys are great ways to ensure training success. Socializing Like all dog breeds, Cockapoos and Labradoodles need at least seven to eight weeks of socialization with their mother and littermates. A reputed breeder will gradually expose them to other dogs, animals, and humans. Once you bring your puppy home, it will be your job to continue their socialization training. Slowly introduce them to your neighbors, their pets, and children. However, while Labradors and cocker spaniels are confident and outgoing, if either breed takes after their poodle parent, they might be shyer and more reserved around strangers. A Labradoodle running on the beach Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Family Compatibility From understanding the emotional needs of their owners to jumping in delight at the first sight of them, cockapoos and Labradoodles are very loving and affectionate towards their families. Both dog breeds are a great choice for first-time dog owners since they are calm and easy-going while being fun and playful. Moreover, both dog breeds can be great guard dogs because they bark loudly at the slightest intrusion. Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Health Crossbreeds are generally considered healthier since inherited diseases are less likely to occur due to their larger gene pool. Nevertheless, they are prone to some inherited diseases and ailments from the breeds of their parents. Make sure to get your pup from a reputable breeder and ask for the health test certificates of the puppy and its parents. Labradoodles are prone to conditions like: Heart problems. Labradoodle VS Cockapoo Origin In , Australian Wally Conron purposefully crossed a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever to create a non-shedding hypoallergenic guide dog for the people with pet allergies and named the hybrid Labradoodle. However, it created many controversies, and Wally was soon discouraged by some pure breeders and The Kennel Club. They even threatened to remove him from the registry and accused him of corrupting the works of pure breeders. Because of their friendly nature and trainable personalities, Labradoodles are still being used as guide and therapy dogs. They originated in the united states and also known as Cockerpoo, Cockerdoodle, or Spoodle. The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle usually a toy or miniature poodle. These hybrid dogs are highly intelligent, hardly sheds, and so affectionate that you will never feel alone. Personality Known for their intelligence and calm temperament , Labradoodles are fantastic companion dogs. The Labradoodles are full of energy, and their personality is so affectionate and friendly that they often need to be trained to brace their excitement. Due to their intelligence, they process information rapidly, and one of the clever canines. In general, Labradoodle is typically happy and eager to please its people. Cockapoos have the traits of hunting dogs due to their parent Cocker Spaniel which are excellent hunters. They are also friendly, intelligent, and energetic dogs, which is why they love to work on mental and physical challenges every day. Cockapoos are not aggressive, but they can be very creative when bored, such as barking, jumping, and chewing furniture. So they are perfect for people with an active lifestyle. They adapt well to your daily routine and loves to follow you around the house. Both dogs have really good temperament. Because of their Poodle parents, both of these hybrids are also highly intelligent. Appearance Both the hybrids are insanely cute. However, they have some physical differences that span further than just height. Labradoodles can come in three different sizes Standard, Medium, and Mini. They can grow up to 24 inches 53 cm and weigh up to 60 pounds 27 kg. The size and weight of a Cockapoo vary significantly on the size of its parents. They can grow up to 15 inches 38 cm and weigh up to 24 pounds 11 kg. Training Labradoodles have the energy of a Labrador and their work ethics of both Labradors and Poodles. They are very enthusiastic, and their eagerness to please makes it easier to train them. Like all other dogs, consistency and repetition are a must. They need rules and benefit from schedules and training sessions. These sessions should be performed daily and kept short. Similar to the Labradoodles, the Cockapoos are relatively easy to train. They do well in obedience, and with the right training techniques and proper handling, this dog will thrive. They require firm handling but can be somewhat sensitive to the tone of your voice. So the training should be consistent and will require positive reinforcement. Time Investment Both the Labradoodle and Cockapoo require the same amount of time each day. Besides daily training, you will need additional time for taking them out for a walk several times, grooming, caring, and cuddling sessions. Cockapoos need less exercise than Labradoodles but they will still need daily exercise. They love to get out of the house to run around and chase things. Labradoodles will require enough exercise and an outdoor activities to keep them from getting restless and bored. You will need to spare at least hours a day to care for these dogs properly. If you live with a family or with your partner, you can easily split the session with each other. The dog will love to spend time with all of you. Each of these coats also has variations. The three main coat types are Fleece, Wool, and Hair. Labradoodles Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of their coat. Generally, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. You may also clip or trim their coats every six to eight weeks to keep them easy to maintain. The Cockapoo is usually seen au naturel, but many people like to clip the coat. However, you should only trim to inches in length. Hair around the eyes should be trimmed to allow visibility. The coat needs to be brushed daily. Ideal Home Labradoodles and Cockapoos are excellent choices for first-time dog owners. The fact that these hybrids are very playful and loving with children makes it easy to introduce them to the family. With early and proper socialization, this will be even easier. Labradoodles are full of energy. So, apartments are not the ideal setting for this energetic dog. They enjoy a bigger house and space to run around. Although the Standard or Maxi Cockapoos do not adapt as readily to apartment life as their smaller cohorts, they do well if exercised properly. The ideal situation for Cockapoos is a house with a small, fenced yard. They inherit the diseases of both parent breeds. These Poodle mixes are both excellent family pets, with high energy and a strong sense of loyalty. Labradoodles are bigger, but Cockapoos tend to be more likely to be anxious. Which Pet to Choose? Cockapoos have been around since the s, and Labradoodles were first bred in the s. Keep in mind