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Bedlington Individual 8 36 minutes Boost. Adopt German Shepherd Dogs in Missouri. Because of this, miniature sighthounds have been used as show dogs for many years. Not only that, but they are very alert and work hard. Our pups are raised on a farm and have been exposed to goats, sheep, cattle, horses, cats, chickens, birds and kids. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Oregon. Her parents were carefully selected from Europe for their outstanding health, temperament, and show titles. Loves attention and being outside. Meet Paige, a beautiful female German Shepherd puppy with a stunning black and red coat. About German Shepherds. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Shepadoodle, but they are recognized by other dog registries. Miniature German Shepherd dogs are shorter, lighter versions of the standard loyal, protective German Shepherd, weighing under 65lbs. These beautiful German Shepherd puppies will be ready to leave for their new forever homes on the 5th of June .At PuppySpot, we know that our exclusive network of breeders produces the best dogs. The German Shepherd and Mini Poodle Mix can weigh between 26 to 50 pounds depending on which parent she takes after. In West Java, farmers had a good opportunity to produce commercial horticultural crops for sale in Jakarta and Bogor. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. It's a small to medium dog breed at about 15 to 20 inches tall, weighing about 50 pounds. We have Miniature Pinscher puppies available. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location. Small dogs live longer than large breeds because large breeds age faster. See full list on clubgermanshepherd. White Shepherd puppies for sale. German Shepherds are dogkind's finest herding and guardian dogs. We then back that up with a full year health commitment. Confident German Shepherds also learn commands faster than other breeds. Our Long Coat German Shepherds look incredible and are bred from some of the best bloodlines originating from Germany. Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, GSDs are noble, large, muscular. These babies are some of the most playful, adorable and sweetest pups around. The breeder can then make travel arrangements for your pup, so you can meet them at your nearest major airport. Sweet, Playful, and ready for furever homes! Farm raised and used to small children. This is the first litter that our girl has had and she has been an outstanding mother to her boys. Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, GSDs are noble, large, muscular dogs bred for their intelligence and working ability. Activity level: Moderate Litter Size: 5 - 10 puppies. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. Please visit our puppy playpen for pictures of. She gets along with other dogs. Mixed breeds are also more likely to have a recessive disease. Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Alabama. But making this large military, police and service dog smaller has its drawbacks. German Shepherd Dog. Miniature German Shepherd classifieds on in all for …. With only the best breeders allowed in the Preferable Pups community, you have nothing to worry about when looking for your new best friend. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. German Shepherds for Sale in Wichita. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Now that you are mentally and financially ready to become an owner, the next step is looking for a proper source to get your miniature German Shepherd puppy from. Because there are so many different breeders of these dogs, it is important to find a reputable source to get one from. Can you get a miniature German shepherd? Miniature German Shepherds do exist. Akc German Shepherd puppies!! Mother is an imported father is 2nd gen import. However, smallholders lacked market access, market information, experience. Happy Pets Shop - Megawati Chandra. Bangalore, India- September 21st ; Stock photo of people riding white scooter on 4 lane marathahalli road, in bright afternoon. History: The German Shepherd was developed in Germany during the 19th century, primarily by one man: Captain Max von Stephanitz, whose goal was to create an. Pups can be shipped Australia wide with ease as well as Internationally if required. Mini German Shepherds often live longer than GSDs and can live up to 15 years depending on the breed used in the mix compared to years for a. Introducing the Miniature German Shepherd. We are delighted to announce that we have 2 boys and 4 girls available for sale. Happy Pets Shop adalah salah satu petshop terbesar di Bantarjati, Bogor Utara, yang terpercaya dan memberikan layanan lengkap, mulai dari berjualan perlengkapan hewan, aksesoris, dan kebutuhan lainnya. He is full blooded, but not AKC. Mini German Shepherd For Sale The german shepherd is among the most popular dog breeds on the planet due to the pleasant temperament it has. Box Hialeah, FL .She comes from a lineage of carefully selected parents from Europe, known for their exceptional health, temperament, and sh… more. Two boy German Shepards for sale. Please visit our puppy playpen for pictures of available puppies. We hand selected these German Shepherd puppies for sale in North Dakota from our puppy finder. They have the courage, intelligence and affectionate nature of a standard German Shepherd, in a more manageable body. Miniature German Shepherd Puppies for Sale 4. Northern Sky German Shepherds. We are located in the scenic Yakima Valley, in Washington state. Miniature German Shepherd Breed Overview. The condition comes about as a result of some dogs being bred with excessively sloped backs. On the flip side, a standard can be 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds as an adult. Learn about our industry-leading process for screening the health of puppies. Pups are raised in our home with our family and both parents. Standard German Shepherd Dogs In the late 19th century, various strains of German dogs were combined to create the ultimate herding dog. Certain lines of Idaho German Shepherds for sale are known for a condition called hip or elbow dysplasia. The Mini German Shepherd is one of those great dog breeds you can train without a problem, and it will help convey some exceptional results. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Average rating: 0 reviews Write a review Last updated on June 9th, .German Shepherd Age Puppy Color Black Gender Male Gorgeous lil lad just needs a furever family and home, hes raised in our home with our family and both his parents. Find german shepherd dog puppies and breeders in your area and helpful german shepherd dog information. German Shepherd puppies for sale come current on their vaccinations, are dewormed and microchipped. With their medium size and energetic yet loyal personality, miniature German Shepherds are often well suited to: Apartment living. Tea Cup German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and do not fear taking risks. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Iowa. German Shepherd Puppy for Sale. Mini German Shepherds often live longer than GSDs and can live up to 15 years, depending on the breed used in the mix — compared to years for a GSD. Small dogs live longer than large breeds because. Good hips n elbows! Our German Shepherd puppies are black and red in color. They bond closely with their families, are protective of them, and are affectionate with them. Male White Shepherd Height: .If you would like more information please call or email. Mini German Shepherd Intelligence. Here is a table of their height and weight. Look … May 11, .German Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Mississippi. Therefore, purebred GSDs are generally more expensive. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. The German shepherd breed has enjoyed overwhelming popularity on and off since .Female White Shepherd Height: .Find on miniature german shepherd Free pets classifieds for sale or popular breed in in all miniature german shepherd search for cheap puppies for adoption pets cheap. These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and loving. That's why every puppy for sale is given a complete nose-to-tail checkup before. A About this breed Sheltidoodle. German Shepherds are make great family dogs, and are extremely tender and loving to children, especially. German Shepherd puppies for sale in North Dakota. We offer a health guarantee, life time support, a vet health certificate, CKC registration papers and a useful German Shepherd puppy starter package. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale, Australia. The true size of a miniature German Shepherd will depend on what breed is used for crossbreeding. RJ wants to be next to you… more. They have the courage, intelligence and affectionate nature. They are highly intelligent and easy to train and have a long lifespan, with few hereditary diseases to be concerned about. The Mini German Shepherd is undoubtedly smaller than the standard one, weighing up to 50 lbs 22 kg. These dogs are perfect for special needs, families, emotional support, veterans, and more. Both parents on site with pedigree. We call it our PuppySpot Promise. They will be ready in May .Before working with a breeder, make sure you ask lots of questions! Because they are very valuable and popular, many online sources sell them. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. Manggamonyetkebayuran Jakarta Raya. Box Hialeah, FL jessie 1luckydogrescue. There are three types of mini German Shepherds. China alone forms almost one-third of Audi's sales volume, and the German car-maker holds the dominant position in the country's premium vehicle market. She is our family pet who is my husbands best frien Jo D. Just keep in mind the less desirable personality traits of the other dog breed may be dominant. Canine Corral works with our reputable White Shepherd dog breeders. A miniature German Shepherd will only stand 15 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 30 and 50 pounds. Miniature German Shepherd. If you have any concerns, make. For further insight into German Shepherd growth, take a look at this guide and chart. With the Shepherd breed, hip dysplasia is a common health issue that is seen in the Miniature variety as well. Will have received 1st set of shots, dewormed. That's why every puppy for sale is given a complete nose-to-tail checkup before being delivered right to your door. The Miniature German Shepherd is a great family dog, with a gentle, affectionate, and loyal personality. The average lifespan of the Miniature German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years. Shepadoodle Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? A Miniature German Shepherd is a cross between a German Shepherd and a smaller dog breed that is meant to result in a smaller version of a German Shepherd. Although these Mini Shepherds can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, they tend to be energetic, intelligent dogs that bond closely with their families and are affectionate with them. Miniature German Shepherds make great family dogs. They may be hardworking while on a job, but they have a playful spirit while relaxing with their family. They also tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they tend to do well with smaller pets they have been raised with, they do have a high prey drive. Mini German Shepherds are also protective and alert. They will bark to alert you and will be naturally suspicious of strangers. Proper socialization and training early on can help make sure barking does not become a nuisance and will help them open up to strangers once introduced. Miniature German Shepherds are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to be a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. But, they can adapt just as well to apartments as long as they get the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond so closely with their families and want to be near them, they do not do well with long periods of alone time. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs because of genetic diversity. However, this is not a guarantee. They could inherit no conditions common to the parent breeds, but they could also inherit some or all of them. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. For the Miniature German Shepherd, potential health conditions to be aware of include progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Because of their body shape, they are also at risk for bloat. Although Miniature German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle on their own. Their high energy, working dog instincts, thirst for learning, and need for structured training can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners. Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended if you are not an experienced dog owner. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your dog, and also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. In general, a Miniature German Shepherd will have a coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavier seasonally. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath is usually sufficient for this coat type. If a Miniature German Shepherd has a Mini Poodle parent, there is a chance they could inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Although good dental care for dogs is essential, it is often overlooked. This is one of the reasons why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in older dogs. You can help protect your pup from painful dental diseases later in life by brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day and keeping up with regular vet visits. Although a Miniature German Shepherd may be smaller than a German Shepherd, they are still a high-energy dog with working dog instincts. In addition to having a job to do, these dogs also need daily walks plus playtime and time to run to be happy and healthy. If they like it, swimming can be a good low-impact activity while they are still growing. Once puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like hiking, running, training for dog sports, and more to see what they like. A fully-grown Miniature German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs about 50 pounds. There can be some variation depending on the other parent breed in the cross, but meeting the mother dog in-person can give you a better idea of what size to expect in a Mini GSD. A Miniature German Shepherd generally lives for years. If the other parent crossed with a German Shepherd is a Standard Poodle, the result is a Shepadoodle. Featured Miniature German Shepherd Article. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas cost? Everything from coat type long haired German Shepherd puppies Texas , coat color white German Shepherd puppies Texas, red and black German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, pedigree AKC German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas , and the experience of German Shepherd breeders in Texas can affect the cost of puppies. Will I be connected with local German Shepherd puppies Texas only? We understand how tough it can be to find a great dog breeder, especially with the recent epidemic of online puppy scams out there. We do not run our own breeding facilities. Instead, we focus on matching loving families with the best puppies possible from the best breeder businesses possible. What is a German Shepherd puppy mill? Mill German Shepherd puppies in Texas are more likely to develop behavioral problems and genetic illnesses, to require expensive vet care, and to pass away earlier than average. Do you have German Shepherd puppies for sale Texas right now? How does your MatchMaker service work with German Shepherd puppies? From there, taking home your new best friend is a breeze. Anyone who has bought a puppy recently knows that online scams are more common than ever before. We wanted to make a place where ethical breeders and loving families can escape those scams—a place with zero puppy mills or dishonest breeders.

You can also visit your nearest rescue center and see if they have dogs for sale. If it has a short coat, you may brush your pet every other day. The maximum is around three times a week. If it has a longer coat, you should brush its fur more often to minimize tangling. You may also give it baths when needed. Use dog shampoo to keep its coat clean and fresh. This leads to several symptoms such as thinner than regular coats, weight gain but no appetite changes, and skin diseases. Your dog will also shed more excessively than usual. Upon detection of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for proper treatment. Beagle Dwarfism: Beagle Poodles may inherit this from their Beagle parent. This is a condition wherein the dog is a lot smaller than usual. This causes serious issues, such as back and neck soreness, sensation concerns, decreased bowel control, and paralysis, at worst. When left unchecked, this will lead to arthritis and crippling lameness for your pet. Follow the recommended meal plan for your dog. Poodle Combined With Beagle Food Requirements Beagle Poodles are mildly energetic, meaning their tummies will be full, and their dietary needs met with any of the best dry dog food we found to best match the food requirements of most of the dogs. Invest in food specially formulated for small dogs so best dry dog food for small dogs would be a good start. Because of the size of your pooch, best large breed dry dog food may not be the best solution for a petite doggy. This is to avoid conditions such as hip dysplasia and obesity, which are precursors to more significant health problems. If you believe your dog has gained weight, you should consult the vet before trying to fix the problem using food supplements. It is made from natural ingredients, such as duck meat, natural carbohydrates, and vegetables. It provides your dog with enough nourishment without the use of grains, making this easier for your dogs to digest. Petcurean Go! It is also grain-free for better digestion. Purina Beneful IncrediBites: This is a special dog food formula made for small dogs. It contains real beef, healthy grains, and vegetables such as carrots and peas. Each bite is also appropriately sized for little mouths, making them easy to eat and chew. This gives them the energy they need for playtime, as well as 23 vitamins and minerals for a more nourished body and better digestion. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini: Since small dogs are at a higher risk for tartar build-up, we recommend giving them this brand of dog food. It also promotes a healthier coat and better nourishment for your dog by giving it the necessary levels of DHA and EPA. If your dog is a picky eater, this brand offers different flavors, such as beef, chicken, salmon, or lamb. It also contains probiotics and has no grains, which promote a healthier digestion system for your dogs. For small pups, these ingredients are found in best puppy food brands. Older furry pals should, on the other hand, switch to best senior dry dog food at a certain point in life. Doing so will better match their food requirements and help prevent obesity and other conditions that are triggered by it. Part of their playtime should be allowing them to run around and chase, due to their hunting traits. Aside from physical activity, Beagle Poodles also need mental stimulation to sharpen their innate intelligence. Thus, they need toys that will supply both of these needs. The toy is made of several chambers where dog treats can be placed. It has to figure out how to get the food in each container since not all can be opened the same way. Once the ball is thrown, the rubber material makes it bounce around more, allowing your dog to give chase. Also, it has a compartment where dog food can be placed, making your dog figure out how to get the treats from the inside. Poodle Beagle Mix Training Training the Beagle Poodle requires you to understand the intelligence and personality of both its parents. That way, you can better prepare yourself for the behavior of the mixed breed. Beagles may be loyal, but it still needs to be trained to recognize that it must follow commands from its owner. This is due to its tendency to become stubborn sometimes. It also gets easily distracted when something grabs its attention. It will run towards what it saw, completely ignoring you in the process. It must be trained to keep focused on the task at hand. Poodles are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds. Teaching a Poodle some tricks will come easy, provided that it is regularly exercised and mentally stimulated. They also bore easily, so constant activity and attention is needed. If everything goes well, a Poodle will be able to do tricks that not every dog can accomplish. You may follow the tips below: Learn how to keep their attention. When you want to begin training your dog, start by strengthening your bonds. Once you figure that out, you can quickly bring them back to you and make them focus on training. Reward their good behavior. Positive conditioning always helps a dog stay motivated. Once they learn to do a particular trick, give them rewards. You may use dog treats or give them more play time. The more they realize that their good behavior is met with rewards, the better they will perform during training and everyday life. Teach the dog to recognize you. Beagle Poodles need to be trained in obedience due to their highly distractable nature. Thus, you have to be able to establish that you are the alpha and they need to listen to you. Use dog clickers and whistles to grab their attention whenever they are straying so that you can focus more on honing their skills. Ensure regular exercise. An active dog is a more trainable dog. Allow your pet to roam around the place and make sure they get their daily dose of walks. They also love to socialize, so part of their exercise should be letting them play with other dogs and meet other people. Beagle Mixed With Poodle And Families Beagle Poodles are not only excellent pets for new owners, but they are also great companions for families. They exhibit the loyalty and serving attitudes of hunting breeds that your family will surely appreciate. They can watch over your household while you sleep and give your family love and affection during the daytime. After you and your wife get home from work, your dog will be there to relieve your stress. Their small size makes them good playmates for children as well. They love to run around and play, so if you have active kids, let them play with the dog. This allows you to give both your children and your dog their much-needed exercise. Once the dog is trained, kids can also give them commands, so that bonding times will be more fun between them and the dog. Taking care of your Beagle Poodle makes it happy, and a happy dog also means a happy household. Getting a pet that gives your family more joy is always a worthy investment. If all goes well, a Beagle Poodle will live out its lifespan not only as a loyal family dog but also as an everyday companion and best friend. Poogles are small to medium-sized dogs with the combined smarts and high trainability of the Beagle and the hypoallergenic Poodle. There is no doubt that the Poogle is going to be a very popular designer breed in the years to come. If you decide that a Poogle is a right choice for your home, then read on, we have all the information you need about this adorable breed! What is a Poogle? Also known as Beaglepoos, Beagledoodles, or Beapoos, Poogles are loving and loyal designer dogs that have a ton of confidence. To understand more about Poogles, let us take a brief look at their parent dog breeds. Beagles The Beagle dog breed needs no introduction. It is easily one of the most popular dog breeds in the world today. As hunting companions, their skills are par excellence. They are scent hounds gifted with an incredible sense of smell which helps them in tracking. As family dogs, Beagles are loyal, affectionate, and just the right size. Poodles The Poodle dog breed has consistently ranked No. Exceptionally smart and active, these dogs were bred to retrieve things from the water. The small-sized Poodles were used for truffle hunting. Origin of the Poogle Poodle mix breeds like Poogles are nothing new. From the dawn of canine history, intact males and females have met and created a new breed in the process. In the late s, a few dog breeders acted according to the needs of future dog owners. People wanted dogs but some had limitations due to pet allergies. The Poogle was one such creation. We cannot say for sure exactly when the first Poogle was created but assume it must have been around the s. Like all other designer dogs hybrid dogs , the Australian National Kennel Council does not recognize the Poogle breed. Exactly how big a Beagle-Doodle puppy will get depends on the size of the Poodle parent. Most dog breeders use standard or miniature-sized Poodles for mating with a Beagle. This is due to the comparable sizes of the two breeds. Most Beagle Doodles grow to a height of inches 28 to 38 cm and weigh between lb. Your Poogle puppy can be considered a fully-grown adult at 18 months. Since there is no standardisation for mixed breed dogs, you could have many variations in the appearance of the Poogle breed. For example, some Poogles inherit the curly low-shedding coat of the Poodle parent while others may have the short and thick coat of the Beagle parent. Are Poogles Hypoallergenic? This is one of the most frequently asked questions people have about Poogles. Unfortunately, there is no definite answer for it since it all depends on complex canine genetics. Therefore, your F1- Poogle could or could not be hypoallergenic. Most first-generation poodle mix breeds that have a short coated breed as one of their parents such as a Beagle, Dachshund, Labrador etc will inherit a wire texture coat, that is low shedding. In case you or a family member is allergic to dogs, you might want to ensure that your breeder gives you an F1-B Poogle puppy. Do Poogle Dogs Shed? All dogs shed — some more than others. However, Beagles shed a lot all year round and a Poogle that inherits the Beagle-like thick and short coat might shed as well. In any case, you can expect your Beagle-Poodle mix to be extremely smart and highly trainable. Before bringing home your Poogle, you need to be aware that these dogs tend to be highly excitable. You will need to train your puppy to enjoy spending periods of time in calmness by teaching it some obedience commands and providing passive calming activities like stuffed Kongs. While this nature may be great to have around children, it is very important to teach both — the kids and your Poogle — about the proper way to behave around each other. As such, very young babies or toddlers should not be allowed to interact with a fully-grown Poogle without supervision. In general, though, the Poogle makes an excellent family companion pet. With proper training, your Poogle will bring a lot of fun, laughter, and love into your household. Poogles are also ideal companions for active individuals, couples, and even elderly people. However, they do need plenty of daily activity and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored and destructive. Stuffed Kongs, licky mats, snuffle mats, food puzzles, long-lasting chews and raw meaty bones should all be on your puppy shopping list. Are Poogles Smart? Poogles are incredibly smart like their parent dog breeds. This makes them easy to train and also a good choice for first-time dog owners. These highly intelligent designer dogs use their sense of scent and can be great as hunting companions. They are also known for superior adaptive intelligence like both the parent dog breeds. How Do You Train a Poogle? The best way to train a Poogle is with consistency, patience, and love. Set aside minutes daily for the training. Begin and end every session with some playtime, praise, and cuddles. Keep the sessions short 5 minutes per session and use high-value treats to get your Poogle to do what you want it to do. Crate training is recommended for Poogle puppies and adults to prevent them from developing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common behaviour problem among poodle mix designer dog breeds. Crate training is not cruel, in fact, getting your poodle mix breed comfortable with spending time alone in a crate is vital for their wellbeing. There will be times when your dog might need to be caged for brief periods of time such as for vet visits, interstate or overseas flights, boarding, to prevent jumping on guests etc. Furthermore, growing your beagle mixes skills of independence, confidence and optimism are important and necessary life skills. If needed, enrol your dog in puppy preschool, hire a private dog trainer, or send your puppy to a board-and-train facility. Do Beagle-Poodles Bark a Lot? Like their Beagle parent, Poogles do tend to bark. Not all kinds of barking are bad your Poogle might bark to warn you about danger! This is important if you live in an apartment or have neighbours close by. Poogles are relatively rare in the United States and Australia. Therefore, you might not find too many breeders having Poodle Beagle mix puppies on sale. Breeders will charge according to the effort they have put into their breeding program. For example, the best breeders conduct health checks and genetic tests on their breeding dogs. This costs money but ensures healthier puppies. What to Feed a Poogle? Later, your vet nutritionist can recommend the best food for your dog. Make any dietary changes very slowly to prevent gastric issues in your young dog. A diet that includes raw meaty bones is generally better for Poogles as it could help prevent tooth decay to some extent. As dogs grow older, they might prefer soft or wet food over kibble. Wet food is easier on their teeth and also can be more satisfying due to its higher moisture content. Always look for food having the first ingredient as meat. Some dog foods are packed with cereals or grains and vegetables instead of meat. It is best to avoid such foods since dogs, although omnivores, still need meat for protein. Poogles are usually healthy eaters. Sometimes, they might act as if every food is their favourite. Also, Poogles are prone to obesity, so you might want to avoid free-feeding. What are the Common Health Issues in Them? Some Poogles are known to inherit the health issues seen in the parent dog breeds: hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA or progressive retinal atrophy and other eye problems, epilepsy, dental disease, obesity, and back problems. Beagle-Poodle mixes purchased from reputable breeders are generally hardy dogs and, with proper care, could live for nearly years. Subscribe for comprehensive poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this. Life Span Did You Know? The Poogle is a cross between a Beagle and a Miniature Poodle. These little dogs are affectionate and loyal with a friendly, playful, and energetic personality. They love nothing more than being with their families. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Poogle is recognized by other notable dog organizations. The Poogle is an affectionate companion dog that loves to be with their families and thrives on attention from them. They are smart dogs with a playful personality and a loving temperament. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. A Poogle can have a high prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with any smaller pets in the household. They do tend to bark to alert you of strangers and can be protective, especially of children. Although they can be protective of their family, they are generally open and friendly to meeting strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. Poogles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments as long as they get enough exercise. They also adapt well to most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and may need to bundle up with some winter dog products when temperatures start dropping. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive being around them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If they do not get enough exercise, attention, or mental stimulation, they can become destructive. Also, since they have a high prey drive and an urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although they can master basic commands , including recall, they will sometimes ignore it in favor of chasing something or following an interesting scent. Although the Poogle is a relatively healthy breed, there are still some potential health conditions that they could inherit from their parent breeds. Reputable breeding helps prevent a lot of these issues because reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable health issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. This makes the Poogle a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They respond best to consistent training focused on positive reward and praise. Not only do they reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer great opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Poogle tends to have a short to medium-length wavy coat that can be a variety of colors. If they have a shorter coat, they will just need a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. If they have a longer coat, they will need to be brushed a few times a week at least, if not daily, to make sure tangles are removed. Cutting nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. They should be clean, dry, and free of debris, pests, or irritation. And, if you see anything concerning, you can get to the vet early. Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. As a small dog breed, your Poogle is even more prone to developing it later in life. Brushing or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. A Poogle tends to sit in a high-energy range. They need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and some time to run are a good start. And, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. These dogs tend to be athletic and hardy. So, once puppies finishing growing and developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what they like to do. Most of the time, they will just be happy to be doing something with you. A fully-grown Poogle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Their size can range larger if they have a Standard Poodle parent instead of a Mini Poodle parent. Poogles generally live for years. Although this mixed breed is often called a Poogle, they are also sometimes called a Poogle Hound, Beaglepoo, Beagledoodle, Beagapoo, and Beapoo. Featured Poogle Article.

You can use the information on dog food packe.Show more How much grooming does a Boxer need? Boxers have short fur that only needs a weekly brush. Boxers often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. To help your dog feel.Show more What size crate do you need for a Boxer? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully stretched out.To find out more about potential health issues for Boxers, sp.Are Boxers easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Boxer temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They de.Show more Are Boxers good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. We've had her for 2 days now and she is adjusting well to her new home. We recommend boxermompupsaz. Dave and Debbie Phx. Cheryl was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. I would recommend her to anyone looking to find their nest boxer puppy. Kona is a great addition to the family! We just adopted Rock fawn male boxer on Jan 20th from Cheryl, we are so happy with the service and great care they gave our boy! We are so blessed to have found the and brought us our new boxer, We had Sparky for 12 years and we just fell in love with the breed. We are very happy with our whole experience with this breeder and would recommend them to all. Thank you again I have been a Boxer fan my whole life. My mom bred Boxers back in NY. I love that sweet face, silly personality and wiggle butt you can only have with a boxer! We recently had to put our girl Reese down at 12 years old. We didn't know if we were ready.My boss recommended I reach out to Cheryl, as she had just gotten a pup from her a month before. I did and Cheryl took the time to find out what color, gender and timing we wanted to have a puppy. She kept me posted on available litters and when I could expect a new baby. Cheryl was very good about answering all the new mom questions I had and was very patient. Within 3 months of putting down our deposit we were the proud parents of Riplee! Our crazy, beautiful Seal puppy. We could not be happier with her. She is bright eyed, sweet and full of energy. Michelle Phx So here we are.Boxer parents again. Doris has went to the vet with our Yorkie for vaccinations. Low and behold there was a 6 month old boxer more than likely from Cheryl there that jumped and played with my wife as the story goes. She came home and was crying. Prior to us moving here, we had two boxers. Once you have a Boxer your life will never be complete without a Boxer jumping around, slobbering and those eyes.That day after the vet my sole purpose was to find another Boxer. I searched Phoenix not knowing we had the best breeder here in Tucson! I called Cheryl and we actually went to a visitation for other parents to be that weekend. We got to play, snuggle and bathe some of the pups. Miss Cheryl was busier than a one legged man in butt whooping contest. It was Amazing. So we chose to get a pup from the next litter. We too started getting texts at like am. We chose Princess Tessa. She is home with us now and we love her so. The anxiety was killing us like a kid around Christmas! Could not wait for that day Tessa came home. Thank you Cheryl for making us whole again. Tessa is happy and doing well. If you want a Boxer, please call Cheryl! We decided that we would get a boy and a girl. It had great information on it and lots of pictures so we could see how the dogs were taken care of. We got lucky and Cheryl had a pick of the litter male available first. Moose has been a blessing to us as he reminds us daily of our old boy we lost. We then waited for our girl to be born from Khalessi and Bama Boy. We finally went to pick up Poppy a few weeks ago and the two have been inseparable ever since. Cheryl also gave us a nice starter kit for both dogs and provided the microchip for the dogs. We would definitely recommend her if you are looking to get a boxer in the near future. Working with Cheryl was absolutely amazing and you can truly see that she honors the work that she does each and every day. She cares about these animals and she keeps her promises. We purchased a beautiful female fawn boxer this past February after she was born into a litter last December. The price was also very reasonable and Cheryl went above and beyond our expectations. Our baby boxer Bella is an absolute gem and beyond everything we thought she was going to be. Thank you Cheryl and God bless you. We were thrilled to find Cheryl in Tucson. I loved that we could see her previous puppies on the website as well as the expecting parents. Even the sales contract was online to help us understand what to expect. We felt comfortable making a deposit and waiting for the right puppy to come along. Cheryl communicated throughout the process and she was responsive to any questions we had. Love at first sight! He has melted our hearts as well. He is very handsome too, clearly has good genes! Highly recommend obtaining a boxer puppy from Cheryl! Great experience and great dogs! Michelle- Phx Cheryl is great to work with, she was very helpful with all my questions. Would definitely work with Cheryl again, if I was crazy enough to get 2 puppies at the same time again! When she passed in December, we did the math and calculated that putting in a deposit on a pup in February would be perfect timing for a new summer family member. Best laid plans.Eddie "Cue Ball" McDonald came home just in time to keep us company and get the best puppy pampering and bonding experience ever during quarantine. He's brought so much love and joy--and much needed entertainment and exercise--into our lives, and has been exactly the happy, healthy, smart, good boy we hoped for. Cheryl was so kind and great to work with, and her love for the animals is very clear. We'd recommend working with her anytime! Leigh - Tucson Would definitely recommend Cheryl when purchasing a puppy. She was there for us during the good and not so good times. Cheryl is a very knowledgeable breeder, she is a compassionate and loving human being. I have already been recommending her here in Willcox. Thank you so much for Buckshot Cheryl. She kept us up to date through the entire process. When it came time to pickup Ava, she provided us with a little goody bag to give Ava the best start! We are so happy we added her to our family. She is already bossing her big brother around and they love to snuggle. Racheal in Phx Hi, Cheryl! My husband has wanted a Boxer dog since he was a kid. We finally got into the golden stage with our family -- kids all the perfect age, big house with a big back yard -- and we decided to go for it. I happened upon Cheryl's site and immediately reached out to her. We got in touch over the phone and had the greatest conversation ever. She answered every single one of my questions and helped me feel so comfortable! I could tell right away that she'd been doing this for a long time and that she truly cared about her dogs. It was so comforting! It would be a whole lot worse though if we didn't have Hondo and Duke around to keep us company. Thank you, Cheryl, for everything! We could not have asked for a better experience! Michelle- Phx Cheryl is such a pleasure to work with. We bought our first boxer from her almost a year ago. Dex has such a great temperament and Cheryl does a great job at socializing her puppies. We couldn't be more pleased with Dex. In fact we had such a great experience with Cheryl that when we decided to get a friend for Dex and more Boxer love for us, we contacted Cheryl and we bought our little girl Remi basically over the phone. Cheryl sent us some pictures of her and we fell in love. Over the next 2 weeks Cheryl was great with sending videos and pics before pick up day. We have gotten a lot of compliments on Dex and Remi Kristen We contacted Cheryl through her website, we were not sure we wanted to travel to Tucson but after looking at her pups online we were interested. There just was nothing in Phoenix. Either they didn't have the mom or they didn't have the dad, we weren't interested. So we drove down to meet Cheryl. She was well into breeding and knew a lot about the boxer breed. She didn't have any puppies available at the time as they were all sold. But we came on a visitation day, we were impressed with her puppies. She said there would be a couple of litters coming up if we were interested. We wanted a flashy female. She called us in a couple weeks and said she had one come available and we could have her in 5 weeks, we could come and see her in a week so we jumped at the chance. Cheryl kept us updated and sent pictures once a week. Very very impressed with Cheryl and feel we gained a friend as well as our dear Daisy. Cheryl thanks again! Janet-Phx Cheryl was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Getting a puppy from her was the best experience. From getting to meet the parents then getting updates on puppies along with pictures. Even visitations with them while we were waiting to take him home. I will definitely be coming back. We love our Onyx more than words. Lynette-Tucson Cheryl Galloway is absolutely amazing and the quality care she puts into breeding boxers is absolutely amazing. She truly cares about what she does and we are over the moon with our baby Boxer Bella, born December .I highly recommend Cheryl. She definitely has a passion for what she does. Thank you again Cheryl! Lois-Phx Cheryl was amazing through every step of the way!! She is VERY knowledgeable and takes great care of all her dogs and puppies. She