your preferences and your lifestyle as you decide which crossbreed to get. Are you an experienced dog owner? Do you prefer a larger dog or a smaller one? How do you feel about shedding? And how much of a commitment will you make to properly socializing your new family member? Both of these crossbreeds can be fantastic companions if you are careful about sourcing from a good breeder. Cockapoos and Labradoodles may seem quite similar. As Poodle mixes , they have similar traits that come from the Poodle side of their family. And some Labradoodles, depending on breeder, location especially Australia and how many generations have been bred, may even have Cocker Spaniel blood in them. One thing you should know about mixed breeds is that they can get any trait from either side of the family in unpredictable amounts. So you may get more Poodle, or more Lab, in a Labradoodle. Same goes for the Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. However, there are differences. Size, health and grooming requirements are big ones that may help you decide. Cocker Spaniels are definitely smaller than Labradors. But either breed can be crossed with standard, miniature and toy-sized Poodles. Full-grown adult Cockapoo height ranges from 9. Weight is from lbs. Increasingly, the smallest individuals are Spaniels crossed with teacup Poodles. Labradoodles range from inches in height, with a weight between lbs. Pups at the high end are Labs crossed with standard Poodles. You can also get mini Labradoodles, that are much smaller! Grooming and Shedding Poodles tend to produce less dander than other dog breeds. Cocker Spaniels have long, silky hair. They also shed a lot. A Cockapoo may inherit this coat, the Poodle coat, or a combination. Labradors have a double coat that tends to be coarse and shortish. With Labradoodle pups, three different types of coats may emerge: A coarse coat like the Lab, a woolly coat like that of a Poodle or a fleecy coat. Either crossbreed, if it takes its coat from the Poodle side, must be brushed daily to the skin to prevent matting. If a Cockapoo has a more Spaniel-like coat, it will need thorough grooming daily and regular bathing. A Labradoodle with a more Lab-like coat may be be fine with a weekly brushing and occasional baths. Labradoodle and Cockapoo Temperament Cockapoos are fun-loving, energetic, sociable and friendly. Labradoodles are friendly and easygoing. They also have a lot of energy. But because Labradoodles are larger dogs in general, they require sufficient daily exercise. The Poodle part of both crossbreeds is more reserved and calm but loyal. Poodles are often intelligent working dogs, and require mental stimulation and activity. Just remember that with any crossbreed, you can get traits from both sides of the family. This is where you have to look at the dog as an individual, and decide if you can handle his or her personality. Temperament is never guaranteed; socialization and training are key. Cockapoo vs Labradoodle Training Cockapoos are generally eager to please and people-oriented, so they are easy to train. Be sure to use only positive reinforcement, though, because they are sensitive to punishment. Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have slightly nervous temperaments. Labradoodles like mental challenges and are also tractable. They benefit from agility training and working-type challenges such as hunting and fetching. As bigger dogs, they will definitely need basic obedience at a minimum. Both types of dog are generally happier when they are active and spend lots of time with the family. Inherited diseases may be less likely to occur. Yet crossbreeds are also prone to the inherited diseases of both parent breeds, so there can also be more to worry about. Be certain to research the breeder. Ask for health testing results on both the puppy and the parents. Labradoodles are prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, Cockapoos are also prone to similar health conditions: Joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation Eye diseases like PRA, glaucoma, and cataracts Allergies and sensitivities Kidney problems, such as familial nephropathy Epilepsy So, in the Cockapoo vs Labradoodle health debate, the single most effective thing you can do is to choose a reputable, ethical breeder that thoroughly screens parent pups before breeding any new litters. On average, Labradoodles have a life expectancy between 12 to 15 years. In contrast, Cockapoos tend to live between 12 to 16 years, some even exceeding it to 18 years. In general, smaller dogs usually live larger than larger pups. Naturally, this is also dependent on their early development. Nonetheless, both Doods are also very eager to please their owners, so training them should be a breeze. When it comes to their exercise needs, both Cockapoos and Labradoodles are active pups who need their daily exercise. Think of daily walkies, jogs, playtime, and also interactive games. With that being said, these pups also require regular mental stimulation to keep them out of boredom. Otherwise, they might start to exhibit unwanted behaviors and even become destructive. In terms of their environment, you might already guess that smaller Doods like the Cockapoo are better suited for apartment living. As it usually goes with larger dogs, Labradoodles need plenty of room to feel comfortable. In general, both pups have similar requirements. What many potential Doodle owners would like to know is — which one is more family friendly, the Cockapoo vs Labradoodle? Both Labradoodles and Cockapoos are great family pets and they both get along well with children. Their lively and affectionate temperament certainly helps with that! But as we mentioned earlier, the key to a confident and well-rounded pup is early socialization. Similarly, larger and more active Labradoodles may also be a bit too much to handle for very small children. For this reason, you should never leave your puppy and young kids unattended to avoid any accidents. Above all, you want to factor in your lifestyle, home environment, family dynamics, but also your personal preferences. So, which one should you choose? The Cockapoo would be the best choice for you if you: Are looking for a smaller pup Live in a smaller home like an apartment Prefer a slightly calmer and less active pup Have younger children Opt for a Labradoodle if you: Prefer a larger Dood Have plenty of space and a spacious fenced backyard Enjoy a more active lifestyle Have slightly older children who can handle the larger and more active Labradoodle Cockapoo vs Labradoodle: Final Thoughts All in all, both Cockapoos and Labradoodles have many great qualities that will certainly make your decision that much harder. However, the main difference that these pups have is their size, which can greatly affect your decision. Hopefully, our guide has managed to get you one step closer to making that decision.