was very honest and accommodating with all my questions and fantastic at responding to my MANY requests for pictures and videos of our girl : Our little firecracker is FULL of personality, well-socialized, and came home knowing how to use the doggy door bonus! Domino is the perfect addition to our family, and there is no doubt that we know just who to contact when we are ready for another. Can't thank you enough! Kim Phx We had a great experience! Cheryl and boxermompupsaz. Great communication leading up to the sale, great payment options and very friendly to deal with. Our pup was in excellent health,,he had current health record and all of the proper shots for his age! Adam and Jodi in Tucson I found Cheryl on line when looking for a boxer puppy after losing our best friend Rookie. Cheryl was friendly and kind on the phone but when we met her in person I was taken by her knowledge and her professionalism as well. Mugsy was born to Lexi the night before Thanksgiving. Cheryl texted me all night long starting at 10pm until am until all 9 pups were born. You might not want to do that but I asked and Cheryl delivered! After Mugsy was born we came out several times for visits. The puppies were all healthy and clean and full of personality. When we picked Mugsy up Cheryl sent us home with a care package with everything we would need to get us through the first week just in case we forgot anything. She thought of everything! New toys, food bowls, collar and leash, first aid kit, basic medical supplies. Because Cheryl socializes her pups so well, Mugsy came home already using the doggie door. Cheryl is warm and caring and she loves her pack. All that we met had great temperaments and were living long healthy lives. Mugsy is part of our family now and we know Rookie would approve. Thanks Cheryl for a great experience. Working with Cheryl was wonderful! From the very beginning she was very open to communication and tons of questions from us. She was patient when we explained we had to wait because we lost our dog in February. We were able to go meet Cheryl and a few of her dogs, just to put a face to the name. She is open to any questions and very knowledgeable about the Boxer breed. Once we found out a litter was due, she kept us informed on the due date and sent pictures of the pups immediately! We were so happy! Even for the first weeks, Cheryl sent pictures of our chosen pups and videos! Which made my day! I would recommend Cheryl to anyone seeking a Boxer to add to their family! Shelley W. While we were waiting for our little Kai in December, we decided to adopt Meka Gucci one of your retired females in October. Meka is such a sweetheart and gets along with the family. Then in December we were able to bring Kai home. They get along so well, and they're so much fun to watch. They sure bring a lot of joy and happiness! Thank you for what you do, we know for sure who to go to when we need another boxer or two! Thanks again! Pam and Bob Surprise Az. .Cheryl was wonderful to work with. I was very lucky that when I called her she had just had a litter of pups available! And I have Lucy. We had decided on getting a brindle girl, and when the litter came, Cheryl let us know. We came for the first visit and saw that she had a boy still available. And of course we couldn't leave him so we ended up with two puppies. We love Luke and Leia so much and Cheryl was so easy to work with. If ever we are looking for another puppy, we will come back to Cheryl. When I was ready for another pup, I knew Cheryl was the one to call. I had expressed my interest in an older Boxer that was retiring and needed some love. It was so special to have the opportunity to adopt little Scout's dad, Buddy has absolutely completed the home and he is the most loving and gentle dog in the world. It means so much that you chose and trusted me to take care of this sweet boy, he is beyond spoiled and so very loved! Thanks for all you do! Xoxo Kenzie,Scout and Buddy Hey Cheryl, I have gotten two dogs from Cheryl and have really been pleased with the service she gives and you can really tell this is her life passion. Cheryl always explains what she has done for the puppies she brings into your life and really wants her puppies to start out right with you. Cheryl is always willing to give you advice and always willing to answer questions. I would highly recommended Cheryl and her puppies to anyone. Thank you Cheryl Sincerely, P. Mongo and Brawley are doing great and getting along. I lost my beloved boxer a few years ago and was ready to get another one. I love the breed and how they bond with their families. The previous breeder was no longer breeding, so I decided to try Cheryl because of the reviews. She did not disappoint. She let me and my daughters come down to pick our pup, spent time talking with us and telling us about the parents and their temperaments. Our puppy, is a puppy and full of boxer energy, but she has already bonded with me and comes near if she feels I am upset, she is amazing with my 2 year old. Shannon-Chandler Cheryl is a total joy to work with, and an awesome breeder. It is obvious how much she loves her dogs. They all have great and gentle personalities as well as being physically beautiful. She clearly explains the process to transfer CKC registration and microchip ownership information. She sends your puppy home with a great starter bag that includes a dog pillow, a leash and collar, stuffed toys, treats etc. We would highly recommend Cheryl as a breeder. Our little Bella is now four months old. We take her everywhere and she always draws a crowd of admirers which she graciously soaks in. We are so very blessed because of Cheryl and her beautiful babies. My husband is retired and the house was just too empty without Damien. I hated not being greeted by my fawn colored kidney bean when I would get home from work. So we talked and decided we would get a Boxer from a breeder. We found Cheryl and we feel so fortunate that we did. The first Boxer we got from her is Lil-Bit and she is retired and the sweetest girl ever. She's laid back and very protective of myself and my Husband. Loves to just be with us and go on walks. We also got a brand new pup and his name is Sam. He is almost 9 weeks old and very smart. I had many questions about his shots and was super concerned about the Parvo virus. He already had three shots and was wormed when we brought him home. Cheryl told me to have visitors take off their shoes before they enter my house and wash their hands before touching the pup. I went as far as buying shoe covers! She is always available for questions or to just run something by her. She really loves her dogs. I truly believe that this is her calling, just by the way she is with all of them. You could not find a better person to buy a Boxer from. Cheryl lets you visit whenever you want, unless one of her girls is delivering. She stays home with them the whole time, You also bring home a huge bag of goodies when you bring your pup home. Food,bed,toys,collar and leash and so much more. Every Boxer I ever get will be from Cheryl. So I googled and found Cheryl. I decided to surprise the family for Christmas and Cheryl made this such an easy and fun experience! She was very informative and willing to be on call for any help I needed. Our baby Petunia is healthy, adorable and smart. If we ever decide on another puppy, we will definitely be calling Cheryl again. Julie- Chino Valley Cheryl is not only an amazing breeder but a kind heartened and sweet women that is passionate about her boxers. This is a late review but there is no better time then now to share my experience. I had to put down my old boxer of 15 years back in April and I was distraught. After a couple months I branched out, looking for boxer breeders. I'm so glad I found Cheryl. She responded to my text right away and I was set on the last male puppy in Luna's litter. Cheryl was attentive and sent updated photos of baby Apollo, all the way up until pick up. She was kind enough to meet my boyfriend and I half way, on her way to Phoenix. Baby Apollo is now 19 weeks old. He is a great addition to our little family; very healthy, happy, goofy and spunky. I'm so thankful for Cheryl. We might come back for second addition soon! Nicoletta- Az. My Husband and I knew we wanted a puppy for our family. We have always adopted from a shelter, but now with 4 small children and one on the way we decided to find a breeder. The minute we made contact with Cheryl we knew that we were working with a person who loves her dogs and her puppies. Our sweet boy Leo is just the most amazing puppy and we are all so in love with him. From the first day that I contacted her, she sent tons of photos, videos and had quick responses to my emails and texts and she always had the puppies best interest at heart, which I absolutely loved. We can tell that our puppy Aspen was so well taken care of and loved because of how attached to Cheryl she was every time we went and visited her. I would recommend Cheryl to anyone looking for a purebred boxer that is very well taken care of and loved. Cheryl, thank you for our precious new puppy and her amazing going home bag and gifts. We love Aspen so much! Rivers Family It all started back in early December as my wife and I were wanting to get a second boxer as we had to put our Boy down in , we have a female 6 year old boxer named Delpheena Rose. Cheryl contacted me back saying that she has a litter due in late Dec. Well the puppies were born and on we got the best present, we got 1st pick of the pups! We picked the all black male boxer. We were so excited, starting putting names on a list and name after name we just couldn't pick one. We asked if we could come and meet our puppy and Cheryl welcomed us to come and meet our boy. The puppy was 2 weeks old when we went to meet our baby. Love at first sight to say the least, we chose the name "Dexter". I have to say that being able to go and meet the puppy was one of the best things we did. We ended up going to see Dexter twice and then at week 7 and one day we picked Dexter up. We are so happy with how well Cheryl takes care of these babies. I would totally recommend Cheryl to anyone who is looking for one of the best additions to the family. We will be getting a second puppy in the future. Marc and Megan I am so happy I was able to find Cheryl and her pups. I had a horrible experience of losing my brindle baby and best friend of 8 years. We rescued her from the streets and gave her love and I never thought I would lose her. Well, when I found Cheryl, i knew i had to get another puppy. I have been in love with my puppy since we went to pick her up. She is amazing, she has adapted very well and she loves seeing us walk thru the door after a long day of work. I will forever be grateful for Cheryl for giving my new baby girl and myself a new chance. We will definitely be going back to you!! Just got Firulais! I contacted Cheryl months after losing my best friend Winslow, a rescue boxer who had to be put down do to lymphoma. I was sure I wanted another boxer because a home is just not complete without one. I found Cheryl online. Having always done rescues I was nervous, but Cheryl had great info about her and her dogs and all her reviews were glowing. Cheryl responded to my and email right away and asked to put Winslow's picture on the memorial page. She asked if I was ready for another puppy but understood if I wanted to wait. She told me Midnight and Buddy had just had a litter. She sent me photos and I fell in love with Wyatt. Cheryl encouraged us to come see Wyatt right away. She worked hard to coordinate with us and brought Wyatt and even his mom Midnight. It was obvious Cheryl loves and cares for all the dogs she has. Both were happy, healthy and social. We got to see Wyatt every week and even met his dad, Buddy, and his siblings on and off her property. He was always clean, and on schedule for shots, de-wormer etc. Cheryl would text me photos, videos, and updates. Wyatt even got his nub nipped by a litter mate and she made sure he was looked at and cared for. We picked Wyatt up to bring him home and Cheryl literally gave us everything we needed. At 18 weeks Wyatt is an active, healthy, playful, loving puppy who is great with people of all ages and other dogs. Thank you so much Cheryl! As someone who doesn't trust easily and as someone who always had rescues, I can say this was a great experience. I wish all breeders were as responsible and caring as Cheryl. Someday Wyatt may get a sibling and we will be using Cheryl! Thank you Boxer Mom Pups Az! Christina Amazing! We now have a happy, healthy and very special little girl. Cheryl is one of a kind, she takes great care in making us feel apart of the whole experience from birth to take home. The pictures during the first weeks the visits and take home care package. We will never buy from anyone else. Thank you so much for our new baby girl, Zoey! They came home with us Dec 4th. What a wonderful delight they are- healthy happy puppies. Cheryl does a wonderful job with her breeding! If you are in the market for a puppy- Cheryl is definitely the place to go. She loves her Dogs! Not a typical breeder.Yvonne - Tucson Cheryl is not your average breeder. She cares about everyone of her puppies and she makes sure they go to the right homes. We just got not one but two puppies and I couldn't be happier!! We met and picked our first one at 4 days old and fell in love with another one while we had visitation of the one we originally picked!!! When the 7 weeks finally came so we could take our babies home. Cheryl had a bag full of needed items as well as pillows to make the transition easier!! I will definitely keep in touch with how our babies are doing and would love to see new puppies as they are born!! My whole experience was amazing. I recommend Cheryl to everyone. My nephew and daughter both are proud owners of Cheryl 's boxers. I consider her a friend now! I will be in the market again SOON! Shawnee - Tucson Boxer Mom I want to thank you so much for our wonderful puppy Angel we got from you a couple years ago. You were so helpful and when she got lost, you were so helpful in reminding us about the microchip and got her BACK! You have been there anytime we have an issue and referring your vet they are Great! Just recently Angel had 6 puppies and you were on the other end of the phone the whole time, offered to come over if there was a problem. Everything went well, pups all found loving homes. Thanks again for your help. So glad you have this section for us to tell our experiences, I am sure I'm not the only one! April - Tucson Dear Cheryl I want to let everyone know I have purchased several dogs over the years, and have never met a more compassionate person as you. You really want whats best for your pups. We will certainly refer you to anyone interested in purchasing a Boxer puppy. Our pup came with a starter kit. It even had some things in there for me! It was much more than I expected. We brought Honey home and didn't need to go to the store to buy anything. You were very through in selecting what we would need our first night at home with our new puppy. Also, your Memorial page is very thoughtful for those of us that have lost a canine companion. He is such a good puppy and great addition to our other Boxer Lola. The starter kit you sent him home with shows how much you love your dogs and want the best home for them. Thanks again for all the pics and updates you sent me prior to us bringing him home! Sheryl - Scottsdale Cheryl was so amazing to work with and we would do it again in a heartbeat! The initial conversational was great, she took the time to ask us our needs as a family and helped match us to the right pup; Sigourney is exactly that, the perfect boxer girl. Cheryl also sent pictures and updates during the waiting period which was immensely appreciated. Pick up day went smooth and we had a peaceful time chatting with her for a bit. Her goodbye with Sigourney touched our heart, her love for all her dogs and the puppies were palpable. Sigourney's temperament is amazing. She is happy, calm and patient. She is doing great with all three kids and all under 5yrs old! She truly is a little ball of joy. We recommend and will continue to recommend Cheryl to everyone who genuinely wants a happy, healthy boxer paired with the best experience. We look forward to the future, God Bless! My daughter named her Baja. You were wonderful in keeping us up to date with pictures and helpful with our questions. It was such a pleasure to have met you. I will definitely recommend you to other people. It was a wonderful experience and Cheryl is a loving, caring breeder. Our puppy Coco is a beautiful, healthy and a joyous addition to our family. We highly recommend her puppies! As a lifelong boxer owner and lover, I have to say this was my best breeder experience ever. From my initial contact to email to the day I picked Max up, Cheryl was so responsive to questions, sent lots of pictures and updates as Max grew with his siblings. When I first went to meet Max not only could I meet his parents, but a lot of her adult boxers. I knew right away this was a great place. Every dog adults and pups were clean, friendly and happy. Sure enough Max has that same great temperament as his parents. It is hard to find breeders who are truly loving and care so deeply to better this great breed. This is the only breeder I know who actually holds the pups till 9 weeks just to make sure the 2nd round of the 4 puppy shots is done. In addition Max came home with all the info I could ever need, plus a great goody bag with treats, food, food bowl, and some of his favorite toys. Along with a surprise for us! I could have found 50 breeders closer to my home, but will never get another pup anywhere but from here and would recommend them to everyone. I can't thank Cheryl enough for completing our family! Mesa, Az. I want to thank you so much for giving us the most awesomest experience in finding our new family member. Being able to visit with our new pup throughout the weeks was so great, bonding with her and seeing her grow. All of your dogs were so great and after meeting them the first time I knew I made the right choice coming to you. I could tell you take pride in breeding and raising such wonderful dogs. You made this such a pleasant experience. I look forward to keeping in touch and we are so proud to be apart of boxermompupsaz family!! Thank You, Thank You!! Shannon O. Tucson We want to thank you so much for Lego, he is the perfect addition to our family. From the moment we met you till we picked up Lego, you were great! You gave us a lot of advice and answered our questions and concerns. Even now I know I could call and you will be there to help. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. Stevie H. Tucson On an odd rainy day in February, I met up with Cheryl at the vet's office to meet Valentino, when I saw the puppies I could not decide which one so I adopted them both as love is not for sale. There were only 3 in their litter and Romeo was already reserved. Teddy and Valentino named so due to being born on Valentines Day are the love that we needed in our family. Let me tell you, sometimes they are very mischievous, rambunctious and can be down right stubborn. With that being said, I would not trade them for the world. Valentino is the leader, he has gotten into the sink and stole a defrosting London Broil. How did he get into the sink? Maybe he stood on Teddy's back. I can imagine them doing this, they are THAT intelligent. Well dinner was a little late but I was more concerned about his sensitive stomach. Teddy loves being on my white Italian leather sofa, he loves it so much that he smelled something probably crumbs and tore a hole right into the shoulder of it. I spent a Saturday sewing it up, while arguing with Teddy. He has claimed this sofa as his own. This is the love that I speak of. No matter what they get into, just one look at those sad eyes and I am a big bag of mush. They are the cleanest babies I have ever seen. They love to play in the mud and I let them! They are my babies. They are so smart, I lock them out of the doggie door and they will clean themselves, when finished they knock on the door. They loves kids! They use to jump on them but I have trained them that babies cry. So now they walk up and allow them to pet them while they wag their stumps and drool thank goodness Walmart has an endless supply of baby wipes. They are very territorial,nthis is our fault. We have kept them all to ourselves. We love them so much. Cheryl, the cost that we paid for them is nothing to the joy that they have brought us. The wagging stump waiting for us after a bad day, they love us unconditionally, to hear them "talking back" when one of us tells them to " Go to bed", it is priceless. Thank You Cheryl for doing such a good job with your breeding services. The Reades Tucson We found Boxermompupsaz. Cheryl bent over backwards to give us a few chances to meet our new family member before we brought her home. We had to drive a few hours to get there and were thankful for that. Our care package was a fun "treat" to go through too. Charles's personality?? I can't say enough about her. She is our second dog with our other boy being "not so friendly to other pups BIG dog", Charlie walked in and took his heart along with his toys, but somehow knows how to back off when she needs to. She is smart, loves to please and the most adorable dog we have EVER seen! Apart from out first born boy of course! Thank you Cheryl. We recommend Boxermom to the moon and back! Angela A. Tucson Thank you so much for our beautiful sweet and snuggly little Lily. We are so grateful to have met you and been given the opportunity to adopt her. She is adapting nicely to her new home, but misses her mama, brothers, sisters and of course you! She's got quite the personality. We will keep in touch and share your site with our friends, family and neighbors who are interested in boxer pups. I can't thank you enough for the experience and being so kind and helpful during this whole process. Best of luck to you always. Jill C. Phoenix Follow Us.

The good news is that they eventually should calm down and become the tranquil, loveable doggies we all know and adore although their puppy-fueled energy can be endearing at times. Generally, excess excitement in your French Bulldog will gradually decline over time. Many French Bulldog owners notice their dogs begin to calm around 2 to 3 years of age. But it can take until 4 to 5 years of age for bouts of hyperactivity displayed to end. A common way to calm down dogs with excess energy is to provide them with calming chews every so often. I think this calming chew available at Amazon is one of the best. While that might be bad news for, say, your new slippers or your ability to watch a TV show in peace without being interrupted, it is also a sign of good health. A French Bulldog pup who is running around, getting into trouble, barking up a storm and generally being a pain in the proverbial butt is also a very healthy, happy pup. The truth is, once they do calm down you might long for the days when they had more energy instead of less. Have you ever noticed how much your French bulldog sleeps after a day of excitement and thought to your self, how many hours is my French bulldog sleeping per day? We created a recommended products page which links to every product we personally use for our bulldog. Yes, occasionally you might have one that is a bit more aggressive, but that is a relatively rare occurrence among the breed. That being said, Frenchies are a bit more boisterous as puppies and, as adults, quite a bit more calm than other dog breeds. On the other hand, the occasional French Bulldog is timid and will bark at anything that scares them or agitates them in some way. If your French Bulldog is home all day doing very little they will certainly appear to be hyperactive when you get home because they have tons of pent-up energy waiting to spring forth! Like a child asking hundreds of questions your French Bulldog puppy will, please forgive the term, hound you, until you give them what they seek; attention. French Bulldogs when younger are just like teenagers, full of spunk, back-talk and wanting to assert themselves, behavior that can seem hyperactive but is more a sign of their age than anything else. At least most humans. Both of these situations require two things; love and compassion. With a French Bulldog in its golden years. Here are 5 of them. Exercise can be an easy cure. Mental stimulation- Giving your Frenchie tasks to do, like finding something, learning a new trick, and other forms of mental stimulation are a great way to use up some of their excess energy Training- If you train your dog every day for a set amount of time they will start to calm down commensurate with how much you train them. Change their food. If it is, change it to something more natural and less sugary. Here are some of my favorite Dog and Bulldog Products Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful for your dog and bulldog questions. These are affiliate links, and I am compensated for referring traffic. But in all honesty, these are the exact product that I use or recommend to everyone. Food For Bulldogs: Royal Canin Bulldog was the dog food our breeder recommended for our bulldog with a bit of canned pumpkin added for each meal to give a bit of extra fiber Poo Bags: For poo bags we use Greener Walker poop bags. We have used them for over a year without having a single leak. Also, these bags are made to be friendlier for the environment. They are good for sensitive skin which bulldogs are known to have. I love this dog bed because it has an outer liner which can be replaced if it gets too beat up. To see all our most up-to-date product recommendations , check out this resource that I made for you! When Buster was a pup I would say yes he was hyper as he used to jump up all the time and just found everything you did to be a game, but with some training put in place and buster learning, we soon had him under control. I think I like throwing a ball down the garden more than him these days. Are French Bulldog Puppies Hyper? In fact, the breed is one of the most energetic in its young stages! And who can blame them? French Bulldogs are known for being hyper and energetic, but how long they stay that way can vary. This is due to genetic variation in temperament as well as environmental factors like diet or exercise which may cause them to get more excited than others at different rates overtime periods of years old for instance. However, it will still probably feel like an eternity before you ever catch your little pup calm enough again after all that running around! French bulldogs are usually hyper for about 2 to 3 years, but it can take until 4 or 5 before their excitement fades. Are All French Bulldogs Hyper? No, not all French Bulldogs are hyper. Some have the energy level of a pinata on freedom night! Why Is my Frenchie So Hyper? It may mean they are stimulated from the exercise and mentally it will have an effect. Keep in mind every individual dog is different and will have different needs, so if you have an older dog compared to a pup, then the older dog will probably want a little less exercise than the pup. Destructive Behavior Could destructive Behaviour be classed as hyper activate, I would say so. I have heard of dogs destroying pillows, ripping up bins, and just obliterating the household when being left alone. These are signs that you need to take action on. This behavior could be from what I mentioned above, possibly down to lack of exercise leading to frustration and pent up energy that needs to be released. Although this behavior could be down to lack of exercise it could be something else that is causing this. There might be the possibility that your dog is suffering mentally from a problem called separation anxiety or fear, these can both trigger destructive behavior. This might be the case and I would recommend seeing a vet to determine the issues. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson.This level 4 puzzle requires your dog to complete a series of steps in the correct order to keep discovering more hidden treats! Dog treat puzzles are a great way to reduce boredom and provide mental enrichment for your pup. The MultiPuzzle is perfect for ultra smart dogs that have already mastered levels .Slide the center covers and outer tiles over the compartments to hide the treats. For an extra challenge, put the ridged orange locks in place to secure the green square tiles. Encourage your dog to seek the treats and let the games begin! Between the moveable green tiles, spinning wheel, orange locks, and center sliders, your pup will stay busy working for those treat for a good while! After the treat compartments have been emptied, this durable dog puzzle can be hand washed with warm water and mild soap. Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged. Also when referring to a French bulldog you have to consider that they are part of the brachycephalic breed which means they have a shorter muzzle resulting in more strained breathing and they will find it harder to pant and cool down. So take into consideration not to overexert your Frenchie when introducing more exercise, with each day and introducing the extra exercise you will find the sweet spot, and not only will you have a fitter, healthier dog but this may help you calm down your hyper dog. French bulldogs are very social dogs and do love fuss and attention. If your Frenchie is hyper think about how much time you give them each day, they might feel lonely or not stimulated so maybe a bit of interaction will calm your hyper companion. Direct attention means stopping absolutely everything your doing and putting your pure focus into your Frenchie, turn off all distractions like your phone and tv and have a play together and have a chat, you might sound mad having a conversation with your Frenchie but they are inquisitive little dogs and will take it all in and might even have a little bark back. All of this helps with mental stimulation with your dog and also building a better bond, more understanding, and maybe a better-behaved dog. I would try and give your dog at least 20 to 30 minutes of direct attention each day. In the situation of unwanted behavior, the best solution I have found is to ignore them and give them no attention, Most dogs find that any engagement is a reward to their behavior. When your dog is being hyper, ignore this behavior, wait and monitor until they are calm, as soon as they are, reward with a treat and good praise. Your French Bulldog needs stimulation Another factor if you have a hyper French bulldog is that they are not stimulated. French Bulldogs are inquisitive, intelligent, playful, and sociable dogs so they need stimulation to avoid depression, becoming withdrawn, and possible hyperactivity. You can do this by having plenty of playtime and lots of toys, it might be worth looking into getting some toys that challenge your dog like the puzzle or toys that have treats and food stuffed in the middle, not only does this keep them occupied for a while, they will also use a lot of energy and tire them out so a good bit of exercise. Toys that you can interact with your dog are also great for stimulation like playing fetch with a ball and a tug of war rope, these are great activities for releasing a bit of energy while providing good exercise and some quality interaction and attention. Another great toy option is the interactive range these are a great stimulation and will keep your dog happy for hours, you can fill them with treats and your dog will have to work out how to get the food out they might have to bite, chew, flip, throw in the air or shake the toy to get some food out these are a great source of entertainment for your pooch. Toys will help stimulate and keep your dog very happy, this may result in a less hyper dog and once playtime is over they may calm down and be relaxed for the rest of the day. A new toy might reignite that fire. To combat this you may want to consider getting your Frenchie a friend for some extra company, this may help the situation and calm your hyper dog down. It will also take the worry off you leaving your dog knowing that they are at home with their new best mate and also a new companion and family member to you, So there are two positives to this solution and twice the fun. Conclusion From my personal experience and research, not all French bulldogs are hyper, some are lazy and dislike going for walks or even exercising, but the majority of Frenchies are energetic, playful, and very social dogs. It could be anything from introducing more exercise, more playtime and maybe introducing some more quality time and interaction. Recent Posts. It is more likely that they are not getting the physical, emotional, and social needs regularly. Frenchies that have trouble settling down and being calm could be influenced by many variables, such as breed motivation, shortage of the proper kind of stimulus, or even poor diet. Controlling your hyperactive Frenchie may feel like a full-time task, but there is hope. Having said that, French Bulldogs , as with all dogs, really could have hyperactivity. However, it is significantly over-diagnosed. Hyperactivity, commonly known as hyperkinesis, is a French Bulldog that shows hectic behavior, exceptionally short periods of concentration, impulsive. Individuals may also display obnoxious behavior that wants attention. Like some people who are given Ritalin or such other drugs, Frenchies who are genuinely hyperkinetic appear to be able to benefit from these stimulants. Hyperkinesis What makes a normal, high-energy Frenchie different from a Frenchie that truly is hyper? A French Bulldog with hyperkinesis exhibits unusually short periods of concentration and a greater degree of impulsive behavior, making it difficult for them to concentrate long on one activity. A hyperactive Frenchie is especially prone to abrupt changes in the environment-overreacting to the appearance of an unfamiliar person or object and generally is unable to adapt to the new stimuli. It is also likely that a hyperactive Frenchie will get into everything they see and be quite destructive. When restrained, they may become nearly impossible to manage, and if angered, they can display unpredictable frustration-like behavior. They may even be emotionally fragile. Conversely, a high-energy Frenchie can focus on games or treats very rapidly. And once focused, can stay on task for some time. However, it is a reasonable bet that if your Frenchie is in perpetual motion and is reluctant even at the end of the day to settle, they will likely need some more physical activity than they are currently receiving. A nice stroll, mins in the morning, and then a short stroll in the afternoon is perfect. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Mental Stimulation Mental stimulation is a great way to wear out your French Bulldog without an extensive workout in the backyard or park. Anything as easy as motivating your Frenchie to think creatively and discover different things or training them a cool new trick like rolling over would allow you to concentrate and were off that pent-up energy and frustration. Try dog puzzle toys that usually have a teat in them. It will keep them occupied as they try to think about how they will get that lovely treat. Ignore Your Frenchies Bad Manners In other instances, your Frenchie may be hyper because you have taught them to be so. Acting excitable, jumping up, spinning, and behaving badly is the perfect way to attract your focus. Spend time to interact constructively with your Frenchie when they calm, such as when they are resting quietly in their bed or sitting calmly near you, which will encourage him to do that behavior more frequently. Remember, rewarded behavior is repeated! Recognizing the correct actions of your dog with quiet encouragement and a gentle touch will help him realize that he gets positive affection from you when he settles down. These small changes will yield unexpectedly great results in your everyday interactions with your French Bulldog. Sometimes, a specific stimulation can trigger your Frenchie to leap up, spin around, and act like an excited kid. The trigger for certain dogs could be cold air, rain, and even noises like thunder. Your Frenchie gets stimulated by the excitement and does not know what to do when the hyper behavior appears. For many others, a particular dog or individual passing outside the house. Try to limit your Frenchie to the stimulus that triggers them. Just like eating fast food, our emotional states can change. Giving your Frenchie a diet of poor quality will affect their behavior. Research has shown a connection between hyperactivity and certain dog kibble ingredients, so feeding your Frenchie a good quality food with natural ingredients such as easily recognizable meats and marginal fillers and additives. So is your Frenchie high-energy or one with hyperkinesis? Approximately an hour after the amphetamine is administered, many hyperkinetic dogs may display a significant decrease in the degree of agitation and movement and a noticeable decrease in respiration and heart rate. A French Bulldog without hyperkinesis will have the opposite reaction, with increased excitement, movement, heart rate, and breathing. Several existing health problems can appear as hyperactivity, such as metabolic disease due to liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and neurological disorders. French bulldogs are known as a lazy breed, but some Frenchies just won't stop acting hyper. If your french bulldog constantly runs in circles or barks at your guests , you may want to take steps to help them calm down. Why is your french bulldog acting hyper? Your french bulldog is acting hyper because they need more exercise. Frenchies are a naturally energetic species, and many of them want to spend all day running and playing. If your french bulldog has behavioral issues, they may need the training to help them calm down. French Bulldogs Are Energetic The pet experts at DogTime say that Frenchies have a medium level of energy and a high potential for intensity and playfulness. These dogs love to run around, but they're also likely to wear themselves out and nap for the rest of the day. Every french bulldog is different. Some Frenchies seem like they have an endless amount of energy. Others are lazy and love nothing more than napping on their owner's lap. All french bulldogs like to talk. Although they don't bark as much as other breeds, Frenchies are known for snorting, huffing, and making their opinion known. French bulldogs are often said to have huge personalities in tiny bodies. This can translate to overly social, playful, or inquisitive behavior. If you have a hyper French bulldog, you should realize that their energy levels are completely normal. There's no such thing as a dog that's too playful. However, some Frenchies need to learn to use their energy in a more constructive way. Hyper Might Mean Behavioral Issues If your french bulldog spends all day running in circles, you might be annoyed, but you won't need to correct the behavior. However, many french bulldogs owners say that their dog is "hyper" as a way to describe unwanted behaviors like barking, chewing, or terrorizing other pets in the house. FrenchieWiki notes that many french bulldogs tend not to listen to their owners. A huge personality can result in a stubborn dog who wants to have things their own way. Your dog may prefer to keep causing a ruckus no matter how many times you call their name. Many hyper french bulldogs also bark at or jump on their owner's guests. French bulldogs are small, so some owners aren't sure if this behavior is a problem. All dogs need to learn proper manners so that they can properly socialize with guests. A Frenchie who scares away every potential friend will end up lonely and anxious; in response, they will engage in even more hyperactive behaviors. French bulldogs are highly inquisitive. A french bulldog with too much energy might get into the trash or their owner's possessions. If your Frenchie keeps chewing on your shoes, they definitely need more mental stimulation. Bored dogs like to entertain themselves, and french bulldogs get bored very easily. All of these behaviors are the result of a dog who needs more exercise and more guidance from their owner. Your french bulldog doesn't actually have an endless amount of energy; if you help them burn through it, they will definitely calm down. Your French Bulldog Needs Exercise In almost all cases, a dog with too much energy is a dog that needs more exercise. Frenchies are small pups that are often seen as lapdogs. Although they love cuddling on your lap, french bulldogs also need a regular exercise regimen to keep them healthy and happy. The dog experts at Barkercise note that french bulldogs are often thought to be a lazy species. Frenchies get tired easily. Many french bulldogs will stop playing after around 30 minutes of exercise. French bulldogs have compressed air passages. They don't have an easy time breathing, so they'll get exhausted much more quickly than other dogs. A hyperactive french bulldog will be able to play for longer periods of time, but they'll still become exhausted after a full hour of playtime and human interaction. If your french bulldog is acting hyper, take them for a long walk. Play fetch in the back yard or at the dog park. If it's raining outside, play a game of fetch in the living room with a soft toy. Chase your dog around the house in a game of tag. The goal is to help your Frenchie feel tired and relaxed. Once they have had their fill of exercise, most french bulldogs are happy to obey commands, meet new people, and stay out of the trash. Remember to take a break when you notice that your french bulldog is getting tired. Between breathing problems and potential spinal issues, french bulldogs can pick up health problems if they are allowed to exercise past their limits. Watch your dog's energy levels, and use your best judgment. They want to spend all day with their owners; if they don't get to do this, they might cause a ruckus in a bid for extra attention. Take a moment to think about your daily schedule. You obviously make time to feed your dog and let them outside; you probably also pet them frequently throughout the day. However, you should consider whether you're setting aside time to give your dog direct attention. Direct attention means turning off the television, putting down your phone, and interacting with your dog. Energetic Frenchies might want to chase you around the house. You can also play with a rope, throw a ball, or go for a walk. On the less exhausting side of things, consider just lying on the couch and talking to your dog. French bulldogs love to have conversations; if you listen, they'll be happy to talk back. You should spend at least twenty minutes interacting with your dog every day. Set a timer, and forget about everything but your pup. The result will be better dog behavior and a stronger bond between you and your best friend. Your Frenchie needs to know the proper way to act when guests come over or when you try to get their attention. If you haven't trained them, they will come up with their own answers to these problems. An untrained french bulldog is likely to jump on guests, bark at strange sounds, and act wild or hyper in new situations. In order to correct this behavior, you need to teach your dog how you want them to behave. Cesar Milan recommends that you avoid giving your dog attention when they act hyper. Most dogs see any engagement from their owner as a reward for their most recent behavior. If you shush your dog or call them over whenever they get excited, they will not learn to calm down. Cesar also notes that as the owner, you need to maintain your sense of calm. Your dog looks to you for guidance; if you are stressed, they will mirror that stress in their own way. Ignore your dog when they are acting hyper, but keep an eye on their behavior. As soon as they calm down, reward this behavior with a word of praise or a pat on the head. By rewarding calm behavior and discouraging excited behavior, your dog will quickly learn how you want them to act. Once your Frenchie calms down a little, you may want to take them in for professional training. A dog trainer will be able to address your dog's specific behavioral issues and help you find a long-term solution. This training video by Ty the Dog Guy shows how to help an aggressive or scared french bulldog calm down. Your dog may be hyper for different reasons, but the steps in this video can help you teach them to act the way you'd like. Your french bulldog needs toys that they can play with when they have too much energy. Well-chosen toys will keep your dog entertained throughout the day and give them a good reason to stay out of the trash. Frenchies are small dogs, so choose toys that are a bit on the smaller side. Every dog needs a rope to play tug-of-war, a ball to play