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. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.

Ready to go home Christmas ! It is first come first served, so we suggest getting on the list ASAP We are currently taking deposits on this litter. Call for details bolowe2 gmail. She is absolutely beautiful. Bailey is snow white and boasts a big beautiful block head. She has a wonderful, sweet temperament, and loves to be around kids and the family AKC Reg SS Elvis is stop-traffic handsome 2-year-old. Bring Fido over to romp and play with our two dogs. We love watching them play tug-of-war and chase each other. We have all the toys and they will have a huge fenced in yard to play in. After playing all day, we bring them in with our dogs to be loved and part of the family. Fresh water is available all day and night. All you need to bring food. Call with your questions bolowe2 gmail. There is nothing more relaxing than a well mannered, well behaved dog, whether at home or away. My 47 years experience in training dogs has thought me how to effectively train both puppies and adult dogs to become well mannered, loving family members. I specialize in Basic Obedience Training for all breeds. This is a 1 or 2 week extensive boot-camp at our home. Call for details: bolowe2 gmail. Heel It makes all the difference being able to take your dog for a walk, instead of your dog taking you for a walk. The best dog ever! Bo knows labs. Molly loves her time there. As a young teen, my mom brought home a male puppy Mowgli to be part of our family. He is now 9 years old and is the most loving, caring, and gentle Labrador. I jokingly even call him my brother. We have now had our little Dallas for over a year and he is our pride and joy. He is smart, loving, playful, and loyal just as we knew he would be. They do a terrific and thorough job at breeding with the utmost care and understanding of the breed. Bo taught our 6 month old Twinkle to heel, sit, stay, go to her place, and walk on a leash with comfort. His 47 years of experience in breeding, and training in a clean and loving environment really showed. When Twinkle returned to our family she was much better behaved, more enjoyable, and had a better understanding of basic commands. Bo and Grace Lowe raise their dogs and newborn puppies in their beautiful home where all our nurtured with TLC. These are special dogs. When you meet these dogs, you will understand. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, due in large part to their cheerful personalities and obedient natures. If you live in California and want to expand your pack with a new Labrador Retriever puppy, the breeders on this list should be the first places that you check. The 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in California 1. However, they emphasize preparing their pups to be working dogs, ready to help you with your next hunt. For an additional fee, you can have your new dog taught basic obedience and advanced gun dog training. Summerland Labradors Visit Their Website Phelan, CA Summerland Labradors is a small operation, producing only two to three litters per year, so you need to be on the ball if you want to adopt from them. Kenya Labradors Visit Their Website Santa Margarita, CA The biggest downside in buying a dog from Kenya Labradors is that the animals are raised on a gorgeous, acre plot overlooking the California coast, so the dog might be a bit disappointed when they get to your house. Still, all that room enables these dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialization before they join your pack. This kennel breeds well-pedigreed dogs, and your pup will come with more paperwork than the average new car. Your dog will be accustomed to living like you do long before you pick them up, which should cut down their adjustment time significantly. All their dogs are AKC-registered, and each one has many generations of champions in their heritage. They go to great lengths to try to match each pooch up with the perfect home for them, so your dog will be chosen based on how their temperament fits in with your existing lifestyle. They also guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic defects up to 1 year of age or your money back. Your new pup will be thoroughly vetted, registered with the AKC, and microchipped before being handed over to you. They also have an extensive blog that answers just about any question that you might have about raising your new family member. You may also be interested in:. We have 4 puppies still available. Please view our current litters page for more information and Pictures! My name is Kurt and with over 40 years of raising white Lab puppies a new generation of my family is continuing on my long devotion of providing high quality white lab puppies to loving families. Over the next 6months our humble breeding service will be making these exciting changes. My daughter Lora and granddaughter Kayla will be working diligently to learn all the technical ins and outs as breeders but are not new to caring and raising pups. It is very important to us to maintain a balance that allows all of our dogs to receive the love and care they deserve because at the end of the day they are family, and their well-being is what is most important to us. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, inquiries, or reservation requests. We are more than happy to aid in any way that we can with your search to find the perfect pup to suit your family. Contact Information: Phone Text ok : Lora.We are extremely proud of our white Lab adults and the litters they produce. Check out our internet famous Loki! Use button above to access his Youtube Channel. Instagram: Lokilabradorlove. Model Worthy Pups!! Poucheze are a hoodie with a detachable pouch that allows you to carry your pet wherever you go. Check out Poucheze at www. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!