fetch, and a plushie to cuddle with. You should also look for toys with interesting materials and textures that your dog would like to interact with. Find a good chewing toy for your french bulldog. Some dogs like rawhide stripes or bones from the local deli. Almost all bulldogs, including Frenchies, love to chew on antlers; you can usually buy these at your local pet store. A rubber chew toy may also be a great option. Interactive dog toys are intended to give your dog an extra level of stimulation. Treat dispensers will release pieces of kibble whenever your dog flips, rocks, or shakes the toy. Treat dispensers can keep your dog entertained for a significant amount of time. Hidden plushie toys are another great interactive dog toy. These toys feature several small stuffed animals stuffed within a larger plush toy. When your dog tries to pull the toy apart, they'll find other toys hidden inside. Toys will help your Frenchie channel their hyper behavior into something constructive. You can never have too many dog toys. Buy fresh ones when your dog's old toys become worn out; you can also surprise them with new toys if they've been especially good lately. Your French Bulldog Might Need a Friend French bulldogs become hyper and anxious when they don't get enough exercise or attention. As their owner, you may be too busy to continually give them the attention they need. In some cases, the solution might be to get a second dog. The dog breeders at French Bulldog Breed believe that another dog can help keep your french bulldog busy while you're at work or at school. Another dog will act as a canine role model and teach your Frenchie the right way to act. Getting a companion dog may not be the right choice for some french bulldogs. Some Frenchies are jealous of their owner's attention; if the other dog does not mesh with their personality, you could end up with a canine conflict in your home. Many owners who decide to get a companion dog for their french bulldog often choose another Frenchie. French bulldogs all have the same habits and needs, so they tend to get along with each other extremely well. Always consider the situation carefully before bringing a second dog into your home. If your french bulldog is perpetually lonely, bored, and misbehaving, a friend might be exactly the extra stimulation that they are looking for. Tired Frenchies Are Happy Frenchies In general, a hyper french bulldog is not getting nearly enough physical and mental stimulation. They may be acting up because they feel excited, restless, or anxious. Exercise is usually the right solution, but other forms of stimulation can work as well. Direct attention, extra playtime, more toys, and even another dog can all help your Frenchie calm down. Your main takeaway should be that tired french bulldogs have an easier time doing what they're told. If your dog hasn't gone for a run in a week, they will be thinking about nothing but exercise until they get a chance to let that energy out. Exercise your Frenchie until they feel more relaxed. Then, use training methods to communicate the calm behaviors that you would like them to display. Remember that calming your french bulldog isn't just for your comfort; a mellow attitude is important for your Frenchie's social success. A calm and composed dog will be able to make friends and enjoy a variety of new social situations. Adopt the same calm attitude that you want your dog to have. If the two of you work together, you can help your french bulldog act less hyper so that you can enjoy more activities together. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Are French Bulldogs Hyper? There are a number of reasons your adorable fur baby is full of energy, and there is a number of tricks for getting it to calm down. Are French Bulldogs Hyper as Puppies? But, as with any other puppy, French Bulldogs are quite hyperactive when they are young. Not many! Frenchies are no exception, even though they have less energy than many other breeds. Puppies who are new to the world have lots to see and learn. They are active and full of curiosity. For the first year or so, it might seem like your new puppy is really trying to test the limits. There are several reasons this may be. They need stimulation through human and other animal interactions, toys, and some exercise. It wants attention French Bulldogs were bred to be companions , and they thrive off of attention. However, we all know life can get busy for humans, and finding time for additional tasks can feel impossible sometimes. As you make time to feed your Frenchie and take it outside for potty breaks, know that quality time is just as important. Pencil in some time each day to give your pup your undivided attention by going on a short walk, throwing a ball, or snuggling up. This really can make all the difference for them! However, short walks a day and playtime indoors are needed in order to get their energy out. When dogs are put into an exciting situation, they often show their emotions through a burst of energy. If you think about it, Frenchies have to find a way to communicate with their human. Sometimes this may mean they make a song and dance to let you know they need food. Remember when we said when Frenchies enter the world, their exuberant and curious? It needs a friend. As mentioned, two needs of your French Bulldog are exercise and attention. This mate could be another dog or another human. If you think another fur child is in the cards, you could look into giving your Frenchie a sibling. You could first see how your Frenchie does with other dogs and you could look into having the two pooches meet once you find a potential new dog. What about another human companion? You could look into a dog walker or sitter to give your Frenchie another person to get love and attention from. Apps such as Rover and Wag provide the convenience of finding someone for this job in your area. Ways to calm a Frenchie down: Exercise French Bulldogs should not go on very long walks because of their disposition to breathing issues, but short walks and play sessions can work wonders for a hyperactive dog. Not only does exercise keep their energy at an appropriate level, but it provides health benefits such as a reduced risk of obesity, healthy joints, and proper bowel functions. Create Routine You may find that, in many ways, dogs are like humans. Having a routine to provide comfort is one of those similarities. How about a simple routine like this? Morning: potty break, breakfast, walk During the Day: lounge and gnaw on bones Afternoon: walk and play a game of fetch Evening: cuddle with humans, eat dinner, potty break Show Calmness A lot of times, dogs respond to the vibe of the environment and people around them. If you are laid-back, your dog will feel this energy and alter theirs accordingly. Provide Toys and Puzzles Frenchies are quite easy to please, and usually, a few toys will get them to lie down and be entertained for a while. Some mental stimulation from time to time is great for fostering critical thinking skills as well. Pin 0 Shares Owning a French Bulldog comes with a high level of commitment. You are bound to have seen all of those funny videos online of French Bulldogs acting all hyper and destructive, especially as puppies. Are French bulldogs hyper? French Bulldogs can be very hyperactive as puppies and sometimes into adulthood too. They require a lot of stimulation and exercise in order to curb destructive behavior. Whilst they do sleep a lot, when awake they will require a lot of attention from their owners. Our own personal experience We brought Claude home when he was around 9 weeks of age which is just around the right time to take a Frenchie puppy from his mother. Whilst we thought we knew what we were letting ourselves in for, nothing really prepared us for how high energy this breed can be. Continue reading to see what we learned about owning a hyper destructive Frenchie puppy. In the rest of this guide I am going to explain how we got on, what we learned, when our Frenchie finally calmed down, and particularly how destructive French Bulldogs can be without the right care and attention. How hyper are French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are a hyperactive breed and will run and run until they can run no more. They love to play and will act like clowns even until their adult life. In the first few months of owning Claude meant we were constantly on our toes and having to put things out of reach that he wanted to chew and destroy. I would say that the puppy phase is without doubt the most hyperactive and destructive phase. Below you can see some examples of what we had to put up with and how we learned to cope with in the first few months of ownership. Are French Bulldogs hyper as puppies? Oh yes, French Bulldogs are hyper as puppies. During the puppy phase expect to have to deal with a lot of high energy and destructive habits. Their senses are developing, the world is a great big adventure, and they will be testing their own limits… and yours! However, there is such thing as hyperactivity in dogs which is medically known as hyperkinesis. Frenchies who display over hyper behavior, are frenetic, have short attention spans and act on impulse can be given medication. Your Frenchie could be hyper due to a mix of their genes, training, and how well they were socialised. After all, many Frenchies are extremely excitable. This is what to expect from the majority of Frenchies though — all of which is perfectly normal: 1. With Claude it would start by him running really fast down the corridor on the top floor in our house between rooms. He would also do it in out lounge by running around in circles, jumping up and down onto the couches at super speed. He actually hurt himself a few times doing this, so you need to puppy proof your environment where possible. French Bulldog owners have their own name for this hyper behavior; the Frenchie s. He would do it when anyone came into our house and also outdoors when being taken for a walk. There was one walk I took him on when he jumped up at a toddler and pushed the kid down due to being too hyperactive. That incident led me to working on this habit with some intensive training. You can see how I stopped him jumping up in this guide. Claude knew that once he was on his leash it meant he was off to the the local park for some excitement. However, having to walk with a Frenchie that would pull on his lead constantly did become very tiresome. We would also have problems where we could not get him to come back to us when it was time to go home. Claude would pull and strain at his leash for quite a few months until he was trained correctly. We ended up taking Claude to puppy socialisation classes which let him learn how to behave when being walked, despite the presence of other hyperactive puppies and people. I recommend that you take your hyperactive French Bulldog puppy to socialisation classes near you. This will help you to train them for not just leash walks, but also recall once they are off the lead. Are French Bulldogs destructive? As well as the hyperactive nature of a Frenchie puppy, you also need to be prepared for how destructive French Bulldogs can be. French Bulldogs are destructive when they are younger, and without training and care will continue these traits into later life. This breed needs a loving home to grow up. If you do leave them alone for long periods of time, especially when puppies, then you will see destructive habits that can be hard to break. Biting and chewing French Bulldogs puppies are big chewers, make no mistake! The puppies use their mouths to taste and test out everything they come across. This is what the end of our dining room table looked like after being chewed by our hyper destructive French Bulldog puppy. During this phase I recommend you invest in chewing and teething toys. I have put together a short list of the teething toys we used with Claude. The good news is that your French Bulldog puppy should stop the chewing behavior at around 8 months of age. For more advice on how to curb biting and chewing which is the main complaint new owners have about French Bulldogs being destructive, please read these guides: How to stop a Frenchie from chewing 2. Digging up your yard or garden French Bulldogs also love to dig. When we got Claude, I had only recently re-done our garden lawn and had to constantly chase him off the grass to stop him digging holes. One way you can stop your Frenchie puppy destructively digging up the lawn is by giving them something else to distract their attention. The reason Frenchies dig are wide ranging, including: They have an urge to escape and explore. They dig to find critters and interesting smells. They will occasionally dig when they are bored. They might even want to eat the dirt. They will also dig when they are anxious. I ended up building a small fenced off area to prevent this destructive behavior. If you want to read more tips on why they dig and how to stop it, read my guide to Frenchie digging. Peeing on the floor indoors Another piece of destructive behavior you need to be prepared for is the toilet training aspect. French Bulldog puppies will pee and poop on the floor in your house for often as old as 8 months. We developed a potty training guide which contains all the information you need to cope with this. Crying when left alone One of the harder aspects to cope with is how much attention Frenchie puppies need from you. They have been taken from their mothers and siblings, so of course, will want to get that reassurance and comfort from you. I can only compare it having a baby. If left alone for even short periods of time, your French Bulldog with exhibit destructive behavior such as chewing and sometimes even eating their own poop. French Bulldog separation anxiety is an actual thing click that link for advice on how to manage it. Are French Bulldogs high energy as adults? The good news is that things will get better providing you have socialized and trained the puppy as best you can. We also found that once Claude had been neutered at 8 months of age , he got a lot better and the hyper high energy reduced dramatically. Do French Bulldogs ever calm down? Yes, French Bulldogs do calm down eventually. The high energy behavior will reduce as they approach adulthood. Frenchies that are neutered or spayed between 4 and 9 months will also start to calm down and exbibit less high energy behavioural patterns. We learned that whilst French Bulldogs will sleep for 12 hours a day you can see the sleeping schedule in the graphic below , when they are awake they need lot of activity. French Bulldogs are high energy when they are awake so make the most of the time in the day when they will be sleeping — which is a lot as you can see here. We take Claude for two walks a day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon for around 25 to 30 minutes each time. My son also has a laser pen and plays with Claude in the kitchen with that to further wear him out. By doing so, our Frenchie is still hyper, but at the right moments and in the right way. One way you can do that is to make sure they have plenty of toys and fun things to do. Check out this list of Frenchie play accessories for more information. Want more advice on YouTube? There is a huge amount of advice on the French Bulldog Owner website about how to care for your dog from puppy through to adulthood. But if you want to see actual real video footage, I would recommend subscribing to our YouTube channel as we release weekly updates and episodes. Conclusion To conclude, French Bulldogs are hyperactive. French Bulldogs are destructive. However, the majority of this behavior will be curbed as they grow older providing you train and exercise your dog as you should do. Our own Frenchie did calm down eventually as he grew older. Owning a French Bulldog is a privilege, not a right. There are pros and cons to owning this breed so before you decide to buy, make sure a Frenchie is right for you: read the pros and cons to owning a Frenchie here. A sad and unhappy Frenchie will be a destructive one. If you have any concerns that your Frenchie could be depressed, read this guide to the signs of depression. Her guardian called us to schedule a puppy behavior training session to stop her from getting over excited, barking, biting and pulling on the leash. To say that Gracie was excited would be a bit of an understatement, lol. She jumped up, barked, and ran about as she had real difficulty controlling herself. I sat down with Gracie and her guardian to discuss the problems she wanted to work on. The priority was to teach a puppy to calm down, stop barking, stop biting and some leash training. I was hoping that Gracie would calm down enough to work with but after about ten minutes it became clear that we needed to drain excess energy before we could effectively do any puppy training. I strapped on a pair of roller blades and spent 20 minutes dog skiing with Gracie to burn excess puppy energy. Once she stopped pulling on the harness, we finished our last lap and headed back to her home. I made a number of suggestions to help the puppy start to see and identify as being in a follower position. Its not unusual for puppies to push the boundaries to test the resolve of their guardians and learn where the rules, boundaries and limits lie. I stressed that its important for her guardian to correct or reward the puppy within 3 seconds for her to understand what her guardian is saying. I also showed her how to pet Gracie with a purpose and use passive training to reward her for desired actions and behaviors. Gracie responded really well to the positive puppy training techniques and exercises. This is why I only use positive dog training. This way, the human and dog are all on the same page. Share this:. Are French bulldogs High Energy and Destructive? Yes, they are. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, but they have a reputation for being high energy and destructive. Is this reputation deserved or is it just an unfair stigma? French Bulldogs can be a handful as puppies and adult dogs too. They require plenty of exertion and attention to channel their excess energy into exciting play or other more appropriate gaits. How Hyper Are French bulldogs? French bulldogs resemble miniature bears to look at. They are also a very energetic breed and love to play more than they do anything else. You must be ever-vigilant because, by nature, these dogs will chew on or tear up everything from your shoes to the floors around you. French bulldogs require a lot of attention and care. Between the ages of 2 weeks to 6 months, the French bulldog is going to be teething, inquisitive, and prone to being rowdy. They need attention all through this phase but especially when they are most vulnerable as a puppy: during their first 12 months. The lifespan of a French bulldog is between ten and fifteen years. One way to solve this problem is by redirecting their energy in the right direction. This is what can lead people who own French Bulldogs to giving these dogs rawhide chew toys. In fact, some might consider them lazy dogs by nature but one thing is for sure — this breed can never be accused of being too mellow because their desire to play at any given moment is incredibly strong. The French bulldog still has plenty of personalities and that means you will always have to remind yourself not to let go of earplugs or eye goggles before your precious pooch gets the chance to use them as toys. Watch them carefully as they approach and look to see if they are trying to tell you something. You may have been gone for a while and they might just be saying hello. If this is the case, pet them gently in response but try to keep calm. In general, walking simply means taking your dog out for short trail walks one hour every day should be enough. Note that French bulldogs also enjoy rigorous exercise: if your Fido is out-of-shape, you can add bursts of running into their schedule. This will build endurance and flush anti-social behavior from their system! Keep Their Nose Busy French bulldogs have a heightened sense of smell so to help their hyperactive nature there is a simple solution. Put scents such as vanilla and lavender around them, preferably near where they sleep. There are many other ways to cure hyperactivity in dogs, like arranging a snuffle bowl for them. This bowl will not only keep their nose busy but also protect them from doing destructive behavior. However, you need to train them to stay quiet when you command them to. Repeat this several times until your French bulldog recognizes what word means that their voice should be quieter. Conclusion As mentioned, French Bulldogs are a high-energy breed. They need at least minutes of exercise per day. However, some dogs will be content with a walk in the morning and a walk in the evening. French Bulldogs are very intelligent dogs, so they can be trained and learn tricks easily if you have the time. You are bound to have seen all of those funny videos online of French Bulldogs acting all hyper and destructive, especially as puppies. Are French bulldogs hyper? French Bulldogs can be very hyperactive as puppies and sometimes into adulthood too. They require a lot of stimulation and exercise in order to curb destructive behavior. Whilst they do sleep a lot, when awake they will require a lot of attention from their owners. Our Own Personal Experience We brought our first Frenchie home when he was around 9 weeks of age which is just about time to take a Frenchie puppy from his mother. Whilst we thought we knew what we were letting ourselves in for, nothing really prepared us for how high energy this breed can be. How Hyper are French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are a hyperactive breed and will run and run until they can run no more. They love to play and will act like clowns even until their adult life. In the first few months of owning our puppy meant we were constantly on our toes and having to put things out of reach that he wanted to chew and destroy. I would say that the puppy phase is, without doubt, the most hyperactive and destructive phase. Below you can see some examples of what we had to put up with and how we learned to cope within the first few months of ownership. Are French Bulldogs Hyper as puppies? Oh yes, French Bulldogs are hyper as puppies. During the puppy phase expect to have to deal with a lot of high energy and destructive habits. Their senses are developing, the world is a great big adventure, and they will be testing their own limits… and yours! However, there is such thing as hyperactivity in dogs which is medically known as hyperkinesis. Frenchies who display over-hyper behavior, are frenetic, have short attention spans and act on impulse can be given medication. Your Frenchie could be hyper due to a mix of their genes, training, and how well they were socialized. After all, many Frenchies are extremely excitable. Search for:.

What is Elbow Dysplasia? The condition eventually causes pain whenever the forelimb is moved and may eventually cause arthritis. Trauma to the elbow joint can also lead to changes within the elbow that mimic elbow dysplasia, but this disease results from genetic factors that cause abnormalities in joint formation, not trauma. Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia: Dogs who have elbow dysplasia may show signs of the disease by suffering from mild to moderate pain and lameness in their forelimbs as early as four months old or they may not have any symptoms until later in their life. Even though the disease can manifest at any age, it is commonly diagnosed when dogs are around two years old. Dog owners frequently take the dog to the vet complaining of stiffness in the front legs but both elbow joints are usually affected. How soon a dog will show symptoms is related to how severe the abnormality in the joint is. Dogs eventually develop arthritis inflammation in the joint from years of the parts of the joint rubbing against each other. On physical examination the vet may find pain when the elbow is manipulated. There may also be swelling, crepitus a crunching noise and a decrease in the range of motion the dog has. There are different types of elbow dysplasia and the vet may order a CT scan to identify which type of elbow dysplasia the dog has. In addition, arthroscopy surgery or open joint surgery is considered the best way to determine the extent of the damage in the joint. If arthritis has already set in it is more difficult to know how beneficial this surgery will be. Arthroscopic surgery surgically inserting a scope -is considered the best option for cases that are good candidates for surgical intervention. Open joint surgery — may also be the best option for some cases. Board-certified veterinary surgeons are advisable for the surgical diagnosis and treatment of all forms of elbow dysplasia. Elbow replacement surgery — is currently being researched, but still unavailable. Non-Surgical Options: We can manage pain by treating dogs with pain relieving drugs and glucosamine and fatty acid supplements. However, due to the discomfort and debilitation a dog suffers from this disease, some dogs may have increased lameness and even a decreased lifespan. Prevention: The best way to prevent elbow dysplasia is to prevent it from occurring by not breeding dogs can pass it to future generations. Inherited genetic diseases are something that develops when the gene pool becomes small enough to be forced to breed dogs with less than exceptional health. A study has concluded that elbow dysplasia cases had a 0. While this is a low percentage of dogs affected compared to hip dysplasia, German shepherds were found to be a high-risk breed. Canine degenerative myelopathy is another progressive neurological disorder that GSDs are prone to. While thirty-five percent of German shepherds are carriers of the DM gene mutation, the percentage of dogs that are affected by the mutation is much lower. Unwelcome gene mutations can also have serious consequences on the muscle tone of a German shepherd, resulting in front leg problems. The two most common conditions are muscle dystrophy and atrophy. Yet another neurological disease that exhibits symptoms consistent with front leg problems is Cervical spondylomyelopathy, commonly known as Wobbler syndrome. Although German shepherds are not known for being susceptible to it, it can still occur in GSD puppies. Dog limbs can be affected by tumors as well. Progressive leg paralysis due to masses pressing on the peripheral spinal nerves can be asymptomatic for a while, and then suddenly cause complete loss of sensation and ability to walk once the tumor has done serious damage. Other possible causes of German shepherd front leg problems include injury to any part of the foot or leg, or insect bites. Since these are the most common conditions, we can start off with them. Here are some tips on how to treat a limping dog at home in case of mild injury. Trauma And Insect Bites Front legs problems can be caused by something as simple as a toenail injury. Running and slippery surfaces are often behind a broken nail, which can cause your German shepherd to limp or have an irregular gait due to the nail separating from the quick. It is not uncommon for dogs to step on an insect and get stung or bitten on the paw pads. This can be subsumed under the injury category, since the damage caused to soft tissue can become infected, and spread across the many structural parts of the front legs. Car accidents take up a large portion of trauma-caused front legs problems in GSDs. Broken bones, torn tendons or ligaments, and nerve damage can all have clinical signs that manifest themselves through limping, difficulty moving, chronic pain, or arthritis. Although osteoarthritis is usually a secondary condition that occurs due to bone tissue damage, a German shepherd will be in a lot of pain because of it. Muscular Problems Similar clinical signs affecting the front legs can also originate from a muscular problem, such as dystrophy or atrophy. While these are most frequently associated with defective genes on the X chromosome. Male German shepherds are more likely to have this mutation due to a singular copy of the X chromosome from the parents. A faulty version of the dystrophin protein that causes leakage of internal cell content does not allow proper development and function of muscles. Without enough muscle mass, a dog will not be able to move their joints properly. The condition gets progressively worse with a GSDs age, until the muscles become completely atrophic. This essentially means there are no muscle fibers to support normal body function, which makes the GSD look skinny. .Keeping the muscle mass at a good level can be hard with dystrophy, but we might have just the guide for you on how to build muscle on a German shepherd dog. Cervical Spondylomyelopathy Wobbler syndrome is caused by pressure on the nerves in the neck cervical section of the spine caused by spine compression. It generally affects large breeds like German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and giant dog breeds, such as Great Danes. The combination of these clinical signs often leads to toenail and feet injuries due to the lack of sensation in the limbs. Broken toenails, knuckling, and callous skin are all common secondary signs of Wobbler syndrome. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy One of the most debilitating diseases in dogs is degenerative myelopathy. The onset of symptoms usually occurs in German shepherds aged eight or older. It carries a bad prognosis, which means there is no treatment for the condition itself. German shepherds are a high risk group for CDM. Though it is mainly a congenital disease, environmental factors can increase the predisposition of a GSD to develop the genetic mutation. Incomplete diets that do not provide all the required nutrients can increase the chance of genetic disorders, so consider putting your German shepherd on a raw diet. If you think raw food diets are controversial, read this article and decide for yourself. Since it targets the spinal cord, the degeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system leads to incoordination of the hind limbs. The symptoms are very similar to hip dysplasia, but the progression of clinical signs onto the front limbs delineates it from HD. Other symptoms are irregular gait, loss of muscle mass, poor balance while standing, limb paralysis, and urinary and bowel incontinence in the later stages of the disease. Physical rehabilitation and a specific diet can slow down the progression, but there is no cure. Elbow Dysplasia Joint diseases, such as dysplasia, are most commonly congenital, but trauma can be the underlying cause, too. The congenital variant is characterized by abnormal anatomy of the elbow joint that causes bone tissue damage, and ultimately arthritis. The long bones of a German shepherds front legs need to perfectly fit into the adjacent structures tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones for full anatomical function. With developmental problems, some of those parts do not fully mature. An imperfect fit between those parts of the front leg will have odd ranges of motion that interfere with adjacent structures, causing tissue damage. Compromised and broken blood vessels lead to the development of arthritis, which can be extremely painful for a dog. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs are regularly prescribed for alleviating arthritis pain, but there are some effective home remedies for dog joint pain you can try out. Clinical signs include trouble standing and moving, low exercise tolerance, irregular gait, inability to stand up, etc. Although there are surgical procedures that can treat elbow dysplasia to a degree, they are quite complex and expensive. Keep in mind that obesity increases the risk of elbow dysplasia. Keep your dog fit and healthy with a proper diet and regular exercise. If you are wondering how heavy your dog should be, we have the answer for you. Depending on the location of the tumor, either front or back limbs might become paralyzed. It is not uncommon for dogs to exhibit symptoms consistent with degenerative myelopathy, or elbow dysplasia, making early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms will often come and go, as the mass can shrink and expand. Sudden onset of symptoms typically happens when the tumor is positioned so that it puts the biggest amount of pressure on the nerves, but subside once the dog changes its body position. The most frequent clinical signs are limping, partial or full leg paralysis, irregular gait, feet dragging, etc. Taking immediate action after spotting any of these signs can save your dogs life, so do not delay that visit to the vet. Conclusion German shepherd front legs problems can point to something as simple as a bee sting, or as serious as degenerative myelopathy. While taking a stinger out and calling it a day is a simple fix, the proposition of being unable to help your dog with a debilitating disease can be devastating. Never assume it is nothing serious with such serious symptoms. I hope you and your GSD will never have to worry about any of these conditions. German Shepherds are not only excellent companion dogs, but also very competent working dogs. They excel in being guide dogs, police dogs, tracking dogs, to name just a few. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the U. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health problems, some of these problems are common among large breed dogs. German Shepherd Health Problems Related to the Joints As a large breed dog, the German Shepherd has several health problems that affect their joints, such as: Hip Dysplasia: A dog with hip dysplasia has a deformed hip joint. In many cases, the hip socket is too shallow to fully and firmly hold the ball-shaped thighbone. Sometimes, it also means that the muscles, ligament, and connective tissue surrounding the joint may not be strong enough to hold the "ball and socket" together. Hip dysplasia in dogs can cause a lot of pain and inflammation in the affected hip joint, and the dog will have problem walking and getting up with ease. Visit our article on Hip Dysplasia in Dogs for more information on this joint problem in dogs. Elbow Dysplasia: Osteochondritis of the elbow elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease but may also be caused by poor nutrition or injury. This problem is characterized by the elbow joints of the front legs being malformed, due probably to different growth rates of the three bones making up the elbow. Dogs with this condition usually display an obvious limp - they may hold the leg out from the body while walking, or even attempt to carry the front leg completely, putting no weight on it at all. Signs may be noted as early as four months of age. Elbow dysplasia is a lifelong problem, although some dogs can be helped with surgery which, in some cases, can eliminate the problem totally. Panosteitis: Panosteitis also known as "long bone disease," or "pano" is a health condition that commonly affects German Shepherd dogs who are still growing. It causes sudden lameness which is a result of excessive bone production on the long bones of the front and hind legs, causing inflammation. It is most commonly seen in dogs between the ages of five to 12 months. Usually a dog affected by this condition will grow out of the problem by 18 months old, but it is painful. Puppies on a high-protein diet are prone to pano, because this kind of diet makes the puppy grow too fast. German Shepherd Health Problems Related to the Nervous System These two German Shepherd health problems are connected with the nervous system, and can cause a lot of hardship to the dog: Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is one of the most common German Shepherd health problems. The age at onset is 5 to 14 years. DM is an autoimmune disease in which the dog's own immune system attacks his central nervous system. As a result, the dog suffers from progressive neural tissue damage. At its early stage, the dog's hind limbs will be affected - the muscles will be weakened and you can notice a loss of coordination in the hind limbs. As the disease progresses, the dog may also display symptoms such as incontinence, has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking, and eventual paralysis. The treatment of DM involves exercise, dietary supplementation, medication, and other supportive measures. Bloating in dogs could be life-threatening and prone veterinary attention is needed. If your GSD is prone to this problem, be sure to read our article on dog bloating for more information. Perianal Fistulas: Perianal fistulas are chronic and progressive lesions that occur around the anus in dogs. Perianal fistulas most commonly occur in middle-aged years old male dogs, but can occur in dogs as young as 1 year and as old as 14 years. The exact cause of this condition is unclear. It is believed that inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous glands in and around the anus causes infection. As a result, abscesses form, open, and then drain. Dogs with tails that set low and carried close to the body e. German Shepherds are prone to these fistulas because air does not circulate under the tail, making it an excellent environment for bacteria to multiply. Symptoms of this condition include constant chewing or licking of the perianal area, and scooting across the floor. Other symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, or bloodly stool. Ulcers and bleeding may be seen around the anal area, as well as foul-smelling discharge. Therefore, excessive bleeding is a hallmark symptom of this disease, which afflicts German Shepherds quite often. Dogs affected by this disease are more likely to have excessive bleeding episodes upon injury. The dog may also develop nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums. Some dogs may have internal organ bleeding e. FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this page, I may receive a small commission, at no added cost to you. It greatly helps dogs with epilepsy. Furminator De-shedding Tool German Shepherds have dense coats that shed throughout the year, with increased shedding once or twice a year. This excellent tool helps to control shedding by removing not cutting the loose and dead undercoat hair that is the underlying source of shedding. The stainless steel edge grabs and removes the loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat. Highly recommended! One thing he does that troubles me, actually gives me a weird feeling is.Because then he will go and try to bite my lower leg, feet. He's never growling or barking, so I'm assuming it's his form of play, but I must say I really don't like it. Especially since he is getting bigger, stronger and I'm a small statured female. It does seem to be worse when it is time for my monthly cycle, so in thinking this, I do plan on having him neutered next month. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Also, how do I get him not go wild and unruly when he's around the kids in the family.Thank you for any assistance. Debbie Total German Shepherd: Hey Debbie, For one thing, your boy mounting your leg is based on hormones - and your 5 month old male is full of them right now. And for another thing is may be a dominance issue. So getting him fixed may help this - at least the hormone level issue - however it may not completely erase this behavior - if it has become a habit. So for this issue and the fact that he gets wound up when the kids are around, well, training is the main thing you both need. For him so he'll learn what to or not to do , and for you so you'll know how to teach him what to do or not. Do yourself a favor, and sign you both up for a puppy class if you absolutely can - it'll be the best money you ever spent. Plus, it's great for socialization too! But if you can't, then check out training videos online or on TV to learn to practice with your boy because now is the perfect time. So do yourself a favor and him too and get the training going asap to save your relationship. Bowed legs in dogs are an abnormality that is noticed when a leg grows curved or bowed instead of appearing straight as it normally should. This type of abnormality is most likely to be seen in young, growing due to problems in their development, but can also be seen as an aftermath to traumatic injuries sometimes even in older dogs. Canine leg deformities come in their shapes and sizes. One of the most common ones is bow legs—a condition that is common among French bulldogs, Corgis, and Dachshunds. In simple terms, bowing out is a leg deformity that causes the legs to appear curved or bowed out rather than straight. It is mostly a puppy problem but adult dogs can also suffer from it. Bow legs present in different ways. In the front legs, one limb can grow faster than the other compromising its shape. Other times, inverted growth of the leg bones leads to bow legs as well. Most bow-legged canines have curved front legs but you can also find some with bowed hind legs as well. Breeders tend to think that bowing of the legs is genetic, but except for the genetics built in these breeds to grow fast, genetics is seldom the cause. Fast-growing puppies, especially the heavy breeds, have considerable pressure on the long bones of the legs while they are growing. The scaffolding of protein and cartilage is laid down at the growth plate and that frame work is soft and will bow to pressure. Behind that frame, calcium and phosphorus with other minor minerals use vitamins to make solid bone. Vitamin D gets calcium and phosphorus from the gut into the body, and Vitamin C gets calcium and phosphorus into the bone. If the diet is short on any of these needed vitamins, minor minerals, calcium or phosphorus, the puppy is slow to calcify while the frame is still being built; soft bones are the result. Often the breeder reports that the legs look okay in the morning, but by the end of the day, they can see bowing on the front legs. The pressure of romping and jumping all day causes the long bone to bow. Early Detection and Prevention is Key The problem with bowed legs is that your baby is growing faster than your diet is allowing. Put on adult diet not puppy food and wean. Some large breeds are still nursing at this five to 12 week stage, and milk is all calcium! A maintenance diet or giant breed diet will not push growth. Limit the protein and slow the scaffolding growth slightly until we catch up. Limit exercise until bone is hardened as you want the bone to heal straight, not crooked. Pressure from romping and running bows the long bone while soft. Usually one week does it. Fast Growth A puppy is meant to grow gradually to give her bones and cartilage enough time to develop. When the process is hurried, the fast-growing body may exert too much pressure on the limbs causing leg deformities. This is especially true for heavy breeds. Essentially, the cartilage and protein of the bone are framed at the growth plate. This happens to be a very soft area that can succumb to pressure easily. As the young dog puts on weight in her body, it may exceed the limit of the growth plate resulting in curved or brandy legs. Nutrition Deficiencies Like in humans, bones rely on certain vitamins and minerals to develop optimally. These include calcium and phosphorous among others. A growing puppy needs a lot of vitamin C and vitamin D to create solid bone and teeth. His diet must have the vitamins and minerals in sufficient quantities. If it is lacking in any of them, soft bones are inevitable. Injury A growing puppy has until around 12 — 18 months before her growth plates close up. Right about this age, the soft cartilage that once formed the bone mineralizes and hardens into solid bone. In the sad event that she gets an injury before the plate matures and becomes hard, some of the cells may stop growing. In the end, the leg will appear uneven and bow-legged. Accidents can occur if the puppy is dropped from a high place or gets knocked by a moving car or bike. Genetics Although rare, genetics can be a cause for bowed legs among dogs. These genes can be passed down from generation to generation. Symptoms of Bow Legs Bow legs in dogs start presenting as early as 5 and as late as 12 weeks of age. This is the period most dogs go through the first growth stage. The symptoms can appear suddenly. The puppy can be okay in the morning just to see her with bowing later on in the day. Some of the symptoms of this condition include the following: Limited movement.

Gap in birth The overall Labrador gestation period is from 58 to 64 days. You will notice when your Labrador is ready to give birth by watching for common signs such as a lack of appetite and a rigid abdomen. You might find them crying; it may be due to the labor pain. How many puppies does a Labrador have in their first litter? After their first litter, they will have on average between 6 to 10 puppies. Labrador Litter Size The average Lab litter size can range between 1 to 12 puppies depending on the health, age, and size of the dog. The size of a litter is different for different breeds; large breeds give birth to more puppies than small ones. Litter size depends on the size, diet, and age of the Labrador, the litter size may increase or decrease. You should also know about the Labrador heat cycle. The biggest litter recorded in the Labrador breed was the birth of 14 puppies. What factors affect the litter size in Labradors? Litter size is not a fixed thing, but it changes depending on different factors. The very first litter of the female Labrador is mostly tiny as compared to the other litter. If the female is under 7 years, there are chances of a small litter. While on the other hand, sometimes breeding Labrador before 5 years can result in a large litter size in puppies. Even labs that give birth between 2 to 5 years of age get large litters. Older Labradors produce less sperm than young male labs; this may affect the litter size in terms of puppies. However, the male Labrador that is 5 years old has an abundance of quality sperm, which contributes to a healthy and large litter. This is why it is highly recommended to allow breeding when both the male and female Labradors are 5 years old. The health of the Labradors Health plays an important role when it comes to litter size. In short, both of the Labradors should be healthy in order to maximize the overall number of puppies. As a dog parent, if you want your female lab to give birth to the maximum amount of puppies. Providing the best quality supplements to both male and female Labradors is really going to help in increasing litter size. Diet A female Labrador with a poor diet is never going to give birth to the required number of puppies. If you expect a large litter size from your Labrador, you should first provide her with the best quality food throughout the year, not just in the breeding season. Providing the best quality and suitable quantity of food is going to improve the fertility of your female Labrador. We are not talking about providing a bunch of supplements but a balanced diet to produce a large litter. Gene pool As mentioned above, it is not all about the female Labrador. Still, male Labradors somehow plays a role in litter size. Fertility is the only factor that is affected by the gene pool. Other than this, traits are primarily hereditary. Sometimes, the color, size, and eye colors are not affected by the gene pool, but all of these are hereditary. Gap in birth Last but not least, the gap between the birth seasons also affects the litter size of the female Labrador. You cannot expect the same large litter two years later. Consult a vet when you are planning to breed your Labrador. As such, they are recognized experts in facts and figures for many breeds of dogs. According to their data, most labrador litters contain between five and ten puppies, with the average being seven. In comparison to all dog breeds, Labradors are right in the middle. The average size of a litter of puppies, in general, is five or six dogs. The largest known litter of labradors ever recorded was 14 puppies , born to a black labrador in the United Kingdom in .Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! In short, probably not. Your vet can confirm pregnancy, give an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is, and give you an approximate due date. Humans and canines alike know the excitement of a first pregnancy. When it comes to labradors, this can also impact the size of the litter. Biological and evolutionary factors come into play and make first litters smaller. Expect one or two additional puppies from her first two. After the fourth pregnancy, the litter size tends to taper off. In addition to whether or not it is her first litter, the age of the mother labrador also affects the size of the litter. Generally speaking, the older the mother, the smaller the litter size. This fact is a little confusing, though, when you also consider that first litters are smaller. It means that a 3-year-old labrador will have larger litters than a 5- or 6-year-old labrador. So, if two female labradors have their third litter at ages four and six, the four-year-old labrador is likely to have the larger litter of the two. How Old is Dad? Believe it or not, the age of the father of the puppies can also impact the size of the litter. This is because of the viability of his sperm. When a female dog is in heat, her ovaries release several eggs that are ready for fertilization. However, if the male dog is older, his sperm tends to be less vigorous, meaning fewer will reach the eggs, and therefore fewer eggs will be fertilized, resulting in smaller litter size. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Natural versus Artificial Insemination How did the mother dog become pregnant? Many labrador breeders and breeders for other types of dogs, as well prefer artificial insemination. It also takes the social interactions of the two dogs out of the equation. Some dog handlers and breeders hesitate to put their mama dogs in such a sensitive and potentially unpredictable situation. The bad news is that, while artificial insemination seems to be the more controlled and safe option, it usually yields fewer puppies. Of course, the breed of the dog is a significant factor in genetics. Does the Size of the Mom Matter? Not really. If you have a mom who is part labrador herself or is a purebred labrador but has puppies with another breed, some of these numbers and averages change. If your pregnant pooch is only part labrador, the size of her litter will also depend on what other breeds she contains. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the breed, the larger the litter. If your lab is a part German shepherd , expect a somewhat bigger litter. The breed of the father matters less, though. The breed of the father has more to do with the size of each individual puppy. Fun fact: the largest known litter of puppies ever recorded is a whopping .Unsurprisingly, the 15 male and nine female puppies were born to a Neopolitan Mastiff in , one of the most giant breeds around. Do Labs like water? Healthy dogs tend to produce larger litters. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. First things first, how many pups can you expect? The average litter size for a Labrador Retriever is typically between 5 and 10 puppies. The largest recorded lab litter is 15 pups, but anything above 10 is generally very rare. Still, even 10 is a lot. Many lab owners never see a pup litter, however, because the first litter of any dog tends to be on the smaller size. The first litter of any dog will be in the 1 to 5 range rather than 5 to .A larger first litter is still possible, of course, but it is unlikely. As for single-pup pregnancies — many are under the illusion that these are incredibly rare. They are not. Granted, pup first-time pregnancies are more common, but 1-pup births are certainly more common than pup ones. On the other hand, if you just want to have a couple of pups from your dog before you spay her, the fact that the first litters are smaller is perfect for that. Typically, no, but there may be some issues to watch out for. Especially for younger dogs read — just under one year , one-pup pregnancies can even be viewed as common. However, it is wise to consult with your vet before the pregnancy or in the early days. If this happens, a C-section will be necessary to get the pup out. Another common issue that also necessitates a C-section is that singleton puppies are often larger than normal. This is quite understandable given that a single pup tends to get more nutrients and more space to grow in the womb. Hence — the C-section. Your vet will brief you on everything you need to have prepared, of course. A 5 to 10 average litter size is on the bigger side of things in the canine world. This is normal for a large breed, however. Bigger dogs tend to have larger litters than smaller ones for obvious reasons. Of course, you should consult with your vet ahead of time to make sure that your dog is healthy. But, generally, your lab should go through the pregnancy without a hitch. The birth itself can be stressful, of course, so you need to be prepared for that. The gestation period for Labradors is on par with other breeds — anywhere between 57 and 65 days with an average of about 63 days. In other words — the gestation period should be 2 months, take or leave a few days. Do keep in mind that pregnancy can remain completely unnoticed for weeks, however. The sacs will start getting noticeably big between the 21st and the 35th day of the pregnancy, which is one of the main signs. A lab can typically get pregnant right after its first heat or around her 8th month. It is recommended to wait for one or two heat cycles to pass before you try breeding your dog, however. There are a few common pregnancy complications in all dog breeds, however:. In this article How to determine your Labrador's litter size As we've said, the number of puppies inside a Labrador's belly varies greatly. Your pet can have anywhere from one to over twelve puppies. The average litter size is five to ten, but it is heavily influenced by several factors more on that later. Your veterinarian can actually help you find out exactly how many puppies there are inside a Lab's uterus. They can take X-rays of the pregnant female and count the skeletons of pups in her belly. This is an acceptable way to determine litter size in dogs. You have to wait until six weeks of pregnancy for puppies' skeletal system to develop. Ultrasound scans and abdominal palpation are other ways to estimate litter size. What is the average litter size for Labs? In , a comprehensive study was performed to answer the question of litter size in dogs. The researchers analyzed breeds and more than 10, litters, and they calculated the average litter size to be 5. However, there was a clear difference between miniature and large breeds. The former only had 3. The above research is for all dog breeds. But the AKC analyzed over 85, Labrador litters to conclude that Labs have a typical range of five to ten puppies, with an average of 7. So we can safely say that Labradors, being a large breed, will likely have a larger litter size. Though cases of producing just a puppy or two are not unheard of. Overall, if you have a pregnant Lab mother, expect her to give birth to about half a dozen babies. The biggest Labrador litter on record Now you know how many puppies to expect when your Lab gets pregnant. And you're probably wondering, "But what's the maximum they can pop out? Back in , when a black Scottish Labrador named Anne was pregnant, the vet predicted that she would have three to six puppies. Little did they know, the proud mama kept popping out babies one after the other until there were 15 of them! A more recent case was reported a few months back in April .Here, A Labrador called Bella produced 14 fur babies, just one shy of the record set in .The labor lasted for seven hours, and Bella gave birth to eight black and six yellow Labs. Fun fact: Anne's 15 kids are a lot, but the Guinness World Record for most puppies is set by Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff. She gave birth to 24 puppies in November .Of course, she couldn't do it all by herself and had to take the help of a Cesarean section. Factors affecting Labrador litter size Many variables influence how many puppies Labradors have. In this section, we'll talk about some of the crucial ones. But several other factors such as breeding management, reproductive history, and season also play a role. Even the environment she lives in affects her well-being and, consequently, the health and number of her babies. Much of the information here is sourced from an article published by Dr. Bretaigne Jones for Royal Canin. Age Labradors usually remain fertile for their entire lives. However, as you might imagine, their litter size decreases as they get older. As a general rule, Labs are most fertile between the ages of two to five. However, regardless of her age, a dog's first litter is usually smaller than the future ones. After the first one, the number of puppies increases with every litter, through the fourth litter. Then, it starts declining steadily. A Labrador will have her first heat cycle anytime after she's six months old. But you should never breed a Lab during her first heat cycle, as she's relatively young at this point. Imposing the stress of pregnancy and lactation can have adverse effects on the mother's mental health. Just like very old females, too young mothers also produce smaller litters. This is why the AKC recommends waiting for the third heat cycle, which means not breeding until the female Lab is months old. Lastly, the male Lab's age also affects the litter size. But the influence is much less than the female's age. As a male Lab gets older, his sperm count and quality decrease. He will produce larger litters under the age of five. Breed Size We've already discussed that smaller breeds tend to produce fewer puppies, and larger breeds have a bigger litter size. This trend is seen even within the same breed. A Labrador weighing 45 pounds 20 kg may only produce five or six babies, while a pound 32 kg Lab may give birth to a litter of ten puppies or more. Again, these are only generalizations based on the data available about Labrador puppies, which means there will be exceptions. You can have a relatively small Lab giving birth to nine or ten pups every litter. Health and Nutrition This one is a no-brainer. If your Lab is happy and healthy, she'll give birth to more puppies, and the babies born will be healthier as well. The mother needs to be in perfect health so that she and her pups survive the birthing and whelping process. Not only the female but the male Lab should also be healthy if you want to avoid complications. Nutrition is crucial for your Labs throughout their entire lives. And when it comes to breeding, diet directly affects the litter size. Both male and female Labs will produce healthier and larger litters if they've been fed a high-quality diet. Check out my Recommended Products for foods that I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions. Gene Pool Diversity Breeding two dogs from diverse genetic backgrounds results in bigger litters. Similarly, the smaller the gene pool is, the fewer puppies your Lab will have. Gene pool is smaller when closely related dogs brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters, etc. The more dogs are bred from the same line, the smaller the litter will be. This process of mating such dogs is known as inbreeding. We can measure the gene pool diversity using the coefficient of inbreeding, a numerical value ranging from zero not inbred at all to one completely inbred. Other Factors to Consider Apart from the things we discussed, litter size is also affected by: Type of breeding: Natural breeding results in more puppies than artificial insemination AI. Using AI can decrease the litter size by as much as 15 percent. Season: Usually, if a Lab gives birth in spring, she produces more puppies. But if the breeding takes place in summer, the litter size is smaller. Mating frequency: Litter size is smaller if the female is bred only once. So it's recommended to mate the Labs every other day until the female refuses to mate. What can you do to increase litter size in Labradors? While litter size is mostly out of our control, optimal conditions can increase how many puppies Labradors have. The first thing you should do is feed your Labs a healthy diet throughout their lives. There's no reason to spend extra money on grain-free food because dogs' evolution has given them the ability to digest grains easily. Just make sure you're feeding them one of the high-quality kibbles available in the market. Apart from a healthy diet, you should also give her enough playtime and exercise to maintain her ideal body weight. For female Labradors, it's lbs. Pregnancy drains the mother's body of protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy. You need to satisfy her dietary needs with food rich in fats and carbohydrates. Feeding a low-carb diet during pregnancy leads to increased fetal death and stillbirths. Consult your vet and make sure her diet includes enough vitamins, amino acids, minerals, omega-3 acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. As the mother nears the last three weeks of pregnancy, her dietary needs will increase significantly. This is because the embryonic puppies gain 75 percent of their body weight during this period. Depending on the litter size, she may need one and a half to two times her typical requirement for these few weeks. Control inbreeding risk Another thing you control is the coefficient of inbreeding. We've seen that mating closely related Labs results in decreased litter size. So it's the breeder's responsibility to choose suitable Labradors to pair. It would be best if the male and female Lab's last three ancestors are unrelated. Lastly, you can give your Lab lots of love and attention. She's going through a challenging period, and it's up to you to support her. Doing this doesn't directly increase the litter size, but it keeps the mother happy and enhances her well-being. So go and scratch her behind the ears! The One-Half Rule This is a general rule that's usually followed by all mammals. It states that a mother will produce half as many babies as there are nipples on her. Sounds interesting, right? Statistics back this rule. Most female dogs have eight to ten nipples, and as we've seen, the average litter size is 5. Humans, of course, have two. Most mothers give birth to one child at a time, but they may also produce twins occasionally. While it does happen, having more than two babies is rare among humans because nature tries to ensure enough nutrition and nourishment for all the babies. Now don't start counting your Lab's nipples! This is simply a statistical correlation; it's not a method you can use to predict litter size. The best way to determine litter size is to take your Lab to the vet. How often do Labradors produce puppies? As we've discussed, female dogs can go into heat anytime after they're six months old. After the first heat cycle, they will typically go into heat twice a year, which means they can produce puppies every six months. However, many breeders and veterinarians advise against breeding continuously. They contend that it's hard on the mother's body and decreases the litter size. Accordingly, they allow their female Lab to breed every other heat cycle, which means the mother will give birth to one litter per year. Others, including one I spoke with on the issue, contend that breeding back to back has physiological benefits for mothers, citing commentary from Dr. Robert Van Hutchinson, a well renowned veterinarian and reproduction specialist. In an online reproduction seminar , Dr. Hutchinson explained that the female's progesterone levels remain elevated for 60 days during ovulation - regardless of pregnancy. This causes severe stress to the uterine lining, and can lead to long term health issues. Therefore, skipping seasons prolongs this activity as opposed to breeding season after season and retiring the mother early. How many puppies Labs have in their lifetime As we've discussed, a Lab goes into heat twice every year, which means she can give birth to a litter every six months. Suppose a female starts breeding when she's two years old and continues doing so until she's eight. In that case, she would produce 13 litters over her lifetime. We've also seen that the average number of pups a Labrador produces is 7. We know that litter size is affected by several factors and does not stay the same throughout the years. But for argument's sake, let's say our female Lab continues to give birth to seven kids during every heat cycle. So theoretically, a Labrador can give birth to over 90 puppies in her lifetime. How long are Labradors pregnant? When measured from the date of ovulation, gestation lasts for days. Since it's difficult to determine the date of ovulation, you cannot know precisely how long your Lab will be pregnant. This is because male sperm can live for 10 to 11 days in the uterine tubes of the female dog. However, for the most part, you should expect your Lab's gestation period to last for two months, or maybe slightly longer. Signs of pregnancy in a Labrador As we've discussed, Labs' gestation period is only about two months. So you don't have a lot of time to notice and interpret the signs. Many pet owners are shocked to find their Lab pregnant in the final days of her pregnancy. Below are some signs of pregnancy in Labradors. If you start to notice them in your female dog, it could be that she's about to give birth to little fur babies. Your dog becomes exhausted quickly or spends more time sleeping Loss of appetite early stages or increased appetite later stages She becomes more affectionate, seeking extra attention, and wanting to stay beside you Appearing lethargic or depressed and just want to be left alone all the time There's mucus discharge from her vulva occurs about a month after mating Her nipples' size or color changes happens about a month after mating Her abdomen size increases noticeable after 40 days She gains weight starts happening around day 35 Of course, the best way to determine whether your Lab is pregnant is to take her to a vet. They will perform one of several diagnostic tests to determine if she will become a mother. Abdominal palpation, ultrasound scan, witness relaxing test, and X-rays are the most common ways to check pregnancy. Final thoughts Breeding Labradors isn't an easy task. You have to invest time and effort to take care of the mother and her puppies properly. Labs usually have five to ten babies per litter, and the average litter size seems to be 7. Factors like the mother's age, health, diet, and the coefficient of inbreeding affect how many puppies Labradors have. We can also influence the litter size to some extent by making sure the female Lab is healthy and by selecting unrelated dogs for mating. Many breeders mate their Labradors every other heat cycle once a year ; others believe back-to-back breeding to be most effective. Compared to other breeds of dogs, labs are somewhere in the middle. The size of a litter may vary based on factors such as medical condition, physical fitness, health, nutritional intake, and genetic variation. Incredible, huh? We will also discuss the 1st-ever large Labrador litter. Labrador puppies are generally born between 58 and 64 days after being conceived. There is an interesting relationship between pup count and the time to expect your labrador to be pregnant-free. One of the reasons for this is that there is not enough space and not enough sustenance to sustain the baby. In addition, it is not necessary for you to take your lady labrador to the veterinarian in order to deliver her since this can be adept without having to leave your home under the appropriate circumstances and precautions. It is simply a matter of offering some privacy and relief to the expectant mother. In any case, if you see the dog behaving strangely, it is a sign of the fact that the puppies are waiting to be born. Different breeds have different litter sizes, and dogs of large breeds have a tendency to breed more babies in comparison to dogs of small breeds. In addition to different breeds, there can also be differences between similar breeds of dogs. When it comes to Labradors, their first litter usually consists of 7 puppies. On the other hand, it is also important to note that other factors may come into play during this process, which may affect how many puppies your lab lady produces in her 1st litter. Even at the first litter, older labradors are capable of having up to 14 puppies. First pregnancies are always exciting both for humans and canines. However, in the case of labradors, the litter size affected as well. Interestingly enough, if this is the 1st litter of puppies for the female dog, chances are fewer puppies will be born. What is the reason? Because a newly pregnant mother has a smaller uterus, the body still has to adjust for pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Heredity and evolution play a role in the small size of the first litter. Generally, female labradors have the biggest pregnancies during their third and fourth pregnancies. From her first two pregnancies, two to three more puppies aexpected. However, as she reaches her fourth pregnancy, fewer puppies expected. In light of the above, it is important to note that the majority of vets advise against breeding dogs beyond the fourth time. Labrador parents and the dog centers should be happy to hear that there are a number of factors that contribute to the larger litters. To get the best labrador puppies, your best strategy involves paying close attention to the dietary needs, well-being, and physical activity of both DAM and SIRE. The Health Factor Litter size influenced by health in many ways, so health is the key factor here. Simply put, it is necessary for both female and male labradors to be in good health with the goal of producing the largest litter of puppies possible. When it comes to pet parents, to have the most puppies possible from your female lab, you should pay attention to her health. As no unhealthy labrador female can carry large litters. There is an important distinction to be made about the fact that health is what is being discussed, and this does not necessarily imply a labrador is obese. Before you breed your labradors, you should consider how slim or overweight they are. Supplementing the male as well as female Labrador with the best nutrition is key to increasing litter size. When compared to the litters of other breeds, the 1st litter of a female lab is usually small. The likelihood of a small litter is high if the bitch is under seven years old. However, it does not influence the size of a litter exclusively, in which case miracles can occur, such as the lab producing a larger litter at an early age. Young labradors must used for breeding because aged dogs will not release as much sperm and it will somehow affect the size of the litter. Labrador sperm count is high in the male of 5 years old, indicating that the litter will be healthy and large. It is therefore very important that breeding takes place at about the age of 5 years old for both male and female labradors. Genetic pool plays no role in litter size since only fertility affected. Aside from fertility, characteristics are primarily handed down from generation to generation. There are times when you will notice, such as with purebreds, that their eye color or size is not influenced by their genetic makeup, but these traits are inherited. Diet Matters Happiness can never achieved through a bad diet. Everyone knows this. Having a poor diet will prevent a female labrador from giving birth to as many puppies as she should. To ensure that your female labrador has a large litter size, it is essential that she is provided with a high-quality diet all year long and not just when breeding season arrives. Providing your female labrador with a high-quality and appropriate amount of nutrition will surely increase the furtiveness of your female labrador. Besides providing her with a nutritious diet, make sure she gets plenty of physical activity and proper exercise to stay in shape. When it comes to the female labs, they weigh between 55 and 70 pounds which is equivalent to 25 — 32 kilograms. Remember — Supplements is not the solution here and generally not recommended; a diet with a variety of nutrients is. Best Food For Pregnant Labradors In recent years, we have learned that pregnant labradors need high protein diets in order to be healthy. The nutritional needs of pregnant dogs are similar to those of pregnant women. In addition, they need certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. In light of this, we need to learn which is the most appropriate high-protein food for pregnant labradors. You can quickly become overwhelmed with all the choices you have when it comes to buying dog food for your lady labrador. The best dog foods for pregnant labradors compiled for your convenience. A litter from 2 years ago, for example, would not be the same size. Prior to pursuing a breeding session with your labradors, you should consult with a veterinarian. Keeping the proper gap between the two will not cause the litter size to decrease. However, having consecutive pregnancies will reduce the litter size. Other Considerations On top of the factors discussed previously, there are other factors that impact litter size: Mate Rate — According to the majority of the people, if a female only mates once, she will have a smaller litter. We recommend allowing them to mate every couple of days if they are necessary, but you must stop when the female refuses to mate. If you do not stop a female labrador when she refuses to mate, you will put him under a great deal of stress, prohibiting him from having successful breeding. Season — Most commonly, Spring is the most common seasonal time for a labrador to give birth, during which she gives birth to a large litter. However, when breeding occurs in the summer, smaller litters are born. Breeding type — It is generally acknowledged that naturally bred animals deliver more puppies than artificially bred ones. One-Half Rule All mammalian species tend to follow the same underlying rule. According to the rule, the number of babies a female gives birth to is equal to the number of nipples on her body. There is some evidence to support this rule. Typically, a female dog has between 8 to 10 nipples, which explains why litter size is typically 7. Two of them, of course, found in humans. It is common for mothers to have a single baby at a time, but twins can also be born. Although it is not unheard of, having three or more children in the same body is extremely rare as nature ensures sufficient care and nutrition for every child. These results are merely correlational. If you want to know the size of your litter, make an appointment with the veterinarian. Labradors belong to the large breed category, which means that they mature between 18 and 24 months. Which means that breeding should avoided up until her 3rd heat cycle and approximately two years of age. Pregnancy Symptoms In Labradors Labs only take about two months to gestate. The vast majority of pet parents are surprised when they discover their lab lady pregnant in the final days before the delivery. Your lady labrador may exhibit these signs as she prepares to give birth to a litter of puppies. In this case, your veterinarian can assist you. A pregnant female can be x-rayed to see how many pups are in her belly. Puppies with skeletons are seen during this process. Other methods to estimate the litter size include the following: Ultrasound scans Abdominal palpation. Mama Labrador Ready To Give Birth: How To Help Female Labrador giving birth is an incredible, exhilarating, and sometimes breathtaking experience you will surely remember for the rest of your life. Below are a few suggestions. Before you assist your labrador in giving birth, consult your veterinarian and gather the necessary supplies. It is important to make sure that your dog has an appropriate environment, preferably a litter box so that she has space to explore, but also to be aware of her needs. Some may be surprised to learn that labs are very capable of self-sustaining during the birthing process, as are many other breeds. Understanding when to provide assistance and when to let her handle things independently is an essential part of the process. The vet should be kept on hold for emergency purposes. Gather essential supplies such as cleaning towels, blankets, heating pads, gloves, and sterilized scissors. Maintain a clean and comfortable environment that is conducive enough to deliver puppies. She will need to be calmed because she will soon be in a lot of pain crying for help. Due to her heat cycle, labradors have heat cycles twice a year, allowing them to give birth every 6 months. If so, her lifetime litter count would be .Labrador puppies usually have six to seven pups on average. In fact, litter size changes throughout the year depending on a variety of factors. As a hypothetical case, assume the lab lady continuously delivers seven kids during every heat cycle. Consequently, female labradors are capable of bearing 90 puppies in their lifetime. No, the dates of their birth are the same, but the times are different. There is usually a minute interval between puppies. But it is possible for the mama dog to rest for as long as 4 hrs between puppies. Post navigation. But what if you have a Lab that has recently given birth to only 2 puppies? Is that normal for Labradors, or should it be a cause for concern? The larger the breed, the more likely the litter will be bigger, but a healthy Lab can also have a small litter. The rest of this article will go into Labrador litter sizes in greater detail. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting subject! The breed of the mother is another factor to consider. Make sure to keep your puppies warm during the first few weeks. If the mother has previously had larger litters, she may be confused or distressed due to having such a small litter this time around. You should also stay close to her if she seems highly distressed. Littermates Are Important for Puppy Development During the first few weeks of life, puppies learn basic social skills by playing and play-biting each other. The mother will scold puppies for being too aggressive and teach them manners. Feeding your Lab a healthy diet will also increase the chances of a big litter. After seven years old, having a small litter becomes more common in Labradors and all dogs. Although it may not seem like it, keeping your Labrador healthy and active will also increase its chances of having many puppies. A healthy Labrador will have a more muscular body, so carrying a big litter will be easier. Litter Size Occurs Naturally You can do certain things to make it more likely for your Labrador to have a bigger litter, but it may not always work. Or she may be too young or too old! Many small dog breeds are likely to have small litters, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers. Typically, Labs will always have many more puppies than a Pomeranian. Jack Russels, for example, are a small breed, but their average litter size is six. Six is a big number, considering how tiny Jack Russels are! A healthy Labrador between 2 and 5 years old has the best chance of having a big litter. Smaller litters need extra help to stay warm due to the lack of warmth from littermates.

Share 0 Shares Finding a breeder is hard, especially when puppy fever is making it hard to resist going out and bringing home the next dog you see. These kennels are dedicated to upholding the breed standard and as such produce dogs with a stable temperament, strong desire to please, and unwavering loyalty to their family. Health is also very important when it comes to breeding, as there are unfortunately some problems that Labradors are prone to. Thankfully, modern screening practices help reduce the risk of your Lab puppy developing problems down the line. There are breeders of English and American lines, that title their dogs in conformation and hunting trials. Some have even produced puppies that thrived as service and therapy dogs. With nearly twenty years of breeding experience, Tammy has created a program with a bloodline of high-quality bench-style English Labradors. Most importantly, they all make wonderful family companions. This breeder strives to breed well-rounded dogs with the hallmark temperament the breed is known for, and their good looks are a bonus. O'Dell Labs has been raising top quality Labrador Retrievers since ! Please contact me by text or phone at .Or through email at odells5 centurytel. But in case you previously contacted me through Facebook, I may not be able to respond. See current pups page for availability and details. Hunter was a beautiful English yellow male with a great personality, and many champions in his pedigree. Lady was a sweetheart, black with chocolate genes, who also had many champions in her extended pedigree. They had a couple of litters with all three colors, and we kept back the first chocolate female. Her name was O'Dell's Lady Grace, and she was my girl. So obedient and wanting to please me no matter what. We found a yellow male to add to our clan, who could be bred to both girls, and we were happy to have Winston in our family. He helped give us several nice litters, with all three colors with Grace, and black and chocolate pups with Molly. Winston was a wonderful guy but he didn't have the English style look we wanted in our stud dog, so we found him a great farm to go play on, and found a nice blocky chocolate boy to add to our chocolate family. We continued our pattern of keeping outstanding girls, and searching for quality males to add to our maternal line that was quickly forming the foundation for our breeding program. Keep our original line, keep our eyes open for quality pups or adults to add to our program, and provide top quality pups to families all over the area, and eventually, all over the country-that's our philosophy. We are members of the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, and have started showing in conformation shows. We also just joined, by approval, the Guild for Labrador Improvement Breeders. We have done testing for other genetic muscle and eye conditions, mostly through Embark. Our dogs are our pets, first and foremost, and are much-loved members of our family. Our goal is to produce Labradors that improve America's favorite breed, and we love meeting the families who adopt our babies. It's like having more and more extended family all over! Testimonials " She is perfect!!!!! I love her. She slept like a baby the whole way home and made it through the night with minimal whining and potty breaks. She has become very fond of a giant duck toy the size of her. She drags it with her everywhere. If you are looking for a puppy to bring into your family, we have exactly what you were looking for. Each puppy has their own personality, which allows them to fit seamlessly in their new home. At Silver and Charcoal Kennels our puppies are raised with great amount of love and care, that allows our puppy to welcome his or her new family with open arms. Although we are based in Mississippi, we deliver our puppies to all places. Labrador Retriever Breeder in Missouri We take great caution to guarantee our breeding program produces the highest quality of Labrador puppy. We have an athletic bloodline that love that outdoors. Our puppies are up to date on vaccinations, and your puppy will be excited to go to new places with you and your family. Champagne , charcoal , and silver are the three beautiful colors you get to choose from. Our pups are very healthy, and our bloodline goes back two decades. We have a 24 month hip guarantee, as well as AKC registration, and genetic testing. Louis or Springfield, as well as many other cities. Are you ready to take the next step into bringing home a new furry family member? If so please check out our current available litters today! Questions about our puppies? 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. They make great family dogs, which is why they are often adopted as companion animals. Due to their increasing popularity, there are many Labrador Retriever breeders throughout the United States, including in Missouri. PetKeen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. The 9 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Missouri 1. Labradors is an experienced breeder. They used to offer training and boarding but have recently retired. Now, they only offer breeding in a limited capacity. They focus mostly on producing show dogs, though many of their dogs are hunting champions too. All their puppies have their first set of shots before being sent to their new homes. They have also been dewormed. They do take deposits to hold your spot in line. They encourage their customers to come and meet their puppies multiple times before picking one out. Their puppies receive all the necessary shots and deworming before being sent home. They are also microchipped and health cleared by a vet. All their puppies come with a 1-year health guarantee. They are also a part of the Missouri Pet Association. All their dogs are tested for various medical conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, and centronuclear myopathy. Plus, all breeding dogs have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA hip clearances, which lowers the chance that their puppies will end up with hip dysplasia later. They also breed Labrador puppies in some of the rarer colorations, such as silver, charcoal, and champagne. They are not the most active breeder, generally only having a litter or two a year. Their puppies are a bit expensive. However, they do provide all the necessary DNA testing for their breeding dogs and provide the necessary vaccinations and health care for their puppies. They only produce about one litter a year. However, they have been breeding for over 3 decades. Their dogs are primarily working animals, with strong retrieving and pointing lineage. They primarily specialize in chocolate labs. Typically, they do not have other colors available. According to the registration statistics compiled by the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular pure bred dog in the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the Sunshine state. Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have shipped more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily ship our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Columbia. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Labrador Retrievers Make Good Therapists In recent articles, a licensed professional counselor with thirty years of experience, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children and seniors. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Taking care of a dog gives one a great deal of joy and satisfaction. Older people greatly value their friendship with their dogs. This greatly improves their emotional health. Furthermore, it helps people to overcome one of the greatest nuisances of old age, boredom. The responsibility of taking care of the dog who is dependent on them gives the older adult a reason to live life meaningfully. As far as the dog, having such good companionship from an owner is very good for their overall pet health. Dogs are especially responsive to conversation—specifically, tone of voice. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Located just minutes away from Branson, Missouri is Sassy Silver Labs, a family-operated business where all puppies are raised with utmost care and affection. Sassy Silver Labs specializes in breeding Labradors to achieve special mixes of silver such as grey, light purple, lime green, maroon, and more. All puppies come with their first round of vaccinations, several rounds of deworming, wellness checks performed by a veterinarian, AKC Registration documents, and a health guarantee with lifetime support from the breeder. Louis, Mo, your search is over. Sorenson Kennels has been in the business of breeding, raising, and training Labradors for well over 65 years. Sorenson Kennels is a training facility for Labradors. Sorenson provides specialized hunting classes, obedience classes, and puppy training to help your puppy mature faster. Lab puppies are available in yellow, black, and chocolate and they are all AKC-registered and OFA certified for hips, elbows, and patellas. Scenic Ridge offers a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. The puppies are declawed, dewormed, vaccinated, and socialized allowing an easy transition to your home and family. This list of breeders includes the best Labrador breeders in Missouri with healthy, AKC-certified lab puppies who will make the perfect companions for you and your family. Breeders labrador labrador breeders.

Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. You might want to limit them to one or two rooms in the house at first so they can get used to everything slowly in their own time. Calming products: Plug-in diffusers that release calming pheromones can be good for the first few weeks. They can help your puppy feel more relaxed around the home — especially during those first nights! Set boundaries: Make sure your boundaries are clear from the beginning and stick to them. You can begin by socialising your puppy at home and by carrying them out and about with you. If they need to sleep and rest, give them the space to do so and encourage them to play on their own sometimes to help prevent separation problems later in life. Consider training classes: It can be a good idea to go along to training classes with your puppy, so you can let them have positive experiences with vaccinated dogs and people in a safe environment. Make sure you choose classes run by trainers who are certified or accredited and use reward based methods. For more tips, read our guide on the first day with your puppy. It's also a good idea to get your new puppy insured as soon as possible. This will help make sure they have all the cover they need in future if they fall ill or become injured. Feeding your puppy With so much choice available, it can be tricky to know what to feed your new puppy. Puppies need a particular level of nutrients compared to adults to help them grow, so finding an appropriate puppy food is essential. Speak to your vet for advice on the best puppy food for your dog to make sure you pick one that will suit their needs as they grow. You can still keep your puppy happy and entertained in lots of other ways, for example playing games or trying a puzzle feeder. Before you start exercising your puppy in the big wide world, you must make sure that their vaccinations are fully up to date, in order to keep them safe and healthy. Training your puppy Your new puppy will likely need to learn all of their skills from scratch, which means lots of basic training! Start the basics at home, such as teaching your dog recall and sit. It can help the two of you bond, and your pup will see training as a fun thing to do. One thing that most people think about when bringing their puppy home, is toilet training! Always use positive, reward-based training and never punish your puppy for toileting in the wrong place. Toilet training might take time — some pups can learn toilet training in a few months, while others might take a lot longer. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases franklymedia. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! Morning Headlines. The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. You can get this puppy elsewhere for a lesser price, but you want to ensure you receive a healthy dog with great genes. Should you buy a German Shepherd puppy or an older dog? The answer to this will be based on your preference and lifestyle. But there are also pros and cons to buying a puppy or an adult dog. Adopt whichever feels right to you. If you intend to buy a German Shepherd, know that the breeding of dogs is more involved than just putting a sire and dam together. Reputable breeders look into the health and genetics of the parents. When the puppies are born, they get them health-tested, too. For example, the puppies get hip x-rays, elbow x-rays, thyroid tests, cardiac tests, and a canine ophthalmologist exam. In most cases, the breeder will ensure that the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations before going to their new owners. Are large GSD dogs more expensive than small ones? No, because a purebred German Shepherd is a large dog and only comes in one size. Male GSDs can grow to be 24 to 26 inches 61 to 66 cm , with female GSDs being slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches 59 to 61 cm. Do German Shepherds that train as service dogs cost more? Yes, German Shepherds that are trained as service dogs are more expensive. This is because they are selectively bred and go through special training. Bloodline affects the purchase fee. The West German Show Line is bred based on the breed standard. They make great house protectors, are social, and need a high amount of physical activity. Working line German Shepherds are fully trained with various skills and excel in obedience. Some of the most expensive German Shepherds are the ones that look different. For example, this pooch can come in a few rare coat colors. The colors may include Panda, Isabella, or Black. In addition, some German Shepherds might have one or two blue eyes. Take into account whether you want your German Shepherd as a family dog or a working protection dog. A companion will be less expensive. In addition, the litter size of German Shepherds is about 6 to 10 puppies. Therefore, the more puppies in a litter, the less the puppies will cost. When searching for a German Shepherd puppy, your best bet is to go through a reputable breeder rather than a search aid site. This is because you can get to know the breeder during the process. There is nothing wrong with being a hobby breeder, but they may have less experience than a professional one. For example, test their knowledge of the German Shepherd breed as a whole. Ask them about the family tree and the health history of the parents and the puppies. In addition, discuss the temperament and traits of the dogs as well. Finally, ask if the puppies have been crate trained and gone to the vet. The breeder should be able to answer these questions flawlessly. Alternatively, you can find a German Shepherd rescue. In addition, you might find puppies as well as adults. These factors include traits of the dog, but it also depends on where you adopt the dog as well. Age Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing a German Shepherd. A puppy is more costly than an adult dog. German Shepherd puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks will be the most expensive. This is because owners want to train the puppy to their lifestyle. Therefore, puppies older than 12 weeks will be more affordable. Adopting an adult GSD dog is less desirable, but these pups need loving, forever homes, too. Size German Shepherds are a large dog breed, growing up to 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall. If a breeder advertises Miniature German Shepherds, they may cost more, but there is no such thing. That pooch is most likely a mixed breed, or the purebred has dwarfism. Since purebreds are more desirable, they cost more. However, hybrids are often healthier than purebreds. Lineage and bloodlines If your puppy comes from a champion bloodline and is a show-quality German Shepherd dog, then you can expect to pay more. Breeder certifications, registration, and pedigree When it comes to looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to do your research. A responsible breeder will care about finding the puppies a loving, forever home rather than making a profit. A qualified breeder will charge their puppies higher but at a reasonable fee. Gender Believe it or not, male and female German Shepherd dogs cost about the same price. Male GSDs are stronger and have more energy. Coat Colors and Markings German Shepherds with different colored coats and markings will be more pricey. This is because they are more difficult to breed since they rely on recessive genes. Did you know this doggo can also be long-haired? You can learn more about long-haired German Shepherds here. Health screenings and medical expenses Most reputable breeders will get the puppies health screened and take care of certain medical expenses, such as their first vaccinations. If they do, then you can expect to pay more. For instance, if the breed is in high demand where the breeder is, you can expect to pay more. Other factors The litter size is another factor. For instance, if there are more puppies in a litter, the cost will decrease because the breeder has more puppies available for adoption. In addition, if the parents have a proven record of being show dogs or breeding dogs, that will increase the puppy prices. A friendly German Shepherd dog with a veterinarian Health care and veterinary bills: how much are vet expenses for GSDs? Fortunately, German Shepherds are generally healthy. This includes general physical exams, vaccinations such as rabies , and heartworm and flea prevention. GSDs also need additional vaccinations. For example, Leptospirosis if they are exposed to wildlife. Medical Expenses for German Shepherds Range. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.